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garage door problems

If you have ever experienced the frustration of your garage door not closing all the way, don’t worry, you are not alone. Many people have this problem, and there are easy ways to fix it. Try one of these troubleshooting methods to solve this aggravating problem.

Garage doors seem to have minds of their own, deciding when and how far they want to open or close. Sometimes the problem can be resolved as simply as replacing the batteries in the opener. Other times, a stubborn door may be a symptom of a more serious issue. Although some repairs, such as springs or track replacement, should be handled by a specialist, there are a few troubleshooting methods you may attempt before consulting one. Here are several solutions to common garage door issues that will keep your garage safe and secure.

Most Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won't Open

1. Dead Batteries

One of the most common reasons why your garage door won’t open is because the batteries in your garage door opener are dead. If you have an automatic garage door opener, it relies on batteries to open and close the door. Over time, the batteries will lose their charge and will need to be replaced. It’s important to check the expiration date on your batteries and replace them before they die. If you wait too long, you may find yourself stuck with a garage door that won’t open. If you don’t have a new battery on hand, you may check the transmission receiver in your garage. You can be confident that it’s about a battery if you manage to open the garage door.

garage door opener

2. Power Source

The garage door might not operate because the power source is faulty. To begin, examine whether there is a problem with an unplugged electrical cord. If this isn’t the case, check the operational socket by plugging the cable into another.

Examine the fuse box after everything is in order and the door is still shut. Even a modest variation in voltage may cause a fuse to trip. Replace it, test it again, and see how it goes. If you find that you have an issue with the circuit breaker, however, call an electrician immediately.

Finally, consider the possibility of power outages if the problem occurs in the winter months. Examine whether you have electricity in other parts of your house. Some periods may see the whole street go dark. Wait for the electricity supply service to resolve the issue.

3. The Torsion Springs

The torsion springs might be the problem if your garage door is stuck in one position and won’t move. Torsion springs run horizontally over the width of your garage door and are responsible for lifting and lowering it. Springs are designed to assist the opener in opening and closing the door; they help to balance the weight of the door. If a spring is faulty, it may cause the door to become unbalanced, making it difficult or impossible to open or close. As they age, they may start to wear out, which means your door will become too heavy for them. When this happens, you will hear a loud sound in your garage — it sounds like a firecracker or gunshot.

Once these springs break, it’s impossible to open or close your garage door until they’re replaced by a professional. Don’t try this job on your own because it could result in injury

Expert San Antonio Garage Door Repair Services

4. Locked Door

Make sure no one has locked the door from the inside by accident. If you have a manual lock that looks like a handle on the inside, someone could have accidentally hooked it while doing something in the garage.

If your garage has automatic locking mechanisms, you’ll want to check whether or not it’s in “lock mode.” If you keep the button longer than necessary after leaving the house, for example, this will activate that lock mode. In such a case, you can’t open the garage door by simply pressing a button—you have to hold down the button for at least ten seconds before it will unlock itself again.

5. Dirty Sensors

If you’ve tried everything else and your garage door still won’t close, there’s a good chance that your photo-eyes are dirty. The photo-eyes are tiny and may be found on both sides of the garage door. These little gadgets build up dust and grime over time. As a result, the connection between the two photo-eyes is disrupted, preventing your garage door from shutting properly. To repair the garage door issue, use a soft cloth and an anti-abrasive cleanser to clean each photo-eye. Wipe until the surface is free of any residue. Be cautious since the glass surface of this gadget is comparable to that of a camera. As a result, you may scratch and harm them easily. If they continue to not function correctly, you should contact an expert for assistance. Then, test your garage door to see if it will close. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting item.

6. Loose Cables

Loose or frayed cables are one of the most common garage door problems. They’re connected to the torsion springs on both sides of the door. Once they break, the garage door will fall to the ground. You won’t be able to open the door because of this, the only alternative is to hire a professional right away. There’s a risk of injuring yourself if you replace them yourself, it’s best to avoid doing so.

Furthermore, connecting the cables and ensuring that they are parallel to each other and in alignment with the torsion springs is a difficult task. Keep in mind that the door moves freely only if everything is done correctly.

What Should You Do When Your Garage Door Doesn't Work?

garage door

Examine the Situation

The first step is to try and determine the reason why your garage door isn’t working. Check to see whether anything is blocking the safety sensors or if a toy or stone has gotten lodged beneath the door. You must first identify what the problem is before you can decide if you need a professional or if you can do the repairs yourself.

Repair The Problem On Your Own

You can solve some of the existing problems on your own. You may, for example, clean sensors or remove blockages that are preventing them from operating normally. When it comes to mechanical failures, things are quite different. You should always remember that attempting to repair something without fully comprehending the door’s mechanism could cause you significant damage.

Safety Box Or Board Test

Contemporary garage doors feature a safety mechanism that reacts and opens immediately when someone or anything is placed beneath them. It’s an excellent method to avoid injuring children or pets by walking there unintentionally. When your garage door won’t close correctly, try the simple box or board test to see if anything is wrong with this mechanism. Check the safety feature on your garage door after adjusting its limit. Another alternative is to lay a board on the ground. After that, you should try to close your garage door. If the door reacts and opens before it reaches the box or board, there is no cause for concern. Otherwise, your garage door might be a hazard to your family, so you should repair it to keep them safe.


Also Read: CPSC Safety Standard Targets Garage Door Deaths

Call A Professional

If you can’t identify the problem or repair it on your own, you need to call a professional for assistance. Some companies provide 24-hour service so that you’re not left stranded in an emergency. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In many cases, the issue can be resolved quickly and easily. However, attempting to fix the problem yourself can often make things worse. Not only could you void your warranty, but you could also end up causing more damage to the door or injuring yourself in the process. So if your garage door isn’t working as it should, be sure to give a call to a professional.

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Get Your Garage Door Repaired Fast!

If your garage door isn’t working, it can be a major inconvenience. You might not be able to get your car out of the garage, and it can also make your home more vulnerable to break-ins. So if you’re experiencing any problems with your garage door in San Antonio, be sure to call Mojo Garage Door Repair San Antonio.  At Mojo Garage Door Repair San Antonio, we understand how important it is to have a working garage door. That’s why we offer fast and affordable garage door repair services. You can check our recent projects here. We’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs, so you can rest assured that we’ll be there when you need us. We also offer a wide range of other garage door services, including installation, maintenance, and replacement. So whatever your needs, Mojo Garage Door Repair San Antonio is here to help. 

Mojo Garage Door Repair Houston is a company that specializes in garage door repairs and installation. It has been around for over ten years; we have serviced more than 10,000 homes in the greater San Antonio area. We are committed to providing excellent customer service with an experienced staff of technicians who can handle any garage door challenge you might have.