Why won't my garage door close?

Common reasons include: misaligned safety sensors, obstructions in the door path, broken springs, stripped gears in the opener, or issues with the close limit settings. Check the safety sensors first - they should both have steady lights.

Should I repair or replace my garage door?

Consider replacing if: the door is over 15-20 years old, has significant rust or structural damage, panels are severely damaged, or you want to upgrade to an insulated door. Many issues like springs, cables, sensors, and openers are cost-effective to repair.

What do the blinking lights on my garage door opener mean?

Blinking lights indicate error codes. For LiftMaster/Chamberlain: 1 blink = sensor wire issue, 2 blinks = sensor wire short, 3 blinks = door control wire issue, 4 blinks = sensor misalignment, 5 blinks = motor issue. Use our error code lookup tool for specific diagnosis.

How do I calculate what torsion spring I need?

To calculate the correct torsion spring, you need: door height, door width, door weight, track type, and number of springs. The formula involves IPPT (Inch-Pounds Per Turn) = d^4 × E / (10.8 × D × Na). Use our spring calculator for accurate results.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Torsion spring replacement is dangerous and recommended only for trained professionals due to the extreme tension (over 200 lbs of force). Extension springs are safer for DIY but still require proper safety precautions and tools.

Garage Door Opens or Closes Slowly

DIY Friendly20-60 minutes

A garage door that moves slowly is usually suffering from lack of lubrication, worn rollers, or weakening springs. The opener has to work harder against the friction, slowing everything down. Regular maintenance prevents this common problem.

Common Symptoms

Door takes much longer to open/close than before
Motor sounds like it's straining
Door hesitates or pauses during travel
Slow in one direction but not the other

Possible Causes

•Lack of lubrication on tracks, rollers, hinges
•Worn or damaged rollers
•Dirty or corroded tracks
•Weak or broken springs
•Opener motor wearing out
•Cold weather thickening lubricants

How to Fix It

Time the door operation

A garage door should fully open or close in 12-15 seconds. Over 20 seconds indicates a problem.

Lubricate all moving parts

Apply garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to rollers, hinges, springs, and bearing plates. Work the door several times to distribute.

Clean the tracks

Wipe down tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and old lubricant. Don't grease the tracks—just clean them.

Inspect the rollers

Look for worn, cracked, or chipped rollers. Rollers should spin freely. Nylon rollers are quieter and last longer than metal.

Test door balance

Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually. A balanced door stays in place at waist height. If it falls, springs need attention.

Replace worn rollers

If rollers are damaged, replace them one at a time. Don't remove bottom brackets—they're under spring tension.

When to Call a Professional

•Door is significantly unbalanced (spring issue)
•Motor continues straining after lubrication
•You need to replace bottom rollers
•Opener is more than 15 years old

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cold weather slow my garage door?

Yes. Cold thickens lubricants and can make weatherstripping stick. Use a cold-weather rated lubricant in winter and wipe silicone on the weatherstripping.

Should I use WD-40 on my garage door?

No. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. It will strip existing lubrication and attract dirt. Use a product specifically designed for garage doors.

How often should I lubricate my garage door?

Every 6 months is ideal. More often in extreme climates or if the door is used heavily. It takes 5 minutes and prevents most problems.