Your garage door’s balance plays a crucial role in its smooth operation and longevity. A well-balanced garage door not only ensures that it moves effortlessly along its tracks but also prevents unnecessary strain on the opener and other components. Testing and adjusting the balance of your garage door is a relatively simple yet essential maintenance task that can save you from costly repairs down the road. Today, we at AAA Action Garage Doors would like to share how to test and adjust garage door balance.
Why Do Garage Doors Need to Be Balanced?
Before delving into the testing and adjustment process, it’s essential to understand why garage door balance is so crucial. A balanced garage door exerts equal force on both sides of its pivot points, which typically include the springs. When properly balanced, the door moves smoothly and places minimal stress on the opener and other hardware. If the balance is off, the door may become difficult to open manually, strain the opener, and lead to premature wear and tear on various components.
How Do I Know if My Garage Door is Properly Balanced?
1) Manual Test:
Start by disconnecting the opener. Most garage door openers have a release mechanism that allows you to operate the door manually.
Lift the door halfway and release it. A well-balanced door should stay in place. If it rises or falls, it indicates an imbalance.
2) Automatic Opener Test:
If your garage door has an automatic opener, close the door using the opener.
Once closed, attempt to open the door manually. If it’s difficult to lift, the door may be too heavy on one side.
How Do You Fix an Unbalanced Garage Door?
1) Torsion Spring Adjustment:
Torsion spring systems are prevalent in modern garage doors. To adjust the balance, use a winding bar to adjust the tension on the springs.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for adjusting the tension. This often involves turning the adjustment screws on the spring cones.
2) Extension Spring Adjustment:
For extension spring systems, you may need to adjust the tension by moving the S-hook to a different hole on the track hanger.
Make small adjustments and test the door’s balance after each one until it remains in place when lifted manually.
3) Seek Professional Help:
Adjusting garage door balance can be challenging, and it’s crucial to follow safety precautions. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to consult with a professional garage door technician.
Additional Garage Door Tips
Garage Door Inspection: Perform visual inspections of your garage door’s springs, cables, and other hardware. Look for signs of wear, rust, or damage, and address any issues promptly.
Balancing Safety: Always prioritize safety. If you’re adjusting the garage door balance yourself, use appropriate tools, wear safety gear, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Professional Garage Door Maintenance: Consider scheduling professional garage door maintenance annually. A trained technician can inspect and adjust the balance, ensuring optimal performance.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Taking the time to test and adjust your garage door’s balance is a small investment that can prevent major issues in the future. A well-balanced garage door not only operates smoothly but also contributes to the overall safety and longevity of your garage door system. When you need professional garage door services in the Greater Las Vegas, NV area, call AAA Action Garage Doors for superior results.
