Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close and How to Fix It

Your garage door is supposed to make life easier, not more stressful. So, when it refuses to close, it’s frustrating and can even feel overwhelming. Yet, there is no need to panic. You can fix most issues with a little guidance. In this guide, we will explore why your garage door won’t close and share simple steps to get it working again. Let’s dive in.

Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close

Before jumping into solutions, it is important to understand the problem. Here are some common reasons your garage door doesn’t close properly.

1. Misaligned Safety Sensors

Did you know your garage door has sensors near the bottom of the tracks? These little devices ensure nothing is in the door’s path when it closes. If they are out of alignment, your garage door won’t shut. You might notice blinking lights on the sensors or the door reversing after a few seconds of closing.

2. Something Is Blocking the Garage Door’s Path

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as something blocking the door’s path. Maybe a small object or debris is in the way. Have you checked for toys, tools, or even dirt near the tracks? A jammed garage door often results from obstructions you might not notice at first glance.

3. Garage Door Track or Roller Problems

Do the tracks look uneven or dirty? Are the rollers squeaking or getting stuck? The tracks guide your garage door, and the rollers help it glide smoothly. If the rollers are sticky or the garage door tracks are bent, it might stop midway or won’t open or close entirely. 

4. Garage Door Remote or Wall Switch Issues

Have you tried pressing your remote or wall switch, but nothing happens? A dead battery, connectivity issues, or a faulty switch could be the culprit. When you press the remote and the garage door won’t close, the switch might have a loose connection or need a reset.

5. Broken Garage Springs or Cables

If the springs and cables break or wear, the garage door might not close properly. You might hear a loud noise when they fail or notice the door sagging on one side. Hence, broken garage door springs or cables require immediate attention for safety reasons.

6. Incorrect Opener Settings

Garage door openers have limit settings that control how far the garage door travels. An incorrect setting of the limits could cause the door to stop before it fully closes or unexpectedly reverses.

Now that you know the common causes, let’s dive into how to fix them.

How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Close

Some garage door problems have simple solutions you can handle yourself. Here are some ways you can try before calling a garage door expert:

1. Check and Realign the Sensors

If your garage door sensors are misaligned, fixing them is usually straightforward. First, look at the sensors to see if one is blinking. Next, gently adjust them until both show a steady light. Sometimes, cleaning the lenses with a soft cloth helps, especially if they are already dusty or covered with cobwebs.

2. Clear Obstructions from the Door’s Path

Take a moment to inspect the area around your garage door. Remove anything blocking the door’s movement, such as toys, tools, or even stray leaves. While you are at it, check the garage door tracks for dirt or buildup. A quick garage door cleaning might solve the issue.

3. Clean and Repair the Tracks and Rollers

Use a damp cloth to clean the garage door tracks and remove any dirt or debris. For the rollers, apply a small amount of garage door lubricant to keep them moving flawlessly. However, if you notice bent tracks, it’s best to call a professional for garage door repair near you.

4. Test and Replace the Remote or Wall Switch

Is your remote not working? Try replacing the batteries first. Still no luck? You might need to reset the garage door remote or check the wall switch for loose wires. If this sounds tricky, contact a Lincoln garage door repair expert for help.

5. Inspect the Limit Settings on the Garage Door Opener

Check the manual for instructions on adjusting the limit settings. Use a screwdriver or the control panel on the opener to tweak the settings until the door closes completely.

6. Don’t Attempt to Fix Broken Springs or Cables Yourself

Dealing with broken garage door springs or cables is dangerous because of the tension they hold. If you suspect this is the problem, call a professional immediately. Look for a garage door repair service near you to handle this safely.

Prevent Future Garage Door Problems

Wouldn’t it be great if you could avoid these issues altogether? With a little maintenance, you can keep your garage door in top shape.

1. Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly

Apply garage door lubricant to the moving garage door parts every few months to keep them rolling smoothly. This step reduces wear and tear and prevents squeaky noises.

2. Schedule Professional Tune-Ups

Even if everything seems fine, a yearly garage door tune-up can spot potential problems early on. Many companies, like Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE, offer annual garage door maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly.

3. Tighten Garage Door Hardware Regularly

Garage doors move up and down multiple times a day, which can loosen bolts, screws, and brackets. Inspect and tighten all hardware every few months to prevent operational issues.

4. Check Garage Door Springs and Cables

While you shouldn’t attempt to repair springs or cables yourself, regularly inspecting them for visible damage (like fraying or sagging) can help you catch problems early. Call a garage door technician in Lincoln, NE, if anything looks off.

5. Avoid Overloading the Garage Door

Don’t hang items like bikes or storage bins on your garage door or its tracks. The extra weight can strain the door’s mechanisms and cause premature wear.

6. Maintain the Garage Door Opener

Check your opener’s chain or belt for wear and ensure proper tension. Also, replace the batteries in your garage door remote and keypad on time to avoid connectivity issues.

Sometimes, DIY fixes just aren’t enough. If your garage door won’t close after trying these steps, it’s time to call in the pros. Whether it’s a broken garage door spring, a faulty opener, or something else, professional technicians have the tools and experience to get the job done.

Need Same-Day Garage Door Service in Lincoln, NE?

Struggling because your garage door won’t close? Don’t stress. Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE, is here to help! Whether it’s a jammed garage door, broken garage door parts, or any other issue, we offer fast, reliable emergency garage door repair and maintenance services.

Plus, with our easy payment options, there is no need to spend much on fixing your garage door. Need a fix now? Contact us today for expert garage door service and repair that fits your budget! We’ve got you covered so your garage door closes with ease again.