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How do you fix a garage door that won’t close?

December 8, 2023
garage door repair

A garage door that refuses to close can be more than an inconvenience—it’s a security risk for your home, office, or business premises. Across Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Livingston, Angus, the Scottish Borders, St Andrews, East and West Lothian, Tayside, Dunfermline, and East Central Scotland, many homeowners encounter this problem, particularly during unpredictable Scottish weather.

In this guide, we’ll explain common causes, practical DIY steps, and when to call in a professional garage door repair service.

Step 1: Check the Safety Sensors

Modern garage doors are fitted with photo-eye safety sensors near the ground. If they are dirty, blocked, or misaligned, the system may prevent the door from closing.

  • What to do: Gently clean the sensors with a soft cloth, remove any obstructions, and ensure they face each other correctly.

  • When to call an expert: If the light indicators are flashing even after cleaning, the sensors may need recalibration.

For a deeper troubleshooting breakdown, see our Ultimate Garage Door Troubleshooting Guide 2025.

Step 2: Inspect the Tracks and Rollers

A garage door depends on smooth tracks and rollers for proper movement. In areas like Stirling and East Lothian, where damp conditions cause rust or debris build-up, misalignment is a common issue.

  • What to do: Check for dents, bends, or loose bolts in the tracks. Clean away dirt and lubricate the rollers with a silicone-based spray.

  • When to call an expert: If the track is severely bent or damaged, a replacement is safer and more effective.

Step 3: Test the Remote Control and Keypad

Sometimes the solution is as simple as replacing the batteries in your remote. If the door responds inconsistently:

  • What to do: Swap out old batteries and try reprogramming the remote according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • When to call an expert: If reprogramming fails, the issue may lie in the opener’s internal wiring.

For advice on whether to use a local garage door repair service or a national provider, check our guide on Local vs National Garage Door Repair.

Step 4: Examine the Springs

Garage door springs carry the weight of the door and allow smooth operation. If a spring snaps, the door may fail to close fully.

⚠️ Warning: Springs are under extreme tension and should only be handled by a qualified engineer. Attempting to replace them yourself can cause serious injury.

If you suspect a broken spring, book a professional garage door repair in Perth, Dundee, or Angus immediately.

Step 5: Adjust the Limit Switch

The limit switch tells your opener how far the door should travel. If incorrectly set, the door may stop short or reopen.

  • What to do: Consult your user manual to locate the adjustment screws on the opener and carefully tweak the settings.

  • When to call an expert: If repeated adjustments don’t help, the opener itself may be faulty and require repair or replacement.

Step 6: Inspect the Weather Stripping

In the Scottish Borders, Dunfermline, and coastal areas like St Andrews, harsh weather often damages the bottom seal of garage doors.

  • What to do: Check the weather stripping for cracks or gaps. Replace damaged seals to ensure a tight closure against draughts and rain.

  • When to call an expert: If the door frame itself is warped or water-damaged, more extensive repair may be needed.

Step 7: Verify the Power Source

A surprisingly common cause of a non-closing garage door is power failure.

  • What to do: Ensure the opener is securely plugged in, and check your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

  • When to call an expert: If the opener has power but still won’t respond, there may be an internal electrical fault.

For emergencies when your door is stuck open, read our Garage Door Repair Strike Guide to keep your home secure while waiting for help.

Why Prompt Repairs Matter in Scotland

Across East Central Scotland, garage doors face constant challenges: rain, wind, freezing temperatures, and in some regions, salt air from the coast. Leaving a fault unresolved can lead to:

  • Increased wear on the opener and moving parts.

  • Higher energy bills due to draughts.

  • Compromised home security.

This is why routine servicing is strongly advised. Our team regularly helps homeowners in Livingston, West Lothian, and Tayside extend the lifespan of their doors through professional inspections and preventive maintenance.

For tips you can apply year-round, visit our Garage Door Maintenance Guide.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you fix a garage door that won’t close? In many cases, simple checks—like cleaning sensors, lubricating rollers, or replacing batteries—can solve the issue. But for complex problems such as broken springs, wiring faults, or major track damage, professional expertise is essential.

If you’re based in Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Angus, the Scottish Borders, or anywhere across East Central Scotland, our experienced engineers are ready to help with fast and reliable garage door repair services.

By combining basic DIY checks with regular servicing, you’ll keep your garage door safe, secure, and reliable—even in Scotland’s toughest weather.

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