A garage door that refuses to shut can be both inconvenient and unsafe. It leaves your belongings exposed and may even pose a security risk to your home. Understanding the possible reasons behind the problem can help you decide whether it’s a quick fix you can handle or an issue that needs professional attention. While each situation is unique, there are several common culprits that often prevent garage doors from closing properly. In this blog post, the experts from AAA Action Garage Doors review these common reasons.
Misaligned Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors have safety sensors on either side near the bottom of the tracks. These sensors communicate with each other to ensure nothing is in the way before the door closes. If the sensors are misaligned, dirty, or blocked, the garage door will automatically reverse or remain open. Even something as small as a leaf, spider web, or layer of dust can interfere with the signal. Ensuring they are clean and facing each other directly can often resolve the problem.
Obstructions in the Track
Sometimes the issue is as simple as something being in the way. Even a small object in the garage door track can stop the door from closing completely. Tracks that are bent, warped, or damaged can also cause the door to get stuck before shutting. If the obstruction isn’t obvious, running your hand lightly along the track to feel for dents or debris may help identify the issue.
Faulty Remote or Wall Switch
If the door refuses to close no matter how many times you press the remote, the problem might lie in the control system itself. Dead batteries, damaged wiring, or a worn-out wall switch can prevent the signal from reaching the opener. Testing the door with both the wall control and remote can help narrow down whether the problem is in the control device or the opener unit.
Limit Setting Issues
Garage door openers have adjustable limit settings that control how far the door travels when opening and closing. If the setting is off, the opener might think the door has already reached the ground when it hasn’t. This can cause it to stop early or reverse unexpectedly. Checking and adjusting the limit settings according to your opener’s manual may correct the problem.
Worn or Broken Parts
Over time, springs, cables, and rollers can wear out or break. A weakened spring may not have enough tension to guide the door down smoothly, while frayed cables or worn rollers can cause uneven movement that prevents the door from shutting fully. Because these parts are under high tension, repairs should be handled by a trained professional to ensure safety.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
While some garage door issues are minor and can be solved with a little troubleshooting, others may require specialized tools and experience. If you suspect the problem involves the opener’s motor, the torsion springs, or the wiring, calling the garage door technician from AAA Action Garage Doors is the safest choice. Prompt attention will not only restore your door’s function but also prevent more costly damage down the line. Call AAA Action Garage Doors today if your garage door is giving you trouble outside of your control.
