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How to Repair Common Garage Door Issues

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated August 14, 2023

If your garage door isn’t working properly, it’s best to fix any issues before they turn into bigger problems. Fortunately, you can tackle most common garage door repairs in just a few steps. Read on to learn more.

Skill

Intermediate

Time

One Day

Two white garage doors on a red brick home at the end of a concrete driveway.

Tools and Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door

Is your garage door making more noise than it should when it opens or closes? The solution to squealing, clanging or rattling may be to secure and clean the mechanisms.

How to Fix Broken Glass in a Garage Door Window

Broken glass in a garage door can present safety issues, such as sharp shards and direct access for unwanted guests. If your garage door glass window is shattered or cracked, here’s what you can do:

How to Fix a Garage Door With Worn Springs

Two garage door springs.

A garage door system uses springs that connect to cables and pulleys to counterbalance the weight of the door. This makes it easier to open the door. If your door feels especially heavy when you’re trying to open it by hand, you may need to replace the springs.

The two most common types of garage door springs are extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs operate parallel to the horizontal tracks, while torsion springs are perpendicular to the tracks and operate in the shaft above the door opening.

Caution

Garage door springs are under heavy tension. Removing springs can be dangerous even for experienced do-it-yourselfers due to the risk of falling heavy doors, sharp metal edging, and forceful snaps and movements. You should let professionals make these repairs. A professional garage door repair team will detach the springs and safety cables, replace them with new ones, lubricate the components, and test the system.

How to Fix Broken Movement Sensors

Many modern garages include a motion sensor near the garage door to prevent the garage door from automatically closing on people. Garages also sometimes have a motion-sensor light to ward off trespassers, wild animals or other unwanted visitors. These features can help you feel safe in your home.

You may need to replace a broken sensor. But before you call in a professional technician, check your garage door opener’s manual for troubleshooting tips. If you don’t have the manual, try these steps.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Garage Door Opener Remote

A person pressing the button on a garage door opener remote.

Is your garage door opener remote not working? Follow these steps to troubleshoot a faulty remote so you can easily access your garage.

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