Most property owners take their garage doors for granted — until their trusty garage door won’t open. Getting stuck in or outside your home or business can result in missed appointments or security issues. Garage door systems are intricate and pose a significant safety risk if mishandled, but there are some basic ways to troubleshoot a faulty garage door before calling professional help.
Why is your garage door not opening? Let’s find out!
Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open
The reliable operation of garage doors requires multiple components and systems to work together in unison to create smooth open-and-close functionality. Some common reasons why the garage door won’t open when you press the remote include the following:
- Power supply issues
- Broken springs or cables
- Significant structural damage to the doors
- Manual lock engagement
- Issues with the remote
- Faulty garage door opener
- Sensor misalignment or obstruction
- Track misalignment or damage
There are many other possible causes of garage door malfunction, but identifying the most likely issues can help you determine the cause and restore functionality faster.
Garage Door Troubleshooting 101
Garage doors must always be regarded with extreme caution. These complex, heavy fittings operate under high tension, making DIY fixes beyond the basics hazardous. However, unless the cause of the uncooperative door is apparent, you can try the following:
- Check the power source: Ensure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and the opener is plugged in.
- Replace remote batteries: Swap exhausted batteries with fresh ones.
- Reset the garage door opener: Consult the user manual to resync the device.
- Clear sensor obstructions: Clean the sensors and move any obstacles that may be blocking the door’s path or sensors.
- Check the door’s manual lock: Make sure that the garage door’s manual lock isn’t engaged.
If you have tried all these fixes and your garage door is still not opening, it is time to call your local garage door professionals.
Safety First: When to Call a Professional
Ensuring safety and restoring your garage doors to full functionality often requires the services of trained professionals. Many common causes for unexpected malfunctions are mechanical issues resulting from damage or wear and tear. These problems cannot be repaired without specific expertise and tools and must only be undertaken by garage door specialists.
- Broken springs: Restore functionality by having a replacement spring fitted.
- Frayed or snapped cables: Replace the door’s cables at the first sign of staggering motion or uneven movement.
- Bent tracks: Keep your garage door gliding smoothly on carefully aligned tracks.
- Opener issues: Ensure that your garage door opener is in good working order and is powerful enough to lift your garage door reliably.
- Electrical malfunctions: Upgrade your electrical components promptly if there are any signs of a short circuit or visible smoke around the system.
- Structural damage: Replace the entire door or a few panels if the door has sustained an impact or environmental damage.
- Unusual noises: Let professionals identify the exact issue to restore functionality.
Prevent Repairs With Regular Garage Door Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the most effective way to prevent garage door malfunctions. Professional garage door maintenance services can significantly increase the lifespan of your investment and ensure peace of mind each time you press the remote.
Comprehensive garage door maintenance should include these services:
- System inspection and assessment
- Lubrication and adjustment
- Replacement of worn parts
- Track alignment
- Safety sensor testing
Timely maintenance ensures your garage doors remain safe and last as long as possible. If your older system continues to malfunction frequently, it may be time to upgrade to modern garage doors. A new garage door installation is also a great way to increase the value and enjoyment of your property.
Contact Poulson Doors LLC For Prompt Garage Door Repairs
Minimize risk and get your garage doors back in reliable working order with services from local professionals you can trust. Poulson Doors LLC offers same-day and 24/7 emergency garage door repairs throughout the Wasatch Front, so you never have to feel trapped by a garage door that’s not opening. We will quickly identify the cause and make repairs so you can focus on commitments without the stress and risks associated with garage door DIY.
Request a free estimate to have your commercial or residential garage doors repaired or replaced, or contact us today for a maintenance service to keep your garage doors opening reliably.