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10 Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Your garage door is one of the most used entry points to your home, providing convenience, security, and curb appeal. However, frequent use means wear and tear, which can lead to frustrating malfunctions. Understanding the most common garage door problems can help you maintain a fully functional door and avoid costly repairs.

garage door keypad being pressed

At Skylift Garage Doors, we specialize in providing top-tier garage door services in Knoxville, Raleigh & Myrtle Beach. If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door, give us a call! Here are the top ten problems homeowners face and what you can do about them.

1. Misaligned or Off-Track Garage Door

A misaligned or off-track garage door can lead to jamming or incomplete closure. This issue is often caused by worn-out rollers, debris in the track, or accidental impact.

Solution: Check for obstructions and gently realign the tracks. If the rollers are damaged, replacing them may help. However, if the door remains off-track, professional assistance is recommended to avoid further damage.

2. Noisy Garage Door

If your garage door is making grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises, it may be due to loose hardware, worn rollers, or lack of lubrication.

Solution: Tighten all bolts and screws, lubricate the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant, and inspect the rollers for wear. If the noise persists, a professional inspection can help diagnose deeper issues.

installing new opener in garage

3. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

A garage door opener that doesn’t respond, operates intermittently, or makes unusual noises can be frustrating.

Solution: First, check the power source, remote batteries, and opener settings. If the problem continues, the issue might be with the motor or internal gears, which requires expert attention.

4. Broken Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs bear the weight of the door, and a sudden break can render your garage door inoperable.

Solution: If you notice a loud snapping sound or find that your door won’t open properly, the springs may be broken. Replacing springs is dangerous due to high tension, so it’s best left to professionals.

5. Close-Limit Switch Needs Adjustment

If your garage door reverses immediately after touching the ground, the close-limit switch might need adjusting.

Solution: Locate the switch on the opener motor and make small adjustments until the door closes smoothly without reversing.

6. Power to the Garage Door Motor Has Been Disrupted

A sudden power outage or a tripped breaker can cause your garage door to stop functioning.

Solution: Check your home’s electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker and reset it if needed. Ensure the opener is plugged in and that no power surges have affected the system.

7. Garage Door Rollers Need Lubrication

Dry rollers can cause jerky movements and noisy operation.

Solution: Regularly lubricate the rollers with a high-quality garage door lubricant. If the rollers appear damaged, replacing them can prevent long-term issues.

Broken garage door remote

8. Remote or Keypad Isn’t Working

If your remote or keypad isn’t responding, it can be a simple fix or a sign of a deeper issue.

Solution: Replace the batteries, reprogram the remote, and check for any interference from nearby devices.

9. Snapped Garage Door Cables

Garage door cables are essential for smooth operation. When they snap, the door may become stuck or fall dangerously.

Solution: Cable replacement requires specialized tools and expertise. Contact Skylift Garage Doors for safe and reliable repairs.

10. Sensors Are Misaligned

If your garage door won’t close fully or reverses suddenly, the safety sensors might be misaligned.

Solution: Clean the sensor lenses and ensure they are properly aligned. If the problem persists, recalibrating the sensors or replacing them may be necessary.

Get Expert Garage Door Repair from Skylift Garage Doors

Ignoring garage door problems can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major malfunction, Skylift Garage Doors is here to help. Our experienced team offers prompt and professional repairs to keep your garage door running smoothly. Contact us today for expert service!