Garage doors work hard every day — and like any mechanical system, things can go wrong. Living in Albuquerque adds some unique challenges too, like extreme temperature swings, dust, and dry air.
Here are the most common garage door problems we see and what to do about them.
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
This could be caused by:
- A dead garage door opener battery
- Broken springs or cables
- Misaligned sensors
Fix:
- Check the opener and remote batteries
- Look for broken components or call a pro to inspect springs/cables
- Clean and realign safety sensors
2. Noisy Operation
Grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises often mean:
- Worn rollers
- Loose hardware
- Lack of lubrication
Fix:
- Tighten bolts and hinges
- Apply silicone-based lubricant
- Replace metal rollers with quieter nylon ones
3. Garage Door Is Uneven or Off-Track
A sagging door or one that drags could be due to:
- Broken cables
- Worn springs
- Track damage
Fix:
- Stop using the door immediately
- Contact a professional for repair — forcing it could damage the opener or frame
4. Door Opens Then Reverses
If your door starts to close, then immediately goes back up:
- Sensor alignment is off
- Something is blocking the safety beam
- Opener limits need adjustment
Fix:
- Clean and realign the photo-eye sensors
- Check for obstructions
- Adjust the opener settings (or let a tech handle it)
5. Garage Door Remote or Keypad Isn’t Working
This could be as simple as:
- Dead batteries
- Signal interference
- Need for reprogramming
Fix:
- Replace batteries
- Try reprogramming using the opener’s instructions
- Still stuck? It may be a receiver issue needing service
