Why Is My Garage Door Not Closing? [5 Common Reasons]

When faced with the frustrating situation of asking, “why is my garage door not closing?” you might find yourself puzzled on how to fix it.

This issue can disrupt your daily routine and create concerns about safety and security. Not to mention if you store a vehicle inside, it can be a nightmare not only interrupting your daily routine but also leaving you anxious about the security risks associated. In addition to this, the impact of weather infiltrating the inside of your property especially if it is rainy or cold can be a cause for concern.

Thankfully, understanding the common reasons behind a malfunctioning garage door alongside the relevant fixes can ensure that you repair your garage door and ensure these issues do not return.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various factors that could be preventing your garage door from closing and provide some simple fixes that you can attempt at home. That being said if you don’t have experience in fixing garage doors, it may be best to leave it to the professionals.

If you are in search of a new garage door or need a garage door repair specialist in South Wales, call us today on 029 2061 4858.

5 Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close

The six most common reasons why your garage door won’t close include:

1. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
2. Problems with the Garage Door Springs
3. Issues with the Garage Door Opener
4. Damaged Tracks or Rollers
5. Transmitter Issues

1. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors

One of the most common reasons why a garage door won’t fully close is a problem with the safety sensors. These sensors, also known as photo eyes, are designed to detect if something is blocking the garage door’s path. If they detect an obstruction, the door won’t close to prevent injury or damage. However, if the sensors are misaligned or dirty, they might falsely detect an object in the door’s path, causing the door to remain open.

To fix this, inspect the sensors located near the photo eye at the bottom of your garage door. Ensure that they are properly aligned and free of dirt or debris. Cleaning the photo eyes with a soft cloth can often resolve this issue. If the sensors are aligned but the garage door still won’t close, it might be time to consult a professional for a more in-depth garage door repair.

2. Problems with the Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are essential components that help in the smooth operation of the garage door openers themselves. Whether it’s torsion springs or extension springs, these heavy-duty parts counterbalance the weight of the door. If your garage door isn’t closing, it could be due to broken springs.

Broken springs are a serious issue that requires immediate attention, as they can prevent the door from closing or even cause it to close unevenly. Inspect the springs for any visible signs of damage or breakage. If you notice a broken spring, it is important to contact a reliable garage door repair service. Attempting to fix or replace garage door springs on your own can be dangerous and should only be handled by a professional.

3. Issues with the Garage Door Opener

Your garage door opener plays an important role in the door’s operation. If the garage door opener is faulty and has a sensor malfunctioning, it can prevent the door from closing properly. One potential cause could be the door opener’s memory. If the garage door opener’s memory is corrupted or malfunctioning, the door might not respond to signals from the remote.

Another issue could be with the limit settings of the door opener. The limit setting controls how far the garage door closes. If these settings are off, the door might not close completely or might even reverse before touching the ground. Adjusting the limit setting using screws on the opener can help correct this problem. If you are unsure how to do this, speak with a garage door repair expert.

4. Damaged Tracks or Rollers

The tracks and rollers of your garage door guide its movement to open and close. If the tracks are damaged or the rollers are worn out, it can cause the garage door to get stuck or prevent it from closing all the way. Inspect the tracks for any bends, dents or obstructions. Also, check the rollers for wear and tear as this can happen over years of usage.

If the tracks are damaged, you may need a professional to fix or replace them. Lubricating the rollers with white lithium grease can help ensure smooth movement.

5. Transmitter Issues

Sometimes, the issue lies with the remote or the transmitter that sends signals to the garage door opener. If the batteries in your remote are dead, the door will not respond when you try to close it. Replace the transmitter batteries and try closing and opening the garage door again.

If the transmitter is faulty, it might not send the proper signals to the opener. In this case, replacing transmitter batteries for the remote should fix the issue

Understanding More Complex Issues

1. Faulty Limit Switch or Disconnect Switch

A faulty limit switch can cause your garage door to malfunction. The limit switch determines how far the door moves when opening or closing. If it is not set correctly, the garage door might close completely or stop short of fully closing. Adjusting the limit settings or limit screws on the garage door opener can help resolve this issue.

Another potential problem is the disconnect switch, which allows the person behind you to operate the garage door manually in case of a power outage. If the disconnect switch is engaged, the garage door will not close automatically.

2. Broken Cables or Motor Issues

Garage door cables are necessary for the lifting and lowering of the door. If these cables are broken, the door will not close properly.

The motor of your electric garage door opener is another component that could be causing problems. If the motor is malfunctioning, it might prevent the garage door from closing. A professional repair service can diagnose and fix motor-related issues so it is best to get in contact with your local repair expert.

3. Problems with the Garage Door Remote or Opener

If your garage door will not close, the problem might be related to the door opener or remote. First, check the batteries in your garage door remote and replace them if necessary. If the garage door still will not close, the opener might have lost its connection to the remote or the opener’s memory might need to be reset.

Flashing lights on the garage door opener can indicate an error. Consult the manual for your specific model to interpret the light signals and follow the recommended steps. If the light flashes or blinks persistently, it might signal a more serious issue that requires professional attention.

4. Mechanical Issues with Moving Parts

Garage doors consist of many moving parts, including rollers, tracks and cables. If any of these components are worn out or damaged, it can prevent the door from closing. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the moving parts and checking for wear and tear, can help keep the door working smoothly.

If you hear unusual noises or notice that the lock on the door isn’t closing all the way, it might be time to call in a professional. Reliable garage door repair services can diagnose and fix mechanical issues before they escalate into more significant problems.

Preventing Future Problems

1. Regular Maintenance

Performing regular maintenance on your garage door can prevent many common issues. This includes lubricating the rollers and tracks, cleaning the photo eyes, and checking the door’s alignment. Regular inspections can catch problems early before they lead to a garage door that won’t close.

2. Professional Garage Door Service

When dealing with garage doors with complex issues, such as broken springs or faulty wiring, it is best to rely on a professional. Professional garage door service providers have the tools and expertise to fix problems safely and efficiently. They can also provide reliable garage door repair to keep your door functioning properly for years to come.

If you are in search of a reliable and affordable garage door repair service in South Wales, look no further than Access Garage Doors. Call us today on 029 2061 4858 to learn how we can help to repair your faulty garage door and get it back to working condition.

3. Upgrading to Automatic Garage Doors

If you are frequently encountering issues with your garage door, consider upgrading to a more modern system. Automatic garage doors with advanced safety features can offer a more reliable and convenient solution for most homeowners. These doors often come with improved sensors, better motors, and more user-friendly controls.

If you are looking for a new garage door in South Wales choose Access Garage Doors. We offer a wide range of garage doors including up and over garage doors, sectional garage doors, roller shutter garage doors, automatic garage doors and side doors.

Conclusion

Understanding the reasons why your garage door won’t close is the first step toward finding a solution. Whether it’s a simple issue like misaligned sensors or a more complex problem like broken springs, addressing the issue promptly can save you time and frustration. Regular maintenance, professional repair services, and being aware of potential problems can help ensure your garage door continues to operate smoothly.

If you’re still asking, “why is my garage door not closing?” after trying the above solutions, it might be time to call in a professional. If you live in South Wales, choose Access Garage Doors. As one of the leading garage door companies in Cardiff and South Wales, we offer comprehensive garage door spares and repairs as well as a variety of different types of garage doors that we can design and install into your home in South Wales.

To learn more and to get a quick quote, please speak to a member of the team on 029 2061 4858 today.