Your garage door is an essential part of your daily routine, providing convenient access to cars and additional storage space. However, there might come a time when you find your garage door refusing to budge, leaving you puzzled and inconvenienced. Before you panic and call a professional, consider these ten common reasons why your garage door won’t open – and how you might be able to fix them yourself.
1. Power Supply Issues
One of the most common reasons for a non-responsive garage door is a power outage or a disrupted power supply. Make sure the opener is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Sometimes, a simple power cycle can do the trick.
2. Dead Batteries
If your garage door remote or keypad uses batteries, they might be dead. Replace the batteries and see if that resolves the issue. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that can save you a lot of trouble.
3. Disengaged Emergency Release
Most garage doors have an emergency release cord that allows you to manually open the door. If this cord has been pulled or disengaged accidentally, the door won’t open automatically. Re-engage the cord according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Sensor Obstruction
Garage doors have safety sensors located near the bottom of the door tracks. If these sensors detect an obstruction, such as a person or an object in the door’s path, the door won’t close or open. Make sure the sensors are clean and properly aligned.
5. Misaligned Tracks
If the tracks that guide your garage door are misaligned, it can prevent the door from opening smoothly. Inspect the tracks for any bends, gaps, or debris. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap them back into alignment if needed.
6. Broken Springs
Garage door springs help counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. If a spring breaks, the door can become extremely heavy and difficult to lift. Broken springs require professional repair, as they can be dangerous to handle without the proper tools and expertise.
7. Damaged Cables
Similar to springs, cables play a crucial role in the operation of your garage door. If a cable snaps, it can lead to uneven lifting and cause the door to get stuck. This is another issue that’s best left to professionals to fix.
8. Motor Issues
The garage door opener’s motor can suffer from various issues over time, such as worn gears or a burnt-out motor. Listen for any unusual sounds when you try to open the door – grinding or humming noises might indicate a motor problem.
9. Malfunctioning Remote/Keypad
If you’re using a remote control or keypad to operate your garage door, a malfunction in these devices could prevent the door from opening. Try resetting the remote or reprogramming the keypad according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have an Overhead Door® Brand garage door remote or keypad, you can view these programming instructions.
10. Locked Door
It might sound obvious, but double-check if your garage door is locked. Some doors have a manual lock feature that, when engaged, prevents the door from being opened even with the remote or keypad.
Reach out to a Garage Door Professional
In conclusion, a non-opening garage door doesn’t always necessitate a costly repair visit. With a little troubleshooting and attention to detail, you might be able to identify and fix the issue yourself. However, keep in mind that certain problems, such as broken springs or cables, require professional intervention due to safety risks. If your attempts at troubleshooting yourself don’t help fix your issues, then contact us to have our garage door repair experts diagnose and fix the problem.