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A Practical Guide to Garage Door Problems

If you're like most people, your garage is one of the most-used areas of your home. And, if you're like most people, you may occasionally have problems with your garage door. In this article, we'll provide a practical guide to some of the most common garage door problems. We'll also offer tips on how to fix them yourself, as well as advice on when it's time to call in a professional. So, whether your garage door is stuck closed or open, keep reading for help!

A Practical Guide to Garage Door Problems

How Do Garage Doors Work?

Most garage doors operate using a simple pulley system. A trolley is attached to the door and moves along a track when the door is opened or closed. The trolley is connected to a spring that helps balance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close.


However, there are a few different types of garage doors, and each one may work slightly differently. For example, some garage doors have sensors that help prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. Others may have a keypad that you can use to enter a code to open the door.


No matter how your garage door works, though, there are bound to be times when it doesn't work as it should. If your garage door isn't working properly, read on for a practical guide to troubleshooting some of the most common garage door problems.


Problem 1: The Garage Door Won’t Open Or Close

If your garage door won't open or close, the first thing you should check is the track. If the track is dirty or blocked, it could be preventing the trolley from moving smoothly. You can try cleaning the track with a damp cloth to see if that solves the problem.


If the track looks fine, the next thing to check is the sensors. If they're dirty, they may not be able to correctly detect when something is in the way of the door, which could prevent the door from opening or closing. Again, you can try cleaning the sensors with a damp cloth.


If neither of those solutions works, the problem may be with the opener itself. If you have a remote control, make sure the batteries are fresh and that you're holding the button down for long enough. If you have a keypad, make sure you're entering the correct code.


Problem 2: The Garage Door Opens Or Closes By Itself

If your garage door is opening and closing by itself, there are a few things that could be causing the problem. First, check to see if there are any objects obstructing the sensors at the bottom of the door. If there are, remove them and see if that fixes the problem. If not, it's possible that the sensors themselves are dirty or misaligned. Try cleaning the sensors with a cloth or realigning them according to the manufacturer's instructions. If neither of these solutions works, you may need to replace the sensors.


Another possible cause of your garage door opening and closing by itself is a problem with the opener. To troubleshoot this, first, try resetting the opener. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the opener.


If your garage door is still opening and closing by itself after trying these solutions, it's best to call a professional for help.


Problem 3: The Garage Door Makes Noise When Opening Or Closing

If your garage door is making noise when opening or closing, there are several potential causes. First, check to see if anything is blocking the door from moving smoothly. If the tracks are dirty or obstructed in any way, that could be the problem.


Another possibility is that the springs or cables are worn out and need to be replaced. You can also try lubricating the door components to see if that solves the issue. If none of these solutions work, it's time to call a professional for help.

Problem 4: The Garage Door Doesn’t Open All The Way

If your garage door doesn't open all the way, there are several things you can do to try to fix the problem. First, check the tracks to make sure they are clear of debris. If the tracks are clear, then check the springs to see if they need to be adjusted or replaced. Finally, if neither of those solutions works, you may need to replace the opener itself.


Problem 5: The Garage Door Opens Or Closes Too Quickly

If your garage door is opening or closing too quickly, there are a few things you can do to adjust the speed. First, check to see if there are any obstructions in the path of the garage door. If there are, remove them. Next, check the sensors to see if they are working properly. If not, calibrate them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, check the springs and pulleys to make sure they are functioning correctly.


Problem 6: The Garage Door Won’t Stop Moving Once It Starts

One practical guide to garage door problems is to check the sensors. The sensors are located on either side of the garage door and they emit a beam of light. If the beam of light is interrupted, then the garage door will stop moving. Sometimes, the sensors can become misaligned or dirty, which can cause the garage door to keep moving. To fix this problem, simply clean the sensors or realign them.


Garage door problems can be frustrating and inconvenient. If you’re having a problem with your garage door, don’t worry - we can help. Our team of experts is here to help you solve any issue you may be having with your garage door. Give us a call today and let us help you get your garage door back up and running in no time.

Do You Need a Garage Door Repair Team You Can Trust?


Garage door spring snapped? Garage door stuck? We know how frustrating that experience can be.  Bay Area Doors has been helping customers solve their garage door problems for over 20 years! We have seen it all, and fixed it all! We are pros at Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Repair, Roller repair, Opener repair, and Track replacement. If you have one of these problems, now you know who to call.  Over the years we have helped thousands of SF Bay Area residents and have tons of five star reviews on Google, Yelp, Nextdoor and more.  Whatever the problem, Bay Area Doors is the one to call for garage door repair throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today!

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