What to Do When your Garage Door is Stuck

Whether you’re trying to leave your garage or park your car inside, having your automatic garage door suddenly stop working can put you in a real bind. But don't panic; in many cases there are simple solutions to getting your garage door unstuck. Here are some steps you can take when your garage door stops working:

Check the Obvious Causes First

If your garage door stays put when you press the remote button, then you should check the batteries of your remote. Most automatic garage doors have a bypass switch you can use to raise and lower the door without the remote. If it works, chances are, the batteries are the culprit.

Your garage opener also needs power to operate. Make sure there hasn't been a power outage or a circuit hasn't been blown. You should also check to make sure the power cord is plugged in. These are easy checks and could save you a lot of trouble by starting with them first.

Take a Look at the Tracks

Sometimes the tracks that serve as the rails for the garage door rollers can get blocked or thrown out of alignment. Keep in mind that it is possible for debris to build up or get caught in the tracks so be sure to examine the tracks carefully and clear out any debris or objects.
Tracks can also become warped or dented. People sometimes bump them with their car, or extreme changes in temperature can cause them to become distorted. Use your hand to feel along the track to detect any unevenness.

If the problem is minor, you could try gently hammering it back into shape, using a wooden block as a guide. Exercise caution when manipulating the tracks; you don't want to make the problem worse. It is often a good idea to call a professional for track fixes.

Check the Sensors

Every automatic garage door system includes a pair of sensors that act as a safety mechanism. The sensors send out a beam of light across the bottom of the garage door. If something blocks the light path, the door will stop moving.
Sometimes the sensors can accidentally become blocked or come out of alignment. Dirt or debris can collect on the eyes of the sensor, causing them to mistakenly detect a blockage. Or, an object could have accidentally been placed into the sensor's path, and simply needs to be moved.
If the infrared beams of the sensors are not properly aligned, they will not allow the door to open or close. Fixing the alignment can be difficult to do on your own. This problem is usually best fixed by a professional.

You May Have a Broken Spring

Look at the top and sides of your garage door for the springs. If one is sagging or there is a gap, it is likely broken. The spring is key to opening and closing your garage door.
If you have a broken spring, you will definitely need to call a garage door specialist to fix it. 

Use the Manual Release

It is still possible to raise or lower an automatic garage door by using the manual release. Look for the red cord hanging from the door's track. Pull it towards the back of the garage, and it will release from the opener.

You can then manually pull the door open or closed. However, if you encounter any major resistance, it's a good idea to stop and call a professional. 

Your automatic garage door should be regularly maintained and serviced. Contact us at Roadrunner Garage Doors if you have questions or are encountering any problems.