Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?
If you’re having trouble getting your garage doors to close, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many homeowners face. There are several reasons why your garage door may not be closing properly, including issues with the sensors, the garage door opener, the garage door openers or the garage door itself. In some cases, the problem may be something as simple as a dirty or misaligned sensor, while in other cases it may require more extensive repairs.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the common reasons why garage doors don’t close properly and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix these garage door issues yourself.
An obstructed garage door’s path is one of the most common reasons why a garage door won’t close. When the door detects an object in its path, it will automatically reverse to prevent damage or injury. The obstruction could be anything from a box or a toy to a piece of debris or a broken spring.
In some cases, the sensors that detect the obstruction may be malfunctioning, which could be a reason the garage door won’t close when there is an obstruction in the way. To troubleshoot an obstructed door, start by clearing the area around safety sensors on the door and making sure the sensors are clean and properly aligned.
If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional garage door repair service to diagnose and fix the issue.
Faulty, Obstructed or Dirty Sensors
Garage door sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the garage door. When the garage door safety sensors are faulty, obstructed or dirty, it can cause the garage door to malfunction or not close at all. Faulty sensors can be caused by wiring issues, dead batteries, or a misaligned sensor, among other things.
Obstructed sensors may have something blocking their path, such as dust, spider webs, or other debris. Dirty sensors may have accumulated grime or dirt on their surfaces, which can also cause them to malfunction.
To fix these issues, start by cleaning the sensors with a soft cloth, checking for obstructions, and making sure they are properly aligned. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional garage door repair service, for further assistance.
The Track Isn't Properly Aligned
If your garage door won’t close or gets stuck halfway, a possible cause could be that the track is not properly aligned. The garage door moves along the track, which is made up of vertical and horizontal sections, and any misalignment can cause it to derail or get stuck.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as loose bolts or screws, debris on the track, or damage to the track itself. To fix this issue, start by inspecting the track for any obstructions or damage and tightening any loose hardware.
You may also need to use a level to ensure that the track is properly aligned. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair service to diagnose and fix the issue.
Dead Garage Door Opener
A dead garage door opener is a frustrating problem that can prevent even new garage doors from opening or closing. This can be caused by several factors, such as dead batteries in the remote, a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty motor, or a malfunctioning safety sensor.
To troubleshoot a dead garage door opener, start by checking the batteries in the remote and ensuring that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If these are not the problem, you may need to inspect the motor and safety sensor or get a reliable garage door repair provider to see if they are functioning properly.
In some cases, you may need to replace the opener entirely. It’s best to call a professional garage door repair service to diagnose and fix the issue.
Garage Doors Torsion Springs are Broken
The torsion springs on a garage door are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door and making it easier to open and close. When these springs are broken, the garage door may not operate properly, and in some cases, it can be dangerous to attempt to use the door manually.
Broken torsion springs are usually caused by wear and tear or damage to the spring itself. Signs of a broken spring include a loud noise when the door opens or the door closes, or the door falling suddenly.
To fix this issue, it’s essential to call a professional garage door repair service, as attempting to replace the garage door springs can be dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and tools.
