The questions Toronto homeowners ask us most — answered plainly, without the runaround.
The most common causes are misaligned or blocked safety sensors, a damaged torsion or extension spring, a snapped cable, or a track that's bent or obstructed. Check first that nothing is blocking the sensor beam at floor level — a small object or direct sunlight can trigger a false reading. If the sensors are clear and the door still won't close, the issue is mechanical and needs a technician. Our technicians diagnose the problem on the first visit and carry common parts to complete most repairs the same day.
Torsion springs are rated for 10,000–20,000 cycles. At two trips per day, that's roughly 7–14 years. In the GTA, cold winters accelerate metal fatigue — springs on unheated garages tend to fail at the lower end of that range. Extension springs last a similar number of cycles but are generally less durable under heavy use. If your door is over 7 years old and starts feeling heavy or unbalanced, have the springs inspected — they rarely give much warning before they snap.
Stop using the door immediately. A broken spring puts the full weight of the door on the opener motor, which can burn it out — and a door without spring tension can drop suddenly. Call a technician. Spring replacement is not a DIY job: torsion springs are under extreme tension and are dangerous to handle without proper tools and training.
No. An off-track door is under tension from the springs and cables — attempting to force it back risks bending the track, snapping a cable, or causing the door to fall. A technician can realign the door safely, usually within an hour. If you catch it early (the door is slightly uneven or rubbing), the fix is straightforward and inexpensive.
Squealing or grinding usually means the rollers, hinges, or springs need lubrication — use a silicone-based lubricant, not WD-40. Rattling often points to loose hardware. A loud bang on opening or closing is often a worn torsion spring. If lubrication doesn't help within a week, book an inspection — noise is usually an early warning before something fails.
