Unbalanced Garage Door: What Causes It and How to Fix It

Imagine you’re about to leave for work, and as you press the garage door opener, you notice that something’s wrong. The door doesn’t open, or it moves slowly and unevenly. While this can be frustrating, it could be a clear sign that your garage door is unbalanced. An unbalanced garage door is a common issue, but it’s often overlooked until it causes bigger problems. Let’s dive into what causes an unbalanced garage door, how to identify one, and how to fix it.

How to Tell if You Have an Unbalanced Garage Door

Recognizing the symptoms of an unbalanced garage door is key to preventing further damage and ensuring your door operates safely. Here are some common warning signs that your garage door may be unbalanced:

1. Uneven Movement: One of the most obvious signs of an unbalanced door is uneven movement. If one side of the door opens faster than the other or the door appears crooked as it opens, there’s a problem with the balance.
   
   
2. Strange Noises: An unbalanced garage door often produces unusual sounds, such as groaning, creaking, or pulling. These noises typically indicate that some parts of the door’s mechanism are under excessive stress and are struggling to operate smoothly.
   
   
3. Slow or Halting Movement: If your garage door opens slower than usual or stops midway, it could be due to an imbalance. The motor has to work harder to move the door, which results in slower operation and could cause the door to halt unexpectedly.
   
   
4. Difficulty in Manual Operation: If you try to open the door manually and find it difficult to lift or it falls back down quickly, the door is not properly balanced. A balanced door should stay open a few feet off the ground when lifted by hand.
   
   
5. Excessive Wear on Springs and Cables: If the springs or cables on one side of the door appear worn or stretched more than the other side, this imbalance is putting extra strain on those components, which can cause them to wear out faster.

When to Get Help from a Professional

While minor imbalances might be manageable with DIY adjustments, there are times when you should call in a professional. If you notice major imbalances, broken springs, or structural damage, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Trying to fix these issues yourself can be dangerous and may end up causing more damage, potentially voiding your warranty or leading to more expensive repairs down the line.

A professional garage door technician has the expertise and tools to properly diagnose and fix imbalances safely. They can also perform regular maintenance to ensure your garage door continues to function properly, reducing the risk of future issues.

Garage Door Maintenance Service Near Me

If you live in Omaha, NE, and are looking for trusted and affordable garage door services, Titan Garage Doors NE is here to help. Our expert technicians specialize in garage door balance adjustments, spring replacements, and other essential services. Whether you're facing an imbalance issue or just want to keep your garage door in top shape, we offer reliable maintenance and repair services that guarantee the long-term durability and functionality of your door.

Don’t wait for a minor problem to turn into a major one. Call Titan Garage Doors NE today at (555) 123-4567 for a free quote and get your garage door working smoothly again!

Garage Door Maintenance in Omaha, NE