Your garage door is one of the most important parts of your home, providing security, convenience, and curb appeal. However, like any mechanical system, it can develop issues over time. A malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating, but many common problems have simple solutions.
At R&S Erection of Richmond Inc., we specialize in Garage Door Repair in Richmond, CA, helping homeowners keep their garage doors in top condition. Below, we’ll cover the five most common garage door problems and how to fix them.
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
A non-responsive garage door is one of the most frequent issues homeowners face. Here’s what might be causing it:
Possible Causes:
- Dead Remote Batteries – If your garage door opener isn’t responding, try replacing the remote batteries.
- Blocked or Misaligned Safety Sensors – The safety sensors at the bottom of the door should be aligned and free from dirt or obstructions.
- Broken Springs or Cables – If you hear a loud snap or see loose cables, the springs or cables may have broken and need professional replacement.
Quick Fixes:
- Replace remote batteries.
- Clean and realign the safety sensors.
- If the issue persists, contact a professional to inspect the springs and cables.
2. Noisy Garage Door
A loud garage door can be annoying, but it’s often a sign that something needs maintenance.
Possible Causes:
- Lack of Lubrication – The moving parts of your garage door need regular lubrication to reduce friction.
- Loose Hardware – Over time, nuts and bolts can loosen, leading to vibrations and noise.
- Worn-Out Rollers – If your rollers are cracked or worn, they may need to be replaced.
Quick Fixes:
- Apply a garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks.
- Tighten any loose bolts or brackets.
- If rollers are worn out, consider upgrading to quieter nylon rollers.
3. Garage Door Moves Unevenly
If your garage door opens or closes unevenly, it could indicate a problem with the tracks or springs.
Possible Causes:
- Track Obstructions – Dirt, debris, or objects blocking the tracks can cause uneven movement.
- Bent or Misaligned Tracks – If tracks are out of alignment, the door may not move smoothly.
- Spring Issues – Uneven tension in the springs can cause one side of the door to move differently than the other.
Quick Fixes:
- Remove any debris from the tracks.
- Inspect the tracks for bends and gently realign them if necessary.
- If the problem persists, contact a professional to inspect the springs.
4. Garage Door Reverses Before Closing
If your garage door starts to close but then reverses, it could be due to safety features detecting an issue.
Possible Causes:
- Dirty or Blocked Safety Sensors – Sensors that detect obstacles may be dirty or misaligned.
- Limit Settings Need Adjustment – Your garage door opener has limit settings that may need recalibration.
Quick Fixes:
- Clean and align the safety sensors.
- Check the limit settings on your opener and adjust them if necessary.
5. Garage Door Won’t Stay Closed
A garage door that doesn’t stay shut can be a security risk for your home.
Possible Causes:
- Broken Springs or Cables – Damaged springs or cables can prevent the door from staying in place.
- Misaligned Tracks – If tracks are misaligned, the door may not close properly.
- Opener Sensitivity Settings – The opener’s force settings may be too low, causing the door to reverse.
Quick Fixes:
- Inspect springs and cables for signs of wear.
- Realign tracks if needed.
- Adjust the opener’s sensitivity settings.
When to Call a Professional
While some garage door issues can be fixed with basic maintenance, others require expert help. You should call a professional if:
- Your garage door has broken springs or cables (these are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace).
- Your door is off track or severely misaligned.
- The opener motor is malfunctioning or making unusual noises.
- You’ve tried troubleshooting, but the problem persists.
Trust R&S Erection of Richmond Inc. for Expert Garage Door Repair in Richmond, CA
At R&S Erection of Richmond Inc., we offer fast, reliable, and professional Garage Door Repair in Richmond, CA. Whether you need a minor adjustment or a major repair, our experienced technicians are ready to help.
Call us today to schedule a service appointment!
