21 Oct 2025
6 min read
There’s nothing more frustrating than rushing out of the door only to find your Roller Garage Door won’t open. Whether it’s a sudden jam or a motor that refuses to cooperate, these issues can throw your whole day off. Unlike Sectional Doors, Roller Garage Doors have unique mechanisms that require careful handling. While you may be able to fix some minor problems yourself, it's always best to seek professional guidance for more serious issues.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through common Roller-specific issues, DIY checks, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
A Roller Garage Door is made up of a flexible curtain that rolls tightly around a drum mounted above the opening. The curtain is guided by vertical tracks on either side, which makes Roller Doors compact and reduces the amount of space required. In contrast, Sectional Doors open in hinged panels that slide along horizontal tracks into the whole ceiling.
There are two types of Roller Doors:
Knowing these basic parts and how they differ from sectional doors will help you troubleshoot problems.
Here’s a list of Roller-specific garage door issues that could be behind the problem.
If your Roller Door is motorised, a faulty motor or an interrupted power supply is likely the culprit. In our experience, this is the most common issue. Check the outlet, circuit breaker, or backup battery before assuming a major fault.
Often, the issue is as simple as a flat remote battery or signal interference. If the wall garage door opener switch works but the remote doesn’t, the receiver is the issue.
Roller Doors rely on slats moving smoothly together, so if one is bent, dented, or not properly aligned, the curtain sticks, making opening or closing difficult.
The vertical tracks guide the door curtain, meaning that if debris, dirt, or an obstruction builds up, the curtain may jam. Clean the guides to help prevent this.
The drum and axle are central to the rolling mechanism. If they seize, loosen, or wear out, the curtain won’t roll smoothly, and movement may feel jerky.
Roller Doors use spring tension to balance weight. If springs lose tension or break, the door may feel unusually heavy, hard to open, or even slam shut. Check the springs, which are usually housed inside the drum barrel (above the curtain).
Do you get some extreme weather conditions? If so, excessive heat, moisture, or rust can cause the curtain or components to expand, warp, or stick. Maintenance is crucial for seasonal weather conditions, which often reveal these issues.
Before you roll up your sleeves, remember: Roller Doors have hidden tension systems and moving parts that can be dangerous. Stick to only basic DIY checks. Anything involving springs, the drum, or major realignment should be handled by the professionals.
That said, here are some troubleshooting tips you can use to help identify the issue.
Confirm the motor is receiving power and test the wall switch. Swap remote batteries and try the manual override to see if the curtain moves freely. If it still won’t move, the problem is internal. Avoid forcing the door, as this may cause further damage.
This should be part of your Roller Door maintenance. Debris, dirt, and small objects build up in the side guides and are a common cause of jams. Carefully remove obstructions and clean the tracks with a soft brush or vacuum. Never force the curtain, as this can damage slats or the drum.
Gently guide the curtain back into the track if minor misalignment is visible. However, if there’s strong resistance, don't force it as it risks bending slats and damaging the drum.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but don’t attempt internal motor adjustments if you’re unsure. Some motorised doors can be reset by simply switching off the power, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting.
Never attempt to adjust or replace springs, cables, or drums yourself, as these are under high tension and can cause serious injury. Some repairs are too risky for DIY. This includes situations where the motor shows signs of burnout. If you notice unusual noises, intermittent operation, or failure to respond, it's time to call an expert.
Additionally, regular professional servicing not only keeps your Roller Door running smoothly but also identifies potential problems early, which will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Like most things, regular maintenance is key to your Roller Door's longevity. It keeps your Roller Door working smoothly and helps prevent costly jams. As a rule of thumb, every few years, lubricate guides, bearings, and moving parts with a light silicone spray. Also, keep the curtain and slats clean from dust and debris. Annual servicing by a professional ensures spring tension, drum alignment, and motor function are all functional.
Troubleshooting a Roller Garage Door is all about knowing your limits. While you can DIY some smaller issues, don’t risk fixes that should be left to a professional. For expert guidance, contact Windsor Doors to find the right solution for your property.
Check for obstructions, ensure power is connected, inspect the curtain, tracks, and for any loose hardware. Then try the manual override at the power source; call a professional technician if the problem persists.
Turn off the power, wait a few minutes, then restart according to the manufacturer’s instructions and test the door’s operation and sensors.
Common causes include motor faults, power issues, misaligned slats, jammed door tracks, or worn springs if it's making strange noises.
Use the manual release cord to disengage the motor, then lift the door carefully, ensuring springs and tension are not forced.
