Is your garage door acting up, making strange noises, or refusing to close as it should be? It is a clear sign that something is wrong with the alignment. But before you panic and call in the professionals, do you know there is something you could do about it by yourself? Yes, you read that right. With simple garage door alignment tips that even a beginner can use, you can get your door working properly again.
This blog will walk you through basic garage door alignment techniques that you can do on your own. From spotting the signs of misalignment to step-by-step adjustments, this guide will keep things simple. So, grab your toolkit, and let us get that door back on track.
What Are the Signs That Your Garage Door Is Misaligned?
A misaligned garage door can be annoying and unsafe. It can also make your home use more energy than it should. Here are the common signs that show your garage door is out of alignment:
Uneven Door Movement
One of the most noticeable signs is when the garage door does not open or close evenly. If one side moves faster than the other or the door seems to jerk and stagger during operation, it is likely misaligned. This uneven movement can put additional strain on the door’s parts, which can damage them even more.
Gaps Under the Door
A well-aligned garage door should completely shut when closed. There should not be any gaps between the floor and the bottom of the door on one side. These gaps can make your home unsafe and less energy efficient by letting bugs, drafts, and water in.
Unusual Noises
When garage doors are in use, it is normal to hear some noise. However, too much grinding, squeaking, or creaking can suggest a garage door alignment issue.
Difficulty in Operation
Note that a misaligned garage door might be hard to open or close, whether you are doing it manually or using a garage door opener.
Visible Wear on Components
Misalignment can cause uneven wear on various parts of the door system, such as the tracks, rollers, or springs. For instance, there may be parts of the door or the door itself that look more worn on one side than the other. It is probably because of the garage door’s misalignment, which puts more pressure on some parts than others.
The Door Does Not Fully Close or Open
Garage door alignment issues could cause your door not to close all the way. At times, it may leave a part open or not open all the way and stop halfway. When it happens, it might be impossible for the garage door to lock tightly, or it might leave too little room for cars.
Frayed Cables or Bent Tracks
Misalignment can lead to excessive tension on the cables, causing them to fray or snap. Additionally, the tracks can also get bent or uneven, which makes it even harder for the door to open and close the right way.
Basic Garage Door Alignment Techniques for Homeowners
Let us look at some basic garage door alignment tips that should work for most homeowners. But before that, safety should always come first. If you are not sure about making these adjustments yourself, consider hiring a professional.
How to Adjust the Garage Door Tracks
- Inspect the Tracks: Check for signs of damage, wear, or misalignment. The tracks should run parallel to one another and perpendicular to the garage floor.
- Loosen the Mounting Brackets: To loosen the brackets that hold the garage door tracks to the door frame, use a wrench. Be careful not to remove them fully.
- Adjust for Alignment: If the track is too far in or out, use a rubber mallet to tap it into place gently. Use a level to make sure that the tracks are straight along their entire length.
- Tighten and Recheck: Once aligned, tighten the mounting brackets back into place. Recheck the alignment with a level and make any changes that are needed.
Proper Alignment of the Garage Door Sensors
For safety and proper operation, sensor alignment is very important for garage doors with automatic openers. These sensors detect objects that are in the way of a door closing so it does not hit anyone or anything.
- Locate the Garage Door Sensors: You can find the sensors near the bottom of the garage door tracks, one on each side.
- Check for Obstructions: Make sure that nothing is in the way of the sensors’ view. Stored items or debris can sometimes throw off the garage door alignment.
- Adjust the Sensor Position: Loosen the screws or wingnuts holding the garage door sensors in place. Change the sensors’ positions slowly until they are facing each other straight on. Upon proper alignment, both sensors should have lights that turn on. For more information, look at the instruction manual that came with your garage door opener.
- Secure the Sensors: Once aligned, tighten the screws or wingnuts to hold the sensors in place. Close the garage door to check the alignment. If the garage door reverses at once, even when there is no obstruction, you may need to make more adjustments to the alignment.
Keeping the Garage Door Balanced
The automatic opener works hand in hand with your garage door system, including the springs. With an opener and well-tensioned springs, the garage door is easier to move. But you need to be sure the garage door is well-balanced. When changing the tension springs, follow this simple guide with extra caution.
- Disconnect the Opener: For doors with automatic openers, disconnect the opener mechanism to move the door manually.
- Lift the door Manually: Raise the garage door halfway up manually. A well-balanced door will stay in place, slightly rising or falling.
- Adjusting the Springs: If the door does not stay in place, the spring tension may need some adjustments. If you want to adjust doors with side-mounted springs, you can tighten or lessen the tension. However, we strongly suggest that you call a professional to do the torsion spring adjustments.
By keeping your garage door well-maintained and making sure it is on the right track, you can avoid a lot of hassle and issues before they start. If the door still shows signs of misalignment or if fixing it yourself did not work, it might be a good idea to call a garage door expert. Professional help can save you time and keep you and your family safe.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Need a reliable garage door repair in Omaha, NE? Look no further! Titan Garage Doors NE has got you covered. We are all about quality and reliable garage door services, making sure your garage door stays in great shape. Our licensed team is ready to give you the best service without breaking the bank with our quick garage door repair and maintenance or even installation. Do not let a misaligned garage door give you trouble. Call us now to set up your garage door tune-up, and we will get your garage door working like new in no time.
