When your garage door won’t open, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it can throw off your entire day. Whether you’re heading to work or coming home after a long day, a stuck garage door can be frustrating and even unsafe to force open. At Chattanooga Garage Doors, we’ve seen just about every reason a garage door refuses to move. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes, how to troubleshoot them safely, and when it’s time to call a professional technician. 1. Power Source Problems Before checking anything else, make sure the opener has power. A tripped circuit breaker, unplugged opener, or burned-out outlet is often the simplest cause. Quick check: Make sure the garage door opener is plugged in. Reset your breaker if it’s tripped. Test the outlet with another device (like a phone charger) to confirm power. If the power is fine but the opener still doesn’t respond, the issue might be with the internal wiring or motor. 2. Remote or Keypad Malfunctions If your remote or keypad won’t activate the door, try replacing the batteries first. Then check if your opener’s antenna is hanging down and unobstructed. Tip: Sometimes remotes need to be reprogrammed, especially after a power outage or opener reset. Refer to your opener manual, or let a technician handle the reprogramming to avoid sync errors. 3. Broken Garage Door Springs Broken torsion or extension springs are one of the most common (and dangerous) reasons a garage door won’t open. Springs carry the full weight of the door, and when they snap, your opener can’t lift it. Warning: Never attempt to replace a garage door spring yourself. The tension can cause serious injury. If you hear a loud “bang” or notice a visible gap in the spring, call a Chattanooga Garage Doors technician right away. 4. Damaged or Misaligned Tracks If your door gets stuck halfway or appears crooked when moving, the problem could be with the tracks. Dents, bends, or misalignment can stop the rollers from gliding smoothly. What you can do: Visually inspect the tracks for damage. Clear away debris or buildup. Avoid forcing the door open, as this can worsen the problem. A technician can realign or replace tracks and rollers safely. 5. Blocked or Dirty Photo-Eye Sensors Modern garage doors have safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks. If something blocks the beam between them, your door won’t close — or sometimes won’t open properly either. How to fix it: Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth. Make sure nothing (like a broom, bike tire, or spider web) is in the way. Both sensors should show a solid light when aligned correctly. If cleaning doesn’t solve it, a technician can recalibrate or replace the sensors. 6. Disconnected or Broken Cables Cables work hand-in-hand with springs to lift the door evenly. Over time, they can fray or come loose from tension drums. If you notice hanging cables or hear a loud snapping sound, do not use the door — it’s unsafe and could fall unexpectedly. This is a job for a trained professional only. 7. Motor or Opener Failure If your motor hums but doesn’t move the door, or if you hear grinding sounds, the opener itself might be failing. Worn gears, circuit board issues, or simple age can cause this. Most openers last about 10-15 years, depending on usage. If yours is older, it may be time for a replacement. When to Call a Chattanooga Garage Door Technician If you’ve checked the basics (like power and remote batteries) and your door still won’t budge, it’s time to bring in the experts. Attempting to fix springs, cables, or motors on your own can lead to serious injury or property damage. At Chattanooga Garage Doors , our technicians are trained to handle all makes and models safely and efficiently. We offer same-day service throughout the Chattanooga area for repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Final Thoughts Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home — and when it stops working, it deserves professional attention. By spotting these common problems early and scheduling regular maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs down the road. Need fast, reliable garage door service in Chattanooga? Call Chattanooga Garage Doors today or schedule an appointment online. We’ll get your door back on track quickly and safely.