A garage door not level when closed is more than a small inconvenience. It is often a sign of a mechanical imbalance, worn parts, or structural misalignment that needs quick attention. Ignoring this problem can lead to damaged springs, extra strain on the opener, and expensive garage door repair in the future. Understanding why this happens and how to respond safely helps you keep your garage door system running smoothly.
How Loose Hinges Or Rollers Lead To Misalignment
Loose hinges, worn rollers, or bent stems can shift the door off track and cause one side to sit lower when closed. Because the door relies on smooth movement between rollers and tracks, any small issue can change alignment over time.
Before addressing the problem, it is helpful to know the most common causes.
Here are the parts to check when you suspect hinge or roller issues:
- Rollers that are worn or cracked
- Hinges with loose or missing screws
- Roller stems bending away from the hinge
- Rollers slipping out of the track
- Uneven wear between left and right side rollers
If any of these are present, the door shifts as it moves, eventually causing the door to sit crooked at the floor. This is often the first sign that a larger garage door repair may be needed.
How To Test Garage Door Balance Safely
A garage door must be properly balanced to open and close with little force. When the balance is off, the door may lift unevenly or drop harder on one side.
Follow this simple test to check balance:
1. Disconnect the Opener
Pull the emergency release cord to detach the door from the opener.
2. Lift the Door Manually
Raise it halfway and release your grip.
3. Observe the Movement
A well balanced door will stay in place.
A misaligned or unbalanced door may:
- Fall quickly to the floor
- Rise upward on its own
- Lean to one side
- Feel heavy or uneven while lifting
This test helps determine whether the problem is with springs, cables, or rollers.
Step By Step Guide To Adjust Garage Door Tracks
If the tracks are out of alignment, the door may close unevenly. Adjusting the tracks can help center the door and improve its movement. Only attempt these steps if you feel safe doing so.
1. Inspect Track Alignment
Stand back and check that both tracks are parallel and equally spaced.
2. Loosen Track Bolts
Using the proper tool, loosen the bolts just enough to adjust the track position.
3. Reposition The Track
Move the track slowly until it lines up correctly with the rollers.
4. Tighten Bolts Securely
Ensure there is no extra movement after tightening.
5. Test the Door
Manually open and close the door to confirm smoother travel.
If the door remains crooked, the issue might involve springs, cables, or deeper structural concerns.
Safety Concerns With A Crooked Garage Door
A garage door not level when closed presents several risks for homeowners. Because garage doors rely on tensioned springs and cables, imbalance places unnecessary strain on these parts.
Key safety concerns include:
- Increased risk of cable snapping
- Uneven pressure on torsion or extension springs
- Opener motor stress leading to burnout
- Gaps that allow pests or weather into the garage
- Risk of the door jamming or derailing from the track
Any of these issues can make the system unsafe. If the door appears crooked or makes grinding sounds, stop using the opener until the issue is diagnosed.
Read more about how to adjust garage door gap
How The Garage Door Emergency Release System Works
The emergency release system helps you disconnect the opener so you can move the door manually. When the door is not level, the release system becomes even more important.
Here is what happens when you pull the emergency release cord:
- The trolley disengages from the opener carriage
- The door becomes fully manual
- The opener will not move the door until reconnected
- You can lift the door by hand if the springs are working
This step is helpful for testing balance or opening the door during an outage, but it should be done carefully to avoid injury.
Why Garage Doors Get Stuck During Power Cuts
Misalignment often becomes more obvious during power outages. Without the opener providing assistance, the door may:
- Feel heavier on one side
- Stick midway up the track
- Not lift at all if springs are weak
- Lean or twist during manual lifting
If this happens, avoid forcing the door. Weak springs or frayed cables can snap without warning. Consider reviewing BDK Door’s guide on how to manually open your garage door if you need safe step by step help.
Simple Tools That Help Open A Garage Door During A Power Failure
When the door is uneven, having the right tools makes manual operation easier. Homeowners often rely on:
- A sturdy ladder for checking rollers and hinges
- A flashlight for inspecting track alignment
- A wrench set for tightening loose hardware
- Silicone garage door lubricant for noisy rollers
- A level or measuring tape to check door alignment
These tools help identify issues before they become bigger mechanical problems.
Know more about how to replace garage door rollers
Garage Door Upgrades
Sometimes the cause of uneven closing is age. Older garage door parts wear down, especially rollers, cables, and springs. Upgrading the system can improve performance and extend the overall lifespan.
Popular upgrades include:
- Replacing metal rollers with nylon rollers
- Installing reinforced steel hinges
- Upgrading torsion springs for smoother balance
- Modernizing the garage door opener for better control
If rollers are the cause of the misalignment, you can learn how to replace them through the internal guide on how to replace garage door rollers.
How To Secure Your Garage After Opening It Manually
When the door closes unevenly, securing it becomes more important. After lifting the door manually:
- Ensure the door rests fully on the ground
- Use manual slide locks if available
- Place a clamp on the track to prevent accidental lifting
- Avoid reconnecting the opener until the issue is fixed
These steps help keep the garage safe until professional garage door repair is completed.
Conclusion
A garage door not level when closed can indicate anything from loose rollers to misaligned tracks or worn springs. While minor adjustments can sometimes help, many issues require professional garage door repair for safe and lasting results. If your door is crooked, noisy, or struggling to close evenly, the team at BDK Door can inspect the full system, replace worn components, and restore smooth operation.
For expert help or scheduling a service, reach out through the BDK Door Contact Page to get the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my garage door uneven when closed?
Uneven closing is often caused by worn rollers, misaligned tracks, damaged springs, or loose hardware.
2. Can I fix an uneven garage door myself?
You can tighten screws or check for roller wear, but spring and cable repairs should always be handled by professionals.
3. What causes garage door track misalignment?
Track misalignment typically results from loose bolts, impact damage, or rollers pulling unevenly due to worn parts.
4. Is it dangerous to use a crooked garage door?
Yes. Uneven doors can strain springs and cables, increasing the risk of sudden failure.
5. When should I call a garage door technician?
If the door leans, sticks, or makes unusual sounds, contact a professional immediately to avoid further damage.
Top Service Areas
- Garage Door Repair in Romeoville, IL
- Garage Door Repair in Lemont, IL
- La Grange Il Garage Door Service
