Why Overhead Garage Doors Break

August 25, 2025
Mike W

Garage Door Topics

Overhead garage doors are built tough, but they’re not invincible. Common causes of breakdowns include:

Broken springs – These do the heavy lifting, and they wear out over time.
Worn-out rollers – Rollers help your door glide. If they’re noisy or stuck, it’s time to replace them.
Snapped cables – Cables help control the motion. If one breaks, your door may get stuck.
Track misalignment – If the track isn’t straight, the door won’t run smoothly.
Opener issues – From dead remotes to motor problems, opener malfunctions are common.
Sensor failure – Dirty or misaligned sensors stop the door from closing.

Weather damage – Rain, snow, and heat can wear out seals and warp materials.

Signs You Need Overhead Garage Door Repair

Not sure if something’s wrong? Here are a few signs:

Your garage door opens slowly or unevenly
Strange noises like grinding or squeaking
The door won’t open or close all the way
Sagging or visible gaps when closed
The remote or wall button doesn’t respond
Door shakes or gets stuck halfway
You see frayed cables or loose springs

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule a repair overhead garage door service.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

Some repairs are simple and safe for DIY, like:

Replacing remote batteries
Cleaning and realigning photo-eye sensors
Lubricating metal parts (use silicone spray)
Tightening loose bolts or hinges
Resetting the opener if it’s unresponsive
Checking for blockages in the track

But other jobs—like spring or cable replacement—are risky. These parts are under high tension and can cause serious injury. If you’re not 100% sure, don’t guess. Call the pros.

The Dangers of Ignoring Repairs

Putting off garage door repairs can lead to bigger problems:

A small issue like a noisy roller can damage other parts
Faulty sensors can make your door a safety risk
Weak springs can cause the door to crash down unexpectedly
Misaligned tracks can warp the door or burn out the motor
Worn weather seals can raise your energy bills

It’s not just about convenience—it’s also about safety. A broken door can hurt someone or damage your car.

Why Call Rainier Garage Door?

At Rainier Garage Door, we’ve seen it all. Our techs can quickly find the problem and fix it right. We handle everything from quick tune-ups to major repairs.

Fast service – Same-day and emergency repairs available
Expert team – Trained pros who know all door types
Honest pricing – No surprises, just fair quotes
Safety first – We use the right tools and safety steps every time
Fully stocked trucks – Most repairs done on the spot

Got a garage door that’s giving you trouble? Call now at (425) 454-3250 or fill out our quick contact form to schedule service!

Prevent Future Repairs with Maintenance

Want fewer problems down the road? Keep your overhead garage door in great shape with simple maintenance:

Lubricate moving parts every 6 months
Test the auto-reverse safety feature regularly
Check cables and springs for wear
Make sure the door opens and closes evenly
Keep sensors clean and aligned
Inspect weather seals for cracks or wear
Clean out dirt and debris from the track

We also offer affordable maintenance plans. Let us take care of the details so you don’t have to worry. Our regular checkups catch small issues before they become big ones.

Common Repairs We Handle

Here are some of the most frequent garage door issues we fix:

Spring Replacement

Springs take on most of the weight. When they snap, the door won’t lift properly. Torsion and extension springs wear out after thousands of cycles.

Cable Repair

Snapped or frayed cables can throw the door off balance or keep it from opening. Replacing them keeps your door safe and level.

Sensor Alignment

If your door won’t close, it might be dirty or misaligned sensors. We clean and adjust them so your safety system works properly.

Roller and Hinge Repair

Old rollers and hinges can make your door squeaky and jerky. Replacing them helps it glide smoothly again. We install nylon or steel rollers based on your needs.

Opener Problems

Whether your remote is dead or your opener just quit, we troubleshoot and fix it all. From gear replacements to circuit board issues, we’ve got it handled.

Weather Seal Replacement

Torn or worn-out seals let in drafts, bugs, and moisture. We replace bottom seals and trim to help keep your garage protected.

Track Realignment

If the door rubs or sticks, the track could be out of place. We adjust and secure tracks for smooth motion.

Emergency Garage Door Repair

Garage door won’t close at night? Car stuck inside during a busy morning? We offer emergency repair services to get your day back on track.

Quick response times
Available evenings and weekends
Fully equipped for all brands and models

Your safety and convenience come first. Don’t wait till morning—call (425) 454-3250 now!

How to Extend the Life of Your Garage Door

Simple steps can make a big difference:

Don’t slam or force the door shut
Keep objects away from the tracks
Unplug the opener during long vacations
Teach kids not to play with the remote

Your garage door is the largest moving part in your home. A little care goes a long way!

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Rainier Garage Door proudly serves homes and businesses across:

Seattle
Bellevue
Redmond
Issaquah
Renton
Sammamish
And more!

Whether you need help at home or at work, we’ve got your overhead garage door needs covered.

How much does it cost to repair a garage door?

The cost to repair a garage door depends on the problem. Simple fixes like sensor alignment or track lubrication may only cost $100 to $200. However, more complex issues such as spring or opener replacement can range from $200 to $800 or more, especially if specialty parts or emergency service is needed. Most homeowners can expect to pay around $150 to $400 on average for a professional garage door repair.

What is the common problem of a garage door?

One of the most common problems with garage doors is broken torsion or extension springs. These springs support the door’s weight and help it open and close smoothly. Other frequent issues include misaligned tracks, worn-out rollers, faulty openers, and sensor problems. These problems can prevent the door from opening or closing correctly, and often lead to loud noises, shaking, or complete failure.

How much to replace the springs on a garage door?

Replacing the springs on a garage door typically costs between $200 and $550. The final price depends on the type of springs used (torsion vs. extension), the size and weight of the door, and labor costs. It’s crucial to have a trained technician handle spring replacement, as these parts are under high tension and can cause serious injuries if handled incorrectly.

What is the most common garage door repair?

The most common garage door repair is replacing broken or worn-out springs. Because springs handle the heavy lifting every time you open or close your door, they wear down over time. Most springs last between 7 to 10 years, depending on usage. When a spring fails, the door may not lift properly or may become stuck, making this a top repair call for garage door professionals.