We’ve all encountered common – and annoying – garage door issues. Whether it’s a noisy operation, a door that won’t open or close, or a sudden malfunction, understanding common garage door issues and knowing how to address them can save you time, money, and frustration.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most frequent garage door problems and provide simple solutions to get your garage door back on track.
Noisy Operation/Unusual Noises
A loud, squeaky, or grinding noise when opening or closing the garage door can be unsettling and annoying. Some issues may be minor while others require professional attention.
Solution: The likely culprit here is a lack of lubrication. Regularly lubricate the moving parts such as rollers, hinges, and tracks with a silicone-based lubricant. This simple step can significantly reduce the noise and extend the life of your garage door system. If lubrication doesn’t fix it, you may need to contact a professional to troubleshoot your problem.
Door Won’t Open or Close
If your garage door isn’t responding to your commands from the remote control or wall switch, it can cause major inconvenience.
Solution: Check the batteries in your remote control and garage door opener first. If the issue persists, examine the photo-eye sensors located near the ground on both sides of the door. These sensors can get misaligned, preventing the door from closing properly. Ensure they are clean, properly aligned, and not blocked by any debris.
Another reason your door has trouble operating is because it is off balance. Read the next section to see more about this problem.
Uneven Movement or Stuck Door
Sometimes your garage door starts moving unevenly or getting stuck while opening or closing. This could indicate a problem with the tracks or rollers.
Solution: Inspect the tracks for any debris, dents, or bends that might be obstructing the door’s movement. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap out any minor dents. Make sure the tracks are properly aligned and tighten any loose bolts or screws. Lubricate the rollers and tracks to help the door glide smoothly.
If the door is continually having issues, turn off the power supply and manually lift the door to test the balance. If it stays in place, it is balanced. If it doesn’t, your issue could be deeper than a quick fix.
Remote Control Issues
Sometimes, the garage door remote control might stop working, leaving you unable to operate the door remotely. There may be continual issues with your garage remote if there are transmitter problems. Fixing your transmitter troubles is usually as simple as changing the battery.
Solution: Check the batteries and replace them if needed. If the problem persists, try reprogramming the remote according to your garage door opener’s manual. If neither of these steps works, the remote might need to be replaced.
Broken Springs
If you hear a loud bang and your garage door suddenly becomes heavy and difficult to lift, you might have a broken spring.
Solution: Broken springs are dangerous and should be replaced by a professional technician. Attempting to replace them yourself can lead to injury. Call a garage door repair specialist to handle this issue safely.
Strained Opener Motor
Again, if you notice your garage door opener motor running but the door isn’t moving, it might be due to an issue with the opener’s drive gear or the motor itself.
Solution: Disengage the opener from the door by pulling the release cord (usually red) hanging from the opener rail. Try lifting the door manually. If it’s heavy, there’s likely a problem with the springs or balance. If it’s easy to lift, the opener’s drive gear might need replacement. In either case, professional assistance might be necessary.
If you are located in the Milwaukee area, Able-Luebke Overhead Doors would love to help you with your garage door issues! No matter the repair, big or small, we are here to tackle it all. Contact us today to request a repair!