Blog Layout

Why Is Your Garage Door Opening and Closing by Itself?

However, although garage doors are designed to provide you with years of worry-free service, that does not make the doors indestructible. One of the obvious signs that your garage door is failing is if it opens or closes by itself. Discover some possible causes of this problem and what to do.

Blocked Sensor

Today, garage doors are equipped with extra safety features like sensors. This feature detects any object or person in the way and stops the door from closing so that no one can get hurt.

If the sensor is blocked, perhaps due to dirt accumulation, that may send the wrong signal to the door opener that someone is present, which can cause the door to open on its own. Similarly, if you pile items such as boxes in front of the sensor, that can cause the sensor to malfunction.

The easiest fix is to wipe off the dirt and remove anything obstructing the sensor. Besides blockage, the sensor may fail if not aligned correctly. You may need a professional garage door service company to inspect and adjust the sensor for correct alignment.

Faulty Control Wiring

Your garage door opener features a control panel with several control buttons. This panel then gets connected to the garage door opener through a series of wires, and if any of the cables are exposed, perhaps due to wear and tear, it can interfere with the door’s normal operations and cause it to open and close on its own.

To address this issue, inspect your control wiring and replace any broken or exposed wires. But considering how risky this electrical work can be, leave this job to a professional garage door technician.

Faulty Circuit Board

The circuit board, also known as the logic board, is the electronic component that receives signals from the control panel and transmits these signals to open and close your garage door.

If any components on this board are no longer functioning correctly, this circuit board may transmit the wrong signals to your door opener and cause it to open or close on its own.

Besides, you can tell if the circuit board is the culprit if your garage door opens halfway or if the warning light flashes consistently. The circuit board is complex, so do not attempt to replace it yourself. Instead, hire a garage door technician to do the job for you.

Damaged Springs

Garage door springs ensure a smooth and easy operation. This component balances the door’s weight for consistency when you open and close the door.

When these springs get worn out or broken, that may cause uneven weight distribution, compromising the door’s balance and, in turn, its normal operations.

Other than the door opening and closing by itself, loose or broken springs may manifest differently, such as a loud noise when operating the door. The door may also open crookedly or too fast.

If you suspect your springs are to blame, do not attempt to repair them yourself. The springs are a significant part of the door, and a minor mistake can cause considerable damage. Instead, call a garage door professional to inspect and repair your springs safely.

Now that you understand some of the possible causes of your garage door opening or closing by itself, you can take proactive steps to avoid such a problem. Keep an eye out for signs that indicate your door needs repairs, and do not hesitate to call a professional garage door technician when necessary.

You can trust us at Plano Overhead Garage Door to inspect, diagnose and repair or replace your garage door so that it operates as intended. Contact us today, and let us discuss how we can help.

08 May, 2024
Installing a new sectional garage door is a significant investment for any homeowner. Read our blog to learn about the garage door installation process.
24 Apr, 2024
Upgrading your garage door is a smart investment in terms of ROI and can enhance your home's energy efficiency, security, and value. Read on to learn more.
19 Mar, 2024
Understanding the fundamentals of belt drive and chain drive garage door openers is crucial in selecting one that suits your needs. Read on to learn more.
13 Feb, 2024
Sectional garage doors have become a preferred choice for homeowners and businesses. Read our blog to understand why you should upgrade yours today.
01 Feb, 2024
A garage door is a critical part of your home’s security, safety, and curb appeal. It’s easy to take garage doors for granted, but when they start malfunctioning or showing signs of wear and tear, you need to take action quickly. Replacing a garage door can be a significant investment, but it’s necessary after a certain point in time, and the benefits are worth it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs that it’s time to replace your garage door so that you can make an informed decision and keep your home safe and secure. Safety Concerns The most important reason to replace a garage door is your safety. If your garage door is showing any of the following signs, it’s time to consider a replacement: if you hear any grinding noise from the door opener, it can indicate that the door is not balanced properly on its track, and there is a risk of it falling, causing potential harm or injury. If the door doesn’t stay in place or falls suddenly, it poses a significant safety hazard. Your safety should be your primary concern when it comes to garage doors, and any situation where you feel insecure or unsafe should be dealt with immediately. Energy Efficiency Issues If you notice a significant increase in your heating and cooling bills, your garage door may be the culprit. Older garage doors are not energy-efficient and allow air to escape, causing higher energy bills. If you notice that your garage is colder than the rest of your home or too hot in the summer months, you might want to consider replacing your garage door. A new garage door can be insulated, which will help you save on your overall energy costs. Worn Out and Damaged Door Over time, garage doors become worn out and damaged, especially if they face harsh weather conditions. They may get rusted, dented, or scratched, and you may experience difficulties opening and closing them. If you have to frequently repair small issues with your garage door, this can indicate that you need to replace your door soon. A new garage door will help improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your property’s value, and give your home a more updated and modern look. Outdated Technology Modern technology has improved garage door openers and remote control systems. If you’re still using an outdated model, your garage door may not be as secure as it should be. Newer models have advanced security features such as rolling codes and encrypted signals that work to make your garage more secure. Additionally, they have features that make them more convenient, such as Wi-Fi capability, which lets you operate your garage door from your smartphone. Excessive Noise A noisy garage door is not only irritating but is also a sign that it’s time for replacement if lubrication adjustments don’t solve the problem. Replacing your garage door will decrease the noise level, increase your home’s security and safety, and help you improve its energy efficiency. A garage door is a crucial part of your home, and if you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to consider a replacement. Replacing your garage door may be a considerable investment, but it’s worth it given the benefits you receive in return. A new garage door improves your home’s curb appeal, enhances security and safety, improves energy efficiency, and eliminates excessive noise.  Contact the team at Plano Overhead Garage Door to get a comprehensive inspection of your garage door and decide on the best course of action. A safe and secure garage door is the first step in making sure your home is safe and secure.
19 Dec, 2023
A garage door system consists of several key components that work together to facilitate smooth and reliable operation. Understanding these components is crucial for both maintenance and troubleshooting. Here are the main elements of a typical garage door system. Door Opener The garage door opener typically consists of an electric motor housed in a sturdy […] The post Understanding the Components of a Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door.
More Posts
Share by: