When a garage door isn’t properly balanced, it puts unnecessary strain on the opener, increases wear on components, and creates safety risks that often go unnoticed.
At Thompson Garage Doors, we have seen many cases where minor balance issues turned into costly repairs. As a trusted overhead door company in Rochester, MN, we aim to help you spot these issues early before they create more serious problems.
What Is Garage Door Balance?
It refers to an equal distribution of the door’s weight across the hoist system. A properly balanced overhead garage door should stay in place when manually opened halfway without drifting up or falling down. That means the springs are all calibrated correctly, and the door’s weight is being supported evenly.
When a door is unbalanced, it becomes heavier on one side or harder to lift overall. Your opener has to work harder, and the door’s movements may become jerky, noisy, or sluggish.
Signs Your Garage Door Might Be Out of Balance | Overhead Door Company in Rochester, MN
You don’t have to be a technician to notice when the balance is off. Here are a few subtle signs that your overhead garage door may need a balance check:
- The door feels heavier than usual when lifted manually
- It doesn’t stay halfway open when you let go
- The opener strains, stalls, or makes unusual noises
- One side lifts faster than the other
- The door closes too quickly or slams shut
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to examine your system.
Also, Read: What You Should Know About Garage Door Springs
Why Garage Door Balance Matters Long-Term | Overhead Door Company in Rochester, MN
An unbalanced overhead garage door doesn’t just make daily use annoying; it shortens the life of your opener, cables, and springs. It can also compromise your door’s safety features, including auto-reversing and sensor functions.
Over time, a struggling door will wear out faster, requiring premature replacement. Worse, an unstable door can increase the risk of accidents, especially in homes with children or pets.
That’s why Thompson Garage Doors always includes balance checks during our inspection service visits. As a renowned overhead door company in Rochester, MN, we know that catching the little things early makes all the difference.
Minor Fixes, Huge Payoffs
The good news is that fixing balance issues is usually straightforward. With the right tools and training, a professional can recalibrate your springs and test the system for safe operation, often in under an hour.
These minor adjustments help prevent wear, extend the life of your opener, and keep your door operating smoothly. It’s a small step that brings peace of mind.
Do You Think Your Garage Door Might Be Off-Balance?
If your garage door isn’t moving like it used to, or if you’re not sure when it was last checked, now might be the time to take a closer look.
Thompson Garage Doors & Openers, a trusted overhead door company in Rochester, MN, is here to help. We will assess your system, explain what’s not working, and make the necessary tweaks to get things running smoothly again.
Schedule your inspection today and give your garage door the care it deserves.
