7 Reasons Your Garage Door Isn't Working Properly

It’s Monday morning in Denver. You’ve got coffee in one hand, keys in the other, and you’re feeling (dare we say it?) on time! 

You press the garage door button, and NOTHING HAPPENS. 

Maybe it groans halfway up before freezing, or it slams back down like it’s mad at you. But all you know is that suddenly, your morning commute has turned into a full-blown garage door standoff. 

We’ve all been there. A faulty garage door can throw off your whole day, whether it’s trapping your car, making you late, or worse, leaving your home exposed. Try not to worry! Understanding why your garage door isn’t working properly can help you get back on track fast (and avoid bigger headaches later). 

Let’s roll through the seven most common culprits behind a misbehaving garage door — and what you can do about them.

1. The Power Source Is Disconnected (Yes, It Happens) 

Before calling in the cavalry, check the basics, because sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. You’d be surprised how many service calls start with “Oh… it wasn’t plugged in.” 

If your garage door won’t budge at all, check these: 

• Is the opener plugged in? 
• Did a circuit breaker trip during last night’s storm? 
• Is the opener’s motor light on? 

If the power’s good and your door still won’t move, you might have a faulty motor or electrical issue. That’s when it’s time to let the pros at Doors Done Right take a look, as we’ll be sure to find the source of the silence.

2. The Remote Control Needs Some TLC 

If you’re pressing your garage remote and getting zero response, it might not be the door but your clicker that’s acting up. 

Here are a few things you can check with your garage door remote: 

• Replace the remote’s batteries (they die faster in Denver’s cold snaps). 
• Make sure you’re within range of the receiver. 
• If the door still won’t respond, you may need to reprogram your remote. 

Remotes can lose their connection to the opener after power outages or software resets. If reprogramming doesn’t do the trick, Doors Done Right can sync your system back up in no time.

3. The Garage Door Springs Are Broken or Worn-Out

If you hear a loud “bang” coming from your garage, it’s likely not thunder but a broken torsion spring. Springs do the heavy lifting when your garage door opens, and when they break, your door isn’t going anywhere. 

Keep an eye out for these common signs your springs are toast: 

• The door feels heavier than usual. 
• It won’t open more than a few inches. 
• You see a visible gap in the spring. 

Safety Note: Never try to replace springs yourself. They’re under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call the professionals at Doors Done Right, and we’ll handle it safely and quickly.

4. The Garage Door Tracks Are Misaligned or Damaged 

Your garage door needs perfect balance to operate smoothly. When the tracks bend, warp, or get clogged with debris, the door can jam, squeak, or veer off track entirely. 

Keep on the lookout for the following signs that your garage door track might be busted: 

• Grinding or scraping noises during operation 
• Uneven gaps between rollers and track 
• The door shaking or stopping mid-motion 

Sometimes a simple track cleaning can fix the problem, but if you see major dents or gaps, schedule a track realignment with Doors Done Right before further damage occurs.

5. The Photo Eye Sensors Are Blocked or Misaligned 

Those little sensors near the bottom of your garage door are your door’s built-in safety guards. They prevent the door from closing on pets, kids, or your car’s bumper. 

If your door refuses to close all the way, the sensors might be dirty or misaligned. Gently clean the lenses with a soft cloth and make sure both lights are on. If one’s blinking, they’re out of sync. 

Still not working? The wiring might be loose, which can easily be another quick fix from your friendly Doors Done Right technician! 

6. The Garage Door Cables Are Worn or Broken 

If your door looks crooked or won't move evenly, you may be dealing with frayed or broken cables. These steel cables bear a ton of weight, and over time, wear, rust, or moisture (especially in Denver winters) can take their toll. 

Here’s what you’ll want to do when dealing with worn or broken cables: 

• Avoid using the door until it’s repaired 
• Look for loose or hanging cables 
• Call a professional immediately (this is not a DIY repair) 

At Doors Done Right, we replace cables safely and correctly to prevent further strain on your garage system.

7. The Opener Motor or Logic Board Has Failed 

When all else fails, the issue could be your garage door opener itself. Motors and logic boards don’t last forever, and when they go, the symptoms can range from flickering lights to total silence.

If your opener is more than 10 years old, or you’re noticing erratic behavior (like the door reversing on its own or not responding at all), it may be time for a replacement.  

Our team can test your motor and install a high-efficiency replacement opener, complete with smart home compatibility so that you can control your garage from anywhere! 

Keep Your Colorado Garage Door (& Your Day!) Running Smoothly 

Garage door problems can be annoying, inconvenient, and downright stressful. But with a little troubleshooting (and the help of a trusted local expert), you can avoid major disasters before they happen. 

At Doors Done Right in Denver, Colorado, we specialize in same-day garage door repairs & tune-ups, whether you’re dealing with busted springs, faulty cables, or track issues. Whether it’s a noisy door or a total breakdown, our Denver team is ready to get your garage back on track — literally! 

Contact Doors Done Right today or schedule a fast, friendly, and professional garage door service in Denver and the surrounding areas.