Level Your Garage Door, Level Up Your Space

If you’ve had enough with the garage door being uneven, you don’t have to fight the battle any longer.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.

Your garage door covers a lot of space on the front of your home. Thus, if the door isn’t level or is otherwise damaged or showing signs of disrepair, this could create a bad impression. This will also leave a gap in the door and the floor, which ends up leaning to mice, bugs, and even water buildup in the space.

What is the problem?

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

If you can’t seem to figure out why your garage door is closing crooked or otherwise not functioning as it should, there could be several things going on. Understanding the issue now could also help you in the future.

So, why isn’t the door level? The common reason is simple

It is all about the torsion springs. Many doors have these springs located overhead, which are known as the torsion springs. They may also be located along the side of the door, but they are made of strong metal under high tension that ensures the door will open and close properly.

When the door opens and closes, the springs wind and unwind. This results in the garage door being pulled up or down along the tracks. If a spring has been subject to damage, the door may still work but run ineffectively or be crooked.

If the door track isn’t level, that will lead to problems, too. Make sure everything is level so that you don’t create a worse situation in the long run.

Bear in mind that every extension spring has a weight limit. If that is exceeded regularly, it can cause the door to open and close crookedly, and that could even result in the door not working at all if it isn’t addressed.

You shouldn’t wait to fix garage door issues. Once it starts, the problem will escalate quickly, and the solutions will grow smaller. Installing a new garage door may be your only choice. It does cost a little more and take a little extra time, but it’s typically worth the investment if you get there.

Tips for Balancing Your Garage Door

You like this look? This garage door is a Princeton P-21, 18’x 7', Chocolate Walnut door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Panoramic windows.

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.

Once you realize that extension springs could be the problem, you might be trying to figure out how you can resolve the issue. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult.

It will take some tools and time, so you may want to hire a professional to assist you with your garage door issues.

Step one is to check the balance of your garage door. If you don’t know what way the door is unbalanced, you can’t make the necessary adjustments, after all. You should disconnect the door from the opener to see how it hangs by itself, which could assist in identifying the root cause of the issue.

Run the door open and closed a few times. Make sure the track is smooth and the operation isn’t too jarring. If there are any issues, those need to be fixed right away.

Your next step will be to allow the door to go halfway up and then see what it does on its own. It may continue going up, go down, or it could stay in place and prove that it is, indeed, level.

If you notice excess movement, that’s a good indicator that the door is unbalanced or unlevel. Springs may have lost tension and the door could fall as a result. You’ll also have to check doors to make sure they aren’t over or underbalanced.

How to Fix Misalignments

A retro building with a pristine and maintained garage door. Image: Pixabay

To provide years of use, garage doors need maintenance. Image: Pixabay

Once the door has been tested, it is time for repairs

Disconnect the power supply: you must turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box for safety and protection of your electrical system.

Check the cables: You also need to look at the garage door cables to see what condition they are in. Some cables may be worn or damaged and require a replacement. Cables can also rust and need to be replaced because of that.

Get professional help: If your garage door needs a lot of work to be level, you’ll want to contact a garage door professional. They will know how to safely resolve the issues.

Improve the Garage Door Seals

This battered and old garage door could use some maintenance. Image: Pixabay

Don’t wait until it's too late to take care of your garage door! Image: Pixabay

Some people wonder if the weatherstripping is the cause of their garage door issues. However, that’s never the case. Although it’s valuable to have a good seal to keep out animals, water, weather, and debris, it isn’t going to make or break the functional operation of the door.

For those wondering how to improve their door seal, new weatherstripping could be the solution. If the door is level but you can see light beneath it, this usually means that the weatherstripping is damaged.

If the weatherstripping is faulty or missing, it should be replaced immediately. This material comes in a long roll and can be cut with a knife. You’ll want to use nails or screws to install the materials.

Make sure that you secure the door side of the weatherstripping firmly against the door for the ideal seal. You’ll also want to keep up with maintenance to prevent issues. Routine care to clean and maintain the springs, hinges, tracks, rollers, and other components, will be invaluable.

If the Door is Beyond Leveling

You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge Traditional (CM), 8’x 7’, Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.

You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 8’ x 7’, Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.

In the event that you don’t address issues soon enough, you may need to replace the door entirely. Fortunately, you will have plenty of choices on the market today. There are different styles and amenities, finishes and features, and so much more. You can even find a door that fits your home perfectly.

If a new garage door is the way to go, don’t be discouraged. Professionals ensure that you get the perfect door and will also install it quickly and professionally. You will find that it probably adds to the entire space and makes it a more desirable place to spend time in.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Garage Door?

Contact a garage door dealer in the local area that has the expertise and the selection that you deserve.

North Country Door Systems will help you with an email quotation and any other support that we can offer.

Still not sure? Check out the 3 styles of designs to ensure you get the door that suits your home best.

Reach out to us at 518-562-8310, and we’ll be ready to get started when you are.

Love your apps?

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Not sure which garage door is right for you?

Many gorgeous residential garage doors are waiting for you here, so feel free to take a look and find your information now.

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