There’s nothing more frustrating than hitting the garage door button — and watching it stop halfway, reverse, or just refuse to close. Whether it’s stuck an inch from the ground or bouncing back up, this common problem can leave your home exposed and your routine disrupted.

At State Line Garage Doors, we’ve helped homeowners across Lawrenceburg, Muscle Shoals, Savannah, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas troubleshoot and fix garage doors that just won’t cooperate. Here’s what may be causing the issue — and what to do about it.

🚫 1. Check for Obstructions

It may sound simple, but even small items in the door’s path can prevent it from closing. Leaves, debris, a misplaced broom, or a toy can trigger the garage door safety sensors, causing the door to reverse for safety.

What to do:
Clear the area beneath and around the door, then try closing it again.

🔦 2. Inspect the Safety Sensors

Your garage door has photo-eye sensors (usually mounted 6 inches above the ground on each side of the door). If they’re misaligned, dirty, or blocked, the door may refuse to close.

What to do:

• Make sure nothing is blocking the sensors

• Wipe the lenses gently with a soft cloth

• Look for a blinking sensor light — a sign they’re out of alignment

• Gently adjust them until both lights glow solid

🧠 3. Check the Limit Settings

Garage doors have “up” and “down” limit switches that tell the opener when to stop. If the down limit is set too high, the door may think it’s hitting something and stop early.

What to do:

• Check your opener’s manual for instructions on adjusting the limit

• Be cautious — small adjustments go a long way

• If you’re unsure, call a pro to handle it safely

🔧 4. Look for Track or Roller Issues

Bent tracks, misaligned rollers, or worn hardware can physically block the door from closing smoothly.

What to do:

• Inspect the tracks on both sides for dents or obstructions

• Check rollers for wear or damage

• Don’t try to bend tracks back into shape — that can make it worse. Call a professional instead.

🪫 5. Check for Remote or Opener Issues

Sometimes it’s not the door — it’s the device. A dying remote battery or wall switch issue could prevent proper signals from reaching the opener.

What to do:

• Try using the wall button if the remote isn’t working

• Replace the remote battery

• If neither works, your opener may need service

❗ Still Won’t Close? Don’t Force It

Manually pulling or pushing a stuck garage door can lead to injury or make the problem worse. If you’ve gone through the basics and it’s still not working, it’s time to call in a local expert.

Call State Line Garage Doors for Fast, Reliable Repairs

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Southern Tennessee and Northern Alabama get their garage doors back on track — safely and affordably.

Whether it’s a sensor issue, track problem, or something deeper in the system, we’ll diagnose the issue and get it fixed fast.

📍 Proudly serving Lawrenceburg, Muscle Shoals, Savannah, Spring Hill, and all surrounding areas.