Your garage door is one of the most important access points to your home, providing both convenience and security. But when it refuses to open, whether manually or with the opener, it can throw off your entire day. While it may seem like a big problem, there are several common reasons why a garage door might get stuck closed. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to cover the most common causes of garage door failures and what you can do about them.
Dead Batteries in the Garage Door Remote or Keypad
One of the simplest reasons your garage door won’t open is dead batteries. If the wall switch opens the door but your remote does not, the issue is likely the remote battery. You will need to replace the batteries and test again. Also check the keypad if it’s not responding.
Garage Door Power Supply Issues
Sometimes the problem is not the door itself. Rather, it is the power source. If your opener is unplugged or there is a tripped circuit breaker, the door won’t operate. Make sure the opener is plugged in and check your home’s electrical panel for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Garage Door Opener Malfunction
The motor in your garage door opener can wear out over time. Electrical issues, worn gears, or stripped drive belts can all prevent the opener from lifting the door. Listen for unusual noises when pressing the opener. If the motor hums but doesn’t engage, it may need repair or replacement.
Manual Garage Door Lock Engaged
Some garage doors have a manual lock or slide bolt. If it is accidentally engaged, the opener won’t be able to lift the door. Check for a lock bar or handle on the door and ensure it’s fully disengaged.
Broken or Snapped Garage Door Springs
Your garage door relies on torsion or extension springs to counterbalance its weight. If one breaks, the door becomes too heavy for the opener to lift. If you notice a visible gap in the spring or hear a loud bang before the door stopped working, call a professional immediately. Springs are dangerous to repair without proper tools and training.
Frayed or Broken Garage Door Cables
Lift cables work alongside springs to raise and lower the door. If they snap or fray, the door may jam or refuse to open. This is another repair that should be left to professionals, as cables are under extreme tension.
Garage Door Off Its Track
If rollers come off the tracks or the tracks are bent, the garage door won’t open smoothly or at all. Inspect the tracks for bends, gaps, or obstructions. Minor debris can be cleaned, but major track damage requires professional adjustment.
Misaligned or Blocked Garage Door Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors have photo-eye sensors that prevent the door from closing on people or objects. If these sensors are dirty, misaligned, or blocked, the opener may refuse to operate. Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth, make sure nothing is blocking them, and check alignment.
General Garage Door Wear & Tear
Over time, normal wear can cause multiple small issues loose hardware, worn rollers, and aging openers that eventually keep the door from opening. Regular maintenance, tune-ups, and inspections help prevent small problems from turning into major failures.
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
A garage door that won’t open is frustrating, but the underlying issues are often easy to identify. From something as simple as dead batteries to more serious problems like broken springs or cables, most causes can be resolved quickly with the right solution. If you need help getting your garage door open, contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.
