Whether you've just noticed your garage door is uneven or it's something that has been going on for a while – it's time to take action. Learn how to level your door and make it look as good as new.
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.
You might not think a lot about your garage door, but anyone who pulls up to your house sees it. It likely takes up more of the façade of your home than you realize. If the garage door isn't properly leveled, it can take away from the attractiveness of your home.
So, how do you know your garage door isn't level? First, you'll notice a gap between the garage floor and the bottom of the door. Pulling the door fully closed won't entirely seal the area.
Even if the gap is only an inch or so tall, it can let in dirt, warm or cold air, leaves, water, and more. You may also experience little visitors like ants, beetles, mice, and other pests.
What Causes an Off-Kilter Garage Door?
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
If you have a crooked garage door, you probably wonder why. Leveling the door is important, but it's just as essential to understand the source of the problem. In addition, this will give you the information you need if something happens again in the future.
What is the most likely reason that my garage door isn't level?
On the most basic level, this issue is related to the torsion springs. If your garage door has springs overhead, those are torsion springs. However, some garage doors have springs at the side instead. Both springs are made to ensure the door can open and close properly and are made of durable metal.
When you open the garage door, the springs unwind; when you close it, the springs wind up. This is what causes the door to move along its tracks. Your door might still open if a spring is damaged, but it won't do it as quickly and smoothly as expected.
Wondering if it really matters whether the track is level? The short answer is that it does. However, if the issue is left to worsen, the solution can be more in-depth and challenging to deal with.
Each of the torsion springs, unlike an extension spring, will only hold a certain amount of weight. If the weight is too much for the springs, it can cause your garage door to be uneven. When that issue isn't handled, the door can have problems and may stop opening or closing.
You don't want to wait to repair this problem. If it gets worse, you may find yourself in a position of needing to install a new garage door. This will be most costly and often take much more time than simply leveling the door as soon as you notice a problem.
First Steps for Balancing a Garage Door
You like this look? This garage door is a Princeton P-21, 18' x 7', Chocolate Walnut door with Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Panoramic windows.
Knowing that extension springs can create an unlevel garage door, you might have questions. One of the most common is how you can adjust it and rectify the problem. Thankfully, this is often fairly simple.
You'll need to have a little time and basic tools for the process. If you'd rather not do it on your own, a garage door professional can take on the issue for you.
Before you move forward, make sure you check the balance of your garage door. It's impossible to make the best adjustments to the door if you aren't sure how it's out of balance.
So how do you check the balance? First, disconnect the garage door opener from the garage door so you can see how the door hangs without assistance.
Next, run the door up and back down a few times while making sure it runs in the track correctly. If there's anything in the way that prevents this, make sure to handle that now.
If everything seems okay at this point, pull the door up to the halfway point and then stop. See whether it falls down, moves all the way up, or stays where you leave it.
The door is unbalanced if it moves up or down to any large degree. If the issue is with springs that have lost tension, you can expect the garage door to fall. Whether the door is under or overbalanced, the spring can be adjusted to correct the problem.
Tips for Working on an Unlevel Garage Door
To work well through the years, garage doors must be maintained properly. Image: Pixabay
If the door has been tested and needs repairs, follow the steps below:
● Make sure the power is off
Before doing any repairs to the door, turn off the power at the box. This prevents potential damage or injury.
● Look at the door cables
Check the condition of the garage door cables. If they are rusted or worn, they will need replacement.
● Call in a professional
If the door needs additional adjustments, bring in a garage door expert. They can fix the issue safely.
Sealing Your Garage Door With Weatherstripping
Don't wait until it's too late to take care of your garage door! Image: Pixabay
You may have heard that uneven doors occur based on damaged weatherstripping, which isn't the case. However, it's still important to have a secure seal to keep the elements, insects, and debris out of the garage.
If you no longer have an unlevel door, you may still want to create a better seal for the door. This could be the case if you look at the bottom of the door from inside the garage and light comes in. Again, replacing the weatherstripping is the typical solution.
When the weatherstripping is damaged or removed, you should install more to keep your garage safe. This product is on a roll and can be cut to any size and installed using screws or nails.
To get the best seal, the weatherstripping on the door side should press into the door.
One of the best ways to avoid issues like an unlevel door is doing regular garage door maintenance. It's important to clean and maintain all of the components of the door.
Alternatives for Doors That Can't Be Leveled
You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 8' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.
If the door is terribly unlevel and has been left that way for a prolonged period, you may need to purchase a new garage door and have it installed. In this case, you have a variety of options.
The garage doors available today are available with a selection of amenities and come in all sorts of styles. This ensures you get the functionality you want with an aesthetic that you enjoy.
Don't let yourself be stressed if you do need a new garage door. You can bring in an expert who will install it quickly. After it's in place, you may notice that it accents your home and makes the garage a space you wish to spend more time in.
Is Today the Right Time for a New Garage Door?
Contact an expert dealer of garage doors near you. The professionals who work there can give you insight into which garage doors will best fit your style and budget.
Mortland Door Systems offers a convenient solution by providing a simple and fast email quotation.
Not sure which style of home you have but want your garage door to match it? Take a look at the 3 styles to ensure the garage door you install is perfect for your home.
Get in contact with us at 781-826-2212; we'd love to help by answering your questions and getting a gorgeous new garage door installed.
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