A Quick Garage Door Fix Guide: Common Problems and Their Solutions

Posted on May 1, 2024April 19, 2024

You slam the car door shut, keys in hand, ready to conquer the day. But as you’re about to back out, the garage door won’t open. The seconds tick by, and your frustration mounts — you’ve got to be somewhere!

Garage doors are something you use daily but don’t think much about until there’s a problem. These problems can disrupt your day and leave you feeling confused about what to do next. Luckily, most garage door woes are easier to fix than you think.

This handy garage door fix guide tackles common problems and their solutions, getting you back on track in no time.

Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

Operating your garage door manually can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Garage door openers automate this process, allowing you to operate the door with the push of a button. This convenience saves you time and effort, particularly during inclement weather or when carrying groceries or other items.

If your garage door opener isn’t responding to commands or if it’s making unusual noises, it might need some attention.

Start by checking the batteries in the remote control and ensuring no obstructions are blocking the sensors. If the problem persists, there could be issues with the opener’s motor or electronics. In such cases, it’s best to call a professional for garage door repair.

Garage Door Is Stuck

A stuck garage door can throw a wrench into your plans, especially if you’re in a rush. Before you panic, check for any visible obstructions in the tracks or around the door. Sometimes, debris or objects can prevent the door from moving.

If nothing is blocking the path, the issue might be with the tracks themselves. When your garage door is misaligned, it can get stuck. This issue often occurs due to wear and tear on the tracks or if the door has been accidentally bumped or hit.

Avoid forcing the door open or closed, as this can cause further damage. You should also avoid trying to realign the tracks yourself because it may worsen the problem. It’s best to leave this task to professionals who have the tools and expertise to adjust the tracks and ensure your door is up to code.

Garage Door Remote Not Working

Your garage door remote allows you to open or close your garage door from the comfort of your car or home. It’s one of the biggest convenience features of the door.

If your garage door remote isn’t working, start by checking the batteries to see if they’re properly inserted. Next, check for any interference from nearby electronics or radio signals. If the remote still doesn’t work, try replacing the batteries.

When the batteries are old or depleted, they may not have enough power to send a signal to the garage door opener. This causes the remote to stop working.

If the remote doesn’t respond, you may need to reset it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If all else fails, there might be issues with the remote’s circuitry or the garage door opener itself, which require professional diagnosis and repair.

Slow Response Time

When you press a button on your garage door remote, you expect your door to open or close without delay. A slow response time, where the door takes longer than usual to start moving, can be frustrating and inconvenient.

This issue is often caused by worn-out rollers, hinges, or tracks, which can impede the smooth movement of the door. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts and tightening loose hardware, can help improve response time.

If the problem persists, it could indicate more significant issues with the door’s mechanics, calling for expert help.

Noisy Garage Door

When garage doors are in good shape, they should open and close quietly. A garage door that makes loud or disturbing noises during operation is not only annoying but also points to underlying issues.

The most common culprit is lack of lubrication on moving parts such as rollers, hinges, or springs. Applying a silicone-based lubricant can often quiet the noise and prevent further wear and tear.

If the noise persists, it could signal more serious problems, such as worn-out components or loose hardware, which may require professional inspection and repair. Addressing these issues can prevent further damage and ensure smooth and quiet garage door operation.

Broken Garage Door Spring

Garage doors have springs to counterbalance the weight of the door and assist in its smooth operation. These springs are typically located above the door or along the tracks. Without them, garage doors would be too heavy and difficult to lift, compromising safety at home.

When you notice your garage door isn’t opening smoothly or if you hear a loud bang, it’s likely a broken spring. This issue can leave your door feeling heavy and unresponsive.

A broken garage door spring requires professional repair due to the high tension of the springs. Attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous and cause further damage. Call a qualified technician to replace the spring and get your door back in action.

Investing in annual garage door inspections will help you catch serious issues like damaged springs before they get worse.

Weather Stripping Damage

Weather stripping along the bottom of the garage door helps keep out drafts, debris, and moisture. Over time, weather stripping can become worn, cracked, or damaged, compromising its effectiveness.

Inspect the weather stripping regularly and replace it if you notice signs of wear or damage. This simple maintenance task can help improve energy efficiency and protect your garage from the elements.

Turn to R&S Doors for Quick Garage Door Fix Solutions

While some garage door issues require easy fixes that you can handle on your own, others call for professional assistance. If in doubt, always seek a professional.

At R&S Doors, our friendly and skilled technicians are available 24/7 to tackle any garage door issue, big or small. We work on all makes and models of residential and commercial doors and openers, ensuring a prompt and professional garage door fix that gets you back on track.

Feel free to get in touch with us now to discuss your garage door repair needs and get a free quote.