Is your garage door not closing all the way? It’s a common and frustrating problem. A door that doesn’t shut completely can leave your home exposed to weather and security risks. Even a small gap under the door can let in rain, pests, or intruders. The good news is that most causes are simple to identify and fix.
Read this blog to understand why garage door wont close properly.
Reasons Why Garage Door Wont Close All The Way
Put Safety First Before Troubleshooting
Before trying any fixes, make safety your top priority. If your garage door is stuck open or halfway, keep children and pets well away. Don’t try to force the door closed if it’s jammed, as it could fall unexpectedly. If you suspect a spring or cable has broken (you might hear a loud snap or see a loose cable), do not attempt to move the door at all. Call a professional immediately, because broken garage door parts are under high tension and can be very dangerous to handle.
Check the Door Opener Settings
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the door itself but with the opener’s settings. Garage door openers have limit controls that determine how far the door goes. If the down limit is set wrong, the door might stop too soon or reverse when closing. Find the down-limit screw or setting on your opener and adjust it slightly to allow the door to close fully. Also, many openers have a force-sensitivity dial that will stop or reverse the door if it feels too much resistance. If the door keeps reversing when there is nothing in the way, you might need to lower the sensitivity.
Inspect the Safety Sensors for Issues
Most garage doors have two safety sensors near the floor on each side. They create an invisible beam between them, and if something breaks that beam, the opener will stop the door from closing. Dirt on the sensor “eyes” or sensors that are misaligned can prevent the door from closing. Gently wipe the sensor lenses clean and make sure the two sensors face each other directly. The small indicator lights on each sensor should be solid (not blinking) when they’re aligned.
Examine the Tracks and Rollers
Your garage door moves along metal tracks on both sides. If these tracks bend or get obstructed, the door can snag and fail to close completely. Inspect the tracks for any dents, bends, or objects stuck in them. Also, check the rollers, the small wheels that glide in the tracks. If a roller is broken or has popped out, the door won’t slide smoothly. Clear any debris from the tracks and see if that fixes the issue. You may be able to straighten a minor track misalignment yourself, but if a track is badly bent or the door still sticks, it’s best to have a professional repair it.
Check the Springs and Cables for Damage
Springs and cables are crucial for lifting and lowering your garage door. If a spring breaks, you might hear a loud bang, and suddenly the door becomes very heavy to lift. A broken cable can also cause one side of the door to sag or get stuck. These parts are under high tension. Never attempt to adjust or replace springs or cables yourself, as it’s extremely dangerous. If you suspect a broken spring or cable, call our experienced garage door technicians to handle it safely.
Also Read: How to Know If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Consider Weather and Other Environmental Factors
The weather can affect how your garage door operates. In cold weather, metal parts can contract or stiffen, and ice can form. Even a thin layer of ice where the door meets the ground might stop it from closing fully. In hot and humid weather, metal can expand, and wooden doors or frames can swell, which may cause the door to stick. If this problem only occurs during extreme cold or heat, you may need to clear any ice or wait for the weather to change. However, if the door consistently struggles in certain weather conditions, you may need a professional to adjust it for you.
Check the Emergency Release Cord
Every automatic garage door has an emergency release cord (usually a red handle on a rope) that disconnects the door from the opener. If this cord is pulled, even by accident, the opener will run, but the door won’t move because it’s disengaged. Make sure the release cord is in the “engaged” position so the door is connected to the opener. If it has been pulled, you’ll need to reattach the door to the opener mechanism. This typically involves pulling the cord toward the door and then running the opener to re-engage it.
Test for Electrical or Control Problems
Make sure the garage door opener is receiving power (check that it’s plugged in and no breaker has tripped). If the remote isn’t working, try the wall-mounted button and consider replacing the remote’s batteries. Also, verify that the opener’s lock feature (vacation mode) is off, since that can disable the remote. If the opener’s motor runs but the door still doesn’t move (and the release cord is engaged), the opener unit may have an internal problem that needs a technician’s attention.
Check for Door Warping or Damage
Sometimes the door itself is the issue. Garage doors can warp or bend out of shape over the years. If the door is no longer straight, it might hit the frame or the ground before it closes fully. Inspect the door for any obvious warping or bending. Tighten any loose hinges, as they can cause the door to sag. If the door is severely warped or damaged, you may need a professional garage door repair service to make sure it closes properly.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
Most minor garage door issues can be handled with the steps above. But how do you know when it’s time to get professional help? Here are some situations where calling a trained technician is the safest choice:
- Broken Springs or Cables: If a spring snaps or a cable breaks, do not try to fix it. These parts are dangerous to handle on your own. Call our experts to replace them safely.
- Off the Tracks: If the garage door has come out of its tracks or is hanging crooked, you should get professional help. A technician can safely get it back on track.
- Persistent Closing Problems: You’ve tried the DIY fixes, and the door still won’t stay closed. At this point, a professional should inspect it, as there might be a hidden issue.
A professional can quickly identify the issue and fix it without risk.
Also Read: Garage Door Won’t Open? 7 Common Causes Explained
Get Your Garage Door Closing Again!
A garage door that won’t close all the way can be stressful, but careful troubleshooting often finds the problem. Always stay safe and do not force the door if something seems wrong. If you’re unable to fix the issue or feel uneasy, it’s best to call an expert.
All Day Garage Doors is a trusted local company that can help with any garage door problem. We provide reliable service for garage door repair in NJ. With professional help, you can get your garage door closing again and keep your home secure.