Here are 10 of the most common garage door issues that homeowners face. Some are quick fixes that you can take care of yourself, but others may require extra help. If you need a professional to step in, we’ll be happy to assist you.
1. Garage Door Doesn’t Close
First things first, is something blocking the door? If the path is clear, check the sensors. You can find them on either side of the garage door, near the ground. Check to make sure the sensors are getting power and if they are aligned properly. If they’re faulty, it’s an easy replacement you can do yourself. You can also check the tracks, cables and springs. If your springs are the problem, it’s best to call in professionals for help.
2. Garage Door Closes, But Stops Before Reaching the Ground
If your garage door closes, but stops before it reaches the ground, first check to make sure there’s nothing in the way. If the path is clear, check your sensors to make sure they’re aligned and working properly. You may also want to check the door’s alignment. It doesn’t take much for something to hit the door, knocking it off track. You can also check the limit settings on the back of your garage door opener. It’s usually a small screw that tells the door how far to go before stopping. Turn the screw a little and test the door after each adjustment.
3. Garage Door Won’t Open
Check to make sure that your garage door opener is connected to a power source. If that’s not the problem, make sure the sensors are working properly, as mentioned in step 1. You may also want to check the tracks and torsion springs. Does your door slide down the tracks properly? Are there any broken springs? If so, it’s best to call a professional because installing springs can be dangerous.
4. Garage Door Hits the Ground Hard When Closing
If your garage door is slamming shut, your springs may need to be replaced. 50% of the time the wrong springs have been installed and need to be replaced. The other 50% of the time the door has gone a long time without preventative maintenance and the springs need to be re-tensioned. This is a time when it’s best to call in professionals to repair your garage door before it causes more damage or someone is injured.
5. Remote Control Doesn’t Work
The most common cause for a remote to stop working is a dead battery. If it still isn’t working, check the antenna located on your garage door opener for damage or debris. Finally, you may need to reset your remote. Check your user guide and follow the instructions to reset your remote.
6. The Light Bulb Doesn’t Work
If your garage door opener’s light bulb isn’t working, it probably needs to be replaced. Check out this post for instructions on how to easily solve this problem yourself.
7. Garage Door Closes, But Opens Again Immediately
Check the area where your garage door meets the ground. Are there any toys, sticks or rocks in the way? If the path is clear, you may need to adjust the limit switch located on the back of your garage door opener. This tells the door how far to travel, and if the setting doesn’t allow it to touch the ground, the door will go back up. If your door still won’t stay closed, it may need a new logic board. If that’s the case, it may be time to give us a call.
8. Noisy Garage Door
If your garage door is moaning and groaning, it’s important to figure out why. This post can help you troubleshoot the problem and fix it quickly so your garage door runs smoothly and quietly again.
9. Damaged Weather Sealant
If the sealant at the bottom of your door becomes cracked or damaged, you’ll risk moisture getting inside your garage. You can try handling this yourself, however there are multitude of different types of retainers used my different door manufacturers and they are not one-size-fits-all. Most hardware stores will carry your most popular types, but it is best to take photos of your door and contact us to find the proper retainers that fit.
10. Rust
Prevention is key! Proper maintenance helps you avoid this issue, but if you find rust on your garage door, wash the area with dish soap and wipe it clean with vinegar. You can sand the rust off of your garage door and if it doesn’t affect your warranty, you can apply a fresh coat of primer and paint to make it look clean again.
If your garage door is in need of repair, give us a call at 303-279-7324. At Gold Label Door, we’re here to answer all your questions and keep your garage door in working order. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
