If your remote works but your garage door won't budge, the motor runs but nothing happens, or the door feels stuck and heavy, you're dealing with a frustrating and common problem.
A garage door that won't open can leave you locked out of your garage, unable to get your car out, and seriously disrupt your day. The issue could be mechanical, electrical, or something as simple as a broken spring.
The good news? Most of these faults are diagnosable and fixable in a single visit by an experienced local engineer in your area
What Causes This Problem?
Broken Spring
Most common cause - door becomes too heavy to lift
Snapped Cable
Prevents lifting mechanism from working
Seized Rollers
Rust or damage preventing smooth movement
Motor Gear Failure
Motor runs but gears don't engage
Track Obstruction
Debris or damage blocking the path
Disconnected Opener
Manual release cord pulled accidentally
How We Fix It
Visual Inspection
We thoroughly check all components to identify the fault.
Fair Fix Quote
You get a clear price before we start any work—no surprises.
Repair or Replace
We fix it on the spot with parts carried on the van.
Leave with a Guarantee
All replacement parts carry a 12-month warranty.
Repair or Replace?
The vast majority of garage doors that won't open can be repaired quickly and affordably. Even broken springs—the most common cause—are a standard repair job. We'll always be honest if replacement makes more financial sense, but most opening issues are fixable components.
Usually a Repair if:
- The door is structurally sound
- Only one or two components have failed
- Your door is under 20 years old
- The problem started suddenly
Consider Replacement if:
- The door frame is warped or damaged
- Multiple major components are failing
- The door is very old or outdated
- You want to upgrade to modern features
Same-Day Garage Door Repairs
Local garage door engineers available in your area today.
Most repairs completed the same day
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my garage door open even though the motor is running?
This usually means the motor's drive gear has worn out or stripped. The motor spins, but the gear that connects it to the door mechanism has lost its teeth and can't transfer power. This is a common fault in older openers, especially Chamberlain and LiftMaster models. It's a straightforward repair—we replace the gear, and you're back in business.
What does it mean if my door feels extremely heavy when I try to lift it manually?
This is the classic sign of a broken torsion spring. The spring does the heavy lifting—literally. When it snaps, the full weight of the door (often 80–100kg+) is left for you or the motor to lift. If you've heard a loud bang recently, that was likely the spring breaking. Never attempt to force open a door with a broken spring—it's dangerous and can damage the opener.
Can I open my garage door manually if the motor won't work?
Yes, if the spring isn't broken. Pull the manual release cord (usually red, hanging from the opener rail) to disconnect the motor. You can then lift the door by hand. However, if the spring is broken, the door will be far too heavy to lift safely. In that case, call us for an emergency repair.
How do I know if it's the spring or something else?
Try lifting the door manually (with the motor disconnected). If it's extremely heavy and won't stay up when lifted halfway, the spring is broken. If it lifts smoothly and stays put, the problem is likely with the motor, cables, or tracks. We can diagnose this over the phone in many cases.
How much does it cost to fix a garage door that won't open?
Spring replacements typically cost £150–£250 depending on door size. Cable repairs are £100–£180. Motor gear replacements are £120–£200. We provide fixed quotes before starting work, and most repairs are completed in one visit.
Is it safe to leave my door stuck closed until you arrive?
Yes, a door that won't open is at least secure. However, if you need access urgently (car stuck inside, for example), let us know—we offer emergency same-day service across our coverage areas. For less urgent situations, we can usually schedule a repair within 24–48 hours.
How long does a repair take?
Spring replacements take 45–90 minutes. Cable repairs take 30–60 minutes. Motor gear replacements take 60–90 minutes. We carry common parts on the van, so most jobs are done in a single visit without needing to order parts.