Ever tried closing your garage door and it just won’t shut completely? Frustrating, right? Whether it stops halfway, leaves a gap at the bottom, or reverses before closing—there’s a reason behind it. And the good news? Most issues can be fixed quickly if you know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your garage door won’t close all the way and what you can do before calling in the pros.
For professional help, you can always reach out to Unique Garage Doors for garage door repair in Canada that’s fast, affordable, and reliable.
1. Check the Garage Door Sensors
One of the most common reasons for this issue is misaligned safety sensors. These are the small black boxes on either side of the garage door, near the ground.
If they aren’t facing each other properly or are blocked by dirt, leaves, or even spider webs, your door may refuse to close. The system sees it as a safety risk.
✅ Fix Tip: Wipe both sensors clean. Make sure they’re aligned. If one light is blinking, alignment is likely the problem.
2. Look for Obstructions Along the Tracks
Sometimes, the door won’t close because there’s something in the way. Even a small object like a rock or tool can stop the door from closing fully.
The garage door tracks should be clean and clear from top to bottom.
✅ Fix Tip: Inspect both tracks. Remove any debris. Also, check for dents or bent sections that may need repair.
Need help fixing track issues? Contact Unique Garage Doors for a professional garage door inspection.
3. Is Your Garage Door Remote Working Properly?
Yes, it could be that simple. Sometimes the issue is with the garage door opener remote itself.
If the battery is weak or the signal isn’t connecting well, the door may start closing but then stop midway or reverse.
✅ Fix Tip: Replace the batteries. Try using the wall control instead. If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, it might need reprogramming.
4. Check the Limit Settings on Your Opener
Garage doors have limit switches that tell the opener how far the door needs to go before it stops. If these settings are off, your garage door may think it’s fully closed even if it’s not.
This usually happens after a power outage or if the opener was recently installed or adjusted.
✅ Fix Tip: Look for the adjustment screws on your opener unit. Gently adjust the “down limit” and see if the door closes properly afterward.
5. Broken Garage Door Springs or Cables
If your garage door stops short or struggles to close, it could be due to worn-out springs or damaged cables. These are essential for smooth opening and closing.
But here’s the thing—you should never try to fix springs or cables yourself. It’s risky and can cause injury.
✅ Fix Tip: If you hear loud bangs, see frayed cables, or feel the door is heavy, call the experts at Unique Garage Doors immediately.
6. Cold Weather and Frozen Parts
Living in Canada? Then you know the cold can mess with everything—including your garage door. Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to shrink or freeze.
Even a little bit of ice on the floor can block the door’s sensors or cause the door to bounce back up.
✅ Fix Tip: Clear ice and snow from the base of the door. Spray hinges and rollers with a garage door-safe lubricant.
Want winter maintenance tips? Check out our seasonal care guide at UniqueGarageDoors.ca.
7. Manual Lock Engaged By Accident
Some garage doors have a manual lock or slide bolt feature. If this is engaged, the door will only go so far before stopping.
✅ Fix Tip: Check the inside of your door for a lock handle or sliding bar. Make sure it’s disengaged before trying again.
8. Time to Call the Experts? Here’s When You Should
If you’ve tried the fixes above and your door still won’t close all the way, it might be time to bring in the pros. At Unique Garage Doors, we offer same-day garage door repairs, trusted by homeowners across Canada.
Our team can handle everything from garage door opener problems to track adjustments, spring replacement, and more.
Final Thoughts
A garage door that won’t close fully isn’t just annoying—it’s also a security risk. Luckily, with a little know-how and some regular maintenance, most issues can be prevented or solved quickly.
Still stuck? Don’t stress. Reach out to Unique Garage Doors for expert, affordable garage door repair services near you.