Is Your Garage Door Stuck Open? Here’s What To Check First
A garage door that opens just fine but refuses to close can be more than just an inconvenience — it can leave your home exposed to the elements, reduce your security and disrupt your daily routine. Whether you have a sectional garage door, a roll up door or another style, several common issues could be to blame.
If you’re having problems closing your garage door, Hollywood-Crawford Door Co., is here to help. Not only do we offer repairs and replacements, but we’re also sharing what to check before calling in the professionals.
1. Check Your Safety Sensors
The most common cause of a garage door failing to close is trouble with the safety sensors. You can find your safety sensors at the base of the garage door opening, and they should both be lit with solid lights. If one or both sensors are not lit, or one is blinking, ensure that they are facing each other and that no dirt, debris or other object is blocking the path of the invisible safety beam.
These openers are designed to prevent the door from closing if there is any obstruction detected, which is great for safety but can be frustrating when something minor — like a spider web — blocks the sensor.
If you cannot get the sensors to function properly, or if your door only closes when you hold down the button on the wall, this is a strong indication there is an issue with the sensors themselves or the wiring connected to them. In that case, it is best to call and schedule a service with one of our trained and qualified technicians.
2. Check Your Garage Door Opener’s Sensitivity Settings
If your sensors appear to be functioning correctly and the door still won’t close using the opener, the problem may lie with the opener’s sensitivity settings. This is particularly important if you have recently had a new garage door installed or if your door is older and showing signs of wear.
Many garage door openers, including Liftmaster garage door openers from our team, have sensitivity settings that control how much force the opener applies when closing the door. If these settings are too low or too high, the door may stop before closing fully.
Adjusting sensitivity settings may seem simple, but it is easy to overcorrect or cause additional issues if adjustments are not made carefully. A trained service technician can inspect the opener, test its performance and make sure the settings are properly configured to keep your garage door closing smoothly and safely.
3. Check For Broken Parts
If you opened your door and it sounded like a roller coaster going up a hill — click, click, clicking — you may have a broken TorqueMaster spring. When this happens and the garage door loses tension, the safety function will not allow the door to come down. This safety feature helps prevent further damage to the door or the opener, but it also leaves you stuck with a door that will not close.
In addition to broken springs, other mechanical problems can prevent your garage door from closing. Worn rollers, frayed cables or bent tracks can all interfere with smooth operation. If your garage door won’t close and you notice uneven movement, loud noises or visible damage to any components, it is time to call a professional.
Professional Repairs Are A Call Away
One of our trained and qualified service technicians will be glad to diagnose the issue, replace any damaged parts and restore your door’s functionality. If the damage is extensive or the door is nearing the end of its lifespan, we may also recommend garage door replacement services to ensure your home stays secure and your door operates reliably.
When to Consider Garage Door Replacement Services
While many issues can be repaired, there comes a point when replacing the door is the more cost-effective and reliable option. If your garage door is more than 15 or 20 years old, has significant damage or requires frequent repairs, investing in professional garage door replacement services may be the best way to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
Trust Hollywood-Crawford Door Co. For Expert Garage Door Repairs And Replacements
If your garage door won’t close, you can rely on the qualified technicians at Hollywood-Crawford Door Co. Whether you need a repair or are ready to invest in a new door, we’re here to help your home. Contact us today to schedule service or learn more about our expert garage door replacement services.
