Garage Door questions, answered
Why won't my garage door open even though the opener runs?
The most common reason is a broken spring. Without the spring, the opener can't lift the door's weight. Other causes include a disconnected trolley, a stripped drive gear or a cable off its drum. Stop using the opener and have the door checked.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It's strongly discouraged. Springs and cables are under high tension, and winding or removing them without the right tools and training can cause serious injury. Leave spring and cable repairs to a professional.
Why does my garage door reverse before it closes?
Usually the safety sensors near the floor are blocked, dirty or misaligned. Wipe the lenses, remove anything in the beam's path and check that both indicator lights are steady. If they are and the door still reverses, the opener's limits or force settings may need adjustment, or the door may be binding.
How often should a garage door be serviced?
A professional tune-up once a year is a reasonable routine, plus lubrication of moving parts a couple of times a year. Doors that are used many times a day may benefit from more frequent checks.
How do I test my garage door's safety reversal?
Place a piece of wood or a roll of paper towels on the floor under the door and close it. The door should reverse when it touches the object. Also wave something through the sensor beam while the door closes; it should stop and reverse. If either test fails, stop using the opener until it's fixed.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs mount above the door on a bar and twist to store energy. Extension springs run along the side tracks and stretch. Torsion springs are more common on modern doors and generally provide smoother operation. Extension springs should always have safety cables.
Is an insulated garage door worth it?
It's often worth it if the garage is attached, has living space above, is used as a workspace, or if summers or winters are extreme. Insulated doors also tend to be quieter and stiffer.
What should I do if my garage door is stuck open during a power outage?
Most openers have a manual release cord that disconnects the door from the opener so it can be moved by hand. Only use it if the door is balanced and the springs are intact; a door with a broken spring can drop suddenly. A battery backup opener avoids this problem.
Why is my garage door noisy?
Common causes include dry rollers and hinges, worn rollers, loose hardware and an opener with a chain drive. Lubricating moving parts with a garage door lubricant often helps. Worn rollers can be replaced. A belt-drive opener is quieter than a chain drive.
How long does it take to install a new garage door?
A standard residential installation often takes several hours to a day once the door arrives. Custom doors, changes to the opening size or new openers can add time. Ask the installer about lead times for ordering the door.
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