Garage doors are a vital part of a home, not just for security, but also for convenience, insulation, and added appeal. At Garage Doors 4 You, we understand how frustrating it can be when your garage door stops working as it should. Fortunately, many garage door issues can be diagnosed quickly and, in some cases, resolved without needing professional assistance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common garage door problems faced by UK homeowners and what steps you can take to troubleshoot them. Whether you have a manual up-and-over door or an electric roller shutter, we’ve got you covered.
Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
This is one of the most common and alarming problems, especially if you’re in a rush and have your care or something else you desperately need stored in there. The cause often depends on the type of garage door you have.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check the power supply: For electric doors, ensure the opener is plugged in and that there’s no tripped circuit breaker
- Remote control issues: Try using the wall switch or a backup remote. If those work, your remote’s battery may be dead or the signal disrupted.
- Manual doors: Examine the lock and latch to see if anything is physically preventing movement
When to call us:
If the motor hums but nothing moves, or the door only moves a few inches before stopping, it could indicate a faulty motor, worn-out springs or an obstruction in the tracks.
Noisy Operation
Garage doors make noise; this is normal. However, excessive grinding, squeaking or rattling could be a sign of wear and tear or something more serious.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges and springs.
- Check for loose hardware: Vibration can cause nuts and bolts to loosen over time. Use a wrench to tighten them.
- Inspect rollers and hinges: worn or rusted components can be noisy and may need replacing.
When to call us:
If the noise persists after lubrication, there may be more significant damage to the motor, springs, or track system.
Garage Door Is Off Its Track
If your door appears crooked or doesn’t open or close smoothly, it might have slipped off its track- a common problem with roller or sectional garage doors.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Visual inspection: check if the rollers are aligned within the track.
- Do not force the door: forcing a misaligned door can cause more damage.
- Look for debris: stones or objects can sometimes obstruct the track.
When to call us:
This is a delicate issue best handled by professionals. Attempting to fix it without the right tools or knowledge could lead to injury or make the problem worse, so please get in touch.
Remote Control Is Not Working
If your garage door remote has suddenly stopped working, don’t panic. The solution is often straightforward.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Replace batteries: most remote issues stem from dead batteries.
- Reprogramme the remote: check your door opener’s manual for steps.
- Check for signal interference: Wi-Fi devices or nearby electronics could interfere with the remote signal.
When to call us:
If reprogramming and battery changes don’t help, the issue might lie within the receiver or control board of your door opener.
Garage Door Moves Unevenly or Shudders
This could mean the door is unbalanced or there’s a mechanical issue with the lifting mechanism.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Inspect the Springs: uneven tension in extension or torsion springs can cause jerky movement.
- Look at the cables: frayed or loose cables can affect the door’s balance.
- Check the rollers: worn-out or dirty rollers may prevent smooth operation.
When to call us:
Spring and cable issues should always be handled by trained professionals, as they are under high tension and can be dangerous.
Door Opens or Closes Too Slowly
Garage doors are designed to operate efficiently. Sluggish movement often indicates wear or misconfiguration.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Lubricate the system: lack of lubrication can slow the mechanism significantly.
- Adjust speed settings: some door openers have adjustable speed settings.
- Look for obstructions: check tracks and rollers for blockages or buildup.
When to call us:
If the problem persists, it could be time for a service or upgrade, especially if your opener is over 10 years old.
Manual Garage Door Feels Heavy
If you suddenly notice that your manual garage door feels much heavier than usual, it likely means the spring mechanism is failing.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Visual Check: look for gaps in the springs or signs of breakage.
- Test the balance: lift the door halfway. If it slams shut or is hard to move, the springs may need attention.
When to call us:
Broken or tired springs should be replaced as soon as possible for both safety and functionality.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Problems
Many of the issues can be avoided with regular maintenance. At Garage Doors 4 You, we recommend:
- Annual professional inspections.
- Regular lubrication of all moving parts.
- Keeping the tracks clean and clear.
- Testing auto-reverse features every few months.
Let Garage Doors 4 You Help
If your garage door isn’t working as it should, don’t leave it to chance. Our team of experts serve the Kent area, providing repairs, servicing and replacements for a range of garage doors. With over 30 years of industry experience and a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Garage Doors 4 You is your trusted partner for garage door troubleshooting and repair.
