As a homeowner in Arizona, your garage door is one of the most vital parts of your home’s functionality. Whether it’s securing your car, protecting your belongings, or providing access to your home, a fully functioning garage door is crucial. But when unexpected failures occur, especially in the extreme heat of Phoenix or the dust of the East Valley, it can be more than just an inconvenience—it can be an emergency.
At Rite-A-Way Garage Doors, we understand the unique challenges Arizona homeowners face, from temperature extremes to dust storms, and we’re here to provide expert guidance on how to handle unexpected garage door issues. Whether it’s in the middle of a scorching summer day or a chilly winter evening, here’s what to do when disaster strikes and your garage door stops working.
1. Don’t Panic: Assess the Situation Calmly
When your garage door suddenly malfunctions, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when a major home feature like your garage door stops working unexpectedly, but rushing into repairs without assessing the situation can lead to further damage or even injury.
Start by determining what type of failure you’re dealing with:
- The door won’t open or close at all: Is it a power issue? Is the remote control working?
- The door is off track: This can be caused by broken springs, misaligned tracks, or worn-out rollers.
- The door closes halfway and stops: This could indicate a problem with the safety sensors, the opener, or a mechanical failure.
- Strange noises or jerking movements: This often points to problems with the opener or the garage door’s springs.
Understanding the nature of the problem can help you decide the next steps.
2. Check the Power Source
If your garage door is not responding at all, start with the simplest fix—check the power. In many cases, power surges, outages, or a tripped circuit breaker can cause the garage door opener to stop functioning.
- Check the opener: Is the light on? If it’s off, the opener might not be getting power.
- Inspect the breaker: If the circuit breaker for the garage is tripped, flip it back to the “on” position.
- Test the remote: Sometimes, dead batteries in the remote can make it seem like the garage door isn’t working. Try using the wall switch or replacing the remote’s batteries.
If the power is fine and the door still won’t budge, there could be a more significant problem requiring professional attention.
3. Look for Obstructions and Misalignments
Dust, dirt, and debris can be a major issue for garage doors in Arizona, particularly in the East Valley where dust storms are common. If the door is partially open or off track, inspect the tracks and rollers for any visible obstructions. A small rock or debris can prevent the rollers from moving smoothly along the track.
- Track obstruction: If the tracks are blocked, clear them carefully and try operating the door again.
- Misalignment: Over time, the tracks can get misaligned, especially in the extreme heat, causing the door to stick or get stuck halfway. Misaligned tracks are best left to the professionals, as attempting to adjust them yourself can lead to further damage.
Ensure the weatherstripping around the edges of the door is intact and free from debris, as this can also cause issues with closing properly.
4. Addressing Broken Springs or Cables
Broken springs or cables are some of the most common causes of garage door failures, and they are also among the most dangerous to attempt to repair without professional help. Garage doors rely on springs to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. Over time, especially in the harsh Arizona climate, springs can wear out or snap under pressure.
If you hear a loud “bang” or if the door looks uneven when closed, it’s likely that a spring has broken. Springs come in two types: torsion springs (above the door) and extension springs (on the sides). Regardless of the type, never attempt to fix them yourself. Torsion springs are under a lot of tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled.
If you suspect a broken spring or cable, call Rite-A-Way Garage Doors immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency services and can replace the springs quickly and safely.
5. Call a Professional for Immediate Repair
While it’s helpful to perform basic checks and maintenance, many garage door issues—especially in Arizona’s extreme climate—require the expertise of a trained professional. Attempting to fix a complex problem without the proper tools or knowledge can lead to more damage and even compromise your safety.
At Rite-A-Way Garage Doors, we’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Whether it’s a broken spring, an off-track door, or an electrical issue with the opener, our licensed and insured technicians can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. We serve Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and the surrounding East and West Valley areas, ensuring that homeowners across Arizona have access to high-quality, fast garage door services.
6. Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Future Emergencies
Once your emergency repair is complete, it’s a good idea to schedule routine garage door maintenance to avoid future issues. In Arizona’s harsh desert environment, regular checks are crucial to ensuring your garage door is functioning properly. Preventive care can include lubricating moving parts, checking the alignment of the door, inspecting the opener and safety features, and cleaning debris from tracks and sensors.
Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your garage door and reduce the likelihood of emergency failures in the future.
Call Rite-A-Way Garage Doors for Fast, Reliable Service
When disaster strikes and your garage door fails, don’t wait to address the problem. Call Rite-A-Way Garage Doors for immediate repair services, no matter the time of day or night. We proudly serve the Phoenix metro area, including Mesa, Scottsdale, and the East and West Valleys. With licensed and insured technicians and a commitment to high-quality service, we’re ready to help restore your garage door to perfect working order.
For emergency repairs or to schedule maintenance, contact Rite-A-Way Garage Doors at 480-570-4814 or visit our website at Rite-A-Way Garage Doors. We’re here to ensure that your garage door is always ready when you need it most.
