Why Does My Garage Door Only Open Halfway?

As a homeowner, few things can be as frustrating as a garage door that refuses to open fully. It’s an inconvenience, yes, but it can also pose a safety risk if not addressed quickly. At Affordable Garage Door, Inc., we understand these challenges and are here to help you diagnose and solve them. 

The Importance of a Fully Functioning Garage Door

Although it may be tempting to disregard a garage door that only partially opens and closes, it’s crucial to recognize that a fully operational garage door serves a greater purpose than just being an entrance or exit for your vehicle. It’s a big contributor to your home’s security system, acting as a barrier against potential intruders. A garage door also helps prevent damage to your house in its entirety from severe weather. 

When a garage door malfunctions and only opens halfway, it poses a significant safety risk. If the door suddenly falls, it could cause injury or damage to anything underneath it. Moreover, a partially opened door leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins and exposes your belongings to weather elements.

Unveiling the Common Causes

Understanding why your garage door is only opening halfway is the first step toward finding a solution. Here are four common causes:

1. Sensor Issues: Garage doors have sensors located close to the ground on either side of the door. These sensors transmit an invisible beam across the door opening. If this beam is interrupted, the door will stop moving. Dust, dirt, or even a misplaced object could block this beam, causing the door to halt halfway.
2. Track Obstructions: The tracks guide your garage door smoothly up and down. An obstruction in these tracks — like debris or a dent — might prevent the door from moving beyond a certain point.
3. Spring Issues: Garage doors use springs to counterbalance the door’s weight. The door might not open fully if these springs wear out or break. This problem requires immediate attention, as damaged springs can suddenly cause the door to fall.
4. Wrong Open Limit Setting: Garage door openers have an open limit setting that controls how far the door should move before it’s fully open. If this setting is incorrect, the door might stop prematurely.

Why You Should Seek Professional Assistance

There are several reasons why professional assistance for a garage door that won’t open fully is essential:

1. Professionals have the necessary skills and experience to accurately diagnose and fix the problem, whether it’s a sensor malfunction, track obstruction, or spring issue. They also have the right tools and knowledge to repair garage doors safely without risk of injury to themselves or damage to the garage door system.
2. Professionals can provide preventative maintenance advice and services to avoid future issues.
3. Professional assistance can be cost-effective, saving you from potentially expensive repairs in the future due to improper DIY fixes.

At Affordable Garage Door, Inc., we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle any garage door malfunction you have. With over 30 years in the industry, our expert technicians are meticulously trained to maintain our high standards. We don’t cut corners and ensure you’re satisfied with our service every step of the way. 

Get Help Now 

If your garage door only opens halfway, getting it checked out by professionals is crucial. Ignoring it could lead to more significant issues down the line. Contact us at Affordable Garage Door, Inc. today. We’re more than ready to help you ensure that your garage door is beautiful, safe, and functional.