Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Top 10 Garage Door Problems
top of page
Wooden Garage

Top 10 Garage Door Problems

Garage doors are often taken for granted until they stop working properly. If you are having problems with your garage door, don't worry, you are not alone. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 garage door problems that homeowners often experience. We will also provide ways on how to fix these problems yourself. Keep reading to learn more.

Top 10 Garage Door Problems

Common Garage Door Problems

If your garage door isn’t working properly, it can be a huge inconvenience. Garage doors are subject to a lot of wear and tear, and they can break down over time. 


Here are the top 10 garage door problems and how to fix them:


1. The garage door opener's switch isn't working.

If the switch on your garage door opener isn't working, you can try to fix it by first checking the fuse or circuit breaker. If they're fine, check the wires leading to the switch for any damage. If there's no damage to the wires, then the problem is likely with the switch itself. You can replace it yourself or call a professional to do it for you. If your garage door opener still isn't working after trying these fixes, then you may need to buy a new one.


2. The remote control doesn't function.

If your garage door opener's remote control isn't working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. If they're dead, replace them and see if that fixes the problem. If not, there could be something wrong with the transmitter or receiver. You can try to clean them with a cloth or replace them if necessary. If your remote still isn't working after doing these things, then you may need to buy a new one.


3. The garage door track is misaligned.

If your garage door track is misaligned, it can cause the door to be difficult to open and close. You can try to fix this by adjusting the screws on the brackets that hold the track in place. If that doesn't work, you may need to get a professional to realign the track for you.


4. The photo-eye has a problem.

The photo-eye is a safety feature on garage doors that prevents them from closing if there's something in the way. If the photo-eye isn't working, then your garage door won't close. You can try to fix this by cleaning the lens of the photo-eye with a cloth. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the photo-eye altogether.


5. Cables are broken or snapped.

Cables are an important part of the garage door, and if they break or snap, it can be a big problem. You shouldn't try to fix this yourself, as it's very dangerous. Instead, you should call a professional to replace the cables for you.


6. Garage doors that close partially and then reverse.

Garage doors that close partially and then reverse are a common problem. This is often caused by a broken or misaligned sensor. If you are experiencing this issue, it is important to have the sensors fixed as soon as possible. You can try to fix this by realigning the sensors using the instructions in your garage door opener's manual. If that doesn't work, you may need to get a professional to do it for you. Left unchecked, the door could potentially injure someone or damage property.


7. You can hear the opener, but it isn't moving.

If you can hear your garage door opener motor running, but the door itself isn't moving, there are a few potential issues. One possibility is that your door's tracks need to be lubricated. Another is that the chain or belt that connects the motor to the door has come loose or broken. If you suspect either of these issues, call a professional for help.


8. When the garage door is released, it falls.

This is usually caused by a loose spring. The springs on your garage door are what hold it up, so when one becomes loose, the door will no longer be properly supported. You can try tightening the spring yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing that, you should call a professional to take care of it for you.


9. Your garage door will not open.

This is usually caused by a problem with the opener. If your garage door won't open, try checking the fuse or circuit breaker. If they're fine, check the wires leading to the opener for any damage. If there's no damage to the wires, then the problem is likely with the opener itself. You can replace it yourself or call a professional to do it for you.


10. Garage door makes a lot of noise.

This is usually caused by two things, either the door needs oiling or the tracks need cleaning. If you can, try oiling the door yourself. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to call a professional to take a look at the tracks.  Noise can also be caused by loose hardware, so make sure to check all of the screws and bolts to see if any are loose. Tighten them if they are and see if that solves the problem. If not, then you may need to replace some of the parts.


Garage door problems can be a real hassle, but we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing any of the common garage door problems listed above, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team of experts will have your garage door 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!

bottom of page