When you finally roll into your driveway after a long day, it often feels like the garage door can’t open quickly enough. However, when it’s opening slowly or not opening at all, your garage door likely needs attention. Many homeowners face these common garage door problems, and knowing how to troubleshoot or when to call a professional for garage door repair helps restore proper function to your home.

What Are Common Garage Door Problems?

Whether it’s unresponsive remotes or sensors, broken springs, or similar inconveniences, several common problems can impact your garage door’s security, longevity, and appearance.

Garage doesn’t open or close

Several common issues can cause your garage door to become stuck open or closed, including:

• Electrical faults: If faulty wiring disrupts power to the opener, it prevents the door from opening or closing.
• Track misalignment: Tracks and rollers can become misaligned or worn over time. In some cases, bent or off-track garage doors may not open or close.
• Broken springs: Torsion springs support the weight of your garage door, often hundreds of pounds. If they break, the motor may not be able to bear the weight of the door.
• Release handle: If the motor is running and moving the trolley while the door stays closed, someone may have pulled the release handle on the automatic opener system and disconnected the motor system from the garage door.

Noisy garage door

Garage doors should operate relatively quietly. Grinding, scraping, rattling, squeaking, and other sounds often signal underlying mechanical problems. For example, various moving parts require lubrication to minimize friction and allow for smooth opening and closing. Without lubrication, these parts may grind together, causing disruptive noises and undue wear. In turn, worn or misaligned rollers and other components may create further noise and lead to extensive damage.

Door reverses or won’t stay closed
If your garage door reverses and re-opens after closing or simply opens on its own at random, it can pose a significant security risk and leave the garage’s interior exposed to the elements.

This problem may stem from faulty safety sensors, which prevent the door from closing if its path is obstructed, and they can mistakenly trigger if they’re dirty or covered. Stuck control buttons and circuit board malfunctions can also cause the garage door to open.

Door opens crookedly

The springs, tracks, cables, and other components balance the garage door as it moves between open and closed positions. Rust or an obstruction can cause the door to open crookedly, preventing you from leaving or entering the garage and leaving the interior exposed to the elements or intruders. If the problem involves a broken spring, however, a crooked door poses a more significant hazard.

Slow opening

Garage doors usually fully open or close within 15 seconds, but several mechanical problems may slow their speed. If your door comes with speed-control settings, resolving this problem may only require a minor reconfiguration. In other cases, the issue could be inadequate lubrication along the rollers, chain, hinges, and trolley that causes friction, resulting in extra wear on the garage door system.

Otherwise, aged, worn, or damaged parts are often behind slow-moving garage doors. A failing motor, for example, may have limited power and reduced functionality.

Remote or keypad problems

A malfunctioning garage remote or keypad prevents you from accessing your garage easily. Manually opening and closing the door is inconvenient and impractical at best, but it may also be a safety concern if you’re forced to exit your vehicle before going indoors.

Faulty wiring, dead batteries, or failed syncing with the opener may render remotes and keypads unresponsive. If the devices themselves aren’t the problem, it might be the components they control or coordinate with, such as the garage door tracks, springs, or automatic openers.

Troubleshooting Garage Door Issues: DIY Fixes You Can Try

Some garage door problems only require basic adjustments or upkeep to resolve, many of which are approachable DIY tasks for homeowners. Keep in mind that safety and caution are the priority, especially since heavy garage doors and spring-loaded mechanics are hazardous without proper handling — refer to a professional if you feel unequipped to attempt DIY troubleshooting or repairs.

Otherwise, try these troubleshooting tips for your garage door:

1. Check and clean sensors

Check that each sensor points at the other — if necessary, adjust them until the indicator lights turn solid to demonstrate a steady signal. Sunlight can also interfere with the sensor’s infrared beam.

To clean the sensors, turn off the power to the garage. Using a soft cloth or brush and a mild cleaning solution, gently wipe the sensor lenses with the cloth and remove dirt or debris from the surrounding area.

Reconnect the power, and place a cardboard box in the door’s path. Activate the door — if it fails to reverse when it senses the object, refer to a professional.

2. Inspect and lubricate parts

Inspect and clean the garage door tracks to remove dirt and debris buildup, which otherwise mixes with the lubricant to create a gritty texture. Use a vacuum for the bulk of dust or debris, then wipe and clean the tracks with a mild detergent.

Disconnect the power from the garage door opener, then apply a manufacturer-approved lubricant to the following components:

• Hinges
• Rollers
• Springs
• Bearing plates
• Top rail
• Arm bar
• Lock

3. Test the balance

Fully close the garage door, and disconnect the automatic opener. With the opener disengaged, lift the door halfway and let go. If the door doesn’t stay in position, its springs likely need an adjustment or repair.

4. Adjust travel limits

Garage door openers have switches that determine the travel limits, or when the motor stops opening or closing. Most openers have a lever or screw that adjusts the limit switch settings. Adjust the travel limit according to your owner’s manual to ensure the door opens and closes fully.

When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repairs

Some doors are too complex or hazardous for DIY fixes. In these cases, refer to a garage door professional for more in-depth diagnoses. Circumstances requiring professional repair vary, but they typically include:

• Damaged or worn-out springs
• Persistent or loud noises
• Bent rails
• Broken cables
• Door warping or cracking

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door

Regular preventative maintenance keeps your garage door in good working condition. Periodically perform these maintenance tasks:

• Lubricate mechanical components.
• Tighten loose nuts, bolts, and other fasteners and hardware.
• Check the door’s balance and springs.
• Inspect weather stripping around your garage door to prevent water damage.
• Clean dirt and debris from the tracks.

Benefits of Professional Garage Door Repair Services

DIY fixes can address common garage door concerns and maintenance needs, but hiring a professional comes with numerous advantages. Professionals have extensive training and experience that enables them to quickly and accurately diagnose and fix underlying problems. Their expertise also allows them to handle springs, cables, and other parts with proper safety procedures.

By relying on a professional for repair, you avoid wasting time and effort on potentially ineffective DIY fixes. Besides failing to resolve the original problem, ineffective DIY fixes allow damage to the compound. In contrast, professional repair addresses the problem accurately and efficiently to minimize further issues and repair bills.

Schedule Garage Door Repair with Mesa

A reliable garage door is essential for your home’s convenience and safety. If your garage door needs assistance, contact Mesa Garage Doors in Anaheim for fast, reliable garage door repair and maintenance services today.