Can I still use my door if the cable is frayed?

No. A frayed cable can snap at any moment, dropping an 80 to 220 kg panel in fractions of a second. Leave the door closed, cut power, and contact us. Replacing both cables as a pair is the only safe intervention — a single new cable on an old one creates imbalance that ends up breaking the second.

Does my insurance cover a panel dented by my car?

Generally yes, via your car insurance civil liability (if you hit your own garage from outside in reverse) or your multi-risk home insurance. We provide a detailed quote with photos for your file. Keep all correspondence and do not discard the panel until the expert has visited.

Do both springs need to be replaced at the same time?

Yes, systematically on a double-spring door. Springs wear by cycles (around 25,000 cycles for a standard spring, 50,000 for a reinforced one). When one breaks, the other has reached the end of its life — it will break in the following months. Replacing the pair ensures panel balance and avoids a second intervention.

What is the lifespan of a garage door?

A quality residential sectional door (Hörmann LPU, Novoferm Thermo, Teckentrup) lasts 20 to 30 years if maintained. Wear parts (springs, cables, rollers) are replaced every 10 to 15 years. The motor (SupraMatic, Marantec Comfort) reaches 10 to 15 years in normal family use. An annual maintenance contract often doubles the lifespan of mechanical parts.

Can I switch from a BiSecur remote to a smartphone code?

Yes, on a compatible Hörmann SupraMatic 4 motor (series 4), simply add a bluSecur module or a Hörmann homee gateway. You keep your existing BiSecur remotes and can control via iOS/Android, share a temporary guest access, receive an opening notification. On older SupraMatic, an adapter kit is often possible — to assess from a photo of your board.

What differentiates Hörmann LPU 42 from LPU 67 Thermo?

LPU 42 is a 42 mm sandwich sectional panel with U-value around 1.3 W/m²·K — suitable for an unheated garage or one attached to the house without RE2020 requirement. LPU 67 Thermo goes up to 67 mm, reaches U ≈ 1.0 W/m²·K and includes a thermal break — recommended for an integrated garage within the heated volume, a passive house or a high-performance BBC renovation.

How long does a garage door SAV intervention last?

Remote or photocell troubleshooting: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Roller replacement or full lubrication: 1 to 2 hours. Spring or cable replacement: 1 to 2 hours. Motor or panel replacement: 2 to 3 hours. Full door replacement: one day. We always announce the duration before intervention, on quote. For a precise diagnosis and a quote, send a photo via WhatsApp — the price depends on brand, model and accessibility.

Technical guide · 9 min

Garage door fault: 20 symptoms and their causes

Sunday night, 10:15 p.m.: you come home from grocery shopping, the door refuses to open, your car is stranded outside in the rain. Or this morning, it came down without warning and you held the panel with both hands. We see these scenes every week. In 9 minutes, this guide helps you identify the exact fault on your garage door — sectional, up-and-over or roller — across all brands (Hörmann, Novoferm, Marantec, Somfy, CAME, Chamberlain). Symptom by symptom, we explain what is happening mechanically, what you can safely test, and what strictly belongs to a technician. Before calling, take a photo of the symptom — it speeds up everything.

20symptoms

5urgent cases

Same day9 min

Call +352 35 53 78 WhatsApp — send a photo

Porte de garage sectionnelle résidentielle Hörmann avec mécanisme de ressort visible

5 urgent cases

Technical guide

Guide — garage door faults

Garage doors · 20 symptoms

01 UrgentFrequentProfessional intervention required

Door descends on its own after opening

Likely causes

Broken or slack torsion spring60%
Panel imbalance25%
Lift cable snapped on one side15%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

On-site technician: immediate securing of the panel, removal of the broken spring, measurement of wire diameter, coil count and winding direction, installation of a calibrated spring and rebalancing of the panel. Mid-travel drop test to validate tension. Pair replacement systematically recommended.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannNovofermMarantecTeckentrupNormstahl

Parts replaced

Ressort de torsion calibré· Hörmann, Novoferm, TeckentrupCâble de levage acier inox· Hörmann, Crawford

02 To addressVery frequentDIY possible

Loud metallic noise and rumbling during operation

Likely causes

Worn or decentered rollers45%
Misaligned or deformed rails25%
Insufficient lubrication of hinges20%
Rail fixings loosened by vibration10%

Solution

DIY fix

Apply a silicone lubricant (never WD-40 or thick grease) on the hinges between panels and on the roller axles, door closed, leaving the springs untouched. Run a slow cycle to spread it.

Fermé-Lux intervention

On-site acoustic diagnostic, roller replacement with a set of nylon ball-bearing rollers, rail bracket retightening, parallelism check, high-performance lubrication.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannNovofermMarantecCrawford

Parts replaced

Galets à roulement à billes nylon· Hörmann, NovofermConsoles de fixation rail· Hörmann

03 UrgentFrequentProfessional intervention required

Steel cable visibly frayed or off-track

Likely causes

Normal wear after 10-15 years of cycles50%
Uneven tension between the two springs30%
Corrosion (humid garage, salt splashes)20%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Immediate securing (panel blocked), removal of both cables, replacement with a pair of 4 mm stainless steel cables matched to the panel weight, system rebalancing, drum winding check. Pair replacement mandatory.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannNovofermCrawfordTeckentrup

Parts replaced

Câbles de levage acier inox· Hörmann, CrawfordTambours d'enroulement· Hörmann

04 SimpleVery frequentDIY possible

Door no longer moves at all (silent motor)

Likely causes

Power cut or unplugged socket40%
Tripped differential breaker30%
Blown fuse on the control board15%
Manual release engaged (red cord)15%

Solution

DIY fix

Check the wall socket (test with a lamp), reset the relevant breaker in the panel, confirm the red cord on the carriage is not pulled (manual release). If all is OK, cut power for 2 minutes before retrying.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Multimeter check on the board, replacement of the on-board fuse or of the board if a short circuit, reinitialisation of the learning cycle.

Intervention time · 30 min - 1 h

HörmannMarantecSomfyChamberlainCAME

Parts replaced

Fusible carte moteur· Hörmann, Marantec

05 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Door reverses just after touching the floor

Likely causes

Misadjusted or dirty photocell40%
Bottom end-limit incorrectly programmed35%
Crushed threshold seal creating resistance15%
Obstacle detection too sensitive10%

Solution

DIY fix

Wipe both photocells (emitter + receiver) with a dry microfibre cloth, verify no spider web or leaf blocks the beam, check that the indicator LEDs are solid green.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Bottom end-limit reprogramming, detection sensitivity adjustment, laser photocell realignment, threshold seal replacement if crushed.

Intervention time · 30 min - 1 h

HörmannMarantecSomfyCAME

Parts replaced

Joint de seuil EPDM· Hörmann, NovofermPaire de cellules photoélectriques· Hörmann EL 301, Marantec

06 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Motor clicks without any movement

Likely causes

Snapped toothed belt40%
Broken or derailed drive chain25%
Sheared plastic gear pinion25%
Carriage detached from rail10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Motor cover removal, drive type diagnosis, belt or chain replacement, pinion and ring gear inspection, end-limit relearning. On a sheared pinion, replacing the gear block is often faster than a repair.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

Hörmann SupraMaticMarantec ComfortChamberlainSomfy Dexxo

Parts replaced

Courroie crantée renforcée· Hörmann, MarantecPignon d'engrenage métallique· Hörmann

07 SimpleVery frequentDIY possible

Completely unresponsive remote

Likely causes

Dead button battery (CR2032 / 23A)60%
Receiver unpaired after power cut20%
Radio interference (LED, 4G hotspot, neighbour gate)15%
Cracked casing, broken internal contact5%

Solution

DIY fix

Replace the battery (CR2032 for Hörmann HS5 BiSecur, 23A 12 V for older models). Move the remote closer to the receiver to test. If inert, follow the learning procedure (motor red button + remote key).

Fermé-Lux intervention

Full re-pairing, interference diagnostic with spectrum analyser if several remotes are affected, external receiver replacement if needed.

Intervention time · 15-30 min

Hörmann BiSecurSomfy KeytisMarantec DigitalChamberlain Security+

Parts replaced

Télécommande BiSecur HS5· HörmannRécepteur externe 868 MHz· Hörmann, Marantec

08 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Remote works at 2 m but not at 10 m

Likely causes

Weakened battery (voltage drops under load)50%
Receiver antenna unplugged or cut25%
Parasitic interference on 433/868 MHz15%
Metal mass (vehicle) attenuating the signal10%

Solution

DIY fix

Change the battery even if the remote seems to respond up close (the voltage drop is seen mostly at distance). Try from outside the vehicle.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Antenna check, remote antenna extension if the receiver is poorly located, RF module replacement if worn.

Intervention time · 30-45 min

HörmannMarantecSomfyCAME

Parts replaced

Antenne récepteur déportée· HörmannModule RF 868 MHz· Marantec, Hörmann

09 UrgentFrequentProfessional intervention required

Motor heats up and trips the breaker

Likely causes

Unbalanced door — weakened spring45%
Rollers jammed in rails25%
Motor capacitor near end of life20%
Carriage seized on rail10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Immediate power cut. Manual balance test (motor disengaged, the door must stay still at mid-height). Spring or capacitor replacement based on diagnostic. A motor that is forced wears out within weeks.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

Hörmann SupraMaticMarantecSomfy Dexxo ProChamberlain

Parts replaced

Ressort de torsion calibré· Hörmann, TeckentrupCondensateur moteur· Hörmann, Marantec

10 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Door no longer locks in upper position

Likely causes

Worn motor holding brake40%
Top end-limit drifting30%
Misaligned side lock bolt20%
Spring tension pulling door slightly down10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Check the electromagnetic motor brake, relearn the top end-limit, readjust the locking bolt, rebalance if necessary.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannNovofermMarantec

Parts replaced

Frein moteur électromagnétique· Hörmann SupraMaticVerrou latéral à pêne· Hörmann, Novoferm

11 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Hörmann SupraMatic board shows error code 5

Likely causes

Faulty or miswired photocell45%
Closing safety (sensing edge) triggered30%
Wiring pinched in the door opening15%
Logic board damp (condensation)10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

SupraMatic board error log reading, diagnostic via service cable, photocell continuity check, EL 301 pair or SupraMatic board replacement depending on origin. Codes 1 to 15 have a precise meaning in the Hörmann manual.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

Hörmann SupraMatic E/PHörmann ProMatic

Parts replaced

Cellules photoélectriques EL 301· HörmannCarte logique SupraMatic· Hörmann

12 To addressRareProfessional intervention required

Guide rail bent or misaligned

Likely causes

Vehicle impact when leaving the garage55%
Wall fixings loosened by vibration25%
Storm tearing off the bracket15%
Structural settling of the building5%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Immediate stop, removal of the affected rail, straightness check with laser level, replacement if warp above 3 mm/m, fixing reinforcement with chemical anchors if the wall is weak.

Intervention time · 2-3 h

HörmannNovofermCrawford

Parts replaced

Rail vertical ou horizontal· Hörmann, NovofermConsoles de fixation renforcées· Hörmann

13 SimpleFrequentProfessional intervention required

Panel dented after vehicle impact

Likely causes

Bumper impact in reverse70%
Heavy object falling (bike, ladder)20%
Wind gust with door half-open10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Removal of the damaged panel only (on sectional doors, panels are independent), ordering of an identical panel (RAL + pattern + insulation reference), refit and seal check. Dent repair impossible on sandwich panel — only replacement restores thermal tightness.

Intervention time · 2-3 h

Hörmann LPU 42Hörmann LPU 67 ThermoNovoferm ThermoTeckentrup

Parts replaced

Panneau sectionnel sandwich· Hörmann, Novoferm, Teckentrup

14 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Door that creaks only in the morning (cold weather)

Likely causes

Grease stiffened by cold in hinges50%
EPDM seals hardened and sticking to floor25%
Overnight condensation on rollers15%
Spring contracting at low temperature10%

Solution

DIY fix

Replace the grease with a cold-resistant silicone lubricant (-30 °C). Clean the seals with a damp cloth then apply a silicone stick to prevent adhesion.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Full degreasing of the hinges, silicone high/low temperature lubrication, EPDM seal replacement if hardened.

Intervention time · 1 h

HörmannNovofermMarantec

Parts replaced

Joint latéral EPDM· Hörmann, Novoferm

15 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Crushed rubber bumper and door that slams

Likely causes

Rubber ageing (UV, ozone)55%
Top end-limit drift (door travels too far)30%
Over-tensioned spring propelling the door15%

Solution

DIY fix

Replace both bumpers at rail ends (a few screws). Note the model reference before purchasing.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Bumper replacement, top end-limit readjustment, spring tension check.

Intervention time · 30-45 min

HörmannNovofermMarantec

Parts replaced

Butoirs caoutchouc fin de course· Hörmann, Novoferm

16 To addressFrequentDIY possible

Operator lamp flashing continuously

Likely causes

Error code signalled by flash count55%
Photocell obstructed or misaligned25%
Learning mode not completed15%
Overload detected on last cycle5%

Solution

DIY fix

Count the number of flashes (1 to 15) — each number matches a documented fault in the manual. Clean the photocells, cut power for 30 s, restart.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Diagnostic reading via service cable, correction based on the code, complete relearning if necessary.

Intervention time · 30 min - 1 h

Hörmann SupraMaticMarantec ComfortChamberlain LiftMaster

Parts replaced

Ampoule LED opérateur· Hörmann, Marantec

17 SimpleFrequentProfessional intervention required

Door that whistles or shakes in strong wind

Likely causes

Worn side seals letting air through45%
Play between panels and rails (worn rollers)30%
No storm reinforcements for exposed area25%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replacement of the side and lintel seals, addition of stiffer rollers, possible installation of wind-resistance reinforcements for a door exposed to full wind (EN 12424 wind resistance class).

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannNovofermTeckentrup

Parts replaced

Kit joints complet (latéraux + linteau + seuil)· Hörmann, NovofermRenforts anti-tempête· Hörmann

18 UrgentRareProfessional intervention required

Rail damaged after storm or tear-off

Likely causes

Violent wind bending the fixing bracket50%
Falling object (branch, tile) on horizontal rail30%
Prolonged vibration cracking the rail20%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Do not use the door. Complete system removal, rail replacement, bracket reinforcement with chemical anchors, spring retensioning, full inspection. Emergency intervention generally covered by home insurance.

Intervention time · 2-3 h

HörmannNovofermCrawford

Parts replaced

Rail horizontal ou vertical· Hörmann, NovofermConsoles renforcées anti-tempête· Hörmann

19 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Rumbling noise mid-travel

Likely causes

Worn or deformed central roller40%
Horizontal/curved rail junction loose30%
Loose belt vibrating against rail20%
Loose panel hinge10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Precise noise localisation during travel, replacement of the faulty roller, rail joint retightening, belt retensioning, silicone lubrication. A persistent rumble often signals wider wear.

Intervention time · 1-2 h

HörmannMarantecNovofermCrawford

Parts replaced

Galets à roulement à billes· Hörmann, NovofermCourroie crantée + tendeur· Hörmann, Marantec

20 UrgentRareProfessional intervention required

Burning smell from the motor block

Likely causes

Motor winding burnt out45%
Capacitor overheating near end of life30%
Short circuit on logic board20%
Rodent damaging the wiring5%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Immediately cut the breaker. Cover removal, source identification, complete motor or board replacement depending on origin. Never re-arm a motor that has smelled of burning — fire risk.

Intervention time · 2-3 h

Hörmann SupraMaticMarantecSomfy DexxoChamberlain

Parts replaced

Bloc moteur complet· Hörmann, MarantecCarte logique + condensateur· Hörmann

Urgent

NEVER do this

01
Never try to hold back a door coming down on its own
Crushing risk — the panel weighs 80 to 220 kg and its fall cannot be caught by hand.
02
Never dismantle a torsion spring under tension
Stored energy equivalent to a 50 kg block falling 30 cm — serious fractures and enucleations documented.
03
Never use a door with a frayed cable
Unpredictable breakage — the side without a cable becomes free and drops the panel diagonally, damaging panels and rails.
04
Immediately cut power if the motor forces or heats up
A motor forced beyond its nominal torque can burn its winding within minutes and cause a fire outbreak.
05
Never leave a broken panel exposed without securing it
Easier break-in access, cut risk on folded sheet, water ingress that degrades the neighbouring panel's insulation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For a planned intervention, expect half a day on site: removal of the faulty unit, installation of a new SupraMatic E or P depending on the door, wiring, end-limit learning, BiSecur remote pairing, safety tests. If the part is in stock, we intervene within 48 to 72 hours in Luxembourg. For a full-failure emergency, we offer a manual release to free your vehicle while waiting for replacement.

In summary

Identifying the exact symptom allows our technicians to arrive with the right part and intervene faster. Take a photo of the issue (mechanism, panel, motor code) and send it via WhatsApp to +352 691 545 407 — we provide a free preliminary diagnosis and a priority intervention slot if needed.

Call +352 35 53 78 WhatsApp — send a photo

Technical guide

Other technical guides

Continue your diagnosis with these related guides.

15 symptoms · 10 min

Guide — jammed roller shutter

Next guide

Guide — motorised gate faults

Back to garage doors

URGENCE

Don't stay locked out

Jammed door, broken glazing,
stuck shutter?

Fermé-Lux steps in same-day to secure your home or business. Send us a WhatsApp photo for an instant diagnosis.

Call +352 35 53 78 WhatsApp +352 691 54 54 07

Contact

Guide was helpful? — we can also intervene

If the issue persists, we step in with the right part.

Your need

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Type of closure

Which type of closure is concerned?

Your contact details

So we can get back to you quickly

Réponse < 20 min

Email ou WhatsApp en journée

Diagnostic gratuit

Sans engagement, photo à distance

Intervention même jour

Sur toutes marques européennes

Your need

Type of closure

Your contact details

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Step 1 of 3

Garage door fault: 20 symptoms and their causes

20symptoms

5urgent cases

Same day9 min

NEVER do this

Never try to hold back a door coming down on its own

Crushing risk — the panel weighs 80 to 220 kg and its fall cannot be caught by hand.

Never dismantle a torsion spring under tension

Stored energy equivalent to a 50 kg block falling 30 cm — serious fractures and enucleations documented.

Never use a door with a frayed cable

Unpredictable breakage — the side without a cable becomes free and drops the panel diagonally, damaging panels and rails.

Immediately cut power if the motor forces or heats up

A motor forced beyond its nominal torque can burn its winding within minutes and cause a fire outbreak.

Never leave a broken panel exposed without securing it

Easier break-in access, cut risk on folded sheet, water ingress that degrades the neighbouring panel's insulation.

Frequently asked questions

In summary

Guide was helpful? — we can also intervene

If the issue persists, we step in with the right part.

Your need

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Type of closure

Which type of closure is concerned?

Your contact details

So we can get back to you quickly

Réponse < 20 min

Email ou WhatsApp en journée

Diagnostic gratuit

Sans engagement, photo à distance

Intervention même jour

Sur toutes marques européennes

Garage door fault: 20 symptoms and their causes

Guide — garage door faults

Door descends on its own after opening

Loud metallic noise and rumbling during operation

Steel cable visibly frayed or off-track

Door no longer moves at all (silent motor)

Door reverses just after touching the floor

Motor clicks without any movement

Completely unresponsive remote

Remote works at 2 m but not at 10 m

Motor heats up and trips the breaker

Door no longer locks in upper position

Hörmann SupraMatic board shows error code 5

Guide rail bent or misaligned

Panel dented after vehicle impact

Door that creaks only in the morning (cold weather)

Crushed rubber bumper and door that slams

Operator lamp flashing continuously

Door that whistles or shakes in strong wind

Rail damaged after storm or tear-off

Rumbling noise mid-travel

Burning smell from the motor block

NEVER do this

Frequently asked questions

In summary

Other technical guides

Guide — motorised gate faults

Guide — jammed lock

Guide — broken or foggy glazing

Guide — jammed roller shutter

Jammed door, broken glazing,stuck shutter?

Guide was helpful? — we can also intervene

Your need

Type of closure

Your contact details

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Garage door fault: 20 symptoms and their causes

Guide — garage door faults

Door descends on its own after opening

Loud metallic noise and rumbling during operation

Steel cable visibly frayed or off-track

Door no longer moves at all (silent motor)

Door reverses just after touching the floor

Motor clicks without any movement

Completely unresponsive remote

Remote works at 2 m but not at 10 m

Motor heats up and trips the breaker

Door no longer locks in upper position

Hörmann SupraMatic board shows error code 5

Guide rail bent or misaligned

Panel dented after vehicle impact

Door that creaks only in the morning (cold weather)

Crushed rubber bumper and door that slams

Operator lamp flashing continuously

Door that whistles or shakes in strong wind

Rail damaged after storm or tear-off

Rumbling noise mid-travel

Burning smell from the motor block

NEVER do this

Frequently asked questions

In summary

Other technical guides

Guide — motorised gate faults

Guide — jammed lock

Guide — broken or foggy glazing

Guide — jammed roller shutter

Jammed door, broken glazing,stuck shutter?

Guide was helpful? — we can also intervene

Your need

Type of closure

Your contact details

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Jammed door, broken glazing,
stuck shutter?

Jammed door, broken glazing,
stuck shutter?