If you’re like most homeowners, you take for granted that your garage door will open and close on command. However, frequent use and many other factors can cause your door to malfunction. A stuck door can be frustrating, especially if you need to get your vehicle out of the garage.
While some causes of a non-moving door are easy to fix, others require professional service. Any garage door repair can be challenging and risky, though, so it’s best to seek help unless you know what you’re doing.
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Reasons a Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
Review the following scenarios to learn more about some common opening and closing issues.
The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close — It Just Clicks
Do you hear an unusual clicking sound when you’re attempting to operate the garage door? You’ve probably locked the opener by accidentally moving a switch or holding a button too long on the wall unit. You’ll likely notice a flashing light on the opener in these situations.
You can remedy these issues by moving the switch to the unlocked position or pressing the lock button until the flashing light stops.
The Garage Door Opens a Little, Then Stops
Sometimes, a door will open a few inches, then stop suddenly and begin to move down. This usually indicates that the springs aren’t functioning correctly, causing the opener to handle too much weight.
A spring adjustment can typically resolve the problem. However, working with springs yourself can be dangerous due to the stored tension in the mechanism. It’s better to let an experienced garage door technician perform the repair.
The Garage Door Is Not Opening but the Motor Is Running
You may hear the opener’s motor when you attempt to operate the door, yet nothing is happening. The problem could be that the motor is worn out or has a broken part. Another possible cause is that the door isn’t engaging with the opener.
In many cases, a broken main gear drive is the culprit and needs replacing. If the trolley carriage moves but the door won’t budge, you’ll likely need to replace a carriage component. A professional garage door technician can handle either of these tasks.
Contact R&R Doors for Garage Door Repairs
Do you live in Madison or elsewhere in southern Wisconsin? The experienced team at R&R Doors can help you determine why your garage door won’t open or close. Contact us for more information today.