A garage door plays a crucial role in your home’s security and convenience, but when it malfunctions, it can turn into a major headache. Whether you’re rushing to get to work or need access to your garage late at night, an unexpected garage door failure can interrupt your day. While some minor issues can be tackled on your own, others require professional assistance to ensure safety and proper repairs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through common emergency garage door problems and how to address them. We’ll cover everything from misaligned door sensors to power outages and much more.
Misaligned Door Sensors
One of the most common reasons a garage door refuses to close properly is due to misaligned sensors, and here’s how to spot and fix it.
Signs of Misaligned Sensors
These sensors are designed to detect obstructions in the door’s path, preventing accidents or damage. However, if the sensors are not properly aligned, they can mistakenly signal that something is blocking the door, even when the path is clear.
Common signs that your sensors might be misaligned include:
- The garage door begins to close but instantly reverses.
- The garage door opener’s light blinks several times after attempting to close the door.
- You hear clicking noises when trying to close the door, but nothing happens.
How to Check Sensor Alignment
Luckily, checking your garage door sensors for alignment is relatively easy:
Look for the lights: Garage door sensors typically have indicator lights. If the sensors are aligned properly, both lights should be solid. If one or both lights are blinking or off, that’s a sign the sensors are out of alignment.
Inspect for obstructions: Dirt, debris, or even spider webs can block the sensors, so make sure the area around them is clean.
Check for damage: Occasionally, sensors can get knocked out of position by a bump or impact. Ensure the brackets holding them are intact and the sensors are pointing directly at each other.
How to Adjust the Sensors
If your sensors are misaligned, here’s how to fix them:
- Step 1: Loosen the screws on the sensor brackets so you can move them up or down.
- Step 2: Adjust the sensors until the indicator lights stop blinking and remain solid.
- Step 3: Tighten the screws to secure the sensors in place.
Once the sensors are realigned, try closing your garage door again. If it works smoothly, then you’ve successfully resolved the issue!
No Power: Using the Manual Pull Cord
In the event of a power outage, you can still operate your garage door manually by using the built-in pull cord feature. Let’s break down the process:
What to Do When Power Goes Out
A power outage can prevent you from operating the door automatically. Fortunately, most garage door openers come equipped with a pull cord. This cord turns off the opener, letting you open and close the door manually.
How to Use the Manual Pull Cord
Locate the cord: The pull cord is usually red and hangs down from the garage door opener rail.
Pull the cord: By pulling this cord, you can detach the door from the automatic opener and manually lift it.
Lift the door: Be prepared to lift the door with some force, as it can be quite heavy without the aid of the opener. Make sure the door is fully open before driving through.
Pro Tip: Consider a Smart Door Opener with Battery Backup
If power outages are a frequent occurrence in your area, you might want to consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener with a battery backup. These openers can continue to function during power outages, keeping your garage door operable and saving you the hassle of manual operation. Plus, many smart openers allow you to control your door remotely, adding an extra layer of convenience and security.
Call a Pro: Broken Springs, Off-Track Doors, and Cable Issues
While some garage door issues can be fixed with a little DIY effort, there are a few situations that absolutely require the help of a professional. Trying to fix these issues on your own can be both ineffective and risky. Let’s take a look at the most common serious garage door problems that warrant a call to the pros.
Broken Springs
Garage door springs are under an immense amount of tension, and when they break, they can cause significant damage or injury. If you hear a loud “bang” when trying to operate your garage door, it’s likely that a spring has snapped. A garage door with broken springs will either refuse to open or feel incredibly heavy when trying to lift it manually.
Never try to fix or replace a broken spring yourself. The tension in the springs can cause them to snap back violently, leading to injury. Professional garage door technicians are trained to safely handle spring replacements and will ensure that your door operates smoothly and safely again.
Off-Track Doors
If your garage door comes off its tracks, it will likely get stuck or refuse to open or close properly. This can happen if the door is hit by an object or if the rollers have worn out or broken over time.
An off-track door requires precise realignment, and improper handling can cause further damage to the door system. Professionals have the tools and expertise to get your door back on track safely and efficiently.
Cable Issues
The cables on your garage door work in sync with the springs to lift and lower the door. Over time, these cables can wear down or snap, leading to malfunction.
Like with springs, working with cables is dangerous due to the tension they are under. A garage door professional will have the right equipment and training to replace the cables without putting themselves, or you, at risk.
Garage door emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times, but knowing how to handle these situations can save you time and stress. For minor issues, such as misaligned sensors or power outages, a little DIY troubleshooting can often resolve the problem. However, when it comes to serious problems such as broken springs, off-track doors, or cable issues, it’s important to call in a professional to ensure your door is repaired safely and correctly.
When trouble strikes, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at RCI Doors™. Our team of professionals is here to help with all your emergency garage door repair needs. Whether you need immediate assistance or are considering upgrading to a smarter, more reliable garage door system, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to RCI Doors™ today for fast, reliable service!
