In modern life, the garage door has become an important part of our home. The safety and correct functioning of our garage door is very important to us. Many serious problems can arise if the garage door is unbalanced. It is very important to understand this problem and solve it in a timely manner.
LiftWise offers expert services in the care of your garage door. Our company has over twenty years of experience and skilled technicians. We can solve every problem of your garage door. Our team is ready to serve you round the clock.
Signs of Garage Door Imbalance
It is very important to identify imbalances in the garage door. An unbalanced door can be a threat to your and your family’s safety. Timely identification can avoid major problems. This problem should be fixed as soon as possible.
- Uneven Operation: Leans to one side when opening and closing the garage door. It takes more force than ever to open and close the door. The door does not stop properly in its place and stops in the middle. The unbalanced makes unusual sounds when opening and closing the door.
- Straining Motor: The motor begins to make more noise than before and gets hotter. The motor has to spend more time and power to open the door completely. The motor suddenly stops and has to be started again. Sometimes the motor stops on its own.
- Door Misalignment: The door pops slightly out of its track and doesn’t fit properly. Uneven space appears between the edges of the door and the frame. The door does not close completely even when closed. There appears to be an uneven gap between the garage floor and the door.
- Noise Problems: There is a creaking sound while opening and closing the door. There are sounds like knocking and scratching from the springs. The sound of rubbing is heard from cables and pulleys. Rollers make loud and unusual sounds when moving.
Causes of Garage Door Imbalance
An imbalance in the garage door can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes is essential to solving the problem. Finding out the exact cause in time can prevent the problem from progressing. Correct treatment is possible only after identifying the causes.
- Worn Springs: Old and weak springs do not handle the weight of the door properly. Rusting in the springs reduces their capacity. Broken springs make the door unbalanced. Weak springs put additional pressure on the door.
- Cable Issues: Worn and worn cables do not balance the door properly. Breaking or loosening of the cable causes the door to tilt to one side. The cable slipping out of the pulley causes the balance of the door to deteriorate. Rusting of cables reduces their strength.
- Weight Misdistribution: The uneven weight distribution on the door disturbs the balance. Incorrectly placed panels make the door unbalanced. Having more weight on one side causes the door to tilt on that side. The uneven distribution of weight puts additional pressure on the springs.
- Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance causes door parts to wear out quickly. Lack of timely lubrication increases wear and tear in parts. Loose nuts and bolts make the door unbalanced. Small problems due to lack of maintenance take the form of big problems.
Safety Risks with Garage Door Imbalance
An unbalanced garage door poses several safety risks. It is very important to understand and avoid these risks. Safety should always be given priority. Accidents can be avoided by taking timely precautions.
- Falling Door: An unbalanced door can collapse suddenly and cause serious injury. A sudden fall of the door can damage the car or other belongings. A falling door can be very dangerous for children and pets. The door can also damage the surrounding things when falling.
- Strained Opener: Overpressure can cause the opener’s motor to wear out quickly. A faulty motor increases the electricity bill and wastes energy. Excess pressure on the motor can also pose a fire hazard. The strand opener reduces the life of the door.
- Pinched Fingers: There is an increased risk of fingers getting stuck in an unbalanced door. A sudden fall of the door can cause serious injuries to the fingers. It is very important to keep children away from the door. Pinched fingers can cause long-term pain and discomfort.
- Reduced Lifespan: The imbalance reduces the lifespan of the door and its parts. Poor balance also causes other parts of the door to break quickly. Repairing an unbalanced door costs more. The entire door may have to be changed ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Garage Door Balancing Process
The process of balancing the garage door must be carried out carefully. Gather all the necessary items before doing this work. Work with safety in mind. Complete the process in a sequential manner.
-
Preparation
First, do the door in manual mode and disconnect the power connection. Keep all necessary tools and safety equipment ready. Clean and vacuum the workplace. Close the door by bringing it to the middle position.
-
Tension Adjustment
Carefully adjust the tension of the springs and equalize both sides. Slowly open and close the door after adjustment. Adjust the tension as needed. Lock all adjustments.
-
Testing
Open and close the door several times and watch its movement. The door should move up and down without obstruction. The door should stop there when you stop halfway. Pay attention to any unusual sounds.
-
Final Checks
Check all nut-bolts and tighten them. Check the alignment of cables and pulleys. Lubricate all moving parts. Reconnect the automatic opener.
Preventative Maintenance for Garage Door Balance
Regular maintenance can keep the garage door in perfect condition for a long time. Major problems can be avoided by maintenance. Periodic checks reveal small problems. Regular care saves money.
- Regular Inspections: Carry out a basic door check every month and pay attention to any unusual conditions. Check all moving parts and note their condition. Get a detailed check-up done every three months. Fix any problems immediately.
- Lubrication Routine: Lubricate all moving parts every three months and protect them from corrosion. Lubricate the springs, hinges and rollers with special attention. Use the right kind of lubricant. Wipe off excess lubricant.
- Cable Checks: Check the condition of the cable regularly and pay attention to any wear and tear. Check the strength and tension of the cable. Check the alignment of the cable pulleys. Replace the faulty cable immediately.
- Spring Upkeep: Check the springs regularly and test and note their functionality. Recognize signs of rust or wear and tear in the springs and pay attention to it. Get the stress of the springs checked every three months. Replace old springs in time.
When to Call Professionals
There are some problems that require professional help. Incorrect repairs can aggravate the problem. The experts at LiftWise are able to solve every problem. Major losses can be avoided by seeking professional help on time.
- Persistent Issues: For recurring problems, contact LiftWise immediately and find a solution. Seek expert advice if you repeat the same problem. Seek professional help even if minor problems are persistent. Get old problems solved.
- Spring Replacement: Call LiftWise’s technician for any problems with the springs. Do not try to do the work of replacing the springs yourself. Replace broken springs immediately. Seek professional help for servicing springs.
- Complex Adjustments: Take the help of LiftWise’s experts for complex adjustments and resolve the issue. Problems related to motor and control systems should be repaired by a professional. Call an expert for adjustment of cables and tracks. Get electronic problems repaired by a professional immediately.
- Safety Concerns: Contact LiftWise immediately for any safety-related concerns. Seek expert opinion on the unusual behavior of the door. Get sensors and safety equipment checked by a professional. Take timely action to avoid any mishap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a major sign of imbalance. There may be a problem with the door springs or cables. It should be checked immediately.
Get a full check-up once every three months. Monthly basic check-ups are also required.
Yes, not performing regular maintenance reduces the lifespan of the door and its parts.
No, sensors and imbalances are separate problems. But both are dangerous to safety.