Garage Door Alignment Issues: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention Tips

Dealing with a garage door that won’t close all the way? It’s a common and frustrating issue, especially since there are so many different potential causes. In this guide, we’ll be covering the most common garage door misalignment issues, their causes, and how the team of experts at Mesa Garage Doors can help.

Common Symptoms of a Misaligned Garage Door

Before we can explain why your garage door isn’t closing fully, we need to understand the symptoms of a misaligned door.

One common garage issue is when your garage door doesn’t sit fully square and aligned when closed, with one side sometimes being higher than the other, or the whole unit appearing to sit diagonally. This can happen when your garage door rolls on loose or damaged tracks, or has rollers that need repair.

Another common sign of a misaligned door is if your garage door closes, then opens again repeatedly. This isn’t just a frustrating problem; it can also leave your home vulnerable to thieves, wild animals, and weather damage. While several things can cause this problem, it’s usually a sign that you need garage door track repair.

Troubleshooting Alignment and Sensor Issues

It’s always worth trying a few garage door troubleshooting tricks to see if you can address the issue yourself without the need for a professional. At the same time, learn how to diagnose simple garage door sensor issues to see if fixing them helps resolve the problem.

Check for Visual Misalignment or Damage

The most obvious way to diagnose misalignment in your garage door is if you can visually spot anywhere that the rollers have become misaligned from the track. This can happen due to damage to the garage door or simply from wear and tear over time. If you can’t easily spot an area where the rollers are coming off the track or getting jammed, move onto the next steps.

Inspect and Clean Sensor

Another key troubleshooting step is to check your garage door safety sensor. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause it to malfunction. Cleaning the sensor often resolves the problem and restores proper function.

Check Opener and Transmitter

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the alignment but with the opener or remote. Try replacing the batteries in your keyfob and reconnecting it to the opener unit to rule out transmitter issues.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Minor Garage Door Misalignment

If you identify minor misalignment with your garage door, there are a few simple repairs you can attempt before calling a pro. Here’s how:

• Step one: Inspect the garage door tracks and rollers for damage, debris, or dents.
• Step two: Clean the tracks with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Step three: Lubricate the rails with WD-40 or a silicone/lithium-based lubricant.
• Step four: Tighten hinges and brackets with a wrench or screwdriver.
• Step five: Adjust the track alignment by loosening and retightening bolts while checking with a level.
• Step six: Test the door by opening and closing it several times to ensure smooth operation.

When to Call a Garage Door Technician

If the above repair tips don’t help, it’s time to call a pro. Garage door technicians have the tools and experience to safely handle high-tension components like the spring system. Professional repair prevents further damage and protects you from injury.

Preventing Future Garage Door Alignment Issues

To prevent future alignment problems, adopt these maintenance practices:

• Inspect and clean the track regularly.
• Lubricate all moving parts routinely.
• Tighten connections on brackets and hinges.
• Check for visible damage.
• Clean sensors to avoid malfunctions.
• Schedule regular garage door tune-ups with a professional.

Protect Your Home with Proper Garage Door Maintenance

Protecting your home is simple when you have a great garage door team on your side. Mesa Garage Doors is here to help with repairs, diagnostics, and ongoing maintenance to keep your garage door in peak condition. For more information or to schedule service, get in touch with us today.