|
Garage
Door Repairs Done Right
From
new door installation to garage door repairs, get a FREE estimate
for the service you need.
|
Safety
Tips
Free safety tips to prevent garage door accidents.
|
|
Troubleshooting
Tips
If you are having problems with your Garage Door, please take a look at
the troubleshooting guide below, so see if you can find possible solutions
to your problem.
There are many different types of garage doors, and there are many different
variables that can be causing a problem with your garage door. When considering
any of the garage door troubleshooting solutions you are provided, always
test your door manually first, and then test with the remote opener second.
This simple process can somtimes quickly identify a problem, or help you
elminate some of the more obvious possibilities.
Always remember. Garage Door Springs are under immense pressure.
Safety first! If your problem is a broken spring, seek a garage
door professional to assist you.
| My
door opens with the remote, but will not close? |
| The
receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing,
or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries,
check those as well as the remote. Check the batteries first,
and then slowly distance yourself from the receiver and press
the remote at distance intervals. If you can't get far from the
receiver, you may need to replace it.
Another option may be the sensors. Most openers have infra-red
sensors that mount on either side of the garage door a few inches
off the floor. When the infra-red sensors are malfunctioning, usually
one of the sensor lights will be blinking. Make sure there is
nothing obstructing the sensor beam. The sensor may need to be
re-aligned or the photo lens needs to be cleaned. |
| The
garage door starts to close, then stops, reverses and goes back
up. |
| There
are several possibilities here:
Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between
the coils, signs of excessive wear, or if it is broken.
Depending on what type of garage door you have, the extension
pulleys may be worn and need to be replaced.
The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local
hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.
Most openers have infra-red sensors that mount on either side
of the garage door a few inches off the floor. When the infra-red
sensors are malfunctioning, usually one of the sensor lights will
be blinking. Make sure there is nothing obstructing the sensor
beam. The sensor may need to be re-aligned or the photo lens needs
to be cleaned.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or
twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws
that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to
be replaced. |
| My
garage door won't stay open. |
| The
springs may need to be tightened. This can be very dangerous to
try on your own. It is best to have a professional come and make
the adjustment, or depending on the age and wear of your springs,
to replace them. |
| My
garage door does not go all the way down. |
| Check
the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the
coils, signs of excessive wear, or if it is broken. Springs are
the most important and the most dangerous part of a garage door.
If they need replacing, contact a professional, and if the door
has 2 springs, replace both, even if the second one does not appear
to need it.
Inspect the pulleys for excessive wear, which can cause damage
to the cables. Inspect the cables for fray or excessive wear and
replace them if it is necessary.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or
twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws
that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to
be replaced. |
| The
door is making popping noises as it opens. |
| First,
consult the owners manual and make sure the open/close force is
adjusted according to the manufacturers instructions.
Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between
the coils, or any signs of excessive wear.
The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local
hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.
Another consideration is that metal wheels tend to be noisy, you
may try replacing them with nylon wheels instead. |
| Garage
door is stuck and will not move. |
| There
are many possibilties for this issue, and a full inspection of
all major parts of your door may be necessary:
Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between
the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring
is not broken.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or
twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws
that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to
be replaced.
The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local
hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.
Inspect the pulleys for excessive wear, which can cause damage
to the cables. Inspect the cables for fray or excessive wear and
replace them if it is necessary.
Consult the owners manual and make sure the open/close force is
adjusted according to the manufacturers instructions. |
| My
door shudders and vibrates when opening and closing. |
| The
hardware on your door may be worn out, visit your local hardware
store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed. |
| My
door shudders and vibrates when opening and closing. |
| |
| I
hear a scraping sound when the door opens and closes. |
| Check
the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted,
then the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that
secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten
the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to
be replaced.
Also, check to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt
and debris. |
| My
garage door opener runs, but nothing happens |
| Have
you checked to make sure the trolley is not disengaged? If it
is, you may have a broken trolley, and you will need a replacement. |
| The
garage door will not open at all. |
| Check
to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt and debris.
The receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing,
or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries,
check those as well as the remote.. Check the batteries first,
and then slowly distance yourself from the receiver and press
the remote at distance intervals. If you can't get far from the
receiver, you may need to replace it.
Inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between
the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring
is not broken.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or
twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws
that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it.
Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may
need to be replaced.
You may have accidentally "locked" the door by switching
the "lock" or "vacation" switch on.
As a last resort, and depending on your make/model it is possible
that the motor protection was tripped. Wait for about 15 minutes
while the system resets, and then try again.
|
| I
have to hold down the remote button for the door to open or close. |
| The
receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing,
or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries,
check those as well as the remote.
Another option may be the sensors. Most openers have infra-red
sensors that mount on either side of the garage door a few inches
off the floor. When the infra-red sensors are malfunctioning, usually
one of the sensor lights will be blinking. Make sure there is
nothing obstructing the sensor beam. The sensor may need to be
re-aligned or the photo lens needs to be cleaned. |
| The door is struggling to open and close. |
| Check
to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt and debris.
Inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between
the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring
is not broken.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or
twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws
that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it.
Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may
need to be replaced. |
| There
was a loud bang, and the door stopped working. |
| The
loud bang was the spring breaking. This can very dangerous, and
the best defense is a regular inspection of the spring/s.
Springs are the most important and the most dangerous part of
a garage door. Contact a professional for the replacement, and
if the door has 2 springs, replace both, even if the second one
does not appear to need it. This will save you in the near future,
as chances are the second spring has been wearing out at a similar
pace. |
| Do
I need to perfrom a tune-up on my garage door? |
Just
like cars or other types of equipment, garage doors need to be
maintained to keep them safe and operating correctly. Annual tune-ups
prevent minor problems from turning into expensive disasters.
Contact a local garage door professional
for a quote. |
|