Garage Door Won’t Close? Here’s Why (And How to Fix It Without Losing Your Mind)
We’ve all been there: you hit the button, wait for that satisfying thunk of the garage door sealing shut, and… nothing. Maybe it gets halfway down and reverses like it’s scared of the dark. Maybe it just sits there, mocking you. Whatever the case, a garage door that won’t close is more than annoying—it’s a security risk, an invitation for critters (looking at you, Calgary raccoons), and a surefire way to ruin your day. Let’s break down why this happens and how to fix it—or when to call in the pros at Kald Gart Garage Doors to save your sanity.
The Usual Suspects: Why Your Garage Door’s Being Stubborn
Garage doors are simple machines, but they’ve got a flair for drama. Here are the top reasons yours might be staging a rebellion:
1. Misaligned Sensors: The Overly Sensitive Guardians
Those little sensors near the floor? They’re like bouncers at a nightclub. If anything blocks their line of sight—a cobweb, a stray leaf, or your kid’s bike—they’ll stop the door from closing to “protect” you. Check if the sensor lights are solid (green = good) or blinking (red = trouble). Clean the lenses and realign them gently. Still not working? Might be time for a pro to handle it. FYI, sensor issues are one of the most common calls we get at Kald Gart Garage Doors—and they’re usually a quick fix.
2. Track Trouble: When Your Door’s Lost Its Path
A bent or dirty track is like forcing your door to ride a rollercoaster with a broken wheel. Look for dents, debris, or gaps where the rollers meet the track. If the track alignment is off, your door will grind, shudder, or just… stop. For minor garage door track alignment issues, loosen the bolts, tap the track back into place, and tighten everything up. But if the track looks like it’s been in a fistfight? Call a garage door contractor—like us—before things get worse.
3. Spring Sabotage: The Silent Chaos-Maker
Broken springs are the ultimate party poopers. These heavy-duty coils handle 90% of the door’s weight, so if one snaps, your opener suddenly feels like it’s lifting a truck. Signs of a broken spring include:
- A door that drops too fast
- A loud BANG (RIP, eardrums)
- Gaps in the spring coil
Garage door torsion spring replacement isn’t a DIY project unless you’ve got a death wish. Seriously, these things are under insane tension. We’ve handled hundreds of garage door spring adjustments and replacements here in Calgary—safely and affordably.
4. Cable Catastrophes: Don’t Let It Snap Back
If your garage door cable repair is frayed or snapped, the door can’t distribute weight properly. You’ll notice uneven movement or a door that slams shut. This is another job for the pros. At Kald Gart, we keep cables in stock for most models, so you won’t be stuck waiting.
5. Opener Issues: The Brain Behind the Brawn
Old or faulty openers are like a forgetful goldfish. They might reverse for no reason, struggle with heavy doors, or just… forget how to function. Automatic garage door opener installation or repair can often solve this. Pro tip: If your opener sounds like a chainsaw, it’s probably begging for retirement.
“Should I Fix It Myself or Call a Pro?” Let’s Break It Down
| Problem | DIY Fix? | Call a Pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor alignment | Yes (clean, realign) | Only if wiring’s damaged |
| Track bends/debris | Yes (clean, minor adjustments) | Yes for major bends or commercial tracks |
| Broken spring/cable | NO (seriously, don’t) | Yes—immediately |
| Noisy garage door | Lubricate rollers/hinges | Yes if noise persists |
| Opener malfunction | Reset/reprogram | Yes for motor issues or replacement |
When Replacement Beats Repair: Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade
We get it—nobody wants to drop cash on a garage door replacement if they don’t have to. But sometimes, it’s smarter (and cheaper long-term). Consider replacing if:
- Your door is older than your teenager
- You’re constantly fixing garage door track repair or spring issues
- Energy bills are climbing (modern doors insulate better)
- It looks like it’s been through a zombie apocalypse
Kald Gart Garage Doors offers free estimates in Calgary, Okotoks, and Strathmore. We’ll give you honest advice—no upsells, just straight talk about cost, safety, and ROI.
4 Burning Questions (Answered Without the Jargon)
Q: Why does my garage door screech like a banshee?
A: A noisy garage door usually needs lubrication or new rollers. If it still sounds angry, the track or opener might be failing.
Q: How much does garage door repair cost?
A: Minor fixes start around $150; springs or cables run $200–$400. Full replacements range from $1k–$3k, depending on materials.
Q: Can you fix commercial garage doors too?
A: Yep! Commercial garage door repair is our bread and butter—we service everything from retail roll-ups to industrial overhead doors.
Q: What’s the lifespan of an automatic opener?
A: 10–15 years. If yours’s older than Friends reruns, consider automatic garage door installation for smarter, quieter tech.
Why Choose Kald Gart Garage Doors? (Hint: We’re Not Robots)
Look, we’re not here to sell you a new door if yours just needs a tweak. But when you do need help, here’s why Calgary trusts us:
- 24/7 emergency repairs (because springs don’t break at convenient times)
- Transparent price quotes—no hidden fees
- Expertise in everything from garage door torsion spring replacement to smart opener setups
- Local techs who actually show up on time (wild concept, right?)
Final Thought: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Win
A malfunctioning garage door isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a safety hazard. Whether you’re dealing with a noisy garage door, a snapped cable, or a opener that’s given up the ghost, Kald Gart Garage Doors has your back. We’re your neighbors in Calgary, Strathmore, and Okotoks, and we’ve seen it all.
So next time your door pulls a diva move, give us a shout. We’ll fix it fast, keep your cost reasonable, and maybe even crack a joke while we’re at it. After all, life’s too short to wrestle with a garage door :).
