How to Quickly Fix an Automatic Garage Door That Reverses Unexpectedly

How to Quickly Fix an Automatic Garage Door That Reverses Unexpectedly

It can be quite a surprise when you go to open your garage door and it starts to reverse unexpectedly. Not only can it be a hindrance, but it can also be potentially dangerous if you have cars, valuable items or loved ones in the way. Don’t worry there are a variety of reasons for a reversing garage door and ways to fix it.

Common Causes of Garage Doors Reversing

If your automatic garage door was installed more than a decade ago, it may be more susceptible to wear and tear. This can happen due to inadequate maintenance or an outdated opener, causing the gears and mechanics to deteriorate over time. You could be missing out on advanced features that would allow it to run seamlessly. As this guide on common garage door problems explains, blocked safety sensors or obstructions in the tracks, such as misplaced items, can also trigger the auto-reverse feature in newer systems.

Additionally, sensor misalignment is another common cause. If the sensors are out of sync, damaged, or malfunctioning due to frayed wires, the door may reverse. Finally, a misadjusted limit switch may also be at fault - this switch tells the garage door how far to travel when opening and closing, so if it’s set incorrectly, the door might reverse as a safety feature.

Troubleshooting Steps for Reversing Garage Doors

Man tries to fix a garage door opener

Thanks to some handy DIY tips there are ways to solve a reversing garage with our automatic door troubleshooting. The first step is to remove any obstacles or home items away from the garage doors as these can trigger the reversing feature, activate the safety function and stop the door from closing properly. The next is to check the sensors at the bottom of the garage to see if they are aligned correctly. If they are not in sync, then they’ll fail to operate as they need to be in line with each other without anything getting in the way. An extra step with the sensor is to wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dirt that may be disrupting the sensor feed. Also, have you looked at your door opener’s force sensitivity settings? The manual for your garage doors will instruct how to adjust these as it may be set to a certain limit which is refraining the doors from closing fully.

"If your garage door doesn’t reverse but gets stuck in one position, you may need to explore different solutions. Check out our emergency tips for repairing a stuck garage door to ensure your garage is back in working order quickly.

Why Regular Maintenance Prevents Issues

Routine checks on your garage doors not only mean you’re inspecting that they’re in good working order so that they can function at their best, but it’s also to ensure the safety of the product and help save you money in the long run as a garage door repair can be costly. According to Bob Vila's garage door troubleshooting guide, regular checks allow you to catch early signs of wear and tear, particularly on key components like mechanics, sensors, tracks, and springs. By addressing these issues early, you can prevent them from developing into larger problems and as a result this will help to extend the lifespan of your garage doors. Additionally, frequent lubrication of moving parts ensures smooth operation.

As garage doors are heavy items and can be dangerous if they were to malfunction, maintenance on the auto-reverse mechanics is key to keeping everyone who uses the garage safe. Professional servicing, such as garage door repairs from Abacus Doors, helps prevent reversing issues and ensures your garage door is safe for daily use.

When to Call a Professional

Abacus Garage Doors at work

When you’ve done all the DIY solutions to fix your reversing garage door, it’s time to consider calling a professional garage door technician or engineer - especially if the issue keeps happening or is inconsistent. The sooner you have a professional inspect the issue, the better, as it will not only ensure a quick fix but also restore the security of your home, eliminating the risk of potential intruders gaining access through the garage. Professional technicians have access to specialised tools and high-quality parts that the average person or handyman may not possess. These tools are specifically designed to handle the intricate mechanisms of garage door systems, ensuring accurate repairs and proper compatibility.

At Abacus Doors, our experts can quickly spot visible damage and diagnose any underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. This expertise, as noted in Canadoor Systems’ article on technician vs. handyman services, allows them to perform precise repairs and offer valuable maintenance advice to help extend the lifespan of your garage doors. In addition to performing repairs, they can also offer expert advice on the best maintenance practices to extend the lifespan of your garage door, so this problem is less likely to occur moving forward.

Get Professional Help for Automatic Garage Door Repairs

We understand that any malfunctioning garage door can be a worry, that’s why our fast action and unbeatable customer service is there to help you when you need it most. We provide the full package for garage doors from supply to installation, maintenance and repair, so you can trust our range of complete solutions for your home. Speak to a member of our team to find out how we can help.

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