A garage door that does not close properly is not just a safety hazard; It also compromises the security of your home. If your garage door doesn't close fully, there are several minor issues that may be causing the problem.
At Door Power, we know how important it is that your garage door functions safely and provides protection for your home. To help you better understand why your garage door won't close, we've listed a few of the most common reasons behind the issue.
Let’s take a look!
The Photo Eye Is Blocked
If your home has a modern garage door, it likely has two photo eye sensors that will prevent the door from closing when obstacles are in the door's path. If an unknown object is blocking the photo-eye sensor, your garage door will refuse to close.
If you don't find an object in the path of the sensor, dirt and dust accumulation may be blocking the sensor's beam. For example, your sensor or its power cord may be damaged if you've cleaned the photo-eye and the door still won't close.
If that's the case, we can inspect your door, locate the damage, and perform a garage door opener repair.
The Garage Door Opener Is Malfunctioning
If you're operating your opener within range of your garage door, but the door doesn't respond, it's time to inspect your garage door opener. First, verify that the unit contains operational batteries.
If new batteries don't fix the issue, the antenna on your opener motor may be damaged or otherwise blocked from the signal. Make sure the antenna hangs downward to recognize the signal from your remote.
If all else fails, it's time to contact Door Power for a garage door opener repair or recalibration.
The Limiter Needs Recalibration
A garage door's limiter controls the up and downward movement of the door, along with its movement speed. If the settings are inaccurate, your door may close, hit the ground, and reverse upward because the system perceives a collision with an obstacle.
You'll need to locate the limit switch adjustment dial to reset your limiter. Then, if the door doesn't close fully, adjust the limiter down; if it doesn't open fully, adjust the dial-up.
Keep in mind: You'll need to make tiny, incremental changes to avoid over-adjusting the door and causing it to slam open or shut.
The Rollers Are Misaligned in the Garage Door Track
If something has caused the rollers in your garage door track to become misaligned, your door may move slowly, become stuck, or not move at all. Misaligned rollers and misaligned tracks can also cause grinding or rattling sounds during door operation.
If you've recently noticed odd noises while attempting to close your door, a garage door track problem is likely your issue.
At Door Power, we thoroughly inspect your rollers and tracks, clear any debris, and, if necessary, perform repairs. For example, if the tracks are bent or damaged, they may need to be replaced.
Busted Springs and Cables
Your garage door has a working system of springs and cables, ensuring a heavy garage door can open and close easily. They also control the speed of the garage door, keeping it from slamming down.
Because of the nature of your garage door's springs and cables, it is easy to see if this is the reason behind a door that won't close completely.
Garage door cables and torsion springs under pressure are unsafe to DIY. But, of course, you can easily see that your garage door springs look damaged, rusted, and otherwise broken.
Call an expert garage door repair professional if you believe your garage door won't close because of broken springs and tension cables.
Garage Door Gears Are Stripped
Most home and business owners have electronic garage door openers and even smart garage door capabilities. So, it is easy to forget that your garage door is ultimately manual and has manual parts.
Plastic or nylon units inside the door keep it going, even without modern conveniences. So, when you run into a garage door that won't close, it may be a manual problem. The gears sometimes break or get stripped as the gear teeth have broken and fallen off. They will then fail to lock together and move the garage door.
If you suspect this is the issue, connect with a garage door repair professional.
Why You Need a Garage Door Repair Pro
As you can see, several reasons lead to a garage door that won't close. However, attempting to fix a malfunctioning garage door can be dangerous and lead to further issues with your garage door.
Therefore, hiring a professional for garage door repair is critical to restoring your door's functionality. Garage door repair experts, like those at Door Power Sales and Service, have several years of training, experience, and knowledge.
Because DIY can be dangerous, choosing to hire a professional means prioritizing the safety of yourself and your family.
Need a Garage Door Repair? Contact Door Power Today!
At Door Power, we've been servicing garage doors since 1967 for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro. Whether you need a door inspection, a garage door spring replacement, a new cable, or a garage door opener recalibration, our experienced team is here to serve you.
We pride ourselves on our friendly, prompt, and transparent service, and we'd love to make you our next satisfied customer. To learn more about our products or repair services, call us at 952-467-3199 or contact Door Power Sales and Service, or send us a message online.