Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The Top 10 Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them Fast
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The Top 10 Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them Fast

Everyone who has a garage knows that eventually, something is going to go wrong with the door. Whether it's the spring breaking, the opener malfunctioning, or just a stubborn panel that won't close properly, sooner or later you're going to need to deal with some kind of garage door problem. Here are the top 10 problems most people experience, and how to fix them quickly.

The Top 10 Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them Fast

1. A Noisy Garage Door

Noise from a garage door can be caused by many different things, from worn-out rollers to misaligned tracks. If your garage door is making excessive noise, the first thing you should do is determine the root of the problem. You can do this by inspecting the door and its components yourself, or by hiring a professional to do it for you.


Once you've identified the source of the noise, there are several steps you can take to fix it. If the problem is with the rollers, for example, you may be able to lubricate them yourself using a spray lubricant. If the tracks are misaligned, they may need to be realigned or replaced altogether.


If you're not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, or if the issue is too complex, it's best to call in a professional. A garage door specialist will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.

2. A Garage Door That Doesn't Open

The first thing you should do is check the garage door opener. Make sure it's plugged in and that the power is on. If it is, then try to reset the opener by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, then you may need to replace the garage door opener.

3. A Garage Door That Won't Close

The first thing you should do is check the garage door sensor. Make sure there are no objects blocking the sensor. If there aren't any obstructions, then try to reset the sensor by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, then you may need to replace the sensor.

4. A Garage Door That's Off Its Track

If the garage door is off its track, you'll need to call in a professional to fix it. It's a complex job and requires special tools and expertise. Attempting to fix it yourself could cause further damage and may end up costing you more in the long run.

5. A Garage Door That's Stuck

If the garage door is stuck, first try pushing or pulling it open by hand. If that doesn't work, then you may need to use a lubricant to free up the mechanism. Petroleum jelly or WD-40 can be used for this purpose. If the door is still stuck, then you may need to call in a professional.

6. Faulty Garage Door Sensor

Garage door sensors are an important safety feature of your garage door system. If one of your sensors is not working, it can prevent your garage door from closing all the way, or opening at all. 


There are a few things you can do to fix a faulty garage door sensor:


  • Check that the sensor is properly aligned. The two sensors should be facing each other and should be about six inches apart.

  • Make sure that there is nothing blocking the path of the sensor beam.

  • If the sensor is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and some mild detergent.

  • If none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the sensor.

7. Loose And Broken Door Seals

One of the most common garage door problems is a loose or broken seal. This can cause your garage door to become difficult to open and close, and it can also lead to energy loss and an increase in your monthly energy bill. 


There are a few things you can do to fix this problem:


  • First, check the screws around the edge of the door seal and make sure they are tight. If they are loose, tighten them up.

  • Second, use a caulking gun to apply a bead of caulk around the edge of the door seal. This will help to keep the seal in place and prevent it from becoming loose or broken.

  • Third, consider using a weatherstripping product to further improve the seal on your garage door.

8. A Broken Garage Door Spring

A broken garage door spring can be a real nuisance. Not only is it difficult to open and close your garage door when the spring is broken, but it can also be dangerous. If you are not familiar with how to fix a broken garage door spring, it is best to call a professional. 


However, if you are comfortable doing this kind of repair work, here are the steps you need to take:


  • First, make sure the power to your garage is off.

  • Second, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the spring in place.

  • Third, carefully remove the spring and replace it with a new one. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new spring.

  • Finally, reattach the bolts and test your garage door to make sure it is working properly.

9. A Broken Garage Door Cable

If your garage door cable breaks, it can be a real hassle. Not only will you not be able to open or close your garage door, but the cable could also become a safety hazard. 


If you are comfortable doing this type of repair work, here are the steps you need to take:

  • First, make sure the power to your garage is off.

  • Second, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the cable in place.

  • Third, carefully remove the cable and replace it with a new one.

10. The Garage Door System Has No Power

If your garage door opener doesn't have power, check to see if the outlet is working. If it is, check the breaker box to see if the circuit has been tripped. If it has, reset the breaker. If the outlet isn't working or the breaker has been reset and the garage door opener still doesn't have power, you may need to call a professional.


Garage door problems can be a real hassle. But before you spend hours trying to fix it yourself, why not give us a call? We can help you diagnose the problem and get it fixed fast. So don't wait- give us a call today!

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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