Garage doors are automated machines that run off sensors and electricity. This sounds very technical, but really it means that anything and everything can affect the function of your doors, from dust and dirt to insects and even the cold weather. Even the wrong switch can make a difference to your garage door and whether it jams or remains working correctly.
The good news is that there are often straightforward fixes for all door most when you are dealing with the garage door jammed. The problem is that it’s not always easy to do yourself. Some garage door repairs require the experts to help, but it’s still important to work out what the issues are so that you can look into getting them fixed quickly. If you find that you’re googling “why is my garage door jammed?” then you need to look at the following reasons it could be happening!
Common Reasons Your Garage Door Jammed
Photo Eye Sensors Are Obstructed
In the past 20 years, garage doors have been manufactured with a photo-eye sensor that controls the entire function of the door. It’s what makes it open and close in response to a button and it’s usually around 4-6 inches off the ground. The actual photo-eye is only the size of a pea, and it shoots a sophisticated laser cross the surface of the garage floor. This laser is sensitive to any objects in its path, which means if something gets in the way, it will cut off the door’s function and stop working. Check for all objects in the way and make sure the path is clear.
The Garage Door Is Locked
The garage door being locked could be what is causing the issue for the door jam. There are some garage doors out there that have a system called “full lock”, which enables you to lock the door from the outside when you turn the handle. So, if the kids have turned that handle, you’re not going to be able to open your garage door automatically, and your garage door jammed issue isn’t as big an issue as you think!
Disruption To Power Source
A power surge can cause a disruption to the power source that opens and closes your garage doors. Severe storms can do this, too, and perhaps you’ve unplugged the power source yourself and forgotten about it. It sounds simple, but it’s something that happens all too often. Always check the power outlets and fuse boxes before you call in the professionals, as it may be something that you can fix for yourself without too many issues.
Broken Springs
Garage doors operate with spring systems, and when the horizontal torsion springs break you’ll know right away. The sound itself is like a gunshot, which makes it one of the most obvious issues with your garage door. They’re not supposed to last forever, as they wear down over time and are very likely to snap off. The most common reason for a garage door jammed is a broken spring, and if you think yours have broken, you need to speak to a professional. It’s not something that should be fixed alone. There are two types of springs in your garage door, and if yours are at the top, these are torsion springs and the ones on the sides of the garage door are called extension springs. You can see right away if these have broken, and replacing them alone is dangerous.
Issues With Garage Door Sensitivity
Older garage doors commonly have an issue of the sensitivity being set too low or too high, which then leads to the door to jam. Check your instruction booklet for what to do about changing the sensitivity levels of the door, and you could even choose to readjust the limit switches and close force. A sensitive door can get stuck pretty quickly, so it’s essential to make sure it’s balanced.
Remote Control Is Broken
It’s one of the most overlooked problems with a garage door. The remote control may need a battery change, could be broken or even out of range of the door itself. Check the antenna on the garage door, too, as this is controlled by the small remote control and it could be broken. While you’re determining whether the garage remote control is broken, you should check to see whether the garage door motor is damaged or not.
Off The Rails
Garage doors work on tracks, and if the garage door that you have has moved off the rails, there’s no way it will work. You’ll hear a grind and bumping and screeching sound, and that’s when your garage door is off the rails. Check the track of the door for any bends, obstacles or gaps that could make the actual door run away with itself. Some of the track could be misaligned, and this can cause you issues that you didn’t foresee.
This isn’t something that you should fix yourself, as you need to call in the professionals for the help to get it back on the right rails. If you find that this is a problem for you, then you can tell just by seeing if the door rollers are off the track. If the door panels are intact, then you won’t need to replace the door.
Objects In The Way
There is an automatic reverse feature on your garage, and if there is an object in the way, the garage door will jam. It’s there for the safety of your family, and if there is an object in the way, the door could stop working altogether.
If your garage door starts closing only halfway, there could be something in the way of the reverse function. You should always ensure that your garage door tracks and springs are clear from objects including dust and dirt as well as other debris.
If you find that you have a problem with your garage doors, then you should speak to the experts at Rollaway Garage Doors today.
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