Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close: Top 10 Common Reasons and Fixes
Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close: Top 10 Common Reasons and Fixes
Obstructed safety sensors
- Cause: The safety sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing if there is an object in its path. If something is blocking the sensors, such as a child’s toy or a garbage can, the door will not close.
- Fix: Remove the object from the path of the sensors. If the sensors are dirty or misaligned, you can clean them or adjust their alignment.
Misaligned track
- Cause: The track that your garage door rolls on must be properly aligned for the door to open and close smoothly. If the track is bent or out of alignment, it can cause the door to bind or get stuck.
- Fix: Check for track alignment by looking for gaps between the track and the door’s rollers. If you see any gaps, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the track back into alignment. If the track is severely bent or damaged, you may need to replace it.
Broken springs
- Cause: The springs on your garage door are what help to lift and lower the door. If a spring breaks, the door will not be able to close properly.
- Fix: Broken springs are a dangerous problem and should only be repaired by a qualified garage door technician. Never attempt to repair a broken spring yourself.
Faulty garage door opener
- Cause: The garage door opener is responsible for operating the door’s motor and springs. If the opener is faulty, it can prevent the door from closing properly.
- Fix: To troubleshoot a faulty garage door opener, try disconnecting the opener from the door and operating the door manually. If the door closes manually, then the opener is the problem.
If the opener is not working, check the power cord and make sure it is plugged in. You may also need to replace the batteries in the remote control. If the opener is still not working, you will need to have it repaired by a qualified technician.
Broken rollers
- Cause: The rollers on your garage door help to guide the door along the track. If a roller is broken, it can cause the door to bind or get stuck.
- Fix: To check for broken rollers, inspect the rollers visually. If you see any rollers that are cracked, chipped, or missing, they will need to be replaced.
Lack of lubrication
- Cause: The moving parts of your garage door need to be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth operation. If the parts are not lubricated, it can cause the door to bind or get stuck.
- Fix: To lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, use a silicone spray lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs.
Remote control problems
- Cause: If your garage door remote is not working, it will obviously prevent you from closing the door remotely.
- Fix: There are a few things you can check to troubleshoot a remote control problem.** First, make sure the batteries are fresh. Second, try reprogramming the remote. If the remote is still not working, it may need to be replaced.
Door limit settings
- Cause: Garage door openers have door limit settings that control how far the door opens and closes. If the door limit settings are incorrect, the door may not close completely.
- Fix: To adjust the door limit settings, consult the owner’s manual for your garage door opener.
Bad circuit board
- Cause: The circuit board in your garage door opener controls the operation of the entire system. If the circuit board is damaged, it can cause the door to malfunction.
- Fix: If you suspect that the circuit board is the problem, you will need to have it replaced by a qualified garage door technician.
Power outage
- Cause: If your garage door opener is electric, a power outage will prevent it from working.
- Fix: If you are experiencing a power outage, there is nothing you can do to fix the problem until the power is restored.
Garage Door Repair Tips
Here are a few Garage Door Repair Tips for keeping your garage door in good working order and preventing problems from occurring:
- Regular Lubrication: To ensure your garage door operates smoothly, make it a habit to lubricate its moving parts on a routine basis.
- Track and Roller Inspection: Periodically inspect the garage door’s track and rollers for any signs of damage or misalignment. Identifying and addressing these issues early can prevent bigger problems later on.
- Safety Sensor Maintenance: Keep your garage door’s safety sensors clean and free from obstructions. These sensors play a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring the door functions correctly.
- Remote Control Battery Replacement: If your garage door remote control stops working, it’s often due to depleted batteries. Regularly replace the remote’s batteries to maintain reliable operation.
- Persistent Issues: If your garage door still refuses to close despite these maintenance efforts, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance for a thorough assessment and repairs.