Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close All the Way (and What to Do About It)
So your garage door starts to close… and then it stops. Or maybe it goes down, then pops right back up like it changed its mind. Frustrating? Definitely. But don’t worry—this is a common issue, and most of the time, it’s fixable without replacing the whole system.
If your garage door won’t close all the way, here’s what might be going on and what you can do to get things moving again. Whether you’re in Gallatin, Brentwood, Hendersonville, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, we’ve got your back.
1. Something’s Blocking the Sensors
This is the most common reason a garage door won’t close. All modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensorsnear the floor on either side of the door. Their job is to stop the door from closing if something’s in the way.
What to check:
Look for objects, leaves, or debris near the sensors.
Wipe off dust, cobwebs, or dirt from the sensor lenses.
Make sure nothing is blocking the invisible line between the two sensors.
Even direct sunlight can sometimes mess with the sensors, so if the problem only happens at certain times of day, that might be your clue.
Fix: Clean the lenses and clear the space around the sensors. Still not closing? Keep reading.
2. The Sensors Are Misaligned
If your sensors aren’t lined up properly, they can’t “see” each other—and your garage door won’t close.
Signs of misalignment:
One sensor light is blinking or not lit.
The door starts to close and immediately reverses.
Fix:
Gently adjust the sensors so they point directly at each other. Most models have indicator lights that turn solid when they’re aligned correctly. If the lights stay on, you’re good to go.
Still acting up? It could be something electrical.
3. The Tracks Are Dirty or Damaged
Garage doors slide on metal tracks. If those tracks are bent, blocked, or full of gunk, your door might not be able to close all the way.
Check for:
Dents or warping in the tracks
Dirt, gravel, or buildup inside the rails
Rust or corrosion
Fix:
Clean out the tracks with a damp cloth and inspect them for any obvious damage. If they’re bent or uneven, it’s time to call a professional to repair or replace them.
4. Limit Settings Are Off
Your garage door opener has “limit settings” that tell it how far to move when opening and closing. If those settings are off—even just a little—your door might stop too soon or think the floor is an obstruction.
Signs:
The door stops short of the ground
The motor keeps running after the door touches down
Fix:
Locate the limit adjustment screws or knobs on your garage door opener unit. Check your manual (or Google the model number) to find the right one to tweak. Make small adjustments until the door closes properly.
If this feels too techy, give us a call and we’ll handle it for you.
5. Broken Springs or Cables
Your garage door relies on torsion springs or cables to raise and lower smoothly. If one of those snaps, your door might hang unevenly or refuse to close.
Warning signs:
Door looks crooked when moving
Loud popping or snapping noise when it stopped working
Door is suddenly very heavy or hard to move manually
Fix:
Do not try to fix broken springs yourself. These parts are under high tension and can be dangerous without the right tools and training. This is definitely a call-the-experts situation.
6. The Remote or Wall Switch Isn’t Working Right
Sometimes the issue isn’t the door at all—it’s how you’re trying to control it.
Troubleshooting tips:
Replace the batteries in your remote.
Try the wall button instead of the remote (or vice versa).
Reset your opener by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If none of your openers work, and the sensors are clear, the problem might be in the circuit board or motor. That’s another job for a technician.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the above and your garage door still won’t close, it’s time to bring in a pro. Some problems are quick fixes. Others (like motor failure or complex electrical issues) require experience and proper tools.
At White Buffalo Restoration, we offer garage door repair services throughout Middle Tennessee. Whether your system is outdated or you just need a tune-up, we’ll find the issue, explain your options, and fix it right—the first time.
Need Garage Door Help in Middle Tennessee?
Don’t let a stubborn garage door ruin your day. Whether you’re in Hendersonville, Gallatin, Nashville, Brentwood, or White House, we’re just a call away.
White Buffalo Restoration delivers fast, honest, and expert service for garage door issues of all kinds. We also offer inspections if you’re noticing squeaking, shaking, or slow movement—signs that something may be off before a full breakdown happens.
Reach out today to schedule a service or get a free quote. Your garage door is more than just a convenience. It’s part of your home’s security, functionality, and curb appeal—and we’re here to keep it working smoothly.
Call us at (615) 442-6573 or contact us here to schedule a free assessment. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Hendersonville, Gallatin, Nashville, and the greater Middle Tennessee area.