Garage Door is Stuck: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Published: Dec 16, 2025

When your garage door is stuck, it can quickly turn into a safety and security problem. Homeowners often notice the issue during bad weather, power interruptions, or after years of regular use. Sometimes the door won’t move at all, while other times it stops halfway or shifts unevenly. This quick guide from Up & Down Garage Doors will help you figure out why your garage door is stuck or won’t open, what you can safely try yourself, and when to call a garage door professional.

Common Garage Door Problems and Their Causes

If you’re wondering why your garage door is stuck, the cause is usually mechanical, electrical, or track-related. Understanding the specific way your garage door is acting up can help narrow down the likely issue. Below are some of the most common problems homeowners face — and what typically causes them.

Door Won’t Open or Stops Midway

A garage door not opening may be caused by worn rollers, broken springs, or damaged cables. In many cases, homeowners notice the door start to move and then stop, leaving a garage door stuck halfway or a garage door stuck in the middle. Forcing the door can make the damage worse.

Door Moves Unevenly or Looks Crooked

When one side lifts faster than the other, the door can become misaligned. This often results in a garage door stuck on one side or a garage door stuck on the track. If the door looks slanted in the opening, follow our detailed guide on crooked garage door troubleshooting to understand what’s happening and when professional help is needed.

Door Gets Stuck While Closing

A garage door getting stuck when closing is often linked to dirty tracks, bent rails, or sensor issues. The door may reverse suddenly or stop near the ground, creating a jammed garage door that won’t fully close.

Safe DIY Checks You Can Try First

Some issues can be checked safely before calling for stuck garage door repair. These basic steps can help rule out common issues.

Inspect Tracks and Rollers

Check both tracks for dirt, small objects, or dents. Even minor debris can leave a garage door stuck closed. Clean tracks gently and tighten any loose hardware you see.

Check the Opener and Sensors

If the motor runs but the door doesn’t move, you may need to troubleshoot stuck garage door opener settings, check the remote or wall button, or realign the safety sensors. This can sometimes resolve a garage door stuck open situation.

Address Sticking During Movement

If the door binds or drags while opening, friction may be the issue. Our guide on how to fix garage door sticking issues walks through safe steps to reduce resistance and prevent further wear.

How to Fix a Stuck Garage Door in Special Situations

Garage Door Stuck Half Open or Fully Open

When your garage door is stuck half open or won’t close all the way, it could be due to a broken spring, damaged cable, or obstruction in the track. First, check if anything is blocking the rollers or if the sensors are misaligned. If nothing is visibly wrong, do not force the door closed — this can lead to further damage or injury. Instead, disconnect the opener using the manual release and lower the door slowly with help if needed. Then, call a professional for a garage door repair to address the root cause safely.

How to Open a Stuck Garage Door from the Outside

Being locked out with a garage door stuck shut is stressful, especially during bad weather. Most modern doors have an emergency release kit with a lock cylinder. Insert the key, pull the cord inside to disengage the opener, then manually lift the door. If the manual release cord is stuck or the door feels jammed, avoid using force. Our guide on how to open a stuck garage door from the outside walks you through this step-by-step.

When Professional Repair Is the Best Option

While some minor garage door issues can be handled at home, certain problems require expert attention. If your garage door is stuck due to broken torsion springs, frayed or snapped lift cables, damaged tracks, or a misaligned opener system, don’t attempt a fix yourself. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. If your door is off its track, feels unusually heavy to lift manually, or has visible damage, professional garage door repair is the safest and most effective solution. Up & Down Garage Doors offers reliable, code-compliant service for residential and commercial properties.

Get Your Garage Door Working Safely Again With Up & Down Garage Doors

A garage door is stuck for many reasons, ranging from simple track issues to serious mechanical failures. Quick checks may help with minor problems, but ongoing or sudden issues often require expert care. Whether your garage door is stuck open, half-closed, or just won’t move, our team at Up & Down Garage Doors is here to help you get things back on track — safely and quickly. We’ve helped thousands of property owners with dependable service, clear communication, and long-lasting repair solutions. Call us today or visit our Contact Us page to request a free quote and restore secure, easy access to your garage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my garage door stuck halfway?

A garage door stuck halfway is often caused by a broken spring, blocked track, or malfunctioning opener. If the issue repeats, it’s best to call a professional to inspect the system.

Can I fix a garage door stuck on the track myself?

You can clear visible debris or gently realign minor dents, but a garage door stuck on the track due to misalignment or warping should always be repaired by a trained technician.

Why is my garage door stuck open?

A garage door that’s stuck open could mean the opener has failed, a cable has snapped, or a sensor is misfiring. Don’t try to force it closed — instead, unplug the opener and call a pro for help.

What’s the safest way to troubleshoot a garage door stuck shut?

Start by turning off the opener and checking for blocked tracks or disconnected springs. If nothing obvious is wrong, it’s safest to leave the door closed and schedule a professional inspection.

Want your garage door to last longer and cost less over time? It starts with regular upkeep. This guide provides a homeowner-friendly garage door maintenance checklist with quick, essential checks to help you catch signs of wear early, improve safety, and reduce noise. Skipping maintenance is one of the top reasons garage doors break down unexpectedly — often at the worst time. With consistent care — and help from trusted teams like Up & Down Garage Doors — you’ll keep your system performing at its best, year after year.

Why You Need a Professional Garage Door Tune-Up

Your garage door works hard every day, but most of its problems stay hidden — until something breaks. On this page, you’ll learn what a professional garage door tune-up actually involves, why it’s important, and how it helps prevent expensive repairs down the road. At Up & Down Garage Doors, we uphold high service to ensure your system remains balanced, quiet, and secure year-round. We believe routine maintenance saves you money and gives you peace of mind.

5 Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close and How to Fix Them

It’s frustrating when your garage door won’t close, especially if you’re in a hurry. You press the remote and the door drops a few feet, then suddenly reverses. That’s often a safety feature at work. The most common cause is a garage door sensor problem, though other issues are possible. This guide from Up & Down Garage Doors outlines five common reasons a door won’t shut and the quick fixes you can try first. We’ll start with simple checks and show you when it’s time to stop and call a professional.