Garage Door Repair & Installation Services
in Tacoma WA

If your garage door is running but not opening, one of these issues could be the cause:

• Broken Springs: The most common reason. If the torsion spring on your garage door is broken, the door won’t lift.
• Remote Control Issues: Replace the batteries in the remote control. It’s possible they are weak or dead.
• Cable Problems: Broken or off-track cables can prevent the door from opening, even if the motor is running.
• Obstructed or Misaligned Tracks: Obstructions or misalignments in the tracks can hinder the door’s movement.
• Door Disconnected from Opener: Sometimes, the door might be disconnected from the opener, making the motor run without opening the door.
• Sensitivity Settings: Incorrect sensitivity settings on the opener can cause it to stop prematurely or not engage the door properly.
• Limit Settings Mis-adjustment: If the opener’s limit settings are off, it might think it’s fully opened or closed when it’s not, preventing operation.

For safety and to avoid further damage, it’s best to consult with a professional garage door repair service to diagnose and fix the issue.

A rusted garage door can often be repaired, depending on the extent of the rust damage. Minor rust can usually be treated by sanding down the affected area, applying a rust-inhibiting primer, and repainting the door to restore its appearance and protect it from further corrosion. More severe rust might require the replacement of parts or panels. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire door. Consulting with a professional garage door repair service is the best way to assess the damage and determine the best repair strategy.

Replacing a garage door motor can be manageable for those with some DIY experience, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the process. Several steps in the process require attention to detail, like disconnecting the power, removing the old motor, installing the new motor correctly, and ensuring all components are properly aligned and functioning. Given the complexity and safety concerns, including the risk of injury or incorrectly installing the motor which could lead to further issues, it’s best to hire a professional. A professional installation ensures the motor is correctly fitted, safely connected, and optimally set up for reliable operation, providing peace of mind, saving time, and avoiding frustration.

It’s possible to repair a section of the garage door, depending on the extent of the damage and the design of the door. If the damage is localized to one or a few panels, those sections can often be replaced without needing to replace the entire door. This approach can be more cost-effective and is feasible for sectional garage doors, where panels are designed to be independently replaceable. However, matching the new section with the existing door can sometimes be challenging, especially for older doors. Our experts at Overhead Door can assess the damage and provide advice on whether a section can be repaired or replaced and help source the necessary parts to ensure a proper fix.

To determine if your garage door sensor is malfunctioning, look for these signs:

• The Door Doesn’t Close: If the garage door starts to close but then reverses and reopens, it could indicate that the sensors are perceiving an obstruction, even when there isn’t one.
• Flashing Lights: Many sensors have lights that will flash to indicate a problem, such as misalignment or an obstruction.
• Constantly Lit or Unlit Lights: Typically, each sensor has a light that should be steadily lit when working correctly. If one or both lights are off or blinking without reason, it might indicate a problem.
• The Door Doesn’t Open: While less common, if the sensors aren’t functioning correctly, they may prevent the door from opening, if the system thinks there’s an obstruction.
• Manual Operation Works: If the door operates normally when manually controlled (disengaging the opener), but not when using the automatic opener, the issue may be the sensors.

To troubleshoot, first ensure there are no obstructions, clean the sensor lenses, and check if they are properly aligned (most systems have an alignment method indicated in the manual). If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the sensors may need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.

Garage door sensors typically have a long lifespan and can last for many years, often as long as the garage door opener itself, which can be around 10-15 years. The frequency of sensor malfunctions or failures varies, depending on factors like usage amount, environmental conditions such as the frequent rain in Tacoma, and maintenance practices. Problems with sensors are often due to misalignment, obstruction, or accumulation of dirt and dust, rather than the sensors “going bad.” Regular maintenance, like cleaning the lenses and ensuring proper alignment, can help prevent issues and extend the life of the sensors. Electrical issues or physical damage can cause sensor failure at any time, requiring repair or replacement.

Determining whether your garage door sensors are misaligned involves observing a few indicators. If your garage door refuses to close, instead of reversing its direction to reopen, this could signal that the sensors are detecting an obstruction when none exists. Many garage door sensors feature indicator lights; a problem such as misalignment might cause these lights to flash. Normally, each sensor emits a steady light when functioning correctly; if these lights are off, constantly blinking, or one light differs from the other, it could suggest a problem. Additionally, if the garage door operates smoothly in manual mode but encounters issues in automatic mode, it may be due to sensor problems. To address potential misalignment, remove any obstructions, clean the lenses, and ensure proper alignment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If problems persist, professional assistance may be required for repair or replacement.

Fixing a misaligned garage door track involves steps to ensure smooth operation and safety including:

• Safety First: Disconnect the garage door opener to prevent unintended movement. Manually lift the door halfway and let go. If it stays in place, proceed; if it falls or shoots up, you might need a professional to adjust the tension first.
• Loosen the Tracks: Using a wrench or socket set, slightly loosen the bolts that secure the track brackets to the garage door frame. Don’t remove them entirely; just enough to allow for adjustments.
• Adjust the Track: Carefully move the track back into the correct position. The vertical tracks should be plumb, and the horizontal tracks should slope slightly away from the opening. Use a level to ensure accuracy. The gap between the track and the door should be consistent along the door’s height.
• Check the Rollers: Ensure the rollers are correctly seated inside the track throughout this process. If they seem worn or damaged, replace them.
• Tighten the Bolts: Once the tracks are correctly aligned, retighten the bolts to secure the tracks in their new position. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause more issues.
• Test the Door: Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door’s movement. It should move smoothly without resistance. If manual adjustments don’t fix the issue, it might be time to call a professional.