Common Garage Door Malfunctions

There are several reasons why your garage door might not be opening. Here are some of the most common methods to do your own garage door repair in Montreal. These might just get you out of a jam.

1. When the garage door opener doesn't work: If your garage's door opener isn't functioning, it could be due to parts needing lubrication. This is usually the case with chain or screw-driven garage doors. To fix this, apply a generous amount of silicone-based lubricant or aerosol garage door lubricant to the entire opener, wiping off any excess.
2. When the garage door remote is broken: This is another common reason why the garage door won't open. Luckily, this problem can be as easy to solve as changing the batteries. If that doesn't work, the remote might need to be reprogrammed.
3. If your garage door operates with a wall controller or remote and it doesn't open at prompts, check the photocell system. These are small plastic devices that act as a safety feature. They are located on both sides of the garage door. There should be a green flashing light on the device. If there's no sign of light, go to the breaker panel and try flipping the breaker on and off. If that still doesn't work, check if the garage door opener is plugged in and all is well with the power supply. You should also try plugging another device into the electrical outlet to make sure it's working.
4. The garage door opens a bit and then closes immediately: This problem might mean that the springs near the top of the door need to be replaced. If the springs are relatively new, you might only have to replace the broken ones. However, it's best if you replace all the springs at once, and do so regularly. You'll save money, and it will also minimize the risk of your garage door malfunctioning.
5. The door closes and then opens immediately: This is a problem that could also be related to the garage door's photocell system. Check if the green flashing light is visible and also look for other obstructions. These two factors might indicate that there's a misalignment. If there's no sign that these are misalignment causes, measure from the ground to the center of the photocell. Then measure from the wall to the center and do the same on the other side. Then adjust both photocells based on the measurements you took. This will ensure they're properly aligned.
6. Squeaking noise: A squeaking noise generally means that your door needs to be lubricated. Find the source of the squeak and apply lubricant directly to the part.
7. Cracks or defects: If cracks or defects start to appear on your garage door, fill them in with a waterproof filler or sealant to prevent them from worsening.
8. Weatherproofing seal: This is the seal that prevents water from damaging your door. It also seals air leaks and reduces noise coming from outside your house. If your seal is cracked or damaged, you might need to install a new one. This can be purchased at home improvement stores. A competent DIYer can remove the damaged seal and install the new one.
9. Garage door doesn't seal completely to the bottom: If your garage door doesn't seal completely, you can purchase pipe insulation from a hardware store. Then you can use this to fix the part of your door that doesn't close properly.
10. Rust formation: Not only is rust unsightly, but it can also damage your door and reduce its ability to block dirt and other elements. Fortunately, rust can be removed fairly easily. To remove rust, clean the area with dish soap and scrub it with a cloth soaked in vinegar. Sand down the rusty part and apply a new layer of primer or paint, without breaching the door's warranty. It's a good idea to check with the product's manufacturer before applying the paint or primer to avoid any issues and hassles.