Signs That Your Garage Door Tracks Aren't Level (And How To Fix The Issue)

When something isn't right with your garage door system, it can disrupt your whole routine. Though there are several reasons your door might malfunction, uneven tracks are a common cause. Issues like misalignment, loud noises, wobble movements, and trouble opening and closing are all signs that your garage door tracks aren't level, and your garage door should be inspected before operating the system again.

Your garage door tracks could be uneven for several reasons, including wear over time, debris in the way, rusting, and damage to the door, among others. There are many important steps to maintain on your garage door, and for most repairs, it's recommended to get a professional's assistance. That's because some of the adjustments are difficult or dangerous. Some indications you should get professional help to fix your doors include more significant issues like a broken spring, a bent or rusting track, or cable damage. If you don't notice any of these problems but you still feel like something is off, or are having issues with the garage door closing or opening, you can take a look to see if the tracks and rollers are evenly spaced. Smaller repairs, like evening the door tracks, can be done on your own. All it takes is unscrewing the tracks, readjusting them, and re-tightening the fasteners.  

How to level garage door tracks

To align your door tracks, first close your door manually, so that it rests on the ground. From there, take out your screwdriver or wrench and loosen the screws holding the brackets and tracks on your garage door in place. Loosen the brackets so your tracks can be adjusted, but don't fully remove the screw, so you can easily re-tighten it once you've finished. Most garage doors have between one and three brackets on either side of the door.

Next, readjust the track that is misaligned so that it's positioned evenly between the bracket and the door, then repeat on the other side if needed. Then, tighten the screws on the brackets again with your wrench or screwdriver so the tracks are locked in place. If you've aligned the tracks on both sides, double-check they are straight with a level. Finally, test your garage door by manually lifting it up and down to ensure the tracks are aligned now, and it runs smoothly again. If the door still has difficulty opening or closing, it might be time to get a professional garage door technician involved to help. You could have broken garage door parts or there could be another issue at play that is disrupting the alignment or operation of your door.

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