How To Fix A Jammed Garage Door

A jammed garage roller door is frustrating, but most issues are safe to diagnose with a few simple checks. To fix A jammed garage door, first start with power and safety, look for obvious obstructions, then use the manual release to test the door. Stop immediately if you see a broken spring or frayed cable and call a professional.

Quick Safety Checks Before You Start

Unplug the garage door opener or switch off the circuit breaker. Keep children and pets away, and consider having a team of helpers for safet . Make sure the door lock is unlocked and the track area is clear of boxes or tools. Never touch torsion springs or lift cables. Wear gloves and safety glasses if you will clean, adjust, or lubricate moving parts like hinges and rollers.

Common Causes Of A Jammed Garage Door

Obstructions In Tracks, Rollers And Hinges

Small objects in the tracks can stop a roller door or sectional door in its path. Remove stones, screws and debris, wipe away dirt, and check that rollers spin freely to avoid any tear in the door . Tighten loose hinge screws and look for flat spots on worn rollers.

Safety Sensors Not Clean Or Properly Aligned

Photo eye sensors sit about 150 to 200 mm from the floor. Clean the lenses and confirm both LEDs are steady to ensure safe passage for your car . Sensors must face each other at the same height or the door may not close.

Broken Springs Or Cables

A visible gap in a torsion spring, a hanging or frayed cable, or a door that sits crooked are danger signs. Do not lift or continue. These repairs are for a professional technician with the necessary expertise .

Troubleshooting Steps To Free A Stuck Garage Door

Clear Debris And True Minor Track Rubs

If movement feels tight, look along the vertical and horizontal tracks for a spot where the roller rubs. Gently nudge small inward kinks out with a soft mallet and a timber block, as failure to do so can lead to further issues . Do not remove track brackets or twist the rails.

Lubricate Moving Parts, Not The Tracks

Use a lithium or silicone spray on hinges, roller stems and bearings, the centre bearing plate, and the opener rail where the trolley slides. Do not lubricate the side tracks, but explore other areas for lubrication . Wipe away excess to avoid attracting dirt.

Re-Align Hardware And Tighten Screws

Confirm track brackets are snug to the jambs and hinges are secure. Tighten loose screws, but do not loosen structural fasteners or adjust springs, as doing so may make the problem worse . Replace worn out parts like rollers only if you are confident and the part is not a spring or cable.

When Not To DIY And When To Call A Professional

Stop and book a technician if you see a broken spring or frayed cable, the door has jumped the track by more than 25 mm, panels are bowing, the motor smells burnt, or the circuit breaker trips repeatedly. Continuing can cause more damage or serious injury if you do not develop an understanding of the repair needs .

Prevent A Jammed Door With Simple Maintenance

Clean tracks quarterly and keep them dry and free of grit. Lubricate hinges and roller stems every 6 months, or every 3 months on high use doors, including grove roller doors . Test balance twice a year by lifting the disconnected door to halfway; it should stay in place. Check that safety sensors remain aligned, tighten loose screws, and replace damaged rollers before they fail. Book an annual service to inspect bearings, cables and springs.

FAQs

Call Slide And Glide For Fast Help In Perth

If the door is still stuck or you have broken springs, cables or bent tracks, call Slide And Glide for same day Perth garage door service. Fixed price callout, quality parts and workmanship warranty on every job. Book now and get your garage door working safely again.