A garage door that refuses to close can be incredibly frustrating. It exposes your vehicles and other stored belongings to the outdoors, reducing that critical layer of home security. Additionally, an open garage door lets in hot or cold air during the harsh summer and winter seasons.
So, why isn’t your garage door closing? Read on to explore some common reasons for this garage door malfunction and what you can do to fix it.
Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?
Here are some possible reasons your garage door won’t close.
1. Dead Transmitter Batteries
Your garage uses power from the transmitter to open and close the door. If the transmitter’s batteries are dead, it cannot signal the garage system to operate the door. A remote that only works occasionally can indicate a weak transmitter battery.
To check if you have a weak or dead battery, try using the wall controls to close the door. If it closes successfully, replace your transmitter batteries or call a professional to help you.
2. Damaged or Misaligned Tracks
Over time, the weight of the door and other factors can cause the tracks to misalign. If you notice the tracks aren’t completely parallel, call a garage door service provider like Cornwell Door immediately. A severely unbalanced garage door can fall off the tracks and injure someone.
Warped or bent tracks can also prevent your door from closing. You’ll need to have new tracks installed if the damage is significant.
3. Obstructed Sensors
Photo eye sensors are located on each side of the door. They send signals to each other when the door closes. Dirty sensors can interrupt these signals, preventing the door from closing. Simply wipe the sensors clean if they appear dirty or smudged.
Misaligned sensors are another possible issue. The sensors must face each other to send signals and close the door. In this case, you can adjust the sensors to align them. It is a great practice to do an occasional check for any malfunctioning garage door sensors!
There could also be something between the sensors blocking these signals. In some cases, sunlight or glare can block the sensors. Move any items blocking the sensors.
4. Broken Springs or Cables
Tension springs and cables help your garage door reach the ground smoothly. Therefore, the door can’t close properly if these components are damaged. If the door does close, it will likely crash to the ground and could cause damage to the door. The first sign of a broken spring is a malfunctioning garage door.
Broken springs or cables pose a serious risk to anyone in the garage. Call a garage door repair professional right away if you suspect faulty cables or springs.
5. Blocked Door Path
Dirt, pebbles, leaves and other debris can block your door’s path. Maybe your vehicle isn’t fully parked inside or you’ve placed an object too close to the door. Simply move any objects that may be blocking the door path. Small and large items can prevent your garage door from fully closing. Installing weather stripping can help prevent smaller debris from entering your garage and help keep your garage insulated.
6. Activated Disconnect Switch
The disconnect switch lets you open and close the door manually, such as during a power outage. Check if you forgot to disable the disconnect switch, which disengages your garage door and prevents it from moving.
Contact Cornwell Door Service for Garage Door Repairs
Are you dealing with a garage door that won’t close? Cornwell Door Service is a Central Pennsylvania garage door repair company. As a one-stop shop for all your garage door needs, including installation, repair and maintenance, we can help you diagnose the problem and get your garage door up and running again. Schedule a repair service online or call us at 800-820-9841 today!