If your garage door isn't opening, you may have a few different reasons. Some problems may be user error. Others can be caused by metal parts sliding down the tracks. Some things you can check to fix these problems include the locking knob, springs, and the track. A lubricant can also be used to grease the tracks, which can fix some common problems. If none of these work, contact a service technician or garage door repair company.
Misaligned tracks
If your garage door is stuck open, chances are it's due to misaligned tracks. The tracks form a joint near the top of the door opening. This joint should be wide enough for the door rollers to move freely, but not so wide that the tracks themselves are bent. If the tracks are out of alignment, the door will grind or catch as it slides along the tracks. Misaligned tracks should be replaced to keep your garage door working properly.
If the tracks are not properly aligned, the most common cause of this issue is old age. Even premium-quality tracks will wear out over time. The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure you perform track maintenance regularly. Otherwise, rust will build up and cause the garage door to become misaligned. If you neglect these issues, it will lead to a broken garage door and a frustrated homeowner.
Out of range photo eye
If you notice your garage door not opening properly, one of the likely culprits is an out-of-range photo eye. If you notice that the eyes do not appear to be in the proper range, take a look at the sensors. They should point in the same direction and at the same angle. If one of the eyes is out-of-range, it will not register it and will think that something is in its path. To fix this problem, try clearing the path between the two photo eyes and ensuring that they are aligned.
If you do not notice any visible lights, then the photo-eye is out-of-range. It could be obstructed by debris or buildup on the tracks. To clean the tracks, use a damp rag to wipe them down. If this still does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the photo-eye. You should always replace this photo-eye if you notice any sign of deterioration.
Damaged remote control
If you're struggling with a malfunctioning garage door opener, a dead battery or antenna may be the problem. The signal from a garage door opener can also be interfered with by something blocking it, such as a tree. If you've found that your garage door has been difficult to open or close, consider cleaning off the antennae. Broken antennae will need a professional repair. If your remote control no longer works at all, it's time to take it to a garage door repair service.
If you've tried the steps above and still have trouble opening your garage, you've probably damaged the remote control. The most common way to fix a damaged remote control is to purchase a new one. Some remote controls use batteries to operate the door, while others rely on wall switches. Regardless of the type of remote control you have, it's important to remember that the remote control has to function correctly before it can be programmed to open and close the garage door.
Damaged torsion spring
When your garage door is not opening, it is likely because it is not responding properly to the opener. If this is the case, it is necessary to have the spring replaced, or the entire door will not open at all. A broken spring is the most likely culprit. These springs are the main components of your garage door, and they are subject to wear and tear over time. In addition, weather damages can make them weaker. Corrosion is one common cause, so you should have the spring replaced as soon as possible. To prevent corrosion, you should purchase springs made of high quality weather-proof materials.
Garage doors are notorious for putting a lot of stress on their springs, and the constant use will eventually wear them out. Because torsion springs are made from massive amounts of energy, they spend the majority of their useful lives discharging and recharging themselves. While you can delay the inevitable and get a spring replacement if you maintain the garage door properly, it's still not a good idea to ignore the signs that your garage door is experiencing trouble.
Damaged torsion spring cable
If you notice that your garage door is not opening or closing, chances are you have a broken spring. This can be a dangerous situation and can cause your garage door to break down and fall on your car, your walls, or even yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to fix a broken spring without causing any additional damage. Here are three tips to solve this common problem. Repairing your garage door yourself can be risky.
To inspect the spring, remove it from the garage door and measure the diameter of the wire. If the wire is bent or broken, measure the width and the diameter of the spring. Measure the spring's diameter with a ruler and find the exact diameter. You should then use the same method to replace it. If the spring is stretched too far, lubrication is necessary. This lubricant will help prevent the door from falling when you open and close it.
