8 Common Garage Door Problems And How to Fix Them

Is your garage door sticking? Not closing properly? Or is it making unusual noises? 

Whatever problem your door is facing, quick diagnosis and resolution is needed so it doesn’t get worse. Delaying a fix can cost you more money and hassle further down the line. 

In this article, we will explore the most common garage door problems and how to correct them.

8 common roller garage door problems 

Whether it’s the rollers or the remote, garage doors have complex mechanics that often need a professional eye when problems arise. So let’s take a closer look.

Sticking garage door

If your door is opening or closing slowly, or is sticking whilst opening or closing, there could be a number of causes. 

One reason could be misaligned endlocks that keep the slats square. To see these, the  casing will have to be removed with caution. Refer to the fitting instructions for further assistance to remove the casing. Once removed, you will be able to see the endlocks at either end. Wind the door up manually and slowly to check these one at a time. 

Another possibility could be the guide runners that are located on each side. Check to make sure that there is no damage, dents, or debris for ease of running.

Problems with garage door rollers

Over time, even the most robust of rollers can wear out. Ideally, rollers should be replaced every 5 – 20 years depending on the material used, so check with the manufacturer. Sometimes wear and tear is obvious. The other problem that can occur is damage to the back of the slat from the roller over a period of time, causing scoring and denting, leading to a juddering or bumping in closing travel.

The garage door does not close completely  

Is your garage door lowering towards the ground and then reversing back up? First, make sure nothing is blocking the door’s path and/or the sensor. If it’s clear, the issue could instead be faulty parts or cables. Get in touch with a garage door professional for a diagnosis. 

If the afflicted door is an automatic one, then you should check if the safety sensors have moved, in which case, they will need adjusting or replacing. 

Garage door does not stay open

A garage door that does not stay open is potentially dangerous, so keep everyone clear of a door that is experiencing this problem. The most likely cause of this problem could be a mechanical issue in the motor. This means the mechanical part may have come to the end of its service life and will need replacing. But due to the weight of the door and the specialist nature of this fix, arranging for a specialist in roller garage doors may be a better option.

Faulty electric garage door remotes

A garage door remote not working properly can be frustrating. It could be as easy a fix as just changing the battery in the handset or purchasing a new one. If it’s a problem with multiple handsets and the fault is not cured by changing the batteries, then it could be something to do with the signal going to or being received by the receiver box. 

If you have one, check the button on the control box to see if they will operate the door. If this doesn’t work either, then there could be a problem with the control box that will mean it needs replacing. It could even be a power supply problem, so you may need to contact a roller garage door specialist to get an expert opinion.

Unusual door noises

Whether it’s squealing, grinding or rattling, unusual noises should always be investigated. These noises could simply be dirt getting between the slats, meaning the curtain needs a clean. We recommend cleaning the curtain of the door every 4 – 6 weeks with hot soapy water to keep your curtain in the best possible condition. If you are located within 7 miles of the coast, due to the salty air, we recommend doing this every 3 – 4 weeks. 

If cleaning doesn’t work, then it could be something else so enlist the help of a professional to diagnose the underlying cause, and try not to use the door to prevent further damage.

Sagging or uneven door

Sagging or uneven garage doors can spoil the beauty of your home. But not only this, they can be more dangerous with broken locking straps being the root of the problem. These will need to be replaced or repaired as it can lead to a long-term problem or the immediate failure of the door. To find out what is going on, it’s advised to call out a garage door expert for more support.

Door closing too far or opening too far

This is one of the hidden problems that can appear in roller garage doors and they happen over a long period of time. The way to look out for them is as follows: 

• If the door is closing too far, you will start to see the slats compress more and start to hear louder bangs.
• If the door is opening too far, you will see the last slat of the door getting closer to the case of the door, with the rubber getting closer to the top of the guide runner.

There are several reasons for each of these but most of the time the root cause is from the motor or the locking straps. You will need to remove the back case of the door to see what the problem is and complete several different tests to diagnose the issue. Remember to always follow the instructions and proceed with caution, and so it’s advised to contact a garage door professional straight away for help, as not doing so can lead to an immediate failure of the door and costly damage.

Garage door repairs

Are you still unsure of what’s wrong with your garage door? A professional opinion is always the best way to quickly pinpoint and resolve a problem, saving you further damage down the line. 

Garage door repairs include diagnosis, locating the issue, and then fixing the problem. To ensure a swift solution, you’ll need to choose a company that can address a wide variety of issues — a company like Rollerdor. 

Here at Rollerdor, we’re one of the UK’s leading garage door experts. We supply, install and repair a wide variety of garage door styles, including roller garage doors, to suit all aesthetic preferences and functional needs. We also provide a broad range of garage door accessories too. Facing a problem? Get in touch today.