Trouble with Your Garage Door? These Common Problems Might Be Why

Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home, opening and closing multiple times a day. Over time, wear and tear can lead to problems that affect its safety and performance. If your door isn’t operating as smoothly as it used to, here are some common issues that might be to blame.

1. The Door Won’t Open or Close Properly Unusual Noises or Jerky Movement

A garage door that refuses to move is one of the most frequent homeowner complaints. This can happen for a few reasons:

• Misaligned sensors – Safety sensors near the floor may be dirty or out of alignment, preventing the door from closing.
• Remote or keypad issues – Weak batteries or signal interference can interrupt communication with the opener.
• Track obstructions – Dirt, debris, or dents in the tracks can stop smooth movement.

If cleaning and checking batteries don’t solve it, a professional inspection can identify whether your opener or wiring needs attention.

2.  Unusual Noises or Jerky Movement

A garage door should move quietly and consistently. Grinding, rattling, or squeaking sounds usually mean that something is wearing out or needs lubrication. Common causes include:

• Loose bolts or hardware
• Worn rollers or hinges
• Dry tracks or springs

Applying a silicone-based lubricant can sometimes help, but if the noise continues, it’s best to have a technician take a look before the issue worsens.

3. The Door Feels Heavy or Slams Shut

If your garage door suddenly feels heavy or won’t stay open, the springs may have lost tension or broken. Springs help counterbalance the door’s weight, allowing it to move easily. Because they’re under high tension, repairs should always be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to fix or replace springs yourself can be extremely dangerous.

4. The Door Comes Off Its Tracks

A door that jumps or leans to one side has likely come off its tracks. This can happen due to:

• Broken cables
• Worn or bent rollers
• Impact from a vehicle or object

If your garage door isn’t moving evenly, stop operating it right away to prevent further damage. A professional can safely realign the tracks, replace any damaged parts, and restore proper function.

5. The Opener Stops Working

If pressing the button does nothing, start with a few quick checks:

• Make sure the opener is plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Replace the batteries in your garage door remote.
• Check that the control panel isn’t locked.

If those steps don’t help, the problem could be inside the motor itself. Openers can wear down over time, especially if they’re older models without modern safety and connectivity features. Replacing your system with a smart garage door opener can improve reliability and add convenience with smartphone control and alerts.

6. Weather-Related Wear & Tear

In Sanger, CA, temperature changes can take a toll on your garage door’s materials. Wooden doors may warp, metal ones can rust, and rubber seals often dry out or crack. Seasonal maintenance helps prevent these problems; check the weatherstripping, clean the tracks, and lubricate moving parts at least twice a year.

Regular care keeps your garage door system working smoothly and protects it from premature wear caused by the Central Valley’s hot summers and cool winters.

When to Call a Professional

While minor fixes like cleaning sensors or changing remote batteries can be handled at home, more complex issues like spring damage, track misalignment, or opener failure require professional attention. A certified technician has the tools and experience to safely inspect, repair, or replace components and ensure your garage door operates efficiently.

Contact Us for Professional Garage Door Services in Sanger, CA

If you’re struggling with a garage door that won’t open, close, or move properly, it’s time to call in the experts. At Phillips Garage Door, we proudly serve property owners in Sanger, California, and throughout the surrounding areas, with reliable garage door repair and replacement services. From diagnosing strange noises to restoring damaged parts, our team can help your system run safely and smoothly again.

Contact Phillips Garage Door today to schedule a service appointment or learn more about our professional garage door solutions. We’re here to keep your door operating reliably year-round.