Have you ever pressed your garage door button and thought, “Okay… why is it doing that?” Did it produce a weird noise or stop halfway through, as if it suddenly changed its mind? Garage doors rarely break; instead, they sometimes throw minor tantrums.
Most garage door problems are common and can be fixed. And many of them start as simple wear and tear. When a DIY check isn’t enough, having a reliable option for garage door repair in Woburn ensures you’re never forcing the door to cooperate. Let’s look at the most common garage door issues every property owner encounters—and what you can do about them before they become deeper issues.
The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
One common garage door problem is that it won’t open or close, no matter how many times you push the button. It’s annoying, right? But most of the time, the cause is easy to identify.
- Dead remote batteries – If the remote only works sometimes (or not at all), replace the batteries and test it again.
- Blocked or misaligned safety sensors – Wipe the sensors clean and make sure they are facing each other properly so the door can close.
- Power or opener issues – Check the breaker, plug in the opener, and attempt resetting the system.
If none of these fixes work, it means the problem may be deeper. It’s best to contact a specialist before things get worse.
Loud Noises That Shouldn’t Be Happening
Have you ever opened your garage and heard it groan, squeak, or rattle like in a horror movie? Loud or strange noises from your garage door are normal and usually nothing to worry about. Here’s what usually causes all the noise and how to solve it:
- Grinding or squeaking – Often caused by dry rollers or hinges. A little lubricant can help things quiet down.
- Banging or rattling – It could be loose hardware or worn-out parts that need tightening or replacement.
Maintenance goes a long way. When your garage door moves smoothly and quietly, it is a positive sign. Regular inspections now can save you an important repair bill later.
The Door Moves Slowly or Gets Stuck
If your garage door moves slowly or, worse, stops halfway, don’t ignore it. Slow or stuck doors are usually an indication that something needs attention.
- Dirty or bent tracks – Dust, debris, and even a slightly bent track can cause the door to drag. Often, cleaning and straightening the tracks is enough.
- Worn rollers – Rollers can wear down over time, causing the door to stay or move unevenly. Replacing them can restore smoother movement.
- Opener strain – If the opener works too hard, the door will slow down. A reset or simple adjustment will help in some cases, but recurring issues may require the services of a professional.
Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs do most of the heavy work every time you open or close the door. Without them, your garage door wouldn’t just be heavy; it would be impossible to move safely.
A loud bang from the garage, almost as if something snapped, is a common sign of a broken spring. After that, you may notice that the door seems unusually heavy, does not open fully, or does not move at all. That’s because spring is no longer doing its job.
Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and attempting to repair or replace one without the right tools and experience is dangerous. If you suspect a damaged spring, it’s best to stop using the door and contact a professional who can repair it properly.
The Garage Door Is Off Track
When a garage door comes off its track, it’s usually obvious—and not something to take lightly. This can happen if a car hits the door, if the wires loosen or snap, or due to years of wear and tear. When the rollers slip out of place, the door may become misaligned or jam halfway up or down. Attempting to continue using an off-track garage door is a bad idea. It can bend the rails, break the rollers, or put more load on the opener.
The best move is to stop using the door right away and call a professional. Getting it back on track can help prevent more damage and save you a lot of hassle.
The remote or Keypad is Not Working Properly
When your garage door remote or keypad stops working, it can be far more frustrating. You’re standing there, pressing the button and typing the code again, wondering why nothing happens. Here are the common reasons this happens:
- Signal interference – Nearby electronics, or even thick walls, can interfere with the signal.
- Dead batteries – The most popular fix of all. If it is acting inconsistently, replacing the batteries is usually the solution.
- Programming issues – Sometimes the remote or keypad just loses its connection to the opener.
Simple solutions to try:
Replace the batteries first, then reprogram the remote or keypad according to the instructions in your opener manual. If the device is old, worn out, or repeatedly loses its programming, it may be time to upgrade to a newer system. Modern remotes and keypads are more reliable.
Gaps, Drafts, or Uneven Closing
Something is wrong if your garage door does not close evenly or if light and cold air sneak in around the edges. Those small gaps are usually a sign that the door isn’t aligned correctly. Here are the common causes and how to fix them:
- Worn weather seals – If the rubber seal looks cracked or flattened, replacing it may improve insulation and prevent drafts.
- Uneven tracks – Tightening brackets and realigning tracks can help the door close properly.
- Foundation shifts – If the ground has shifted, the doorframe and tracks may need professional realignment.
Don’t Ignore the Small Signs
Garage doors have warning signs before something goes seriously wrong. Weird noises, slow movement, minor gaps, or a door that seems strange are usually early warning indicators. Paying attention and resolving minor issues early can save you time, money, and frustration later.
If something seems off, don’t wait until the door stops working. Calling for garage door repair in Woburn early helps keep repairs easy and prevent minor issues from becoming headaches. Your garage door is there to make your life easy.
Get Your Door Back on Track Today
Garage door problems can be very frustrating, especially when they disturb your day or catch you off guard. But 5 Star Garage Door Repair is here to focus on quick and honest garage door repairs in Woburn.
If your door is producing strange noises, getting stuck, or simply acting strangely, 5 Star Garage Door Repair can help you. We handle everything from minor fixes to major, dirty repairs, so you can relax knowing your door is in reliable hands.
