Why Does My Garage Door Get Stuck?

If your garage door sticks when opening or won’t budge at all, there’s usually a straightforward explanation behind the trouble. Here are some of the most common reasons a garage door gets stuck and what you can do to fix each issue.

Obstructions

One of the most common reasons a garage door won’t close (also the easiest problem to fix!) is because something is blocking its path. Today’s garage doors have safety sensors along the bottom that detect anything in the way — whether it’s a forgotten bike, garden tool, or even a fresh pile of snow. If these sensors sense an obstruction, the door either reverses or refuses to close to prevent accidents. Before assuming there’s a bigger mechanical issue, check the tracks and the floor for toys, debris, or ice.

Misaligned Safety Sensors

If your garage door won’t close, misaligned or dirty safety sensors might be the culprit. These sensors are mounted a few inches above the ground, facing each other on either side of the door. If they’re bumped out of alignment or if dirt builds up on the lenses, the door may refuse to close as a precaution. Make sure both sensors are pointing directly at each other, and the indicator lights are on. Clean the lenses gently with a soft cloth and adjust their position if needed until both lights are on.

Broken Springs

Springs do most of the heavy lifting, and when one snaps, the garage door can become too heavy for the opener to move. You might hear a loud bang when a spring breaks or notice a visible gap in the spring above the door. This is not a DIY fix — garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous. If you suspect a broken spring is behind your garage door stuck situation, call a professional right away to handle the repair safely.

Off-Track Door

A garage door that’s come off its tracks will usually get jammed and look crooked or uneven as it tries to move. You might notice the rollers popping out of the tracks or gaps between the door and the frame. Trying to force the door or repair it yourself can cause further damage or even lead to injury. If your garage door is off-track, stop operating it immediately and contact a trained technician. Professionals have the right tools and experience to safely reset your garage door.

Frozen Door

Winter weather can actually cause a garage door to stick to the ground or freeze in place. Ice and snow can seal the bottom of the door or freeze up the tracks, causing a garage door not to open or close all the way. To thaw a frozen door, use a heat gun or a commercial de-icer — never force the door open, as this can cause damage. To avoid future freezing, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the weather seals and make sure snow is cleared away from the door.

Faulty Garage Door Opener

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the door itself, but with the garage door opener. A broken opener can leave your garage door stuck or unresponsive. First, check the opener’s batteries and make sure the wiring is intact. Review the opener’s settings and consult the manual for troubleshooting steps. Reprogramming the remote or resetting the opener might solve the issue. If your garage door won’t open despite these efforts, it could be time to call a professional for a closer look.

Worn Rollers or Hinges

Over time, rollers and hinges can wear out, creating extra friction that keeps the garage door from moving smoothly. If you hear grinding noises or see the door jerk as it opens or closes, worn parts might be to blame. Regularly lubricate the rollers and hinges with a garage door-specific lubricant to keep things moving. If lubrication doesn’t solve the problem, consider replacing any rollers or hinges that look damaged or worn down.

Bent or Damaged Tracks

Another culprit could be bent or damaged tracks. Inspect the tracks along the sides of the door for any bends, dents, or obstructions. Minor bends can sometimes be straightened with gentle pressure, but if the tracks are severely damaged, replacement is usually the safest option.

When your garage door is stuck, a few simple troubleshooting steps can help you narrow down the source of the problem.

Visual Inspection

Start by looking for anything obvious: check the area around the door for toys, tools, or debris that could be blocking movement. Examine the safety sensors to make sure they’re properly aligned and free of dirt, and look for any visible damage to the tracks, rollers, or door panels.

Testing the Safety Sensors

To see if the safety sensors are working correctly, wave a long object—like a broomstick—across the path of the sensors while the door is closing. The door should immediately stop and reverse; if it doesn’t, the sensors may need realignment or cleaning.

Checking the Springs

Springs should only be inspected visually. Look for a visible gap, break, or signs of wear. Never try to adjust or repair garage door springs yourself; they are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.

Lubricating Moving Parts

Apply a garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks to help the door move smoothly. Regular lubrication can prevent sticking and keep your garage door running quietly.

Checking the Garage Door Opener

Check the garage door opener’s batteries, wiring, and settings. Ensure the opener is plugged in, the remote batteries are fresh and review the manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model.