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A garage door is something you never actually think about until it malfunctions. You’re getting ready to go to work one morning, and the door won’t move. Or maybe it’s been shrieking terribly whenever it opens and closes. These things happen, and when they do, it makes you mad. But the bright side? Most common garage door issues are pretty easy to fix, and most of the time, they can be repaired with minor adjustments.
Here at Berintek Garage Door Repair, we’ve seen it all. We know the frustration of having your garage door decide to break down, just when you need it most, such as in the middle of Ottawa winter when you just don’t feel like being out there trying to figure out why it won’t close properly. If you need garage door repair, help with upgrading a garage door, or even just regular maintenance, knowing what is broken is where we begin. Let’s address the five most common problems we face and, more importantly, how you can fix garage doors.
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
This is hands down one of the most frustrating issues homeowners face. You press the button, and nothing happens. Or maybe it starts moving but suddenly stops or reverses direction. If your garage door won’t close all the way, it could be due to a few different things.
One of the most common causes? Blocked or misaligned safety sensors. These are the small sensors near the bottom of the door tracks. If they’re dirty, blocked, or out of alignment, the door won’t close properly because it thinks something is in the way. A quick fix is to wipe the sensors with a clean cloth and make sure they’re aligned.
Another possibility is a broken garage door spring. If your garage door tries to open but slams shut or won’t lift at all a snapped spring could be the issue. This isn’t something you should attempt to fix yourself, garage door spring repair is dangerous and should only be handled by a professional.
Sometimes, the garage door track is misaligned. If the door is wobbling or moving unevenly, the metal tracks may have shifted. In some cases, tightening the bolts or gently tapping the tracks back into place with a rubber mallet can fix the problem. If the damage is more severe, a garage door repair technician will need to replace the track.
2. Noisy Garage Door That Squeaks or Rattles
A garage door should open and close smoothly. If yours has started making a terrible grinding, rattling, or squeaking noise, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.
One of the most common causes of a noisy garage door is lack of lubrication. Cold Ottawa winters can cause metal parts to dry out, leading to friction and noise. Regularly applying a garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs can make a world of difference.
If the noise sounds more like grinding or scraping, it could be due to worn-out rollers. Over time, garage door rollers can become damaged, especially if they’re plastic. Upgrading to nylon rollers can reduce noise and extend the life of your door.
Another thing to check is loose hardware. The vibration from regular use can cause screws and bolts to loosen over time, leading to rattling noises. A simple tightening of the hardware can make your garage door run smoother and quieter.
3. Garage Door Starts To Close, Then Reverses
If your garage door reverses before fully closing, it’s usually an issue with the safety sensors or the limit settings on the garage door opener.
The safety sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing on an object, pet, or person. If they’re dirty, misaligned, or blocked by something small (even a leaf or a cobweb), the door will automatically reverse. Cleaning and realigning the sensors usually solves the issue.
If the sensors are fine, the problem could be with the garage door opener’s limit settings. These settings tell the opener when to stop moving. If they’re set incorrectly, the opener might think the door has hit the ground when it hasn’t, causing it to reverse. Adjusting the limit screws on the opener can help, but if you’re unsure, a professional garage door repair service can fine-tune it for you.
4. Garage Door Moves Unevenly or Gets Stuck
When your garage door gets stuck or moves unevenly, it usually points to a spring or cable issue. If one side of the door seems lower than the other, it’s likely due to a broken torsion spring or a frayed cable.
Torsion springs bear the weight of your garage door. If one breaks, the door can become unbalanced, making it difficult to open or causing it to slam shut. Garage door spring replacement is not a DIY job, these springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle.
Frayed or worn cables are another common issue. If the cables that help lift and lower the door become damaged, they can snap, leading to an uneven door or one that won’t move at all. If you notice a cable that looks frayed or loose, avoid using the door until it’s repaired.
5. Garage Door Opener Won’t Work
A garage door opener that won’t respond can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. The first thing to check? The remote batteries. It sounds obvious, but dead batteries are one of the top reasons a garage door opener suddenly stops working.
If the remote is fine but the door still won’t budge, check if the opener is plugged in. Sometimes, power outages or accidentally unplugging the unit can make it seem like the opener is broken.
If the motor in the opener has burnt out or is making a clicking noise without moving the door, you may need a new garage door opener. A professional can help determine whether it’s a simple fix or if a full garage door opener replacement is necessary.
Common Garage Door Issues & Fixes
Problem | Possible Cause | DIY Fix or Call a Pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Garage door won’t open | Broken spring, misaligned tracks, blocked sensors | Call a pro for spring issues, DIY for track alignment |
| Noisy garage door | Lack of lubrication, worn rollers, loose hardware | DIY lubrication & hardware tightening, pro for roller replacement |
| Door reverses before closing | Misaligned safety sensors, limit setting issue | DIY for sensor cleaning, pro for opener adjustments |
| Garage door moves unevenly | Broken spring, frayed cables | Call a pro for spring & cable repairs |
| Opener not responding | Dead remote batteries, unplugged opener, motor failure | DIY for batteries, call a pro for motor issues |
When to Call a Professional For Common Garage Door Issues
While some garage door problems can be fixed with simple adjustments, others require professional expertise. If you notice a broken spring, a frayed cable, or a door that won’t move at all, don’t risk making it worse, call a professional.
At Berintek Garage Door Repair, we specialize in garage door installation, garage door repair, and maintenance in Ottawa. Whether your door is stuck, making noise, or refusing to budge, we’ll get it back in working order quickly and safely.
Need garage door repairs for common issues? Contact us today and let’s make sure your garage door is working smoothly all year round.