A garage door is one of the hardest working systems in your home or business. It opens and closes multiple times a day, keeps your property secure, and protects your vehicles and belongings from the elements. But like any mechanical system, garage doors wear down over time. When they stop working properly, it’s more than just an inconvenience, it can be a serious safety hazard.
After years of repairing and installing garage doors for local homeowners and businesses, we know the problems that come up most often and how to keep them from happening in the first place.
This guide will walk you through the problems we see most often and what you can do to keep your door running smoothly.
1. Broken or Worn-Out Springs
Garage door springs do the heavy lifting when it comes to raising and lowering your door. Over time, these springs weaken and eventually break. When a spring snaps, your garage door may stop opening altogether or slam shut suddenly.
Warning Signs:
- Loud popping or snapping sounds when operating the door
- The door feels unusually heavy to lift manually
- The garage door won’t open, even when the opener is working
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule annual professional inspections to check spring tension and wear.
- Avoid trying to replace springs yourself. They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.
- If you notice any warning signs, call a garage door repair professional immediately.
2. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
The garage door opener is the motorized unit that opens and closes your door. If it malfunctions, the door may not respond to your remote or wall switch.
Warning Signs:
- The opener makes noise but the door doesn’t move
- The remote or keypad stops working consistently
- The door opens halfway and then reverses
Prevention Tips:
- Replace batteries in remotes regularly.
- Keep photo-eye sensors clean and aligned.
- Schedule maintenance to lubricate moving parts and check the opener’s motor and belt/chain.
3. Off-Track Garage Door
Garage doors run on metal tracks that guide their movement. If the door comes off track, it won’t open or close properly, and forcing it can cause serious damage.
Warning Signs:
- Uneven movement when opening or closing
- Gaps between rollers and the track
- Grinding or scraping noises
Prevention Tips:
- Keep the tracks clean and free of debris.
- Don’t hit the garage door with vehicles or equipment, as this can bend the tracks.
- If your door comes off track, call a professional immediately. Continuing to operate it can make the problem worse.
4. Worn or Broken Rollers
Rollers allow the door to glide smoothly along its track. When they wear out, the door may drag, jerk, or make loud squealing noises.
Warning Signs:
- The garage door shakes or vibrates during movement
- Loud screeching or grinding sounds
- Visible wear or cracks on rollers
Prevention Tips:
- Lubricate rollers twice a year with a silicone-based spray.
- Replace worn rollers before they break completely.
- Have rollers inspected during routine garage door maintenance.
5. Broken or Worn Cables
Cables work together with springs to lift your garage door safely. If a cable frays or snaps, your door may become unbalanced or stop working.
Warning Signs:
- Frayed wires hanging from the sides of the door
- One side of the garage door looks higher than the other
- The door slams shut unexpectedly
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect cables visually for fraying or rust
- Avoid trying to replace cables yourself. Just like the springs, they are under high tension and can cause injury.
- Schedule professional maintenance to ensure cables are in good condition.
6. Weather Seal Damage
The rubber weather seal at the bottom of your garage door keeps out drafts, pests, and moisture. When it cracks or wears down, it can lead to higher energy bills and water damage.
Warning Signs:
- Drafts coming into the garage
- Water pooling inside after rain or snow
- Visible cracks or gaps in the seal
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect seals annually, especially before winter in Northern Colorado.
- Replace damaged weatherstripping promptly.
- Keep the seal clean to prevent premature wear.
7. Noisy Garage Door
If your garage door makes excessive noise when opening or closing, it’s usually a sign that something needs attention, whether it’s worn rollers, loose hardware, or lack of lubrication.
Warning Signs:
- Grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- The noise worsens over time
- Door feels jerky when moving
Prevention Tips:
- Tighten all nuts, bolts, and hinges regularly.
- Lubricate moving parts every 6 months.
- Replace worn rollers and hinges before they fail.
8. Sensor or Safety Feature Malfunctions
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. If the sensors are dirty or misaligned, your door may refuse to close.
Warning Signs:
- The door starts to close and then immediately reverses
- Flashing lights on the opener unit
- Door only closes when you hold down the wall button
Prevention Tips:
- Keep sensors clean and free of dust or cobwebs.
- Ensure sensors are aligned and facing each other.
- Don’t disable safety features. They protect you, your family, and your pets.
9. Remote Control or Keypad Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the door itself but with the controls. Remotes and keypads can lose connection, run out of batteries, or become damaged.
Warning Signs:
- Remote doesn’t work but the wall switch does
- Keypad unresponsive even after replacing batteries
- Inconsistent operation
Prevention Tips:
- Replace batteries regularly.
- Reprogram remotes and keypads if needed.
- Keep remotes in a dry place to prevent moisture damage.
10. General Wear and Tear
Garage doors, like any mechanical system, eventually wear down with daily use. Hinges loosen, hardware rusts, and parts need replacement.
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule annual professional maintenance.
- Keep your garage door clean and lubricated.
- Address minor problems early before they become major repair needs.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
Most garage door problems can be prevented, or at least minimized through regular maintenance. Simple actions like lubrication, inspections, and cleaning go a long way in extending the life of your garage door system.
At NOCO Door Service, we recommend professional maintenance twice a year for residential garage doors and more frequently for commercial doors that get heavy daily use. Our technicians inspect springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and openers to ensure everything is working safely and efficiently.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
Some maintenance tasks like lubricating or cleaning you can handle yourself. But when it comes to springs, cables, or opener repairs, it’s always best to call a professional. Attempting to fix these parts without proper tools and training can be dangerous.
Call a garage door repair expert if:
- Your door won’t open or close at all
- The door is off track or crooked
- Springs or cables look damaged
- The opener motor runs but the door doesn’t move
Final Thoughts
Your garage door is one of the most important, and most overlooked systems in your home or business. By learning about the most common garage door problems and how to prevent them, you can save time, money, and frustration.
If you’re already experiencing issues, don’t wait until they become worse. Contact our trusted experts at NOCO Door Services for fast, reliable garage door repair in Northern Colorado.