What to Do When Your Garage Door Stops Halfway

A garage door that stops midway can be frustrating—especially when you’re rushing out or trying to get home after a long day. But don’t worry! This issue is common, and in many cases, you can fix it with some simple troubleshooting. If you’re in need of garage door repair in Ellicott City, understanding what’s causing the problem can save you time and money.

Why Your Garage Door Opens Halfway and Stops

1. Blocked or Dirty Tracks
Dirt, debris, or even small objects can obstruct the tracks, making it difficult for your garage door to move smoothly.

✅ Fix: Inspect the tracks for any obstacles and gently clean them. Be careful not to use excessive force, as that could cause further damage.

2. Worn-Out or Broken Springs
Garage doors rely on torsion or extension springs to open and close. If a spring is stretched or broken, the door may not open all the way.

🚨 Warning: If you notice a broken spring, do not attempt to fix it yourself—garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous. Instead, call a professional immediately.

3. Garage Door Opener Malfunctions
If your opener isn’t functioning correctly, it might not have enough power to lift the door completely. This could be due to a faulty motor, wiring problems, or incorrect force settings.

✅ Fix: Check the opener’s force settings. If they’re too low, the motor might not have the strength to complete the cycle. Adjusting these settings can sometimes resolve the issue.

4. Misaligned Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors come with safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks. If these sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door may stop midway as a precaution.

✅ Fix: Make sure the sensors are clean, properly aligned, and facing each other. If the LED lights are blinking, adjust them until they stay steady.

5. Bent or Damaged Tracks
Garage door tracks guide the door’s movement. If they’re warped or damaged, the rollers can get stuck, causing the door to stop.

✅ Fix: Inspect the tracks for visible damage. Minor bends can sometimes be straightened carefully, but severe damage requires professional repair.

When to Call a Professional
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call an expert. Issues like broken springs, opener failures, or significant track damage require special tools and expertise to fix safely.

Fast & Reliable Garage Door Repair in Ellicott City
Don’t let a stubborn garage door disrupt your day! At BWI Garage Doors, we provide fast and professional garage door repair in Ellicott City to get your door back in working order.

📞 Call us today for expert service and hassle-free repairs!