Your home’s garage door gets a lot of use, and you’ve come to expect it to work at the push of a button. However, as with anything mechanical, some parts can wear down and break. If the door isn’t opening all the way or at all, here are some possible solutions before you call a repair service.

Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening

1. Broken Springs

Tension or torsion springs and cables help raise and lower the door. If your door isn’t responding to the push of a button, you may have a broken spring. Once a spring breaks, it’s not uncommon for a cable to follow shortly after due to the weight of the door. For your safety, avoid parking in the garage until you can get these components replaced by a professional.

2. Dead Transmitter Batteries

An automatic overhead door system comes with a wall unit and two or three remotes to store in vehicles. If the garage door won’t open when you press the remote in your car but it functions when you press the wall unit, your car transmitters need new batteries. It could also be a problem with the receiver, but swapping out batteries is likely a quick fix for your troubles.

3. Derailed Track

If you’re struggling with opening the door, inspect the metal tracks. A door that’s come off the tracks is often to blame; in this situation, you’ll notice gaps between the rollers and the rail. You should also inspect for bumps, bends, or unwanted obstacles that are keeping the garage from opening all the way. You may also begin to hear squealing from friction if the door is coming off the track.

4. Engaged Lock

Many homeowners don’t realize their garage door can lock manually until they realize this is the issue. If the motor runs, but the door doesn’t budge when you push the opener, the manual lock could be engaged. It usually looks like a metal bar that slides into small holes in the track. It may also have a red handle to help you identify it. Flip this lever open and try the opener again.

If you can’t quickly solve the problem with these tips, contact Garage Door Service: Paul Holscher, Mike Panaro. For more than 36 years, these professionals have been repairing commercial and residential garage doors around Cincinnati, OH. This Better Business Bureau®-accredited company installs new openers, replaces garage doors, repairs faulty mechanisms, and fixes damaged doors. The team is dedicated to your satisfaction and will walk through the entire process with you before they begin. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 347-3000. Visit them online for more information on their services.