The Ultimate Guide to Fixing an Uneven Garage Door

Have trouble with an uneven garage door in Omaha, NE? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we understand how frustrating it feels when your garage door won’t close properly or looks tilted. Beyond being annoying, an uneven garage door can pose serious safety risks. That’s why we’re here to help you fix it quickly and safely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of an uneven garage door, easy fixes you can try on your own, and when it’s time to call in the pros. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get your garage door back in top shape—smooth, secure, and functioning properly. When you are ready, let us dive in!

Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Appears Off

Here are some common reasons your door may be off-balance:

1. Worn or broken springs

2. Snapped or loose cables

3. Misaligned tracks

4. Worn rollers or hinges

5. Uneven tension in the springs or cables

When your garage door opens unevenly, it puts extra pressure on other parts, which can cause serious damage over time. Now that you know the possible causes, let us move on to how you can safely inspect your door.

How to Inspect an Uneven Garage Door Safely

Before starting any repairs, prioritize safety to avoid accidents. Remember, garage doors are heavy, so always take precautions.

• Unplug the garage door opener to cut off power.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection.
• Avoid standing directly under the door at all times.

Next, follow these simple steps to identify the problem:

1. Start by checking both sides of the door—does one side sit higher than the other?

2. Look closely for a broken garage spring, as springs control the door’s balance.

3. Then, inspect the cables since a broken garage door cable often leads to uneven movement.

4. Examine the tracks—are they crooked or bent?

5. Finally, try lifting the door manually. Does it feel heavy or shift to one side? If so, that’s a clear sign something’s off with the balance or hardware.

Now that you have identified the problem, focus on fixing it. Let’s explore how broken springs can cause imbalance and how to handle this safely.

Fixing an Uneven Garage Door With Broken Springs

When a garage door spring breaks or gets misaligned, it can quickly throw off your garage door’s balance. Since the springs carry most of the door’s weight, a broken one means the other side does all the work—making the door lift unevenly.

Are you thinking of DIY garage spring repairs or replacements? Don’t try to fix or replace garage springs on your own. These springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injuries if handled the wrong way. So when dealing with broken springs, call experts like Omaha Garage Door Repair, who have the tools, training, and experience to handle the job right.

Now, let’s take a look at the cables—another crucial component that can create a significant imbalance in your door.

Fixing an Uneven Garage Door With Broken Cables

Let’s say you notice a broken garage door cable. Due to this issue, the door may rise higher or lower on one side than the other. In some cases, it might even prevent the door from moving entirely.

To fix this issue, you must use cables that match the size and length. Additionally, the new cable needs to be wound with the correct tension for smooth operation. Avoid attempting a DIY repair, as even a small mistake can make your garage door unsafe.

For a fast and safe solution, trust Omaha Garage Door Repair for reliable garage door cable replacement. Now that we’ve addressed springs and cables, let’s shift our focus to the tracks.

Check the Garage Track Alignment

Another common cause of an uneven garage door is bad track alignment. When the tracks shift, they guide the door awkwardly, causing misalignment. To check the garage door track alignment:

1. Start by fully closing the garage door.

2. Carefully inspect both tracks from top to bottom.

3. Look for bends or uneven sections.

4. Use a level to confirm any misalignment.

If you notice issues, gently tap the garage door tracks back into place. However, avoid using too much force, as it can cause damage. When in doubt, contact a garage door professional for assistance.

Understanding the cause is just the first step—next, let’s explore ways to prevent this issue from happening again.

How to Prevent Future Alignment Issues

Want to keep your garage door smooth and level all year? Follow these simple tips:

• Schedule professional garage door inspections twice a year.
• Lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs regularly.
• Clean the garage door tracks monthly and check for wear in cables.
• Open and close the garage door slowly once a week to test the balance.
• Listen for unusual garage door noises during operation.

Catching small issues early and sticking to a maintenance routine can save you from costly garage door repairs later. For expert help, schedule yearly maintenance with Omaha Garage Door Repair.

When Do You Need Professional Help?

Here are some clear signs that it’s time to call an Omaha garage door expert:

• The door makes loud noises
• Moves too fast or too slow
• Stops halfway or slams shut
• Looks crooked even after small fixes

Stop using the door and let an expert check for deeper issues. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we have helped hundreds of homeowners in Omaha, NE, fix their garage doors with care. Worried about how much this will cost you? Let us break it down by service type.

The Cost of Fixing an Uneven Garage Door in Omaha

Garage door repair costs can vary depending on the level of damage and the type of garage door. However, waiting to address issues often leads to higher costs. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly and never ignore warning signs. You can expect to pay between these amounts:

• Spring repair: $150-$300
• Cable replacement: $100-$200
• Track repair: $100-$250
• Full service check: $80-$150

An uneven garage door is not just a visual problem; it’s a clear warning sign of trouble. Issues like a broken cable on garage door, a worn roller, or a misaligned garage door track can worsen if ignored. Fortunately, quick action can prevent further damage.

Fixing a tilted garage door is often straightforward when you catch the signs early. However, avoid risky DIY attempts, especially with broken garage springs or tension adjustments. If your garage door opens unevenly, don’t wait—act now.

Garage Door Repair Service Near Me

Don’t let a small garage door problem turn into a costly repair. If your garage door looks tilted, jammed, or stops moving, act fast before the issue gets worse. Our Omaha Garage Door Repair team, known for fast response and skilled workmanship, proudly serves Omaha, NE, and Carter Lake, IA. For quick and reliable emergency garage door repair, call today at (402) 819-5158. We’ll make sure your garage door is back to smooth, safe operation.