2026-05-28 7 min read
If your garage door won't open, don't force it. A stuck door often signals a broken spring, snapped cable, or opener malfunction. The good news: most issues are fixable, and knowing what to check first can save you money and keep your family safe.
A stuck garage door usually falls into one of three categories: mechanical failure, electrical failure, or simple obstruction.
Mechanical failures are the most common. Springs in a standard two-car garage door support roughly 400 pounds of weight. When a spring breaks (and they last only 7 to 9 years with regular use), the door becomes too heavy to lift manually or via the opener. You'll hear a loud bang or snap before it happens, often from the garage. Cables can snap too, especially if they're old or poorly maintained.
Electrical failures mean your opener isn't receiving power or the motor itself has died. Check your breaker box first. A tripped breaker is cheaper to fix than a new motor.
Obstruction is rarer but happens. A toy, debris, or frost buildup can block the door's path. Winter in Exeter and surrounding New Hampshire areas creates unique challenges; ice buildup along the bottom seal can lock the door shut.
Never attempt to force a stuck garage door. Pulling the emergency release cord and manually lifting can cause serious injury if a spring is broken. A full door can weigh 300 to 500 pounds. I've seen homeowners with crushed fingers and fractured wrists from this mistake.
Don't repeatedly press your opener remote. This wastes battery and tells you nothing. One press, wait five seconds, then stop.
If you smell burning rubber or hear grinding metal, stop immediately and call for professional help. These sounds mean internal damage is happening in real time.
Start by checking the obvious. Is the garage door opener plugged in? Is the breaker switch in the "on" position? Look at your remote. Are the batteries dead? Replace them and try again from inside the garage, standing clear of the door.
Next, inspect the bottom edge of the door from outside. Look for ice, dirt, or debris blocking the seal or tracks. Use a plastic scraper (not metal) to gently clear any buildup. In winter, this alone solves 15% of stuck-door calls.
Listen for sounds when you press the remote. A silent opener suggests a power issue or dead motor. Grinding or clicking sounds point to mechanical trouble. A humming motor that won't move the door means the spring is likely broken.
Check your garage door tracks visually. Stand to the side and look down the length of each track. Dents or misalignment will prevent smooth movement. Small dents you can sometimes tap out with a rubber mallet, but significant damage requires professional service.
If the door opened partially then stopped, a sensor may be blocked. Most modern openers have two safety sensors near the bottom of each track. Make sure nothing is blocking the beam between them. Dust these sensors clean with a soft cloth.
**Need garage door repair in Exeter today?** Call (978) 574-7767. we cover same-day service across the area.
If you've checked everything above and the door still won't move, stop troubleshooting. Attempting repairs on a broken spring or cable is genuinely dangerous. The tension in these components is enormous. A spring can snap and strike you with significant force.
Similarly, if your door is partially stuck or moving unevenly, don't keep using it. This often signals internal damage that will worsen with each cycle.
Professional technicians have the tools and training to diagnose the problem quickly. They can tell you the exact cost and timeline for repair in one visit. If you're concerned about expense, read our guide on garage door cost and pricing in Exeter to understand what typical repairs actually cost.
A stuck garage door that's been neglected usually reflects deeper maintenance issues. If you've skipped regular upkeep, check out our post on why skipping garage door lubrication costs more to prevent future emergencies.
When you contact Garage Door Exeter, describe exactly what happened: Did you hear a snap? Is the door completely stuck or partially open? Does the opener make noise? This information helps us prepare the right tools and often lets us schedule a free quote same-day.
We serve Exeter and surrounding towns across New Hampshire. Many stuck doors can be repaired within 24 hours of your call.
Don't live with a broken garage door. It's a security risk, an inconvenience, and often a sign that other components are wearing out. The sooner you address it, the lower your total cost.
Call (978) 574-7767 or visit our repair services page to learn more about what we can fix and how quickly.
What does it cost to repair a stuck garage door in Exeter? Costs range from $150 for a simple fix like sensor cleaning to $300 to $600 for spring or cable replacement. An in-person estimate gives you the exact price before work begins.
Can I open my garage door manually if it's stuck? Only if you're certain the spring isn't broken. A broken spring makes the door extremely heavy and dangerous to lift. When in doubt, call a professional first.
How long does a garage door repair take? Most repairs take 1 to 2 hours. Emergency calls outside business hours may take longer to schedule, but standard daytime repairs are often completed the same day.
Why does my garage door get stuck in winter? Cold weather stiffens lubricants and ice can seal the bottom edges shut. Keeping your door lubricated and the seal clear prevents winter sticking.
Should I replace or repair my garage door? If the door is over 15 years old or requires multiple repairs yearly, replacement often makes sense. A professional can advise whether repair or replacement saves money long term.