A garage door that refuses to open is one of the most common problems faced by Melbourne homeowners. Whether you're trying to leave for work, return home after a long day, or access items stored in your garage, a non-functioning garage door can quickly become a major inconvenience.
The good news is that many garage door issues can be identified relatively quickly. While some problems require professional repairs, understanding the potential causes can help you determine the best course of action.
Here are ten of the most common reasons a garage door won't open and what can be done to fix them.
Before assuming there's a major fault, check the simplest possibility first.
Garage door remotes rely on batteries that eventually lose power. If the remote suddenly stops working, replacing the battery may solve the problem immediately.
If wall-mounted controls continue to operate the door normally, the issue is likely limited to the remote itself.
Automatic garage doors require electricity to operate.
Power interruptions can occur due to:
Check whether the garage door motor has power and ensure the outlet is functioning correctly before investigating more complex causes.
Garage door springs carry most of the door's weight.
When a spring breaks, the motor may struggle to lift the door or fail completely. In some cases, the door may only open a few centimetres before stopping.
Signs of a broken spring include:
Spring replacement should always be performed by qualified professionals.
Modern garage doors use safety sensors to prevent accidents.
If sensors become:
The garage door may refuse to operate correctly.
Cleaning the sensors and ensuring they are properly aligned often resolves the issue.
Garage doors move along metal tracks during operation.
If the tracks become bent, obstructed, or misaligned, the door may become stuck.
Track problems often cause:
Professional adjustment is typically required for significant track damage.
Rollers, hinges, and other moving parts experience wear over time.
When components become damaged, they can create resistance that prevents smooth operation.
Regular maintenance helps identify worn parts before they lead to complete system failure.
Replacing worn hardware often restores normal operation.
Garage door motors contain mechanical and electrical components that wear out over time.
Common motor-related symptoms include:
Depending on the cause, repairs may be possible. Older motors may benefit from replacement with newer, more efficient models.
Garage door motors use programmed limits to determine how far the door should travel.
If these settings become incorrect, the motor may believe the door has reached its intended position prematurely.
This can cause:
Professional adjustment can restore proper operation.
Many homeowners forget that their garage door includes a manual locking mechanism.
If the lock has been accidentally engaged, the motor may attempt to operate but the door remains stuck.
Check for manual locking bars or latches before assuming a more serious fault exists.
This issue is particularly common after maintenance or manual operation.
Even small obstructions can prevent a garage door from opening properly.
Common obstructions include:
Inspect the entire door path carefully and remove any visible obstacles.
Never force the door to operate if resistance is present.
If the garage door opens normally when disconnected from the motor, the problem may be related to:
This information can help a technician diagnose the problem more efficiently.
While some issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting, many garage door systems contain high-tension springs, electrical components, and heavy moving parts.
Professional assistance is recommended when:
Attempting complex repairs without proper training can create serious safety risks.
The best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns is through regular maintenance.
Annual servicing can help identify:
Preventative maintenance extends the lifespan of the garage door system while reducing the likelihood of costly emergency repairs.
For Melbourne homeowners, addressing small issues early is the most effective way to keep a garage door operating safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout the year.
