A garage door that won’t open can be more than just frustrating — it can interrupt your whole day. Whether you're trying to get to work or just get the kids to school, you expect your garage door to open without a problem. But when it doesn't, you might be left wondering: what went wrong?

At Williams Door Company, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners deal with this exact issue. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your garage door won’t open — and what you can do to fix it.

If you're located in or around Knoxville, TN, and need help with garage doors, you're in the right place.

1. Power Source Is Disconnected

This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked causes. Garage doors run on electricity, so if the power source is unplugged or there’s a blown fuse, the door won’t move.

Quick Fix:

• Check if the opener is plugged in.

• Look for tripped circuit breakers.

• Make sure your remote has fresh batteries.

If everything seems fine but the door still won’t move, it might be time to call a local expert like Williams Door Company.

2. Remote Control or Keypad Isn’t Working

Sometimes the issue isn't with the garage door itself but with the remote or keypad.

Common Issues:

• Dead batteries

• Signal interference

• Broken antenna on the opener

What You Can Do:

• Replace the batteries in your remote.

• Reprogram the remote or keypad using your opener’s manual.

• Make sure the antenna hanging from your opener is not damaged.

3. Garage Door Springs Are Broken

The torsion or extension springs are responsible for lifting the heavy weight of the door. If one breaks, your door likely won’t move at all.

Signs of a Broken Spring:

• Loud bang from the garage

• Door only opens a few inches

• Cables hanging loose

Warning:

Never try to repair or replace garage door springs yourself. They are under a lot of tension and can be very dangerous. Instead, contact Williams Door Company, your trusted provider of garage doors in Knoxville TN, for safe and fast service.

4. Track Is Misaligned or Blocked

If your garage door track is bent, misaligned, or blocked by debris, your door won’t be able to move smoothly — or at all.

Fix Tips:

• Inspect the track for dents or gaps.

• Clear out any objects or dirt.

• Avoid using the door until a technician can realign the track.

A misaligned track can cause further damage to the door and opener if not handled promptly.

5. Garage Door Opener Is Faulty

Your opener is the motorized part that controls the movement of the door. Like any mechanical device, it can wear out over time.

Symptoms of a Bad Opener:

• Opener hums but the door doesn’t move

• Lights on the opener are flashing

• Remote or wall switch doesn’t work even with power

What You Can Do:

• Try resetting the opener.

• Check the manual for blinking light codes.

• Call in professionals to inspect or replace the unit.

Williams Door Company offers high-quality openers and expert installation across the Knoxville TN area.

6. Safety Sensors Are Blocked or Misaligned

Modern garage doors come with safety sensors that stop the door from closing if something’s in the way. But if the sensors are dirty or out of line, they can stop the door from opening too.

How to Check:

• Look for small LED lights on the sensors near the floor.

• Clean any dust or cobwebs.

• Adjust them so they face each other directly.

If the lights don’t turn on or continue blinking, you may need a technician to inspect the system.

7. Manual Lock Is Engaged

Some garage doors have a manual lock that can be accidentally engaged, especially by kids or during cleaning.

Solution:

• Check for a handle or lock bar near the middle of the door.

• Turn the handle to unlock it.

• Try opening the door again using the remote or switch.

8. Weather-Related Issues

Extreme cold or heat can affect your garage door’s operation. Ice buildup, swelling of materials, or lubricant hardening can all interfere with proper functioning.

Tips:

• Clear ice and snow from around the door.

• Apply weather-appropriate lubricant to hinges and rollers.

• Open and close the door manually to loosen any frozen parts.

When to Call the Pros

While some garage door problems are easy to fix yourself, others can be dangerous or complex. If you’ve tried the above steps and your door still won’t open, don’t wait.

Williams Door Company is here to help. We specialize in garage doors Knoxville TN homeowners trust for durability, safety, and convenience. From spring repairs to opener replacements, our skilled technicians can get your door working again — fast.

Why Choose Williams Door Company?

• ✅ Over 25 years of experience

• ✅ Serving Knoxville and surrounding areas

• ✅ Friendly, local technicians

• ✅ Emergency repair services

• ✅ High-quality parts and installations

Final Thoughts

A stuck garage door can throw off your entire day. But with a little troubleshooting — and the right professionals on your side — the fix might be simpler than you think. Whether it’s a power issue, broken spring, or faulty sensor, identifying the cause is the first step to solving the problem.

If you’re in Knoxville TN and searching for reliable garage door repair or installation, reach out to Williams Door Company today. We’re your local experts ready to get your garage door moving again.