When your garage door refuses to open, it can leave you feeling stuck. This can end up throwing off your entire routine.
Since you don’t want to experience such an issue, you need to be well-equipped with the right knowledge to handle it quickly. In fact, many problems are surprisingly easy to fix. They often only require just a few basic tools and adjustments.
Your garage door might fail to respond due to mechanical glitches or simple power issues. Other potential causes include a malfunctioning opener or misaligned tracks.
It’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with such shortcomings. This is the only way that you will be able to identify the exact issue you are experiencing and apply the needed fixes.
This article explains five practical fixes that you can try, as a homeowner in New Jersey.
Garage Door Opening Issues
Check the Power Source and Remote Batteries
One of the most common issues you are likely to experience is a power problem. You can fix this by first making sure that the unit is properly plugged in. You should also check to see that the outlet is functioning accordingly.
The next thing to do is to inspect the batteries in your remote control. You should also check the ones in your wall-mounted opener. Doing this assessment is crucial because over time, batteries lose their charge. If this is the case, they are not able to send a strong signal that will activate the system. If you find that the batteries are the main culprit, you need to replace them with strong ones.
Inspect and Lubricate the Tracks and Rollers
Over time, tracks and rollers can end up accumulating dirt and debris. Once this happens, the door is likely to move unevenly. To fix this problem, consider inspecting these components for any signs of wear and tear. After clearing the debris, apply a suitable lubricant. Doing this should ensure smooth movement and reduce friction.
This simple maintenance step should help restore proper operation. It also extends the life of the system. This goes a long way in making sure that your garage door is reliable every single day.
Test the Garage Door Sensors
Since sensors are placed near the bottom, they can easily get blocked by dirt and debris. Once this happens, they may prevent the door from opening. They could also cause it to reverse unexpectedly.
The good thing is that this challenge can be fixed quite easily. Start by gently cleaning the sensor lenses. You can do this using a soft cloth to remove dust and any buildup. The next thing to do is to make sure that both sensors are properly aligned. You should also ensure they are facing each other. This is important because even a small misalignment can trigger safety features.
After cleaning and adjusting, test the system. You can do this by attempting to open or close the door.
Check the Springs and Cables
Over time, these components can become worn or loose. Once this is the case, they make it difficult or impossible for the panel to move smoothly. A great first step here is to inspect them for signs of damage or fraying. Some irregularities that you may notice include a snapped cable or a stretched spring.
In case of such an issue, it’s important not to attempt a DIY fix. This is because these parts are under high tension. They can hence cause serious injury. In such a scenario, it’s best to contact a qualified technician. The right experts can safely replace or adjust them.
Manually Open the Door
If it won’t operate automatically, consider opening it manually. Most models have a release cord that disengages the motor. This should allow you to lift the panel by hand. It’s essential that you be cautious while attempting this fix. This is because the unit can be quite heavy.
Dealing with a garage door that won’t open can be quite frustrating. This is especially true because it can end up messing your daily routine. The good thing is that you can try the aforementioned fixes. However, if these solutions don’t work, it might be time to call in the experts.
If you are a homeowner in New Jersey and your garage door won’t open even after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to us. At APR Garage Doors NJ, we have the needed experience to fix your garage door problems. You can hence be sure that we’ll leave your door operating safely and reliably.
