Your garage door is one of the largest and most frequently used moving parts in your home. It provides security, insulation, and convenience but like any mechanical system, it’s vulnerable to wear and tear. A malfunctioning garage door can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Understanding the top reasons garage doors break and knowing how to prevent these issues can save you time, money, and frustration.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common causes of garage door problems and offer expert tips to keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

1. Worn or Broken Torsion Springs

The Problem:
Torsion springs are essential components that counterbalance the weight of the garage door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. Over time, these springs weaken or snap due to repeated use. Most torsion springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles (one cycle equals an open and close), which translates to roughly 7–10 years of normal use.

Signs of a broken spring:

• The door struggles to open or won’t open at all
• You hear a loud “bang” in the garage (spring snapping)
• The door opens crookedly or unevenly

Prevention:

• Have your springs professionally inspected and lubricated annually
• Replace both springs if one breaks to avoid imbalance

Never try to replace springs yourself—spring tension is extremely dangerous and requires professional handling

2. Worn Rollers and Hinges

The Problem:
Garage door rollers help the door move along its tracks. Hinges keep door sections connected and aligned. When these parts wear out or become misaligned, your door may become noisy, slow, or jerky in its movement.

Signs of roller or hinge issues:

• Squeaking or grinding noises
• The door shakes or wobbles during movement
• Roller wheels pop out of the track

Prevention:

• Lubricate rollers and hinges every six months with a silicone-based lubricant
• Replace worn or damaged rollers before they cause further strain on the system
• Schedule routine maintenance checks to catch wear early

3. Off-Track or Misaligned Door

The Problem:
A garage door must stay aligned with its tracks to operate properly. Doors can go off-track due to impacts, worn rollers, loose brackets, or broken cables. Once off-track, the door can jam, get stuck halfway, or fall suddenly—posing serious safety risks.

Signs of track misalignment:

• Gaps between the rollers and track
• Grinding or dragging sounds
• The door looks uneven or angled

Prevention:

• Check that the tracks are securely fastened to the wall and ceiling
• Avoid bumping the garage door with vehicles or heavy objects
• Keep the tracks clean and free of debris

4. Faulty Garage Door Opener

The Problem:
Your automatic garage door opener relies on motors, gears, remotes, and sensors to function correctly. If any of these components fail, the door may not respond to commands or may reverse unexpectedly.

Common opener issues include:

• Worn drive gears
• Broken chains or belts
• Misaligned or dirty safety sensors
• Signal interference from remotes

Prevention:

• Clean photo-eye sensors regularly and keep them aligned
• Replace batteries in remote controls and keypads
• Schedule opener maintenance, including gear lubrication and software updates
• Install surge protectors to protect electronics from voltage spikes

5. Lack of Maintenance and Neglect

The Problem:
Many garage door failures occur simply because the system wasn’t maintained. Garage doors are complex systems made up of moving parts that require periodic inspection, cleaning, and adjustment. Without this upkeep, even minor wear can quickly turn into a major repair.

Signs of neglect:

• Noisy operation
• Rust on springs or tracks
• Loose hardware or cables
• Uneven door movement

Prevention:

• Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year
• Lubricate all moving parts regularly (springs, hinges, rollers)
• Tighten bolts and brackets as needed
• Test the door’s balance and safety features monthly
• Bonus Tip: Know When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks (like lubrication or cleaning sensors) can be done by homeowners, many garage door components operate under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled. If your door shows signs of serious damage—like broken springs, snapped cables, or motor issues—call a licensed technician.

Professional garage door services not only address existing problems but also help extend the life of your entire system through expert inspections and preventative care.

Conclusion

A garage door is a vital component of your home’s safety, accessibility, and functionality. From broken springs to misaligned tracks, understanding the most common causes of garage door failure gives you the tools to take action before small issues become big headaches.

Routine maintenance and timely repairs are your best defense against unexpected breakdowns.

If you’re looking for reliable garage door maintenance and repair services in the UAE, visit TRG Technical Services.
Our trained professionals offer expert installation, servicing, and inspections to ensure your garage doors operate safely and smoothly year after year.