Ways to Fix Garage Door Problems

Overhead garage doors, whether they roll up in sections or swing out in one piece, work using spring tension and electronic sensors. Occasionally they stop functioning properly; they may make loud noises during operation, fail to close completely, or not work at all. There are several easy ways to fix these problems.

1. Fix non-working garage door sensors

When your garage door stops working, the first thing to check are your sensors. These are “electric eyes” on both sides of the garage door, at the bottom. One sensor has a red light and the opposite sensor has a green light. These sensors are designed to see each other always. Make sure there is nothing blocking the sensors from seeing each other. The sensors are also designed to start flashing when you place your hands or an obstacle between them. Make sure your sensors are not blocked. Change them if they are malfunctioning or clear the area of debris if they are being blocked from seeing each other.

2. Fix misaligned garage door sensors

If your garage door suddenly stops working, confirm that your sensors are working properly, then check to ensure they are aligned. Since sensors are designed to see each other always, any misalignment will stop them from working. Your garage door will not work if your sensors are misaligned. This is an easy fix. Adjust one or both sensors until they see each other and your garage door should work.

3. Fix non-reversing garage doors

Garage doors are designed to stop and reverse course when they encounter obstacles on their way down. This is known as the Down Force. This is for safety reasons. If your garage door is not reversing when it encounters obstacles on the way down, adjust the down force. To check this, place an obstacle under your garage door and close the door. If it does not stop, decrease the down force from the control panel. Consult your owner’s manual on the proper down force for your garage door model or call a garage door service expert for help. It is important that your garage door down force is set correctly. They could be dangerous to children if they are improperly set.

4. Check the garage door motor

When your garage door stops operating, check the motor to ensure it is working properly. The motor is the brain of your garage door and when it dies, the door will not function. Ensure the motor is plugged in and the power turned on. If the motor hums but the chain does not move when the motor is turned on, you may need the services of a garage door expert like Damian Douglas Garage Door Las Vegas. If nothing happens when you turn on the motor, you may need to replace the motor. Buy the same model as the one you are replacing or consult an expert.

5. Call a garage door service professional

These are a few common issues you may experience with your garage door and easy ways to fix them. If you are unsure of the issue you are facing with your garage door, consult a garage door service specialist like Damian Douglas Garage Door in Las Vegas. We have the technical expertise to diagnose and properly fix all garage door problems.