There is nothing quite as frustrating as getting ready to leave your home only to find your garage door not opening. You hit the remote, nothing. Then, you try the wall switch, but still nothing. For homeowners across Houston, this is more than just an inconvenience—it can completely derail your day.
At BBM Garage Door, we get calls about this all the time. Whether your garage door is stuck halfway, won’t budge at all, or just makes weird noises without opening, we are here to walk you through what’s going on and what you can do about it. Some fixes are simple enough to try on your own. Others need a trained hand. Either way, this guide has you covered.
Why Is Your Garage Door Not Opening?
Let’s start with this: most garage doors don’t just stop working for no reason. There is usually a specific issue behind it, and many times, as we have seen in Houston, TX, it is something fairly common.
It could be something as simple as a power issue or a blocked sensor. In other cases, a broken spring or cable might be the culprit. Houston’s heat and humidity can also cause parts to expand, contract, or shift—affecting how smoothly everything runs.
The key is figuring out what is wrong without making things worse—and that starts with checking the basics.
First Step: Check the Power Source
As simple as it sounds, you will find it surprising how many times a garage door won’t open just because the opener is not getting power.
So check the outlet where your opener is plugged into. Is it secure? To test if the outlet is working, plug in another device, like a small lamp or phone charger. If that doesn’t work either, head to your breaker panel. A single-tripped breaker can cut power into the entire garage system. Reset it if needed and try the opener again.
If power is not the issue and your opener is getting electricity but still not responding, it is time to move on.
Garage Opener Remote or Wall Button Not Working
If you press the remote and nothing happens, try the wall button inside the garage. If one works and the other doesn’t, the issue might be the remote itself—often a dead battery or a need to reprogram it.
In the meantime, if neither control does anything, the problem could be in the opener system or the door’s mechanics. In this case, the garage door not opening could be a sign of a deeper mechanical fault.
Broken Springs: The Hidden Trouble You Cannot Ignore
A snapped spring is one of the most common reasons we see why garage doors stuck in place. The springs are what actually lift the heavy weight of your door. When one breaks, the motor might try to work, but it simply cannot lift the load.
If you hear a loud snap or sharp bang before the door stops working, that is often the sound of a spring breaking. You can also look above the door and check for a visible gap in the spring.
Trying to lift the door manually and finding it unusually heavy? That is another clear sign. If you suspect a broken spring, stop right there—this is not a DIY job. Springs are under too much tension and are highly dangerous without the right tools and training. That is where our garage door repair Houston team comes in.
Photo-Eye Sensor Problems That Can Block Your Overhead Door
Modern garage doors come with safety sensors placed near the ground on each side of the door. If anything interrupts the invisible beam between them—even dust or sunlight hitting at the wrong angle—your garage door won’t open (or close) at all.
Take a moment to wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and make sure nothing is in the way. If one of the sensor lights is blinking or off, it could be misaligned. Gently adjust it until the light stays solid.
If your garage door not opening issue started suddenly and everything else seems fine, sensors could be to blame. They are small but essential, and a few adjustments might be all it takes.
Is Your Garage Door Stuck on the Tracks?
Here in Houston, heat, rain, and humidity can take a toll on garage door tracks. When tracks get bent or misaligned, your door might catch, grind, or stop altogether.
If your door moves a little and then jams—or feels like it is dragging—there might be an issue with the track alignment or an obstruction in the path. Do not force it open. Forcing the door can damage the opener or cause it to come off track entirely.
Sometimes, a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet are all it takes to realign a slightly bent track. But if the problem persists or you’re unsure, it is best to call for garage door repair Houston, TX experts to avoid bigger (and costlier) issues later.
How to Open Your Garage Door Manually (Safely)
If your garage door not opening has left your car stuck inside, and you need to get out, you can open the door manually—but only if you do it the safe way.
Here’s how:
- Find the emergency release cord. Look for a red handle hanging from the opener rail above your garage door.
- Pull the cord straight down. This action disconnects the opener from the door so you can lift it by hand.
- Lift the garage door slowly and carefully. Use both hands and stand in the middle to keep the door balanced.
- Stop if the door feels too heavy or won’t move. That usually means you are dealing with a broken spring or cable. Hence, trying to force it can be dangerous. That is when you call a garage door repair Houston expert to take care of it.
When to Call BBM Garage Door in Houston
Some problems you can handle yourself. For other issues, especially anything involving the opener, springs, or cables—it’s best to step back and let a pro handle it. So, if your garage door not opening situation is not improving, or you hear grinding, popping, or buzzing, it’s time to bring in a team you can trust in Houston, TX.
At BBM Garage Door, we’re local, licensed, and ready to help Houston homeowners like you with honest pricing and fast service. We’ve handled everything from stuck doors to complete system overhauls, and we know what it takes to get your door working smoothly again.
Don’t Let a Garage Door Problem Slow You Down
You rely on your garage door every single day. It protects your home, gives you access to your car, and keeps your life moving. So when it refuses to open, it’s more than just an annoyance—it is a problem that needs a real fix.
Now that you have a clearer picture of what could have caused the garage door not opening, you will be more than ready to handle it. Whether it’s a quick fix or a job for the pros, you don’t have to stress.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Need fast help from a trusted garage door Houston team? Contact BBM Garage Door, and we’ll get it fixed the right way. Our technicians are BBB Accredited with an A+ rating, so when you call us, you know you are in expert hands.
Whether you’re dealing with a stuck garage door in Bellaire or Sugar Land, we’ve got your back in doing minor repairs and major upgrades in and around Houston, TX. We are proud to be the local experts Houston homeowners turn to for reliable garage door service.
Is your garage door not opening at all? Don’t waste time wrestling with it. Call 713-598-3837 and get peace of mind every time that garage door opens.
