Few things can beat the conveniences garages offer. You can store overflow items that won’t fit in your house, keep your car safe from the elements, and even use this space as a rec room or workout area with a few renovations. With some newer models, you don’t even have to leave your car or home to close your garage door. With a click of a button, you can open or close it from almost anywhere using an app on your smartphone. Unfortunately, though, the convenience of garages is sometimes disrupted by malfunctions. Sometimes, your garage door won’t close, leaving your possessions vulnerable to thieves and the elements. If you’re wondering, “Why won’t my garage door close?” we’re here to help. Here are some common reasons why your garage door won’t close:
1. Something Is Wrong With Your Safety Sensors
Every garage door manufactured after 1982 has an automatic reversal system. This system prevents pets, people, and property from getting crushed by a closing garage door. It does this through the use of infrared sensors or “photo eyes.” These sensors are located on either side of your garage door, usually four to six inches above the ground. When an object is in the way of your sensors, it won’t allow the garage door to close. This is one of the most common reasons your garage door won’t close.
If there is no object blocking your sensors, you can try rubbing them with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris that might be interfering with the system. In the event none of this proves to be the problem, there’s one more culprit. It could also be your sensors’ wiring. In that case, you’ll want to hire a garage door technician to take a look. Working on any electrical unit without the proper credentials is dangerous, so please do not DIY this procedure!
2. Your Door’s Track Is Misaligned
Your garage door sits on a set of tracks that allow it to move up and down. Sometimes, these tracks might be misaligned. This can happen if the tracks were not installed correctly. Misalignment could also be caused by track damage. Either way, you’re going to want to call a professional if this is the issue. The tracks have to sit exactly right for your garage door to start closing again, so we don’t suggest DIYing.
3. Your Cables Or Springs Have Snapped
The cables and springs work together to help your garage door lower and retract. Both cables and springs work together in pairs. If one snaps, it won’t necessarily make it impossible to close your garage door. Instead, it might just make it harder. That being said, you should not try to operate your garage door if one of the cables or springs has snapped! Your garage door could come off track or collapse, resulting in injury to pets, people, or property.
4. Something’s Wrong With Your Opener
Your garage door opener is an electric motor that assists in the raising and lowering process. Sometimes, a broken or malfunctioning opener is the culprit of your door’s failure to move. It could be turned off, dead, or unplugged. If none of those issues is the problem, it’s time to call in a professional to diagnose what’s causing your garage door not to close.
We Can Fix Your Broken Garage Door!
When something is wrong with your garage door, it can be frustrating, especially when you’re having a hard time diagnosing the issue. Thankfully, you’re not on your own when it comes to garage door repairs. The experts at Thunder Garage Door & Locksmith Services are ready to assist you. No matter what’s causing your garage door not to close, we’ll get to the bottom of it. Contact us today for all of your repair needs!