Garage Door won’t Fully Close on One Side? Here’s How to Fix It

If you have ever dealt with a garage door stuck on one side, you know how frustrating and annoying it can be. It directly interrupts your daily routine and compromises the security of the belongings you store in your garage. Even worse, in most cases, garages have a direct access to the house. Therefore, even the safety of your home and loved ones gets compromised.

If you ever find that your garage door won’t fully close on one side, don’t panic. There are several ways to fix the issue. The first step is understanding why your door isn’t closing properly. This may be because of various causes: an alignment problem, sensor glitch, or a mechanical malfunction. In this guide, we’ll take a look the most common causes. We’ll also go through the different troubleshooting options and will see some preventive measures you can take to keep your garage door working smoothly.

A garage door is one of the largest and heaviest moving components in most homes. It has various parts that enable them to function, for example: tracks, rollers, springs, sensors, and cables. All these parts work in unison, and are all crucial for the functioning of the door. Over time, any of these parts can fail, get damaged or get misaligned. As a consequence, the door will no longer move uniformly. The good news is that most homeowners can handle basic repairs and maintenance themselves, saving the costs of hiring the services of a professional. In this article, you’ll learn how you can do common fixes and when it’s best to contact a professional.

If your garage door won’t fully close on one side, after reading this post, you’ll be equipped to address the problem and repair your garage door.

Before attempting any fixes, it’s vital to understand the probable causes of the problem. Below we are listing the most prevalent causes of garage door closing issues. Detecting these root causes helps you select the right garage door repair solutions.

Check your door’s metal tracks. If they are bent or out of level, the door may bind and fail to close evenly. Worn or damaged rollers can also create friction, making one side of the door remain higher. We have a guide on how to replace your garage door roller yourself, which you can check out if you’d like.

If your garage door isn’t closing all the way on one side, a warped panel could be the culprit. Changes in temperature or a strong impact, like accidentally bumping it with your car or something heavy, can cause the door to bend slightly. Even a small warp can throw off the alignment, making one corner stick instead of sliding down smoothly. Furthermore, if your garage door panel is damaged and you’re considering a DIY approach, you can read our garage door panel replacement guide.

Springs bear most of the door’s weight. If one spring is weaker than the other, it can produce uneven tension. As a result, the door will tilt to one side when closing.

The cables attached to the door’s springs help lift and lower the door. Over time, they can fray or stretch. If that happens, one side of the door will drop more quickly or not fully close.

Modern garage doors use photo-eye sensors to detect obstructions. If one sensor is misaligned or dirty, the opener may interpret it as a blockage, stopping the door abruptly on one side.

The opener has limit settings that control how far the door travels. If these limit settings are configured incorrectly, your door might stall on one side before it’s completely shut.

By spotting the exact issue and applying targeted garage door repair solutions, you’ll be on the right track to fix the uneven closure. In the following sections, we’ll give you practical and easy solutions to resolve these problems on your own.

When your garage door stuck on one side refuses to budge, you need to adopt a systematic approach to isolate the problem. Below we are sharing with you a detailed tutorial on how to resolve the most common issues, including garage door sensor alignment. Remember, safety is paramount: always switch off the power to your door opener before handling mechanical parts. Proceed with caution.

• Perform a Thorough Visual Check: Look for bends, dents, or debris in the tracks. Damaged tracks can obstruct smooth movement, causing the door to close unevenly.
• Keep Them Clean and Lubricated: With a clean cloth, wipe away dirt and old grease. Apply a silicone-based lubricant on both your rollers and tracks. This helps them glide easily. If you want to know how to properly lubricate a garage door, you can read our lubricant-related guide. We hope you find it useful.
• Straighten the Tracks: If you see any minor misalignments, slightly loosen the track brackets. Tap the track gently back into position with a rubber mallet and retighten it. In case of severe damage, replace the track section or consult a technician.

• Check if There’s Any Warping: Extreme temperature changes or physical impacts can make wooden and even some metal doors warp. If you find minor warps, you can try to flatten, it works most of the time. Major ones usually require panel replacement.
• Tighten or Replace Hardware: Loose hinges can make a panel to shift out of alignment. Tighten screws and bolts, and if the hinge is bent or cracked, replace it.

• Look for Wear: Worn or broken springs can make a side of the door to remain higher. Likewise happens with springs that are uneven in tension. Also, cables can fray and stretch, preventing even closure.
• Adjust Tension: Some systems allow minor tension adjustments via turnbuckles. Always exercise caution: a sudden release of spring tension can be dangerous. Read our guide on how to tighten your garage door chain yourself, and follow the precautions provided here.
• Professional Help: If you suspect your springs or cables are severely damaged, you’d better call an expert. These parts are under high tension and require specialized tools and experience to be handled safely

• Position Photo-eye Sensor: When photo-eye sensors are misaligned, they can lead to partial closure. Ensure both sensors face each other directly, and their LED lights are steady, not blinking.
• Clean the Lenses: Dust or cobwebs can obstruct the beam. Gently wipe each lens with a soft cloth, making sure they’re free of debris.
• Test the Door: After making the needed adjustments, activate the opener to confirm that sensor alignment solved the issue. If your door still won’t close evenly, explore other possible causes.

• Limit Switches: Modern openers have “up” and “down” limit dials. If one side stops early, you may need to slightly turn the “down” limit dial so the door can move further.
• Force Sensitivity: Some models let you adjust how much force the motor applies. If the door meets slight resistance on one track, a too-sensitive setting could trigger it to stop prematurely.

• Check Your Hardware: Check all nuts, bolts, and screws on the door and on the opener assembly. Frequently, over time vibration loosens them.
• Set a Lubrication Routine: A light, silicone-based lubricant works best on tracks, hinges, rollers, and springs. Avoid petroleum-based products that attract dirt.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you will most likely find out why your garage door stuck on one side won’t close. If the door remains experiencing the same issue after you tried these steps, it’s time to consider reaching out to a specialist.

Even the most meticulous and DIY-fan homeowner can face repair situations beyond their skill level. Although learning how to fix a garage door that won’t close can be motivating, in certain scenarios you’ll need professional intervention for safety and reliable results.

Springs and cables are under extreme tension. Improper handling could result in severe injury and even more damage to your door. Professionals have the appropriate tools (like winding bars for torsion springs) and know-how to make these repairs safely.

If your door has significant dents, cracks, or warping that affects multiple panels or the track structure, a professional has the expertise to assess whether repairs are possible or if it will be more cost-effective to replace the door.

Replacing sensors or simple wiring is feasible, but internal motor repairs or complex electrical problems should be done by a pro.

If you’ve tried aligning tracks and sensors multiple times without success, an expert can diagnose the underlying issues, such as a bent shaft or worn-out door brackets.

Attempting DIY fixes on certain opener models can invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. Always, always review your warranty terms and its expiry date before opening up the motor unit or changing key components.

Remember, safety always comes first. If you’re at all uncertain about your ability to fix the door, consult a trained garage door technician. Attempting advanced repairs with inadequate tools or expertise can lead to costly mistakes and potential hazards.

Taking care of your garage door doesn’t have to be complicated. A little routine maintenance can be an invaluable habit to keep it working smoothly and to save yourself from future costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of garage door maintenance tips and best practices. Don’t neglect performing regular checkups as these will help you spot small problems before they turn into big ones, saving you both time, stress, and money.

• Do Visual and Auditory Checks: Observe the door in action. Does it move smoothly without jerking or scraping noises? Strange sounds can indicate worn parts or misalignment. If your garage door is making a lot of noise, it indicates a problem with the garage door, so be aware of this issue and resolve it to avoid future problems.
• Monthly Sensor Test: Place a small object, like a cardboard box, in the door’s path. If it doesn’t automatically reverse upon contact, clean and readjust the sensors.

• Springs and Rollers: Apply a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease every three to four months, depending on your climate.
• Hinges and Tracks: Keep them lubricated to reduce friction and prevent corrosion.

• Brackets and Bolts: Every time you use your garage door, vibrations cause bolts and brackets to loosen little by little. Over time, this can cause misalignment or even damage. To keep everything secure, every few months, grab a socket wrench and give all the major bolts and nuts a quick check and tighten them as needed. This is a small step that helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

• Check for Gaps: If your weather stripping is torn or worn out, you might start noticing unwanted warm or cold air or even little pests seeping into your garage through gaps in the weather stripping. So, it’s a good idea to look for any gaps and make sure everything’s still sealed.
• Prompt Replacement: When the seals get old or damaged, it’s easy to swap them out. It’s a cheap way to keep your garage properly insulated, prevent humidity from getting in, and stop undesirable critters from finding their way inside your garage.

• Manual Check: Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. It should remain in place without drifting up or down. If it moves, the door may be unbalanced. This may be indicating spring or cable issues.
• Professional Tune-ups: Consider hiring a garage door technician for a thorough safety inspection and tune-up once a year.

If you consistently follow these garage door maintenance tips, you’ll reduce the possibility of having a stubborn door that closes on one side only. Besides, the described preventive measures also help you spot small problems, like minor track misalignments, before they become major headaches.

If your garage door won’t fully close on one side, it can ruin your day and leave your garage vulnerable, not to mention your home if it has direct access to it. However, many issues can be easily solved with basic tools and know-how. From aligning sensors to lubricating the tracks, these do-it-yourself procedures are an effective first course of action to solve uneven closures. If you are in doubt, especially with high-tension components like springs and cables, the best you can do is consulting a professional to ensure a safe, long-lasting solution.

Paying regular attention to alignment, lubrication, and sensor calibration keeps your garage door operating efficiently. Don’t overlook minor symptoms, like a small tilt or new screaky sound, that could be signaling an emerging issue. By addressing these warning signs right away, you’ll lessen downtime, headaches, and costs in the long term. Above all, consistent maintenance is the best thing you can to fix garage door closing issues before they escalate.

Remember, if your garage door won’t fully close on one side, it’s likely due to one or a combination of factors, as those discussed in this post. Stay vigilant, follow the recommended steps, and perform regular checks to keep your door in good condition. By doing so, you’ll soon have a smooth and even-closing garage door, ensuring your home’s security and your own peace of mind.

Finding that your garage door won’t fully close on one side may seem daunting and it’s something you won’t want. But unwanted and annoying things happen. Yet, if you ensure to perform proper and timely troubleshooting and maintenance, you’ll keep your door safe, secure, and fully functional for years to come.