The 5 Most Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open:

1. The springs are damaged

One of the most common reasons your garage door won’t open is that the springs are not working. Most springs are built to last approximately 10,000 cycles of opening and closing, which lasts on average between 5-10 years.

How can I tell if my garage springs are not working?

When garage door springs break, a loud, startling noise is heard.

 

There are two types of garage door springs:

• Torsion springs which can be found lying horizontally above the garage door. To identify a break, look for gaps in- between the springs.
• Extension springs which can be found on the sides of garage doors. If they are not functioning, they will hang limply in their housing.

Continuing to operate a garage door with broken springs can cause permanent damage to the motor, operating arm, and panels.

Garage door springs are tightly wound and under a tremendous amount of pressure. Attempting to fix them without the proper training can cause serious injury. It is essential to employ the services of a professional with the proper training and equipment.

2. Garage door needs lubricant

It is important to make sure the garage doors are lubricated. It is also important to make certain that the lubricant has not hardened as this can clog and impede the garage door path so your garage door won’t open.

3. Metal contracts in the cold

In cold weather, the metal in your garage door will contract. To prevent this from causing your garage door not to open, make sure your garage door is well-lubricated.

4. Garage door rollers need replacement

When you wait too long to replace your garage door rollers, the result could be your garage door won’t open. If any of the following events occur while your garage door is opening or closing, you know it is time for you to replace the rollers.

•      Excessive vibrations as the garage door opens and closes
•      Loud screeching and rattling noises when the door is opening and closing
•      The garage door goes off its alignment; this is easy to detect and if this occurs, it is a clear sign that it is time for new rollers

5. The garage door has frozen to the ground

One of the worst times for your garage door not to work is when it is below zero out. In cold climates, the best way to prevent your garage door from freezing and getting stuck to the floor is to keep the rubber part that touches the floor free of debris and moisture. Lubrication, once it is clear of dust and debris, will also help ensure it does not get stuck to the ground. For more tips click here.

Call Modern Overhead Door when your garage door won’t open and for all of your overhead door needs. We proudly service Appleton, Fond Du Lac, Green Lake, Ripon, and Oshkosh, WI.