Nothing ruins a morning like discovering your garage door won’t budge. But don’t let a stubborn door send you into a tailspin – there are simple solutions you can try before calling in the professionals. Stay calm and give these DIY fixes a shot.
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Quick Fixes to Try Yourself
Check the Photo Eyes – Make sure the electronic photo eyes located near the floor on either side of the door are not obstructed. Stuff like boxes or toys can disrupt the invisible light beam between the sensors and prevent the door from moving up or down. Clear away any debris blocking the sensors.
Look for Imbalances – Take a look at the tracks on both sides of the door. The tracks should be parallel and evenly spaced. If one side is lower than the other, it could cause a sticking issue. Try gently adjusting the track brackets until both sides are level.
Lubricate the Tracks – Over time, the rollers and wheels along the tracks can accumulate debris and become gritty. Wipe away any dirt or grease buildup and apply lubricant like silicone spray to keep things moving smoothly. Be sure to lubricate the entire length of both tracks.
Inspect the Cables – On wooden garage doors, look for signs of cable fraying or breaks that could be interfering with door movement. Damaged cables are dangerous and need immediate repair.
When to Call in a Pro
If simple solutions don’t get your door moving again, it may be time to call in an expert like Garage Door Repair in Norfolk. Professionals have the special tools and experience to properly diagnose more complex issues. Here are some signs it’s best to contact a garage door company:
The door is making strange noises or is unbalanced and wonky.
Cables or springs are broken or damaged. Springs in particular require special equipment to safely work on.
The door opens but won’t close securely.
The opener is not functioning at all or is inconsistently responding.
Previous DIY fixes did not resolve the sticking or jamming.
A pro can perform a full inspection, make any necessary adjustments or replacements, and have your door operating smoothly and safely again in no time. They’ll also be able to address issues like dents, cracks, or weatherstripping that could worsen problems down the road.
Don’t get stressed over a stuck garage door – with some basic troubleshooting or a service call, you’ll be back to smoothly entering and exiting your garage in no time. Just stay calm and address the issue before it escalates or becomes a safety concern. A little maintenance goes a long way towards worry-free garage door operation.
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