5 Reasons Your Garage Door Won't Open

We know it can be tempting to fiddle around and try to fix issues on your own, but your garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds and can do serious bodily harm to you or your vehicle if not handled with care. We have seen and fixed all sorts of issues that require professional help, so leave the hard work to us. Let’s look at three possible reasons why your garage door won’t open all the way.

Photo Eye Is Not Aligned

The photo eye consists of two components aligned face-to-face on each side of the garage door, typically about four feet above the ground. When activated, a small laser beam travels from one end to the other, scanning for obstructions in the door's path.

Remedies for Realignment:

• Clean the photo eye: Dust and debris can obstruct the sensor, preventing the garage door from closing properly. Wipe the photo eye with a cloth or tissue to ensure clarity.
• Remove larger obstructions: If there's a significant obstacle in the path, clear it away. Ensure the two pieces of the photo eye align perfectly.
• Inspect alignment: Misalignment can occur due to use or physical pressure. Use a level to confirm both photo eyes are installed at equal heights.
• Check wiring: Examine the cord attached to the eye for damage, especially if it's exposed to harsh weather or pests. Replace the sensor if the wiring is compromised.
• Verify LED lights: Ensure both sides of the sensor have lit LED lights. If not, clean the photo eye and adjust the pivot bracket to revive the sensor light.

If your garage door isn't closing properly or reverses immediately, it might be a safety sensor issue. Check that the sensors are pointed at each other and aligned, clean them gently, and make sure no objects obstruct the sensors.

Track Is Not Aligned Properly

The proper alignment of metal tracks is crucial for the smooth operation of your garage door, guiding it along the doorway and ceiling to ensure even movement. Signs of misaligned tracks include slowed or uneven door operation, often accompanied by noticeable grinding noises.

To assess misalignment, avoid forcing the door and visually inspect the tracks for bends or obstacles. If misalignment is detected, adjustments can be made by loosening screws, tapping the track back into position, and then tightening screws. For a more thorough inspection and realignment, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. 

Regular inspections, lubrication, and timely repairs can prevent misalignment issues, contributing to the longevity of your garage door system. If problems persist or expert guidance is needed, consulting a professional garage door service ensures reliable solutions.

Issues with Garage Door Remote Control or Keypad

When your garage door refuses to budge, a likely culprit could be a malfunctioning remote control. If your remote fails to elicit a response, there are a few steps you can take to solve this issue. 

The first step is to confirm that the issue is your remote. Try using the keypad or another remote to confirm what the issue exactly is. Other steps as simple as trying your remote in different locations or replacing your remote’s battery should also be taken before you spend money on a new remote. 

If you do need a new remote or keypad, you can always contact garage door experts like the ones at Uplift to assist in finding the right model or with installation/implementation as well. 



Broken Tension Springs

A common issue leading to a malfunctioning garage door is the breakage of tension springs. These springs, integral to both manual and automatic garage door systems, store mechanical energy to control door movement smoothly. Over time, wear and tear, rust development, and insufficient maintenance can cause tension springs to break. Signs of broken tension springs include a running motor with no door movement, loud sounds resembling a firecracker, increased difficulty in manually maneuvering the door, and straining noises during operation. As always, when it comes to handling garage door springs, do not attempt to remove, tighten, or fix on your own. Garage door springs hold incredible tension and if they snap, they can break finger bones easily. Broken or unwound springs can prevent your garage door from opening or closing all the way. When you call your Uplift Garage repair technician, we replace both springs at the same time to help avoid the second breaking shortly after the first.

Force Adjustments

These issues can be tricky to resolve if you are not a garage door repair expert. Garage doors have a “force setting” which tells the opener how much force to use when raising or lowering the door. This setting can be changed if your garage door will not open all the way, but you will need to adjust it slowly in order to prevent damaging your door, rollers, and tracks. 

Your owner’s manual may have instructions on how to do this, but we suggest calling a professional technician at Uplift Garage to do this for you.

REPAIR YOUR GARAGE DOOR WITH UPLIFT GARAGE

Our professional garage door services include repairing doors off their tracks, replacing springs, roller replacement, and garage door opener replacement. Specializing in all types of repairs means we have experienced and remedied nearly any garage door issue you may have. We are an authorized service dealer of remotes, keypads, and openers and we can help you choose the best configuration for your needs and desires.

It is time to get back on track and enjoy the fall weather. If your garage door won’t open all the way, call your garage door repair specialist, Uplift Garage, to quickly repair, service, or install your new garage door. We provide same day services, repairs, and installations to help get you back in action and make sure your family is kept safe.