A garage door is something most homeowners rely on daily—until it stops working. From noisy operation to a door that won’t open or close, garage door issues can be frustrating and disruptive. The good news? Many problems can be diagnosed with basic garage door troubleshooting, and some can even be fixed at home.
However, garage doors contain heavy moving parts, electrical components, and high-tension springs. When repairs involve these areas, it’s always safer to call a professional like Garage Door Services, where trained technicians handle repairs quickly and safely.
Here are the 10 most common garage door problems, how to fix them, and when to call in an expert.
1. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
When the door refuses to move, common causes include:
- Faulty sensors
- Dead remote batteries
- Power supply issues
- Blocked tracks
How to Fix It
- Check the outlet and ensure the opener has power
- Replace the remote batteries
- Wipe debris off the safety sensors
- Ensure nothing is blocking the tracks
If the door still won’t respond, professional diagnostics may be needed.
2. Broken Garage Door Springs
A loud bang followed by a door that won’t open usually means a broken spring. Springs carry heavy tension, and when they snap, the door becomes impossible (and unsafe) to lift.
How to Fix It
There is no safe DIY fix. Spring repairs should always be done by a technician.
3. Noisy Garage Door
Grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises often indicate:
- Dry rollers
- Loose bolts
- Worn hinges
- Misaligned parts
How to Fix It
- Lubricate moving components
- Tighten hardware
- Inspect for rusty or damaged parts
If noise continues, a technician can identify worn components that need replacement.
4. Garage Door Gets Stuck Halfway
A door sticking midway can result from track obstructions, worn rollers, or uneven tension.
How to Fix It
- Remove debris from the tracks
- Clean and lubricate rollers
- Test the balance of the door
If the door remains uneven or heavy, don’t force it—this often signals a spring or cable issue that needs professional attention.
5. Garage Door Opener Malfunction
Sometimes the issue isn’t the door—it’s the opener.
Signs of Opener Problems
- The motor hums but nothing moves
- The chain or belt is loose
- The remote or wall switch is unresponsive
How to Fix It
- Replace batteries
- Reset the opener
- Check the opener’s antenna
- Ensure the opener’s limits and force settings are correct
If the opener grinds, strains, or fails repeatedly, repair or replacement may be needed.
6. Slow-Moving Garage Door
A slow or dragging door often results from:
- Lack of lubrication
- Worn rollers
- A struggling opener
How to Fix It
- Lubricate hardware
- Clean the tracks
- Have a technician check opener performance
7. The Door Opens or Closes Unevenly
An uneven or crooked door may indicate:
- Fraying cables
- Failing springs
- Obstructed or bent tracks
How to Fix It
Homeowners can clear debris, but cable and spring issues require professional attention.
8. The Remote Control or Keypad Isn’t Working
Often, this comes down to a simple fix.
How to Fix It
- Replace remote batteries
- Reprogram the remote or keypad
- Inspect the opener antenna
- Make sure you’re within range
If none of these work, the opener’s receiver or circuit board may need repair.
9. Garage Door Lock Is Jammed
A jammed, misaligned, or stuck lock can prevent the door from closing securely.
How to Fix It
- Remove debris
- Use graphite or silicone lubricant
- Ensure the lock bar moves smoothly
Persistent lock issues may need a technician to realign or replace the locking mechanism.
10. Garage Door Comes Off Its Tracks
This is one of the most dangerous problems. A door off its tracks can fall or cause major damage.
How to Fix It
There is no safe DIY fix.
Stop using the door and call a professional immediately.
When to Call Garage Door Services
You should always contact a professional if the repair involves:
- Springs
- Cables
- Tracks
- Electrical opener issues
- A door that’s fallen, twisted, or jammed
At Garage Door Services, our technicians handle these repairs safely using the right tools and high-quality replacement parts.
How to Prevent Garage Door Problems
Routine maintenance goes a long way. Homeowners can:
- Lubricate moving parts every 6 months
- Tighten loose hardware
- Clean tracks regularly
- Test sensors monthly
- Watch for early signs of wear
A professional tune-up once a year helps catch small issues before they become expensive repairs.
Why Homeowners Trust Garage Door Services
- Fast, reliable service
- Skilled, certified technicians
- Honest pricing
- High-quality parts
- Same-day appointments
- Commitment to customer safety
Whether it’s a simple fix or a major repair, Garage Door Services delivers solutions that last.
FAQ: Common Garage Door Questions
- Why won’t my garage door open or close?
Most of the time, it’s due to dead batteries, blocked sensors, or a power issue. Start with basic troubleshooting—if the door still won’t respond, a technician can diagnose electrical or mechanical problems.
- Why is my garage door making loud noises?
Noisy operation often means the rollers, hinges, or tracks need lubrication or replacement. If the noise is persistent, it may indicate worn hardware that needs professional attention.
- Why did my garage door suddenly stop halfway?
This often happens due to track obstructions, worn rollers, or failing springs. Clear debris first, but call a professional if the door remains uneven or heavy.
- How do I fix a garage door that won’t close all the way?
Dirty or misaligned sensors are the most common cause. Clean the lenses and align them. If the door still reverses, the opener may need adjustment.
- When should I call a professional for garage door repairs?
Any issue involving springs, cables, opener wiring, or a door that’s off its tracks should always be handled by a trained technician.