Conquering the Common Garage Door Issue of Halfway Opening Then Reversing

Nothing is more frustrating than when your garage door opens halfway, then suddenly reverses and slams shut. This annoying problem is actually quite common and often has an easily fixable cause. Let’s take a look at some potential reasons for this behavior and how to resolve it.

Causes of the Halfway open then Reverse

The most typical reason a garage door acts this way is due to issues with the garage door sensors. These sensors are designed to detect objects in the doorway and automatically reverse the door if something passes through the beam during opening or closing. Over time, the sensors can become misaligned so that the invisible light beam is broken prematurely. Improperly adjusted sensors are a common culprit behind this problem.

Another possible cause is worn or broken garage door springs. The springs provide the lifting power and help balance the door. If a spring is losing tension or has snapped, it can make the door struggle to fully open or close properly. The door may try to compensate halfway by reversing itself. Replacing worn-out springs can resolve this.

Solutions to Fix the Problem

The first step when encountering the halfway then reverse behavior is to check the position and alignment of the safety sensors. Proper adjustment may be all that’s needed. You can also test them manually by blocking the light beam with your hand. If the door reverses, the sensors are likely functioning correctly.

The next troubleshooting phase involves inspecting the springs. A qualified technician can determine if replacement is necessary. For a broken spring, you’ll need a professional garage door spring repair.

If adjustments and part replacements don’t solve it, another possible fix is to reprogram the door’s limits and force settings. A trained garage door technician like those at Garage Door Repair in Highland Springs can reset these using the door’s onboard controls or external button.

With a Bit of TLC, Your Door Will Operate Smoothly Again

Following basic safety checks and maintenance can easily resolve issues like a door stopping halfway. Don’t ignore problematic operation, as continued running of a damaged system could pose risks. With a little troubleshooting and potential replacement of worn parts, your garage door will run smoothly again for years to come.