Most Common Garage Door Problems
Posted by Scott Moses on
Hyper-Local Homeowner Guide: Braintree, MA (02184) + South Shore
Most Common Garage Door Problems and Fixes (Braintree, MA)
If your garage door is acting up in Braintree, Quincy, Weymouth, Randolph, Avon, or Canton, you’re not alone. Between Massachusetts winters, humidity, and daily wear, garage door systems take a beating.
Below are the most common garage door problems we see on the South Shore—plus the safest fixes and when it’s time to call a pro.
Need help now? Start here: Residential Garage Door Services in Braintree, MA.
1) Garage Door Won’t Open (Or Only Opens a Few Inches)
This is one of the most common calls we get in Braintree—especially after a cold snap or a long stretch of heavy use.
Likely causes
- Broken spring (often followed by a loud bang)
- Opener force/limits set incorrectly
- Photo-eye sensors misaligned or blocked
- Door is jammed due to track/hardware issues
Safe homeowner checks
- Make sure the photo-eyes are clean and facing each other
- Check if the door is locked (manual slide lock on older doors)
- Look for a visible gap in the spring (torsion spring above the door)
If the door is heavy or won’t lift manually, don’t force the opener—this often points to springs. Book service here: Garage Door Spring Repair in Braintree, MA.
2) Loud Bang in the Garage
A loud bang that sounds like something fell is commonly a spring snapping. It can happen suddenly—often when the door is closed.
What to do
- Stop using the opener
- Keep the door closed if possible
- Check for a spring gap (torsion) or a hanging/stretched spring (extension)
Springs are under extreme tension—DIY replacement is dangerous. For local spring repair: Braintree Spring Repair.
3) Door Is Crooked or Lifting Unevenly
If one side rises faster than the other, stop immediately. An uneven door can jump the track or drop suddenly.
Likely causes
- Frayed or slipped cable
- Broken spring on a two-spring system
- Roller/hardware failure on one side
- Track misalignment
This is a “call now” issue. Start with: Garage Door Repair Near Braintree, MA.
4) Garage Door Makes Grinding / Squealing / Rattling Noises
Noises are usually the system warning you before something breaks. In South Shore winters, metal contracts, old rollers get stiff, and dry hardware gets loud.
Likely causes
- Worn rollers (especially older metal rollers)
- Loose hinges or brackets
- Dry bearings or lack of lubrication
- Track alignment issues
Regular service can prevent bigger failures: Garage Door Maintenance Near Braintree, MA.
5) Garage Door Closes, Then Reverses
If your door touches the ground and immediately reverses, it’s usually a sensor or force/limit issue.
Likely causes
- Photo-eye sensors are dirty, bumped, or misaligned
- Something is obstructing the door path
- Travel limits or force settings need adjustment
- Door binding from track/hardware problems
If the sensors look good but the issue continues, it may be a mechanical bind. Schedule an inspection: Braintree Garage Door Repair Company.
6) Remote Works Sometimes (Or Only Up Close)
If you’re in Braintree and the remote only works a few feet from the door, the problem is often simple.
Likely causes
- Weak remote battery
- Interference from LED bulbs or nearby electronics
- Antenna wire is damaged or tucked away
- Receiver/opener issue
Start by replacing the battery and checking the opener light bulb type. If the range still stinks, we can diagnose it during a repair visit: Garage Door Repair Near Braintree, MA.
7) Door Feels Heavy or Slams Shut
A heavy door usually means the springs are failing or incorrectly sized. A door that slams shut is a major safety issue.
Likely causes
- Spring fatigue (near end of life)
- Broken spring (torsion/extension)
- Incorrect spring sizing
- Track/hardware bind
Don’t “muscle” the door or keep running the opener—this can damage the opener and create a hazard. Book spring service: Garage Door Spring Repair (Braintree, MA).
8) Door Is Off-Track
If rollers are out of the track or the door is stuck at an angle, stop using it. Off-track doors can fall or bend sections.
Common causes
- Impact (car bump, bike, trash barrel, etc.)
- Loose track brackets
- Worn rollers
- Cable/spring issues causing uneven lift
This should be handled by a technician. Start here: Garage Door Repair Near Braintree, MA.
When to Call a Pro in Braintree (Don’t DIY These)
- Broken springs (torsion or extension)
- Frayed cables / loose cables
- Door lifting crooked or off-track
- Door slamming or free-falling
- Any situation where the opener strains or the door feels unusually heavy
Springs and cables are under serious tension. In Massachusetts homes where the garage is a main entry, safe repairs matter.
Call to Action: Local Garage Door Repair in Braintree, MA
If your garage door is stuck, noisy, crooked, or won’t open, Lynoka Garage Door Services can help. We’re based in Braintree, MA and serve the South Shore and nearby towns.
Call/Text: 857-209-6904
Book service: Residential Garage Door Services (Braintree, MA)
Repair page: Garage Door Repair Near Braintree, MA
Spring repair: Garage Door Spring Repair (Braintree, MA)
Company page: Braintree Garage Door Repair Company
Emergency tip: If the door is stuck open, crooked, or slamming shut, keep people and vehicles clear and call right away.