How to Adjust Garage Door – East Downtown Garage Doors

Adjusting a Garage Door Repair Houston TX is an essential task that should be performed periodically to ensure that it operates smoothly and safely. If a garage door is not properly adjusted, it can cause several issues such as difficulty in opening and closing, loud noises, and even safety hazards.

Before you start adjusting your Garage Door Repair Houston TX , it’s essential to understand that the process can be dangerous if you don’t follow the proper safety precautions. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the necessary safety measures, including wearing protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and work boots.

Step 1: Check the Door Balance

The first step in adjusting a garage door is to check its balance. An unbalanced garage door can cause several problems such as premature wear and tear on the door opener and hardware. To check the door balance, you’ll need to disconnect the door opener and operate the door manually.

  1. First, close the garage door and disconnect the door opener from the door by pulling the release cord.
  2. Next, lift the door manually to about waist height and release it. The door should remain in place or move slightly up or down.
  3. If the door moves up or down, it’s an indication that the door is unbalanced. A balanced door should stay in place or move slightly down when released.
  4. To balance the door, you’ll need to adjust the tension on the springs. The springs are located above the door and are attached to metal brackets.

Step 2: Adjust the Spring Tension

The springs are responsible for lifting the garage door. If the springs are too loose or too tight, it can cause the door to operate improperly. Therefore, it’s essential to adjust the spring tension correctly.

  1. To adjust the spring tension, you’ll need to locate the adjustment bolts on the springs. The adjustment bolts are located on the metal brackets that hold the springs.
  2. Use a wrench to turn the adjustment bolts to adjust the tension on the springs. Turning the bolts clockwise will increase the tension, and turning them counterclockwise will decrease the tension.
  3. Adjust the tension in small increments, and test the door balance after each adjustment. Continue adjusting the tension until the door is balanced.
  4. Be careful when adjusting the spring tension, as the springs are under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.

Step 3: Adjust the Track Alignment

The garage door tracks are responsible for guiding the door as it opens and closes. If the tracks are misaligned, it can cause the door to operate improperly. Therefore, it’s essential to adjust the track alignment correctly.

  1. To adjust the track alignment, use a level to check the alignment of the tracks. Place the level on the horizontal tracks to check for any deviations.
  2. If the tracks are misaligned, loosen the bolts that hold the track brackets to the wall or ceiling.
  3. Adjust the position of the brackets to align the tracks correctly, and then tighten the bolts.
  4. Test the door balance after adjusting the track alignment. If the door is still unbalanced, you may need to adjust the spring tension further.

Step 4: Adjust the Limit Switches

The garage door limit switches are responsible for stopping the door when it reaches the fully open or fully closed position. If the limit switches are not set correctly, it can cause the door to operate improperly.

  1. To adjust the limit switches, locate the limit switch adjustment screws on the door opener. The adjustment screws are usually located on the side or back of the opener.
  2. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws to adjust the open and close limits. Turning the screws clockwise will decrease the limit.
  1. Adjust the open and close limits in small increments, and test the door after each adjustment. The door should stop at the fully open and fully closed positions.
  2. If the door does not stop at the fully open or fully closed position, you may need to adjust the force settings on the door opener.

Step 5: Adjust the Force Settings

The force settings on the door opener are responsible for controlling the force with which the door opens and closes. If the force settings are too high or too low, it can cause the door to operate improperly.

  1. To adjust the force settings, locate the force adjustment screws on the door opener. The adjustment screws are usually located on the side or back of the opener.
  2. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws to adjust the force settings. Turning the screws clockwise will increase the force, and turning them counterclockwise will decrease the force.
  3. Adjust the force settings in small increments, and test the door after each adjustment. The door should open and close smoothly without any excessive force.
  4. If the door still does not operate properly after adjusting the force settings, you may need to call a professional garage door technician to inspect and repair the door.

Conclusion:

Adjusting a garage door requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. If you’re not comfortable performing the adjustments yourself, it’s best to call a professional garage door technician to perform the task. Remember to always take the necessary safety precautions when working on your garage door to prevent any accidents or injuries. By following these steps, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely.

East Downtown Garage Doors

4105 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77023, United States

1-713-322-7436