Common Garage Door Problems and Their Solutions

While no one wants to deal with issues with their garage door or any other major home components, such concerns often come with relatively simple solutions. Whether on your own or with some basic assistance from professionals, they can typically be ironed out quickly and easily.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to help. We’re your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more around not just Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah, but also the Boise, Idaho area. We offer the very best garage door repair and garage door installation services you’ll find, plus basic expertise to help you deal with many problems on your own. Whether on a DIY basis or with help from our professionals wherever necessary, here’s a primer on some of the most common garage door issues and what can be done to solve them.

Blocked Sensors

One of the simplest but also most common issues with garage doors is when the sensors become blocked. These sensors are responsible for detecting any obstructions in the path of the door, preventing it from closing on them and causing damage or injury.

If your garage door isn’t closing all the way or keeps reversing after starting to close, check to see if there’s anything blocking either sensor. If so, move it out of the way and try again. Additionally, make sure nothing else (such as cobwebs) are obstructing these sensors.

If these efforts don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call in a professional. Blocked sensors can also indicate wiring or other problems that require more advanced work and expertise.

Uneven Closing

Another common issue is a garage door that closes unevenly or at an angle, rather than straight down like it’s supposed to. This can be both unsightly and hazardous, as it can cause damage to the door or even injury if someone is caught in its path.

The most common cause of this issue is a misaligned track. Check to see if there are any visible obstructions on the track, such as debris or bends. If so, remove them carefully and try closing the door again.

If the track appears clear but the issue persists, it may be time for a professional evaluation. Misaligned tracks can also be caused by issues with springs or other mechanical components that require expert attention.

Loud Noises

A noisy garage door can be annoying and disruptive, especially if it’s located close to living spaces. While some level of noise is normal, excessive or sudden changes in noise levels can indicate a problem.

If your garage door is suddenly making loud noises during operation, it’s likely due to worn or damaged rollers, hinges, or other hardware. These components can become loose over time and cause the door to rattle as it moves. To address this issue, carefully tighten any loose hardware and lubricate moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant. If the noise persists, it may be time for a professional inspection and potential replacement of worn parts.

Stuck Door

What if your garage door won’t open or close at all? This can be a frustrating and even dangerous issue, especially if you need to use your vehicle. In most cases, the cause is a broken spring.

If you have a torsion spring system, it’s important to never attempt to fix this yourself. These springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not handled correctly. Instead, call in a professional who has experience with these systems and knows how to safely replace the faulty spring.

For homes with extension springs, these can often be replaced by homeowners on their own using basic tools. However, if you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with doing so, it’s always best to consult a professional.

Opener Issues

Another set of common issues with garage doors involve the opener itself. If your opener isn’t working, it’s likely due to a problem with the electrical connections or the motor.

First, check to make sure the power source is connected and functioning properly. If so, inspect the wiring for any damage or loose connections. If you’re comfortable doing so, replace any damaged wires or tighten any loose connections.

If these efforts don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call in a professional who can diagnose and repair more complex problems with the opener motor.

Lubrication-Based Issues

There can also be issues with the garage door related to lubrication. Over time, hinges, rollers, and other moving parts can become dry and start to squeak or even jam.

To prevent these issues, regularly lubricate all moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant. This will keep them operating smoothly and reduce wear and tear on the components. If your garage door is still experiencing issues despite regular lubrication, it may be time for a professional inspection to identify any underlying problems that need to be addressed.

Overall, while some garage door issues can be resolved on your own, it’s important to know when it’s best to call in a professional for help. With Price’s Guaranteed Doors by your side, you can trust that any problems will be dealt with quickly and efficiently, leaving you with a fully functional and safe garage door. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance whenever needed, whether for these or any other garage door, entry door or Pella window need around Utah or Idaho!