8 Common Garage Problems and How to Fix Them

You probably appreciate having a garage for parking and extra storage. But what do you do when something goes wrong? Common problems like a noisy garage door or one that slams shut can be frustrating. Fortunately, most garage repair tips are relatively simple. Here are eight garage door issues and solutions to try before calling a professional.

1. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

When your garage door refuses to budge, it’s easy to assume the worst. Before gearing up for an expensive repair, check the basics.

First, make sure the opener is plugged in—yes, it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. If that’s not the issue, check the remote batteries. If those are fine, investigate the safety sensors at the bottom of the door for dirty or misaligned lenses. If the door still won’t move, it may be time to call in a professional for garage maintenance troubleshooting.

2. The Garage Door is Noisy

A loud garage door is usually a sign that something needs attention. Squeaking, grinding, and rattling may stem from loose hardware, dry rollers, or neglected springs.

Start by tightening all the bolts and screws on the tracks and hinges. Then, apply a silicone- or lithium-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs. If the noise continues, check the rollers themselves. Metal ones may become noisy over time, and swapping them out for nylon rollers often quiets things down.

3. The Door Starts to Close, Then Opens Again

Something may be triggering the safety sensors if your garage door begins to close but suddenly reverses. If you see nothing blocking their path, they may need a little maintenance.

Clean the sensors with a soft cloth and adjust them until the indicator lights on both sensors turn on. If the problem continues, the close-limit setting on the opener might need adjusting. You can tweak this by turning a screw on the motor unit slightly until the door closes properly.

4. The Garage Door Moves Slowly

Does your garage door take its sweet time opening and closing? Dirt buildup in the tracks or a lack of lubrication could be to blame.

Begin by cleaning the tracks with a dry cloth to remove loose debris. Apply lubricant to the rollers and hinges to reduce friction. If the problem persists, check the opener settings. Some models have an adjustable speed that may need a tweak. If none of this works, your garage door opener could be aging, meaning it’s time for a new one.

5. The Garage Door Closes Too Fast

A garage door that slams shut instead of closing smoothly can be alarming, not to mention dangerous. This issue is usually caused by a broken tension spring or a problem with the cables.

Stop using your fast-closing garage door immediately and call a professional. The last thing you want is a heavy door dropping unexpectedly.

6. The Door Opens Unevenly

A crooked garage door strains the opening system. This usually happens because of misaligned tracks or worn-out springs.

Check both sides of the garage door tracks to ensure they align properly. If they seem off, loosen the mounting brackets slightly and tap the tracks into place before tightening them again. If the door still isn’t balanced, the springs may be worn or damaged. This type of garage door repair is best left to a professional.

7. The Remote or Keypad Doesn’t Work

If your garage door remote or keypad suddenly stops responding, don’t jump to conclusions just yet. The fix might be as simple as replacing the batteries.

If fresh batteries don’t do the trick, reprogramming the remote or keypad may be necessary. Most garage door openers have a “learn” button on the motor unit. Press it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset the device.

If that doesn’t work, check the antenna on the garage door opener. It should be intact and hanging down as intended to avoid interfering with the signal.

8. The Springs Break with a Bang

If you hear a loud bang from the garage and discover your door won’t open now, you’re likely dealing with a broken spring. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and when they snap, they can make a racket.

Unfortunately, this is one issue you shouldn’t attempt to fix yourself. Garage door springs are dangerous to replace without the right tools and experience. Call a professional to handle the repair safely.

Why Choose Better Built Garages?

If you need help fixing garage door problems, turn to Better Built Garages. We’ve been constructing top-quality detached garages and repairing garage doors in Chicago for over 65 years. Our family-owned and operated business has completed thousands of projects, earning countless positive reviews and an A+ BBB rating along the way. If you’re ready to say goodbye to common garage door issues, please schedule a repair today.