Why Your Garage Door Isnt Opening: Common Issues
Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening: Common Issues
Welcome to Around The Clock Garage Door! We are your garage door experts, providing quality installations and repairs. If you’re struggling with a garage door not opening, you’ve come to the right place.
Garage Door Not Opening: The Basics
Before we delve into the common issues, let’s first understand the basics of a garage door system. A garage door operates through a complex system of springs, cables, and pulleys, all controlled by an electric opener. When any of these components fail, it can result in your garage door not opening.
Understanding the Garage Door Mechanism
The garage door mechanism is a combination of various parts working together. The door itself is usually heavy, made of metal or wood, and is balanced by a torsion spring system or extension springs. The door moves on metal tracks on the garage walls, and a heavy-duty spring or set of springs provide the power. In most cases, when the door doesn’t open, it’s due to a problem with these components.
Common Issues with Garage Doors
There are several reasons why your garage door might not be opening. Let’s explore some of the most common issues.
Issue 1: Power Source Disruption
The most common reason for a garage door not opening is a disruption in the power source. This could be as simple as the garage door opener being unplugged or a circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI controlling the door opener circuit has tripped or burned out.
Issue 2: Garage Door Remote Failure
Another common issue is a failure of the garage door remote. This could be due to dead batteries, a malfunctioning remote, or a need to reprogram the remote.
Issue 3: Misaligned Photo Eye
Garage doors post-1993 have photo eyes that detect if a child or animal is crossing the doorway and stops the door from closing on them. If your garage door is not opening, it could be because the photo eye is dirty or misaligned.
Issue 4: Broken Torsion Springs
If your garage door makes a loud bang before it stops working, it’s likely that the torsion springs have broken. This is a common issue and requires immediate attention from a professional.
Issue 5: Worn Out Gear and Sprocket
The gear and sprocket assembly is one of the most common parts of the opener to fail. If it’s worn out or broken, it can prevent the garage door from opening.
How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open
Now that we’ve identified the common issues, let’s look at how to fix them. Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing these fixes, it’s best to contact a professional.
Fixing Power Source Disruption
First, check to ensure the opener is plugged into a working outlet. If it is, check the circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI.
Fixing Garage Door Remote Failure
If the remote is the issue, try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reprogram the remote or replace it.
Fixing Misaligned Photo Eye
Clean the photo eye with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. If that doesn’t work, check the alignment. The eyes should be pointing in the same direction and at the same angle.
Fixing Broken Torsion Springs
This is a dangerous task that should be left to a professional. If you suspect your torsion springs are broken, book an appointment with us today.
Fixing Worn Out Gear and Sprocket
Again, this is a task best left to a professional. If you suspect your gear and sprocket assembly is worn out or broken, contact us for a repair.
Preventing Garage Door Issues
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular maintenance can help prevent many common issues with garage doors.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect your garage door regularly for any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking the springs, cables, rollers, and other hardware for signs of damage.
Lubrication
Regular lubrication of the moving parts can prevent them from wearing out and breaking down.
Proper Alignment
Ensure the garage door is properly aligned. If it’s off-balance, it can put strain on the opener and prevent the door from opening.
Professional Inspection
Consider having a professional inspect your garage door annually. They can spot potential issues before they become major problems.
Conclusion
A garage door not opening can be a major inconvenience. However, understanding the common issues can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. Remember, if you’re uncomfortable performing these fixes yourself, it’s always best to contact a professional.
FAQs
1. Why won’t my garage door open?
There could be several reasons, including power source disruption, remote failure, misaligned photo eye, broken torsion springs, or a worn-out gear and sprocket.
2. How can I fix a garage door that won’t open?
Some fixes can be done yourself, like checking the power source or replacing the remote batteries. However, issues like broken torsion springs or a worn-out gear and sprocket should be fixed by a professional.
3. How can I prevent garage door issues?
Regular inspection and maintenance, lubrication of moving parts, ensuring proper alignment, and having a professional inspection annually can help prevent many common issues.
4. What should I do if my garage door makes a loud bang before it stops working?
This is likely due to broken torsion springs. It’s a dangerous issue that should be fixed by a professional.
5. What should I do if my garage door remote is not working?
Try replacing the batteries. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reprogram the remote or replace it.
6. How often should I have my garage door inspected by a professional?
It’s recommended to have your garage door inspected by a professional annually.
