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Frequently asked questions
Why does my garage door go back up when I try to close it?
The opener's safety system may be sensing a blocked or faulty sensor. Under 16 CFR 1211.8 an opener must not close an open door more than 1 foot when the sensor is blocked or faulty. Clear the path and check the sensors, then call a technician if it still will not close.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
Opener makers such as Genie say not to remove, repair or adjust springs yourself because of the high tension. Have a trained garage door technician do it.
How often should I test my garage door opener?
Monthly. The federal standard's safety instructions say the door must reverse on contact with a 1 1/2 inch object or a 2 by 4 laid flat.
What does an unbalanced garage door mean?
A balanced door stays put when stopped partly open. CPSC says a door that is not balanced, or binds or sticks, should be serviced by a professional.
Do older garage door openers need to be replaced?
CPSC urges replacing or repairing openers that do not automatically reverse. Reversing has been required on openers sold after January 1, 1991, and external sensors since 1993.
Does a garage door installer need a license in Utah?
Utah's contractor rule puts garage doors in the S220 Carpentry and Flooring Contractor scope. A job under $7,000 total can be done without a contractor license under Utah Code 58-55-305, with an insurance affirmation filed with DOPL above $3,000. Check any license in DOPL's lookup.
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Utah?
Search the business name or license number in DOPL's License Lookup and Verification system at secure.utah.gov/llv, or call DOPL at (801) 530-6628.
On this site: Why won't my garage door close? · What to do if a garage door spring breaks · How to test your garage door's safety reverse · How to tell if a garage door is out of balance · Is my old garage door opener safe? · Utah rules for garage door work: licensing and exemptions · How to check a Utah garage door contractor's license · Before you hire a garage door company in Utah · Garage door repair cost in Utah · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Utah Office of Administrative Rules: Utah Admin. Code R156-55a, Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act Rule (effective August 7, 2026), section R156-55a-301z, S220 Carpentry and Flooring Contractor (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code 58-55-305, Exemptions from licensure (effective May 7, 2025; the Legislature lists it as renumbered January 1, 2027) (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code 58-55-110, Exemptions from licensure (effective January 1, 2027; renumbered and amended from 58-55-305 by Chapter 42, 2026 General Session) (checked October 29, 2026)
- State of Utah (DOPL): License Lookup and Verification (checked October 29, 2026)
- eCFR (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rule): 16 CFR 1211.16, Instruction manual (required safety instructions) (checked October 29, 2026)
- The Genie Company (opener maker): Garage Door Opener Safety (checked October 29, 2026)
- eCFR (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rule): 16 CFR 1211.8, Secondary entrapment protection requirements (checked October 29, 2026)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Publication 523: Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard (PDF) (checked October 29, 2026)
- The Genie Company (opener maker): Maintaining Your Garage Door (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): Contracting Frequently Asked Questions (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): Specialty Contractor License (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah Office of Administrative Rules: Utah Admin. Code R156-55a-305a, Exempt Contractors Filing Affirmation of Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance (rule effective August 7, 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): Residence Lien Recovery Fund: FAQs for Homeowner or Representing Attorneys (checked October 29, 2026)
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