A well-made garage door can last thirty years or more, but only if it’s properly maintained. To get the most out of yours, you’ll need to watch for signs of wear and take care of them as soon as they arise.
One issue that often gets overlooked, especially with older models, is an unbalanced garage door. Many homeowners don’t realize how urgent this problem is. While the door may still open and close, it’s only a matter of time before it goes out of commission altogether.
If a garage door moves unevenly, sticks halfway, or looks lopsided when operating, there’s a problem that needs attention. At Thompson Garage Doors, we’ve seen minor imbalances lead to costly repairs.
Fortunately, your garage door in Reno need not meet this fate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix an uneven garage door.
Table Of Content
Common Causes of an Uneven Garage DoorHow to Adjust an Uneven Garage Door
When to Call a Professional
Contact Thompson Garage Doors Today!
Common Causes of an Uneven Garage Door
Here are the most common reasons a garage door closes unevenly:
Misaligned or Damaged Tracks
Garage doors rely on metal tracks to move smoothly. Over time, these can shift due to vibrations, daily use, or accidental bumps. When they’re out of place, the door may scrape, tilt, or stop moving altogether.
Worn or Broken Torsion Springs
Torsion springs provide the power to lift your garage door. Since they handle a lot of tension, they naturally wear out over time. If a garage door spring weakens or snaps, one side of the door may move faster than the other.
Do not try to replace torsion springs yourself. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. Call for professional garage door repair in Reno to replace both springs at the same time.
Unequal Tension in Cables
Cables on both sides help control the door’s movement. A stretched, frayed, or loose cable may cause the door to lift higher on one side or jam altogether.
Check both cables carefully. If one looks worn, don’t just replace a single cable—install a matching set to keep the tension even.
Garage Door Opener Settings Are Incorrect
Your garage door opener has force adjustment screws that control how much power is used to lift and lower the door. The door might struggle or move unevenly when these settings are off.
Uneven Garage Floor Causing an Improper Seal
Not all garage floor surfaces are perfectly level. Sloped or uneven concrete can prevent the door from sealing properly when closed, leaving gaps that allow for dirt, pests, and moisture.
An uneven garage door floor seal or rubber threshold seal can help with smaller gaps. For bigger ones, you may need a garage door floor leveling kit.
Fix Your Uneven Garage Door Today
How to Adjust an Uneven Garage Door
Fixing an uneven garage door as soon as possible helps prevent unnecessary wear on the motor, cables, and tracks. Fortunately, you can make adjustments yourself without calling a professional.
Step 1: Check the Door’s Balance
Start by disconnecting the garage door opener—pull the emergency release cord to switch to manual operation. Then, lift the door halfway and let go.
- If the door stays in place, the balance is fine.
- If it slams shut or shoots up, the springs are out of balance and need attention.
Since garage door springs are under high tension, do not attempt to adjust them yourself. Spring-related repairs can be dangerous and should always be handled by a professional.
Step 2: Tighten or Replace the Lift Cables
Inspect the cables on both sides of the door. Look for fraying, slack, or uneven tension. If they look loose, tighten them evenly to maintain balance.
Likewise, if the cables are worn or frayed, replace them both at the same time.
Step 3: Align the Tracks
Use a level to check if both tracks are straight. If they’re not, loosen the screws holding them in place, adjust their position, and then tighten the screws back down.
Also, check for obstructions. Dirt, debris, or small dents in the track can cause movement issues. Wipe the tracks clean and smooth out any dents with a rubber mallet.
Step 4: Adjust the Garage Door Opener’s Force Settings
If the door appears fine but still moves unevenly, the issue might be with the opener’s force settings. Most garage door openers have adjustment screws that control how much power is used to open and close the door.
Locate your door’s adjustment screws. These are usually found on the back or side of the opener. Adjust the up-force and down-force settings in small increments. Test the door after each adjustment to see if the movement improves. Keep adjusting until the door moves smoothly again.
You can check your garage door opener’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting the force settings. For more details on how to repair garage door components, check out our related guides.
Balance Your Garage Door Easily
When to Call a Professional
DIY fixes can solve many garage door issues, but sometimes, professional help is the safest and most effective option. If you’ve done everything we’ve mentioned, yet the door still moves unevenly, there’s likely a bigger issue at play.
A trained technician can quickly figure out what’s causing the issue and fix it. The problem could be worn-out rollers, a misaligned door frame, or a deeper issue with the motor or springs—things that aren’t always easy to spot without the right tools and experience.
Consider calling a pro when:
- The door still tilts or moves unevenly after adjustments.
- You suspect broken torsion springs.
- The cables are severely worn or snapped.
- The motor struggles, makes odd noises, or fails to move the door smoothly.
Repair Your Misaligned Garage Door Now
Contact Thompson Garage Doors Today!
And there you have it—everything you need to know about how to fix an uneven garage door. If there’s a repair you’re not comfortable tackling yourself, don’t hesitate to call a pro to get it done safely and correctly.
Need expert garage door repairs in Reno? Thompson Garage Doors is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’ll get your garage door working smoothly and safely in no time.
Contact us to schedule a consultation today.