Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home. You rely on it to open and close smoothly every day—until one day, it doesn’t. Whether it’s stuck, noisy, or just acting weird, knowing the most common garage door issues can help you catch problems early and avoid costly repairs down the road.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical garage door problems homeowners face, how to spot them quickly, and when it’s time to call in a professional for garage door repair.
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
What’s Happening?
You press the button, but nothing happens—or your door only goes up halfway.
What to Check:
- Remote batteries: A dead battery is a quick fix.
- Sensor alignment: Look for blinking lights or dirt on the photo-eye sensors.
- Track blockage: Check for items blocking the path.
- Disconnected opener: The garage door might be in manual mode. Look for the red emergency release cord.
When to Call a Pro:
If the door is stuck halfway or fully unresponsive, the problem may lie in the opener system, torsion springs, or wiring.
2. Noisy Garage Door
What’s Happening?
Your garage door sounds like it’s grinding, squealing, or rattling every time it moves.
What to Check:
- Lack of lubrication: Moving parts like rollers, tracks, and hinges need regular greasing.
- Loose hardware: Screws or bolts can vibrate loose over time.
- Worn rollers or bearings: These can cause screeching or squeaking.
When to Call a Pro:
If the noise doesn’t go away after lubrication or tightening, you may need a replacement part. A professional can diagnose whether it’s a spring, roller, or motor issue.
3. Broken Garage Door Springs
What’s Happening?
You hear a loud “bang” from the garage, and the door won’t lift, even manually.
What to Look For:
- A visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- The door is very heavy to lift or won’t stay open
- You hear loud popping or snapping noises
Why It Matters:
Garage door springs do all the heavy lifting. When they break, the door can’t move properly—and trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous.
Call a Pro Immediately:
Spring repair should only be handled by a garage door repair professional with the right tools and training.
4. Garage Door Off the Track
What’s Happening?
The garage door looks crooked, jammed, or uneven when opening or closing.
What to Check:
- Gaps between the rollers and track
- Visible warping or bending in the track
- Uneven door alignment
Why It Happens:
This can result from impact (like hitting the door with your car), worn-out rollers, or broken cables.
Don’t Force It:
Operating an off-track garage door can make the problem worse. Call for professional repair right away.
5. Garage Door Remote or Keypad Not Working
What’s Happening?
You press your remote or enter the code—and nothing happens.
What to Check:
- Replace the remote’s battery
- Re-sync the remote to the opener
- Make sure the opener’s power source hasn’t been unplugged
- Check the keypad for moisture damage or button wear
When to Call a Pro:
If reprogramming the remote or keypad doesn’t fix it, there may be an issue with the opener’s circuit board or antenna.
6. Garage Door Opens and Reverses Immediately
What’s Happening?
The door starts to close but suddenly goes back up again.
What to Check:
- Dirty or misaligned safety sensors: Make sure nothing is blocking the sensors and that they are aimed correctly.
- Obstructions: Even a small item in the door’s path can trigger a reverse.
- Sensor lights: If one light is blinking, the sensors need adjustment.
When to Get Help:
If cleaning and adjusting the sensors doesn’t solve the issue, there may be a wiring or logic board malfunction.
7. Sagging Garage Door Panels
What’s Happening?
One or more panels look warped, bent, or uneven.
What Causes It?
- Age and wear
- Water damage
- Structural stress from uneven tension
How to Fix It:
Minor sagging may be corrected with reinforcement struts. Severe warping usually requires panel replacement.
8. Slow Response Time or Delayed Operation
What’s Happening?
You press the button, and it takes several seconds before the door responds.
Common Causes:
- Weak signal from the remote
- Worn-out opener motor
- Electrical delay in the opener system
When to Worry:
If response time continues to slow down, it’s a sign that your opener is aging or malfunctioning. Consider a tune-up or upgrade.
9. Garage Door Opens Unevenly
What’s Happening?
One side rises higher than the other, or the door appears crooked.
Likely Cause:
A broken or frayed cable can cause the door to pull unevenly. This is not a DIY fix—call a technician right away.
10. General Wear and Tear
Even if your garage door seems fine, small issues can build up over time:
- Worn weatherstripping
- Rusted metal parts
- Loose or missing bolts
- Cracked rollers or bent hinges
A yearly garage door maintenance check can help catch these early and extend the life of your system.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Knowing how to spot the most common garage door issues can save you time, money, and headaches. Many small problems—if left unchecked—can turn into major repairs or even full door replacements.
If your garage door is:
- Making strange noises
- Not opening smoothly
- Off-track or uneven
- Or simply not working like it used to…
…it’s time to get it looked at.
FAQ: Common Garage Door Problems
1. How often should I service my garage door?
Once a year is ideal for maintenance. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait.
2. Can I fix garage door issues myself?
Minor fixes like sensor cleaning or lubrication are safe. But spring, cable, and track repairs should always be handled by professionals.
3. Why did my garage door suddenly stop working?
It could be a tripped breaker, a dead remote battery, or something more serious like a broken spring. Troubleshoot or call a repair service.
4. How long do garage doors usually last?
With proper care, a garage door can last 15–30 years, while openers usually last 10–15 years.
5. Is it worth repairing an old garage door?
Yes, in most cases. But if the door is over 20 years old with multiple issues, a replacement might be the better value.