Ensuring smooth operation and preventing the need for garage door repair
An unbalanced garage door isn’t just a nuisance; it can actually be a danger to you and your family. If you’ve noticed the door behaving strangely, it’s a good idea to check for problems with balance.
What’s Up With Balance?
Normally, springs in your garage door called torsion springs maintain the tension necessary for the door to open and close at the right speed and to stay in place without drifting. An unbalanced door may operate too fast or with more force than it should, which may cause the door to come off its tracks—a potentially dangerous situation for anyone standing under it. At the same time, too little spring tension may cause the door to come crashing down from an open position.
A less extreme scenario is the problem of wear and tear. Over time, being off center can strip the gears of the opener, which can slowly damage it until one day your garage door will refuse to budge. Improper operation could also be a sign of rot or moisture damage if you have a wooden garage door, but usually it means that the torsion springs are starting to get old and wear out.
Making Sure Your Garage Door Is Balanced
If you suspect that your garage door is out of balance, follow these steps to check it:
• Open the door and pull the red emergency release to disconnect the operating arm from the opener.
• Lift the door by hand halfway and let go. If the door falls or lifts up on its own, there’s a problem with balance.
• Open the door all the way and let go. It should go up into its track, not down.
• Pull the door all the way down and make sure it stays down when you let go. Upward drifting is a sign of excess tension.
• Test for friction by opening and shutting the door a few times by hand.
• Remember to reengage the door opener when you’re finished.
Dealing With Garage Door Troubles
What do you do if you find that you garage door isn’t sitting quite the right way? Give us a call at the Overhead Door Company of Portland, OR. Proper garage door repair is important for the longevity of the door and its component parts, and there are many safety concerns involved when correcting an imbalance. Our professional staff knows how to address each one to get the job done right. Whether it’s a problem of old springs, loose rollers and brackets, or old parts in need of lubrication, we can get your garage door operating smoothly again in no time.
