Most homeowners open and close their garage doors roughly 1500 times annually. Well, all that action is bound to result in issues here and there. For instance, the door may become imbalanced, or the opener may fail to work. Luckily, you can count on Titan Garage Doors to resolve such issues. Plus, their same-day garage door repair services in Burnaby can help get your door back up and running in record time.
But what should you do if your door has a mind of its own – stops working? Basically, you’ll need an eye for detail to establish the cause. All the same, the troubleshooting tips below may come in handy.
1. Check the Track for Misalignment
Garage door tracks allow the door to move up and down. If the track is misaligned, it can cause the door to get stuck or stop working. If the garage door has been making grinding noises and later becomes inoperable, broken or misaligned tracks could be the culprit.
Assess the track to ensure your door glides smoothly. While at it, look for debris or bends and listen for grinding or other noises.
You can adjust the track or call in a professional to do it. The DIY approach involves unscrewing the tracks and aligning them by tapping with a rubber mallet. While at it, ensure the door is closed and disable the automatic function for your safety. After confirming the track is in the right place, re-tighten the screws and check if it works. But if the track is broken, the only way out is to replace it.
2. Inspect the Springs
The tension springs on your garage door allow it to open and close. They work by counterbalancing the door’s weight, making it feel much lighter when you lift it. If the springs break, the door will be inoperable – either stuck open or closed.
It’s critical to stay on top of maintenance to ensure your springs don’t give up the ghost unexpectedly. But how do you tell the springs are broken? Here’re some signs:
- The door won’t budge even though the motor runs
- You hear a loud bang when the door opens or closes
- The springs have gaps or appear stretched out
- Operation produces unbearably loud noises
- Your door is improperly aligned when opening
Let a professional replace your springs if they appear broken or worse for wear. Generally, they come equipped and have the technical skills to handle the job safely.
3. Ensure Your Remote Isn’t Broken
You can either control a garage using a remote or a wall-mounted control panel. Remote controls typically work through radio frequency signals transmitted to a receiver located in the garage. Once the receiver receives the signal, it activates the motor.
Before assuming the worst, troubleshoot your remote to rule out hardware issues. In that regard, the tips hereunder can help you out:
- Check the battery and replace it if necessary. Often, the remote may stop working due to a dead battery.
- Fix the antenna – Check whether the antenna is fully extended if you’re using an external receiver. A blocked signal can cause the remote to stop working. Try pressing the open or close button from a close distance.
- Adjust the frequency by reprogramming – Your garage door user manual contains instructions on programing your unit. If you can’t access the manual, call the manufacturer or you go-to contractor for help.
- Seek professional help – If the door is still inoperable after reprogramming, you may need to call in a pro to inspect the control wiring. Chances are you’re dealing with a wiring issue or a malfunctioning control board.
4. Check for Snapped Cables
Garage door cables are part of the pulley system that enables the springs to do their job. Thus, a snapped cable could spell danger, besides causing the door to remain stuck. For instance, if the cable snaps while the door is open, it might come down suddenly and pin someone underneath.
Hence, it pays to inspect the cables for damage or signs of wear periodically. This might entail the following:
- Checking for fraying
- Ensuring the cables are free of debris
- Lubricating the cables
- Inspecting the pulleys for wear and tear
If you realize, upon inspection, that a cable has snapped, rely on a knowledgeable technician to replace or repair it (if it’s salvageable). While at it, they can identify other potential problems and recommend solutions.
A door that won’t do its thing can be a significant inconvenience as it denies you access to your garage. And while the issues above don’t exhaustively cover all the possibilities, they’re some of the common culprits behind a stuck garage door. If you’re still stumped after poking around, let a knowledgeable technician help you identify and resolve the issue.
