Why Won’t My Garage Door Close? Common Causes and Fixes
A garage door that refuses to close can quickly disrupt your day. Whether you’re leaving for work, parking your vehicle, or securing your home, a door that stays open poses a security hazard and leaves your property exposed to extreme weather. The good news? Most garage door issues are caused by minor problems that can be resolved with some troubleshooting, while others may require help from a garage door professional.
Below, we’ll walk through the most common reasons your garage door won’t close, how to fix them, and when to request help from garage door experts.
1. Sensor Problems
Modern automatic garage doors use safety sensors to prevent injury or damage. If your garage door opens but doesn’t close, dirty, misaligned, or blocked sensors could be the issue. Dust, debris, or even a misplaced item in your garage can break the sensor’s signal.
Quick Fix: Clean the lenses with a soft cloth and make sure they’re properly aligned. If the light indicators are off, adjust until they face each other directly.
2. Remote Control or Keypad Malfunctions
If pressing the button on your remote control or keypad doesn’t close the door, the problem may be with the transmitter, signal, or even the circuit breaker. Sometimes, a simple reset or battery change solves the problem.
Quick Fix: Replace the batteries, check the electrical wiring, and reset the opener. If the garage door still won’t close, contact a garage door company to diagnose deeper electrical issues.
3. Garage Door Opener or Power Supply Issues
A faulty garage door opener or interrupted power supply can keep your door from closing. Power outages, a tripped circuit breaker, or loose wires often cause this.
Quick Fix: Make sure the opener is plugged in, check your home’s electrical panel, and test the opener’s switch. If the motor struggles or makes unusual noises, you may need a garage door repair or even a garage door replacement.
4. Track, Hardware, or Mechanical Wear
Over time, wear and tear on components like hinges, rollers, nuts, and bolts can cause the door to jam. A bent track, broken torsion spring, or stripped screw can prevent the door from moving smoothly.
Quick Fix: Use a socket wrench to tighten loose hardware and apply lubricant such as silicone or lithium grease to reduce friction. If your garage door springs are broken or the track is bent, it’s time to call a garage door professional for safe repairs.
5. Obstructions or Weather Damage
Something as small as a garden tool, uneven concrete floor, or damaged weatherstripping can prevent the door from closing fully. In other cases, extreme weather can warp wood panels, corrode metal, or affect the door’s motion.
Quick Fix: Clear the garage floor, inspect for damage, and check for visible signs of warping or corrosion. If panels are cracked or sagging, you may need a panel replacement or new overhead door installation.
Professional Garage Door Services in Colorado
At Preferred Garage Doors, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing all types of garage door issues. From faulty sensors to broken springs, we offer full garage door repair and garage door maintenance solutions. Our team provides expert customer service, whether you have a scheduled appointment or need emergency service.
We handle both residential garage doors and commercial garage doors, and as a trusted garage door company, we make it easy to request service anytime your garage door won’t close.
Final Thoughts
A garage door not closing can stem from something simple like dirty sensors or as complex as broken springs. While DIY troubleshooting can resolve some problems, never hesitate to call in a garage door professional if safety or mechanical issues are involved.
For fast, reliable garage door services, contact Preferred Garage Doors today to schedule a repair or garage door replacement with our trusted team of garage door experts.
FAQs About Garage Doors That Won’t Close
Q1: Why won’t my garage door close all the way?
A: The most common causes are dirty or misaligned sensors, obstructions on the floor, or an issue with the garage door opener.
Q2: Can I fix a garage door that won’t close myself?
A: You can try cleaning sensors, replacing remote control batteries, and tightening loose bolts. However, problems involving torsion springs or electrical wiring should be handled by a garage door professional.
Q3: How do I know if my garage door opener is the problem?
A: If the garage door opens but doesn’t close, or the switch and keypad aren’t working, the issue may be with the opener’s circuit board, power supply, or transmitter.
Q4: What lubricant should I use on my garage door?
A: A silicone or lithium spray works best for reducing friction on rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid thick oils, which attract dust and debris.
Q5: When should I call for professional garage door repair?
A: If you have a broken garage door spring, faulty wiring, or recurring garage door issues, it’s best to hire a certified garage door company for safe and reliable repairs.