Garage Door Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Your garage door is one of the largest and most used features of your home. Yet, when it stops working properly, it can cause a huge headache. Fortunately, there are a few simple garage door fixes that every homeowner should know to maintain their door’s functionality and avoid costly repairs. Whether you're dealing with a door that won't open, strange noises, or a safety sensor issue, many common problems can be fixed quickly and easily.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential garage door fixes that you can do yourself (or with a little professional help from 101 Garage Doors), and give you some tips on when to call in the experts.

1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close? Check the Power Supply

One of the most basic yet common problems is a garage door that refuses to open or close. Before panicking, it’s essential to check the power supply. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a tripped breaker or a disconnected power source.

What to do:

• Check the power outlet to ensure your garage door opener is plugged in.
• Inspect the circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel to ensure it hasn't tripped.
• Test the remote control batteries—it could be that they just need replacing!

If your garage door is still not responding, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, and you may need a professional to inspect the opener’s motor or wiring.

2. Garage Door Making Loud Noises? Lubricate the Moving Parts

A noisy garage door can be annoying, but it's often a sign that it needs some basic maintenance. Over time, the door’s springs, rollers, and tracks can become dry or dirty, causing the door to squeak, grind, or make other loud noises.

What to do:

• Lubricate the moving parts (springs, rollers, and tracks) with a silicone-based lubricant or a garage door-specific lubricant.
• Wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
• Check for loose parts and tighten them with a wrench if needed.

Regular lubrication will help reduce noise and keep your garage door operating smoothly. It’s a quick fix that can prolong the life of your door and prevent costly repairs.

3. Garage Door Not Closing All the Way? Check the Safety Sensors

If your garage door won’t close all the way or stops halfway, there could be an issue with the safety sensors (also known as photo-eye sensors). These sensors are designed to detect any obstacles in the door’s path and prevent the door from closing if something is in the way.

What to do:

• Ensure the sensors are aligned. If they’re misaligned, they won’t be able to detect the beam properly, preventing the door from closing.
• Clean the lenses of the sensors with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or spider webs.
• Check for obstructions. Even small objects like leaves or a piece of trash can interfere with the sensors.

If the sensors are aligned and clean, but the door still won’t close properly, it could be a wiring issue, and you’ll need a professional to diagnose the problem.

4. Garage Door Springs are Broken? Don’t DIY—Call a Professional!

Broken garage door springs are a serious issue and can be dangerous to fix on your own. Garage door springs are under a great deal of tension and can cause injury if mishandled. If your door suddenly becomes very heavy to lift or refuses to move, a broken spring may be the culprit.

What to do:

• Avoid trying to repair the spring yourself. This is one of the most critical garage door issues that requires professional help.
• Call a trusted garage door company like 101 Garage Doors to replace the broken spring safely.

Remember, garage door springs have a lifespan, typically lasting between 7,000 and 10,000 cycles, so regular maintenance and replacement are key to avoiding future issues.

5. Garage Door Off Track? Realign It Safely

If your garage door is off track, it can become stuck or move unevenly. A door that’s not running along its track properly can cause serious damage to the system and even be a safety risk. The good news is, realigning the door is possible, but it must be done correctly.

What to do:

• Inspect the track for visible damage. If you notice any bent or broken sections, you’ll need to replace the track.
• Check the rollers to ensure they are moving freely and aren’t obstructed by dirt or debris.
• Realign the track. You can carefully guide the rollers back onto the track, but make sure you don’t force it.

If the door is still off track, it’s best to call a garage door repair expert to avoid causing further damage or safety issues.

6. Garage Door Opening Slowly? Check the Tension Springs and Rollers

If your garage door opens slowly, it could be a sign of several issues, including worn-out torsion springs or rollers. These parts help your door operate smoothly, and when they start to wear out, the door’s movement becomes sluggish.

What to do:

• Inspect the rollers for wear and tear. If they look worn or cracked, they may need to be replaced.
• Check the tension springs. If your door isn’t moving smoothly, it could be a sign that the springs need adjustment or replacement.
• Lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation.

If you notice any serious issues with the springs or rollers, it’s best to call a professional. Adjusting springs can be dangerous if you’re not trained, and rollers may require replacement.

7. Garage Door Remote Not Working? Reprogram It

Sometimes, a simple fix like reprogramming your remote is all it takes to get your garage door back in working order. If your garage door remote is unresponsive, it could be because the remote’s code has been lost or corrupted.

What to do:

• Reprogram the remote by following the manufacturer’s instructions in the garage door opener’s manual.
• Replace the remote battery if needed.

If reprogramming the remote doesn’t work, the issue could be with the opener itself or the receiver in the door. In that case, it’s time to call in a professional.

8. Garage Door Won’t Stay Open? Check the Springs and Lift Cables

If your garage door opens but won’t stay open, the issue could lie with the springs or lift cables. The springs help the door stay in place when it’s open, and if one is broken or out of alignment, the door may fall back down.

What to do:

• Do NOT attempt to fix lift cables or springs yourself. These parts are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to handle without the proper tools and expertise.
• Call a professional to replace or adjust the springs and cables.

When to Call the Professionals

While many of these fixes can be done on your own, certain issues—especially with springs, cables, and the opener’s motor—should always be handled by a professional. Attempting repairs without the proper training can lead to injury or cause more damage to your garage door system.

At 101 Garage Doors, we specialize in fast and reliable garage door repairs, serving homeowners in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson, and throughout Arizona. If you're dealing with any of the issues mentioned above and need help, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Why Choose 101 Garage Doors?

• Expert Technicians: Our team is highly trained and equipped to handle all types of garage door issues.
• Affordable Rates: We offer competitive pricing and free estimates.
• Fast, Reliable Service: We know how important your garage door is, so we provide prompt, same-day service.

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