You rely on your garage door daily, but it can be frustrating when it suddenly won’t open or close. Whether you’re rushing to leave or coming home after a long day, a stuck garage door is a significant inconvenience.
Many homeowners in Long Beach experience this problem due to power failures, broken parts, or sensor issues. Fixing garage doors that won’t open or close quickly can prevent more significant issues and costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll review why your garage door isn’t working and simple troubleshooting tips before calling a professional.
Common Reasons a Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
Power Issues or Electrical Failures
The power supply is one of the first things to check when fixing garage doors that won’t open or close. If your garage door opener is not responding, it might be due to:
- Unplugged power cords: Make sure the opener is plugged in properly.
- Tripped circuit breaker: If there was a power surge, your garage door opener may have lost power. Reset the breaker switch and try again.
- Faulty wiring: Worn or damaged electrical wires can cause malfunctions and should be checked by a garage door repair professional.
Dead Remote Batteries
If pressing your remote does nothing, the batteries may be dead. Try replacing the batteries and see if the door responds. If it still doesn’t work, try:
- Standing closer to the garage door: Sometimes, the signal is weak.
- Reprogramming the remote: Instructions are in the garage door opener manual.
- Using the wall switch: If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, it’s a remote issue.
Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
Most modern garage doors have safety sensors that prevent them from closing if something is in the way. If your garage door won’t close:
- Check for dust, dirt, or spiderwebs blocking the sensors.
- Ensure the sensors are correctly aligned, they should both glow solid green.
- If the sensors blink or don’t light up, they may need adjustment or replacement.
If none of these solutions work, you may need a garage door repair Long Beach expert to inspect the issue.
Mechanical Problems That Stop Your Garage Door From Working
Sometimes, the issue isn’t power or sensors; it’s a mechanical failure. Over time, parts of your garage door system wear out and need repair or replacement. If you’ve already checked the power source and remote, but your door still won’t open or close, one of these mechanical issues could be the cause.
Broken Garage Door Springs
The springs on your garage door do the heavy lifting every time it opens and closes. If one breaks, your garage door won’t move at all. Signs of a broken spring include:
- A loud bang when the spring snaps.
- The garage door won’t lift, even when using the emergency release.
- The door starts to open but slams shut quickly.
Trying to fix garage door springs yourself can be dangerous because they are under high tension. If you suspect a broken spring, call a professional for garage door repair in Long Beach.
Worn or Snapped Cables
Cables work together with the springs to lift your garage door smoothly. If they are frayed, loose, or broken, the door may:
- Get stuck halfway when opening or closing.
- Hang crooked or off-track.
- Make screeching or snapping sounds.
If you notice damaged cables, don’t attempt to fix them yourself. Our Long Beach garage door repair team can replace them safely and quickly.
Tracks and Rollers Are Bent or Misaligned
Garage doors move up and down using tracks and rollers. If these parts are bent, blocked, or out of alignment, your door may:
- Get stuck when opening or closing.
- Shake or rattle while moving.
- Not appropriately sealed, allowing in dust and weather.
You can try cleaning the tracks and rollers, but if they are bent or broken, a replacement is needed. Visit our Precision Garage Door Blog to learn more about garage door track repairs.
Garage Door Opener Is Malfunctioning
If your garage door opener hums but the door doesn’t move, the motor may be worn out. Other signs of garage door opener failure include:
- The opener light blinks, but the door doesn’t respond.
- The door moves halfway and stops.
- The opener makes grinding noises.
Upgrading to a modern garage door opener can prevent future issues and improve security features. If you’re experiencing garage door opener problems, contact our experts for a fast and reliable fix.
If your garage door is still not working, it may be time for a professional repair.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Garage Door
If you’re dealing with garage door issues, you might wonder whether to repair or replace it. Some problems can be fixed quickly, while others may mean it’s time for a new garage door. Below, we’ll break down the key signs that tell you whether fixing garage doors that won’t open or close is enough or if a replacement is the better choice.
When to Repair Your Garage Door
Not every problem requires a new garage door. If your garage door repairs are minor, fixing it may be the best option. Here are some situations where a repair is usually enough:
- Loose cables or rollers: A simple cable or roller replacement can fix the issue if the door shakes while opening.
- Minor dents or scratches: Small damage doesn’t affect performance and can often be fixed with panel repairs.
- Noisy operation: If the door makes grinding or squeaking sounds, lubrication and minor adjustments can solve the problem.
- Sensor issues: If the door doesn’t close, realigning the safety sensors may be all that’s needed.
If your issue falls into one of these categories, a quick garage door repair in Long Beach can get your door working like new.
When to Replace Your Garage Door
Sometimes, fixing garage doors that won’t open or close isn’t enough. If the damage is too severe, a replacement is the better investment. Here’s when to consider a new garage door:
- Frequent breakdowns: If you call for repairs every few months, the costs increase. A new door saves money long-term.
- Broken springs and cables: Replacing the entire system is often more cost-effective if multiple parts fail simultaneously.
- Severe structural damage: A garage door with cracks, rust, or bent panels weakens security and energy efficiency.
- Outdated security features: Older doors lack modern safety features, making them a risk for break-ins.
A new garage door can increase your home’s value by up to 98% of the cost, making it one of the best home improvements you can make. Check out our Long Beach garage door services if you’re considering garage door replacement.
How Much Does Garage Door Repair or Replacement Cost?
- Basic repairs (rollers, sensors, lubrication) cost $100-$300.
- Spring or cable replacements range from $150-$500.
- Full garage door replacement costs $800-$3,000, depending on the style and material.
It may be time to upgrade if your garage door is old, unreliable, or costing too much in repairs. A new door can save money, improve security, and boost curb appeal. If you need help deciding, contact Precision Garage Door Long Beach for expert guidance!
Get Your Garage Door Fixed Today
A garage door that won’t open or close is more than just frustrating; it’s a safety risk and can lead to costly repairs if ignored. Whether it’s a broken spring, faulty opener, or damaged track, addressing the issue early can save time and money.
If repairs aren’t enough, upgrading to a new garage door can boost security, improve energy efficiency, and increase home value. Please don’t wait until your garage door fails; check it today!
Let’s get connected! At Precision Garage Door Long Beach, we offer fast, reliable repairs and installations. Visit our website now for a free quote and expert service you can trust!
