Why Is My Garage Door Moving Unevenly?
If your garage door looks crooked, jerky, or seems to lift higher on one side than the other, it’s not something to ignore.
An uneven garage door is usually a sign that something in the system is worn, damaged, or out of balance. Left unaddressed, this issue can lead to major repairs, damaged panels, or even complete system failure.
Let’s break down the most common reasons your garage door may be moving unevenly — and what to do about it.
1. Broken or Failing Springs
The most common cause of an uneven garage door is a problem with the torsion or extension springs.
Garage door springs are responsible for balancing the weight of the door. If one spring weakens or breaks:
One side lifts normally
The other side lags behind
The door appears crooked
The system becomes unstable
Signs of Spring Problems:
A loud “bang” from the garage
The door feels heavy
The door lifts only a few inches
Visible gap in a torsion spring
⚠️ Never attempt to adjust or replace garage door springs yourself. They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.
2. Loose or Snapped Cables
Garage door cables work alongside springs to lift the door evenly.
If a cable:
Frays
Slips off the drum
Snaps
The door may tilt to one side during operation.
You might notice:
One side rising faster than the other
A cable hanging loose
Grinding noises
This is a repair that requires professional service.
3. Track Misalignment
Garage doors travel along metal tracks. If those tracks are:
Bent
Loose
Shifted out of alignment
Damaged from impact
The rollers may bind on one side, causing uneven movement.
Inspect for:
Gaps between rollers and track
Visible bends
Loose mounting brackets
Minor track adjustments can prevent major panel damage.
4. Worn Rollers or Hinges
Rollers and hinges ensure smooth, balanced movement.
If rollers wear down or crack:
They may not glide properly
One side may stick
The door may wobble or jerk
Cold temperatures and lack of lubrication can accelerate wear, especially in Northern Ontario winters.
5. Ice or Debris Obstruction
In winter, ice buildup near the base of the garage door can:
Prevent one side from lifting properly
Create uneven resistance
Trigger the opener’s safety system
Before forcing the door open, check for frozen sections along the bottom seal.
6. Opener Force Settings
Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical — it’s electronic.
Garage door openers have force settings designed to stop the door if resistance is detected. If improperly calibrated, the opener may:
Stop prematurely
Lift unevenly
Reverse direction
A professional adjustment may be needed to restore balance.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore an Uneven Garage Door
An uneven garage door puts stress on:
Panels
Tracks
Springs
Opener motor
If left unresolved, this can lead to:
Panel cracking
Complete spring failure
Burned-out opener motors
Safety hazards
Addressing the issue early can save you significant repair costs.
Professional Garage Door Repair in Thunder Bay
At Lakehead Overhead Door, we diagnose and repair uneven garage doors safely and efficiently. Our trained technicians inspect springs, cables, tracks, rollers, and opener systems to restore smooth operation.
We provide residential garage door repair throughout Northwestern Ontario, including emergency service when needed.
Request service online here.
