You’re ready to head out. You hit the garage opener. Nothing happens.
The door may jerk a little. Maybe it groans and stops halfway. Or it doesn’t move at all.
If your garage door gets stuck, it’s one of the most common headaches homeowners in Rochester deal with, especially when temperatures swing or you haven’t had a chance to check the door in a while. Fortunately, many of the issues that cause this problem are preventable and fixable.
As a leading overhead garage door company in Rochester, MN, we’re here to explain what causes doors to jam, what you can do on your own, and when to call a pro.
Why Garage Doors Get Stuck | Overhead Garage Door Company in Rochester, MN
It’s frustrating, but there’s usually a reason behind it. Most of the time, your garage door tries to tell you something isn’t quite right.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Dirty or Misaligned Sensors
Most garage doors today have safety sensors down near the floor. If those get covered in dust, cobwebs, or even a leaf, they can act up. Same thing if one gets nudged out of place, it doesn’t take much. When that happens, the door might stop halfway or refuse to close at all.
Broken or Worn-Out Springs & Cables
Springs and cables do the heavy lifting. The door may feel stuck or uneven if a spring snaps or a cable frays. This is one of the more dangerous issues and should only be handled by a trained technician.
Extreme Weather
Winters in Rochester are no joke. Ice and snow can freeze your door to the ground or contract the metal in your system. In summer, humidity can cause parts to expand or warp.
Also read: How to Improve Curb Appeal with Garage Door Repair and Upgrades | Rochester, MN
Overhead Door Troubleshooting: What You Can Try at Home
Before picking up the phone, you can do a few simple things to check what’s happening.
- Inspect the sensors: Are the lights on? Are they pointing at each other? Clean the lenses and realign them if needed.
- Check for visible blockages: Look along the tracks. Is anything in the way? Even small debris can cause issues.
- Listen for strange noises: Grinding, squeaking, or thuds can all point to something mechanical that needs attention. If it sounds off, it probably is.
- Lubricate moving parts: A little silicone-based lubricant on the tracks, rollers, and hinges can go a long way. Avoid grease or WD-40; they tend to attract dust.
If none of these steps help, call an expert. Some problems, especially those involving tension springs or electrical components, aren’t worth the risk of a DIY fix.
Your Local Overhead Garage Door Company in Rochester, MN
Living in a place with harsh weather and changing seasons means your garage door works harder than you think. Staying on top of basic care helps, but when something goes wrong, you deserve a team that can spot the issue fast and fix it right the first time.
If you’re dealing with a stuck door or want peace of mind that everything’s working as it should, Thompson Garage Door is here to help. We know the ins and outs of overhead door troubleshooting, and we’ve been helping families across Rochester for years.
You don’t have to endure the stress of a faulty garage door. Let us take care of it so you can return to your day. Contact us today.
