Imagine pulling out of your driveway, confident that your garage door is safely closed behind you — only to return home and find it mysteriously open. It’s a rare but unsettling occurrence, and while it may feel like your garage door has a mind of its own, there are several reasons why this could happen.

From electrical issues to simple mechanical glitches, these problems can often be fixed. At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we’ve helped thousands of residents across Central Indiana troubleshoot and resolve unexpected garage door issues, and we’re here to help you, too.

The Cause of Your Garage Door Opening By Itself

If your garage door opens on its own, it’s important to understand the potential causes.

Garage Door Remote Controls

One common reason a garage door can open on its own is the remote control. If the button on your transmitter is stuck — whether from wear and tear or from being pressed by something — it could continuously send a signal to open the door. This could happen if your remote is in a cluttered drawer, a glove compartment, or even under a pile of belongings in your car.

Remote controls with low or dying batteries can also sometimes send random signals, resulting in your garage door opening without warning. To fix this, check all your remotes, replace their batteries if necessary, and make sure none of the buttons are stuck.

Identical Transmitter Frequencies

Older garage door openers programmed with positioning clips can sometimes share the same frequency as a neighbor’s system. This means that, unknowingly, your neighbor could open your garage door when they open theirs. If you suspect this is the case, pay attention to whether your garage door opens when your neighbor’s does.

It’s rare but still possible for frequencies to overlap in newer garage door models. If this happens, clearing the transmitter history and reprogramming your remotes should fix the issue. Each garage door opener has a specific process for this, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or call a professional for help.

Misaligned or Dirty Garage Door Sensors

Your garage door sensors are designed to detect obstructions and ensure that the door can close safely. However, if the sensors are dirty or misaligned, they can prevent the door from closing all the way, causing it to reopen. Cleaning the sensors and checking that they’re properly aligned can solve the problem and stop your garage door from operating unexpectedly.

Electrical Circuit Damage

Sometimes, the cause of your garage door opening on its own can be related to electrical circuit damage. Weather events like thunderstorms or power surges can damage the circuits responsible for controlling your garage door opener, leading to erratic behavior.

If you’ve experienced recent electrical issues, it’s worth having a professional inspect your garage door opener’s circuits. In some cases, an electrician may be needed to repair the damage and fix the problem.

Incorrect Garage Door Limit Settings

Garage door openers are equipped with limit switches, which control how far the door travels when opening and closing. If the limit settings are incorrect, your door may be trying to close at the incorrect point, triggering it to reverse direction and open again.

Resetting your garage door opener limit switches or adjusting the settings can fix this problem. However, if you don’t feel comfortable trying this on your own, calling a professional is a good idea to avoid further complications.

Call Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for Garage Door Repair

If you’ve tried troubleshooting these common issues and your garage door is still opening on its own, it’s time to call in the professionals. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie has over 80 years of experience in garage door repair, and our team is available 24/7 for garage door emergencies.

With affordable, high-quality products and highly trained technicians, we’ve helped countless residents across Northeast Indiana resolve their garage door issues.

Contact our team today to request garage door repair in Marion County.

Your garage door sensor isn’t just a convenience; it’s an integral part of your entire garage door system. For 30 years, federal law has required these sensors to ensure door safety and prevent accidents.

Keeping your sensors up to regulatory safety standards helps you comply with those requirements and grants you peace of mind. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie has repaired and replaced thousands of garage doors and has the experience you can trust to keep your sensors working reliably.

Testing to See if Your Garage Door Sensors Are the Problem

When faced with a malfunction in your garage door, it’s important to promptly determine whether the problem is caused by your sensors. Understanding exactly how those sensors operate is crucial. Infrared sensors on either side of your garage door, usually no more than six inches from the ground, form an invisible line across your door.

When your sensors detect something in the door’s path, they won’t close, but if the sensors stop working correctly, you’re faced with a serious safety hazard. When sensors malfunction, the door may begin to shut and suddenly reopen for no reason or, more alarmingly, shut even when an object is in its path.

First, check the garage door open indicator lights located on the outer side of your garage door. Normally, these are green when they sense your sensors working correctly. If they blink red as you try to shut the door, your sensors are likely not correctly aligned. If they don’t light up, a faulty circuit board is one possibility. It’s also useful to visually inspect the wires of your sensor system, which weather, pests and other factors can damage.

How to Fix Your Garage Door Sensors

If your garage door hesitates when closing and then quickly reopens, there are a few approaches you can take before reaching out for a professional repair service. Your sensors may have become dirty, interfering with their ability to function. Cleaning them with a fresh microfiber cloth may be your only fix. Regular lens cleaning is an important part of garage door safety if your area is especially prone to dust or dirt. If your indicator lights are blinking or solid red, they need realignment.

For the more unnerving possibility that sensors are failing to stop your garage door, this is best tested by placing a household object, such as a cardboard box, in line with the sensors and testing whether the door closes when prompted. If it continues closing even with an object in its path, the sensors are faulty and must be replaced by a contractor. A professional evaluation can determine the root cause if it stutters but still stops.

Trust Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for Garage Door Repair

Suppose your troubleshooting has uncovered a garage door sensor malfunction or your home tests are inconclusive. In that case, it’s important to get a professional evaluation from technicians whose skill, dedication and experience you can trust.

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers sensor inspection and correction, as well as a wide range of same-day repairs, dependable installation and replacement services. We handle residential and commercial properties with friendly, prompt service and are available around the clock for emergencies. Check out our great deals to get started.

Keep your garage door safe and code-compliant. Contact us today for sensor inspection and repair.

When your garage door fails to close, it can be frustrating to determine the root cause of the issue. Here, we’ll lay out some common problems that affect garage door operation and the steps you can take to resolve them quickly.

Your garage is the primary barrier securing your home and property. If your garage door is malfunctioning, schedule an emergency repair with us today. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie has repaired and replaced thousands of garage doors across central Indiana, addressing issues with the urgency they deserve. To keep your residence safe, read on for tips to get your garage door working as it should.

Six Issues That Might Be Preventing Your Garage Door From Closing

Is your garage door not closing? You may be dealing with:

Blocked or Misaligned Door Sensors

Thankfully, troubleshooting this problem is straightforward.

Garage door sensors detect obstructions or blockages, so if there are any physical items in the sensor’s path, the door won’t close. Sweep the threshold or tracks to remove any objects that may be in the way, or realign the garage door rails if necessary. If you don’t spot any obvious blockages, try wiping down the sensor path to remove dirt or debris.

Your Garage Door Limit Switch Needs Resetting

A garage door limit switch controls how far the door opens and closes. If your garage door doesn’t open or close all the way or immediately closes upon opening, the limit switch may need resetting. There are a few different ways to recalibrate your garage door limits. Try our step-by-step guide.

Damaged or Snapped Door Cables

Cable issues are a common reason why a garage won’t stay closed.

When under too much stress, the torsion and extension springs connected to your garage door’s cables overload. Over time, these springs can degrade or weaken, causing cables to snap. You can test for this either by visual inspection or by gently tugging on the cables to check their tension.

We recommend lubricating the cables for a short-term fix. However, worn-out springs or snapped cables will need immediate replacement or repair.

Broken Garage Door Springs

Rust, corrosion and regular wear and tear impact the quality and function of garage door springs. As one of the most important components in a garage door system, springs support the door’s load, weight and operation. If they’re broken or faulty, a professional replacement is necessary.

Broken springs can cause noisy door operation or misalignment, so be on the lookout for these signs.

Damaged or Unaligned Tracks

The tracks on either side of your garage door guide it as it opens and closes. Physical accidents, vehicle impacts or extreme weather can cause misalignment, bending or damage. If the tracks are in disrepair, your garage door may not close properly. While a hammer can often fix minor bends or dings, severe track damage needs professional intervention.

Dead Remote Control Opener Batteries

Your garage door panel and opener run on batteries, so sometimes a battery replacement is the simple fix you need. If a change of batteries doesn’t solve the problem, a professional breaker box inspection may be necessary.

Trust Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for Garage Door Repair

If none of these solutions fix your garage door, you might have a mechanical issue with your remote opener or panel. If you suspect an underlying problem, contact a team member at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie.

We provide timely emergency repairs and use high-quality products to deliver expert results. As the number one garage door company in Indianapolis, we take pride in our honest, personalized approach to garage door services.

Do you need your garage door fixed now? Contact us today to schedule a repair or inspection for your Muncie, IN home.

Automatic garage doors are incredibly convenient for homeowners. They allow easy entry and exit from your home and offer great security. Unfortunately, there are times when your automatic garage door might not open. Power outages, a failing opener, or a technical issue can leave you stuck. These situations can be especially inconvenient during extreme weather or emergencies when you need quick access to your vehicle.

Knowing how to manually open your garage door can save you from these frustrating situations. It helps you maintain access to your home and vehicle, even if you’re having technical difficulties. At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we’re here to guide you step-by-step through how to manually open your garage door after a power outage. Our expert advice will help you stay prepared and avoid unnecessary stress.

Steps to Open Your Garage Door Manually

When faced with a broken garage door opener, here are some steps you can follow to manually open your garage door safely and effectively.

Ensure the Garage Door Is in the Down Position

First, make sure your garage door is fully closed. Disengaging the opener when the door is still open or partially open can cause the door to slam shut, creating a huge risk of injury or damage. Plus, an open door may cause the opener mechanism to malfunction. Always make sure the door is in the down position before trying any manual operation.

Pull The Manual Release Cord

Find the manual release cord. This is typically a red T-shaped handle hanging from the garage door track. The cord is designed to disengage the door from the automatic opener. To use it, pull the handle down with some force. It requires a firm pull, but you need to avoid hanging on it or pulling too hard. Otherwise, you could damage the track or cord. This will disconnect the door from the opener, allowing you to lift it manually.

Manually Lift Your Garage Door Open

With the opener disengaged, you can now manually lift the garage door. Grab the door from the bottom and lift it evenly. If the door doesn’t move, it might mean there’s a broken or faulty spring. A properly functioning garage door shouldn’t be too heavy, and a single adult should be able to lift it. If it feels exceptionally heavy, there may be another issue that needs professional attention. Remember to lift with your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury.

Reconnect the Door to Your Garage Opener

Once you’ve manually operated your garage door, it’s time to reconnect the door to the opener. Pull the manual release cord back toward the door. Have another person lift the garage door toward the opener until it clicks into place. Alternatively, you can wait until the power is back. Then the carriage will automatically move down the track and reattach to the door when the opener is pressed. Always test the door after reconnecting to ensure it operates smoothly.

Garage Spring Repair in Indianapolis

If you’ve followed all these steps and your garage door still doesn’t work properly, you might be dealing with broken springs or snapped cables. These are critical parts for your garage door to work correctly. At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we offer comprehensive garage door repair services. Our expert technicians can inspect, diagnose and repair any issues, helping you make sure your garage door is back to working condition quickly and safely.

From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, our team is ready to assist you. If you find yourself struggling with a malfunctioning garage door, let our team help you. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.

Schedule garage door services with Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie today.

Accidents happen, but backing into your garage door can be alarming. It can happen if you mistakenly hit the gas instead of your brake, if your car or truck malfunctions, or if the driveway is slick from grease or ice. To ensure everyone’s safety, regroup and make sure that you and your passengers are okay before taking another action.

After everyone’s safety is confirmed, you’ll want to consider steps to fix your garage door and how Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can help. With thousands of garage door accident fixes under our belt, we’ll help you resolve the issue ASAP.

Assess the Damage to Your Garage Door

Your garage door includes heavy mechanical parts. Hence, it’s essential to inspect it without opening it to ensure proper garage door safety.

Examine the outside where your vehicle impacted and check for structural damage. Then, go into the garage to check for damage from the inside. If you were inside when the accident occurred, use the side door and check outside for damage.

Garage door damage might include:

• A broken or misaligned roller or track
• A splintered or broken panel
• Snapped cables
• Broken springs

Note: Before inspecting the door, examine your home’s foundation to see if there’s any damage if you partially hit your home. If there’s damage, contact a licensed contractor in your area for repairs.

Attempting to Open Your Garage Door After the Accident

Don’t open the garage door immediately until you can align the rails. If they’re not aligned, the door may suddenly come down.

If the door is still on the track, you can attempt to manually open it by disconnecting the garage door opener. However, you should try to open it slowly and listen for any unusual sounds that may indicate hidden damage. If it operates smoothly, that’s good.

If your garage door doesn’t open properly, don’t force it. It likely needs repair. Turn to the experts for help getting your door back in working order.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Call your home and auto insurance providers to schedule inspections so you can report damage to your vehicle and home, schedule repairs and file claims to cover the damages. If you have the warranty information on your existing garage door, have that ready when you report your claim so you can relay the type of materials used in your door.

Because they might not be able to come out the same day, document the damage by taking pictures and videos. You might need to measure the dent with a tape measure. This is especially helpful when checking with your insurance to see if it will cover the cost of repairs.

Call Us for Emergency Garage Door Repair

If the garage door is completely off the track or severely damaged and can’t fully open or shut, emergency repair is needed. Backed by excellent reviews, Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers emergency garage door repairs. We can inspect and identify the necessary repairs or suggest garage door replacement options.

Schedule garage door repair in Indianapolis or Muncie by contacting us today. Check out our online promos when you request service.

Like your windows and doors, your garage door needs weatherstripping in the form of garage door bottom seals. When your bottom seal is worn out, you risk energy loss, reduced security and potential damage to the belongings in your garage.

This blog discusses the different types of garage door bottom seals, their benefits and how they can improve the comfort and safety of your garage.

Understanding Garage Door Bottom Seals

Garage door bottom seals help insulate your garage and protect it from various weather conditions. They’re usually made of vinyl or rubber and can wear out over time.

You can protect your garage door seal by performing regular maintenance and protecting your garage through regular door seal replacements.

When it’s time to replace your garage door bottom seal, it’s important to choose the right seal for your door and climate. You must use a seal that works with the thickness of your garage door and the condition of the garage floor.

Exploring Different Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals

There are several common types of garage door bottom seals. Let’s dive into the differences and benefits of each type.

Rubber Bottom Seals

Rubber bottom garage door seals are flexible and resistant to weathering. They come in many shapes and sizes to fit your garage door, which helps create a better seal.

Some advantages of rubber bottom seals include:

• Good sealing properties
• Flexibility
• Durability
• Resistant to weather conditions

Rubber bottom seals work well for homes and businesses in any climate.

Vinyl Bottom Seals

Vinyl garage door bottom seals are more rigid than rubber and offer good sealing. They’re less likely than rubber to crack or deform. As such, vinyl is perfect for climates where the temperature stays relatively consistent. These seals will keep out dust, dirt and water.

Brush Bottom Seals

Brush seals are unique — they consist of flexible bristles attached to a metal or plastic backing. They create a better barrier against drafts, dust and pests without creating friction against the garage floor.

Advantages of brush bottom seals include:

• Effective at sealing gaps
• Durable
• Low friction

Brush bottom seals are better for uneven garage doors and work well for any climate. These seals are 98.5% effective and can withstand extreme heat and cold.

Bulb Bottom Seals

Bulb bottom seals are formed in a tube-like shape, which resembles an inverted T when viewed from the side. They’re made of flexible rubber or vinyl attached to a rigid aluminum or PVC retainer, and are flattened against the pavement when the garage closes.

Advantages of bulb bottom seals include:

• A tight seal thanks to compression
• Flexibility
• Durability
• Easy installation
• Variety of sizes

Bulb bottom seals will withstand extreme cold and extreme heat better than some other garage door bottom seals.

When To Replace Your Garage Door Bottom Seal

Most garage door bottom seals need to be replaced every five to 10 years depending on wear and tear. Some signs of wear and tear include cracks, flattening, hardening, discoloration, loosening or detachment, irregularities in the seal and reduced insulation.

If you can see daylight or feel a breeze in your garage while the door is closed, you likely need to replace your seal.

While you can perform DIY garage door bottom seal replacement, it can be difficult and requires an extra person to help. To replace your garage door bottom seal:

• Remove the old seal.
• Cut the new seal to size.
• Wash the track on the garage door with soap and water to remove residue.
• Use dish soap to lubricate the retainer track.
• Feed the seal down the track while the other person pulls.
• Cut the excess seal to fit.
• Add caps if they’re available.
• Add screws to secure the seal.

If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about replacing your garage door bottom seal, you can always call a professional, like those at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, to do the replacement.

Enhancing Garage Door Insulation With Weatherstripping

Extra weatherstripping can be added to your garage door to help improve energy efficiency. Your garage, if not properly insulated, can lose a lot of heat or cool air from your home, making your HVAC system work harder.

Some weatherstripping options include side seals, top seals and threshold seals. They can help reduce debris in your garage, prevent pests and protect against moisture.

Make sure you properly maintain your weatherstripping to keep your garage energy-efficient. You can also clean your weatherstripping and replace it when needed.

Why Choose Overhead Door of Indianapolis?

If you want to keep your garage door safe from weather, water, debris and dirt, consider replacing your garage door bottom seal. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, call Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for a professional assessment.

We can check your seal for problems and replace it with ease. Protect your garage and the belongings you keep there from damage by replacing your seal.

For expert advice on replacing your garage door bottom seal, contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie.

Call us in Indianapolis at 317-489-0825 or in Muncie at 765-215-2932 today to learn more and get started.

Having trouble with a garage door that seems to stop midway through either opening or closing? While this problem can be hair-pull-worthy, it’s actually a fairly common concern, and one that often comes with a simple solution.

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers 24-hour repairs. If you need urgent garage door repair, call us today.

Why Your Garage Door Stops Halfway Up

If your garage door only opens halfway, you could have one of a few problems, so we’ll lay out the most common causes.

Rusty or Jammed Parts

The rollers that slide your door up and down are more crucial to its proper operation than you may think. Be sure to clean and grease/oil these occasionally. The springs may also be the source of the issue. If they aren’t lubricated properly, they could stick or even break.

Problem with the Force Adjustment

It’s possible there’s a problem with the door’s force adjustment setting — the force limit may need to be adjusted. We don’t recommend DIY repairs, as garage door parts can cause injury if not handled properly.

Improper Limit Setting

Your automatic garage door comes with a limit setting that limits the amount of force it’s allowed to exert in either opening or closing. If this setting is improper, it can cause your door to stop midway, thinking its job is done. This setting can shift out of appropriate caliber over time through natural settling or unaware fiddling.

Obstruction

If the door closes almost all the way and then stops, there may simply be some kind of obstruction. Yes, this one seems obvious, but you may be surprised how often the culprit is something like a wedged rock or stick.

Garage Door Repair & Maintenance in the Indianapolis Area

If your garage door isn’t opening or closing all the way, don’t lose hope. The experts at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie put your safety first, so contact us for garage door repair and maintenance — we always recommend turning to a professional first.

Contact us to get your garage door opening and closing smoothly today.

Looking for more tips, ideas or information? Keep up with our blog for more great solutions to common problems.

Your home’s garage door is a convenience that’s easily taken for granted — until it breaks down and disrupts your day.

A common issue occurs when the limit switch on your garage door opener prevents your door from operating properly. If the door doesn’t open or close all the way or if it immediately closes upon opening, the limit switch may need to be reset.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to tell if your limit switch needs resetting. We’ll also provide and offer some quick and easy solutions to hold you over until a trained technician arrives to repair the garage door opener.

What Is a Limit Switch & What Does It Do?

For most garage door systems, there are two limit switches. One detects full closure of the garage door. The other detects the full opening of the garage door.

These switches send a signal to your garage door opener to indicate the garage door’s limit of travel in a particular direction has been reached. The garage door opener then stops attempting to move the door further.

Common Limit Switch Issues & How To Fix Them

If your garage door’s behavior leads you to believe you may have a limit switch issue, you should always call for professional repair. To address the problem in the meantime, try the steps below:

If Your Garage Door Won’t Open Completely

1. Open the garage door completely.
2. Measure from the bottom of the garage door to the top of the garage door opening, and record the result.
3. Find the “Up” limit switch adjuster on the side of the garage door opener.
4. With a screwdriver, move the adjuster to match your measurement. To do this, turn the screw clockwise roughly one complete turn for every three more inches the door needs to travel.
5. Test the door and, if needed, adjust again.

If Your Garage Door Won’t Close Completely

1. Press the button to close the garage door.
2. Let the garage door close to its incomplete position.
3. Measure the gap between the garage door and the ground.
4. Find the “Down” limit switch adjuster on the side of the garage door opener.
5. With a screwdriver, move the adjuster to match your measurement. To do this, turn the screw counterclockwise roughly one complete turn for every three more inches the door needs to travel.
6. Test the door and, if needed, adjust again.

If Your Garage Door Closes & Then Opens Again

1. Press the button to close the garage door.
2. If it closes and immediately opens again, find the “Down” limit switch adjuster on the side of the garage door opener.
3. With a screwdriver, move the adjuster clockwise one turn at a time, and re-close the door until the door remains closed when the “Close” button is pressed.
4. Test the door several times and adjust as required.

Expert Garage Door Opener Repair in Indiana

Whenever you need professional garage door repair like resetting your limit switch, call Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie. Our experienced, skilled garage door experts will identify the problem promptly, recommend a solution and perform the repairs quickly and efficiently.

Call 317-489-0825 in Indianapolis or 765-215-2932 in Muncie for garage door opener repairs from Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie.