Problem with the Garage Door Closing?

Are you having issues with your garage door closing? Here are some of the more common reasons why your garage door may not close or stay closed.
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Worn or Bent Tracks
If the tracks responsible for guiding the door while it is opening or closing are bent, warped or otherwise damaged, the door may not close properly. Another common problem that may cause issues with the door is clogged tracks. If this is the case, try wiping them down with a clean, damp cloth to see if this fixes the issue. If the door still won’t close, contact a garage door professional for repair.

Broken Garage Door Springs
One of the most critical components in a garage door assembly is the spring system, which includes either torsion or extension springs, along with cables and pulleys. This system provides a counterbalancing force to safely open and close the door each time the opener is activated. For the average household, this is four times daily, which translates to a lifespan of just seven years for standard 10,000-cycle springs.

If the springs break because of normal wear and tear or damage the door could be unable to close. Repair of broken garage door springs almost always involves complete replacement of both springs. If you suspect a spring has broken, do not continue to operate the door, as this can damage the door’s assembly. Property damage or personal injury may also occur. Always contact a garage door professional.

Safety Warning: If the door was in the open position when the spring broke, do not disconnect the opener from the door. This could cause the door to come crashing down. Always unplug the opener from its power source until repairs can be made.

Misaligned or Obstructed Sensors
The garage door opener is equipped with photoelectric safety sensors that if misaligned or obstructed may prevent the door from closing. The main function of the “photo eyes,” as they are also called, is to detect an obstacle in the path of their electronic beam. If an obstruction breaks their communication while the door is closing, the door will reverse, opening instead of closing. The opener lights will also flash.

If your garage door won’t close, check to see if any of the contents of your garage are causing an obstruction, as this can cause the malfunction. If the garage doorway is clear, you may need to either clean the lens using a soft microfiber cloth or realign the sensors by simply pushing against the metal brackets. When the light on the sensors comes back on, and stays on, the door opener should operate normally.