Why Does My Garage Door Stop When Opening?

Having your garage door stop mid-open can be extremely frustrating. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The most likely causes are an obstruction blocking the door, broken garage door springs, or issues with the opener motor and drive system.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the reasons your garage door gets stuck and won’t fully open. We’ll provide detailed explanations and solutions so you can quickly get your garage door working properly again.

Checking for Obstructions

One of the most common reasons why a garage door stops when opening is due to obstructions along its path. It’s important to check for any objects that may be blocking the door’s movement. Here are a few areas to inspect:

Inspect the tracks inside your garage

Start by examining the tracks inside your garage. These metal tracks guide the door as it opens and closes. Look for any debris, such as dirt, leaves, or small objects that may have gotten lodged in the tracks. If you notice any obstructions, carefully remove them to allow the door to move freely.

Check the exterior path of the door

Next, inspect the exterior path of the door. This includes the area where the door comes into contact with the ground or the driveway. Look for any large objects, such as rocks or branches, that may be obstructing the door’s movement.

Clearing these objects will help prevent the door from stopping abruptly.

Look for any objects on the door itself

In some cases, the obstruction may be directly on the door itself. Take a close look at both the interior and exterior surfaces of the door. Check for any stickers, tape, or other objects that may have been attached to the door and are now interfering with its operation.

Remove any of these objects to allow for smooth movement.

Remember, it’s important to conduct these inspections regularly to prevent any potential issues with your garage door. If you continue to experience problems with the door stopping when opening despite removing any obstructions, it may be best to consult a professional garage door technician for further assistance.

Examining the Door Springs

When your garage door stops while opening, one of the possible causes could be an issue with the door springs. The springs play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door, providing the necessary tension to lift and lower the door.

There are two types of springs commonly used in garage doors: extension springs and torsion springs.

Test the tension of extension springs

If you have extension springs, you can start by testing their tension. Extension springs are located above the horizontal tracks on each side of the door and are stretched when the door is closed. To test their tension, close the door and disconnect the opener.

Then, manually lift the door about halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, the tension is likely fine. However, if the door slams shut or feels heavy to lift, it may be a sign that the extension springs need adjustment or replacement.

Check for broken or loose torsion springs

Torsion springs are usually mounted horizontally above the door opening. They work by twisting and storing energy when the door is closed, which is released to help lift the door when opening. To check for broken or loose torsion springs, it’s best to seek professional assistance as they are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle without the right tools and knowledge.

A trained technician will be able to inspect the springs and determine if they need to be replaced.

It’s important to note that dealing with garage door springs can be hazardous. If you’re unsure about how to test or inspect the springs, it’s always recommended to consult a professional garage door technician.

They have the expertise and experience to diagnose and fix any issues with the springs, ensuring the safe and proper functioning of your garage door.

Issues with the Opener Motor

One of the main reasons why a garage door may stop while opening is due to issues with the opener motor. The motor is responsible for providing the necessary power to open and close the door smoothly. Here are some common problems related to the opener motor:

Power outage causes motor to lose position

In the event of a power outage, the garage door opener motor may lose its position and fail to function properly. This can happen because the motor relies on electricity to maintain its position. When the power is restored, the motor may need to be reprogrammed to regain its correct position.

This can usually be done by following the manufacturer’s instructions or contacting a professional garage door technician.

Worn out or broken drive belt

Another possible issue with the opener motor is a worn out or broken drive belt. The drive belt is responsible for transferring the power from the motor to the garage door. Over time, the belt may become loose, frayed, or completely broken, causing the motor to stop when opening.

Inspecting the drive belt regularly and replacing it when necessary can help prevent this problem from occurring.

Problem with the motor itself

Sometimes, the issue may lie with the motor itself. It could be a faulty motor or a problem with the internal components. If the motor is making strange noises, overheating, or not responding at all, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

It’s best to consult with a professional technician who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate solution.

For more detailed information on garage door opener motor issues, you can visit websites such as www.garagedoorrepair.com or www.thespruce.com.

Troubleshooting the Sensors

If your garage door stops when opening, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are several common reasons why this may occur. One of the first areas to check when troubleshooting this issue is the sensors.

Beam may be misaligned

One possible reason why your garage door stops when opening is that the sensors’ beam may be misaligned. These sensors are located on either side of the garage door, and their purpose is to detect any obstacles in the door’s path.

If the beam is not properly aligned, it can mistakenly detect an obstruction and stop the door from opening fully.

To fix this issue, carefully inspect the sensors and ensure that they are facing each other and aligned properly. Use a level to check if they are perfectly aligned. If they are not, adjust them until the beam is straight and unobstructed.

This should resolve the problem and allow your garage door to open smoothly.

Sensors are dirty or blocked

Another possible reason for your garage door stopping when opening is that the sensors may be dirty or blocked. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the sensors, causing them to malfunction.

Additionally, objects such as cobwebs or leaves may obstruct the sensors, preventing them from functioning properly.

A simple solution to this problem is to clean the sensors regularly. Use a soft cloth or a cotton swab to gently remove any dirt or debris from the sensors. Be careful not to scratch or damage the sensors while cleaning them.

Also, make sure that there are no objects blocking the path between the sensors. Keeping the sensors clean and unobstructed can help prevent any issues with your garage door’s operation.

Faulty wires or power issues

If your garage door stops when opening and the sensors seem to be aligned and clean, there might be an issue with the wires or power supply. Faulty wires can disrupt the communication between the sensors and the garage door opener, causing the door to stop unexpectedly.

Check the wires connecting the sensors to the garage door opener for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, such as frayed or loose wires, it’s best to call a professional garage door technician to handle the repair.

They have the expertise to safely replace or repair any faulty wires and ensure that your garage door operates smoothly.

Additionally, power issues can also cause your garage door to stop when opening. Check if the power supply to the garage door opener is functioning properly. If there is a power outage or a problem with the electrical connection, it can affect the operation of the door.

Make sure the opener is securely plugged in and that there are no tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.

By troubleshooting the sensors and addressing any alignment, cleanliness, or wiring issues, you can often resolve the problem of your garage door stopping when opening. However, if you are unsure or unable to fix the issue yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional garage door technician for assistance.

When to Call a Garage Door Technician

Dealing with a malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating, especially when it stops opening unexpectedly. While some issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps, there are instances when it’s best to call a professional garage door technician.

Here are some situations where you should consider seeking expert help:

1. Unusual Noises or Sounds

If your garage door is making strange noises such as grinding, scraping, or banging, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. These noises may indicate issues with the motor, springs, or other components.

A garage door technician can diagnose the problem and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

2. Door Reverses or Stops Midway

If your garage door frequently reverses or stops midway while opening, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning safety sensor or misaligned tracks. Trying to fix these issues without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous.

A professional technician can quickly identify and fix the problem, ensuring your door operates safely and smoothly.

3. Damaged or Broken Springs

Garage door springs play a crucial role in the door’s smooth operation. If you notice a broken or damaged spring, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. Attempting to replace or repair garage door springs without proper training can lead to serious injuries.

A skilled technician will have the expertise and tools needed to safely replace the springs and restore your door’s functionality.

4. Frequent Remote Control Malfunctions

If your garage door opener’s remote control frequently malfunctions, it could be an issue with the opener itself. A technician can diagnose the problem and determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.

They can also provide guidance on upgrading to a more advanced and reliable opener system if needed.

5. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to keep your garage door in optimal condition. A professional technician can perform routine inspections, lubricate moving parts, tighten loose hardware, and identify potential problems before they escalate.

By scheduling regular maintenance with a trusted technician, you can prolong the lifespan of your garage door and prevent unexpected malfunctions.

Remember, attempting to fix complex garage door issues without the necessary expertise can be dangerous and may cause further damage. Calling a garage door technician when faced with these situations ensures that your door is repaired correctly and that you and your family are safe.

Conclusion

Having a garage door that won’t fully open can quickly go from a nuisance to a major headache. While some issues like obstructions are easy to identify and fix, broken springs and opener problems often require professional service.

We hope this guide gave you a better understanding of why your garage door is getting stuck mid-way. Our detailed explanations for each cause will help you zero in on the issue. With the right repairs or replacements, you’ll once again be able to enjoy the convenience of a fully-functional garage door!