What Is the Most Common Garage Door Repair? (And How to Prevent It)

Garage doors work hard every day. They open and close many times to let us in and out. But, just like anything that moves a lot, garage doors can break. When that happens, you may wonder: What is the most common garage door repair?

Let’s explore the answer and learn how to stop small problems from turning into big ones.

Common Garage Door Problems

Garage doors can stop working for many reasons. Here are some things that often go wrong:

• The door won’t open or close.
  
  

• The garage door makes loud noises.
  
  

• The door moves slowly or gets stuck.
  
  

• The door looks uneven or sags on one side.
  
  

• The remote control doesn’t work.
  
  

• The garage door opener beeps or flashes.
  
  

These problems may seem small at first, but they can become worse if you don’t fix them quickly. This is why it helps to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

The Most Common Garage Door Repair: Broken Springs

The most common garage door repair is fixing broken springs.

Garage door springs help lift and lower the heavy door. They work hard every time you open or close it. Over time, they can wear out and snap. This is very common and can happen suddenly.

Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring:

• The door opens only a few inches.
  
  

• You hear a loud bang from the garage.
  
  

• The door feels heavier than normal.
  
  

• The door looks crooked or uneven.
  
  

There are two types of springs:

• Torsion springs – These sit above the door and twist to open it.
  
  

• Extension springs – These stretch along the sides of the door.
  
  

Both types can break after years of use. Most springs last around 10,000 cycles (a cycle is one full open and close).

If your spring breaks, don’t try to fix it yourself. It can be very dangerous. Always call a garage door technician to help.

Other Common Garage Door Repairs

1. Garage Door Opener Problems

Garage door openers are the machines that move your door. Sometimes, they stop working.

Signs of opener problems:

• The remote control doesn’t work.
  
  

• The wall button works but the remote doesn’t.
  
  

• The motor runs, but the door doesn’t move.
  
  

You may need to reset the opener, replace batteries, or realign the sensors. If the opener is old, you may need a new one.

2. Broken Garage Door Cables

Cables help lift the door. They work with the springs. If a cable breaks or comes loose, the door may get stuck or lean to one side.

Signs of cable issues:

• Door is jerky or uneven.
  
  

• You see a loose or hanging cable.
  
  

• The door won’t move at all.
  
  

Garage door cable repair is another job best left to the pros.

3. Rollers and Tracks Misaligned

Garage door rollers help the door slide along its track. If a roller comes off or the track bends, the door may stop moving smoothly.

Watch for:

• Grinding or squeaking sounds.
  
  

• Door stuck halfway.
  
  

• Door shaking as it moves.
  
  

Keeping tracks clean and rollers oiled can help stop this from happening.

How to Prevent Common Garage Door Repairs

You can avoid many repairs with simple maintenance. Here are a few easy tips:

• Listen to your door – Any strange sounds may mean a part is wearing out.
  
  

• Look at the parts – Check cables, rollers, and springs for signs of wear.
  
  

• Lubricate moving parts – Use garage door spray lube on springs and rollers every few months.
  
  

• Test the balance – Pull the release cord and lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If not, the springs may be off.
  
  

• Keep the sensors clean – Dust can block the signal and stop the door from closing.
  
  

Doing a monthly check can keep your door running well for years.

When to Call a Garage Door Professional

Some garage door fixes are easy. You can change the batteries in the remote or clean the sensors. But some jobs are not safe to do yourself.

Call a pro if:

• A spring or cable breaks.
  
  

• The door is off its track.
  
  

• The opener motor doesn’t run.
  
  

• You hear loud banging sounds.
  
  

A trained garage door technician has the right tools and knows how to fix problems safely.

Conclusion

So, what is the most common garage door repair? It’s replacing broken springs. Springs wear out over time and can break suddenly. But with regular maintenance, you can avoid this and other common garage door problems.

Don’t wait until your garage door stops working. Keep it in good shape with simple care—and call an expert when you need help.

Need Garage Door Help?

If you’re having trouble with your garage door, contact a trusted garage door repair service near you. They’ll fix the problem fast and safely.