Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open & How To Fix It
If you regularly park your car in your garage, you expect the garage door to work when you need to leave. It always seems like your garage door decides not to open all the way at the least opportune times, like when you’re running late.
When your garage door won’t open all the way, you need to diagnose the issue so you can carry on with your day. There are several common reasons a garage door gets stuck, so we’ve put together this guide to help you determine the cause of your garage door problems and how to fix them.
Leaving your garage door stuck open can leave your home vulnerable to weather damage and other potential threats.
Why Won’t My Garage Door Open All the Way?
When your garage door gets stuck open, try not to panic or get frustrated. There may be a simple way to fix it before you have to call professionals. Let’s take a look at some common issues with garage doors.
Broken or Damaged Tension Springs
Tension springs are part of the garage door structure that holds the door in place and allows it to open and close without losing control. Sometimes these can become damaged or broken.
Inspect your springs and ensure they’re connected to the garage door pulley system. Also, make sure they’re not rusty or corroded. If a spring has broken, call a professional, as trying to change a spring can be very dangerous.
Faulty Remote
Sometimes, your garage door remote can become faulty. Check for dead batteries in the remote, and if you can, check that the connections are all secure inside the remote.
If you’re unable to diagnose this issue, call a professional to assess your remote and make repairs.
Misaligned Track
The tracks for your garage door hold the wheels that guide the door along the right path to open and close. Sometimes, the tracks become misaligned, which means the garage door can’t open or close all the way and becomes jammed.
If your tracks don’t look even on both sides, they might be misaligned. You can always try to readjust the track yourself by:
- Loosening the track screws
- Adjusting the track position
- Tightening the track screws
If this resolves the issue, you should be good to go. Otherwise, a professional garage door company can fix the problem for you.
Blocked or Dirty Photo Eye
Your garage door has sensors that help it open and close safely. You can check your sensors if you think this might be the problem. They may be dirty, which you can clean with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Dry them thoroughly after to ensure more dirt doesn’t get stuck to them.
Misaligned Sensor
Sensors can also become misaligned. The photo eyes need to point in the same direction at the same angle. If the light is blinking in the sensor, it means it’s out of alignment.
You can use a screwdriver to tighten the brackets and try to align it with the other one. You can also try bending the bracket back into place. If you’re unsuccessful, call a professional to help.
Let Overhead Door Company of Concord Fix Your Garage Door
Due to their complexity, garage doors can break in many ways. Leaving your garage door open can allow critters and intruders into your garage and your home while also exposing your vehicles and possessions to weather.
The homeowner can fix some common issues, but some parts of garage doors are dangerous to mess with if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. Letting the professionals handle your garage door repairs is the smartest move. Don’t let a broken garage door slow you down.
Learn more about our garage door services by contacting our team today.
