Here are the most common reasons for this to happen:
Broken Garage Door Spring
Residential garage doors can weigh anywhere from 100lbs to 1000lbs. It is not the motor, like some assume, that is lifting all this weight to open the garage door. The weight of the garage door is counterbalanced by the tension of the torsion springs (usually located above the door). If the spring is broken, or the incorrect size, the door will be difficult or impossible to open by hand or with the opener.
Binding Track or Hardware
There are many moving parts on the garage door (hinges, rollers, cables, drums, top and bottom brackets, drums, bearing plates). These components allow the door to open and close smoothly with the help of the springs. The track is fixed in place and act as a guide as the overhead garage door travels from the closed (vertical) position to the open (horizontal position). If one of these parts fatigue and break or become loose it can cause the door to bind. If one of these parts were installed incorrectly it can also lead to excessive friction. It is also important for the track to be properly secured and installed level and plumb. Loose track or uneven track can cause issues
Broken Garage Door Spring
Residential garage doors can weigh anywhere from 100lbs to 1000lbs. It is not the motor, like some assume, that is lifting all this weight to open the garage door. The weight of the garage door is counterbalanced by the tension of the torsion springs (usually located above the door). If the spring is broken, or the incorrect size, the door will be difficult or impossible to open by hand or with the opener.
Broken Garage Door Opener
There are 4 primary types of garage door openers. Each drive type has common replacement parts:
- Screw Drive Openers: There is a coupling and a trolley/rack that pushes and pulls the door as they travel. Often made of plastic or a soft metal and can wear out.
- Chain Drive Openers: Within the opener there is a vinyl gear that can fail. Usually takes at least 10 years. You will hear the opener run but there will be no movement.
- Belt Drive Openers: Has the same gear as the belt drive but can also have a damaged belt which can give the same symptom as the damaged gear
- Wall Mount Openers: The wall mount openers work by attaching the opener to the torsion system (tube) with a coupler. If coulping is loose opener will not open.