Introducing the Problem of a Garage Door that Won’t Close
Having a garage door that won’t close is a serious problem that can leave your home vulnerable to intruders and pests. Fortunately, there are many do-it-yourself solutions that can help you fix the issue quickly. This article will give you an overview of the most common causes of a garage door that won’t close and provide step-by-step instructions for how to fix them. We will also provide some tips to help you prevent similar issues in the future.
Check the Safety Sensors
The first thing you should do when troubleshooting a garage door that won’t close is to check the safety sensors. These sensors are designed to detect obstacles in the path of the door and stop it from closing if something is blocking its path. If the sensors are dirty or out of alignment, the door will not be able to close properly. To check the sensors, look for two small boxes near the bottom of the door. There should be a light on each box that will light up when the sensors are working. If the lights are not on, check to make sure the wires are not loose or damaged. If the sensors are in good condition, then the problem is likely with the door itself and you will need to move on to the next step.
Check the Springs
The springs on a garage door are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door so that it can open and close easily. If the springs are damaged or broken, the door will not be able to close properly. To check the springs, look for two large coils on either side of the door. If either of the springs is broken, you will need to replace it. If the springs are in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Check the Tracks
The tracks that the door runs on can become bent or damaged over time, which can cause the door to not close properly. To check the tracks, look for two parallel tracks on either side of the door. If the tracks are bent or damaged, you will need to repair or replace them. If the tracks are in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Check the Rollers
The rollers on a garage door can become worn over time, which can cause the door to not close properly. To check the rollers, look for two small wheels on each side of the door. If the rollers are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. If the rollers are in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Check the Cables
The cables on a garage door can become stretched or frayed over time, which can cause the door to not close properly. To check the cables, look for two cables on each side of the door that are connected to the springs. If the cables are stretched or frayed, you will need to replace them. If the cables are in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Check the Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping on a garage door can become worn or damaged over time, which can cause the door to not close properly. To check the weatherstripping, look for two strips of rubber that run along the bottom of the door. If the weatherstripping is worn or damaged, you will need to replace it. If the weatherstripping is in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Check the Opener
The opener on a garage door can become damaged over time, which can cause the door to not close properly. To check the opener, look for a small box on the ceiling of the garage near the door. If the opener is not working properly, you will need to replace it. If the opener is in good condition, you can move on to the next step.
Conclusion
If you have a garage door that won’t close, the first thing you should do is check the safety sensors, springs, tracks, rollers, cables, and weatherstripping. If all of these components are in good condition, then the problem is likely with the opener. If you are not comfortable troubleshooting the garage door yourself, it is best to contact a professional garage door repair service to help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs quickly and safely.