How to Level a Garage Door: 8 Steps Professionals Take
[Last Updated:] October 2, 2024
If your garage door is crooked, it could pose a risk of falling or allow pests and other intruders inside. You may be wondering how to level a garage door, but don’t attempt to fix an uneven garage door solo. Issues such as worn-out door cables and springs are dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.
If your garage door won’t go down evenly, learn how a professional would adjust it, the common causes of a crooked garage door, and signs it’s time to have your door inspected. The team at Precision Garage Door Service™ is here to help.
How To Adjust an Uneven Garage Door
Before beginning any work on your garage door, a garage door service professional must first determine the reason for your door's imbalance. For instance, if a frayed cable is causing the imbalance, it will need to be replaced. A trusted expert will follow eight steps to level or adjust an uneven gap at the bottom of a garage door:
Step one - Turn off the power
An uneven garage door could be dangerous to use, putting people at risk of injury and posing a security threat. Stop using the garage door immediately and turn off the power by either unplugging the opener motor unit or flipping the breaker switch for the garage door to "off."
Step two - Call a service professional
A garage door adjustment should always be handled by a professional. After turning off the power, contact garage door service professionals to assess the issue, discuss your options, and begin repairs.
Step three - The professional will determine the cause of the issue
The service professional will examine your garage door hinges, cables, springs, and tracks to check for wear. They’ll inspect the reveal around the garage door for visual misalignment and also assess the flooring to determine whether that could be the cause.
Step four - They will loosen the springs to relieve tension
Garage service professionals use specialized tools and safety gear to carefully loosen the spring, reducing the force it exerts on the door. This allows for adjustments without risk of injury or damage to personal property.
Step five - They will adjust the door’s drum cables
Tightening the screws too much or too little can cause the cable drums to fall, putting your garage door at risk of dropping suddenly while in the open position. As your cables may stretch over time, your garage door service professional may adjust them during this step for optimal operation.
Step six - They will tighten the track sides
Once they make adjustments, the service professional will strategically tighten specific areas of the track to ensure the door remains aligned when operating. They’ll use a level to verify that the tracks are straight and the reveal is even.
Step seven - They will tighten the springs
Finally, they'll meticulously tighten the springs to the appropriate level, ensuring smooth operation and proper counterbalance for the door's weight.
Step eight - They will measure each side and test
Throughout this process, the service professional will use precise measurements to ensure both sides of the door are level. They'll address any minor discrepancies by further adjusting the tracks or cables, completing the job with a test.
6 Reasons Why a Garage Door Is Uneven
Left unaddressed, an uneven door can lead to damage and hazards. If you suspect your garage door is uneven, it's best to consult a professional for diagnosis and repair to ensure it operates properly.
An uneven gap at bottom of a garage door can have many causes, including:
1. Loose or misaligned hinges
Loose or misaligned hinges are a common cause of uneven garage doors. Whether caused by regular wear and tear over time, improper installation, or even slight settling of the garage structure, misaligned hinges cause the door to sag, bind on the track, or create grinding noises.
A professional will diagnose the problem and take steps to get your garage door working smoothly again. They will:
- Inspect the hinges for damage and wear.
- Tighten loose screws.
- Replace any faulty hinges.
- Realign if necessary to ensure the door moves properly within the track.
- Lubricate the system to ensure continued smooth operation.
2. Worn-out cables
Worn-out cables are another major cause of crooked garage doors. These steel cables are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door and ensuring it lifts and lowers smoothly. However, constant use, exposure to the elements, and lack of lubrication can cause them to fray, stretch, or even snap.
A garage door service professional can quickly assess the condition of your cables and recommend the appropriate course of action. In most cases, worn-out cables will need to be replaced to ensure proper door operation. The service professional will also inspect the entire system for any underlying causes of cable wear, such as faulty springs, to prevent future problems.
3. Poor maintenance
A lack of regular maintenance can contribute to a variety of issues that lead to an uneven garage door. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on the tracks and rollers, increasing friction and causing the door to move unevenly. Additionally, a lack of lubricant on the hinges and springs can lead to increased wear and tear, making them more susceptible to misalignment.
A garage door service professional can address crooked and misaligned garage doors with a comprehensive maintenance checkup. They'll thoroughly clean the tracks and rollers, removing any built-up grime that could be causing issues.
They'll also apply fresh lubricant to all moving parts, including the hinges, springs, and rollers. This not only reduces friction and ensures smooth operation but also helps prevent future wear and tear, keeping your garage door functioning properly for longer.
4. Uneven flooring
Settling or improper pouring of the floor can create dips or slopes that cause the door to sit unevenly at the bottom seal. This gap can compromise weatherproofing and allow water, leaves, or even small animals to sneak into your garage.
Garage door service professionals have solutions to address uneven floors. They can address minor dips by adding shims that adjust the track position to match the floor's angle, ensuring the door closes flat against the seal.
For more severe unevenness, the service professional might recommend mud jacking, a process where a special concrete slurry is pumped beneath the settled areas to level the floor itself. This is a more permanent solution that should be handled by professionals to ensure the concrete bonds properly to the existing surface, and cures without damage to the foundation.
5. Springs wearing at different rates
Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door's weight and enabling smooth operation. But even the best springs can succumb to uneven wear. Factors such as slight variations in door weight distribution or sun exposure on one side of the garage can cause one spring to weaken faster than the other.
Since springs operate under high tension, attempting a DIY replacement is extremely dangerous. A garage door service professional will inspect both springs for signs of wear and fatigue.
In almost all cases, they'll recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one appears visibly worn. This ensures the door maintains proper balance and prevents future issues.
6. Misaligned tracks
Garage door tracks guide the rollers that move the door up and down, and even minor misalignments can cause the door to be uneven. While misaligned tracks can be caused by bumps or vibrations over time or accidental impact, they can also be due to improper installation from the start.
A trusted service professional can quickly assess misaligned tracks:
- Inspect the tracks for any bends, warping, or loose fasteners.
- For minor misalignments, they might be able to adjust the track position by loosening the mounting brackets and carefully nudging it back into place, using a level to ensure precision.
- In cases of severe warping or damage, the service professional might recommend replacing the track section altogether to ensure the door can operate smoothly.
Signs of an Uneven Garage Door
While the most obvious sign of an uneven garage door that needs to be leveled is a crooked appearance and an uneven reveal, it may not always be that clear. You may have to take a closer look at the garage door and its components, or even give it a listen to determine if the issue is misalignment. Signs that your garage door is uneven include:
- Gapping: Visually inspect the gap around the closed door. Is the reveal consistent on all sides? A misaligned door might leave a bigger gap at the bottom on one side, indicating it sits higher on that side.
- Scraping or grinding: Does the door scrape against the opening or grind on the tracks as it moves? This can indicate misaligned tracks or rollers catching on imperfections.
- Uneven movement: Observe the door as it moves. Does it wobble or tilt to one side? This can be a sign of misaligned tracks, rollers, or even a spring issue.
- Increased noise: Misaligned components can create additional noise during operation, such as clunking or grinding sounds.
Why Having a Level Garage Door Matters
Having a level garage door helps to ensure the longevity of your garage door system. Most importantly, it helps to keep you, other occupants, and possessions of your home safe.
Overall, a balanced garage door provides:
- Safety from the risk of your door suddenly falling
- Longevity due to an even distribution of weight on all garage door components
- Aesthetic appeal that creates the appearance of a well-manicured home
- Reduced noise when your door is in operation
- Security from outdoor pests and other intruders
Even if your garage door is only slightly off-kilter, there's no guarantee it'll stay that way. It's best to treat a crooked garage door right away to prevent bigger problems down the road.
Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Garage Door Alignment
The experts at Precision Garage Door Service repair thousands of doors each day. If your garage door is shaking, uneven, or just not working as well as it used to, you can trust our service professionals to diagnose the issue and handle repairs quickly and professionally.
Request an appointment to get your uneven garage door adjusted.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Garage Door Adjustment FAQ
Precision Garage Door Service provides expert services nationwide, repairing over 1,000 garage doors daily. If you have questions, we have the experience to answer them.
Why is my garage door not closing evenly?
One of the most common reasons why a garage door isn’t closing evenly is crooked or misaligned tracks. If the horizontal tracks aren’t parallel, the door might not close evenly. Worn springs or cables can also be another cause of a crooked garage door. Trust a garage door professional to properly diagnose and repair the problem.
What happens if a garage door is not level?
A garage door that is not level can cause a number of issues, such as increased wear and tear, the door not fully closing, and increased noise. An uneven garage door is a safety and security concern and should be addressed right away by a service professional.
Benefits of a level garage door include:
- Aesthetic appeal that creates the appearance of a well-manicured home
- Longevity due to an even distribution of weight on all components
- Reduced noise when your door is in operation
- Safety from the risk of your door falling suddenly
- Security from outdoor pests and other intruders
How do you fix an uneven garage door gap?
To fix an uneven door gap, it's essential to identify the reason for your door's misalignment. Uneven gaps can be indicative of issues such as track and roller misalignment. Worn weatherstripping can also create gaps at the edges of your garage door.
Do not attempt to determine the problem on your own as this can lead to damage or safety issues. For an accurate assessment, contact a garage door professional. They will devise a solution that's specific to your garage door system.
How do I fix a garage door gap with an uneven floor?
Depending on how uneven the floor is, professionals will either use shims to change the track position or level the flooring by mud racking. Mud racking requires an experienced hand and should always be handled by professionals.
Why does my garage door track to one side?
Tracking to one side is usually caused by misaligned tracks. It can also point to loose hinges or worn-out cables. Professionals can diagnose and repair the issue for you. To adjust a crooked garage door, a professional must first identify the cause.
Possible reasons for garage door misalignment include:
- Bends or dents on the garage door track
- Loose screws on hinges and rollers
- Incorrect tension on the torsion spring system
How do you adjust a crooked garage door?
Adjusting a crooked garage door can be dangerous, which is why it’s always recommended to hire a professional. A garage door professional has the expertise to ensure the job is done correctly and safely, preventing potential damage to your door or personal injury.
Why is one side of my garage door higher than the other?
One side of your garage door may be higher than the other due to uneven tension in the springs. This can happen over time due to damage to the spring or just normal wear and tear. However, there are other potential causes like uneven flooring, misaligned tracks, and more. A garage door professional can help find the root of the issue.
