Common Garage Door Faults and How to Fix Them

Door won’t open fully: Often due to obstructions or dirt in the tracks.
Stiff or heavy door: Worn rollers or rust might be the culprit.
Door won’t stay open: Broken or worn springs or cables.
Automatic door issues: Check remote control batteries or sensor obstructions.
Strange noises: Loose hardware, lubrication issues, or worn parts.
Door closing too quickly: Dangerous and often requires professional attention.
Frozen door: Caused by moisture and freezing temperatures.
Warped or damaged door: Can result from various factors, including weather and impact.
Crooked door: Misaligned tracks or loose hardware.

Consider how many times a week you access your garage; most of us will open and close our garage door multiple times a day without thinking twice about it. Therefore, it’s normal that with such frequent use, certain faults and areas of wear can develop over time.

While most garage door problems are not serious and can be easily resolved, if left neglected, these minor issues can grow much worse, leading to costly and sometimes irreversible damage later down the line.

Here at Associated Garage Doors, we’ve been repairing garage doors for more than 30 years and have compiled this list of the most common garage door faults that we’ve come across.

Associated Garage Door staff installing new garage door

My garage door won’t open fully

What is the problem?

Your garage door won’t open entirely. It might open just enough for you to get in and out, or it might barely even budge.

What is the cause?

There is most likely an obstruction in the tracks of your door. This could be an item you’ve placed inside your garage, or it could be stones, twigs or other natural elements that have found their way into your garage door.

What is the solution?

Check inside your garage to see if any personal items are blocking the path of the door. We recommend tidying your garage periodically to prevent this from happening.

If you can’t find an obstruction, try cleaning the door. It could be that stubborn grime or dirt is the culprit.

My garage door is stiff or heavy to open

What is the problem?

Your garage door doesn’t open in one smooth motion; instead, it requires a lot of physical effort.

What is the cause?

It is likely to be a problem with the rollers. The mechanism may have deteriorated over time, or rust might be impeding smooth movement.

What is the solution?

Check for any obstructions in the tracks.

Next, clean the rollers to remove any grime or dirt that may be impairing the movement of the door.

A simple bit of lubrication will often help the rollers glide smoothly along the track. Apply a little silicone lubricant to the moving parts of your garage door to reduce friction and prevent rust.

My garage door won’t stay open

What is the problem?

The garage door droops, slips or completely falls after opening.

What is the cause?

It is likely that the springs located at the top and sides of the frame have lost their tension and can no longer bear the weight of the door. It could also be that the garage door cable is loose or snapped.

What is the solution?

This problem can usually be fixed simply by adjusting the torsion and extension springs; in some cases, the springs might need to be replaced. However, the high level of tension means that this job can be dangerous in the hands of an amateur, so we recommend hiring a qualified technician to assess the situation and remedy the problem.

My automatic garage door isn’t opening

What is the problem?

You’re unable to open or close your garage door with your remote control.

What is the cause?

There will either be an electrical issue with the remote or a mechanical issue with the door. A fault with the remote is far easier to fix and, luckily, it’s far more common – check out our garage door remove troubleshooting guide.

What is the solution?

First, check to see if there’s a problem with the remote control by replacing the battery; it could be as simple as a dead battery.

Gently wipe down your garage door sensor and check for any obstructions that might be interfering with the signal.

You might need to try resetting the remote and reconnecting it to your garage door system; you should be able to find specific instructions in the manufacturer’s handbook.

If the problem persists, there may be a mechanical fault with the door and this will require a trained technician to fix it.

My garage door is making strange noises

What is the problem?

Your garage door is making unusual sounds, such as rattling, grinding or squeaking noises.

What is the cause?

This could be caused by a number of issues ranging from loose hardware to a lack of lubrication.

What is the solution?

Firstly, try lubricating the moving parts of your garage door to reduce friction. We’ve written a guide on how to do this here.

Inspect the components of your garage door and tighten any loose screws or bolts that you find.

If the strange noises persist, call a garage door professional to come and investigate further.

My garage door is closing too quickly

What is the problem?

Your garage door is slamming closed at a dangerous speed.

What is the cause?

There are a number of potential causes, such as a snapped cable or damaged springs.

What is the solution?

Unless you’re a trained professional, it’s dangerous to attempt a DIY repair on your garage door springs or cables as they support heavy weights and any error could result in serious injury. Instead, call in one of the experts from Associated Garage Doors to help.

My garage door is frozen shut

What is the problem?

Your garage door is frozen shut due to cold weather.

What is the cause?

If there’s any moisture or pooled water by the base of your garage door, icy temperatures can cause this to freeze and effectively seal your door.

What is the solution?

Use warm – not boiling hot – water or a suitable de-icing solution to thaw the ice.

Alternatively, you could invest in an insulated garage door and prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

My garage door is warped or damaged

What is the problem?

Visible damage – such as cracks, warping or dents – is affecting the appearance and operation of your garage door.

What is the cause?

There can be a whole range of causes, from general wear and weather exposure to accidental damage and impacts.

What is the solution?

You might be able to cover minor, superficial scruffs by resanding or repainting your garage door.

If the damage is limited to one area of your garage door, you might be able to just replace the affected panels.

Severe warping or damage to your garage door can cause it to cave in and stop it from operating smoothly. Your best bet is to consult a garage door specialist and arrange a complete replacement.

My garage door is crooked

What is the problem?

Your garage door is hanging unevenly and appears crooked.

What is the cause?

Often, this is caused by misaligned garage door tracks or loose hardware.

What is the solution?

Identify and tighten any loose bolts or screws that you notice.

Examine your garage door tracks; if these are crooked then they may need to be adjusted by a professional.

Assess the condition of your garage door rollers and look out for any signs of wear. If so, these will need to be replaced.

What to do if your garage door is beyond repair

A damaged garage door is not only inconvenient, but it can also damage the safety and security of your home. However, depending on the age and condition of your garage door and the severity of the damage, repairs may not be the most cost-effective solution. By opting for a garage door replacement, you can choose the most modern technology available and reduce the need for frequent repair in the future.

If you require help from a professional, look no further than the team at Associated Garage Doors. We offer a comprehensive repair and maintenance service that covers all garage door faults and failures. Our trained technicians are highly experienced and can remedy all faults quickly and safely. If your garage door is failing due to age and you’re looking for an upgrade, we offer a wide selection of modern garage doors at affordable prices.

Get in touch with the Associated Garage Doors team today to find out how we can help you. We serve customers in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas of Kent.

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