What's Wrong with My Garage Door?

A loud bang is usually the sound of a broken spring. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and when they snap, it can sound like something exploded in your garage. If you hear that noise and your door suddenly won’t open, it’s likely a broken torsion or extension spring. Don’t try to force the door open—give us a call and we’ll safely replace it.

There could be a few reasons for that! Most of the time, it’s an issue with the sensors—if something’s blocking them or they’re misaligned, your door won’t close properly. It could also be worn-out springs, broken cables, or an issue with the opener itself.

If your remote suddenly stops working, first check the batteries,  and make sure you're within range. If that doesn’t fix it, the issue could be with the remote itself, the opener’s antenna, or even the circuit board inside the unit. Sometimes remotes just lose their connection and need to be reprogrammed.

Flashing lights or beeping sounds from your opener usually mean it's trying to tell you something. It might be a safety sensor issue, a power interruption, or a problem with the remote signal. Some models also beep when they're in "lock" mode or if there’s a battery backup issue. If you’re not sure, we can check the opener’s diagnostics and get it working normally again.

Grinding or squeaking sounds usually mean something needs lubrication—like the rollers, tracks, or hinges. But it could also be a sign that a part is wearing out or misaligned. 

If your door gets stuck halfway, don’t try to force it open or closed—it could make things worse. This could be caused by a broken spring, frayed cable, off-track rollers, or even a problem with the opener’s motor. It’s safest to stop using it before it causes more damage.

Garage doors can come off track for a few different reasons. Sometimes it's from accidentally bumping the door with your car or a heavy object. Other times, it’s due to worn-out rollers, broken cables, or misaligned tracks. When that happens, your door can jam, tilt, or hang unevenly—definitely not something to ignore. If your door’s off track, we recommend stopping use immediately to avoid injury or further damage.

Your garage door opener may need repair or replacement if you notice it struggling to open or close the door, making unusual noises, or if the remote control or keypad is unresponsive. Sometimes, issues can be resolved with simple repairs or adjustments. However, if your opener is over 10 years old, it might be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more efficient model.

While some homeowners may have the skills to install a garage door themselves, it's generally recommended to hire a professional. Garage door installation can be complex and dangerous, especially when dealing with heavy doors and high-tension springs. A professional installation ensures that the door is safely and correctly set up, providing optimal performance and reducing the risk of future issues.

Garage door springs should be replaced if they show signs of wear and tear, such as noticeable gaps, rust, or if the door is unbalanced or operates noisily. Generally, springs have a lifespan of about 10,000 cycles (a cycle is one opening and one closing of the door). If your garage door is used frequently, it's wise to have the springs inspected at least once a year to ensure safe operation.

Regular garage door maintenance has several benefits: it ensures the door operates smoothly and quietly, extends the lifespan of the door and its components, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and enhances safety and security. Maintenance typically includes inspecting and adjusting all parts, lubricating moving parts, and checking for wear and damage.

ELP Garage Doors currently serves Columbus, Phenix City, LaGrange, Pine Mountain, Montgomery, Lake Martin, Valley, Fort Mitchell, & Eufaula along with their surrounding areas.