Having issues with your garage door not closing all the way? Frustrated that you have to manually pull it down every time? Don’t panic, there are several simple fixes you can try before contacting a professional like Garage Door Repair in Franklin. In many cases, you can resolve the problem and save yourself a service call fee.
Check The Photo Eyes
Photo eyes are the most common cause if your door won’t shut completely. These sensors are positioned near the bottom of the door tracks and trigger the door to close. If they become misaligned or dirty, the door may think there’s an obstruction. Clean the lenses with a damp cloth and make sure the beams line up properly when the door is closed.
Lubricate The Tracks And Rollers
Over time, the tracks and rollers that guide the door up and down can lose lubrication. This causes more friction and drag, making it harder to close fully. Remove any built-up dirt or debris in the tracks. Liberally apply lubricant spray along the entire length of both tracks as well as the rollers themselves. This should improve smooth operation.
Adjust Or Replace The Springs
The springs mounted on each side of the door provide counterbalancing force. If they’re stretched out or broken, the door may not have enough lifting power to close fully under its own weight. Inspect springs for damage and tightness. A pro can adjust or swap them out as needed to restore balance. Be careful working with springs as they store a lot of energy.
Tighten Loose Hardware
Wobbly or loose hardware throughout the door assembly could be a reason it drags. Check all bolts, nuts, and screws holding tracks, rollers, hinges and other moving parts. Tighten anything that’s come loose using the proper size wrench or socket. Pay extra attention to the fasteners that join track sections.
Replace A Worn Or Damaged Door Seal
The rubber or vinyl seal along the bottom of the garage door prevents drafty air leaks when shut. If it’s missing chunks or flattened out over time, it won’t make a tight seal against the floor when closing. A replacement seal is an affordable fix available at home improvement stores.
Regular maintenance and simple adjustments can often cure common issues like a garage door that won’t fully close. Try the provided repairs before scheduling a professional. With some troubleshooting, you may be able to solve the problem yourself and save the repair cost.