How to Troubleshoot Common Garage Door Issues Before Calling a Pro Apr 13, 2025

Dealing with a malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating, but before picking up the phone to call for professional help, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. As one of the most frequently used doors in a household, garage doors encounter issues that often have simple solutions. Understanding how to identify and potentially solve these common problems can save you both time and money. NJ Garage Door Experts bring you a guide to dealing with some typical garage door issues you might experience.First and foremost, let's address one of the most common problems: the garage door not opening or closing properly. Often, the root cause could be something as simple as the batteries in your remote control being dead. Before jumping to conclusions, check whether replacing the batteries resolves the problem. If the remote control appears to be working fine, ensure that there is nothing obstructing the door’s path. Objects or debris can prevent the door from functioning correctly, triggering the door’s safety mechanism and stopping it from closing or opening.Another issue homeowners face is a noisy garage door. This nuisance can often be attributed to lack of lubrication. Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door, such as the rollers, hinges, and tracks, can significantly reduce noise and improve the door's functionality. Use a silicone-based lubricant, and remember to clean the parts first to remove any accumulated dust or grime which can also contribute to the noise.If your garage door won't open in cold weather, the issue may lie in the door opener’s sensitivity. Cold temperatures can cause metal components to contract, potentially leading to the door becoming heavy and difficult for the opener to lift. Adjusting the opener’s force settings, which can usually be done using controls on the motor unit, might be necessary. This adjustment ensures that the opener exerts enough force to function correctly during colder months.A garage door that opens slightly and then reverses can be particularly confounding. This often points to an issue with the door's alignment or balance. You can test this by manually opening the door halfway and releasing it. A properly balanced door should stay in place, whereas an imbalanced door will either fall or rise. Adjusting the tension in the garage door spring could resolve this, but be cautious, as incorrect handling can cause injury. If you're uncertain, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance.Lastly, if your garage door opener is not responding at all, check the power supply. Confirm that the motor unit is plugged in and that there isn’t a tripped circuit breaker. Sometimes, a simple reset of the system by unplugging and replugging can solve the problem.In conclusion, many common garage door issues can be addressed with a bit of troubleshooting. However, if these steps don't resolve the problem or if you feel uncomfortable performing these tasks, contacting a professional like NJ Garage Door Experts is the best course of action. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to minor issues will help ensure your garage door's longevity and reliability. Remember, a little effort in upkeep can prevent significant problems down the road.