11 Most Common Garage Door Problems

A functioning garage door is more than just a convenience; it’s a security measure that protects your car and belongings. But like any machine, garage doors can experience problems that can be frustrating and even dangerous.
This blog will explore some of the most common garage door issues and offer solutions to get your door back on track. We’ll also discuss when it’s best to call in a professional.

If your garage door isn’t behaving, it could be due to a few things. Broken springs, which counterbalance the door’s weight, are a common culprit. A malfunctioning opener, the device that powers the door’s movement, can also cause trouble. Even simple things like a jammed object in the door’s path or a power outage to the opener can stop it from working.

Here’s what you can try yourself: First, check for any obstructions in the doorway and make sure the opener is plugged in and receiving power. If those aren’t the issues, it’s best to call a professional for repairs. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and attempting to replace them yourself can be dangerous.

Imagine tiny wheels guiding your garage door along its track – that’s the job of the rollers. Over time, these rollers can wear out, causing problems. Worn rollers might make grinding noises or cause the door to move unevenly. Regular lubrication with a silicone-based lubricant can help keep your rollers functioning smoothly and prevent future issues. But before you grab the spray can, remember safety first! Always turn off your garage door opener and disengage the door from the opener before lubricating the rollers.

A slow or unresponsive garage door might be hinting at a dying opener. This could be due to loose electrical connections or simply batteries running low (if your opener uses them). For a quick DIY fix, try tightening any loose connections you find around the opener unit. If your opener uses batteries, replace them with fresh ones. However, for complex opener problems that persist, seek professional help to diagnose and fix the issue before it gets worse.

Your garage door is a talkative machine! Pay attention to the sounds it makes, as they can often point to specific problems. Grinding noises could indicate worn-out rollers while banging might suggest the door is misaligned on its track. Don’t ignore these noises – they’re a warning sign that something needs attention. Let a professional diagnose the source of the noise and fix the problem before it worsens.

Those little sensors on either side of your garage door opening are there for your safety. They prevent the door from closing on someone or something accidentally. If your door isn’t closing properly, there’s a chance the safety sensors might be malfunctioning. Replacing sensors can be tricky and requires ensuring proper alignment for safety reasons. It’s best to consult a professional for sensor replacement to ensure everything functions flawlessly.

A sluggish garage door can be frustrating. The culprit could be worn-out rollers creating friction, or a faulty opener struggling to operate the door. For rollers, lubrication might solve the problem. However, if the opener seems to be the issue, professional repair is likely needed to diagnose and fix the problem to restore smooth operation.

Keeping your rollers lubricated is like giving your garage door a massage! It ensures smooth operation and helps prevent future problems. But before you grab the lubricant, remember safety first! Always disengage the door from the opener and turn off the opener completely before lubricating the rollers. This prevents the door from accidentally moving while you’re working on it.

A non-functioning keypad can be a real pain, especially if your remote dies too. Don’t panic! Most keypads can be resynced with the opener. Refer to your user manual for specific resyncing instructions for your keypad model. If resyncing doesn’t work, contact the keypad manufacturer for further assistance.

Extreme cold can cause problems for your garage door. Weatherstripping, the seal around the door, can become stiff and sticky in cold weather, making it harder for the door to open and close. Cold weather can also drain batteries faster, so your remote might not have the juice it needs to send a signal. To combat the cold, keep your weatherstripping clean and consider using lithium batteries in your remote, as they tend to perform better in cold temperatures. If you suspect a mechanical issue caused by the cold weather, a professional inspection is recommended.

Don’t wait to address garage door problems. Prompt action can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. For anything beyond simple troubleshooting, professional help is valuable. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your garage door.

Considering scheduling a maintenance check-up? If you’re considering scheduling a maintenance check-up, contact Emu Garage Doors at 02 9030 0686 or email us at info@emugaragedoors.com.au.