Is Your Garage Door Stuck Open? Here's Why
Are you having trouble getting your garage door to close? Are you finding that it won’t close, even after you press the button to activate the garage door opener? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find that their garage door gets stuck in the open position, leaving them frustrated and unable to close the door. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common causes of a stuck garage door, and offer some tips for getting it closed again.
Photo Sensors
The vast majority of the time, if your door is not coming down, something is wrong with the photo sensors. They are very sensitive and if they get bumped, sunlight, spider webs, or water, can affect them. All of these things can cause the sensors to act up and keep your garage door from coming down.
Check The Opener
When dealing with a garage door that is stuck open, the first place to look is the opener. The opener is a motorized device that controls the opening and closing of your garage door. If the opener has malfunctioned or become damaged, it may be preventing your door from properly closing.
To check the opener, make sure the circuit breaker controlling your garage door is on. Then press the button on your wall-mounted opener. If the light on the opener is flashing, it could mean that something has gone wrong. Try pressing the button again and seeing if the door will close this time.
If the door still won’t close, then the problem may be in the opener itself. To determine if this is the case, you will need to inspect it for any loose connections or wires. If any wires appear to be frayed or disconnected, you will need to replace them. You should also make sure that all of the springs are connected securely and that the gear system is working properly. If none of these solutions work, you may need to get a new garage door opener installed.
Check The Springs
If your garage door is stuck open, it’s likely the springs that are causing the problem. Garage door springs are an integral part of the lifting mechanism that opens and closes your door. If they break or become too worn, they can cause the door to become stuck in the open position.
Checking the springs is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to remember that they are under high tension. Therefore, you should always be sure to follow the safety precautions listed in your garage door opener’s instruction manual.
To check the springs, you will need to remove the springs from their mounting brackets and check for signs of wear and tear. Look for signs of rust, cracks, and other damage. If the springs are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged, then you should replace them. If the springs look like they’re in good condition, then you should be able to reattach them to the mounting brackets and see if that fixes the problem.
If you’re uncomfortable with inspecting or replacing your garage door springs yourself, then it may be time to call a professional. A technician can come out to inspect your garage door and determine what is causing it to be stuck open.
Check The Rollers
If the opener and springs appear to be functioning properly, then the next step is to check the rollers. These are metal wheels located near the top of your garage door that help the door move up and down when opened or closed. If the rollers have become worn or damaged over time, they may no longer be able to support the weight of the door and can cause it to become stuck in the open position.
To inspect the rollers, you should start by closing your garage door, if possible. Then, locate each roller and inspect them for signs of damage. Look for any chips, cracks, or corrosion that could be affecting their ability to support the weight of the door. If you find any damage, then you should replace the roller as soon as possible.
When replacing the rollers, make sure to use heavy-duty replacements that can support the weight of your door. If you’re not sure what kind of roller you need, consult with a professional or look up your specific garage door model online. Once you’ve replaced the rollers, open and close the door a few times to make sure it functions properly.
Check The Tracks
If the rollers and springs are in good condition, the next step is to check the tracks that hold the garage door. If the tracks are out of alignment, bent, or otherwise damaged, the door may be stuck open.
Start by examining the tracks for any bends or warping. If there is a bend or warp, you can try to adjust the tracks to correct it. Use a level to make sure the tracks are aligned horizontally and that they slope slightly downward toward the back of the garage.
You should also look for any build-up of debris on the tracks that could prevent the door from opening or closing. Use a vacuum to clean off any dust or dirt on the tracks. It’s also important to check for any rust or corrosion that could cause the track to stick in place. If rust is present, use a steel brush to remove it.
Finally, check the mounting brackets that attach the tracks to the walls. Make sure they are secure and properly aligned. If they are loose, tighten them using a wrench. If you find that your tracks are damaged beyond repair, you should consider replacing them with new ones. This job can be difficult and should be done by a professional if possible.
Call A Professional
If you’ve gone through the steps above and are still unable to fix your garage door, it’s probably time to call a professional. It’s always best to have a trained technician come out and take a look at the door. They can help identify and diagnose the issue quickly and make sure that it’s fixed correctly.
A professional may also be able to help with other aspects of your garage door, like making sure it’s balanced correctly and operating efficiently. If you’re not sure who to call, start by looking for local companies online. Make sure to read reviews from other customers and get an idea of their experience before deciding on a company.
If the garage door still won’t open after you’ve had a professional come out to inspect it, you may need to replace some of its parts. This could include broken springs, the opener, the rollers, or the tracks. A professional can help you find the right parts and then install them safely and securely.
No matter what kind of garage door problem you’re having, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring an issue can cause even bigger problems down the road, so don’t hesitate to call a professional if you think your garage door might be stuck open.
