Garage doors are an integral part of a home’s security system. Unfortunately, they are prone to malfunctions, just like any other mechanical structure. One of the most common is when the garage door won’t close without manual reinforcement. This can be a nightmare for homeowners, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. In this post, we consider why your garage door isn’t closing on its own, provide relevant solutions, and tell you when you should seek out the help of a garage door repair professional!
Why won’t my garage door close?
Several factors might cause your automatic garage door to open manually. Typically, these are the common issues:
Faulty safety sensors
If your garage door jams, this safety feature may be faulty. In most cases, this is because of a loose wire or an issue with your automatic opener device.
Dirty sensors
Garage door systems will also malfunction if the sensors become dirty or dusty. It would be best to inspect your garage door for dirt, dust, rust, and any other obstruction that might keep it from working correctly.
Misaligned tracks
Misaligned tracks are another common issue that causes garage doors to malfunction. If the gap between your garage door and its metal track isn’t uniform, it won’t close properly. This may happen due to the aggressive operation of the door over a prolonged period.
Damaged tracks and rollers
If you notice deep scratches or dents in either the garage door’s path or roller section, there might be something hindering the rollers and garage door cables from moving freely. This might be something as simple as a pebble or dirt buildup. You should scrutinize these parts to see if you can remove what’s causing the obstruction and then lubricate them accordingly for the smooth operation of your garage door.
Malfunctioning transmitter and receiver units
The transmitter and the receiver units connected to your garage door opener system might be malfunctioning. Try replacing them with new ones and see if the problems tops. You can purchase from any hardware store or home improvement retailer before calling for professional help.
Dead battery
If your garage door opener doesn’t have an electrical backup system, it will not work when the power goes out. When this happens, you should try replacing its battery to see if that solves the problem. If it still doesn’t close on its own, even with a fresh battery, you might need to replace or reprogram your remote control device.
Worn-out springs
If you notice visible signs of damage to the spring section of your garage door, these are likely obstructing your door. The springs help the heavy garage door open and close, so if any of them are worn-out or broken, the garage door might not be able to function as intended. Call a professional right away before further damage!
Enabled disconnect switch
If your garage door closes on its own and you’ve already checked the safety sensors for any signs of damage, it might be because of a switch-related issue. Disconnect switches are installed to stop an automatic opener from closing if something gets caught between moving sections. This serves as a failsafe mechanism for homeowners who have pets and kids running around their garage.
Bad weather conditions
Finally, extreme weather can also affect your automatic opener device and garage door. For instance, if you experience a sudden storm that results in heavy rain or high winds, there’s likely some debris that might have gotten into the mechanism and is causing blockage for your rollers to move freely. Moreover, extreme temperatures can cause expansion and contraction of certain parts, leading to further damage over time.
How do I fix my garage door?
To figure out what might be causing your garage door to malfunction:
-Start by checking the safety sensor. These are located between each end of the steady bar that connects your opener device with the sliding door itself. If they seem loose or if their wires are damaged, then this is likely where your problem stems from.
-Next, inspect the tracks and rollers for any sign of dirt or rust buildup. If you notice anything out of place, it’s time to remove it with a brush attachment tool before lubricating them accordingly.
-If your garage door still won’t close, check if the batteries in the remote control device are fresh or not. If it’s a battery-operated opener system, replace them with new ones for best results.
-If you’ve been toying with any of these switches on your garage door openers or have accidentally disconnected them in some way, then this might also cause further problems for your device. Call an expert right away if you notice anything out of place!
-The last thing that can go wrong is if your springs break. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a professional for help to get it fixed properly.
-Finally, call out an expert to inspect all other parts of your garage door and opener mechanism if you can’t seem to find a solution.
Should I call a professional or fix the garage door myself?
If you’re experiencing any problems with your garage door and opener mechanism, it’s best to call a professional right away. Trying to fix it on your own can potentially cause more damage that will cost more money. Moreover, if you end up breaking some parts or messing with the wiring in the process, this could result in even more significant problems down the road!
Let Us Fix Your Garage Door!
If you feel like your garage door is malfunctioning or not working as intended, call our company immediately! At All About Doors, we have a team of experts trained to fix any problems with these devices and can even help you find the perfect replacement parts if necessary. For more information on garage door repair, replacement, installation or replacement, head over to our website or call us today!