If you have a garage, you know how convenient it is to have a secure space to park your car, store your tools, or use as a workshop or gym. However, if your garage door won’t close, it can be frustrating, inconvenient, and even dangerous. A malfunctioning garage door can expose your belongings to theft, your family to accidents, and your property to the elements.
Read more as we will explore some of the common causes of garage door closing problems and suggest some solutions that you can try before calling a professional in today’s post.
Obstruction
One of the most common reasons why a garage door won’t close is an obstruction in the path of the door. The photoelectric sensors that are located near the bottom of the tracks can detect objects, people, or pets in the way and signal the opener to reverse the door. This safety feature is designed to prevent the door from crushing anything that may be underneath it.
However, if the sensors are misaligned, dirty, or damaged, they may not work properly and cause the door to stop or reverse unexpectedly. To fix this issue, you can try cleaning the sensors with a soft cloth, adjusting their angle or height, or replacing them if they are broken or outdated.
Power Outage
Another reason why your garage door won’t close could be a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker. Without electricity, your garage door opener cannot function, and you may need to manually close the door or wait until the power is restored. To check if this is the case, you can try using other electrical appliances in your home, such as lights or TV, or checking the panel box for any flipped switches.
If the power is out, you may need to use the emergency release cord to disengage the opener from the door, lift the door manually, and lock it securely.
Remote Or Keypad Malfunction
Sometimes, the issue with your garage door not closing may be related to the garage door remote or keypad that you use to operate it. If the batteries are dead or low, the signal may not reach the opener, or the code may not match the one programmed in the opener.
To fix this problem, you can replace the batteries, reprogram the code, or reset the opener and the accessories to their factory settings. You can also try using a different garage door remote or keypad to see if the issue persists.
Broken Or Worn-Out Parts
Another possible cause of garage door closing problems is broken or worn-out parts, such as the springs, cables, rollers, or hinges. These components are essential for the smooth and balanced operation of the door, and if they are damaged, rusted, or bent, they can cause the door to misalign, bind, or get stuck. To diagnose this issue, you may need to inspect the hardware visually or with the help of a flashlight. If you spot any signs of damage, you should not attempt to fix it yourself unless you have the proper tools, skills, and knowledge.
Instead, you should contact a garage door repair specialist who can assess the situation, recommend the best course of action, and provide a quote for the repair or replacement.
Opener Malfunction
Finally, the problem with your garage door not closing could be related to the garage door opener itself. Over time, openers can wear out, overheat, or break down due to various reasons, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, or vibrations. Some of the signs of an opener malfunction include unusual noises, slow or erratic movement, or failure to respond to the remote or keypad.
To troubleshoot this issue, you can check the power supply, the wiring, the gears, and the motor of the opener. If you cannot identify the source of the problem, you may need to seek professional help or replace the opener altogether.
Why Call A Professional Technician If You Encounter Any Of These Problems?
Garage door problems can be tricky to diagnose and repair without the right tools, skills, and experience. If you encounter any of the issues described above, it is best to contact a professional technician who has the necessary expertise and equipment to handle the job safely and efficiently.
Professional technicians are also familiar with various types of garage doors and openers, so they can troubleshoot the issue quickly and provide the best solution. They can also provide advice on maintenance, safety tips, or suggest upgrades that will make your garage door more secure and reliable in the future.
In conclusion, a garage door that won’t close can be caused by many factors, some of which are easy to fix and others that require professional attention. By understanding the common causes and solutions of this issue, you can prevent it from happening or resolve it quickly and safely.
And remember to always prioritize safety when dealing with a malfunctioning garage door, and never attempt to repair or replace any parts unless you are qualified and equipped to do so.