14 Common Garage Door Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Garage Door Installation- Garage Door Company in Mclean VA - Door Doctor

Is your garage door getting stuck halfway or making grinding noises every time it moves?

These might be the first indicators that something’s not quite right with your garage door.

Ignoring these common garage door problems like these can lead to inconvenient breakdowns, safety risks, and even expensive repairs down the line.

Luckily, by staying on top of garage door maintenance, you can catch issues like worn rollers or broken springs before they turn into major hassles.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common problems and how to address them quickly and easily

Common Garage Door Problems and Why Maintenance Matters

Dealing with a garage door that won’t close properly or making unusual noises can be frustrating. These problems don’t just affect the door’s performance—they can compromise your safety and convenience.

From 2018 to 2022, finger injuries were the most common garage door injury, accounting for 27.8% of all injuries, followed by head injuries at 22.2% of total injuries.

Regular garage door maintenance helps you catch issues early, such as worn-out rollers or garage door opener problems, which can prevent bigger, costlier repairs in the future. Plus, maintaining your garage door ensures it runs smoothly and extends its lifespan, saving you money over time.

By staying on top of minor repairs, you can avoid emergencies and keep your home safe and secure.

1: Worn or Old Garage Door Rollers

One of the most common garage door problems is worn or old rollers. These small but essential parts keep your door running smoothly along its tracks. Over time, however, they can become cracked, bent, or worn out, leading to jerky movement or even a stuck garage door.

To spot this issue, listen for grinding or squeaking noises and check if the door seems to struggle when opening or closing. If the rollers look visibly worn, it’s time for a replacement. Regular garage door maintenance, including lubricating the rollers, can extend their lifespan and prevent future problems.

Replacing the rollers might seem like a big task, but with the right tools and safety precautions, it’s a manageable DIY project. If you’re unsure, calling in a professional can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

2: Garage Door Won’t Close Properly

A garage door that won’t close can be more than just an inconvenience—it can pose a security risk to your home. One of the most frequent causes of this issue is sensor misalignment. Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. However, if the sensors become misaligned or dirty, they can mistakenly sense an obstruction.

To fix this, check if the sensors are aligned and clear of debris. A quick clean with a soft cloth or gentle realignment can often solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, the issue might lie in the wiring or the garage door opener itself.

Obstructions in the track are another common cause. Small items like leaves, stones, or even dirt can block the smooth movement of the door. Inspect the tracks and clean them regularly to prevent this issue from happening.

3: Broken or Stretched Garage Door Springs

If your garage door feels heavy or refuses to open, it could be due to broken garage door springs. These springs do most of the heavy lifting, and when they break or stretch out, your door won’t function properly.

A telltale sign of a broken spring is a loud bang when the door is in motion or the door opening unevenly. This is not a DIY fix—broken springs are dangerous to handle due to the tension they hold.

For your safety, it’s best to call a professional to replace the springs. Regular garage door maintenance can help identify weakening springs before they snap, preventing sudden breakdowns and keeping your door operating smoothly.

4: Lack of Lubrication for Moving Parts

Without proper lubrication, your garage door’s rollers, hinges, and tracks can become stiff and noisy, leading to poor performance. Over time, neglecting this simple task can cause unnecessary wear and tear, potentially leading to costly repairs.

To keep your door running smoothly, it’s important to lubricate all moving parts regularly. Use a lithium-based grease or a silicone spray—avoid using WD-40, as it’s not suitable for this job.

Apply the lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks at least once or twice a year, depending on the climate and use. This simple garage door maintenance step can drastically extend the life of your garage door and prevent annoying problems like squeaking or grinding noises.

5: Noisy Garage Door

Is your garage door making loud, unpleasant sounds every time you open or close it? A noisy garage door is a common issue and often points to deeper problems, such as worn-out parts or lack of lubrication.

Different noises can indicate different issues:

  • Grinding sounds often mean the rollers or tracks need attention.
  • Squeaking usually points to dry, unlubricated parts.
  • Banging or slapping could signal loose parts or a misaligned door.
    To fix this, start by lubricating all moving parts. If the noise persists, check for worn rollers, loose hardware, or garage door opener issues. Addressing these problems early can prevent further damage and ensure your door operates quietly.

6: Garage Door Opener Issues

If your garage door opener isn’t working as it should, you might experience the door refusing to open or close, or the remote not responding. This problem can stem from several causes, including motor failure, worn-out batteries, or issues with the wiring.

Start by checking the remote batteries—sometimes a simple replacement does the trick. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to reset the opener or check the wiring connections. For specific troubleshooting, follow the manual for your opener model (like LiftMaster or Chamberlain).

If the motor has failed, a professional will need to assess whether a repair or replacement is necessary. Regular garage door maintenance, including inspecting and testing the opener, can help prevent this problem from escalating.

7: Sticking or Misaligned Garage Door

A sticking garage door or one that moves unevenly is often caused by misaligned tracks or an obstruction in the path. This can make the door jerk or stop halfway when opening or closing.

First, inspect the tracks for any debris, like dirt or small objects, that might be blocking the door’s movement. Cleaning the tracks and removing any obstacles can solve the problem. If the tracks appear bent or misaligned, you may need to gently tap them back into place with a rubber mallet.

However, if the problem persists, it might require professional help to avoid causing more damage. Regularly cleaning and inspecting the tracks as part of your garage door maintenance routine will help prevent this issue.

8: Garage Door Sensor Issues

When your garage door won’t close properly, the sensors are often to blame. Modern garage doors rely on sensors to detect obstacles and prevent accidents. However, if the sensors are misaligned or dirty, they can falsely signal an obstruction, stopping the door from closing.

To fix this, check if both sensors are aligned and facing each other. Clean any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on them. Most sensor issues can be resolved by simply wiping them down or adjusting their alignment.

If the door still won’t close, there may be a wiring issue or a more complex problem with the garage door opener, which may require professional attention. Regular garage door maintenance can keep your sensors in good working condition, preventing unnecessary malfunctions.

9: Uneven Garage Door Movement

If your garage door is moving unevenly—tilting to one side or looking off-balance—it’s likely due to an issue with the garage door springs, cables, or the alignment of the tracks. Uneven movement can strain the door’s components and lead to bigger problems if not addressed quickly.

To diagnose this issue, first check the cables for signs of wear or breakage. Next, inspect the tracks for any bends or obstructions. Misaligned tracks can cause the door to move unevenly, so gently adjusting them may solve the problem.

If you suspect the springs are broken or stretched, this is not a DIY fix. Broken springs are dangerous and should be replaced by a professional. Regular garage door maintenance, including balance tests, can help prevent uneven movement and extend the life of your door.

10: Fast-Closing Garage Door

If your garage door closes too quickly or slams shut, it’s not only inconvenient—it’s dangerous. This problem is often due to broken or stretched springs or worn-out cables. When these parts fail, they can no longer support the weight of the door, causing it to drop suddenly.

A fast-closing garage door poses serious safety risks and should be addressed immediately. Attempting to fix this issue yourself can be dangerous because of the tension in the springs. The best course of action is to contact a professional to inspect and replace the springs or cables.

Regular garage door maintenance can help identify weakening springs before they become a hazard, ensuring your door operates safely. Don’t wait until the door slams shut to take action—this is a problem that requires immediate attention.

11: Slow Opening or Closing Garage Door

A garage door that opens or closes slowly is often a sign of an underlying issue. This could be due to poor lubrication, worn-out rollers, or even a failing motor. A sluggish door is not only inconvenient but also indicates that the system is straining more than it should.

Start by checking if the moving parts, such as the rollers and tracks, need lubrication. Lack of proper lubrication can make the door sluggish. Next, inspect the garage door opener—if the motor is struggling, it may need to be reset or replaced.

Keeping a regular garage door maintenance schedule, including lubricating all the moving parts and testing the opener’s strength, can prevent slow operation and keep your door functioning smoothly. If the problem persists, it may be time for a professional inspection to avoid further damage.

12: Remote Control or Keypad Not Working

If your garage door remote control or keypad suddenly stops working, it can be incredibly frustrating. This issue could be as simple as dead batteries or as complex as a sync failure between the remote and the opener.

First, replace the batteries in the remote. If that doesn’t solve the problem, try reprogramming the remote according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the keypad, you may need to reset it and ensure it’s properly synced with the garage door opener.

If neither solution works, the problem could lie within the garage door opener’s wiring or circuit board, which may require professional repair. Regularly testing and maintaining your remote and keypad as part of your garage door maintenance can help prevent sudden malfunctions.

13: Cracks or Gaps in Garage Door Panels or Seals

Over time, your garage door may develop cracks or gaps in its panels or seals, which can impact both insulation and security. This is especially common in wooden or steel doors, where exposure to the elements can cause warping or damage.

Cracks not only reduce your garage’s energy efficiency by allowing drafts but also make your home more vulnerable to break-ins. Inspect the panels regularly for any signs of wear, and check the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door for gaps.

To fix this, you can apply a sealant to close minor cracks or replace the weatherstripping if it’s worn out.

For more significant damage, you might need to replace the affected panels. Regular garage door maintenance can help catch these issues early and ensure your garage stays secure and energy-efficient.

14: Garage Door Sticking or Not Opening/Closing Fully

A garage door that sticks or doesn’t open or close all the way is a common frustration. This issue is often caused by track obstructions, misaligned tracks, or issues with the garage door opener’s limit settings.

First, check the tracks for any debris or buildup that might be blocking the door’s path.

Cleaning the tracks can often resolve this problem. If the tracks are clean but the door is still sticking, they might be misaligned.

Gently adjusting the tracks can help, but be careful not to force them.

Another common cause is improperly set limit switches on the opener. The limit settings control how far the door opens or closes, so if they’re off, the door may not move correctly. Refer to your opener’s manual to adjust the limit settings and ensure smooth operation. Regularly checking for track obstructions and testing the opener’s settings should be part of your garage door maintenance routine.

Conclusion: Preventive Maintenance and When to Call a Professional

Regular garage door maintenance is key to keeping your door running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. By addressing issues like worn rollers, broken springs, or garage door opener problems early, you can extend the life of your garage door and ensure it operates safely and efficiently.

However, not every problem can be handled with DIY fixes. For more serious issues like broken springs, fast-closing doors, or complex garage door opener repairs, it’s best to call a professional. Attempting to fix these issues on your own can be dangerous and lead to further damage.

Maintaining your garage door not only saves you money in the long run but also enhances your home’s safety and convenience. Whether it’s small fixes or professional services, staying on top of garage door care will prevent headaches down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​

Slow operation could be due to poor lubrication or a failing motor. Check and lubricate the moving parts, or consult a professional if the problem persists.

Check the sensors for alignment and clean them. If the problem continues, there may be an issue with the garage door opener.

Refer to your opener’s manual for specific instructions on resetting, as the process varies by brand.

Common problems include worn rollers, broken springs, sensor misalignment, and issues with the opener.

Regularly lubricate all moving parts, such as rollers and hinges, and ensure everything is aligned properly.