What To Do When Your Garage Door Gets Stuck | Billy.com

Garage doors can become stuck due to power problems, issues with the sensors, and blockages. More serious problems, like misaligned tracks or a damaged motor, can also prevent the doors from moving. Whatever the cause, a jammed door disrupts your daily routine and compromises your home’s security. Discover what to do when your garage door gets stuck and learn a few tips for keeping your garage door operational.

Check the Power Source

First, ensure that your garage door opener is properly connected and receiving power. Sometimes, the simple act of unplugging the opener and plugging it back in can solve the issue. Also, verify that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, as this can cut off power to the garage door opener.

If the power source is intact yet the door remains unresponsive, consider the remote control. Garage remotes typically need new batteries every one to two years, depending on usage. If you must stay near the garage door for the remote to function, or if the remote’s response time is slower, you likely need to replace the battery.

Look for Blockages

Blockages in the garage door’s path can also cause it to get stuck. Check for any debris or objects obstructing the door’s movement—even small items like pebbles or leaves can interfere with the door’s operation. Remove all visible debris to keep the pathway clear.

Sometimes, tools, stored goods, and other items can move into the garage door path. Overhead storage racks are some of the best garage storage solutions because they keep items off the floor, making the most of the garage’s vertical space while keeping items away from the garage door’s path.

Inspect Sensors

If your garage door is stuck partially open, check the sensors at the bottom of the door. Garage door sensors ensure the door doesn’t close if there’s an obstruction in the doorway. They must be aligned and clean to function correctly.

Cleaning the sensors with a soft cloth can remove any dust or debris. Additionally, you might need to adjust the sensors to the same height on either side of the garage door frame for the door to resume normal function. The indicator lights will blink when the sensors are misaligned and illuminate fully once the sensors are realigned.

Call a Professional

When basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional. A thorough inspection is the first thing you can expect during professional garage door repair. Experienced technicians have the expertise to diagnose and fix problems that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Attempting DIY garage door repair can lead to serious personal injury, particularly if you are unfamiliar with working on or near high-tension springs. Professional repair technicians will safely restore your garage door’s functionality, and they can recommend preventative measures to mitigate future problems.

There are a few things you can do when your garage door gets stuck. Start by checking the power source and inspecting the sensors’ alignment and cleanliness. Always remove any blockages from the door’s path and utilize efficient storage solutions to keep the area clear. When these steps don’t work, consider hiring a professional for safe and thorough garage door repairs.