A garage door should open and close smoothly and evenly. If it tilts to one side, moves jerkily, or slams shut, it may be unbalanced. Many homeowners in Boise don’t realize that an unbalanced garage door isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a major safety hazard that can lead to expensive garage door repairs.
Understanding the signs, risks, and solutions for an unbalanced garage door can help you keep your home safe and your door working properly.
What Causes a Garage Door to Become Unbalanced?
Over time, various factors can throw a garage door out of balance, making it harder to operate. Some of the most common causes include:
- Worn-out springs – Garage door springs bear the weight of the door. When they weaken or break, the door may not stay level.
- Uneven cable tension – If the cables on one side loosen or wear down, the door can tilt or become difficult to lift.
- Warping or misaligned tracks – Extreme weather or improper installation can cause the tracks to shift, affecting how the door moves.
- General wear and tear – After years of daily use, parts like rollers and hinges may wear out, leading to balance issues.
How to Tell If Your Garage Door Is Unbalanced
You don’t need special tools to check for garage door balance issues. Here are a few simple ways to tell if something is wrong:
- The door looks uneven when closing – If one side reaches the ground before the other, the door is likely unbalanced.
- It makes unusual noises – Creaking, grinding, or straining sounds indicate that the door is struggling to move properly.
- The door slams shut or doesn’t stay open – A balanced garage door should stay in place when halfway open. If it drops or struggles to stay up, the springs may be worn.
- The opener struggles – If the motor works harder than usual or slows down, the door may be too heavy due to imbalance.
Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage, so it’s best to address the issue early.
Why an Unbalanced Garage Door Is Dangerous
A misaligned garage door is more than just a nuisance—it can be a serious safety risk for you and your family.
- Increased risk of accidents – If the door suddenly falls, it can cause injury or property damage.
- Excessive strain on the opener – When the door isn’t properly balanced, the opener works harder, leading to motor burnout.
- Faster wear and tear – Unbalanced doors put stress on cables, rollers, and springs, shortening the lifespan of your garage door system.
Fixing an unbalanced garage door sooner rather than later helps prevent costly garage door repairs and ensures safe operation.
Get Professional Garage Door Balancing in Boise Today
A balanced garage door is essential for smooth operation and home safety. If you’ve noticed uneven movement, loud noises, or difficulty opening and closing your garage, it’s time to call a garage door repair Boise specialist.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a garage door balancing service in Boise and keep your home safe and secure.