When a garage door starts acting up and refuses to open, there are several reasons why this might be happening. You could be encountering a wiring issue or a more complex mechanical failure. This article covers seven possible causes of your garage door failure and how to resolve these issues to restore functionality.
1. Faulty Power Source
If your garage door stops opening and your lights aren’t working in the space, you have a power source issue. To verify this, test your garage door opener’s outlet by plugging in another device. If it doesn’t power on, check your circuit breaker for tripped wires and switches. Your garage door could be inoperative due to a power surge or short circuit. The solution could be as simple as resetting a breaker.
2. Malfunctioning Remote
After the power supply, the remote is the second most common source of an inoperative garage door. Your remote batteries can deplete without warning, so proceed to replace them anew. If a fresh set doesn’t resolve the problem, access the garage door opener’s user manual and try reprogramming your remote. It’s not uncommon for a remote signal to become unsynchronized. In this case, all you’ll need to do is reset your remote. If you are still having issues with your garage door opener after that, it may be time to call in the experts.
3. Dirty or Misaligned Photo Eye Sensors
Most modern garage door openers support photo eye sensors to ensure your door won’t close on objects in its path. Dust and debris accumulate on these sensors to the point where they require cleaning. Misaligned sensors are yet another issue to consider. Inspect the door’s sensors to verify they face each other. This simple check could be all it takes to get your garage door back in running order.
4. Failing Torsion or Extension Springs
Torsion and extension are responsible for all the heavy lifting your door needs to open and close automatically. A loud bang, unsteady door movement, or gaps in the coil are the first signs of a broken spring. Fixing these high-tension coils and springs yourself is not recommended since this procedure is dangerous. We encourage you to contact us at AAA Garage Door and Gates for professional assistance with this job. We have the tools and knowledge to handle these high-risk components safely.
5. Damaged Rollers and Tracks
Rollers and tracks guide your door as it opens and shuts, ensuring smooth operation. As these components age, they become damaged or simply wear out. When this happens, you’ll notice a jerky motion to your garage door and hear unusual noises as you try operating it. Have a look at these parts to verify any signs of wear and tear. If your rolls appear cracked and your tracks look warped, you’ll need to replace them.
6. Loose or Severed Cables
The torsion or extension spring cables balance your garage door’s weight. This component doesn’t last forever. If the cable gets too worn, it becomes loose or disconnects, impacting your door’s normal operation. Check this part of the door for visible damage like slack or fraying lines. These problems indicate that it’s time for a replacement. Tightening loose connections may fix your problem. However, since they connect to your tension springs, we recommend you consult one of our garage door professionals to ensure safety.
7. Motor Failures
A faulty garage door motor unit will cause your garage door to halt in its tracks. The best way to diagnose this issue is to try activating the motor and listen for any odd sounds while checking it for responsiveness. Age, wear and tear, and other garage wiring issues can contribute to a faulty motor. Attempt to reset your garage door opener to see if this resolves the problem. If this doesn’t do the trick, you’ll likely need a professional consultation to diagnose the full scope of the issue.
Affordable and Efficient Garage Door Repairs
Familiarizing yourself with these seven common garage door problems and their fixes may help you understand what’s going on with your garage door. However, garage door issues can be dangerous and often require expert service. At AAA Garage Door and Gates in Glendale, we’ve seen virtually every type of door failure imaginable. Our season specialists handle commercial and residential spring replacements, motor repairs, and track alignments.
For more on how to get your garage door working flawlessly again, contact us at AAA Garage Door and Gates now!
