There’s nothing more frustrating than getting in your car and preparing to zoom off—only to discover your garage door won’t budge. If you’re having technical difficulties with your door, don’t panic. There are a few issues that can be addressed with simple fixes. You might not even need a repairman.

If your garage door isn’t moving, give these tricks a try:

• Check Your Remote: You likely rely on a remote opener. First, check if the transmitter is fully charged. If the transmitter on the wall inside your garage door still opens it but the handheld one does not, the fix is probably as simple as replacing the batteries.
• Look for the Photo Eye: For safety purposes, modern garage doors have photo eyes installed on either side of the entrance that transmit an invisible beam between one another. If they detect anything in the way of the door’s path, they will prevent it from opening or closing. Make sure nothing is impeding the photo eye’s line of sight. 
• See About Alignment: If these technical elements seem to be in working order, the issue may lie with the garage door’s alignment. Take a look to see if the door is still in its tracks. If it has popped out of this guiding path, you can try loosening the necessary screws to pop it back into place.
• Check Springs & Cables: Do a visual assessment of the garage door’s mechanical elements. Are the torsion springs broken? Do you see any snapped or loose cables? These are more serious fixes and will likely require the help of an expert.

If you’ve exhausted these options and still can’t figure out what’s up with your garage door, it’s time to call a repairman. Don’t resort to pushing and pulling at the door in an attempt to get it moving. Without knowing the issue, this could be dangerous—and the damage you may cause could mean costly repairs. Play it safe and call a pro.

If you need help with your garage door, look to Overhead Door Co. Of Lycoming County, a division of Schrader Architectural Products. They provide installation, maintenance, and repairs of residential and commercial overhead doors. Known as the genuine, original overhead door company, they have been serving Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas since 1965. Find out more about them online. To discuss your needs, call (570) 326-4749.