A garage door that won’t close all the way is a frustrating issue that can throw off your whole routine—especially when you’re trying to leave for work or secure your home for the night. From minor sensor issues to mechanical failures, there are several possible causes worth checking before you call in the pros. Read on for seven common reasons your garage door isn’t closing all the way (and how to handle each one).
1. Safety Sensors Are Blocked or Misaligned
Modern garage doors use safety sensors near the base of the door to prevent accidents. These sensors send an invisible beam across the doorway. If that beam is broken or misaligned, the door won’t close. Check for dust, dirt, spider webs, or any objects blocking the sensors. Also, make sure they’re facing each other and mounted at the same height. You can gently adjust them and wipe the lenses clean. If the sensors appear damaged or the wiring looks loose, it’s time to call a technician.
2. Garage Door Tracks Are Bent or Out of Alignment
The tracks guide your garage door smoothly along its path. If they’re bent or misaligned, the door may struggle to close or stop short. You might hear grinding or notice jerky, uneven movement. Visually inspect the tracks for gaps, warping, or misaligned brackets. Minor issues may be gently corrected using a rubber mallet, but if the damage is severe, involves hardware failure, or could cause the door to derail, don’t attempt a DIY fix—call a professional.
3. Broken or Stretched Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door, so if they’re broken or overly stretched, the door might close too fast, unevenly, or not at all. Warning signs include visible gaps in the springs, a door that feels unusually heavy, or one that slams shut. This is NOT a DIY project; spring repair is extremely dangerous due to the massive tension involved. Always call a professional to inspect or replace garage door springs.
4. Issues With the Garage Door Opener Settings
Your garage door opener has adjustable travel and force settings that control how far and how hard the door moves. If these are set incorrectly or become disrupted, the door may stop short. Some openers flash lights or display error codes when something’s off. You can consult your owner’s manual to adjust these settings, but if the unit is unresponsive, it’s best to bring in a technician.
5. Obstructions in the Door’s Path
Even a small object in the door’s path can stop it from closing fully. Dirt, rocks, tools, or toys left in the tracks or on the floor may trigger the safety system. Do a visual sweep of the garage floor and tracks, and remove anything in the way. If your door still refuses to close after clearing obstructions, the sensor system may need a sensitivity adjustment.
6. Cables or Rollers Are Damaged
Frayed cables, worn-out rollers, or noisy operation are all signs that part of your door’s lifting mechanism is failing. These issues can interfere with smooth movement and prevent full closure. Because cable and roller components operate under tension and affect the door’s balance, it’s not safe to attempt repairs yourself.
7. Remote or Wall Control Malfunctions
Sometimes, the issue is simply a remote control problem. If your remote isn’t working, try using the wall switch or a secondary remote. If none of your controls work, replace the batteries, reset the opener, and check for disconnected wires. If the wall unit still doesn’t respond, it may need rewiring or replacement by a professional.
Not Sure What’s Causing It? Call the Concord-Area Garage Door Experts
If you’ve checked the basics and your door still won’t close all the way, it’s time to bring in an experienced technician. Overhead Door Company of Concord is a proud member of the Overhead Door family of companies, which has been trusted nationwide for over 50 years. Give our expert team a call for professional garage door repair you can count on.
Contact us today for garage door repair in Concord and Merrimack County.
