Garage Door Stuck Halfway? Here’s What’s Going Wrong

Nothing ruins your morning quite like pressing the button on your garage door opener only to watch it grind to a halt, stuck halfway. You’re trapped — literally. Your car is stuck inside, your schedule is derailed, and concerns about home security start creeping in.

A garage door stuck halfway isn’t just a nuisance. A partially open garage door leaves your home vulnerable to weather, pests, and potential intruders. The good news? Most stuck garage door issues happen for predictable reasons that can be diagnosed and fixed quickly.

At Unlimited Garage Door Services, we’ve been providing professional garage door repair across New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, for over 14 years. We know how stressful a malfunctioning garage door system can be. Here’s why your door’s movement might be stalling and how we can provide reliable repair.

5 Common Causes of a Garage Door Stuck Halfway

When your garage door stops mid-cycle, it’s usually trying to tell you something. Below are the most frequent issues our expert technicians see in homes across our service areas.

1. Misaligned or Blocked Sensors

Photo-eye sensors at the bottom of your garage door tracks prevent accidents by projecting a safety beam. If dust, sun glare, or dirt blocks them, the door may begin moving but stop halfway as a precaution.

Quick fix: Gently wipe the lenses and clear any obstructions. If the problem persists, a professional technician can recalibrate them.

2. Broken or Weak Springs

Your springs carry most of the door’s weight. When they weaken or break, the door’s movement may stall or even reverse.

This is where spring experts come in. Professional garage door spring repair is required for broken or failing torsion spring systems. Because springs are under extreme tension, attempting DIY repair risks severe injury.

3. Cable Problems

Cables work with springs to lift your garage door evenly. When they fray or snap, the door may rise on one side and jam. You may hear grinding or scraping, or the door might slam shut suddenly.

Cable replacement requires specialized tools and training. Always contact a professional for this door repair.

4. Track or Roller Issues

Your garage door glides along metal tracks with the help of rollers. When tracks bend, loosen, or fill with debris, or when hinges and hardware shift, the door may jerk or jam.

Even a minor car bump can bend a track out of proper installation. Our technicians often recommend nylon rollers replacement to replace worn metal wheels with smooth nylon rollers, helping the garage door run smooth.

5. Garage Door Opener Malfunction

Sometimes the issue lies in the garage door opener. Electrical failures, worn gears, or bad limit settings can cause the opener to stall mid-cycle.

This is when garage door opener service becomes essential. Upgrading to modern garage door opener brands can make openers run smooth, reduce loud garage door rollers, and add safety features.

If needed, our technicians will pull the emergency release cord so the door can be operated manually while repairs are made.

How Unlimited Garage Door Services Fixes a Stuck Garage Door

When you call us for a garage door stuck halfway, we follow a step-by-step process to restore safe, smooth operation:

  • Comprehensive Inspection: Our expert technicians conduct a safety inspection of your entire garage door system: springs, cables, track, rollers, opener, and more.
  • Sensor Solutions: We clean, realign, or replace faulty sensors and rule out electrical interference.
  • Spring and Cable Repairs: Using professional tools, we provide safe, same-day garage door spring repair and cable replacement.
  • Track and Roller Service: We realign metal tracks, repair bends, and upgrade rollers with nylon rollers replacement.
  • Opener Calibration: We fine-tune your garage door opener, adjusting settings for smooth, complete cycles.

Because we maintain a fully stocked warehouse in Albuquerque and send out service trucks daily, we can often complete your installation needs or repairs the same week without delays.

When to Call Unlimited Garage Door Services in New Mexico

Some garage door problems announce themselves clearly, while others develop gradually. Here are the warning signs that indicate you need professional help:

  • Door stops mid-cycle: If your garage door repeatedly stops, even after clearing obstructions and cleaning sensors, it suggests a deeper mechanical problem.
  • Strange noises: Grinding, scraping, or squealing sounds signal worn components that could fail completely. These noises rarely resolve themselves.
  • Visible damage: Broken cables or springs are a major safety hazard. Never operate a garage door if you see these issues; call a professional immediately.
  • Uneven or heavy operation: If your door feels unusually heavy when you try to open it manually or moves unevenly, the weight-bearing components likely need expert attention.

Don’t let a stuck garage door disrupt your routine or compromise your home’s security. Contact Unlimited Garage Door Services at (505) 447-9441 or schedule service through our garage door repair page.

As a family-owned business local to New Mexico, we understand the unique challenges our climate presents for garage door systems. We back all our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your peace of mind matters to us.

Get Your Garage Door Moving Again

A stuck garage door usually means a mechanical or electrical problem that needs professional attention. Addressing it quickly prevents expensive replacement, reduces safety risks, and helps your garage door system last longer.

At Unlimited Garage Door Services, we guide you through the entire process, from diagnosis to installation and replacement. Whether you need garage door opener service, nylon rollers replacement, or new installation needs, we deliver everything doors with quality products and dependable service.

If your garage door is stuck halfway in New Mexico, call us today at (505) 447-9441 or schedule service online. From opener adjustments to garage door spring repair, our team delivers reliable repair, fast turnaround, and professional results that enhance home value and protect your family.