There's never a right time for a malfunctioning garage door, especially when it fails to open or close. What's more frustrating is not knowing what's causing the problem in the first place. If you are facing any garage door issues, know that you are not alone, and most of these problems are fixable. In this blog, we will discuss common garage door problems, the causes behind them, and how to troubleshoot those problems.
Uneven Door Movement
If your garage door moves unevenly, shakes, or makes grinding sounds, it might be due to loose or misaligned tracks. Check your garage door tracks for debris that might be preventing the rollers from moving smoothly along the tracks or if they are bent. Also, inspect your tracks for any damage.
Straighten any misaligned tracks or replace any that are severely dented. Clean dirt and debris from the track using a cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
The Door Reverses Immediately After Touching the Floor
Experiencing a situation where your garage door starts closing but immediately reverses back up. This can be frustrating and inconvenient. In most cases, this issue is related to malfunctioning safety sensors or incorrect force settings.
Begin by inspecting the safety sensors located near the bottom of the door. Clean them thoroughly and ensure they are properly aligned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Clear away any obstructions that may be blocking the sensor's path. If the problem persists, check the force settings on the garage door opener. If the force is set incorrectly, it can trigger the door to reverse as a safety measure. Adjust the force settings by following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Unresponsive Remote
An unresponsive garage door remote control can be frustrating, but there are several common causes and potential solutions to address the issue. First and foremost, dead batteries are often the culprit. Over time, the batteries in the remote control can lose their charge, rendering the remote unresponsive.
To fix this, simply replace the batteries with fresh ones, ensuring they are properly inserted according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're unsure about the battery status, it's always a good idea to replace them to eliminate this possibility.
Another factor that can cause an unresponsive remote is signal interference. Various devices operating on the same frequency range, such as wireless routers or nearby electronics, can disrupt the communication between the remote control and the garage door opener.
To resolve this, try moving closer to the garage door opener and eliminate any potential sources of interference. Additionally, check if any metal objects are obstructing the path between the remote and the opener. If these steps don't resolve the issue, it's advisable to consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact a professional garage door technician for further assistance. They can diagnose and address any underlying problems with the remote control or the garage door opener itself.
The Door Makes Loud Noises When Opening and/or Closing
A loud garage door during opening and/or closing can be caused by various factors. Inadequate lubrication is a common culprit, as dust and debris accumulate on the moving parts, causing friction and noise. Applying a silicone-based or garage door lubricant to hinges, rollers, bearings and springs can alleviate this issue. Loose hardware, such as roller brackets and track bolts, can also contribute to the noise.
Regularly checking and tightening the hardware can help. Worn rollers may need to be replaced with quieter options like nylon wrapped ball bearing rollers. Misaligned tracks can cause rubbing noises, requiring realignment. Tension problems with springs should be handled by professionals.
Lastly, an aging or poorly maintained garage door opener can generate noise. Seeking professional assistance to inspect, maintain, or upgrade the opener can solve the issue. Prioritize safety and consult professionals for proper diagnosis and resolution.
The Door Won’t Open or Close
A garage door that refuses to open or close can be due to various common causes. One possibility is power issues.
Start by checking if the garage door opener is receiving power. Verify that it is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker or fuse associated with the opener is not tripped. If there is no power, address the electrical problem or consider replacing the batteries if the opener has a backup power source.
Another common cause is obstructed sensors. Modern garage doors have safety sensors near the ground on either side of the door. If something is blocking these sensors or if they are misaligned, the door will not close or might immediately reverse after attempting to close. Ensure there are no objects obstructing the sensors and verify that they are properly aligned.
If the problem persists, it may be necessary to consult a professional garage door technician to diagnose and fix any underlying issues with the opener or other components.
The Door Won’t Stay Open
When a garage door fails to stay open, it can be due to various reasons. Malfunctioning or worn-out springs are a common cause, as they may lose tension or break over time.
Seeking professional assistance is crucial for safely assessing and replacing the springs. Incorrect spring tension is another possibility that requires professional adjustment. Issues with the garage door opener's limit travel settings can also prevent the door from staying open.
Checking and configuring the opener settings, as well as ensuring the alignment and clearance of the safety sensors, may resolve the problem. If troubleshooting doesn't work, contacting a professional technician is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and proper resolution.
Consider Professional Garage Door Repair Services
While there may be issues with your garage door that you can troubleshoot on your own, certain problems may require the help of an experienced professional.
If you’re looking for garage door repair in Leduc, look no further. At Comtec Overhead Door Experts, we take pride in providing the best products and customer service. Contact us today at (403) 872-5394 to request a free quote.