If you’ve ever driven home and noticed your garage door is shifted to one side, It’s a more common problem than you might think, and it’s usually easy to fix. , Here I will explain the causes of a garage door shift and outline a few simple solutions. Keep reading for more information.
Why Garage Door Shifts to One Side?
Garage doors can shift to one side for a number of reasons. While some of the causes might be out of your control. The most common reason a garage door shifts is that the tracks have become bent or warped.
This can be caused by wear and tear, accidents, or even extreme weather conditions. Another common problem is that the door itself has shifted off its track. This can be due to a faulty roller or hinge, or because the door was not installed properly in the first place.
What factors contribute to this problem?
There are many factors to be honest. Perhaps the most common factor is when the door is not properly balanced. If one side of the door is carrying more of the weight than the other, it will start to lean in that direction.
Other factors that can contribute to a garage door that has shifted include age, wear, and tear, improper installation, and damage from extreme weather conditions.
What can be the consequences if the door is not repaired?
If your garage door has shifted to one side and is no longer opening and closing correctly, there are a few potential consequences. One is that the door could fall off its tracks or hinges, which could cause extensive damage to your car or home.
Additionally, if the door isn’t properly sealed, it could lead to energy loss and an increase in your monthly utility bill. It’s important to have a garage door that’s functioning properly, so if you’re experiencing these problems, be sure to repair it as soon as possible.
3 Common Reasons for Garage door shifted to one side
It’s Important to understand exactly why it has happened before learning how to fix garage door that has shifted to one side, below I have mentioned 3 of the most common reasons in details that you can check with your garage. After that you are all set to fix it!
💁Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring
A garage door with a broken torsion spring can be very dangerous. The spring is what helps keep the door balanced and in place, so if it’s broken, the door can easily come off the tracks. There are a few reasons why a garage door torsion spring might break.
One common reason is when the door is not closing all the way. This can cause the spring to over-extend and eventually break. If you’re having trouble with your garage door closing all the way, make sure to call a professional to take a look at it.
Another common reason for a broken garage door torsion spring is when the lift cables are loose or worn out. If you suspect that your cables might be the problem, have a professional take a look at them to determine if they need to be replaced.
Here’s a video you may find helpful Regarding This Matter:
💁Malfunctioning Garage Door Tracks & Rollers
The garage door tracks help guide and support the door as it opens and closes, but they also keep the door perfectly aligned.
If one of the tracks becomes warped or bent, it can cause the door to shift from its track, resulting in an unsightly and potentially dangerous situation. The rollers are essential for smoothly moving the door along the tracks, so if they become worn or damaged, the door will start to show signs of strain.
To fix a garage door that has shifted to one side, you’ll need to identify and fix the issue with either the tracks or rollers.
💁Jumped or Frayed or Broken Cables
Garage door cables connect the garage door opener to the door. They are responsible for lifting and lowering your door.
If your cables are jumped, frayed, or broken, it can cause the door to shift to one side. This is a common problem and can be fixed by following these simple steps:
- Locate the cable on each side of the door.
- If the cable is frayed, cut it off close to the door.
- If the cable is broken, you will need to disconnect it from the opener and remove the entire cable from the door.
- Thread each new cable through the guides on each side of the door.
- Connect each cable to the opener and tighten the screws.
- Test door operation.
How to Fix Garage Door that Has Shifted to One Side
The first step is to loosen the screws on the brackets that hold the tracks in place.
Once you have done that, use a level to adjust the tracks until they are straight. Once the tracks are straight, re-tighten the screws on the brackets. If your door is still misaligned, it may be necessary to adjust the rollers on the door itself.
The following steps will help guide you through the process of adjusting your garage door tracks:
- Locate the bolts that secure the track to the wall or header.
- Use a crescent wrench to loosen the bolts, being careful not to remove them entirely.
- Slide the track slightly to the desired position and retighten the bolts.
- Test the door to ensure that it opens and closes properly. If it doesn’t, adjust the track again until it does.
- Once the door is operating correctly, reattach any trim or molding that was removed during the adjustment process.
If You Want To Get Rid of Tracks and Rollers Altogether: How to Replace Garage Door With French Doors?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I check my garage door alignment?
If you think your garage door has shifted to one side, the first thing you should do is check the alignment. You can do this by using a good level.
Just place it on the floor and position it so that it’s parallel to the door. If the door isn’t straight, you’ll need to adjust the screws on the hinges to make sure it’s aligned correctly.
2. How much does it cost to rebalance a garage door?
If your garage door feels heavy or hard to open, it might be unbalanced. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to rebalance it. It usually costs around $50-$75, depending on the size and weight of your door.
3. How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Garage door springs usually last around 5-7 years, but they may last longer or shorter depending on how often they’re used.
Conclusion:
In most cases, the problem is with the cables or the springs. It is important to fix these problems as soon as possible to ensure that the garage door continues to function safely.
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