A garage door that gets stuck halfway is an inconvenience as it can disrupt your day, leave your home exposed, and show that something is wrong with an important system you rely on every day. If your garage door stops midway while opening or closing, it is a warning sign that a component requires attention.
Fortunately, many of the causes are common and easy to identify. Please take a look at why this happens and what you should do next:
Why a Garage Door Gets Stuck Halfway?
Your garage door system operates by balancing weight, power, and movement. When one part is not working right, the whole system can struggle. Take a look at most common reasons why this problem occurs:
Broken or Worn Springs
Springs carry most weight of your garage door. If one spring is broken or worn out, the opener is unable to lift the door fully. In many circumstances, the door will move a little and stop or reverse.
Broken springs are the serious safety risk as they are under high tension. So, these springs should never be repaired without professional tools and experience.
Damaged or Misaligned Tracks
Your garage door works on metal tracks on both sides. Whether these tracks are bent, loose, or out of alignment, the door can get stuck or jam halfway.
Sometimes, this occurs after a minor bump from a car or from normal wear over time. A small misalignment can cause the door to stop moving smoothly.
Obstructions on the Track or Rollers
Dirt, small objects, or built-up debris can often block the path of the rollers. When this occurs, the door might struggle, stop halfway, or move unevenly. A fast visual inspection along the tracks can often help you identify this issue.
Issues with the Garage Door Opener
Whether the motor is weak, the gears are worn, or the settings are incorrect, the opener may not have enough power to complete the full cycle. In some situations, the opener’s safety system might think there is an obstruction and stop the door as a precaution.
Worn Cables or Rollers
Cables and rollers can help guide and support the door as it moves. If a cable is fraying or a roller is damaged, the door might tilt slightly and get stuck partway up or down. It can cause uneven movement and additional strain on other parts of the system.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
Before seeking help from a garage door repair technician, there are a few simple and safe things you can consider:
- You can check the tracks for visible dirt, debris, or objects.
- You should look for obvious bends or loose brackets on the tracks.
- You should make sure that the photo-eye sensors near the floor are clean and aligned.
- You should listen for unusual noises when the door tries to move.
When the door feels extremely heavy or uneven, you should stop using it immediately. That often points to a spring or cable issue.
Final Consideration
A garage door that stops halfway is your system’s way of telling you that something is wrong. While some issues are minor, others can be serious and unsafe to ignore.
The sooner you handle the issue, the safer your home will be and the less likely you are to experience a costly emergency repair. A smooth, reliable garage door is about safety, security, and peace of mind.
Whenever you seek garage door repair in Alexandria VA, you should look no further than ABC Garage Doors & Repair. For all kinds of garage door needs in Alexandria, VA, please contact us today at (301) 867-5794.
