Common Garage Door Problems & How to Fix Them

Your garage door protects vehicles, tools, and adds curb appeal—but just like any other mechanical system it can break down. Use this guide to diagnose eight issues you’re most likely to face and learn which fixes are DIY‑friendly and which call for a pro.

1· Broken Garage Door Spring

The torsion or extension springs counter‑balance the door’s weight. After 10–15 k cycles they fatigue, snap, and the door slams shut or becomes impossibly heavy.

  • Danger: Springs are under high tension—DIY replacement can cause serious injury.
  • Fix: Call a licensed technician for safe removal and winding of new springs.

2· Door Won’t Open or Close

First, rule out the simple stuff—dead remote batteries or a tripped GFCI outlet. If power isn’t the issue check these:

  • Opener motor: Burning smell or hum with no movement = failed motor/gear.
  • Broken spring: The opener strains but can’t lift the door.
  • Safety sensors: Dirty or mis‑aligned “eyes” block closing.

Clean sensors and realign; if the motor or spring is bad, schedule professional service.

3· Door Makes Excessive Noise

Screeching, grinding, or rattling usually means loose hardware or dry components.

  1. Tighten all track bolts and hinge screws with a socket or wrench.
  2. Spray a silicone‑based lubricant on rollers, hinges, and springs (avoid WD‑40—it’s a cleaner, not a lube).
  3. Replace worn nylon or steel rollers to reduce metal‑on‑metal rumble.

4· Door Is Uneven or Crooked

A door that looks “tilted” can bind in the tracks or leave gaps that invite pests.

  • Check tracks for bends and use a rubber mallet to straighten minor kinks.
  • Confirm both cables are seated on the drums and have equal tension.
  • If the door still sags, torsion spring tension may be uneven—call a pro.

5· Door Opens / Closes Too Quickly

Most openers let you adjust travel speed and force with two small dials on the rear panel. Turn the speed dial counter‑clockwise to slow it down. Rapid free‑fall is a separate issue—usually broken springs or cables—disconnect the opener and do not use the door until repaired.

6· Door Gets Stuck Mid‑Travel

  • Clear debris and old grease from tracks.
  • Inspect rollers for flat spots and replace if necessary.
  • Look for frayed cables that snag in the pulleys.

7· Remote Control Doesn’t Work

  • Replace coin‑cell batteries.
  • Re‑program the remote by pressing “Learn” on the opener then the remote button.
  • For new vehicles, use HomeLink/Car2U instructions to sync.

8· Bottom Weather‑Seal Is Damaged

A torn seal lets water, wind, and critters inside. Pull the old vinyl or rubber gasket out of its retainer track and slide in a matching replacement cut to length. Hint: Warm the new seal in the sun so it flexes easily.

Regular maintenance—tightening hardware, lubricating, and testing balance twice a year—prevents most failures. If you hit a problem that feels unsafe or beyond your toolkit, skip the risk and book a pro.

In Littleton or the Denver metro? Call Third Gen Garage Doors (720‑697‑0418) or contact us online for expert repair, replacement, and tune‑ups. Estimates are always free, and service is always friendly.

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