Common Garage Door Issues

Opener Does Not Work

Usually when the opener does not work, it is because the electrical outlet where the opener is plugged in does not have power. Before contacting a professional, try testing that same electrical outlet with other household appliances. If the outlet does not power those devices, circuit breakers in your main service panel.

Broken Springs

Most garage doors are made with springs designed to make it easier for the door to open. If the springs break, the door will not open properly. The problem is most likely a broken spring if the door opener is still working, but the door stops moving at 6-36 inches. Installing a new spring should be left to a professional, since the process can be dangerous. Safety Cables Broken Or Missing Safety cables are in place to protect against harm caused by an uncontrolled release of energy if an extension spring breaks. If your garage door has extension springs, but not properly working safety cables, be sure to hire a professional to install new safety cables.

Jammed Lock Bar

If the opener works, but the door will only move a few inches or not at all, the lock bar may have switched to the locked position. As a result, the lock bar would extend, which would prevent the door from functioning properly. This problem can be caused either from vibrations or from the lock bars moving only partially. In case of the latter, the lock bar is in need of adjustment. Before calling a professional, check the lock bars to ensure that they are away from the door track and that the door is unlocked.

Rollers Broken Or Locked

There are rollers on both sides of the garage door to ensure smooth movement up and down the track. These rollers will eventually wear over time, but if you lubricate them periodically, it will keep rollers lasting longer and reduce noise.

Door Will Not Close

About 3-6 off the ground there are sensors on each side of the garage door. If your door will not close, check to see if there are any objects blocking the sensors or if the sensors are not aligned properly.