Overhead Door recently shared four common problems that can go wrong with your garage door and we wanted to expand on the information for you!
Problem #1: Malfunctioning Photo-Eyes
A common reason for a garage door not closing can be a malfunctioning photo-eye. Photo eyes are there to keep the garage door from closing if an object passes through the infrared beams. Photo-eyes need to be lined up correctly, if the alignment is thrown off it may cause your garage door to not close. Also, if the lens on one or both of the photo eyes is dirty with debris, this can also cause your garage door to not operate. With both of these scenarios, your photo-eyes system assumes that there is an obstruction in the door. If your photo eye is flashing that means an obstruction is in the path of the door. Remove the debris and adjust the photo-eye until the indicator light is no longer flashing. Your door should now properly operate. If this doesn’t solve your problem, call us. We can schedule a service call and have an expert take a look if the problem doesn’t resolve itself.
Problem #2: Broken Spring
Another common reason for your garage door not working is a broken spring. A spring provides tension to help your garage door opener lift your garage door. This is an issue you can usually diagnose fairly easily. Springs are typically directly above the garage door near the wall. It’s important to note that if you have two springs on your garage door, you’ll most likely need to have both springs replaced. The Door People at Overhead Door Company recommend replacing both springs because generally after that first spring breaks, the second spring is not far behind the first one from breaking. The second spring has been through the same amount of wear and tear as the first one and we’d rather replace both springs at the same time than have you need us and pay for two trip charges within a month of each other.
Note: Please do not attempt to repair or replace a spring on your own, call a professional garage door repair company.
Problem #3: Malfunctioning Remote Control
If you’ve discovered that there’s no issue with your photo-eyes or garage door spring, another thing to check is your remote control to your garage door opener. If you find that it’s only one garage door remote that doesn’t work correctly, your remote may just need a new battery. If you replace the battery in the remote and it still doesn’t work, give a reputable garage door company a call to diagnose the problem. A new garage door opener is typically not needed, unless yours is more than 10 years old. Please remember we give away free batteries for your remotes! We also recycle used batteries so bring them in to one of our office locations. Please tape both ends of the terminals with scotch tape before dropping them off to be recycled.
Problem #4: Noisy Garage Door
Noisy doors are very common and there can be a couple of reasons why your garage door is noisy. This issue can sometimes be fixed with a manufacturer recommended lubricant (we sell and use Super Slick). Hinges, rollers and springs should be lubricated regularly to keep these parts running smoothly for many years. If this isn’t the issue then contact us to assist you with diagnosing the issue as you may need a replacement part for your garage door system. We recommend annual service on your garage door to make sure all parts are properly lubricated and to make sure your operator and door are running smoothly. We can adjust tension and make sure your door is properly aligned.
