Struggling With Your Garage Door?

If your garage door does not go up and down smoothly and easily, you may have a potentially unsafe condition. Even older garage door systems should operate smoothly and easily. If you're struggling to open your door even when the door is manually operated, you may have a spring system that is out of balance. When a garage door is out of balance it can cause premature wear and tear on other important door parts. We've talked before about the dangers of repairing or replacing garage door spring systems (they can be hazardous) so please have the door looked at by a trained garage door technician.

How to Check the Balance of your Garage Door

Door Balance is an important indicator of the condition and safety of your garage door system.
With that in mind, it's a good idea to test the balance of your garage door a couple of times a year.
It's quick and it's easy. In fact you've probably done it without even realizing it.

Start with the garage door closed. If you have an automatic garage door opener, use the release mechanism (usually a red cord and handle). This will allow you to operate the door by hand.

With the opener released; you should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment and you should have it adjusted by a certified technician.