Is Your Garage Door Unbalanced? Three Signs That Might Mean It Is
Posted on: 6 March 2017
While a highly functional component of your home, when not operating properly, your garage door can also impose a significant safety risk for you and your family. A door that is unbalanced falls in line with this statement. A garage door that is unbalanced has more of its weight distributed on one side of the track, rather than an even load. This problem can lead to functionality concerns, and the door could even fall off the track. Make sure you know how to recognize when your door is unbalanced.
Unusual Noises
For the most part, garage doors will produce some level of noise when they are in operation. However, when the noise the door produces is excessively loud, this is a cause for concern. In terms of an unbalanced door, the noise you hear could be from the extra strain on the side of the track that is bearing more of the weight.
This pressure will put a strain on the springs that support the door, leading to the sound you are hearing. If you hear a popping sound, this could even mean that one of the springs has snapped due to the increased pressure.
Uneven Operation
A clear indication that your door is unbalanced is when the door operates unevenly. An example of this could be a door where the right side appears to be slightly higher than the left side when it is opening and closing.
This level of warning should never be ignored because this is an indication that the door is unbalanced to the point that the door is no longer being supported properly. If you are experiencing this issue, you should immediately stop using the door as it could fall off the track at any point.
Poor Operation
Another indication that your door is unbalanced is a door that doesn't open and close correctly. For example, if the door appears to get stuck or slightly struggle when moving, this is something to investigate further. In this instance, this is probably the result of excess friction.
As previously stated, when a door is unbalanced more of its weight is placed on one side, generally, on the side that is supporting more weight. As the door moves along the track, this will cause excess friction that will prevent the door form moving smoothly.
If you suspect your garage door is unbalanced, make sure you are reaching out to a repair technician to prevent a disaster and protect your family.
Share