A sagging garage door is not only an eyesore but can also be a sign of an underlying issues that could compromise your door’s functionality, safety, and lifespan. If left unaddressed, a sagging garage door can lead to costly repairs or even a complete door replacement. AAA Action Garage Doors will explore the common causes of a sagging garage door and what you can do to address and prevent this issue.
Worn or Broken Springs
Garage doors rely on springs to balance their weight, making it easier to open and close smoothly. Over time, these springs wear out, stretch, or even break due to constant tension. When the springs lose their strength, they can’t support the door evenly, leading to sagging or uneven movement. Springs are under high tension and should only be adjusted or replaced by a professional. If you notice signs of worn springs, like a sagging door or difficulty lifting it, contact a technician to replace them.
Loose or Damaged Hardware
Garage doors are held together by various hardware components, including hinges, brackets, and bolts. With constant use, this hardware can loosen, warp, or break, leading to an uneven appearance or a sagging door. Regularly inspect and tighten any loose bolts, screws, or brackets. If any parts are visibly damaged, replace them to avoid further issues. Professional tune-ups also help by identifying and securing loose hardware before it causes sagging.
Imbalanced Door Weight
Garage doors need to be perfectly balanced to function smoothly. When the weight distribution is uneven, one side of the door may sag or fall faster than the other, leading to a crooked appearance. To test if your door is balanced, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls or rises, it’s imbalanced and needs adjustment. For balancing issues, always call a professional technician who can adjust the springs and other components safely.
Weak or Damaged Cables
The cables in your garage door system help the springs lift and lower the door smoothly. Over time, these cables can fray, weaken, or even snap, making it difficult for the door to maintain its weight evenly. This can cause one side of the door to sag or hang lower than the other, putting more stress on other components. Inspect the cables for signs of wear or fraying. Damaged cables should be replaced by a professional since they are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled.
Faulty or Misaligned Tracks
Your garage door’s tracks guide its movement up and down, and if these tracks become bent, misaligned, or obstructed, the door may not move evenly. This uneven movement can cause sections of the door to hang or sag, especially when opening or closing. Check the tracks for obstructions, dents, or misalignment. Minor misalignments can sometimes be fixed by loosening and readjusting the track brackets, but serious issues should be handled by a professional to ensure the door remains safe and operational.
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
A sagging garage door is more than a cosmetic issue. It can indicate significant underlying problem with your door’s hardware, balance, or tracks. If you notice your garage door is sagging contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.