6 Common Garage Door Repairs for Homes

Last Updated June 24, 2020

Garage doors aren't just about security, they offer privacy, convenient entrance and exits from your property, and even protection for your vehicle - assuming your garage door is actually working properly. 

If your garage door is having one of the six following problems, then you may need to call a local garage door repair company, like Ingstrup, if you're unable to troubleshoot the problem on your own. 

As garage door repair experts serving Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan, we recommend these solutions for these six common garage door problems.

1. Your Garage Door Opener Won't Work

It can be frustrating if the garage door opener doesn't respond to your commands. This is a common issue with a few simple fixes.

• First, check to make sure the device is plugged in.
• Next, make sure the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped, which may have stopped the flow of electricity to the opener.

Your door may need chain lubricant in order to reduce friction and help the opener lift the door. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the door opener, making sure to remove any excess.

2. The Garage Door Makes Noise When Opening or Closing

If your door is making noises, this usually means that the door needs more lube. Locate the noisy section of the door and add lubricant to the area. If this doesn't work, try tightening the door and track's nuts and bolts. 

You may also hear squeaking if you have metal rollers and metal tracks. Replacing the metal rollers with nylon ones should dim the noise. If none of these solutions address the problem, then garage door installation pros can help you identify the cause. 

If your garage door opener is making the grinding noise, then you may be looking at an entirely different problem. Potential culprits may include:

• Failing parts in the opener: Are the teeth wearing down? Then the chain may be slipping out of place. Remotes that use couplers may also need those replaced.
• Parts need lubrication: When your opener doesn't have the right lubricant, it can cause wear on the parts, and they won't work as well. A change in weather can also impact the function of the parts.
• Misaligned tracks: Hinges and wheels take on undue pressure when the tracks are aligned incorrectly, leading to the grinding noise in the remote.

If your garage door makes a banging noise when opening, don't panic! Annoying and dangerous-sounding noises, like grinding, squeaking, or friction, are also fairly simple to fix.

3. The Garage Door Opens, Then Immediately Closes

If your garage door opens, then immediately closes, or otherwise closes without you pushing any buttons, then the door springs may need to be replaced. It's recommended to replace both garage door springs to fix the door.

You should consult with a trusted garage door installer to determine if the springs should be replaced. When you only replace one spring, you'll likely have to eventually replace the other since it's bound to wear out too.

4. The Garage Door Opens Without Commands

But what if the door opens without you ordering it to do so? This may mean that the photo eye, or the sensors along the bottom of the door, are poorly aligned.  The sensors may also be dirty or broken.

Look for a flashing green light on the devices. This light indicates that the safety feature is working. Measure each from the floor to the eye, then from the wall to the eye. Ensure exactly measurements to get this important safety feature working properly again.

You can also ask your neighbors what type of remote they have. Sometimes remotes have the same settings and may control each other's doors. You may be dealing with a circuit board issue if none of these other solutions work.

5. The Garage Door Doesn't Fully Close

If the garage door doesn't close all the way, leaving gaps at the bottom, then you may need to use pipe insulation and secure the unsealed area at the bottom. However, if the door won't release all the way down then something else may be interfering with the door's closing mechanisms.

Check on the close-limit switch, which could be on the wrong settings. The close-limit switch stops the motor from running, and it may be set to prevent the door from closing. Sometimes rusted rollers can also spark issues with closing. Contact a professional for their advice and repair recommendations if your garage door still won't close all the way.

6. You Have an Unresponsive Operator (Remote)

When the door doesn't respond to the wall controls, remote, or keyless entry device, then there may be an issue with the photo eyes. Check the eyes for light. If they aren't on, then reset them from the breaker. You can also try locating the opener's power supply. Is it getting power? Test the outlet. If this doesn't work, you can contact Ingstrup Garage Doors for diagnostics and repairs.

Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Residential Garage Door Repairs

When you hire a professional to address your common garage door problems, you get the benefits of their knowledge. It could take you hours to narrow down the problem with your garage door, but it will take a professional just a few minutes to pinpoint the problem. Other advantages of getting professional help for your garage door issues include:

• Doing the job efficiently: It will take you a lot of time and money to do the repairs if you do not have the right training and proper supplies.
• Doing the job safely: Tackling a repair yourself could lead to unintended consequences, such as the garage door falling on you or a family member.
• Doing the job well: When you hire a professional, you get repairs that will last in the long term and won't break down again in just a few months because the parts were replaced incorrectly or the job wasn't finished.

Schedule Your Lansing Home's Garage Door Repair Today With Ingstrup

A helping hand may be necessary to guarantee the safety and proper operation of your door. We offer excellent prices and great service for garage door repair in Lansing, Michigan.If you live in the Grand Rapids or Lansing areas, contact us online to schedule your repair service or give us a call at (517) 305-8459.