Scott

Garage doors are one of the pleasant amenities associated with homes…until they stop working. Then they turn into an unpleasant and bewildering surprise. When your garage door lets you down, understanding what happened and how to fix it is the first step. Instead of panicking, review some of the most common causes of garage door malfunctions and how you can set things right again.

The Garage Door Won't Budge

You push the button, the motor whirs to life, but the garage door doesn't go anywhere. When you try to lift it manually, it is far too heavy to manage. This is a sign that one of your springs has broken, probably your main torsion spring located right above the garage door. These large springs snap when confronted by age or harsh conditions, and suddenly the garage door lacks a mechanism to lift itself. Repairing a torsion spring is possible but don't try it by yourself – the forces involve are dangerous. Rely on a professional garage repair service, this type of fix is their bread and butter.

The Motor Refuses to Respond at All

If the motor does not come to life at all, it's time to check the batteries in your remote. If they are replaced and no one has been messing with the remote coding system (a possibility for older remotes) then you have a wiring problem or a burned-out motor. A wiring problem is most likely, and if you have electrical experience and a multimeter can you probably find where it is. Otherwise, it is time to call in a garage door specialist, who may refer you to an electrician.

Too Much Noise

If your garage door used to be quiet in the blissful past but is now making way to much noise for your comfort, you probably have a roller or chain problem. Grit and wear can eventually turn your door rollers into noise makers. Cleaning and oiling can solve the problem sometimes, but damaged rollers or chain will need to be replaced altogether.

Crooked or Cracked Garage Doors

If your garage door is stuck in a crooked position or is cracking, you probably have broken chains or cables on your hands, an easy problem to spot but a tough one to fix. Call in a contractor and have them deal with the issue for you.

Damaged Panels

If a car accident, moving snafu or yard activity gone wrong has led to garage door damage, don't fret. Because garage doors are divided into panels, you should be able to buy a new panel and replace only the one that was damaged. Make sure you match the color: If your door is especially old, the new panel may still stand out.

Stuck Halfway Up or Down

This is a sign of a bent track or cable issue. Sometimes tracks can be fixed but usually the faulty track needs to be replaced entirely. With a ladder you should be able to find out just where a track is bent or warped.

The Garage Door Comes Crashing Down

This is another symptom of damaged cables or broken springs. Do not let it alarm you. Take a minute to spot the source of the damage, and make a repair call.