What Are the Most Common Garage Door Repairs?

Introduction

Garage doors experience daily wear and tear, making occasional repairs unavoidable. Understanding the most common garage door repairs can help homeowners identify issues early, reduce repair costs, and improve safety.

Below are the most frequent garage door problems, their causes, and typical repair solutions.

Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken springs are one of the most common and serious garage door repairs. Springs carry the weight of the door, and once they fail, the door may become difficult—or impossible—to open.

Common signs include:

• Loud snapping noise

• Door feels unusually heavy

• Door stops halfway

Spring replacement is usually required, as springs cannot be safely repaired once broken.

Worn or Broken Garage Door Cables

Garage door cables work together with springs to lift and lower the door. Over time, cables may fray, stretch, or snap due to tension and corrosion.

Common causes:

• Normal wear

• Rust and moisture exposure

• Sudden spring failure

Damaged cables should always be replaced promptly to avoid safety risks.

Damaged Rollers

Rollers allow the garage door to move smoothly along the tracks. Worn or damaged rollers can cause jerky movement and excessive noise.

Symptoms include:

• Grinding or squeaking sounds

• Door shaking during operation

• Uneven movement

Replacing worn rollers improves performance and reduces stress on other components.

Misaligned or Bent Tracks

Garage door tracks guide the door’s movement. Impact damage or loose hardware may cause misalignment, preventing proper operation.

Signs of track issues:

• Door getting stuck

• Visible gaps between rollers and track

• Door leaning to one side

Track realignment or repair restores smooth operation.

Garage Door Opener Issues

Not all garage door problems are mechanical. Openers may fail due to electrical issues, worn gears, or sensor misalignment.

Common problems include:

• Door not responding to remote

• Partial opening or closing

• Reversing unexpectedly

Opener repairs vary depending on the model and issue.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the most common garage door repairs helps homeowners respond quickly to problems and avoid costly damage. While some minor issues may be addressed with maintenance, repairs involving springs, cables, or heavy components should always be handled by professionals.

Routine inspections and timely repairs are the best ways to extend the life of your garage door system.