Short answer: The most common reasons a garage door won't close are blocked or misaligned safety sensors, something in the door's path, a dead remote or wall button, the opener's lock mode being on, a bent track or worn rollers, and a broken spring or cable. You can safely check the sensors, the path, the remote and the lock button yourself. Tracks, springs and cables are a job for a professional.
A door that won't close, or starts down and then goes right back up, is one of the most common garage door problems. Often it is something simple. Sometimes it is a sign of a part that needs a pro.
The two small sensors near the bottom of the tracks watch for anything under the door. Dirt on the lens, a cobweb, a bump that knocks one out of line, or bright sun hitting a sensor can stop the door from closing. Wipe the lenses and check that the little lights on both sensors are steady.
A rake, a bin, snow or ice, or even a small object near the track can trigger the auto-reverse. That is the safety system doing its job.
Try the wall button. If it works and the remote doesn't, the remote battery is the usual culprit.
Many wall panels have a lock button that stops remotes from working. If the remote does nothing and the wall panel light is blinking, check for a lock setting.
A bent track, loose bracket or worn rollers can make the door bind and stop. If the door moves unevenly, shakes or scrapes, stop using it and have it checked.
If the opener hums but the door barely moves, or a cable is hanging loose, a spring or cable may have failed. These parts are under high tension. Do not try to force the door. Keep clear and call a professional.
Anything with the tracks, springs, cables or door balance. A yearly DoorGuard tune-up checks all of these, and members get priority scheduling if the door stops working.
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Usually the safety sensors see something, are dirty, or are out of line. It can also be something in the door's path or an opener setting.
Clean both lenses, clear anything in the way, and make sure both sensors point at each other with steady lights. If they still blink, have them checked.
Only if the springs and cables are intact. If you suspect a broken spring or loose cable, keep clear and call a professional.