7 Steps to Take When Your Garage Door Won't Close

If you have a garage door that won’t close, you’re probably wondering what you can do to fix the problem. Even though it may seem like a daunting task, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

 

This article will walk you through the steps you can take to fix your garage door. We will provide tips on when to DIY and when to call a professional.

7 STEPS TO TAKE WHEN YOUR GARAGE DOOR WON'T CLOSE

What to do When Your Garage Door Won’t Close

1. Scan Your Garage Door

The first and most crucial step to take when your garage doors won’t close is to scan the area. Look for objects that may be blocking the sensors in the garage door’s path. These sensors are located on either side of the garage door. They tell the door when to stop and go.

If you see anything blocking these sensors, remove the object and try closing the door again. If you don’t see anything blocking the sensors, move on to the next step.

2. Check the Safety Sensors

Problems with garage door safety sensors could be why your garage door won’t close. Check to see if the sensors are correctly aligned. They should be pointing directly at each other, and they shouldn’t be obstructed by anything.

If they’re out of alignment, try adjusting them. If checking this safety feature doesn’t work, you may need to replace the sensors.

3. Inspect the Tracks

If the garage door tracks are dirty, it could throw off the alignment. Inspect the tracks for dirt or grime. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any debris. Once you’re finished cleaning the door’s path, run your finger along the track to check for bumps or dents.

Damaged tracks can cause serious problems. They can be why your garage door won’t close. Damage can cause the door to come off the tracks.

If you see any damage, it’s probably best to replace the tracks. This requires advanced skills and equipment. So, you need to call a professional to do this.

4. Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges

If your garage door is making strange noises, it could be because the rollers and hinges are dry. Lubricate them with WD-40 lubricants or similar products. Lubrication reduces friction, making it easier for the door to go through its open and close cycles.

Once you’re done lubricating the door, press the door opener to close the garage. If the garage door still won’t open or close, the problem is a more serious issue. Move to the next step.

5. Try the Wall Station

Check the control panel for your garage door. It’s usually located nearby, on the wall. It houses the motor unit that controls the garage door.

Check to see if the power is on at the circuit breaker. If it’s not, flip the switch and try closing the door again. Also, check the disconnect switch and ensure it’s off.

If the power is on, but the garage door won’t close, check the settings. There may be a button that needs to be pushed to close it.

If you can’t figure it out, consult your garage door owner’s manual. It should have some useful information.

6. Check the Springs

The springs are what help balance the garage door and make it easy to open and close. If they are broken or damaged, it could be the reason why your garage door won’t close.

Look for any signs of damage. If you see anything concerning, it’s best to replace the tension springs. This may require a professional hand.

my garage door won t close

7. Use the Manual Release Cord

Another reason your garage door won’t close is that the automatic garage door opener isn’t working properly. You may need a new battery for the door opener.

In this case, you can use the release cord to close the door manually. The cord is usually located near the top of the garage door.

The manual release cord is the cord you pull to open the door when the power is out. To close the garage, pull on the cord and release it when the door closes. 

If all these steps fail, you know it’s time to seek professional help.

When to Call a Garage Door Professional?

Trying out the steps above should help you solve the problem in most cases. However, if your garage doors still won’t open or close, it’s best to call a professional.

A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and find a solution. They may also prevent further damage. There are several reasons why you should hire a professional:

Minimize the Risks 

You can be putting yourself at risk when you make your garage door repair a DIY task. There’s a chance you could get injured or make the problem worse. If the garage door cables are damaged, you could end up getting shocked, or even ignite a fire.

Think about how much experience you have in similar situations and how confident you feel tackling the task. Some people will know just what to do. Others may be nervous and this won’t help them make good decisions. 

When you hire a professional, they should take care of the repairs safely and efficiently. That way, you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong.

why won't my garage door close

Get it Done Quickly 

Professionals have the tools and experience needed to get the job done quickly. You’ll get back the use of your garage door much sooner than other methods.

A professional knows how to tune the garage door limit settings. So you don’t waste time trying to figure out what could have gone wrong with your garage door opener.

Prevent Further Damage 

Another reason to hire a professional is to prevent additional damage. If you try to fix the problem yourself and something goes wrong, you could end up causing more damage. This can also void your warranty or even cause your garage door to break completely.

When choosing a professional, make sure that they are experienced and certified. That way, you can be sure that they know what they’re doing.

Ask around for recommendations. Friends and family who’ve had similar problems will be able to point you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

Having a garage door that won’t close can be frustrating and presents a security risk. Following the steps above should help you fix the problem in most cases. 

If the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional. Professionals have the skills and equipment needed to solve the problem quickly and efficiently. They’ll also provide advice on preventing the problem in future.

Get in touch with Calgary Door Fix if you need any advice or repairs when your garage door won’t open or close.

Quick Contacts

Calgary Garage Door Fix Inc.

Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.

Quick Contacts

Calgary Garage Door Fix Inc.

Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.