It’s very frustrating to experience garage door problems. However, not every garage door problem results in buying a new door. When your garage door won’t close, conducting a quick inspection will determine the cause and avoid a costly purchase. What to do when your garage door won’t close? Here are a few things to troubleshoot.
Check the Function of the Sensors
The safety sensors play a big part in the operation of the garage door. If they aren’t working, there’s a chance your garage won’t either. Inspect the lights and make sure they’re blinking.
Your garage sometimes serves as a busy place. Sometimes your sensors get bumped or moved by accident. Check to see if they need a simple adjustment to work again.
Try Cleaning the Sensors
Over time the sensors become clouded with dust and dirt. Sometimes these elements get stuck inside the sensors and prevent them from working. When this happens, the beam inside the sensor can’t detect the objects in its path.
Cleaning them will make it easier for them to work again. Try cleaning the sensors with a soft, dry cloth and a little bit of glass cleaner. Also, be sure the door is closed when you’re not using it so that you protect the sensors.
Clear the Door’s Path
If there is insulation in your garage, you will see a thick layer of weather-stripping on the bottom of your garage floor. When you have this type of insulation, make sure it carefully adheres to the floor. If not, the sensors will think there is an obstruction and the door will not properly close.
When there is any kind of object in the path of the door, the door will not close. After you inspect from inside the garage, grab a ladder and inspect from a higher level. This will help you notice any obstructions from a new angle.
Inspect the Hardware
If the sensors aren’t the problem, try inspecting other parts of the assembly. Even the smallest broken part will cause an issue. Some common areas to investigate include:
- Tracks – If the tracks are worn out or rusted, the door will have difficulty closing. If the tracks are not properly aligned, that is a simple thing to fix.
- Gears – Over time, the gears wear down due to frequent use. Listen to your door for abnormal grinding noises. This will tell you if they need a replacement.
If you notice any of these issues, you should get them replaced right away and avoid further damage to other parts.
Do You Need A New Door?
After you check the above garage door areas, test your door and wait for it to close. If it still doesn’t close, call a professional for assistance. Depending on the frequency of your garage door problems, purchasing a new door is the next step.
Sometimes it’s stressful when garage door problems happen. If your garage door continues having problems, call your local garage door company. They will determine the cause of the issue and help you right away.
