10 Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Understanding and fixing garage door problems can save you time, money, and frustration.

1. Noisy Garage Door

Causes Noisy doors often result from worn hinges, rollers, or tracks. Specifically, dirt, wear, or a lack of lubrication can lead to squeaks or rattles.

Solution

• DIY Tip: To address this, apply silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, and tracks. Furthermore, tighten loose bolts and screws.
• When to Call a Pro: However, if noise persists, worn rollers or a misaligned opener may need professional attention.

2. Misaligned or Bent Tracks

Causes Tracks guide the door’s movement. Consequently, when bent or misaligned, the door may stick or struggle to move.

Solution

• DIY Tip: For minor bends, use a rubber mallet to gently fix them. Additionally, tighten loose brackets to ensure proper alignment.
• When to Call a Pro: However, severe alignment issues or bent tracks always require expert help.

3. Broken Springs

Causes Springs bear the door’s weight. Over time, however, they can wear out or snap from tension or age.

Solution

• DIY Tip: None. Indeed, fixing or replacing springs is extremely dangerous due to high tension.
• When to Call a Pro: Therefore, only professionals should ever replace broken springs.

4. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

Causes Issues may stem from the opener, sensors, or even broken springs.

Solution

• DIY Tip: First, check remote batteries and clear any sensor blockages. Then, clean dirty or misaligned sensors.
• When to Call a Pro: If problems persist, however, an opener or mechanical issue may need professional garage door repair.

5. Worn-Out Rollers

Causes Rollers help the door move smoothly. Nonetheless, over time, they can wear out or crack.

Solution

• DIY Tip: If rollers are damaged, replace them, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• When to Call a Pro: Conversely, for tougher replacements, seek professional help.

6. Door Opens Unevenly

Causes Uneven doors may result from issues with springs, cables, or tracks. Any of these can cause an imbalance.

Solution

• DIY Tip: Initially, check tracks for obstructions and alignment. Then, tighten any loose hardware.
• When to Call a Pro: However, broken springs or cable issues consistently require expert repair.

7. Door Closes Too Quickly

Causes Damaged springs or cables often cause this problem. These are critical safety components.

Solution

• DIY Tip: None. In fact, these safety components should only be handled by trained professionals.
• When to Call a Pro: Therefore, contact a technician immediately to fix this dangerous issue.

8. Broken Garage Door Opener

Causes Electrical issues, worn belts, or motor problems can cause opener failures. For example, any of these could lead to a complete breakdown.

Solution

• DIY Tip: First, check remote batteries and the opener’s power supply.
• When to Call a Pro: However, seek professional help for motor or wiring issues to avoid further damage.

9. Slow Door Response

Causes A slow-moving door may indicate opener maintenance needs or unlubricated tracks. Both factors hinder smooth operation.

Solution

• DIY Tip: To start, clean tracks, apply lubricant, and check opener speed settings.
• When to Call a Pro: If problems persist, however, motor repairs may be required.

10. Weather Seal Damage

Causes Damaged seals can cause drafts, leaks, and consequently higher energy bills.

Solution

• DIY Tip: Fortunately, you can replace cracked or worn seals using a utility knife and a replacement seal.
• When to Call a Pro: However, for tough replacements or custom seals, consult a professional.