Your garage door works hard every day, often opening and closing hundreds of times a month. Over time, all that movement can throw off its balance or shift the tracks just enough to cause issues. Left unchecked, these small problems can lead to noisy operation, uneven wear, or even damage to your opener system.
The good news is that many of these issues are easy to spot, and with a little care – and knowing when to turn to a professional in El Cajon for something like garage door spring repair – you can keep your system running smoothly. Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or just want to understand what’s going wrong, here’s how to check for balance and track alignment issues – and what you can do about them.
How do I know if my garage door is out of balance?
One of the easiest ways to check your garage door’s balance is with a quick manual test:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord so the door moves freely
- Lift the door halfway and let go carefully
- Observe what it does next:
- If it stays in place, the balance is good
- If it falls, the door is too heavy—spring tension is too low
- If it rises, it’s too light—spring tension is too high
Other signs your door may be out of balance include:
- Uneven or jerky movement during operation
- Strange noises, especially grinding or squeaking
- The opener straining or reversing suddenly
Addressing balance problems early can prevent further damage to the opener and improve overall safety.
How do I adjust garage door tracks for smoother movement?
If you’ve noticed your garage door is out of balance, you might be able to make a few small adjustments yourself, especially if your setup uses extension springs, which are mounted along the sides of the door. Start by lifting the door open and securing it in place with clamps just above the rollers to prevent it from moving. Next, find the spring hooks, which attach the springs to a series of holes on the track or bracket.
To adjust the tension, move the hook to a different hole. Shifting it farther from the door increases tension, while moving it closer decreases it. Once you’ve made your adjustment, take off the clamps, reconnect the opener, and repeat the balance test. Always make changes gradually and test as you go.
If your system uses torsion springs – typically located above the door – it’s best to leave the adjustment to a trained technician. These springs are under high tension and can be extremely dangerous to handle without proper tools and experience.
When it’s time to call in the experts
Many homeowners are comfortable handling small maintenance tasks, but some garage door issues are best left to the pros. If your door feels unusually heavy, won’t stay open, or you hear loud banging or popping sounds, you might be dealing with a broken torsion spring. Tracks that are bent or damaged usually need to be replaced, not just adjusted. And if you’re ever unsure during the inspection or repair, it’s always wise to call a professional technician.
Who in El Cajon offers expert garage door springs repair?
When it comes to garage door installation, maintenance, or repairs, Dlouhy Doors is the team you can trust. Our skilled technicians know how to keep your garage door working safely and reliably, no matter what the issue is. From troubleshooting your opener to spotting signs of wear or applying the right lubrication, we’re here with expert advice every step of the way. Whether you’re near Knox House Museum or elsewhere in the area, feel free to reach out and keep your garage door performing at its best all year long.