Garage Door Problems And Troubleshooting Tips

Garage doors can have their share of problems and while not all of them can be fixed by a homeowner, there are a few common issues that you may be able to fix yourself. The key is to identify the problem as soon as you notice it so that you can fix it right away because the sooner you act, the less damage you will experience and the repair costs will be far more affordable.

Here are some of the most common garage door problems people face along with easy ways of repairing them that are worth a try.

  • Garage door not opening: If you’re having difficulty opening your garage door, start by checking the door itself first before moving on to check other components. When the door is closed, pull the emergency release cord and lift the door to see whether or not it opens and closes smoothly. If you see that it doesn’t, then the problem is not with your opener and the issue is with your tracks, rollers or springs, which you need to call a professional garage door repair team to find and fix the problem safely.
  • Garage door track is out of alignment: If you notice that the track is misaligned but the door can still move, there are a few things you can try yourself like loosening the screws that hold the track to the frame and gently tapping the track using a rubber mallet to move it back to the right position. Use a level to ensure that it’s perfectly straight and once you see that it’s properly aligned, proceed by tightening the screws securely to keep the track from moving, which would lead to more problems when attempting to open your garage door. If the other tracks are also out of alignment repeat this process. If you’re not sure whether or not the track is misaligned, keep an ear out for a rubbing noise when the door reaches a certain spot on the tracks every time you open or close it, which will confirm that the tracks are misaligned. If your door slows down when it hits a certain spot, this too is an indication that there is a problem.
  • Garage door opens just a little but then closes: This is likely because of a problem with the springs at the top of the door, which will need to be replaced. Check to see if there are any broken ones because you may be able to replace just these and it is generally recommended that you replace all of the springs at the same time because doing them separately will be more expensive.

While you may be able to fix these issues on your own, certain problems will require the assistance of a professional garage door repair company like Sam’s Garage Doors. Our technicians are experts in this field, so if you’re in the lower mainland areas and your garage door is in need of a repair, give us a call today to ensure the job is done quickly and safely!