Why Isn’t Your Garage Door Working Properly?

As we write this post, we’re in the midst of the first real snowfall of the winter here in Markham. For us, the first sign of snow makes us think of problems that may occur this winter. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help keep your garage door working properly.

Why? Because it seems like, while it rarely happens, if your garage door is going to have a problem, it’ll be at the worst possible time, like the middle of a snowstorm.  

Just in case it happens to you this winter, here are some of the reasons why your garage door might not open, or close all the way.

1. Photo Eyes are Blocked 

The photo eyes located on each side of your door are one of the main safety systems of your garage door. If something is blocking a clear path between the sensors, they will prevent the door from closing.

2. Photo Eyes Are Not Aligned

Just like when something is in their way, if the photo eyes are out of alignment, the signal won’t pass between them and they will prevent the door from closing.

3. Sensors Need Repair or Replacement

If there’s nothing blocking the photo eyes and they are properly aligned, they still could be the problem. If there is a power interruption, or there’s some other reason why the signal isn’t passing between the sensors, then they may need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Broken Springs 

The massive weight of your garage door is balanced by one or more springs. If they are worn or broken, your garage door opener might not have enough power to lift the weight of the door.

5. Roller Tracks Not Aligned 

If the tracks in which the rollers on either side of the door roll are out of alignment to each other, it may be so difficult for the door to run along the tracks that it might get stuck.

Despite their size and weight, garage doors are fairly simple systems. But, not every garage door repair should be done by the do-it-yourselfer. Contact us here at Markham Garage Doors to learn more.