This week

Something else. The garage door basics, then the seven questions

If none of the symptoms matched, the door is probably usable. Use the checks below to tell a nuisance from a hazard.

What is probably happening

Noise: DASMA says squeaking springs are normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem. Grinding, popping or a door that shudders is a roller, hinge or balance problem.
A door that drifts down on its own after you lift it by hand is out of balance. That is a spring adjustment and it is a technician's job.
A door that is hard to lift by hand, or slams shut, has a weak or broken spring.
Anything involving the spring, the cables or the bottom brackets is not a homeowner job. DASMA: spring systems are dangerous and should be repaired only by trained professionals.

Do this in the next five minutes

Balance check: close the door, pull the red release cord (only with the door closed), lift the door halfway by the handle and let go. It should stay put. If it drops or shoots up, call.
Reversal check: reconnect the opener, open the door, lay a 2x4 flat on the floor under it and close. Chamberlain: it must reverse on contact with a 1.5 inch object. If it does not, stop using the opener until it is fixed.
Sensor check: both photo eye lights glow steadily, no higher than 6 inches off the floor.
Look at the cables at both top corners for fraying. DASMA: frayed cables are in danger of breaking and can cause injury.
Lubricate rollers, hinges and springs with a garage door lubricant once or twice a year.

Do not

Do not pull the release cord with the door open. Chamberlain: only when fully closed.
Do not put fingers between the panels. DASMA: use the handles or safe gripping points.
Do not touch springs, cables or bottom brackets.

Who to call

A garage door technician

Balance, reversal and cable faults are all one trade and one visit. Ask the seven universal questions on the site before you book.

Get a free shortlist The seven questions for this trade

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What it should cost

$80 to $700, average $265

National garage door repair range, plus a $50 to $75 service call fee

Source: Angi, garage door repair cost, updated August 2026. View source

National published range, not a quote for your job. The full cost table for this trade is on the garage doors page.

Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out

Tap each one as you ask it.

What is the service call fee, and does it come off the job if I go ahead?
Will you show me the balance test and the 1.5 inch reversal test before you leave?
If you recommend springs, does the price cover both, and what is the cycle rating?

End the call if

A rebuild package quoted for a noise. Angi lists this as a common scam.
Cash up front. Massachusetts OCABR: never pay for the job in advance.
A very low advertised call fee. The BBB describes it as the entry to inflated repairs.

Where this comes from

Not my problem, tap through instead Every garage doors answer