Filed under Smart Appliances 

Is Your Garage Door Sticking? 5 Easy Fixes to Try Yourself

Published by Allan Cousins on   

We’ve all been there – you try to open your garage door and it gets stuck halfway, refusing to budge any further. Not only is it frustrating, but it also prevents you from accessing your garage. Before calling in a professional for garage door repair in Norfolk, there are a few simple checks and fixes you can try yourself to get your door moving smoothly again.

Garage Door Repair Norfolk

Lubricate the Tracks and Rollers

Over time, the tracks and rollers that guide the movement of your garage door can build up dirt and grime. This causes increased friction which makes the door stick. Take some garage door track lubricant and spray it generously along the full length of the tracks as well as where the rollers connect to the door panels. This should loosen any debris and reduce friction, allowing smoother operation.

Check the Springs

The springs that help lift your garage door are another common source of sticking. Over time, they can lose their tension or even break. Give the springs a visual inspection – if they appear worn, frayed or broken, it’s best to have them replaced professionally. You can also test their tension – the door should easily lift with light pressure applied halfway up. If it feels sluggish or heavy, the springs likely need adjusting or replacing.

Tighten/Adjust the Hardware

Over time, the various nuts, bolts and mounts that hold the door’s hardware can loosen due to vibration. Inspect all the joints, hinges and mounts and tighten any that feel loose. The tracks should also be flush against the wall without any gaps – adjust as needed with the slotted bolts. Proper tightening can eliminate many sticking issues.

Change the Opener’s Force Settings

If your door opener is struggling to open or close the door fully, the force settings likely need adjustment. Most openers have a learn button that automatically sets the force based on your door’s weight and built-up friction. Press and hold this button to have it re-learn the proper amount of force required. You may also need to increase the force limiter slightly if the door still gets stuck.

Check for Obstructions

Debris, weather stripping, cobwebs – all sorts of little items can get caught on the door or tracks and prevent smooth operation. Inspect the full track area, especially around the sides, and remove any obstructions. Trim any plants/shrubs that may be interfering as well. Clearing away buildup will rule out physical sticking issues.

Diagnosing the Source

If none of the above fixes help, the cause may be deeper. First try manually operating the door by disconnecting the opener. This isolates any potential issues with the opener itself. Does the door still stick when operated manually? If yes, check the balance of the door by manually lifting it – is one side heavier than the other? If out of balance, you may need to call for garage door repair in Norfolk to adjust the entire system. An expert can also assess any other major mechanical faults.

Lubricate Regularly to Prevent Future Sticking

Once you’ve addressed the initial sticking issue, prevent repeated problems down the road with regular maintenance. At least twice a year, spray lubricant along all tracks, rollers and hinges. This keeps everything sliding smoothly. Timely lubrication can save you frustration and potential repair costs further down the line.

In Summary

In summary, sticking garage doors are an annoyance but usually have easy-to-fix causes if you take some time to inspect the system. The above steps can remedy the bulk of common sticking issues without needing to schedule a service visit. But if the door continues resisting even after trying all maintenance solutions, it’s best to seek professional garage door repair in Norfolk to thoroughly assess the problem. With a little know-how and routine care, your door should operate as intended for many more years of use.

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