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Why Won’t My Garage Door Go Up?

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Why Won’t My Garage Door Go Up?

You’re in a rush to get to work, you hit the button to open your garage door — and nothing happens. Your garage door stays firmly closed, leaving you scratching your head and wondering, “What’s going on?” Is it a problem with the remote? Or maybe there’s something wrong with the door itself? You’re left with plenty of confusion, but we’re here to alleviate that. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons why your garage door might refuse to budge.

Your Torsion or Extension Springs Are Broken

One of the main culprits behind a stubborn garage door is broken torsion or extension springs. These springs bear the brunt of the door’s weight, making it easier to lift. Over time, the constant stress can cause them to snap. When a spring breaks, you’ll often hear a loud bang, much like a firecracker. Without these springs’ support, the door becomes incredibly heavy and difficult to move. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s also dangerous. Attempting to lift or repair the door yourself could lead to serious injury. Broken springs require immediate attention from a professional to restore your door to working order safely.

Blocked, Dirty, or Misaligned Photo Eye

Another common issue is a blocked, dirty, or misaligned photo-eye. The photo eye system makes sure that nothing obstructs the garage door’s path as it closes. If this system detects an obstruction, it prevents the door from closing — and sometimes from opening. Dust, dirt, or debris on the photo eyes can interrupt the signal, causing the door to stop functioning properly. Misalignment is another problem that can confuse the system. Regular cleaning and checks can help, but if the problem persists, it might be time for expert assistance to realign or replace the sensors.

Your Cables Have Snapped

The cables that assist in lifting and lowering your garage door are vital components. Over time, these cables can fray and eventually snap due to wear and tear. When a cable breaks, the door may become lopsided or even jammed. Similar to broken springs, snapped cables are hazardous and should not be handled without professional help. The intense tension they’re under can cause severe injuries. A skilled technician from Door Tek Garage Door Service can repair the cables safely and bring your door back to full functionality/

Bad Sensitivity or Setting Inputs

Garage door openers come with sensitivity settings to prevent the door from closing on objects or people. However, if these settings are too high or too low, they can cause issues. A door that’s too sensitive may interpret normal resistance as an obstacle and refuse to open. On the other hand, if the sensitivity is too low, the door might not detect obstructions at all. Adjusting these settings can be tricky and often requires a delicate touch. Incorrect adjustments can lead to further issues.

Blocked Remote Signal

A blocked remote signal is another reason your garage door might stay shut. This could stem from various issues, such as interference from nearby electronics, dead batteries, or even a malfunctioning remote. Make sure your remote’s batteries are fresh, and try standing closer to the door. Sometimes, reprogramming the remote can resolve the issue. If none of these solutions work, the problem might lie within the garage door opener itself, which our professional team in Lynchburg, VA, can help with.

Faulty Limit Settings

Limit settings dictate how far your garage door travels when opening or closing. If these settings are off, the door might not open fully or might close and then immediately reverse. This can be frustrating and confusing. Adjusting the limit settings can fix the problem, but it’s not always straightforward. Misadjustment can make the issue worse. An experienced garage door professional can accurately diagnose and correct the limit settings.

Misaligned Tracks

The metal tracks on which your garage door runs must be aligned correctly for smooth operation. Over time, these tracks can become bent or misaligned due to daily use or accidental bumps. When the tracks aren’t aligned, the door can get stuck or operate unevenly. Misaligned tracks not only affect functionality but can also cause further damage to the door and opener. Fixing track alignment typically involves loosening the mount brackets, tapping the tracks back into place, and tightening everything again.

Your Door Is Manually Locked

It’s easy to overlook the manual lock feature on your garage door. If someone has engaged this lock, the door will not open until it’s disengaged. Check for any manual locks or bars that might be in the locked position. This is a simple fix — you just need to remove the lock. But if you’ve checked and the door still won’t budge, there may be a more complex underlying issue in there that needs attention.

You’re Having Circuit Breaker Troubles

Sometimes, the problem lies not with the door or opener but with your home’s electrical system. A tripped circuit breaker can cut power to the garage door opener, rendering it non-functional. Checking the breaker box and resetting any tripped switches can restore power. However, repeated trips could indicate a deeper electrical problem. In such cases, both an electrician and a garage door technician might be needed to resolve the issue safely.

What to Do When Your Door Won’t Go Up

When your garage door refuses to open, it’s tempting to try and fix it yourself. However, garage doors are heavy, complex systems and DIY repairs can be risky. Leave the heavy lifting to the experts. Contact Door Tek Garage Door Service for reliable and safe garage door repairs, whether it’s springs, openers, or emergency garage door service. We’re here to get your door back on track and ensure your peace of mind.

  • Avatar Newton Green ★★★★★ in the last week
    I’m extremely pleased with the work that Jake, Jonah, and Dylan did on my garage door. They replaced the old chamberlain LiftMaster system with a much better direct drive system that is much quieter, and also fixed the garage door, which … More had been bent slightly, after being struck by my car. They were able to put another brace and bottom seal on the garage door, saving me thousands of dollars in having to buy a new door. They were able to come out the next day with an estimate for me, and conducted all the repairs on the very next day. All three men were very friendly, professional, prompt, and highly competent! I can’t recommend this company more highly. Thanks again!
  • Avatar Tom Gordon ★★★★★ a week ago
    I had a broken spring on the garage door that wouldn't allow use of the door. They were great from the time I called, showing up on time, providing and estimate and doing a great job getting g the door like new. Jonah and Dylan were … More a great team, professional and a great relection of this company. I highly recommend Doortek if you have an issue with your garage door.
  • Avatar Paul Sykes Sr. ★★★★★ a week ago
    They called ahead and said they could come earlier than my schedule appointment. They went right to work and were done in no time. I told them that I didn’t like it. I loved it!
  • Avatar Paula Conway ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
    Doortek was phenomenal! Came right out on time, diagnosed and fixed the problem on the spot. We were also able to discuss replacement doors and get an estimate. Jonah and his crew are true professionals! Thank you guys!
  • Avatar Diane Freed ★★★★★ a month ago
    Totally satisfied and happy with new product installed by Doortek! Jonah and his team were excellent to work with, communicating well (even over a holiday!) timely service, efficient, left our garage as clean and neat as when they arrived. … More Highly recommend this company.

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