Garage Door Not Closing

Garage Door Not Closing? Here’s Why, and What To Do 

Dealing with a garage door not closing is one of the most common and most frustrating garage door issues a homeowner can face. When a garage door won’t close, it not only signals an issue with the garage door system, but it also compromises the safety and security of your home and personal belongings. But before you call for professional garage door repair services, Dodds Doors will guide you through some of the common reasons why your garage door won’t close and how to troubleshoot these problems.

More often than not, testing the door and its components can reveal simple issues that can be resolved without professional help. It could be as simple as changing the batteries in your remote, or it could be as complex as realigning the garage door sensors for proper operation.

At our garage door company, we believe in equipping homeowners with the right approach to garage door repair and maintenance so they can troubleshoot minor problems themselves. However, we are just one phone call away from providing you with the necessary garage door services to ensure your door operates at its finest once more. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my garage door not closing?” This guide is for you. Continue reading as we explore the reasons why your garage door won’t close properly. 

Parts That Allow the Garage Door to Close

If you’re going to accurately and successfully figure out why your garage door isn’t closing, you have to understand what specific parts allow the door to close in the first place. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle without the picture on the box. By familiarizing yourself with the closing components, you can better identify any issues that may prevent the door from closing properly. Here are the main parts involved:

1. Tracks and rollers: The tracks are installed vertically and horizontally along the garage door frame. The rollers are small wheels mounted to the sides of door panels and fit snugly into the tracks. In tandem, tracks and rollers ensure the garage door closes safely and efficiently. 
2. Garage door springs: Springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door. As the door closes, the springs will unwind and help the door descend. 
3. Garage door cables and drums: Cables run from the bottom of the door and meet the drums located at the ends of the torsion tubes. As your garage door closes, the cables unwind from the drums and work together with the springs to lower the door. 
4. Hinges: Hinges connect to the garage door panels and allow the door to bend and fold as it comes along the track while closing. 
5. Garage door opener (automatic models): For automatic garage doors, a motor sends a signal for the door to close automatically. 
6. Safety sensors (photo eyes): The sensors, located at the bottom of the garage door opening, project a beam of light across the doorway. When a beam is interrupted while the door is closing, the sensor tells the opener to stop and reverse the door to prevent an accident from occurring. 

Troubleshooting Tips For a Garage Door Not Closing All the Way

Inspect the Sensors

For garage doors not closing all the way, the first component you will want to investigate is the sensors. Because the sensors are located on either side of the door, near the bottom of the garage door’s path, they are bound to get covered in dirt, mud, and debris. If the photo eyes can’t detect each other due to obstruction or misalignment, the garage door will not close. There are three things you will want to check for:

• Alignment: Ensure that the sensors are properly aligned, facing each other, and free from obstructions like spider webs or dirt. If they are aligned and facing each other, try cleaning the sensors. Cleaning the photo eyes can resolve issues causing miscommunication.
• Power: If there are flashing lights on the garage door sensors, they may need to be aligned so that they can see each other. Loosen one of the sensors and adjust it until the small light remains steady. 
• Wiring: Inspect for any loose or damaged wires that connect the sensors to the garage door opener. If the wires are frayed or disconnected, they should be repaired or replaced. 

Inspect the Tracks and Rollers

The next parts that could be responsible for your garage door not closing all the way are the tracks and the rollers. Start by inspecting for any signs of misalignment between the two, bent tracks, or damaged rollers. When one of these problems applies to your situation, it’s likely the reason why your garage is. not closing properly. If you identify a damaged section, oftentimes, you can simply bend it back into place with a hammer. Then, inspect your rollers for an obstruction. If there is nothing in their way, they could just need some grease. If your rollers are sticky, apply some silicone-based grease to reduce the friction exerted on them. 

Test Out Your Remote and Wall Switch

If your garage door won’t close with the remote, your garage door not closing problem may be as simple as changing out the batteries. You can also check the wall switch to see if the lock or safety features are on. If they are, it will prevent it from closing altogether. If the remote is not responding, you may also need to reprogram your remote. 

Check to See If Something is Blocking the Garage Door

If there is something blocking the garage door, it won’t just prevent the door from closing properly; it will also cause the door to fail to close completely. Make sure there is nothing blocking the garage door’s path. Check the edges and the bottom for any obstacles that may have been overlooked, like tools, baseballs, boxes, or debris. 

Analyze the Springs and Cables

Garage door springs and cables are major components in the opening and closing process, but they are prone to wear down or even break. If your garage door won’t close, examine the springs and cables for damage. If they are damaged, you will want to consult with a local garage door professional for the necessary help. Due to the high tension involved with these components, attempting to repair or replace them can be extremely hazardous.

Review the Limit Settings

If your garage door closes slightly and then reverses the process, you may have to adjust your limit settings. These settings tell the garage door opener how far to close, and if they are misaligned, the door may not fully close before reversing. Using a flat screwdriver, twist the “down” screw to increase the closing limit. Make small adjustments, testing your garage door for functionality. Repeat this process until the garage door fully closes. 

Read the Paperwork

Each garage door comes with its own specific manual. It’s like a bible for your garage door, so open and read to see what the manufacturer has to say if your garage door won’t close properly. If you tossed out your manual on installation day, you can likely search up your specific model, and an online transcript should be available.  

Still Asking, ‘Why Is My Garage Door Not Closing?’ Call Dodds Doors For the Professional Help You Need

Still struggling with a garage door not closing? Call a professional for garage door repair. Our service professionals have years of experience in repairing garage doors and will be able to able to quickly diagnose the issue. Give Dodds Doors a call at 1-877-503-6337.