Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them
Ever had your garage door act up at the worst possible time? It’s a common headache many homeowners face.
San Diego’s unique climate, with its salty air and chilly coastal conditions, can lead to rust, corrosion, and a range of mechanical failures. At All-Pro Quality Garage Doors, we tackle these challenges with rust-resistant materials, regular maintenance services, and prompt repairs.
With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in repair, maintenance, and installation services to keep your garage door functioning perfectly.
In this article, we’ll explore common garage door issues and their solutions.
1. Garage Door Won't Open or Close
Problem
When your garage door opens improperly or refuses to close, it can be incredibly frustrating. This can mean the door doesn't open fully, stops midway, or reverses unexpectedly.
The issue might be caused by a malfunctioning opener, broken springs, or blocked sensors.
Potential Solutions
Verify Power Source
Make sure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If the opener light is flashing, consult the manual for the error code.
Check for Spring Damage
Look for signs of wear or breakage. San Diego’s salty air can cause springs to corrode faster, so regular inspections are important - especially if you live by the coast.
Clean and Align Sensors
Dirt or misalignment can prevent the door from operating correctly. Clean and align the sensors at the bottom of the garage door.
If you’re experiencing this problem, the solution may exceed the limits of DIY work - and you may need to call a professional.
2. Noisy Garage Door
Problem
Garage doors making excessive noise can signal various issues. Grinding sounds might indicate motor or chain problems, squealing often comes from worn rollers or hinges, and rattling can be due to loose hardware.
Addressing these noises promptly can prevent further damage and keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
Potential Solutions
Secure All Hardware
Examine and tighten all bolts and screws on the door and tracks. Rust and corrosion from the coastal climate can loosen hardware more frequently.
Replace Worn Rollers
Check the rollers for signs of wear, rust, or bending. If they appear worn, we recommend installing new ones.
Balance the Door
An unbalanced door can cause excessive noise and wear. Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually operating the door. It should stay in place if balanced correctly.
Loud noises can be more than just an annoyance when using your garage door. If they are persistent, it can potentially indicate deeper mechanical problems that need addressing.
3. Garage Door Moves Unevenly
Problem
An unevenly moving garage door can signal issues with the garage door tracks, springs, or cables. An imbalance affects the door’s functionality and can lead to additional wear and tear on the system, resulting in more significant repairs if left unchecked.
Potential Solutions
Check the Tracks
Confirm if the tracks are clean and free of debris. Use a level to check if they are properly aligned. If they are not, gently tap them back into place.
Inspect the Springs
The coastal environment can lead to quicker wear and tear on these components. Damaged or worn weather stripping can cause the door to move unevenly. Replace any damaged weather stripping to help the door move smoothly.
Additionally, issues with torsion springs should be addressed immediately, as repairing or replacing them can be dangerous and should be left to professionals.
Examine the Cables
Look for fraying or damage to the cables. Damaged cables can cause the door to move unevenly and should be replaced if necessary.
Think damaged garage door springs might be your issue? Check out our article on everything you need to know about garage door spring replacements!
4. Remote Control Issues
Problem
Did you press your garage door remote and nothing happened? It always seems to happen when you’re in a hurry... This can be an after effect of various issues, such as malfunctioning remotes, transmitter problems, or battery failures.
Potential Solutions
Replace the Batteries
This is an easy one! Just swap out the remote’s batteries for fresh ones.
Reprogram the Remote
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to reprogram the remote to the opener.
Check for Interference
Look for nearby electronic devices that might be disrupting the signal, causing the remote to malfunction. While this is a rare issue, culprits might be security systems, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, Wi-Fi boosters, etc.
Want more tips on how to choose the right garage door opener? Feel free to check out one of our latest articles.
5. Door Reverses Before Closing
Problem
You might find your garage door reversing unexpectedly before it fully closes, leaving your garage exposed. Often, this happens due to problems with the safety sensors or misaligned tracks.
Potential Solutions
Clean the Sensors
Dirt and debris can obstruct the sensors, causing the door to reverse. Clean the sensors and make sure they are properly aligned.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Regular lubrication of the tracks, rollers, and hinges can prevent mechanical issues that might cause the door to reverse. WD-40 will do the trick for now.
Adjust the Sensitivity
Sometimes, the opener’s sensitivity settings may be too high. Consult your manual to adjust the settings so the door can close properly.
Inspect for Obstructions
Make sure nothing is blocking the door’s path, such as small objects or buildup on the tracks. Even minor obstructions can trigger the door to reverse.
Look for Wiring Issues
Faulty wiring or loose connections in the garage door opener system can also cause the door to reverse unexpectedly.
A malfunction of this kind hinders security AND can lead to more wear and tear on the door mechanism. For a broken garage door, contacting a garage door repair company to diagnose and fix the issue can prevent safety issues and potential injuries.
We Can Help Maintain Proper Garage Door Functions
Dealing with garage door problems can be a hassle, but many issues can be fixed with a bit of DIY effort. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can keep your garage door functioning smoothly and safely.
If you encounter a problem that you can't fix or simply want a professional touch, don’t hesitate to reach out to All-Pro Quality Garage Doors.
Our team of experts is ready to help you with all your garage door needs, making sure your door operates reliably
Contact us today for top-notch garage door repairs and maintenance in San Diego!