Garage doors have a way of getting stuck at the most inconvenient times. There are many reasons why your door may be stuck. Some issues can be fixed in moments, while others will require professional attention. Here are three of the most common reasons your garage door won’t open.  

Troubleshooting Common Garage Door Problems

1. Dead Batteries

Dead batteries in the remote are one of the most common causes of a stuck garage door, and they’re also one of the easiest to fix. Swap out the batteries and see if the door opens. If the door still doesn’t open, there may be an issue with the opener or the door itself.

2. Broken Springs

The door’s springs let it open and close easily. Should one of them break, your door will have a hard time opening or closing, and it can become stuck. Torsion springs are located on the top of either side of the door. If you see a gap in the springs, it’s a good indication of a break. Extension springs are located at the sides of the door. You can tell if these are broken if you see a piece of spring hanging outside the door.

If any of your springs are broken, they’ll need a replacement to get your door up and running again, but this isn’t a job you should handle on your own. Dealing with springs is dangerous, as it puts you at risk for serious injuries. Refrain from opening or closing the door, and call for a professional to replace the springs. 

3. Problematic Photo Eye Sensors

Your garage door’s photo eyes transmit an invisible beam across the bottom of the door’s path to detect anything that’s in the way. This safety feature prevents kids, pets, and anything else in the way from getting caught under the door when it closes. Visually inspect below the door to see if there’s anything that would block the door’s path down. If you don’t see anything, take a look at the photo eye sensors on either side of the door. These can get dirty over time so wipe them off and try to close the door again to see if dirty sensors are to blame. If this doesn’t work, they could be out of alignment. You’ll need to have a professional diagnose the issue and realign the sensors. 

If you’re in need of help with your garage door, turn to Overhead Door Co Of Lycoming County– The Genuine, The Original Overhead Door Company – a division of Schrader Architectural Products. Located in Williamsport, PA, they have proudly served the residents of Lycoming County since 1981. Call them today at (570) 326-4749 or visit their website to learn more.