Tired of dealing with an uneven garage door? Learn how to level it to look as good as the day it was installed.
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.
The garage door on your home takes up a lot of real estate. However, the whole house might be less than good looking if it isn't leveled properly. When this happens, there will be a gap between the door and the floor.
Even when you close the garage door, it won't completely seal the space. A gap of an inch or so might seem small – but it's not. Water, dirt, leaves, and other debris can get into the garage. So can rodents, insects, and other unsavory animals.
Why is my garage door not level?
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
Are you wondering, "why is my garage door closing crooked?" If so, leveling the door is a must. But you also need to know what's causing the issue. This can make it easier to realize something is wrong in the future.
So, what is the most common reason for an unlevel garage door?
It comes down to the torsion springs. Many garage doors have springs overhead, which are known as torsion springs. Others have springs along the side. Each of them is made of tightly wound metal and ensures your garage door can open and close.
Either opening or closing the door will cause the springs to wind or unwind. This pulls the garage door along its tracks. If a spring is damaged, it may still open the door. However, it will run slowly.
Does the garage door track need to be level? Yes. Because other problems may present themselves if you let the situation get worse.
Unlike torsion springs, each extension spring has a certain weight capacity, which, if it is exceeded, can cause an uneven door. If the situation isn't rectified, it can even cause the door to stop closing and opening.
This isn't something you want to wait for. Once the problem has escalated, there may be far fewer solutions. Installing a new garage door may be the only option, which will take more time and be more expensive.
How to Balance a Crooked Garage Door
You like this look? This garage door is a Princeton P-21, 18’ x 7', Chocolate Walnut door with Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Panoramic windows.
With the knowledge that the extension springs might be causing the door to be unlevel, you might wonder: how do I adjust my garage door? The good news is that it's not overly complicated.
However, it does take a few tools and some time, so you can always choose to bring in a professional to handle the problem.
The first thing you want to do is to check the balance of the garage door. You can't make appropriate adjustments if you don't know which direction the door is out of balance.
This process starts with disconnecting the garage door from the opener. Then, you can see how the door hangs when on its own.
The first step in testing the door is to run it up and down several times to ensure it moves correctly in the track. If anything prevents this, that should be handled first.
Next, if the door runs smoothly, let it go up halfway before stopping. Then, watch whether it goes up, stays in place, or comes down.
If there's a lot of movement, the door is unbalanced. If the springs have lost tension, the door will often fall. The same process can be done for under and overbalanced doors. It's just a matter of moving the spring in a different direction.
How to Fix a Misaligned Garage Door
To work well through the years, garage doors must be maintained properly. Image: Pixabay
After you have tested the door, you can move on to repairing.
- Turn off the power
When making adjustments to the garage door, it's essential to turn off the power at the fuse box. Not doing so can lead to a power outage or even an electrical shock.
- Check the garage door cables
Next, take a look at the door's cables to get an idea of their condition. Sometimes the cables have worn and will need to be replaced. They can also experience rusting and require the same process.
- Ask help from a professional
If you realize it will need more adjustments to your garage door to be level, contact a professional in your area. They know better than anyone what to do safely.
How to Better Seal Your Garage Door
Don’t wait until it's too late to take care of your garage door! Image: Pixabay
Some people believe that uneven doors originate from a weatherstripping issue. That isn't true. However, making sure the seal is tight is important. It will keep out animals, dirt, water, and breezes.
Wondering, "how can I get my garage door to seal better?" For example, if the garage door is level, but you see light coming from the bottom of the door, the weatherstripping will need to be replaced.
If the weatherstripping is gone or has become damaged, new weatherstripping should be installed. It comes in a roll and can be cut to size with a utility knife. Then, install the product using galvanized nails or screws.
To offer the best seal, make sure the door side of the weatherstripping presses into the door.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your garage door can prevent issues like an unlevel door. Make sure to clean and maintain the springs, tracks, hinges, rollers, and other parts.
What to Do If the Garage Door Cannot Be Leveled
You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 8’ x 7’, Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.
In a worst-case scenario, an unlevel door might constitute the need for a new garage door. If this happens, you have tons of options.
Today's garage doors come in a variety of styles, with many amenities that can make life more convenient. On top of that, you can select a door that perfectly fits your aesthetic and lifestyle.
If a new garage door is the best option, don't let it get you down. Professionals can help you choose the perfect door and make sure it's installed quickly. You may find that it completely changes your garage and makes it a space you want to spend more time in.
Is It Time for a New Garage Door?
Then contact a GARAGA dealer in your area.
They are indeed experts in garage doors. They have extensive experience and they love helping you find the perfect garage door system at the right plus for you.
Find the door of your dreams already? Ask us a quotation by email.
You’d like to shop online a bit first?
You can browse our residential photo gallery. Do you like interactive design apps? If so, grab your smart phone and try our Design Centre. You’ll have fun building your dream door.
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