When a garage door suddenly stops working, figuring out what went wrong can feel like a guessing game. Is it the opener? Is it the door itself? If you're in Jacksonville, FL, and your garage door's acting up after a lightning storm or power outage, Overhead Door Company of Jacksonville wants you to know that some issues are easier to spot than you think—if you know where to look.
Let's walk through the most common causes behind a non-working garage door, especially those related to Florida's storm-heavy conditions, and when to call for a garage door repair in Jacksonville, FL.
1. Check for Power First
This one's simple—but it's often overlooked. If your garage door opener isn't responding at all, the issue might not be the door or the opener. It could just be a power issue.
Start by checking the outlet where the opener is plugged in. Has the circuit breaker tripped? Jacksonville's afternoon storms often cause power surges that can disrupt connected devices. If the power's fine and the opener still doesn't work, move to the next step.
2. Listen for the Motor
Press your garage remote or wall button. Do you hear the motor running, but nothing moves? If so, the opener's trying to work, but something is preventing the door from engaging. That usually means there's a problem with the door's tracks, cables, or springs—not the opener.
If the motor is silent and there's no movement at all, the opener might have been damaged in a recent surge or lightning strike. Jacksonville storms are known for knocking out electronics. If that's the case, a replacement opener may be needed.
3. Try the Manual Release
Pull the emergency release cord hanging from the opener's rail (usually red). This lets you open the door by hand. If it moves freely and smoothly, the opener is likely the issue. If the door is jammed, heavy, or crooked, then you've got a mechanical problem on your hands.
4. Inspect the Springs and Cables
Springs and cables are what actually lift your garage door. They wear out over time, and Florida's heat and humidity can speed that up.
Look for signs of damage—like a broken spring, frayed cable, or a gap in the torsion spring. These components are under high tension and shouldn't be repaired on your own. If they're worn or snapped, call in a professional right away.
5. Look at the Tracks and Rollers
Is the door sitting at an angle? Does it make grinding noises when moving? Jacksonville's salty air can lead to rust and corrosion on the tracks and rollers. If they're misaligned or blocked, your opener might be trying to do its job—but can't.
Clean the tracks, look for dents, and make sure nothing's in the way. Don't force the door open; that can make the damage worse.
6. Test the Sensors
All garage doors have safety sensors near the floor. If something blocks them—even dust or direct sunlight—they'll stop the door from closing. Jacksonville homeowners often deal with this because of dirt kicked up by wind or lawn care.
Check the sensor lights. If they're blinking or off, wipe them gently with a clean cloth and realign them. That might solve the problem immediately.
Call a Local Pro at Overhead Door Company of Jacksonville if You're Not Sure
When your garage door fails right after a thunderstorm or power outage, there's a good chance the problem is electrical—or that the storm revealed an underlying issue.
If you've gone through these steps and the door still won't work, it's time to bring in the experts. The team at Overhead Door Company of Jacksonville is trained to identify and fix both opener and door-related issues, fast. They work with all major brands and parts and understand how local weather affects performance.
Whether you live in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, or anywhere nearby, one quick call can get your garage door running as it should. Need fast, reliable garage door repair in Jacksonville, FL? Reach out to Overhead Door Company of Jacksonville—they'll handle the problem, so you don't have to.
