Garage doors can sag for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to damage or improper installation. In this article, we will explore the top reasons why garage doors sag in the middle and how to fix them.
Top Reasons Your Garage Door Is Sagging in The Middle and How to Fix Them
While there can be a few reasons your garage door is sagging, more often than not, it is caused by damage or improper installation. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes and how to fix them.
1. The garage door tracks are not level
If your garage door tracks are not level, this can cause your door to sag in the middle. To fix this, you need to level the tracks by adjusting the brackets that hold them in place.
2. The garage door springs are damaged or broken
Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, so if they are damaged or broken, this can cause your door to sag. To fix this, you will need to test and possibly replace the springs.
3. The garage door opener is not properly aligned
If your garage door opener is not properly aligned, this can cause your door to sag. To fix this, you will need to realign the opener.
4. The garage door panels are bent or damaged
Metal garage door panels are easily damaged or bent. It could be something as simple as a basketball that did it or maybe you backed into the garage door with your car. If the panels are bent or damaged, this can cause your door to sag. To fix this, you will need to replace the damaged or bent panels.
5. The garage door rollers are worn out
If your garage door rollers are worn out, this can cause your door to sag. To fix this, you will need to replace the worn rollers though go ahead and change them all out if you can.
6. The garage door opener chain is broken
If your garage door opener chain is damaged, the chain might cause your door to droop. To repair this, you’ll need to replace the chain.
7. The garage door cables are loose
Sometimes, the cables that support your garage door can become loose. When this happens, it can cause your door to sag. To fix this, you will need to tighten or replace the cables.
8. The garage door is not balanced
Garage doors can lose their balance for several reasons including weather changes, adding or removing a garage door opener, or simply because the springs need to be adjusted. If your door is not balanced, this can cause it to sag in the middle. To fix this, you will need to have a professional come and adjust the springs.
9. The garage door opener is malfunctioning
All openers are complex machines utilizing multiple moving parts that eventually fail. When this happens, your garage door will become unbalanced and sag. To fix this, you will need to find what failed in the opener and either replace that part or replace the entire opener.
10. something is blocking the garage door from opening fully
Sometimes something gets into the tracks or obstructs the chain and prevents the garage door from opening all the way. This can cause your door to sag in the middle. To fix this, you will need to remove the obstruction and realign the tracks and chain.
11. Door Closed on An Object
If the door closes on an object like a box or toy, this can damage the door panels and cause the door to sag. To fix this, you will need to remove the obstruction and repair or replace the damaged door panels.
12. Improper Installation
If your garage door opener was not installed properly, this can cause it to sag in the middle. To fix this, you will need to have a professional come and re-install the opener.
13. The garage door is old and needs to be replaced
If your garage door is more than 20 years old, it might be time to replace it. As garage doors age, they can become less structurally sound and more likely to sag. If your door is old and sagging, you will need to replace it
14. The house settles and shifts
As your house settles over time, it can cause the garage door to become unaligned and sag in the middle. To fix this, you will need to have a professional come and realign the door.
15. There is a problem with the foundation
If your garage is built on a slab, the foundation can settle and cause the garage door to sag. To fix this, you will need to have a professional come and level the foundation.
How to Fix a Sagging Garage Door
Once you have determined the cause of your sagging garage door, you can begin to fix the problem. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself without having to call a professional. However, if the problem is more serious, you might need to call a professional.
1. If the problem is with the springs, you will need to adjust them. This is a job that is best left to a professional.
2. If the problem is with the panels, you will need to replace the damaged or bent panels.
3. If the problem is with the rollers, you will need to replace the worn rollers though go ahead and change them all out for good measure.
4. If the problem is with the tracks, you will need to clean them and make sure they are aligned properly. You might also need to replace the damaged tracks.
5. If the problem is with the opener, you will need to repair or replace the opener. This is a job that is best left to a professional.
6. If the problem is with the foundation, you will need to have a professional come and level the foundation.
7. If the problem is with the house settling, you will need to have a professional come and realign the door.
8. If the problem is with an obstruction, you will need to remove the obstruction and make sure the tracks and chain are aligned properly.
Conclusion
If your garage door is sagging in the middle, there are several possible causes. The most common causes are problems with the springs, panels, rollers, tracks, opener, foundation, or the house settling. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself without having to call a professional. However, if the problem is more serious, you might need to call someone with specific expertise to fix the problem.