Last Updated on February, 2025
Dealing with a broken garage door is always frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Before calling in sick or contacting a repair company, take a moment to assess the problem.
While there are several ways your garage door can malfunction, there are also many things you can do to fix it–and this article will show you how common garage door problems are and how to overcome them.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
- Frequent problems include non-working openers, blocked sensors, misaligned doors, and faulty springs or rollers, each requiring specific fixes.
- For more complex or dangerous repairs such as broken springs or significant hardware damage, the text advises calling a professional to ensure safety and proper repair.
- Regular maintenance, including inspecting springs, cleaning tracks, lubricating rollers, and tightening hardware, is essential to keep the garage door functioning properly and prolong its lifespan.
10 Common Garage Door Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Different garage door issues require different solutions. Let’s explore some of the most common garage door problems and what you can do to resolve them.
1. Garage Door Opener is Not Working
Garage door opener problems can have various causes but are usually easy to fix.
If the automatic switch is not opening your door, it might have gotten disconnected from the main power source. Another possible reason is that the lock switch is turned on, preventing the garage door from opening.
A non-functioning opener can also be the result of a burned fuse. To confirm this, check whether the garage lights are working. If they don’t come on, it indicates there’s no power, and your circuit breaker is the likely culprit.
How to Fix it?
To get the garage door opener working again, ensure that the motor is plugged into the ceiling outlet. Adjust the plug if it has loosened. Next, turn off the lock switch and try the opener switch again.
If the fuse has burned, reset the circuit breaker to get the opener working again. If your garage door opener is causing repeated short circuits, call an electrician for an immediate inspection.
2. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
One of the most common issues you may encounter is your garage door refusing to open or close.
The cause could be a malfunctioning opener, a burned-out fuse, or an issue with the garage door remote or keypad. It could also be because your door is imbalanced on the tracks, which would prevent it from moving.
How to Fix it?
The best way to deal with a non-responsive garage door is to eliminate possible causes one at a time. Start by checking your fuse box and whether the motor is plugged in properly. Next, replace the batteries in your remote or keypad.
If the issue persists, manually lift or lower your door. If it doesn’t move smoothly along the middle of the tracks, then your door is imbalanced. To rebalance it, clear any debris lodged in the tracks and try adjusting the limits on your motor.
3. Sensors are Blocked
Automatic garage doors have photo-eye sensors at the bottom of the tracks. If your door is stuck in the open or closed position, it could be because the sensors are blocked.
Photo-eye sensors might stop working if the sightline between the two eyes is obstructed. Dirt or dust on the eyes can also impede them.
How to Fix it?
Ensure that the safety sensors are properly aligned so that there is an unobstructed line of sight between them. You should also check whether dirt or dust is covering the eyes. Depending on how dirty they are, you can wipe away the debris with a dry cloth or streak-free glass cleaner.
4. Problem With the Roller
If your garage door won’t open or only opens halfway, it could indicate an issue with your roller.
A roller in good condition will allow for smooth movement, but damaged rollers will scrape against the tracks as they move. Over time, rollers can develop rust and wear out. The added friction can cause them to get stuck before your door can close completely.
Additionally, even rollers in fairly good condition can harden during the colder months. If your door stops halfway, it might not respond to the opener or remote control.
How to Fix it?
Change the sensitivity settings on your opener. This typically involves turning a screw on the motor, but the specific steps will vary for different garage door openers. Check the owner’s manual for more information.
Applying lubricants such as silicone or white lithium can also help with worn rollers. If this doesn’t work, your roller is likely too old or in too bad a condition. The best option then will be to replace it altogether.
5. Faulty or Broken Door Springs
A broken spring can prevent you from opening or closing your garage door.
Extension springs are located on the sides of the door, while the torsion spring is found above the garage door opening. These springs counterbalance the door’s weight, helping it open and close smoothly.
Since they do most of the heavy lifting, they will weaken over time and eventually snap.
How to Fix it?
If a spring breaks while the garage door is open, it could land on your car or a person standing below it. To avoid accidents, you should replace the faulty springs immediately.
Replacing springs will involve steps such as disconnecting the garage door cables and removing the set screws. If you don’t have prior experience with garage door repair, we recommend calling for professional assistance to ensure the new springs are installed properly.
6. Garage Door is Not Aligned
Garage door misalignment is one of the most common problems. Your door may lose its shape and go off track, causing it to get stuck halfway through.
There are many potential reasons for this issue, including misaligned tracks, improper limits, and broken garage door springs.
Rust in the tracks can also block your door’s path. Your door might move more easily along one door track than the other and get jammed as a result.
How to Fix it?
To restore your door’s alignment, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the door track back to its original position. Remember to loosen the screws first and retighten them once the track is aligned.
In addition, check whether the limits on your motor are set correctly. Refer to the user manual and adjust the limits accordingly to ensure smooth operation. Lubricating the door tracks will also help.
If the above measures don’t work, the issue is likely related to your spring system. In this case, you should call for professional help and avoid moving the door, as the springs may eject and cause injury.
7. Not Responding to Remote Control
A malfunctioning remote can be annoying, but finding the cause should take little time.
If your garage door is not responding to remote controls, the issue usually lies with the batteries. You may also be too far away for the garage door to pick up the remote’s signal.
Other times, what you assume is a remote control issue may be a problem with the sensors. The eyes may have gathered dust, or something may be blocking their sightline.
How to Fix it?
Try getting closer to the garage door and clicking the remote. If it still won’t budge, replace the batteries.
In addition, any obstacles between the two photo-eye sensors should be removed, and a cloth should be used to clean dirt or dust from the eyes.
8. Keypad Not Unlocking the Garage Door
Keypads offer convenience and security, but a malfunctioning one will lock you out of your garage.
If your keypad is not responding to the input code, it might not be synced with the door. This usually happens when the batteries die, but it can also mean that the keypad needs to be reprogrammed.
In some cases, your keypad may be working properly, but the antenna might fail to receive the signal to unlock the garage door.
How to Fix it?
Start by replacing the batteries. If this doesn’t work, follow the instructions in the user manual to reprogram the keypad. You can also find the instructions online by searching for the model.
If the issue is not with the keypad, ensure that the antenna on your motor unit is pointing downwards. If the problem persists, contact a professional to have it checked.
9. Garage Door Opens and Closes Too Slowly
A garage door that moves slowly can be more infuriating than one that doesn’t work at all.
This issue usually occurs in old or damaged rollers, as rust build-up can make it hard for them to move smoothly along the tracks. However, even rollers in good shape can get dried out in the warmer seasons. They can also freeze and bind to the tracks during winter.
How to Fix it?
To get your garage door operating smoothly, clear the tracks of debris and apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers. Doing this on a regular basis will keep your garage door in good condition and make your life easier.
10. Garage Door is Making Noises
Hearing unusual noises while opening or closing your garage door might make you worried, and rightfully so.
Certain noises may indicate issues that require garage door repair or replacement, and leaving them unattended will only cause further damage.
Noises vary for different garage door problems. If you hear a squeaking sound, it is likely coming from your roller. On the other hand, a rattling sound could indicate loose hardware.
Faulty torsion springs can also make a popping sound whenever you open or close the garage door.
How to Fix it?
To get rid of a squeaking sound, lubricate your garage door roller and clean the door tracks. If the sound persists, you might need a roller replacement.
If the noise is caused by loose bolts, springs, or something else that you can’t identify, we recommend calling a professional to diagnose the issue.
When Does Your Garage Door Need Repairs?
While there are several things you can do to resolve garage door problems yourself, some are beyond the capabilities of most homeowners.
You should call a professional garage door service if you are dealing with the following issues:
- Broken safety cables
- Screeching or rattling noises
- Faulty or broken springs
- Visible damage to the garage door
Other than the above problems, it is generally advisable to contact a professional if you have no experience with DIY repairs or cannot diagnose your garage door issue.
When You Should Get a New Garage Door?
If your current garage door is old or damaged, you should consider installing a new one. Sometimes, replacing your garage door is a better option than repairing it, especially if it is between 10 and 20 years old.
If you are unsure about what to do, consult a technician for a professional opinion. They will advise you whether it’s time to get a new garage door.
Relevant guides:
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Working Properly
The average lifespan of a garage door is 15-30 years, and regular maintenance plays a crucial role in helping you keep yours in top shape.
Here are some things you can do:
- Carry out regular inspections of garage door springs and cables.
- Lubricate your roller and clean the door tracks. Do this at the start or end of every season.
- Ensure that nuts, bolts, and screws in your door system are properly tightened.
Following these maintenance tips will help you avoid some of the most common garage door problems and ensure a longer lifespan for your door.
Conclusion
While garage doors can experience a number of issues, there are also many ways to resolve them.
You can use the information in this article to identify some common garage door problems and take action accordingly.
If the issue is beyond your capabilities, don’t hesitate to call a professional garage door repair service.
Good luck!