Most questions about electric garage doors are about remotes, automation, cost, faults or safety. We have grouped the answers below so you can go straight to the part you need. If your question isn't here, send it to us and we will answer it.
Remotes and programming
Remote problems are the most common reason people get in touch, and many have a simple cause.
Why has my remote stopped working?
A flat battery is the most common cause, so start there. If the wall button works but a fresh battery doesn't help, the remote may have lost its pairing. Our remote troubleshooting guide takes you through the checks in order.
Why does my remote only work close to the door?
A weak battery, a damaged receiver aerial or radio interference are the usual causes. LED bulbs near the opener are a known source of interference, so try turning them off and testing again.
Can I buy any universal remote?
A universal remote will only work if it matches your opener. The frequency, usually 433 MHz or 868 MHz, and the coding type must both be compatible. Many rolling-code systems can't be copied by a cloning remote.
Can I program a new remote myself?
You often can, as many openers have a learn button on the motor, but the steps vary by make, so follow your manual and take care working at height.
What if I have lost every remote?
We can usually still pair a new handset at the receiver, which clears out the old ones at the same time. That also stops a lost remote from opening your door.
Automating an existing door
If you like the door you have, adding a motor is often the best value route to remote control.
Can any garage door be automated?
Most sound doors can. Retractable up-and-over and sectional doors are the most straightforward, canopy doors usually need an adaptor, and side-hinged doors need a dedicated kit. See our page on garage door automation.
How can I tell if my door is suitable?
Lift it by hand. It should move evenly, with no sticking or scraping, and it should not crash down or fly up. If it does, it may need a repair first.
Do I need an electrician?
You only need one if there is no power close to the motor. Most openers plug into a standard socket, and a qualified electrician should add one if none is within reach.
Will my old lock stay?
The motor normally holds the door shut, so the old lock is often disabled. This stops the door being locked while the motor runs, and we will explain what applies to yours.
Choosing a new door
The right door depends on your opening and drive, so these answers are starting points.
Which door is best for a short drive?
A roller door is usually the best fit, because it goes straight up and nothing swings out. A sectional door also lifts vertically, but it uses the ceiling space inside. Our door comparison sets out all the options.
Which door is warmest?
A double-skinned sectional door is typically the strongest performer. A foam-filled roller door is a good option if you want to keep the ceiling clear.
Can you fit a door to a non-standard opening?
Many doors are made to measure. Send us the width and height and we will advise you on the options.
How long does installation take?
Timing depends on the door and the opening, and your quote confirms it. We will confirm the timing for your job on the quote.
Costs and quotes
All the figures here are typical 2026 UK guide ranges for a single garage and not our price list.
How much does an electric garage door cost?
A new electric roller door is typically £900 to £2,000 fitted, a sectional £1,200 to £3,000 and a side-hinged door £1,500 to £3,500. Our price guide has the full breakdown.
How much does it cost to automate a door?
Automating an existing up-and-over door is typically £300 to £600 fitted. If you need a new socket, allow a further £80 to £150. Our guide on whether an existing garage door can be made electric explains what affects that figure.
What does it cost to run an electric door?
An electric door costs very little to run, and for most households the figure is under £25 a year.
Is a quote free?
We don't charge for a quote. Send us the details on the form and we will reply with a written quote, which you can consider in your own time.
Faults and repairs
Some faults are easy to check at home, and others mean you should stop using the door straight away.
Why does my door close and then go back up?
The opener has probably detected an obstruction. Check that nothing is in the opening, then clean the photocells and make sure they face each other.
I heard a loud bang and the door won't lift. What is it?
A broken spring is a likely cause. Don't force the door or use the motor, because springs and cables are dangerous and not for DIY. Keep people clear and ask for a repair.
Is it worth repairing an old opener?
That depends on the fault, the age of the opener and the availability of parts. Where it is useful, we will give you both options.
Safety and power cuts
An electric door has several protections built in, and it helps to know how they work.
What happens in a power cut?
You disengage the door with the manual release and move it by hand. If the garage is your only way in, ask about an external release or battery backup.
How does the door know not to close on something?
Openers limit their closing force and reverse when they meet resistance. Photocells add non-contact detection by stopping the door if the beam is broken. BS EN 13241 covers these points for domestic doors.
Are electric garage doors more secure?
In most cases they are, because the opener holds the door closed, which makes it harder to force than a basic manual latch. Rolling-code remotes also stop a captured signal being reused.
Coverage and getting in touch
Getting an answer from us is straightforward, and it all happens by form or email.
Do you cover my area?
We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. Check our areas page or send us your postcode.
Do you work on commercial doors?
We do, including motorised doors and shutters for workshops, units and shared parking.
What details should I send you?
Your postcode, the door type and rough size all help. The make and model from the motor label, or a photo of the handset, helps even more.
If you have read this far and still want a straight answer for your own garage, the quote form at the top of this page is the place to ask. You can also email info@remotegaragedoor.co.uk. Tell us what the door is doing and we will work out the next step with you.