Frustrated with Your Garage Door Balance? Restore It with This Simple Check

Have you noticed your garage door getting harder to lift over time or starting to drop when raised part way? This is a sign that the garage door balance may be off and in need of adjustment. A small amount of tinkering can restore proper balance and make operating the door much smoother again.

The balance of a garage door relies on counterbalance springs that help lift the heavy panels. Over time and with regular use, the springs can lose tension which affects the door’s ability to stay up. Fortunately, checking and adjusting the spring balance is a straightforward process that most homeowners can do themselves.

The first step is to inspect the door tracks for dirt, debris, or dents that may be causing drag. Remove any obstructions to allow free movement. Next, you’ll need to gain access to the spring assembly which is usually located above the door on each side. Be very careful when working around extension springs as they are under high tension.

To check the spring balance, start by disconnecting the door from the opener motor if there is one. Open the door about halfway and note how much effort it takes to lift or lower it. An properly balanced door should remain steady with just a light touch. If it feels heavy or starts dropping on its own, the springs need adjustment.

At this point, you have a choice between attempting to adjust the springs yourself or calling in a professional like Garage Door Repair in Chester for safety. Springs under high tension can cause injury if not handled properly. If adjusting yourself, use gloves and eye protection. Many garage doors also have cable drums or pulleys that may need to be repositioned slightly.

To tighten the springs, use a commercial spring winding bar tool inserted into the spring coils. Turn evenly and gradually in small increments, checking the door balance after each 1/4 turn. Raise and lower the door repeatedly to ensure smooth operation. Add tension until the door counterbalances its own weight when opened part way and stops rising on its own.

Be very careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the springs or make the door difficult to operate manually. A properly balanced door should require just a light touch to lift or lower safely. Once adjusted, close and secure all panels. Reconnect the opener if there is one and test the full range of motion.

The garage door balance will naturally decrease a bit more over time. Checking and adjusting it periodically, say every 6-12 months, can help avoid needing a complete spring replacement down the road. Small, regular maintenance keeps things running smoothly. Most homeowners find this task straightforward once they understand the mechanics. Don’t get frustrated – with some simple tuning, you can restore perfect balance.