How to Troubleshoot Common Garage Door Problems
As homeowners, we rely on our garage doors to keep our vehicles and belongings safe. However, when our garage doors stop working, it can be frustrating and cause inconvenience. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to know how to troubleshoot common garage door problems. Learn more down below as we will discuss some of the most common issues that homeowners experience with their garage doors and how to fix them.
The Door Won’t Open or Close
One of the most common problems that homeowners face with their garage doors is that they won’t open or close. The first thing to check is the garage door opener remote and the batteries. If the battery is dead, replace it, and try again. If the remote still doesn’t work, check the power source from the outlet. If all looks good, it’s time to check the sensors. Make sure the sensors are positioned correctly and wipe them clean, as they might have dust or debris.
The Door is Making Strange Noises
If your garage door is making strange noises, such as grinding, scraping, or popping sounds, it’s an indication that something is wrong. Check for any loose parts such as the springs or nuts and bolts on the door. Ensure they are all well-tightened. Also, the chain or belt running the garage door might be faulty, and it’s time to replace it.
The Door is not Closing Properly
When the door closes only partially and then reverses or doesn’t close at all, it can be frustrating. The cause might be unbalanced or worn-out springs, rollers, or bearings. Check the springs’ tension; they should be equally tensioned on both sides. If one looks longer or has gaps compared to the other, replace them. Or if a roller looks worn out or bent, it’s easy and cheap to replace rather than fixing the whole door.
The Door Opens or Closes Rapidly
If your garage door opens or shuts abruptly, it can create dangerous situations. The reason might be in the garage motor’s limit settings, force adjustment, or travel limits. Visually check the motor unit attached to the ceiling, where the motor head is located. Adjust the settings to match your door’s weight, size, and type.
The Springs Are Broken
If you hear a loud bang while opening or closing your garage door, it is likely that one of your door’s springs has snapped. This is a serious problem that requires professional repair. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself, as dealing with garage door springs can be dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even death.
The Opener Remote Works Intermittently
When the remote doesn’t work consistently, check for any physical obstructions between the remote and the antenna. Also, check if the antennas on the motor mount are straight and not obstructed. If the garage door still has issues with the opener remote, it might indicate interference from sources such as a neighbor’s opener remote control or other electronic devices.
The Door Comes Off the Tracks
If your garage door comes off the tracks, stop using it immediately. It could lead to serious injury or further damage to the door. Call a professional garage door technician to remove and reinstall the door safely. In the meantime, avoid using the door until it is fixed.
Garage doors are essential in protecting our vehicles and belongings, so it’s crucial to ensure they work correctly. Troubleshooting issues with your garage door is not rocket science and involves some simple checks and fixes that you can do yourself. Maintenance is key, ensuring your garage door is lubricated and free of debris. If you have tried all the fixes and your door continues to malfunction, it’s time to call the professionals. They can diagnose the problem and offer an accurate and safe solution. Remember, a well-maintained garage door can last for years, providing secure access to your garage.
