5 Common Causes Of Garage Door Balance Issues And How To Fix Them

1. Broken Or Worn Springs

Cause:

Garage door springs are essential for counterbalancing the door’s weight and ensuring smooth operation. There are two main types of springs used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Both types play a critical role in the balance of the door.

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the door and use torque to lift the door. They are usually found in pairs and are responsible for most of the door’s lifting force.

• Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the door and stretch to lift the door. They work in tandem with the garage door’s cables and pulleys.

Over time, springs can become worn out or break due to continuous use, metal fatigue, rust, or other factors. A broken or worn spring can lead to an imbalanced door, causing it to operate unevenly or even become stuck.

Fix

• Replace The Springs: Replacing broken or worn springs is essential to restoring balance to your garage door. Because springs are under high tension, this is a task best left to professionals. Attempting to replace the springs yourself can be dangerous due to the risk of injury from the high-tension components.

• For Torsion Springs: A professional will typically unwind the old springs and install new ones, making sure to calibrate the tension properly.

• For Extension Springs: The technician will replace the old springs and adjust the tension to ensure proper balance.

• Regular Maintenance: To prolong the life of your springs, schedule regular maintenance. A technician can inspect and lubricate the springs, check for signs of wear, and make necessary adjustments.

2. Misaligned Or Damaged Tracks

Cause:

Garage door tracks guide the door’s movement as it opens and closes. They should be properly aligned to ensure the door moves smoothly and evenly. Misalignment or damage to the tracks can lead to the door becoming unbalanced.

• Misalignment: Tracks can become misaligned due to accidental bumps, wear and tear, or improper installation. Misaligned tracks can cause the door to move unevenly or get stuck.

• Damage: Tracks can become bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged, often due to impact or excessive wear. Damaged tracks can lead to operational issues and safety hazards.

Fix

• Realign The Tracks: If the tracks are misaligned, they can often be realigned with some adjustments. Here’s how you can attempt to realign them.

• Loosen The Mounting Brackets: Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the tracks in place.

• Adjust The Tracks: Gently tap the tracks back into alignment using a rubber mallet. Ensure that the tracks are level and properly aligned with the rollers.

• Tighten The Brackets: Once the tracks are aligned, tighten the mounting brackets securely.

• Replace Damaged Tracks: If the tracks are damaged, they will need to be replaced. This involves:

• Removing The Old Tracks: Detach the damaged tracks from their mounting brackets.

• Installing New Tracks: Position the new tracks and secure them with mounting brackets. Ensure that they are level and properly aligned with the door.

• Consult A Professional: For complex track issues or if you’re unsure about the alignment process, it’s best to consult a professional. They can ensure that the tracks are properly aligned and avoid potential safety hazards.

3. Faulty Rollers

Cause:

Rollers are the small wheels that allow the garage door to move smoothly along the tracks. Faulty rollers can cause the door to operate unevenly or become unbalanced. Rollers can become worn out, dirty, or damaged over time.

• Worn Rollers: Rollers can wear out due to continuous use, causing the door to operate roughly and unevenly.

• Dirty Rollers: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the rollers, affecting their performance and leading to operational issues.

• Damaged Rollers: Physical damage, such as cracks or chips, can cause rollers to malfunction.

Fix:

• Clean And Lubricate Rollers: Regular cleaning and lubrication can help maintain the rollers and ensure smooth operation. Here’s how to do it:

• Clean The Rollers: Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris from the rollers. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the rollers.

• Lubricate The Rollers: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can attract more dirt and debris.

• Replace Worn Or Damaged Rollers: If cleaning and lubrication don’t resolve the issue, replacing the rollers may be necessary:

• Remove The Old Rollers: Detach the old rollers from the door.

• Install New Rollers: Place the new rollers in the door and ensure they are properly aligned with the tracks.

• Professional Assistance: If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, consider hiring a professional to inspect and replace the rollers. They can ensure that the rollers are correctly installed and functioning properly.

4. Unbalanced Cables

Cause:

Garage door cables work in conjunction with the springs to lift and lower the door. If the cables become frayed, snapped, or improperly adjusted, they can lead to balance issues.

• Frayed Or Broken Cables: Cables can become frayed or break due to wear and tear, rust, or other factors. Damaged cables can affect the door’s balance and operation.

• Improperly Adjusted Cables: Cables that are not adjusted correctly can cause the door to become unbalanced. Proper tension is crucial for smooth and even operation.

Fix:

• Inspect And Replace Cables: Regular inspection of the cables is important for detecting signs of damage. Here’s how to address cable issues:

• Inspect For Damage: Check the cables for fraying, rust, or breaks. If any issues are found, the cables will need to be replaced.

• Replace The Cables: Carefully unwind the old cables and install new ones. This process involves ensuring proper tension and alignment, which can be complex and is often best handled by a professional.

• Adjust Cable Tension: If the cables are in good condition but the door is still unbalanced, adjusting the tension may be necessary:

• Adjust The Tension: Use the adjustment mechanisms on the cables to correct the tension. This should be done carefully to avoid over-tightening or under-tightening.

• Consult A Professional: For cable replacement or adjustment, it’s often best to seek professional help. Technicians can ensure that the cables are properly installed and adjusted, minimizing the risk of future issues.

5. Improperly Adjusted Door Opener

Cause:

The garage door opener controls the door’s movement and can impact its balance. If the opener is not properly adjusted, it can cause the door to become unbalanced. Issues with the opener may include incorrect force settings, misaligned sensors, or improper travel limits.

• Incorrect Force Settings: The opener’s force settings control how much force is applied to lift and lower the door. Incorrect settings can cause the door to move unevenly or struggle to open and close.

• Misaligned Sensors: Safety sensors ensure the door stops or reverses if it detects an obstruction. Misaligned sensors can cause operational issues and impact the door’s balance.

• Improper Travel Limits: Travel limits control how far the door opens and closes. Incorrect settings can cause the door to stop at the wrong positions, affecting its balance.

Fix:

• Adjust The Opener Settings: Properly adjusting the opener settings is essential for maintaining balance:

• Force Settings: Refer to the opener’s manual for instructions on adjusting the force settings. Use the adjustment screws or dials to set the appropriate force levels.

• Travel Limits: Adjust the travel limits according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the door opens and closes fully and evenly.

• Check Safety Sensors: Ensure that the safety sensors are properly aligned and unobstructed:

• Align The Sensors: Adjust the sensors so they are facing each other directly. Ensure that nothing is blocking the sensor beams.

• Test The Sensors: Test the sensors to ensure they are working correctly. The door should reverse if it encounters an obstruction.

• Consult A Professional: If you’re unsure about adjusting the opener settings or if the issues persist, consult a professional. They can diagnose the problem and make the necessary adjustments to ensure proper balance and operation.

Conclusion

Garage door balance issues can stem from various causes, including broken or worn springs, misaligned or damaged tracks, faulty rollers, unbalanced cables, and improperly adjusted openers. Addressing these issues promptly and correctly is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems and ensure that your garage door operates smoothly. If you encounter any balance issues, seeking the assistance of a professional technician can help resolve the problem effectively and ensure the continued safe use of your garage door.