Troubleshooting the Halfway Hitch: Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close Completely

Is your garage door playing hard to close? It can be frustrating and, more importantly, a potential security risk. Let’s explore some common reasons why your garage door won’t close all the way. If any of these feel too big for your britches… or if you’d just rather leave it up to us garage door nerds and avoid the stress, feel free to give us a call!

Ok, let’s dive in:

1. Sensor Misalignment

It’s a pretty good possibility that your garage door won’t close because of sensor misalignment. Garage doors come equipped with safety sensors designed to prevent accidents. These sensors, usually located near the floor on both sides of the door, may become misaligned over time. If even one sensor is off-kilter, it can signal the door to stop closing. Check to ensure that the sensors are properly aligned and free from any obstructions.

2. Dirty or Faulty Sensors

Dust, cobwebs, or other debris can accumulate on the sensors, disrupting their functionality. Regularly clean the sensors to ensure they can communicate effectively. If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, there might be a fault in the sensor wiring or the sensor itself, requiring professional attention.

3. Limit Switch Adjustment

Garage door won’t close fully? The limit switch might be misadjusted. Garage doors are equipped with limit switches that dictate how far the door should move in either direction. If the limit switch responsible for closing the door is set incorrectly, the door may stop short of closing completely. Consult your owner’s manual to locate the limit switch and make the necessary adjustments, ensuring it allows the door to close fully.

4. Obstructions in the Door Track

Inspect the door track for any obstructions that might impede the smooth closing of the door. Even a small object can prevent the door from closing completely. Remove any debris and ensure the track is clear, allowing the door to move freely.

5. Damaged Rollers or Hinges

Worn-out or damaged rollers and hinges can cause the door to bind, preventing it from closing properly. Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts, can help prevent this issue. If you notice damaged rollers or hinges, they may need replacement to ensure smooth door operation.

Obviuosly if a garage door won’t close all the way, it can be attributed to various factors, from sensor issues to mechanical problems. Performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting these common problems can often resolve the issue without the need for professional intervention. If you continue to have trouble… despite all the troubleshooting… please let us know. We’d love to help!

Because we’ve been helping Columbus homeowners with Garage Door Repair for over 30 years – we’ve seen it all, fixed it all, checked it twice, and know every repair like the back of our hands. We’re here when you need us. 24/7.

Want to winterproof your garage door and avoid all this stress? Check out how to winter-proof your garage door.

© 2024 | Deluxe Door Systems | Web Site Managed byDevQ