4 Painless Fixes for a Faulty Garage Door

By HomeAdvisor

Updated March 10, 2017

Garage door for detached garage
A problematic garage door can cause a host of problems — from water leaks to security concerns. Here are a few of the most common garage door-related problems and some inexpensive ways to fix them.

Problem: Your garage door won’t open or close.

Solution: First, check the electronic keypad. Keys become stuck or damaged due to moisture, age and use. If your keypad doesn’t work, use your remote garage door opener to open or close the door. If the door works with your remote opener, your keypad is broken. If neither the keypad nor the remote opener works, it’s likely that the motor receiver (or the motor itself) is broken. A licensed pro will diagnose the problem and recommend a solution. 

Problem: Your garage door jams when opening or closing.

Solution: If your garage door stops while opening or closing, you may have a mechanical issue. Start by lubricating the rollers — the small wheels that fit into the track — with WD40. Next, clear any blockage or rust from the track and look for off-track rollers. If you notice a broken roller, call a licensed pro to reset your garage door.

Problem: Your garage door leaks during storms.

Solution: If your garage is wet after after a storm, it’s usually the sign of a faulty door seal. To stop leaks, simply replace your older seal with a newer model. Make sure your replacement is the correct size (always measure the width of your garage door before making a purchase).

If leaks continue, call a professional. Constant garage leaks can damage other parts of your home.

Problem: Your garage door slides down (or up) by itself.

Solution: A garage door that won’t stay open or closed is most likely suffering from faulty extension springs. If your door slides down, your springs are too weak or worn. Likewise, if your garage door slides up, your springs are too strong. The correct spring tension is related to the height and weight of your garage door. If you’re unsure about which springs to choose, have a pro help you match the right springs to your door.

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3 Comments

  1. Adele Flanagan, May 6:

    I have two little I call them sensors……on the bottom of the garage door. One is green on the right side) and one is red(on the right side). The green one is not blinking, the red one is. And lately I cannot open the garage door unless I use the button inside the Garage. I can’t always open the door with my keypad. It seems to open when I am in the garage and hit the open button on the wall. But when I try to use the keypad, from outside the garage (to get back in) the garage door will not open. I don’t think the red little box in the Garage(almost on the floor} should be blinking. The green one does not blink. I hope I explained it correctly. How can I stop the red box from blinking?

  2. Janis Murray, June 16:

    My garage door will open from my car program but it will not close
    also key pad with code will only open, not close

  3. oneal ross, August 11:

    when you press to close the garage door some time it want move the light just blink several times then again it will start to close but stop 1/2 to 3/4 the way down and come back open the safety lights are green stop and starting it finally works. what can i do

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