Garage Door Wont Close: Most Common Reasons & How to Fix it

Imagine you’re rushing out of the house, already late for work, only to find that your garage door wont close. Sound familiar? This frustrating problem is faced by many homeowners worldwide. Your garage door is a complex piece of machinery, comprising various components working in harmony. When even one of these components falters, it can lead to the entire system malfunctioning. The trouble, however, lies in pinpointing the issue. A garage door not closing might stem from a trivial problem or indicate a severe fault. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the common causes, helping you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

Garage Door Sensors Misalignment

Safety sensors, located at the bottom corners of your garage door, play a pivotal role in preventing accidents. They emit an infrared beam that, when broken by an obstruction, halts the door’s downward movement. However, if these sensors misalign, the beam continuously breaks, tricking the system into believing there’s an obstacle. This is one of the most common reasons why a garage door won’t stay closed or won’t close all the way.

If the garage door opens correctly but refuses to close, or if it starts to close but then reverses, check your safety sensors. Make sure they’re clean, correctly aligned, and that their LED lights are glowing steadily. Misaligned sensors often result from an accidental bump or shift. You can realign them manually, but if the problem persists, it may be time to call a garage door professional.

Obstruction in the Door's Path

At times, the answer to “Why won’t my garage door close?” lies in a simple visual inspection. An obstruction in the path of the garage door can prevent it from closing fully. This could be anything – a stray toy, a forgotten tool, or even accumulated debris.

Take a moment to inspect the area around your garage door. Look for any objects that might be blocking the door’s path or interfering with the sensor’s infrared beam. Ensure the area around the garage door is clear, and the door’s path is free of any obstructions. Even dust or cobwebs covering the sensors can sometimes trigger a false alert, causing your garage door not to close. A simple cleaning of a garage door can often fix this issue.

Remote Control Issues

Is your garage door opener playing the stubborn mule, refusing to close the door via remote? The problem often lies with the remote control. It could be a simple case of dead batteries. Try replacing them and see if the issue gets resolved.

However, if replacing the batteries doesn’t do the trick, you might be facing a more serious issue, like a malfunctioning remote or interference from other devices. If your garage door wont close with the remote but opens without any issue, try closing it using the wall switch. If the door closes correctly, the problem lies within the remote control. In case of a faulty remote, you might need to replace it or have it repaired.

Another aspect to consider is the distance from which you’re trying to operate the door. If the door operates correctly when you’re close but doesn’t when you’re at a distance, it could be a range issue. Interference from other electronic devices could also be causing this. You might need to reset your remote or the entire opener to rectify the problem.

Limit Settings Need Adjustment

Your garage door opener comes with limit settings, which tell the opener how far the door should move to be fully open or fully closed. If these settings are misadjusted, the door might stop short of fully closing or start to open again as soon as it touches the floor. This is often the reason why your garage door won’t stay down or doesn’t close all the way.

In such cases, refer to your opener’s manual to understand how to adjust these settings. Keep in mind that the settings are highly sensitive; a slight adjustment can lead to a significant change in the door’s operation. Adjust these settings incrementally, testing the door’s operation after each adjustment to ensure it closes fully and correctly.

Issues with Torsion Springs

The heavyweight of your garage door is managed by the torsion springs. They’re wound tightly and hold a lot of tension, helping lift the door when it needs to open. However, these springs can break or wear out over time, leading to an imbalance in the door. If your torsion springs are broken or failing, your garage door might be too heavy for the opener to lift, causing the door not to close correctly.

If you suspect a problem with the torsion springs, it’s best to call a professional. These springs are under high tension, and mishandling them can lead to serious injury. A professional garage door technician will safely assess and replace the torsion springs if needed, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly again.

Problems with the Garage Door Tracks

The tracks on either side of your garage door guide it as it opens and closes. Over time, these tracks can bend, warp, or become obstructed, preventing the door from closing properly. If your garage door isn’t closing all the way, inspect the tracks. Look for any visible signs of damage, like dents or bends. Also, check for loose hardware, such as screws and bolts, which could cause the tracks to misalign.

Additionally, accumulated dirt and grime in the tracks can also obstruct the door’s movement. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the tracks can help prevent this issue. However, if the damage to the tracks is substantial, you might need a professional garage door repair service to replace or repair them.

Issues with the Garage Door Opener

The garage door opener is the heart of your garage door system. It is responsible for the automatic operation of your garage door, allowing it to open and close at the push of a button. However, if your garage door wont close or stay closed, the problem may lie with the opener itself.

A garage door opener is a complex piece of equipment that can experience various issues. For instance, the motor could burn out, the gears could wear down, or the circuit board could fail, leading to your garage door not closing properly. This is often the case if your door opens fine, but the opener struggles to close the door, or it simply won’t respond when you attempt to close the door.

If you suspect an issue with your garage door opener, you can perform a few basic checks. First, try manually operating the door. If it opens and closes smoothly, then the issue is likely with the opener. Also, check the opener’s power source. Make sure it’s properly plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

Despite these checks, if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional. Garage door openers can be tricky to repair, and handling them without proper knowledge can lead to further damage or potential injuries. A professional garage door technician can accurately diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your garage door is back to functioning properly in no time.

Conclusion

Having your garage door refuse to close can be a major inconvenience, but understanding the possible causes can make troubleshooting a lot less daunting. While some issues can be fixed with a bit of DIY, others require professional intervention, especially when dealing with high-tension components like torsion springs. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve exhausted these suggestions and your garage door wont close, don’t hesitate to call a professional garage door repair service. After all, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly is essential for the safety and security of your home.