A malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating, especially when it refuses to close. An open garage door exposes your home to security risks and the elements, making it crucial to identify and address the underlying issues promptly. While many factors could contribute to this problem, understanding the most common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively. You can also contact technicians from Garage doors Lehi. They’ll be happy to diagnose your garage door’s problem and repair it. Here are three things that may cause your garage door not to close and what you can do about each one.
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1. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
Safety sensors, usually located near the base of the garage door tracks, are designed to prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. This is a crucial safety feature that protects people, pets, and objects from being accidentally crushed by the door. However, if these sensors become misaligned or blocked, they can malfunction and cause the door to stay open even when there’s nothing in the way.
If you suspect that your safety sensors are the culprit, check their alignment. Over time, vibrations, bumps, or general wear and tear can cause the sensors to shift out of place. When misaligned, the sensors might not communicate properly with each other, leading the door to remain open. You can usually tell if the sensors are misaligned if the indicator lights on them are blinking instead of staying steady. To fix this, gently adjust the sensors until the lights stop blinking and stay steady, indicating they are properly aligned.
2. Problems with the Garage Door Tracks
The tracks on which your garage door operates are crucial for its smooth and efficient movement. However, if these tracks become misaligned, damaged, or obstructed, they can prevent the door from closing properly. Track issues are often a result of long-term wear and tear, accidental impacts, or the natural settling of your home’s foundation. When the tracks are out of alignment, the door may get stuck partway or refuse to close at all.
If you notice that your garage door is struggling to close, check the tracks for any visible signs of damage or misalignment. Bent tracks or gaps between the tracks and the door can cause the door to derail or get stuck. In some cases, you might be able to fix minor misalignments yourself by loosening the screws that hold the tracks in place, gently tapping them back into position, and then tightening the screws again. However, if the tracks are significantly bent or damaged, it’s best to call a professional for repair or replacement.
3. Worn Out or Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs play a vital role in the operation of your door, as they bear the weight and tension that allows it to open and close smoothly. Unfortunately, these springs can wear out or even break, leading to significant issues with the door’s operation. If the springs are damaged, you might notice that the door struggles to close or remains stuck in an open position.
If you suspect that worn-out or broken springs are causing your garage door problems, contact a professional garage door technician to handle the issue.
Summing Up
Dealing with a garage door that refuses to close can be a major inconvenience. The good news is that regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent these problems from occurring.
Meet Jack, our garage guru. With a wrench in one hand and a can-do attitude in the other, he’s your go-to expert for all things repair and replacement.