6 Common Garage Door Problems in California Homes (And How to Fix Them)

From the coast of Santa Monica to the heart of Sacramento, garage doors are a key part of daily convenience and home security for California residents. But like any mechanical system, they eventually break down — and when they do, they can throw off your whole day.

At Star Gate Garage, we’ve repaired thousands of garage doors across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and beyond. Here are 6 common garage door issues California homeowners face — and what you can do about them.

1. 🛑 Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

This is one of the most common (and frustrating) issues. The cause might be a faulty opener, broken spring, sensor misalignment, or even a power issue. A quick inspection from a professional can save you time — and prevent more damage.

2. 🔊 Loud or Noisy Operation

Hearing grinding, squeaking, or rattling when your garage door moves? This often points to worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or poor lubrication. While some minor noise can be fixed with garage door lubricant, persistent noise should be inspected by a technician.

3. ⚠️ Broken Springs

Garage door springs bear the heavy lifting — literally. When they break, your door may slam shut or refuse to open. This is dangerous to fix yourself. Always call a trained technician to replace springs safely and correctly.

4. 🔍 Misaligned Sensors

In California, garage doors are required to have photo-eye sensors for safety. If these are dirty, knocked out of alignment, or damaged, your door may reverse unexpectedly or refuse to close. Cleaning or adjusting the sensors can help, but if the problem continues, it’s best to replace them.

5. 💡 Remote or Opener Not Working

If your wall button works but your remote doesn’t, the issue could be with the batteries, signal, or opener logic board. We troubleshoot and repair all major brands of garage door openers across California — from Chamberlain and LiftMaster to Genie and Craftsman.

6. 🌊 Weather & Rust Damage

In coastal cities like Long Beach, Santa Cruz, or San Francisco, salt air and moisture can rust tracks, hinges, and springs. Inland cities like Fresno and Bakersfield face dust and dry air, which causes wear over time. Regular maintenance is key — and we offer affordable service plans to keep your system running smoothly.

🧰 Need Garage Door Repair in California?

Whether you’re in Irvine, Oakland, or Chula Vista, Star Gate Garage is your trusted source for professional garage door repairs. We offer same-day service, fair pricing, and repairs you can rely on — from spring replacement and opener repair to full garage door installation.

👉 Explore our California service areas