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What’s Wrong With My Garage Door?

What’s Wrong With My Garage Door?

whats wrong with my garage door

Your garage door is likely your home’s largest moving appliance. Like any moving appliance, it can malfunction from time to time. When this happens, it can be a major inconvenience or even a safety hazard. A malfunctioning garage door might leave you stuck, decrease your home’s security or result in damaged property. It might also present a safety concern or cause injury.

If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door, it’s important to determine the cause. Use this guide to help you differentiate between common garage door problems. Once you know what’s going on, you can take steps to resolve the issue and prevent future problems.

My Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

The main garage door issue homeowners face is a door that won’t close or open. Being unable to operate your garage door could cause several issues. Your vehicle could be trapped inside, unusable, or it could be stuck outside, exposed to the elements. A door that’s stuck open will leave all your belongings exposed to the elements, wildlife and theft.

If your garage door won’t close or open, you’ll have to identify the underlying cause. Certain issues are noticeable at a glance, while others may be trickier to diagnose. Some of the most common garage door problems include:

–A broken garage opener: You may think your garage door itself is broken when, in reality, the opener is the issue. If your system’s opener malfunctions, the door may seem to have a mind of its own, refusing to close or opening and closing at random.

–Worn or snapped springs: Garage door springs operate under extreme tension, carrying the weight of the heavy door. If they wear too thin, they can snap, which will leave your door unable to open. Pay attention to the signs of wearing springs, including unusual sounds or movements. As soon as the springs start to wear thin, have them replaced before they snap, as they present a safety hazard.

–Damaged cables: Garage door cables are also important for operation, keeping the door suspended as it glides along its track. If your cables are damaged, you might notice shaky or rapid movement. That movement can be dangerous, so have a professional resolve the issue as soon as possible.

These garage door issues are common and fixable, as long as you can identify the source of the problem and contact a professional to replace or repair parts as needed. By scheduling preventive maintenance, you can reduce the odds of these issues occurring at inconvenient times. Waiting until a noticeable problem arises can end up creating a hassle in the long-run.

My Garage Door Opener Is Broken

Garage door openers provide convenience, allowing you to open or close your door from the comfort of your vehicle. With upgraded technology, you may even have an app paired with your garage, which lets you open it from anywhere in the world. But, like any piece of technology, a garage door opener can malfunction.

If your garage door opener breaks, the door will not be able to open or shut as it should. It might open partially then reverse. It might keep the motor running after the door is in place. Or it might send open or close signals at random. When one of these scenarios happens, a faulty opener may be to blame. Should you experience any of the following situations, you may need to have your garage door opener repaired.

Garage Door Opens Partially

A broken garage door opener might cause your door to open only part-way, then stop or reverse. If your garage door won’t shut, this might also be due to:

–Something blocking the safety sensor or the track

–Broken springs

–A faulty logic control board

Be sure to check for any objects that might be blocking the door’s pathway or sensor. Your garage door has built-in safety sensors that keep it from closing if it detects an obstacle. This feature keeps you and your family safe, but a misaligned or blocked sensor will prevent the door from closing when nothing is in its path. Rake away leaves, shovel away snow and wipe off the sensor. You’ll also want to move any objects near where the door lands.

Once you’ve cleared the area under your door, test whether or not you can open it manually. If it’s an issue with the track or springs, you’ll have difficulty doing so. If the door opens by-hand without issue, then the opener or motor is the problem.

Garage Door Motor Keeps Running

If the garage door motor is running after the door is in place, this may also be the result of a broken opener. It might also be due to a faulty limit switch, which regulates when the motor should start and stop running. You might need a professional to readjust it.

Garage Door Opens and Closes at Random

You might also experience your garage door opening and closing without you operating your remote control. There are a few reasons this might happen, which include:

–Stuck buttons: If a button is stuck on your opener, it might send the signal to open or close the door on its own. Check that your opener button is clean and clear of any debris.

–An identical signal: Your opener remote uses a specific code and signal frequency to communicate with your garage door. There’s a chance your neighbor might have a remote that uses the same signal or frequency, which would cause your door to react when they use their buttons. Be sure to rule out this possibility before investing in a new opener.

–A circuit board short: Another possible explanation for random opening and closing is a circuit board or logic board short. A power surge or other electrical problem can cause this to happen.

My Garage Door Cable Is Broken

Garage door problems can also occur if you need to repair your cables. The cables keep the door lifted as it rolls into place, so strong cables are essential for safety — they can keep the door from falling if the springs snap. The cables work by transferring the stored energy in the springs to the door, allowing it to move along the track. Though they’re the most basic technology of the system, they have to be in good shape for the door to work.

Most garage doors with torsion springs use lift cables, while those with extension springs use retaining cables. Lift cables help pull the door along the track as it lifts, and retaining cables help contain extension springs if they break, keeping them from causing damage.

Broken garage door cables present a safety hazard as well as an inconvenience. Since they work as a failsafe for broken springs, they need to be in sturdy, stable condition. They’re subject to a great deal of friction every time you operate your garage, so they’re bound to wear, snap or pop out of place over time. If you suspect an issue with your garage door’s cables, check for any of these signs:

–Fraying cables: You may need new cables if yours are fraying. Fraying is a normal sign of regular wear and tear, but it does weaken these components.

–Hanging cables: If your cables are hanging out of place, call a professional to realign or replace them.

–Worn or snapped cables: Over time, your garage door’s cables will wear with regular use. If they wear too thin, they might snap.

Have a professional check your garage door cables as part of regular preventive maintenance to promote safety. If you notice any frayed, worn or hanging cables, contact a professional to replace them as soon as possible. You might also encounter either of the following issues.

Garage Door Is Shaky When Opening

You might notice a shakiness as your garage door opens. Faulty cables can cause this unsteady movement. Be sure to address this issue right away, even if your door is still usable at the moment. There may also be a concern with the track itself, which could become bent or misaligned. The door’s wheels might snag along the tracks, causing a shaky opening. A professional can replace the tracks or address other issues causing an unsteady opening.

Garage Door Is Shutting Too Fast

If the cables are broken, the door may not close in a safe, slow manner. Instead, it might fall to the ground, posing a safety risk. Strong, secure cables are necessary for supported, controlled movement. If you notice your door closing faster than it should, contact a professional.

My Garage Door Spring Is Broken

Your garage door’s springs serve a necessary purpose, and it’s important to understand how they work. They operate under extreme pressure, required for lifting such a heavy piece of equipment. Your door uses one of two kinds of springs — extension or torsion. Extension springs, on both sides of the garage, extend to help open the door. Torsion springs twist to help lift the door and sit mounted above it in a tight coil.

The springs provide the force needed to move the door. Depending on your garage door’s weight, it may have a system of multiple springs. A lightweight single-car door may need only one spring, while a heavier, multi-car garage door may need three or four. Some experts recommend torsion springs over extension springs. Since they’re connected to a tube or bar, they’re less likely to come off with force if they break, improving safety.

Please keep in mind, trying to replace one of these springs on your own is hazardous given the extreme tension these springs are under. You might injure yourself or damage your property by trying to fix a broken garage door spring. Always call a professional to repair your garage door springs. If you experience any of the following issues, the springs may be the cause.

Garage Door Is Jammed

As a safety feature, a garage door will jam if the springs are broken. If your door opens a few inches then stops, it might be due to a broken spring. You should not be able to open the door with your remote or by hand in this case. A jammed garage door can also result from other issues — something might be blocking the track, for instance. An object obstructing the rollers will keep the door from opening or closing.

Garage Door Is Squeaking or Popping

Any unusual sounds as your garage door operates are signs of an issue. As soon as you notice any abnormal sounds, you’ll want to schedule maintenance. Screeching sounds, for example, might mean your door’s metal elements need a new coat of lubrication. The sounds associated with garage door malfunction are more than just irritating — they also signal problems. Squeaking or popping sounds are often related to the door’s springs.

If you hear a popping sound, this might indicate a spring breaking. The sudden release of tension from a broken spring can make a loud “pop.” Modern systems have fail-safes in place to keep broken springs from coming off and causing injury or property damage. In any case, these highly pressurized springs can present a serious safety hazard, so you should always call an expert rather than try to repair them on your own.

If you hear a pop that could indicate a broken spring, be sure to contact a professional before using the door again. You may also hear a squeaking or squealing noise, which could mean your springs are wearing thin. Have someone replace them before they snap.

Garage Door Looks Uneven

If you have a multiple-spring system, one spring might snap while the other or others remain intact. If one component is worn or broken, the door might sit higher on the opposite side, appearing uneven. It’s important to fix this as soon as possible since it’s putting extra strain on the side with the working spring.

This strain can lead to rapid wear on that side’s parts, decreasing their working lifespans. Even the smallest garage door is a heavy piece of equipment. It can cause a lot of stress and strain when a broken spring puts an uneven burden on other elements. If you notice this, use the door as little as possible until a professional service can repair the broken spring.

Contact the Professionals at BlackHawk Garage Door

You rely on your garage door every day. Keeping it in top shape saves you from stress and inconvenience and keeps you and your family safe. Even if you keep up with preventive maintenance, unexpected issues can arise on occasion. If you’re having issues with your door or opener, you’ll need a professional garage door repair company to help.

Trust BlackHawk Garage Door with your garage door repair needs. At BlackHawk Garage Door, we provide honest, expert repair services at the hands of our experienced technicians. Learn more about our residential garage door service and repair, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us today.

BlackHawk Garage Door
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Myron Haynes
Myron Haynes
14:20 15 Mar 23
I needed a new garage door opener I called late on Monday and they were there the next day. They did a great job explained everything about the new opener and what they had done. Not only did he put in the new opener but he also adjusted the... springs and lubed the track and tightened up the rollers as the brackets had loosened up over the years. Highly recommend BlackHawk Garage Door.read more
ats lastname
ats lastname
20:46 08 Mar 23
We've now used Blackhawk to install 5 doors where we live: two in the attached garage, one for the truck opening in the pole barn, and two massive 14' x 14' doors for the RV bay in the barn. These guys have the skill and tools to tackle anything.... Kudos to our installers: John and Jeremy. They really know their stuff, they work fast, and they work smart. I highly recommend Blackhawk, and I would choose them again in a heartbeat.read more
Terry Korte
Terry Korte
20:37 01 Mar 23
My garage door needed maintenance. The door was not working. I called Blackhawk garage. Kevin arrived at my home at the appointed time. He diagnosed the problem quickly and had the garage door working great in 15 minutes. The bottom of the door... had loose material from manually landing on the pavement. He secured those with screws and everything looks and works great. Kevin's work was nothing short of OUTSTANDING!read more
Erica Frohn
Erica Frohn
18:31 27 Feb 23
My garage door cable rusted out last week and a gentleman came to check it out. We thought the entire pulley system needed to be replaced. Some inclement weather brought about some service delays, however today another technician arrived to repair... my door. Upon inspection, he realized that he would be able to repair the cable and not replace the system, saving me a large amount of money! The biggest THANK YOU to you, Jeremy, for your honesty and suggestions. I am very grateful. Will definitely use you guys again in the future!read more
Mark
Mark
18:12 18 Feb 23
The tech (Ray) sent to our home to provide service was really great! He was knowledgeable, personable, and very informative. Ray took the time to explain all the work that had to be done, and also what work did NOT need to be done. The track... rails on both garage doors had rusted to the point where one foot had completely broken off, so those were replaced but at the proper height so that they weren't sitting in any melted snow or rain. It was further recommended that we replace the metal edging and seal at the bottom of both doors, along with the cables (all due to corrosion). I can't speak to price competitiveness because I didn't collect multiple bids, but it did seem fair given the parts and labor that went into the job. I have confidence that the work was done well and that we don't have to worry about our garage doors working properly (BlackHawk offers a 1 year workmanship warranty).read more
Todd Hess
Todd Hess
21:55 09 Feb 23
I called up Blackhawk Garage Door this morning and spoke to Nate and told him I had a spring out on my double door. He said he would get a Tech there this afternoon. Jeremy came and he replaced the spring and was Super Nice and cool to talk to. I... also had a cable on my detached garage that was fraying. Jeremy said no problem and fixed that and adjusted the door so it was level and lubricated the rollers. I have used Black Hawk Garage door for 15 years and their expertise and Great service is Greatly Appreciated!! Thanks Jeremy for an Outstanding Job!!read more
Neil Weber
Neil Weber
17:37 03 Feb 23
John came out to our shop to adjust our doors and fix some questionable prior workmanship. He was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He made short work out of the project that others had spent hours trying to figure out. Highly recommended.... Thanks John.read more
Corey Hessler
Corey Hessler
19:22 20 Jan 23
We had our garage door installed earlier this week. I have to say that my wife and I are totally impressed with how Blackhawk performed. From Ryan the sales rep to the final installer. Wish I could remember his name...sorry. Everything went... perfect. There is no doubt in my mind that I would recommend Blackhawk to anyone of my friends and family. Thank you all! Corey and Maggieread more
Maxwell Farmer
Maxwell Farmer
15:38 03 Jan 23
Great Service! Davis came out here very quickly after sudden damage to our garage door. He was personable, punctual, and professional! Plus, he fixed our door! 5/5 would recommend!
Scott Sterba
Scott Sterba
18:27 06 Dec 22
I had an emergency issue with a garage door stuck half open. I called the first place that came up on a google search and they came out. They spent 3.5 hours trying to fix it, got the door sort of working, to the point that it would open, but only... about 3/4 of the way, but it would not open all the way. He stated that was as good as it could get with the broken parts and then recommended a full replacement of the rod/spring system for over $850, which they would have to come back to do another day. I called BlackHawk Garage door company and told them I needed a replacement rod/spring system and was looking for an estimate. They said it would be around $450 to replace, but would come out and look at it to be sure. Jeremy from BlackHawk Garage Door came out. He explained everything he was going to do and it took him 15 minutes to straighten my garage door on the tracks, fix the improperly wound cables and set my garage door working 100% properly again. He explained everything, including that my garage door setup was old and would probably need replacing eventually, but should use it until that day actually came, which was not today. Not only that, but the cost was over $300 LESS than what BlackHawk would have gotten if they replaced it, but they have integrity and did not recommend an unnecessary repair. In total, I saved over $700 by calling BlackHawk Garage Door. 5 STARS and I would have given more stars if I could. Highly recommend Jeremey and BlackHawk Garage Door. If they can't come the same day, it's worth the wait. They are busy because they are the best. Don't go with the first company that comes up on Google. Call BlackHawk Garage Door and save yourself the trouble and the money of using the other guys.read more
Jarrod Beach
Jarrod Beach
23:15 16 Aug 22
You will love your concrete coatings from Blackhawk. They install fantastic floors.
Michael Simkins
Michael Simkins
21:38 22 Jul 22
We had polyurea floor coating installed in a portion of our basement and also in our garage. The end result is amazing! We could not be any happier. The team of Davis, Colten, Kevin and Kip were prompt, courteous, treated our home with respect and... did a great job. We love the product so much we're considering applying it to our concrete patio. I would certainly recommend Blackhawk Garage Door. Thank you!read more
gdshack25
gdshack25
21:01 28 Jun 22
Blackhawk Garage Door transformed my garage floor. Davis and Kevin did a great job. They were on time, professional and gave instructions after they were finished. I will tell all my friends who need a new garage floor. Thank you and God bless... you.read more
Wade Labecki
Wade Labecki
00:12 08 Jun 22
I am extremely happy with the manner that my garage door needs were met. From the very beginning with ordering the door through the installing. Awesome job. I highly recommend Blackhawk Garage Door.
Loren Zillmann
Loren Zillmann
09:44 05 Jun 22
We had Blackhawk replace our garage door and resurrect our 40 year old cracked concrete floor with the Polyurea Floor Coating. 4 words to describe the experience. Excellent workers, excellent products. Thanks.
Emily Lindus
Emily Lindus
19:29 25 May 22
Just had Blackhawk Garage Door install a new opener with the app for my phone to open and close remotely! If I am in Zimbabwe, I can open my door in Luck for the Schwans delivery:) John was awesome, patient, fixed a loose wire that was causing us... trouble, programed the opener, programed my vehicle. All with a smile!read more
Dorothy Marty
Dorothy Marty
15:11 08 Mar 22
Bryton Gunderson and his co-worker replace both garage doors. Showed up on time and finished in the time they said they would. Did a great job at installing and clean up was good. Highly recommend them!!
Deborah Lind
Deborah Lind
01:03 12 Feb 22
Jeremy was sent out to fix my garage door after the wheel came off the runner. and made it impossible to close. He assessed the situation and saw more issues causing problems. He was quick, knowledgeable, efficient, and polite. In this winter... weather, it was essential get this garage door fixed quickly and Blackhawk Garage Door sent a repairman as fast as they could. Thank you, Deborah Lind .read more
Ben Graf
Ben Graf
17:47 24 Jan 22
We hired BlackHawk to replace both of our garage doors. Anticipated start date for install was spot on and install went very smooth. Also had them install jackscrew openers a few months later and they installed them less than a week from my... initial phone call. Would highly recommend.read more
Craig Zuelke
Craig Zuelke
21:41 14 Jan 22
Jeremy arrived on-time even though the weather made driving difficult. He did a great job installing the new springs and keypad and explaining the functioning of the door. He was also very helpful in going over preventive maintenance and repair of... the weather seals. Excellent job!read more
john quest
john quest
05:09 02 Dec 21
Great installer. Ask for Bryton Gunderson to do your work He does great work.
Lois Peper
Lois Peper
20:14 20 Oct 21
Our new garage floor is beautiful, the installers, Davis Marshall and Kevin Graham were very meticulous, professional and friendly individuals. The area was thoroughly cleaned up afterwards and the job was completed exactly as predicted. We are... very impressed!read more
Julie Noyes
Julie Noyes
19:53 03 Sep 21
Jeremy was on time and really helpful with a solution for achieving a tight fit on my uneven garage floor. He got in touch with another installer close by and was able to get the parts he needed. He was patient and informative with all my... questions. Thank you!! The doors look great.read more
Rey of Sunshine Rey
Rey of Sunshine Rey
18:43 12 Feb 21
I started having issues with my old garage door openers a few years ago, each winter their performance got worse and worse, until finally one just died. I called several companies to get a quote over the phone. Blackhawk came in less than any... other companies I spoke with by over $100. Tom was a blast to converse with, asking detailed questions regarding the garage door openers I had at the time. Nate called me to schedule an install in a timely manner and when Tom stated her would. A pleasure to speak with and set up an appointment. I was expecting to wait a week at least. When he booked a tentative appointment for 2 days later ......I was elated. It was the coldest week so far this winter and I was so sick of parking outside in the subzero weather! Kyle and Colten showed up on time and both had smiles on their faces and were here and gone within 3 hours. Understand, they had to replace springs and had to install overhead rails etc as the previous opener was a wall mount type opener. They completely cleaned up their mess, briefly went over programming the new openers and were on their way. Thanks guys! You all rock!!!read more
Brent Haglund
Brent Haglund
20:54 05 Feb 21
Great company and great experience. Our garage door spring broke and within hours after talking with Nate their crew had the springs fixed, adjusted and door works perfectly. Thanks Blackhawk Garage Door and Nate!
Laura McNiff
Laura McNiff
20:19 02 Feb 21
The staff and crew at Blackhawk Garage Door were awesome. I have had them out twice in the past two weeks fixing broken springs and helping me to fix my door opener. They were very professional, timely, and most of all honest and trust worthy,... fixing a problem while giving honest answers. I would recommend them full heartedly. Thanks so much, Manny Krugread more
Sam Webber
Sam Webber
22:48 07 Jan 21
Had these guys fix a broken spring on one door and install an opener on another. Very knowledgeable and efficient techs. I will definitely be using them in the future and will recommend to friends. Big thanks to Nate, John, Colten, and Jordan!
David Feyereisen
David Feyereisen
11:51 03 Jan 21
John and Kyle put my garage doors in and did a FANTASTIC job. Great workmanship and great customer service. I highly recommend these guys. Thanks!!!!
Randy Prescott
Randy Prescott
15:58 29 Dec 20
Truely Excellent Service! I called on Monday evening about a broken garage door spring and they had a tech out to fix it up Tuesday morning. John, the tech they sent out was quiet, curtious and fast. He had the job done in about 30 minutes, Awesome!
Robert Schmitz
Robert Schmitz
22:16 17 Dec 20
Great service! The cable broke on my garage door at work...called mid morning and it was fixed before noon. Very efficient in their work and very professional. The customer service person that I talked to was very helpful and the technicians did a... great job. Would highly recommend them!read more
Scott Lee
Scott Lee
16:17 28 Aug 20
Blackhawk Garage Door was fantastic to work with when my garage door spring broke. When I called, Nate answered. He took care to understand my problem, he gave a clear estimate of the investment involved, and promptly scheduled a time for their... service crew to come and fix my issue. The 2-man crew came at their scheduled time, and replaced, and upgraded my spring setup in a quick and professional manner. They were in and out within about 45 minutes!! I would definitely do business again with Blackhawk Garage Door, and would refer them to my friends and family. 5-Star Rating, for sure.read more
Mark Daly
Mark Daly
00:13 11 Jun 20
The installation of our non-standard sized door, in a garage with a low ceiling and minimal clearance, was not easy. But the installer - Brent - was extremely professional and he did a great job. In fact, within two minutes after Brent completed... the job, a neighbor drove past our home, rolled down her window and shouted to us, "I love your new garage doors." I would highly recommend Black Hawk.read more
Jim Sommerville
Jim Sommerville
23:54 09 Jun 20
AAA Blackhawk Garage door has been great to work with every step of the way. We knew we wanted the look of a wood garage door without the maintenance of real wood, and they had exactly what we were looking for and at a lower price than anywhere... else. Ordering was simple, the installation went smoothly, and the customer service has been awesome! Fair and honest company. Our new garage door totally changed the look of our house...we receive many compliments. Highly recommend!read more
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