Common Garage Door Issues: Broken Garage Door Opener

Picture this:

You are driving up to your home in the pouring rain. You have a trunk full of groceries to stock the fridge and pantry for the wintery mix that has been predicted for the upcoming week. It is 33 degrees outside, and you know that getting inside where it is safe and warm is the most important thing for you and your family right now.

You pull into your driveway and hit the button for your automated garage door to open. Nothing happens. You hit the button again and again. Your garage door opener is obviously broken.

A broken garage door opener is a common issue for homeowners. Of course, an issue like this typically occurs at the least opportune moment! Most of the time, a garage door opener does not break or stop working out of the blue. There are typically clues that occur to indicate that an issue is about to arise. Knowing what to pay attention to and look for can help you avoid being stuck outside in nasty weather or from being stuck inside when you have someplace to be.

If your garage door is not opening or closing, here are some things to check before you panic.

1. Inspect the sensors. All automatic garage doors that have been manufactured since 1993 are required to have a functioning safety sensor. This sensor is located at the bottom of either side of the garage door and sends a safety beam between the two sensors. If something gets in the way of one, or both sensors, then the garage door will not function properly. Make sure the sensors are not blocked by a bike tire or spiderweb. Also, ensure that the sensors are aligned to look straight at one another so that they can detect the safety beam.
2. Inspect the power source.Sometimes your garage door may not work because the breaker has been tripped. Turn on the operator light to ensure that there is power to your garage door opener.
3. Make sure the “vacation lock” has not been turned on.If your garage remote suddenly stops working, there is a good chance that the vacation mode has been accidentally activated. The vacation setting prevents remotes and keypads from operating your garage door, and it is an added measure to secure your home while you are away.
4. Make sure the emergency release has not been pulled.The garage door must be engaged for it to work. If the chain or belt moves but the garage door is not opening or closing, the emergency release may be pulled.

If you have gone through the above checklist and found that none of these are the apparent cause of your garage door not working, contact HABPRO Garage Doors. Depending on the age of your garage door system, you may need a new system installed. Most new garage door operating systems come with an excellent warranty to protect you from needing to replace your system again in the near future.

The technicians at HABPRO Garage Doors will perform a 15-Point Service Checklist, examine all of the moving parts of your garage system for wear and tear, lubricating them as needed, and make suggestions to prolong the life of your garage door and garage door opener. We carry a complete selection of garage door remote controls, transmitters, gear kits, and keypads right on our repair truck so that if an easy fix is available, we are likely to have it on hand.

Your garage door is likely the largest moving part in your home, and it is used every day. If your garage door opener is not working, contact HABPRO Garage Doors today. We provide top quality garage door repair service to the Greater Atlanta Area.