Why Won’t My Garage Door Open?
These days, garages are used for a whole host of purposes. Gone are the days when it was simply a place to store vehicles, outdoor equipment and a range of miscellaneous belongings. While this is still the case for some people, garages are much more versatile spaces and are often converted into additional rooms for the home, too.
With this in mind, if you are unable to access this space, it can be disruptive and frustrating. Garage door problems can take many forms but are always an irritation, especially if the issue is denying you easy access to the area.
If you find yourself wondering how to open a stuck garage door, SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists is here to help. We supply a whole host of garage door systems to domestic and commercial customers that keep homes and businesses safe and secure.
Why won’t my garage door open?
Our more than 20 years of industry experience means that we’re adept at handling a vast array of garage door issues. With this in mind, we’ve put together an extensive list of some of the most common reasons why a garage door may not be opening, and how to resolve them.
1. Lubrication
Over time, it’s normal for garage doors to undergo some wear and tear. If it’s proving to be stiff or stuck upon opening, the issue may be a lack of lubrication. Lubricated doors allow them to open and close smoothly, so it could be the reason why yours is struggling to do so.
What’s the solution?
You can get your hands on quality garage door lubricant at most hardware stores. Simply follow the instructions that come with it, and lubricate all components of the garage door that you feel may require it.
2. Obstructions
A particular issue for up and over garage doors, the rollers can become lodged with stones and other types of debris. This can then prevent the door from opening and closing effectively.
What’s the solution?
If you think this might be the cause of your garage’s problems, first inspect the tracks and rollers. If there are any objects in the way, carefully remove them. You should do this with somebody else for safety reasons.
3. Broken tension springs
One of the most common garage door problems is broken tension springs. These springs are responsible for the smoothness of the door’s movement as well as the speed at which it opens. If they become damaged or snapped, it can stop them from opening properly and make them a hazard to use.
What’s the solution?
If you suspect your garage door has a broken tension spring, it isn’t an issue you can fix yourself. Instead, call in the experts.
4. Damaged tracks or rollers
Many garage doors, such as roller and sectional doors, rely on tracks and rollers to operate. If these components become misaligned or blocked in any way, it can result in the door not opening correctly. It’s normally easy to tell if this is the case as the tracks or rollers will be visibly misshapen and damaged.
What’s the solution?
You can try and rectify this issue yourself by using a small hammer to knock the tracks back into shape. Also, be sure to regularly clean the tracks and rollers to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris from becoming an obstruction. If neither of these solutions works, you may need to call in professional help.
5. Remote not working
These days, many garage doors are electronically operated with a remote control used to open and close them. Usually, this gives you access to your garage space at just the touch of a button. However, if the remote is not working there are a number of things that could be wrong.
What’s the solution?
First and foremost, you’ll need to identify exactly what the issue is. The first thing to do is to try and change the battery. This is the simplest, and sometimes correct, solution to the problem. Alternatively, the remote may need reprogramming, something your operation manual can help you with.
Wiring, lock features and antennas could also be damaged, which may need professional support to rectify.
At SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists, we’re experts in all kinds of garage doors. Whether you’re looking for new garage door installation or repairs and servicing to existing ones, we’re here to help. Operating across Brentwood, Waltham Abbey, Essex and the surrounding areas, get in touch with our team today to find out more.
