My Garage Door Won’t Close – What Should I Check First?

Have you found yourself stuck in the garage because the door won’t close all the way? Or are you leaving the house in a rush only to realize later that the garage door never shut completely? Don’t panic – there may be some simple things you can check before calling in a professional. Here are a few common issues to look at first if your garage door isn’t closing properly.

Damaged or Worn Safety Sensors

Safety sensors are beam detectors installed on each side of the garage door. They make sure the door’s path is clear before closing all the way. If these sensors are blocked or damaged, the door won’t close. Check for anything obstructing the sensors or look for signs they may need replacing such as dirt buildup or cracks in the plastic covering. A bit of dusting or new sensors could do the trick.

Broken or Worn Cables/Extension Springs

The cables and extension springs help to lift and open/close your heavy garage door. Over time, they can become worn or damaged which prevents smooth operation. Inspect the cables for kinks, cracks, or fraying. Look at the springs for signs of breaks or tension loss. Cable or spring replacements may be needed if they look aged or broken.

Adjustment Issues

Small alignment or tension adjustments could solve an occasional sticking problem. Check that tracks are clear of debris and rollers are aligned properly. Also check cable pulleys and drums for proper tension by ensuring 1/4 inch play if you can spin them with light pressure. Adjustments may fix an alignment or tension problem.

Bent Tracks or Rollers

If your garage floor isn’t perfectly flat, it’s possible tracks or rollers could get bent out of shape over time, causing drag and closing issues. Inspect tracks for kinks or misalignment and rollers for wobbling. Re-aligning bent sections or roller replacements may restore smooth operation.

Loose or Worn Mounting Hardware

Overhead metal rails and brackets hold the heavy door in place. Check that all mounting bolts and hardware connections are tight. Look for cracked mounting brackets or loosening at roller/brake assembly points which could cause binding. Tightening or replacing worn hardware could solve sagging or sticking problems.

Before calling in a certified garage door expert like Garage Door Repair Windsor, attempt these simple do-it-yourself checks. Nine times out of ten, a minor adjustment or replacement of a worn part gets the door closing reliably again without a service call. But if issues seem more involved, hire that expert for complete repairs. Your safety should always come first.

Broken Springs: A Job for the Pros

One problem definitely calling for a professional is broken extension springs. These bear enormous weight and tension, and an accident could occur if non-experts attempt repairs. Sometimes cable breaks or spring failures are also a sign it’s time to upgrade to a newer door system. Let qualified technicians handle extensive garage door issues like these to stay safe.

Minor Misalignment Fixed Easily

Most day-to-day not-quite-closing issues originate from things that wear or shift slightly over time like rollers, tracks, cables, or springs. Check for these simple root causes first before panicking. A few adjustments and you could be back in business without a costly repair bill. Save the pros for scenarios that seem beyond your ability or safety. Your garage door will give you years more use with occasional preventative maintenance.

With some troubleshooting know-how, many problems that stop a garage door closing are actually easy fixes you can handle yourself. Don’t forget to regularly grease moving parts and check connections twice yearly for best performance and long life too. With these maintenance basics, you’ll keep your door acting like it should for much longer.