An uneven garage door can be caused by a few different issues, from imbalanced springs to misaligned tracks or frayed cables. There are many garage door repairs you can attempt yourself, but it’s important to prioritize safety first.
If you’re not comfortable or lack the necessary tools, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair technician in your area.
Why is My Garage Door Uneven?
There are several reasons why your garage door might be uneven. Here are the most common culprits:
- Imbalanced Springs – The springs in your garage door are responsible for counterbalancing its weight, ensuring smooth opening and closing. If one spring breaks or weakens, the garage door will tilt to the side on that side.
- Worn or Frayed Cables – The cables work with the springs to lift and lower the garage door. If a cable becomes worn, frayed, or snaps, it can cause the garage door to hang unevenly.
- Misaligned Tracks – The tracks guide the rollers that the door moves on. If these tracks become bent or misaligned, the garage door can bind or scrape, causing uneven movement.
- Loose Hardware – Over time, the nuts and bolts that hold the various parts of your garage door system together can loosen. This can cause the door to shift or become misaligned.
- Settling Foundation – In some cases, uneven settling of your foundation can cause the garage door frame to become crooked, leading to an uneven door.
To diagnose the problem, look for any broken springs, frayed cables, or bent tracks. You can also observe how the garage door moves as it opens and closes. Does it bind on one side? Does it tilt or scrape? This can provide clues as to where the problem lies.
How to Fix Uneven Garage Door?
In some cases, you might be able to fix uneven garage door by yourself, but it depends on the severity of the problem and your comfort level.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can attempt yourself and when to call in a pro:
- Tighten Hardware – Check for loose screws, nuts, or bolts using appropriate tools and tighten them securely. Refer to your garage door manual for specific locations.
- Lubrication – A dry garage door can cause uneven movement. Apply a silicone spray (avoid petroleum-based) to the hinges, rollers, and tracks according to your manual’s instructions.
When to Call a Professional Garage Door Technician?
- Broken Spring or Cables – These components are under tension and can be dangerous to handle without proper training.
- Significantly Uneven Door – If the door is severely tilted or unbalanced, professional attention is crucial.
- Bent Tracks – Fixing bent tracks often requires specialized tools and expertise.
Remember, a professional garage door technician can ensure your door is repaired correctly and safely, preventing further issues and potential safety hazards.
Written by Florida Garage Doors, your local garage doors and gate technician in Naples Garage Door Services, Fort Myers Garage Door Services, Marco Island Garage Door Services, Immokalee Garage Door Services, Golden Gate Garage Door Services, Cape Coral Garage Door Services, Lehigh Acres Garage Door Services, Bonita Springs Garage Door Services , North Fort Myers Garage Door Services, Estero Garage Door Services, San Carlos Park Garage Door Services, Iona Garage Door Services, Port Charlotte Door Services, Punta Gorda Garage Door Services and Englewood Garage Door Services.