Leveling the Door to Your Garage

Is your garage door uneven? Check out these steps on how to make it better!

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.

Here is a Standard+ Classic XL, 9' x 7', American Walnut, Clear windows.

If there is a gap between the door and the floor, your garage door might be unleveled. The garage door is a focal point of many homes and it can cause your home to look a bit off if the door is not installed properly.

Many things can go wrong if your garage door had a gap – even if it’s only an inch or two. This small gap can easily allow things like rodents or incents to invade the space. One bad storm and your entire garage can become flooded with water and dirt.

Why is the door to my garage uneven?

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

Check out this garage door is a Standard+ Vog, 9' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

There are many reasons why your garage door might be unlevel. If this is the case, it is best to replace it as soon as you can. The first thing you should do is figure out why the door is not level so that you can be sure to prevent it in the future.

Here are some common reasons why garage doors become unlevel:

The main issue is most likely the torsion springs. These kinds of springs are found in the overhead area of the garage door. There are other springs found on the side doors. All of these parts allow for the door to open and close properly.

Using the garage door in any way will cause a spring to wind up or down, which allows the movement to happen. It’s possible that springs can become damaged. In this case, the door might still work, but it will run much slower.

If the garage door is unlevel, it may affect other things in the mechanisms of the door. This means that it is vital that your door is level at all times.

An extension spring is different than a torsion spring in that it has a specific weight capacity. If this number is exceeded at all, it can cause the door to become unlevel. Beyond that, it can even cause the door to stop working altogether.

As time moves are, it’s likely that there are fewer and fewer solutions in fixing the situation. This is why it’s important to fix the problems as soon as possible. Replacing the door entirely might be an option but can be pricy and complicated.

Balancing an Uneven Door

You like this look? This garage door is a Princeton P-21, 18’x 7', Chocolate Walnut door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Panoramic windows.

Check out this Princeton P-21, 18’ x 7', Chocolate Walnut door with Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Panoramic windows.

I’m happy to report that it’s not too entirely complicated to adjust an uneven garage door. Since we know the extension springs are most likely the cause of the issue, we can start there and try to adjust as needed.

This project will require certain tools and a chunk of time, so definitely call a professional if this seems impossible for you.

First, check the balance of the door itself. You’ll need to figure out what side of the door is causing the main issue before starting the adjustment.

Be sure to start by disconnecting the garage door from the garage door opener. This allows the user to detect how the door is hanging when it’s left by itself.

It’s always best to run the garage door up and down many times do you can view how it’s situated on the track. If the door is uneven, be sure to correct that first before moving on to anything else.

If the door seems to run great on the track, try this trick: let the door go halfway up, then stop. See if it goes up, stays in place, or comes down.

If the door falls in a downward motion, it’s likely that the springs have lost a bit of tension. If the door moves a lot in no particular direction, it means that the door is unbalanced.

Fixing a Misaligned Door

A retro building with a pristine and maintained garage door. Image: Pixabay

A properly maintained garage door. Image: Pixabay

If you’ve already figured out what is wrong, move on to fixing it.

Be sure the power is off

Forgetting to turn the power off to the garage door can cause harmful repercussions. Be sure the fuse box is turned off so that you can safely work on the garage.

Check the cables

Check out the cables themselves to visualize the condition they’re in. If the cables have become worn or have rust, they might need to be replaced before moving on.

Get a professional’s help

If this looks like a more complicated job than you expected, it’s best to call a professional to ensure that the job gets done correctly.

Sealing Your Garage Door Properly

This battered and old garage door could use some maintenance. Image: Pixabay

An example of a neglected garage door. Image: Pixabay

Making sure the garage door seal is tight will ensure that animals, water, and other dirt successfully stay out of the garage. Many believe that the doors become uneven due to weatherstripping but that’s not true at all.

The weatherstripping might need to be replaced in some cases. For example, if the door is even but there is light shining through.

When you notice that the weatherstripping is no longer working, it should be replaced. Purchase it in a roll and then cut a strip to the size you need to install. Nails and screws are then used to ensure it is installed properly.

Be sure the door side of the weatherstripping is pressed perfectly to the door. This will ensure the best seal possible.

Maintaining your garage door will ensure that no issues will come up in the future. Be sure to clean and maintain all the parts including the springs.

My Garage Door Cannot Be Leveled, What Next?

You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge Traditional (CM), 8’x 7’, Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.

This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 8’ x 7’, Ice White door and overlays, 4 lites Panoramic windows.

If worse comes to worst, your last option might be to replace the door entirely.

Replacing your garage door isn’t all that bad. With tons of options to choose from, there is definitely something that will work for your home.

Once you’ve decided that a new garage door is the best option, it’s time to get excited! Experienced professionals are here to help and make sure the installation runs smoothly and quickly. A new door might change everything in your space.

Is It Time for a New Garage Door?

Contact a professional garage door dealer in your area. Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect door!

Laurent Overhead Door Systems makes the process easy by offering a quick email quotation.

Can’t choose a style? Check out the 3 styles to ensure you get the garage door of your dreams.

Reach out to us at 603-524-4778, we'd be happy to help you with questions and getting that new door installed.

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