What to do if your Roller Door won't open or close

In this guide, we’ll walk you through common Roller-specific issues, DIY checks, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Understanding how Roller Doors work

A Roller 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:

1. Manual: lifted and lowered with spring assistance (common in older garage doors)
2. Motorised: where an electric operator does the heavy lifting

Knowing these basic parts and how they differ from sectional doors will help you troubleshoot problems.

Common Roller-specific reasons a door won’t open or close

Here’s a list of Roller-specific garage door issues that could be behind the problem.

Motor faults or power supply issues (motorised)

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.

Remote signal or receiver problems

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.

Slat misalignment or damage

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.

Curtain jam in guides

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.

Drum or axle problems

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.

Spring or tension issues (unique to Roller)

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).

Weather impact (expansion, warping, rust)

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.

DIY troubleshooting for Roller Doors

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.

Check power, remote, and manual override

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.

Inspect and clear tracks and guides

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.

Check curtain alignment

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.

Reset the motor (if applicable)

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.

When to call a professional for Roller Door repairs

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.

Preventative maintenance for Roller Garage Doors

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.

Get expert Roller Door repair advice today

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.

FAQs