What Is The Most Common Problem with Garage Doors?

Why Garage Door Problems Happen So Often

Garage doors are one of the hardest-working systems in any home. For most families in Phoenix, the garage is used as the main entrance, opening and closing several times a day. With that much use, wear and tear are inevitable. Over time, parts begin to loosen, dry out, or break-causing a variety of common problems that can affect safety, performance, and noise levels.

Below are the most frequent issues our technicians see every week, how we diagnose them, and the steps we take to get them working like new again.

1. The remote or wall switch is not working

This is the simplest and most common problem homeowners experience. Before assuming the opener has failed, we always start with the basics.

Typical Causes:

• Dead or weak batteries in the remote.
• A misaligned safety sensor at the base of the track.
• A disconnected opener or tripped breaker.
• A wall switch wiring issue.

Our Fix:

We test the batteries, reprogram the remote if needed, and realign the sensors. If the opener is more than 8 to 10 years old and showing electronic wear, we inspect its internal components. When the circuit board or motor is failing, we recommend replacing the unit with a modern, energy-efficient opener such as a LiftMaster model.

2. The door will not open all the way

When a garage door stops halfway, it is usually caused by an issue with the springs-not the opener. Springs do the heavy lifting, while the opener simply guides the motion.

Typical Causes:

• Broken or stretched springs.
• Incorrect spring size for the door weight.
• Poor balance causing excess load on the opener.

Our Fix:

We start by disconnecting the opener and performing a three-point balance test to determine if the springs are properly supporting the door’s weight. If not, we replace the springs with the correct size and tension for the door. We also inspect the opener to ensure it has not been overworked by the unbalanced system.

3. The garage door is crooked or uneven

A door that sits higher on one side or shifts when opening is usually misaligned, not out of balance.

Typical Causes:

• Frayed or stretched cables.
• Misaligned drums.
• Worn or damaged bearings.

Our Fix:

We safely remove spring tension, replace damaged cables, and reset the drums flush against their bearings. If the bearings or shafts are worn, we replace them to ensure the door travels evenly. After re-tensioning the springs, we test the door for level operation and smooth movement.

4. The door is noisy or squeaking

A noisy garage door is a warning sign that something needs maintenance. Different sounds usually point to different problems.

Typical Causes:

• Dry or unlubricated hinges and rollers (squeaking).
• Worn roller bearings (rattling or grinding).
• Loose hardware or misaligned tracks (clunking).
• Bent panels or springs under stress (popping or cracking).

Our Fix:

We perform a Lube and Tune Service that includes tightening all hardware, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn rollers or hinges. We also check spring tension to ensure the opener is not straining. Proper lubrication twice a year, plus professional service annually, keeps the system quiet and extends its lifespan.

5. The opener is outdated or malfunctioning

Older garage door openers can lose reliability as internal gears and electronics wear out. Modern openers include advanced safety features, quieter motors, and smart home compatibility.

Typical Causes:

• Worn drive gear or sprocket.
• Burned-out circuit board.
• Opener too small for a heavy or wind-rated door.

Our Fix:

We inspect the opener’s motor and internal components. If the cost of repair approaches the cost of a new unit, we recommend upgrading to a LiftMaster opener. LiftMaster units use solid steel rails, built-in LED lighting, and advanced safety sensors-features that make them ideal for residential use in Arizona’s climate.

6. The door reverses or will not close completely

If the door starts to close but reverses back up, it is often a sensor or travel-limit problem.

Typical Causes:

• Misaligned or dirty safety sensors.
• Incorrect force or limit settings on the opener.
• Obstructions in the track.

Our Fix:

We clean and realign the sensors, adjust the opener’s travel settings, and inspect the tracks for obstructions. We also make sure the door is properly balanced so the opener is not fighting unnecessary resistance.

7. The door was hit or damaged

It is more common than many think-backing into the door before it is fully open can bend panels or misalign tracks.

Typical Causes:

• Dented or separated panels.
• Misaligned track or hardware.

Our Fix:

If the door is less than eight years old and the manufacturer still offers replacement panels, we replace only the damaged section. For older doors or when multiple panels are affected, replacing the entire door is often more cost-effective.

8. The door needs general maintenance

Many garage door problems come down to neglect. Without lubrication or professional tune-ups, even minor wear turns into major failure.

Typical Causes:

• Jerky or uneven movement.
• Increased noise.
• Opener strain or slow performance.

Our Fix:

We recommend a full annual maintenance service, including inspection, lubrication, spring tension check, and safety testing. This proactive approach prevents expensive breakdowns and keeps the door operating smoothly.

Keeping Your Garage Door Reliable in Phoenix

The desert climate is tough on metal components. Heat, dust, and daily use wear down springs, rollers, and bearings faster than in cooler climates. Homeowners who schedule routine tune-ups once a year save money long-term by avoiding emergency repairs.