Most Common Garage Door Problems and Emergencies

A garage door can seem like a simple mechanical device, but many moving parts and pieces can stop the garage from working. In instances like these, it feels like you can almost do nothing to fix the problem. Read on for some of the most common garage door problems during emergencies and how you can take care of them.

Motor Running Without Door Following

A common problem you may encounter with your garage door is that the motor will run whenever you click to open it, but the door itself fails to move. In cases like these, one of the most common causes is that the limits are off. You’ll need to listen carefully to the motor sounds to properly adjust the limits and get the door to move with it again. Another issue that could cause this is that the door is somehow disconnected from the belt of the motor. It can get off the belt when someone accidentally pulls the emergency release cord. There are often specific instructions for reattaching the belt that is easy to follow.

Opener Not Working

One of the most common problems that you’ll run into with a garage door is that it doesn’t open with the opener switch. This can be an incredibly frustrating issue since there are a few likely causes, but it’s hard to know which one you need to look at and fix without looking at them all. Your opener switch could malfunction, the lock switch could be on, the motor gets unplugged, etc. These are some of the most common cases, but there are other more complicated reasons that the opener switch isn’t working. For example, a fuse could have burned out, or the photo-eye sensor gets covered or clouded.

The Power Is Out

Another common problem during emergencies is that the power is out in your home. Something like this can be catastrophic because you need a car to go out and potentially get a generator or help bring power back. If the power is out, your vehicle may be stuck in the garage, and it can be impossible for you to get out and get the help you need. Thankfully, in situations like these, garage repair services can help you get out and help you get that garage working again.

Broken Springs, Snapped Cables, Doors Coming Off The Track

Broken Garage Door Springs

Snapped Garage Door Cables

If your garage door cable snaps, it is likely due to improper installation, lack of maintenance, or the springs not doing their part. If the cables were not installed with the correct tension, they can become loose and slip off. Maintenance is also a key part to ensure they are not overly rusty, properly lubricated, and are not developing a fray. If your garage door has come off the track, a broken cable could be part of the equation.

Garage Door Comes Off Track

If your garage door has come off track, it could be because of the broken cable scenario we discussed above. Another potential cause could be that the track has been bent or obstructed. We often see that garage doors have come off their track because they have been bumped even gently, by a vehicle. Other times, long handled yard tools stuck in the path and not detected by the sensor can cause the door to jump off the track.

Emergency Garage Door Repair Services From Steel City Garage Doors

The most common garage door problems and emergencies are relatively different issues, but they all present themselves in one way—an inability to use the door properly. It can be incredibly annoying in instances like these because you desperately need to get in and out of your garage. Thankfully, Steel City Garage Doors has you covered. We are one of the best garage door repair services in Pittsburgh and can take care of you and your garage day or night!