A crooked garage door is something that nobody wants to have occur to their investment. Not only is it embarrassing, but a crooked garage door can be a security issue. You might as well leave up a sign saying, “Thieves, rob this house, please!” as the door won’t close properly, allowing unauthorized access. A crooked garage door can also cause mechanical problems, which can lead to costly repairs down the road. An overhead door that’s off-balance can put additional stress on the system. This can cause the springs, rollers, and other components to wear out more quickly. This will result in the need for costly repairs or even a full replacement of the door.
Why Your Garage Door is Crooked
There are several reasons why your garage door may be crooked or uneven.
- Lack of lubrication: Over time, the moving parts of your garage door can become dry and worn, which can cause the door to become difficult to open and close. This can put extra strain on the system, causing the door to become unbalanced and uneven.
- Broken or worn-out springs: The springs on your garage door are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door. If these springs become worn or break, it can cause the door to become unbalanced and uneven. This can also make it difficult to open and close the door, as the springs are responsible for supporting the weight of the door.
- Cold weather: In colder climates, it’s not uncommon for garage doors to become crooked or uneven due to the extreme temperatures. Cold weather can cause the metal parts of the door to contract, which can put strain on the system and cause the door to become unbalanced.
- Damage or wear and tear: Over time, the various components of your garage door can become damaged or worn. This can cause the door to become unbalanced and crooked. This includes issues such as bent tracks, damaged rollers, or a damaged opener.
How to Fix a Crooked Garage Door
First, you need to identify the crooked spot. Move the door up and down until you find the spot where it stays suspended when you let go. If it’s more than 4 feet but less than 3, you’ve got an unbalanced garage door — most likely due to a faulty spring.
Prop the door open with a ladder. Work to adjust the springs, moving the spring to the next highest hole on the bracket. If it’s closing too quickly, then move it to the next lower hole.
You’ll want to do the same to the springs on the other side of the garage door.
Finally, check to see if the garage door opens and closes evenly. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to do further adjustments to the springs. If it is a particularly cold day and your garage door parts seem to be in working condition, they may need to be warmed up.