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Garage Door Opens Halfway Then Stops? Here’s Why

Common issues and local solutions for Calgary homeowners

If your garage door opens partway and suddenly stops, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common issues Calgary homeowners face. But don’t force it. This symptom is usually a sign of a problem that, if ignored, could lead to more costly damage or a complete breakdown.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes and what to do next.

1. Broken or Weak Garage Door Springs

Springs do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to opening your door. If a spring breaks or loses tension, the door may begin to rise — but only make it partway before stopping or reversing.

How to tell:

  • You hear a loud “bang” from the garage
  • The door feels heavier than usual
  • Only one side seems to lift

Solution:
Never try to repair springs yourself — they’re under high tension and can cause injury. Instead, book a spring replacement with a local pro.

2. Opener Limit Settings Are Off

Your garage door opener uses limit settings to determine how far the door should travel. If these settings are incorrect, the opener may think the door has reached the ground — and stop prematurely.

How to tell:

  • The door opens to the same point every time
  • No visible hardware issues
  • The opener seems to “think” the door is shut

Solution:
Consult your opener manual to adjust travel limits, or let a tech diagnose and recalibrate it during a quick visit.

3. Frayed or Snapped Cables

Cables guide your door’s movement and keep it balanced. If one is worn or broken, the door may become uneven, causing it to jam or stall halfway.

How to tell:

  • Door looks crooked or tilted
  • You hear grinding or scraping sounds
  • One side of the door hangs lower

Solution:
Damaged cables are a safety risk. Book garage cable repair as soon as possible.

4. Power or Sensor Issues

Low voltage, weak backup batteries, or misaligned sensors can disrupt door function.

Signs of sensor problems:

  • Blinking lights near the sensors
  • Door reverses after partially opening
  • Nothing happens when you press the remote

Solution:
Clean the sensor lenses, ensure nothing is blocking the path, and check power to the opener. If the issue persists, a diagnostic visit may be needed.

5. Cold Weather and Calgary’s Climate

In Calgary, fluctuating winter temperatures can cause parts to contract or freeze, leading to sluggish movement or partial operation.

Quick tip:
Try gently warming the area or waiting until the temperature rises — but if it continues, call a local technician for a system check-up.

What to Do If Your Door Won’t Open Fully

Don’t force the door — it can make the problem worse or cause injury. Instead:

  • Disconnect the opener and test manual operation
  • Inspect for visible cable or spring damage
  • Check sensor alignment and opener lights
  • Call for same-day service in Calgary

Free First Garage Door Service Call with Membership

At Happy Protection, your first garage door repair is FREE when you sign up. Our Calgary-based techs offer:

  • Same-day repairs
  • Full system diagnostics
  • Spring and cable replacement
  • Opener recalibration
  • Honest, flat-rate pricing

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Local Garage Door Experts in Calgary

We know the issues that come with Calgary’s weather and aging garage systems. Whether it’s a stuck opener or a spring issue, Happy Protection makes it easy to get help when you need it.

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If your garage door only opens halfway, don’t guess — get a proper fix.
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I locked myself out of my car late at night, and within 30 minutes, someone from Happy was there to help. The process was smooth, and I didn’t have to worry about a hefty service call fee — it was all covered under my membership. I’ve already used the plan again for a garage door issue, and it’s been worth every penny.

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I signed up thinking I might use it once or twice a year, but Happy has already helped me twice this month — first for a dead battery and then when my garage door cable snapped. Both times, they showed up fast, handled everything professionally, and I didn’t pay any call-out charges thanks to the membership. It’s honestly a no-brainer if you own a home or car.

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