10 Common Garage Door Problems And How to Fix Them
February 17, 2026
In Houston, your garage door is probably the hardest-working part of your home, opening and closing many times per day. While battling the weather, wear, and the occasional bump from a car mirror. Given the extensive use, it’s understandable that problems arise from time to time.
The good news? Many garage door issues are predictable, and many can be resolved with basic DIY maintenance, while a few require garage door repair in Houston. Knowing what to look for and when to tackle problems yourself (versus calling professionals) can save you significant money and prevent small issues from becoming major headaches.
This comprehensive guide covers the most common garage door problems Houston homeowners face, practical solutions, and when you need garage door repair in Houston.
What Are the Most Common Garage Door Problems Homeowners Face?
Garage doors are among the most frequently used parts of a home, so issues can develop over time. What may start as a small issue can quickly affect safety, security, and daily convenience. Understanding the most common garage door problems helps homeowners take action early and prevent bigger repairs.
1. Trouble Opening or Closing
Your garage should make your life easier, and nothing is worse than being stuck behind the door. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are a couple of DIY garage fixes you can try.
Test It Out
Your door may not be functioning properly because the garage door is out of alignment. Turn off the power supply and manually lift the door to test the balance. If it stays in place, it is balanced and on track. If it doesn’t, you may have an underlying issue.
The problem could also be with the fuse. If you have checked all the batteries and your door still won’t move, you might have a blown fuse. However, if other lights in your home are still working, there may be a larger issue with the door opener.
If you’ve tried these quick tests and your garage door still won’t open or close, contact a professional for garage door repair.
2. Blocked Sensors
If you’re having difficulty opening or closing your door, it could be because some sensors are covered or obscured. To detect the issue early, contact a professional from a garage company.
Fix Signals
To ensure your remote and door work on demand, check for areas where obstacles might block signals.
When using your remote, make sure no branches or plants block the sensor.
You will also want to check the antenna for any dirt or buildup that could block the signal. The antenna can also become misaligned. A quick fix is to readjust it.
3. Broken Springs
When extension or torsion springs snap, your garage door can drop quickly.
Get New Springs
The springs in your system will fatigue over time, causing them to snap. Keep your springs’ lifespan in mind, and contact a professional to replace them when necessary. If your springs snap while in use, your door can slam down and cause damage to your vehicle or harm another person. Because of the risk involved, garage door spring repair should always be handled by trained professionals.
If you hear your springs snap when the garage door is not in use, do not open the garage door, as the springs can fire as projectiles and cause injury.
4. Roller Issues (Garage Door Roller Issues)
The rollers in your system will have different service lives depending on the material: plastic, steel, or nylon.
Refresh or Replace
Old or rusted rollers can cause problems with opening your door. The first thing you will want to do is lubricate them. If they are still causing issues, you may need to replace them.
Rollers will typically operate only until they reach their maximum cycle limit. Keep track of when your rollers are coming up on the end of their limitation to ensure you can replace them seamlessly. Contact a garage door roller repair professional to solve this issue.
5. Dying Opener
Your garage door opener lets you use your garage efficiently whenever you need it. If your opener is 20 years old or more, it’s likely outlived its useful life.
Update and Replace
Conduct garage door opener troubleshooting by checking the batteries, approaching the garage, and clearing the path for your antenna.
If you’re still experiencing issues with your opener, the likely culprit is a dying motor. If your motor is old or overheating, it won’t perform as expected.
You should always hire a professional garage door company to install a garage door opener to ensure you don’t harm yourself or others or damage your door.
6. Unusual Noises
Hearing a series of unusual noises is a strong indicator of an underlying issue. Some may be minor, while others indicate our garage door needs repair and professional attention. Your door may produce various noises depending on the issue. Some issues and noises they might produce include:
- Loose chains: slapping
- Loose rollers: grinding, squeaking, and squealing
- Loose nuts and bolts: vibrating and rattling
- Rust: clinking
- Broken springs: popping and rumbling
- Alignment: banging, straining, scraping, and rubbing
If you’re unsure about the sound you’re hearing or where it’s coming from, it is best to contact a professional to conduct garage door troubleshooting.
7. Uneven Door
Sometimes you’ll notice that your door is looking odd or moves unevenly. In this case, there are a few areas to check.
Fix Alignment
Sometimes an uneven door is caused by something blocking the way, so make sure you’ve removed all obstacles from the door’s path.
Rust can cause one side of your door to move faster than another. A good wipe-down can sometimes fix this issue.
You can also check your manual to ensure all limits are set to the appropriate values, which will help ensure the door fully closes and doesn’t malfunction.
If the problem is in the spring system, contact a professional and limit your door’s use. Snapped springs can be hazardous and cause serious injury.
8. Slow Opening
Slowly opening doors can easily be a source of frustration, and there are a few reasons it might be happening.
Clean and Lubricate
You want to examine your rollers to ensure they aren’t dried out. You’ll also want to evaluate the condition of your tracks. If you notice a lot of dirt, you’ll need to clean it off.
Keeping your tracks and rollers well lubricated will ensure they continue to move smoothly. These parts are more prone to drying out quickly in areas with extreme heat or cold.
As a general rule, plan to have your system serviced at least twice a year.
9. Transmitter Problems
Your remote control should open your garage door effortlessly, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Replace Batteries
Fixing your transmitter problems is quick and typically involves a simple battery change.
First, test the transmitter in your garage to determine the source of the issue. If the door doesn’t open, you have an underlying problem. However, if it does open, your batteries are probably dead.
Changing the batteries usually involves removing the back of the remote (in some cases with a screwdriver). Always ensure the batteries are oriented correctly to avoid assuming the problem lies elsewhere when the remote doesn’t work.
10. Keypad Not Synced
A garage keypad offers security and comfort for many homeowners. If your door isn’t opening when you type in your code, it’s likely not synced.
Refer to the Manual
Syncing your keypad is a simple fix that takes minutes.
First, you should check the batteries. There’s a chance they’ve died, meaning you need a quick change.
Next, refer to the user manual for instructions on properly syncing the keypad and remote. If you have persistent issues, you can call a trusted garage door service.
Conclusion
When garage door problems start affecting your safety, security, or daily routine, having a trusted expert makes all the difference. While some minor issues can be handled with basic maintenance, many repairs, especially spring, roller, and opener problems, require professional care to avoid costly damage or injury. For homeowners seeking reliable garage door repair in Houston, contact the garage door experts at Halo Overhead Doors, the go-to for fast, honest, high-quality service. From expert garage door roller repair to safe and precise garage door spring repair, their experienced technicians are committed to keeping your garage door running smoothly year-round. When you want dependable results and peace of mind, Halo Overhead Doors is the name Houston homeowners trust most.