It can be frustrating to pull into your driveway and realize that the garage door won’t open. This is a common issue that could have many quick solutions, but you may need a garage door repair to fix the problem. Below, learn why this issue occurs and what you need to know to fix this situation.

Why Won't Your Garage Door Open?

There are several possible reasons a garage door won't open. If the door simply doesn’t respond when you try to open it, it’s likely due to a dead battery in your transmitter, a tripped breaker, or an object blocking the door's sensors, all of which you can fix yourself.

If the door starts to open and stops or makes straining noises, the garage door itself might be locked, which is easy to check on. If it’s unlocked and still won’t open, the problem is likely a bent track, burnt out motor, stripped gear, snapped cable, or a broken spring, all of which require professional garage door repairs.

How Can You Mitigate the Issue?

First, try to open the garage door and listen for the sound of the motor. If it doesn't make a noise, check the power to the motor by looking for the LED lights on the device. If they’re on, change the batteries in the remote and check that it’s not in lock mode, and try again. If the door doesn’t open, look for objects near the garage door that might be blocking the sensors, which are located close to the ground, one on each side of the door. Carefully clean off the door's sensors and move anything that might be blocking them.

If the motor runs normally, but the door doesn't open, the door may not be connected to the motor. This happens when you pull the release cord. You'll have to reconnect it by pulling the release cord down and toward the door. Once you’re sure the motor is engaged, try opening the garage door again.

If it starts to run normally but gets stuck, a bent track is a likely culprit, and you'll need professional repairs. You might also notice that the door runs normally but slows down or makes scraping sounds at a specific spot. You can sometimes fix small track problems by lubricating the area with WD-40® or similar products, but if the problem persists, you need a professional to realign the track.

If the motor makes an unusual sound, turn it off immediately. This means that the problem is mechanical. Either the door spring isn't taking the door's weight, the motor is damaged, or some other component is broken or misaligned.

If your garage door is stuck and needs repairs, call Alaska Garage Door & Repair in Anchorage, AK. With almost 50 years in the business, they offer skilled repairs and quality products from trusted manufacturers like LiftMaster®. They're also available 24/7 for emergencies. Call (907) 345-2350 or visit their website to make an appointment.