Why Won’t My Garage Door Close All The Way?
A garage door that won’t close properly is more than just frustrating — it’s a potential safety risk and security concern. Whether you’re trying to keep your home safe, protect belongings from the weather, or simply get on with your day, dealing with a stuck or malfunctioning door can bring everything to a halt.
If your garage door won’t close, there are several common culprits. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we’ve been helping San Antonio and Helotes-area homeowners solve problems like this since 1985. Let’s walk through some of the most likely reasons — and how to fix them.
1. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors are equipped with photo-eye sensors near the base of the tracks. These sensors send an invisible beam across the bottom of the garage opening to detect if something is in the way. If the beam is broken — or if the sensors are misaligned — your garage door won’t close for safety reasons.
How to check:
- Make sure nothing is physically blocking the beam (leaves, dirt, toys, etc.).
- Look to see if the two sensors are aligned at the same height.
- If one of the sensor lights is blinking, it’s likely misaligned or dirty.
Pro tip: Gently clean the lenses with a soft cloth and try realigning them by hand. If the issue persists, it may be time for professional adjustment.
2. Obstructions in the Track
Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a physical blockage in the garage door track. Even small objects like rocks, twigs, or buildup of debris can stop the door from closing completely.
What to do:
- Inspect both sides of the track for obstructions.
- Listen for grinding or jerky movement as the door operates.
- Check for bent or damaged sections of track.
If the track is warped or the rollers are jumping, it’s best to have a garage door technician assess the issue before it causes further damage.
3. Limit Setting Is Off
Garage doors are programmed to stop at a certain point when opening and closing. If the limit setting is incorrect, the door might think it’s hit the ground when it hasn’t — causing it to stop early or reverse direction.
Signs of a limit setting issue:
- The door stops short of the ground and then retracts.
- It closes but reopens immediately.
- You recently had a new opener installed.
This is something a technician from Helotes Overhead Garage Doors can adjust quickly and safely.
4. Damaged Cables or Springs
If your garage door is heavy or uneven when moving, it could be a broken torsion spring or frayed cable. These components are responsible for safely supporting the door’s weight — and when they wear out or snap, the door may not close at all.
⚠️ Warning: Garage door springs are under intense tension and can be very dangerous to replace on your own. If you suspect a broken spring or snapped cable, call a professional immediately.
5. Power or Remote Issues
Don’t forget to check the simplest things:
- Is the garage door opener plugged in?
- Are the remote batteries working?
- Have you tried pressing the wall button instead of the remote?
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often a dead battery or tripped breaker is the reason a garage door won’t close.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve ruled out sensor issues, cleaned the tracks, and replaced your remote batteries but your garage door still won’t close, it’s time to bring in expert help. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we’ve been serving homeowners in Helotes and Northwest San Antonio for over 40 years with prompt, affordable, and honest repairs.
As a family-owned garage door company, we pride ourselves on helping our neighbors feel safe and secure. Whether you need emergency service or a routine check-up, we’re here when you need us.
A Final Word on Garage Door Safety
A malfunctioning garage door isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a risk to your home’s security. According to Consumer Reports, regular garage door maintenance is one of the most overlooked aspects of home safety. Catching small problems early can prevent larger, more expensive repairs down the line.
Need Help? Call Helotes Overhead Garage Doors Today
Don’t let a stuck door disrupt your day. If your garage door won’t close and you’re located in Helotes, San Antonio, or the surrounding areas, contact our team of experts. We’ll help you diagnose the issue and get your door working smoothly again — with the quality service and local care we’ve been known for since 1985.
