Common Problems Seen with Garage Door Openers

The garage door is often taken for granted, but it's one of the most important components of your home. It's not only essential for the security of your garage—and your home by extension—but it's also vital to your convenience and safety. A garage door that doesn't function properly makes it difficult to park your car in the garage and can make it less safe for anyone to pass under. It's why if you are having any problems with your garage door that you should have it inspected right away. The following are some of the most common problems that garage door openers can experience:

1. The Wall Switch Doesn't Work

If the remote to the garage door opener works fine but your wall switch doesn't, it means that there's either an issue with the switch itself or the switch wires. A garage door repair professional will inspect the wall switch by unscrewing the switch and touching the two wires together to see if the opener runs. If it does, it means the switch is bad and needs to be replaced. If the opener doesn't run once the wires are touched, the wire is most likely faulty.

2. The Garage Door Opener Remote Doesn't Work

If the wall switch works fine but one of your remotes doesn't, then it could be due to a number of issues. The most obvious thing to check first is the batteries. If you replaced the batteries and the opener still won't respond to the remote, you may need to invest in a new one. If you can't find a remote that matches your garage door opener model, you'll either need to try a universal remote or you'll need to have a new receiver installed.

3. The Garage Door Sensors Don't Work

Every modern garage door comes with sensors on the side. These sensors ensure that the garage door doesn't close on anything or anyone that's passing through. If your sensors aren't working, then your garage door isn't safe to use. The door could close on your vehicle as you drive through—or it could close on someone walking through, thereby causing an injury.

The sensors should have red lights that are visible. If they are not on, then they most likely won't work. You can also test your sensors by opening the garage door, then closing it as you put your foot through the path of the sensors. The door should halt. If it doesn't, remove your foot immediately and schedule a repair service.

4. The Trolley Carriage Is Broken

If your garage door won't open at all, then it could be the result of a number of problems. If neither your remote nor your wall switch is the culprit, check the trolley carriage. If you notice that the trolley carriage moves even though the door isn't opening, then it's most likely because the trolley carriage is broken. Replacing the trolley carriage shouldn't be done on your own unless you have experience with such repairs. A professional has the experience, expertise, and tools required to perform the task safely and effectively.

5. The Main Drive Gear Is Broken

If it's not your trolley carriage that's causing your door to stop from opening, then it could be the main drive gear. If you hear a grinding noise as you attempt to open the door, then the main drive gear has probably failed and needs to be replaced.

6. The Tracks Are Misaligned 

If you hear a rubbing sound when the door reaches a certain point each time it opens or closes, it means the tracks are most likely misaligned. You can check the tracks for alignment issues on your own. If you see gaps between the rail and the rollers, there's an issue. Misaligned tracks can make operating the garage door a dangerous task. If it's especially bad, the garage door won't move at all.

7. The Garage Door Springs or Cables Are Broken

The springs and cables help to lower and raise the door safely, preventing it from falling too fast. If the springs or cables break, then the door will slam to the ground, which could damage your property or your door as well as injure anyone underneath. If the springs or cables have broken or are visibly damaged, don't attempt to replace them yourself. Doing so can be incredibly dangerous due to how tightly they are wound. 

These are some of the common problems that garage doors can experience. These problems not only make your garage door less convenient to use, they can also affect the safety and security of your home, which is why repairing garage doors is so important when repairs are needed.