Things to Check When Your Garage Door Won't Work

Is your garage door not working? Whether a lighting storm has caused an electrical fault, you've got some dirt and grime blocking your door's sensors, or your door is out of track for whatever reason, you'll want to get your issues sorted out quite quickly.

The garage is probably the area of a property that gets used most frequently. So it's fair to say that everyone wants to ensure it is well protected, and safe enough to operate on a daily basis.

For the most part, you can trust your garage door to operate smoothly for several years with no issues. Alas, components can become worn out because of old age, and other issues could always prop up unannounced.

But don't fret: there are plenty of solutions out there for all situations. While we don't recommend trying to perform any kind of garage door repairs yourself (these can be very dangerous to do without the right tools and adequate training), there are a few maintenance checks all property owners can do in their own time.

On that note, here are a few things to check before calling a garage door expert.

1.) Test your garage door transmitters

Sometimes, a garage door that won't work is simply a sign that you need to replace your remote controls' batteries. Try to open the door using the wall switch. If that seems to be working just fine, then check each of the transmitters you own. Replacing a remote control battery is as simple as opening the back (you might need a screw driver in some cases) and inserting an appropriate battery in it. If you have more than one remote control opener, do this for both - you'll likely have bought them at the same time so the battery lifespan would be similar.

2.) Can you hear any strange noises?

Whether you're unable to open your door but you can hear a motor running, or you've been met with some loud screeching, a change in the way your door sounds tends to be a strong indication of damage. Keep in mind that we mean really intrusive noises - a simple squeak could just indicate that you need to add a bit of oiling to your springs or hinges - so listen out for any signs of struggling, gnashing or the rubbing of components.

3.) Take a look at your door's manual locking mechanisms

Because of the way your manual locks are positioned, it can be quite easy to accidentally knock the handle and activate them. If you can hear a motor running but your door isn't moving, try turning the manual lock handle (which you'll usually find in the middle of your door) until it makes a clicking sound. But if that doesn't work, you'll need to call a garage door repairs professional to inspect your motor and surrounding components.

4.) Check that there isn't anything causing physical interference

Your garage door's path needs to be clear in order for it to work. Check if there aren't any boxes, garbage cans, stray toys or anything else in your garage that's blocking the doors path. If the area is clear of physical interference, it's time to inspect the photo eye sensors:

• First, look for built-up dirt and grime along the surface. Cleaning up any debris is as simple as getting a grease-free cleaner and some water - just be gentle with it so you don't scratch the glass.
• If you have a sprit level handy, you can also try to realign the door's sensors. But only do this if they're not too unbalanced. Measure from the ground up to get these facing the right angle on both sides.