Crooked garage doors are bothersome and pose a huge security concern. So, if your garage door refuses to budge, read Powell Garage Doors’ comprehensive garage door guide. We will walk you through the causes of faulty garage doors and provide methods on how you can fix them.
What causes garage doors to be crooked?
Several reasons can cause your garage door to become crooked:
Nobody likes it when their garage door malfunctions. Why not get yours checked out by our team of experts? Powell Garage Doors can help you figure out what’s wrong with your garage door. We can fix your garage door with some garage door repairs that will save you time and money in the long run. Here are a few common garage door issues that you should watch out for:
What causes garage doors to be crooked?
1. Broken Torsion Spring
A broken torsion spring is the most likely cause of a crooked garage door. Some garage doors have two overhead springs while others have extension springs, which are located on the side. These springs are sturdy pieces of metal that facilitate the opening and closing of your garage door.
When the garage door opener is activated, these springs wind or unwind, pulling the garage door along its tracks. If these springs are broken, your garage door may still open; however, it will be crooked.
Fortunately, our service team is adept at replacing broken tension springs; so, if this is why your door is sitting unbalanced in the frame, our service team can balance it for you at an affordable rate. We have a comprehensive set of torsion springs covering all models and makes; so, if you think you need a new one, feel free to call us on 801-822-2474 for a quote.
2. Jumped or Frayed Cable
Your garage door may be crooked due to a jumped or frayed cable. The cables and springs work together to lift and lower your garage door. If your cable is clapped out or damaged and snaps or unwinds — you can end up with a door that is crooked or out of alignment. Although rare, a broken torsion spring and a broken or snapped cable occur together.
If your garage door becomes difficult to open or close, you need to search for a professional. Worn or broken cables and springs can render your garage door dangerous to operate, which is why you should have them replaced or repaired as soon as possible. At Powell Garage Doors, we replace and repair worn or damaged cables and springs in the shortest time possible.
3. Problem with the Rollers
If your cables and springs are in good shape, your garage door may be improperly aligned, causing the rollers to find it difficult to glide down the tracks. Rollers are those hidden components of the garage door that hold it down to the tracks and allow it to open or close with ease. If either of the tracks has a problem, this cannot happen, resulting in a crooked garage door.
If your rollers are not functioning properly, you need to call a local technician to replace or repair the rollers and restore them to their initial state. Our team can replace and repair rollers on all models and makes; therefore, give us a call if you need assistance.
4. Damaged Springs and Cables
If you fail to repair jumped or damaged rollers, they can put too much tension on the springs and cables, resulting in their failure and a crooked garage door. It is not advisable to fix a crooked garage door yourself. Give us a call and we will get working to repair and restore your damaged springs and cables.
How do you fix Crooked Garage Doors?
If your garage door is wonky or crooked, you can fix it by following these steps:
Make sure your garage door opener is installed securely
For your garage door opener to operate properly, all components must work in harmony. Ensure that all the garage door opener parts are present, ensure that the carriage tube is mounted to the power unit, and ensure that the power unit is hung from the ceiling.
Check the screws that hold the brackets to see if they are loose
Verify that the screws holding the brackets are tight enough. If loose, you can tighten them with a basic screwdriver.
Look for any damage on the tracks or springs and fix them with a repair kit
If either of the tracks that keep the rollers in position is damaged, the rollers will move out of alignment or come undone completely and cause the garage door to have an uneven appearance. If the door springs are damaged, the garage door opens and closes slower than it should and appears crooked once closed. If you notice any of these damages, you can fix them with a repair kit. If a repair kit cannot do the job, you can find replacements at your local hardware store.
Clean out debris from under the Door so it can move freely
If you leave the garage door open, dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, making it difficult to open and close the door. To prevent this, you should make it a point to clean out dirt and debris every other day.
Replace worn weather stripping around the bottom of your door to prevent drafts
Check the condition of your weather stripping by taking a candle or a lighter and hold it about one inch from the stripping. Rock the light back and forth around the stripping. If you detect airflow or wind, you should replace your weather stripping.
Even though fixing a garage opener is easy, doing so yourself can put your safety at risk. A torsion spring can lift a garage door that weighs over 300lbs. If the torsion spring snaps while you are in the process of fixing it, it could fall on you and injure you severely. Our advice: if you suspect your garage door opener is not properly installed, have it fixed by one of our pro-installers.
Additionally, while you may be tempted to remove debris buildup yourself, we do not recommend this, given the dangers that unqualified persons face when handling the entire process. Instead, contact us via email or phone or complete the form on our website and we will send one of our professional technicians over to handle the job. Our technicians can effectively mitigate risks associated with performing home improvement and maintenance tasks. Your safety is our priority.
Contact The Garage Door Professionals in Utah County
If your garage door is not closing all the way to the ground evenly, please do not try fixing it yourself. At Powell Garage Doors, we understand that dealing with a wonky garage door daily can be frustrating; as such, we are here to take the frustration out of your life.
Our company can get your garage door balanced and working as properly as it should. We have been adjusting uneven garage doors throughout Utah County for years and can adjust your garage door whenever you want us to.
Do not fix a crooked garage door yourself. The next time you have a crooked garage door, give us a call or fill the form on our website. We are ready to repair or install a new garage door before you know it. Once we take care of your garage door needs, you will never have to search for help from other firms. Contact us today!
