What to Do When Your Garage Door Won’t Open… And What You Should Never Try Yourself

A white car is awaiting the garage door to open.

It’s early morning. You’re ready to leave for work, coffee in hand, and your garage door won’t budge. Whether you’re in Mississauga, Oakville, or anywhere across Southern Ontario, this frustrating scenario is more common than you think. And while it’s tempting to troubleshoot the issue yourself, there are a few things you should know before grabbing a ladder or wrench.

That’s where Garage One Inc. comes in. With nearly two decades of experience in garage door openers, installations, and 24/7 emergency repairs, we’ve seen every kind of malfunction, and we know exactly how to fix it safely and efficiently.

First, Don’t Force It!

If your garage door won’t open, resist the urge to push, pull, or manually override the system. For overhead garage doors, this can cause misalignment or damage to the tracks. For fibreglass, aluminum, or vinyl models, forcing the door can crack or warp the panels, especially in extreme temperatures.

Instead, start with a quick visual check. Is the opener light on? Is the door making any noise when you press the remote? These clues can help narrow down the issue, but they’re not a substitute for professional diagnosis.

Common Culprits Behind a Stuck Garage Door

Garage doors rely on a complex system of springs, cables, rollers, and electronic components. If any one of these fails, the entire system can stop working. Here are a few likely causes:

  • Power issues: A tripped breaker or unplugged opener can halt operation.
  • Sensor misalignment: Safety sensors near the floor may be blocked or out of sync.
  • Broken springs or cables: These high-tension parts are dangerous to handle without training.
  • Remote or keypad failure: Batteries die, and signals can be disrupted.

If you’re using a LiftMaster garage door opener, which many Ontario homeowners trust for reliability, it may flash diagnostic codes that help identify the problem. However, interpreting those codes and fixing the issue should be left to certified technicians.

What You Should Never DIY?

Garage door systems are deceptively complex. Attempting to repair torsion springs, adjust tracks, or reprogram openers without proper tools and training can lead to serious injury or make the problem worse. At Garage One Inc., we’ve seen well-meaning homeowners turn a minor issue into a major repair. That’s why we always recommend calling a professional, especially if your door is stuck halfway, making grinding noises, or showing signs of electrical failure.

We work with top-tier brands such as Steel-Craft, LiftMaster, Hormann, and CHI. Our technicians are trained to service all types of garage door openers and materials, ranging from wooden garage doors to modern aluminum and vinyl systems.

Why Garage One Inc. Is Your Best Call?

Serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients across the GTA and Southern Ontario, Garage One Inc. is more than just a repair service. We’re a full-service provider offering garage door opener installation, maintenance, and emergency support, 24 hours a day. 

We’re recognized for our customized approach, exceptional workmanship, and commitment to excellence from the outset. From minor repairs to complete system upgrades, we’re here to guide you with clear, confident choices. Contact Garage One Inc. now for fast, professional service and expert solutions tailored to your home or business.