Why is my garage door not closing?

Updated: October 31, 2023

Posted: July 29, 2014

Why is my garage door not closing?

An automatic garage door is an absolute must for ultimate convenience and practicality purposes. The remote control device means your garage door can open and close at the press of a button, eliminating any heavy lifting of the door itself. This also means that you are sheltered from sudden downpours, protecting your clothing and your vehicle from any weather-related damage.

Most individuals use their garage to keep tools, old furniture and other miscellaneous items. Therefore, a garage door that does not properly close can cause unnecessary stress as you might begin to feel some anxiety about the security of the items stored in your garage and any possible forced entry into your home. If your garage door does not open or close, the safety of your home may be severely compromised so it is crucial to get your garage door fixed promptly after pinpointing a problem.

If you have concerns about your garage door not closing or opening properly, it is sensible to try and fix the problem yourself first. However, if you are unsuccessful, be sure to contact a professional so the issue can be fixed as soon as possible.

Misaligned Sensors

You will often find that a garage door will not open and close coherently because the sensors have become skewed. If you investigate the infrared sensors and they are not working properly, you will often find the arrangement of the sensors and their adjoining wires are out of place. Therefore, if you take the time to tighten the sensors, then they will inevitably become aligned again. The garage door will also open and close correctly if you press the remote control.

Occasionally, the path in between the sensors may be obstructed. For that reason, you should immediately take away the interference so the sensors are able to work and the garage door can open and close again.

Another factor for faulty sensors is ‘dirty eyes’. Sensors can become encased in dust or layered in grime, meaning they are unable to detect commands from the remote control. This problem is easily solved by simply cleaning the sensors with cleaning fluid.

You can also fix the sensors by resetting the system – simply unplugging the garage doors and then plugging them in again should do it. This will automatically reset the system and will certainly fix the unwarranted problem.

Warped Track

If your garage door is operating but not closing all the way it could be due to a warped track. If you see a normally functioning garage door and how it opens and closes, you will find it moves on a track. If the track is loaded with grime, warped or simply loose, the door will fail to close. You can check if a track is warped by standing on the inside of your garage and watch as the door fully closes.

To get a warped track fixed, you will need to clean it thoroughly with an old brush or strong cotton rag. In colder weather, creases within the runner of the tracks expand and may cause it to become misaligned.

Furthermore, you can investigate if the track is actually loose or if all fittings and fixtures are in the correct place. You may simply need to tighten certain screws and bolts so the garage door ascends and descends effortlessly. Occasionally, the door may become misaligned or bowed and you will be able to see this when the garage door stops closing.

 

As it is typically used every day, keeping your garage door in top working order is essential for total security, safety and convenience. Here at JB Doors, we offer a comprehensive range of garage door services – from expert garage door designs to repairs and installations, our qualified team are always on hand to find the ideal solution to any garage door problem.

Simply give us a call today for further information about any of the services we provide – we are always happy to help with any enquiry.

Get in touch today on 0800 998 1379 or Book a Survey
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