Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Your home's garage doors are essential since they offer convenience and security. However, just like any mechanical system, garage door problems can crop up over time. You can avoid costly and time-consuming issues with your garage door by being aware of them and knowing how to fix them. This article will examine some of the most typical garage door problems and provide helpful solutions. Feel free to seek assistance from Tri-Lakes Garage Doors if you have any of these issues.

1 : Broken Springs

Broken garage door springs can throw the entire system out of balance. Since the springs carry most of the door’s weight, a snapped one makes it hard, sometimes impossible, to open or close the door safely. It’s usually at that point that homeowners realize just how much work those springs do every day.

How to Tell You’ve Got a Broken Spring

• You may hear a loud bang from inside the garage; that’s often the sound of a torsion spring snapping.
• The garage door won’t open or moves only a few inches before stopping.
• The opener strains or hums, but the door doesn’t lift.
• You notice a visible gap in the spring coil, or the cables look loose.
• The door isn’t balanced; one side hangs lower than the other.
• These are clear signs your garage door needs attention before it causes more damage.

Why Garage Springs Break

Springs take on daily wear every time you open and close the door. Cold weather, rust, and age all weaken them over time. Eventually, the metal just gives out. Most last around 10,000 cycles, that’s about seven years of regular use, before they need replacing.

Troubleshooting Broken Garage Door Springs

If your spring has snapped, don’t force the door; that’s the quickest way to make things worse. A broken garage door puts extra strain on the opener and can bend the door track if you try to run it.

Here’s what you can do safely:

• Disconnect the automatic opener. Pull the red release cord so the opener isn’t trying to lift the door.
• Don’t lift the door manually. It’ll feel heavy, and without spring support, it can slam shut.
• Check that the opener is plugged in and the motor isn’t running nonstop. That’s often a sign it’s fighting tension.
• Call a garage door technician. A trained pro has the tools and know-how to replace the torsion spring correctly and reset the system so everything works smoothly again.

Once repaired, a proper balance test will ensure your garage door opens evenly and safely, with no jerky movement, no extra noise, just a clean operation.

2: Garage Door Off-Track

When a garage door slips off its track, things can go sideways fast. This usually happens when a roller pops out, the door track bends, or something blocks the path. Once it’s off balance, the garage door’s weight shifts unevenly, and the door won’t move smoothly. It’s one of those garage door issues that shouldn’t be ignored because a jammed or crooked door can twist panels or strain the motor.

Troubleshooting an Off-Track Garage Door

Before you do anything, stop the automatic opener so it doesn’t keep trying to pull the door. Forcing it could cause more damage or burn out the motor.
Here’s what you can safely check:

• Look along the track for bends, dents, or debris blocking the rollers.
• Check the rollers themselves. If one’s cracked or stuck, that can throw the door off alignment.
• Make sure nothing is wedged under the door, keeping it from moving freely.
• If you notice the door won’t open or hangs crooked, don’t try to lift the door manually because it could fall.

A garage door technician can reset the rollers, realign the track, and make sure the door operates evenly again.

Maintaining Your Garage Door Track

Keeping the tracks clean and lubricated goes a long way. Follow these quick upkeep tips to help your door run better for longer:

• Wipe down the tracks with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and dust.
• Apply a silicone-based spray to the garage door rollers a few times a year.
• Make sure the track stays straight and properly aligned.
• Tighten any loose brackets or screws along the wall or ceiling.
• Schedule routine garage door maintenance to keep everything working quietly and safely.

Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

When your garage door opener’s acting up, it can throw off your whole routine. Maybe the garage door won’t open, or the light blinks, but nothing moves. Sometimes the door doesn’t close all the way, or it stops halfway and reverses. These are signs the opener might be struggling with sensors, wiring, or a worn-out motor.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

You can usually tell something’s wrong if:

• The garage door won’t close or keeps reversing.
• The opener motor runs, but the door won’t open.
• The lights on the opener blink or flash repeatedly.
• The garage door remote or wall button doesn’t respond.
• You hear grinding or clicking sounds when the opener tries to move the door.

Troubleshooting a Garage Door Opener

If your opener stops working, start by checking the simple things before calling for help.

• Make sure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Replace the batteries in the garage door remote or keypad.
• Check the safety sensors near the bottom of the door; wipe them clean and make sure they’re aligned.
• Inspect the door track and rollers for obstructions that might prevent the door from closing fully.

If the opener hums but doesn’t lift, the internal gear or torsion spring may be worn out.

If the door still won’t respond after these checks, it’s best to let a garage door technician take a look. They can safely test the wiring, sensors, and motor to get the automatic opener back to normal.

4: Uneven Garage Door Movement

When one side of your garage door moves faster than the other, it’s a sign of uneven tension. This kind of garage door problem usually happens when cables or springs start wearing out. Over time, the weight of the garage door shifts unevenly, putting strain on the door track and opener. If left too long, it can lead to more serious damage or even cause the garage door to jam halfway while opening or closing.

Signs of Uneven Garage Door Movement

You’ll often notice one or more of the following:

• The door isn’t level when closing.
• One side of the garage door lifts higher than the other.
• You hear scraping or rubbing sounds during movement.
• The door stops partway up or down.
• The cables on one side look loose or slack.

These are signs of an unbalanced door, which can place unnecessary strain on the opener and wear down other components.

Troubleshooting an Uneven Garage Door

If your garage door operates unevenly, you can check a few things safely before scheduling repairs:

• Inspect both sides of the door track for bends or debris.
• Check the cables and pulleys for signs of wear or fraying.
• Make sure the door opens smoothly by disconnecting the opener and trying to lift the door by hand.
• If one side feels heavier, a torsion spring may be worn out or broken.
• Avoid adjusting the springs yourself; they’re under high tension and need professional handling.

If the door won’t open evenly after these checks, contact a garage door technician to inspect and fix the balance safely.

How to Maintain an Even Garage Door

A balanced garage door runs smoother and lasts longer. Keeping it aligned takes only a few simple steps:

• Lubricate the springs, hinges, and rollers every few months.
• Watch for cables that start to loosen or fray.
• Keep the door track clear of dust or buildup.
• Test the balance twice a year by disconnecting the opener and lifting halfway; if it slides down, it may need adjustment.
• Schedule a yearly garage door maintenance service to check alignment and tension.

Taking time for basic upkeep helps ensure your garage door stays steady, safe, and working the way it should.

5: Remote or Keypad Not Responding

When your garage door remote or keypad stops working, it’s usually something simple but frustrating. Batteries die, connections wear out, or the signal just isn’t reaching the garage door opener’s receiver. Sometimes the problem shows up after a power outage or when another wireless device interferes with the signal.

Signs of Remote or Keypad Problems

A few things usually give it away:

• The door won’t open when pressing the remote or keypad.
• The wall button still works, but the remote doesn’t.
• The keypad lights up, but the door doesn’t move.
• You have to stand unusually close for the remote to work.
• The remote or keypad works only part of the time.

If this happens often, it might be a programming issue or signal interference near the garage.

Troubleshooting a Remote or Keypad That Won’t Work

Before replacing anything, try these quick checks:

• Replace the batteries in your garage door remote or keypad.
• Make sure the door opener is plugged in and has power.
• Reprogram the remote or keypad following the opener’s manual.
• Wipe down the keypad and buttons to remove dust or moisture.
• Check for nearby devices that could block the signal, like routers or LED lights.

If the door still won’t respond, the receiver in the automatic opener might need resetting or repair. A garage door technician can handle that safely.

How to Maintain Your Garage Door Remote and Keypad

Keeping these small parts in good shape saves you from unnecessary frustration.

• Replace the batteries at least twice a year.
• Keep the remote and keypad clean and dry.
• Reprogram them if you replace your garage door opener or install a new garage door.
• Check the garage door company’s manual for compatibility before buying replacements.
• Schedule routine garage door maintenance to test all controls together.

A few simple checks can make sure your remote and keypad stay working when you need them most.

6: Slow or Delayed Door Operation

If your garage door opens more slowly than usual or hesitates before moving, it’s a sign that something’s not running smoothly. Over time, dirt, rust, or worn parts can cause drag on the tracks and extra strain on the opener. This type of garage door problem often shows up as colder weather sets in, or after years of daily use without maintenance.

Signs of a Slow or Delayed Door

You might notice:

• The door takes longer to fully open or close.
• The opener sounds louder or strained.
• The garage door stops midway before resuming.
• Movement feels jerky or uneven.
• The door only moves normally when disconnected from the opener.

These are signs your garage door may need cleaning, lubrication, or adjustment.

Troubleshooting a Slow Garage Door

You can check a few things safely before calling for garage door repair:

• Make sure the opener is plugged in and the power supply is steady.
• Wipe down the door track and remove any dirt or debris.
• Lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs with silicone-based spray.
• Check if the torsion spring looks stretched or worn.
• Disconnect the opener and try to lift the door by hand; if it feels heavy, the door isn’t balanced correctly.

If the door still won’t move smoothly after these steps, it’s likely time for a tune-up from a garage door technician.

How to Maintain a Smooth-Running Garage Door

Regular upkeep allows your garage door to work reliably and prevents small issues from turning into bigger ones.

• Lubricate all moving parts every three months.
• Keep the door track and rollers clean and aligned.
• Test your opener’s force and speed settings once a year.
• Replace worn rollers or cables before they cause more garage door issues.
• Schedule a yearly garage door service to keep everything balanced and quiet.

With a little maintenance, you’ll help ensure your garage door keeps opening and closing easily, even through Colorado’s tough seasons.

7: Noisy Garage Doors

Over time, garage doors can become pretty noisy, disruptive, and irritating. The most frequent causes of loud garage doors are worn-out rollers, loose hardware, and insufficient lubrication.

Signs of a Noisy Garage Door

You’ll usually notice sounds like:

• Squeaking or screeching when the door moves.
• Grinding noises are coming from the door track or rollers.
• Banging or clunking sounds each time the garage door opens or closes.
• Vibrations or rattling from the automatic opener.
• Metal-on-metal scraping that gets worse in colder weather.

Noise is the door’s way of telling you something needs attention.

Troubleshooting a Noisy Garage Door 

• Inspect all nuts, bolts, and screws on your garage door and opener, and tighten any that are loose. Tighten any slack that has developed.
• Replace worn rollers since they can make too much noise if worn or damaged. Think about switching them out for noisier nylon rollers.
• Lubricate moving parts. To lessen friction and noise, lubricate the tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs with a silicone-based lubricant.
• Inspect the bottom of the door seal for wear and replace it if air or dirt is getting through.
• If the door still won’t quiet down, the opener chain or belt might need adjustment.

How to Maintain a Quiet Garage Door

A little upkeep goes a long way toward keeping your garage door working quietly and smoothly.

• Lubricate moving parts every three months, especially before winter.
• Keep the door track clean and free of dust or debris.
• Replace worn or rusted rollers with nylon ones for quieter operation.
• Check that the garage door operates evenly without jerking or shaking.
• Schedule routine garage door maintenance to keep all parts aligned.

With regular care, your garage door should open and close smoothly, without the daily racket

8: Locking Mechanism Problems

If your garage door refuses to move even though the opener is working, there’s a good chance the manual lock is engaged. Many garage doors have a handle or slide bolt that can keep the door shut when you’re not using the opener. It’s helpful for security, but if someone accidentally turns it off, the door won’t budge, no matter how many times you press the remote.

Signs of a Locking Mechanism Issue

You’ll know the lock is causing trouble if:

• The garage door won’t open, even though the motor sounds like it’s running.
• The opener arm tugs, but the door doesn’t move.
• You notice the lock handle turned sideways or the slide bar pushed into the door track.
• The door won’t lift even when you try to open the door manually.
• There’s resistance or a grinding sound when the opener engages.

Troubleshooting a Locked Garage Door

You can check a few things quickly and safely:

• Inspect the handle or lock bar on the side of the garage door to make sure it’s in the open position.
• Look at the bottom of the door for any bolts or slide locks keeping it from moving.
• Try turning the lock handle gently to see if it releases.
• Check that the garage door opener’s arm is securely connected to the door bracket.
• If the door still won’t move, the lock might be jammed or misaligned and will need adjustment.

If you’ve confirmed the manual lock is disengaged but the garage door won’t release, a garage door technician can repair or replace the locking parts safely.

How to Maintain Your Garage Door Lock

A quick check every few months can keep your lock system in good shape:

• Lubricate the handle and locking bar to prevent rust.
• Make sure the bar retracts fully when unlocked.
• Tighten the mounting screws on the handle and latch.
• Keep keys or handles out of reach of children to prevent accidental locking.
• During garage door maintenance, ask your technician to check the alignment of the locking hardware.

These small steps help ensure your garage door stays secure and working smoothly without getting stuck shut.

Weather-Related Garage Door Problems in Colorado 

Colorado’s climate is tough on garage doors. Cold snaps, high winds, and strong UV exposure can all cause trouble, from frozen seals to warped panels. Knowing how the weather affects your door helps you spot small issues before they lead to costly repairs. 

Troubleshooting Weather-Related Garage Door Problems

Here’s how to handle the most common weather-related issues:

• Freezing temperatures: Keep hinges, springs, and rollers lubricated so they don’t stiffen up.
• Frozen doors: Gently loosen the ice seal along the bottom of the door; never force it open.
• Cold air leaks: Replace brittle or cracked weather stripping to stop drafts.
• High winds: Check brackets and tracks for movement or bending after storms.
• Sun glare on sensors: Slightly angle sensors or shade them to prevent false triggers.
• Temperature swings: Lubricate metal parts to offset expansion and contraction.

If your garage door won’t open or move smoothly after these checks, it’s best to have a garage door technician inspect for deeper damage.

Troubleshooting Weather-Related Garage Door Problems 

Here’s how to handle the most common weather-related issues:

• Freezing temperatures: Keep hinges, springs, and rollers lubricated so they don’t stiffen up.
• Frozen doors: Gently loosen the ice seal along the bottom of the door; never force it open.
• Cold air leaks: Replace brittle or cracked weather stripping to stop drafts.
• High winds: Check brackets and tracks for movement or bending after storms.
• Sun glare on sensors: Slightly angle sensors or shade them to prevent false triggers.
• Temperature swings: Lubricate metal parts to offset expansion and contraction.

If your garage door won’t open or move smoothly after these checks, it’s best to have a garage door technician inspect for deeper damage.

How to Maintain Your Garage Door Year-Round

Colorado’s weather changes fast, but a little upkeep keeps your garage door working through every season.

• Inspect and clean door tracks and rollers regularly.
• Replace worn seals and touch up paint to guard against moisture and sun damage.
• Clear snow, ice, and debris from the bottom of the door before operating it.
• Test sensors twice a year to make sure they’re clean and aligned.
• Schedule annual garage door maintenance before winter to keep things running smoothly.

With consistent care, your garage door will handle Colorado’s shifting weather without slowing you down.

Contact Your Local Garage Door Mechanics in Colorado Springs

Most garage door problems start small, a noisy spring here, a slow opener there, but they can turn into bigger headaches if left alone. Some fixes are simple, like tightening hardware or replacing batteries, while others take a trained hand. That’s where Tri-Lakes Garage Doors comes in. Our Colorado Springs team handles repairs, replacements, and tune-ups with the same care we’d give our own homes. If your door isn’t moving like it should, we’ll get it back on track quickly and safely.