You press the garage door opener, the door begins to rise, and then it stops after only a few inches.
Sometimes it may close again, struggle to move, or refuse to go any farther. If this is happening to your garage door, repeatedly pressing the opener usually isn't the answer. A garage door that starts to open and then stops can indicate a problem somewhere in the door or opener system.
Here are several common reasons it can happen — and when it makes sense to stop and call for garage door repair.
1. A broken or weak garage door spring
Garage door springs help counterbalance the weight of the door so the opener doesn't have to lift the full weight by itself.
If a spring breaks or becomes weak, the opener may struggle to lift the door. In some cases, the door may rise only a few inches before stopping. You may also notice that the door feels unusually heavy or that something suddenly sounds different when you try to operate it.
Leave spring repair to a professional
Garage door springs operate under significant tension. Spring repair and replacement should be handled with the proper equipment and experience. If you suspect a broken spring, stop using the door and call a professional for spring replacement.
2. The garage door opener may be struggling
Sometimes the problem is related to the garage door opener rather than the door itself. An opener problem, incorrect travel or force settings, or another mechanical or electrical issue can prevent the door from completing its normal opening cycle.
If the opener runs but the door doesn't move correctly, the entire system should be evaluated rather than assuming the garage door opener itself needs to be replaced.
3. Damaged or misaligned tracks
The rollers on your garage door move through metal tracks every time the door opens and closes. A bent, damaged, obstructed, or misaligned track can interfere with that movement and cause the door to bind or stop.
If the door looks uneven or appears to be struggling at the same point each time it opens, the tracks and related hardware may need to be inspected. That kind of binding is often addressed through cable and track repair.
4. Cable or roller problems
Garage door cables, rollers, springs, and tracks work together to keep the door moving safely and evenly. A damaged cable, worn roller, or other hardware issue can cause one side of the door to move differently from the other.
Warning signs may include:
- A crooked or uneven door
- Shaking while opening
- Unusual noises
- Jerky movement
- A door that stops partway
When cables or rollers are the culprit, a professional can inspect the system and handle the cable and track repair safely.
5. Check for an obvious obstruction
Sometimes something may be interfering with the movement of the door or tracks. A homeowner can visually check the area for an obvious obstruction, but should avoid placing hands near springs, cables, rollers, tracks, or other moving components.
If nothing obvious is blocking the door and it continues to stop, professional inspection may be the safer next step.
6. Should you keep trying to open it?
If the garage door repeatedly rises only a few inches and stops, avoid continually forcing it to operate.
The garage door system contains multiple components that work together. Continuing to operate a door that is binding, unbalanced, or struggling may lead to additional damage. Instead, have the cause identified before the problem becomes more extensive.
Garage door won't open properly? All Access can help.
A garage door that starts moving and suddenly stops is telling you that something isn't operating correctly.
All Access Garage Doors provides garage door repair, installation, and maintenance throughout Thomaston, Zebulon, Barnesville, and surrounding Middle Georgia communities.
Whether the problem involves a spring, opener, track, cable, roller, or another component, All Access Garage Doors can inspect the system, identify the problem, and recommend the appropriate repair.
Garage Door Still Won't Open?
Don't wait for a struggling garage door to stop working completely. Have the problem checked and get your door operating properly again.