Why Won’t My Garage Door Close All the Way?

May 2, 2025

Is your garage door refusing to close completely? While it’s good that your garage door still moves, it’s not doing its job if it won’t shut all the way—especially here in the greater Phoenix area, where home security and protection from dust and desert critters is a must.

If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many homeowners across the Valley experience similar garage door problems. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most common reasons your garage door might not be closing all the way, what to look for, and when to call in the pros.

Garage Door Sensors Are Obstructed or Malfunctioning

One of the most common causes of a garage door that won’t shut completely is sensor trouble. Located near the base of the door on either side, these safety sensors ensure nothing is in the way.

What to check

  • Make sure nothing is blocking the path of the sensors—dirt, leaves, or even spider webs can cause problems.
  • If the path is clear, check the LED lights on the sensors. If one or both lights are off or blinking, they may be misaligned or not receiving power.
garage door sensor not working

This is a common issue for Phoenix homeowners, especially with all the dust in the air. A quick wipe and realignment may solve the problem—but if not, it might be time for a professional tune-up.

Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

Garage door tracks guide your door smoothly up and down. Even minor damage, like a small bend or alignment issue, can keep your door from closing properly.

Warning

Many DIYers in Phoenix attempt to hammer tracks back into place—but this often leads to more serious damage. If you notice misalignment or hear grinding sounds, it’s best to call a garage door repair specialist.

Worn-Out or Damaged Rollers

Your garage door rollers are responsible for smooth, quiet movement along the tracks. Over time, these rollers can wear out or become damaged—especially in the extreme heat of Phoenix summers.

Look for

  • Loud or jerky door movement
  • Visible cracks or warping in the rollers
  • Rollers that don’t spin freely

Neglecting worn rollers can lead to more extensive damage to the tracks and motor. Replacing them early can save you from more costly repairs.

bad garage door rollers that don't work

Loose or Broken Cables

The lift cables are what help raise and lower your garage door. If they become frayed, loose, or snap altogether, the door may not close fully or may get stuck halfway.

In the Valley’s dry, hot climate, cables can wear down more quickly. If you notice any signs of wear, it’s best to call a garage door technician to avoid further damage—or worse, a door that won’t move at all.

Broken or Worn-Out Springs

Garage door springs play a critical role in counterbalancing the heavy weight of the door. If a spring is damaged, your door may struggle to close or fail to close completely.

Signs of spring trouble

  • Loud popping or snapping noise
  • Uneven closing
  • Visible gaps in the spring coils

Given how much work garage doors do in Arizona homes—especially with temperature fluctuations—spring issues are common and dangerous to attempt fixing without proper tools.

Garage Door Opener or Motor Issues

If the mechanical parts of your garage door look fine, your issue might be electrical. Your garage door opener and motor are vital to its proper operation.

Potential problems

  • Faulty remote or dead batteries
  • Opener needs reprogramming
  • Failing motor (common after years of use)

Sometimes, Phoenix homeowners assume they need a new door when the real issue is just the opener or motor. A professional can diagnose this quickly and recommend an affordable fix.

Local Help for Garage Doors in the Phoenix Area

Still can’t figure out why your garage door won’t close all the way? From Mesa and Gilbert to Glendale and Surprise, we’ve helped countless Valley residents get their garage doors working smoothly and securely.

Our experienced team is available for fast, reliable service anywhere in the greater Phoenix area. Whether you need a simple sensor alignment or a full spring and cable replacement, we’ll get the job done right—and quickly.

Contact Us Today for Garage Door Repair in Phoenix

Don’t let a stuck garage door compromise your home’s security and convenience. Reach out today for expert garage door repair in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and surrounding areas.

Call us today or Book online to schedule your inspection. We’ll help you get your garage door closing all the way—just like it should.

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