What to Do When Your Garage Door Won’t Close Completely

Is your garage door stuck open, refusing to close all the way? Before you call in a garage door repair service in Omaha, take a deep breath. You might solve it with a simple fix. If your garage door won’t close, it can leave your home and valuables exposed. However, many common issues, like misaligned sensors, track obstructions, or limit-setting errors, are doable without professional help.

So, instead of waiting for a technician, why not troubleshoot the issue yourself? With a little know-how, you might just save yourself time and money. In this guide, Titan Garage Doors NE breaks down the most frequent causes and easy fixes for a garage door that won’t close. Read on to take control of your garage door problems today.

Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close and How to Fix It

Here are some common reasons why your garage door doesn’t close, as well as easy fixes you can do yourself:

1. Check for Obstructions in the Garage Door’s Path

Before diving into technical issues, start with the basics. Is there something blocking the door?

Garage doors have built-in safety features that prevent them from closing if something is in the way. Even small objects like leaves, dirt, or tools near the safety sensors can trigger the system and stop the garage door from closing.

Here’s how to fix it:

• Clear any objects from the garage door’s path.
• Check the floor for debris that might be triggering the safety mechanism.
• Try closing the door again.

If your garage door won’t close all the way even after removing obstructions, keep reading.

2. Inspect the Safety Sensors

Modern garage doors have photo-eye sensors that detect obstacles and prevent accidents. If these sensors are misaligned, dirty, or damaged, your garage door won’t close properly.

Quick fixes you can try:

• Locate the sensors near the bottom of the garage door tracks.
• Wipe off any dust, cobwebs, or dirt with a clean cloth.
• Make sure both garage door sensors are aligned. If one is slightly off, gently adjust it.
• Try closing the garage door again.

If the garage door doesn’t close even after cleaning and aligning the sensors, there may be another issue at play.

3. Test the Garage Door Remote and Wall Switch

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the door—it is with the remote or wall switch. A weak battery or a faulty connection can keep the garage door opener from closing the door.

What you can do to fix it:

• Replace the garage door remote batteries.
• Try using the wall switch instead of the remote.
• Reprogram the garage door remote if the wall switch works.
• If neither works, reset the garage door opener.

If your garage door stopped working after testing these solutions, let’s move on to another possible cause.

4. Adjust the Limit Settings

Garage door openers have limit settings that control how far the door travels when opening or closing. If the settings are off, your garage door won’t close all the way or might even reverse before touching the ground.

How to tackle the opener issue:

• Locate the limit adjustment screws on the garage door opener (usually marked “up” and “down”).
• Use a screwdriver to adjust the down limit slightly.
• Test the door after each adjustment to see if it closes properly.

If adjusting the limit settings doesn’t solve the problem, let us check another common issue.

5. Inspect the Garage Door Tracks and Rollers

Misaligned or damaged tracks can stop the garage door from closing properly. Over time, garage door tracks can bend or get blocked by dirt and debris.

How you can handle it:

• Look at both sides of the garage door tracks to see if they are bent or obstructed.
• Clean the garage door tracks with a soft brush.
• Use a rubber mallet to gently straighten any slightly bent tracks.
• Lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth movement.

If your garage door doesn’t close completely after fixing the tracks, the problem might be with the springs or cables.

6. Examine the Garage Door Springs and Cables

A broken garage spring or damaged cable can prevent the garage door from closing properly. Due to heavy tension, these springs can wear out or snap over time.

Ways to solve it:

• Look for signs of wear, rust, or a broken spring.
• Do not attempt to fix damaged springs or cables yourself; instead, contact a garage door professional.

If your garage door is stuck or closes unevenly, it is best to have a reliable garage door technician in Omaha handle the repair.

7. Check the Weather Stripping

Weather stripping can sometimes cause garage door closing issues. If it is too thick or damaged, the door might not seal properly.

Steps you can try:

• Inspect the weather stripping for damage or wear.
• If it is old or bulky, replace it with a new, properly sized weather strip.
• Close the garage door again to check if it resolves the issue.

If none of these steps work, you may need to reset your garage door opener.

8. Reset the Garage Door Opener

Sometimes, a simple reset can fix a garage door that won’t close. Resetting the garage door opener can clear minor glitches and restore normal function.

Solutions to get the garage opener working again:

• Unplug the garage door opener from power for about 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in and try closing the door.
• If needed, reprogram the garage door opener by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your garage door opener won’t close completely even after resetting, it may be time to call in a garage door expert.

When to Call a Garage Door Expert

Have you tried all these troubleshooting steps, and your garage door still won’t close? The issue could be more complex. Problems with the garage door motor, circuit board, or mechanical components require professional attention. Feel free to contact us at Titan Garage Doors NE for expert garage door repair services. We are here to help keep your garage door working safely and with ease.

Garage Door Won’t Close? Call a Garage Door Repair Near Me

Is your garage door not closing like it should? Don’t let a stuck door ruin your day or put your home at risk. At Titan Garage Doors NE, we provide fast and reliable garage door services in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, and nearby areas. Whether you need Omaha garage door repair, routine garage door maintenance, or a full inspection, we have got you covered. Plus, you can pay over time for your repairs. Call us today, and let’s get your garage door working smoothly again!