Nothing is more frustrating than a garage door that has suddenly decided to become a wall. Sometimes doors need a gentle reminder of their purpose. If your garage door has decided not to open or close, there could be several potential causes. This guide will walk you through the most common solutions to your garage door woes.
Remote
Sometimes the solution to your garage door woes is as simple as a faulty or desynced remote control. Try opening the garage door manually, through a different remote, or with a wired keypad. If any of these options work, it is likely that you simply need to resync your garage door remote. Follow the instructions in your garage door opener manual to reset your remote. If the remote continues to not work, you may need to replace the battery or the remote itself.
Photo-Eye Sensors
The photo eyes located at the base of your garage door are used to detect if your garage door is obstructed before closing. They send a laser from the transmitter on one end of the garage door to the receiver on the opposite end. To ensure your photo eyes are not preventing the garage door from closing check for the following:
- Obstructions - Remove anything that might block the photo eyes.
- Dirt or dust on lenses – Dirty lenses can also obstruct the “view” of the photo eyes. Cleaning them from time to time is recommended.
- Misalignment – A poorly placed kick can easily set a receiver or transmitter out of whack. You can easily bend the receivers back into place, so they are pointing at one another.
- Damage – Check for any visible signs of damage. If you’re unsure if the photo eyes are damaged, troubleshoot other common issues in this guide first.
Misaligned or Bent Tracks
Tracks are what carry the garage door up and down. If they become misaligned or bent, this can prevent a door from opening and closing. Without needing to replace the tracks, there are a few quick solutions that might resolve this issue. First, check that the tracks are properly bolted into their brackets. If they are loose, find the appropriate wrench and tighten them. Then, check for bends in the track and carefully straighten them using a wrench or pair of pliers. If the is damage severe these quick DIY tricks will not resolve the issue and you should call the garage door repair experts at Precision.
Weak Motor
If you’ve noticed that your garage door has been struggling to open leading up to this breakdown, the source may be your garage door opener itself. Their motors tend to wear out after 20 years - sometimes sooner if a weak motor is trying to lift a heavy door. If this is the case, you will need to replace the opener.
Broken Torsion or Extension Springs
The final issue that may be preventing your garage door from opening/closing is the most dangerous. Garage door springs are each rated for a certain number of cycles before they need to be replaced. If you are unsure how many cycles they are rated for, then inspect your torsion or extension spring for your garage door. They are typically located near the ceiling of your garage. If they appear rusted, worn, or cracked, immediately call an expert to handle the replacement. These springs are dangerous to replace and can result in severe injury or even death.
A stuck garage door can put a rift in your plans for the day. Luckily, the professionals at Precision are ready to help 24/7 and can get you back to your daily routine in no time.
