Why Won’t My Garage Door Close? Common Causes & Solutions
A garage door that refuses to close is more than just a minor annoyance — it’s a security risk and an inconvenience. There’s no single reason why your garage door might not be closing properly.
It could be something simple, like a sensor misalignment, or a more complicated mechanical issue that requires professional repair. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine whether a quick fix is possible or if it’s time to call in the experts.
7 Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close & How to Fix Them
When your garage door refuses to close, it can feel like an unsolvable mystery. The good news? Most issues stem from a handful of common problems. Here’s a look at the most frequent culprits and what you can do to resolve them.
1. Blocked Or Misaligned Safety Sensors
Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks. These sensors prevent the door from closing if they detect an obstruction — whether it’s a misplaced trash can, a child’s bike or even a buildup of dirt.
Fix: Check for any objects blocking the sensors, clean the lenses and make sure they’re properly aligned. A blinking sensor light often indicates misalignment.
2. Broken Or Worn-Out Garage Door Springs
Torsion and extension springs are responsible for lifting and lowering your garage door. When these wear out or break, the door may struggle to move or refuse to close.
Fix: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace yourself. Call our service professionals at Therm-Con for safe and proper replacement.
3. Track Misalignment Or Damage
If the garage door tracks are bent, loose or out of alignment, the door may get stuck or refuse to close properly.
Fix: Inspect the tracks for damage, tighten loose bolts and ensure the door moves smoothly along the rails. If the tracks are severely damaged, they may need replacement.
4. Remote Control Or Keypad Malfunctions
If your garage door remote or keypad isn’t working, battery failure, signal interference or programming errors could be the culprit.
Fix: Replace the batteries, reprogram the remote or keypad and check for interference from nearby electronics.
5. Issues With the Garage Door Limit Settings
Your garage door opener has limit settings that tell the motor how far the door should travel. If these settings are incorrect, the door may stop short or reverse before fully closing.
Fix: Adjust the limit settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the door reaches the correct position.
6. Worn or Broken Garage Door Cables
Garage door cables work alongside the springs to move the door. Over time, they can fray or snap, making it impossible for the door to function properly.
Fix: Because cables hold a lot of tension, replacing them is best left to a professional like our top-notch garage door service experts at Therm-Con.
7. Power Supply Issues Or Opener Failure
If your garage door opener isn’t receiving power or has mechanical failure, the door won’t close.
Fix: Check the power supply, including the breaker and outlet. If the opener is old or malfunctioning, we’ll help you with replacement solutions.
When To Call A Professional For Garage Door Repairs
Some garage door problems have quick fixes — like swapping out remote batteries or clearing debris from the sensors. However, other issues are best left to the pros.
Here are a few situations where calling a professional is the safest and smartest choice:
- Broken springs or cables
- Severely damaged tracks
- Garage door motor failure
If your garage door won’t close and you need fast, reliable repairs, contact Therm-Con today for expert service in Chattanooga!
Get Your Garage Door Fixed With Therm-Con
A garage door that won’t close isn’t just frustrating — it’s a security risk. Whether it’s a misaligned sensor, a broken spring or a failing opener, ignoring the problem can leave your home vulnerable and lead to more costly repairs down the road.
At Therm-Con, we provide expert garage door repair services in Chattanooga to get your door working again quickly and safely. We’ll diagnose the issue and offer a reliable solution.
Don’t struggle with a faulty garage door — schedule your service with Therm-Con today!
