Why Do Garage Doors in Greenwood Sometimes Open Unevenly?

Worn or Broken Springs
Cable Problems
Track Misalignment
Uneven Weight Distribution or Warped Panels
Worn or Damaged Rollers
Motor or Opener Issues
Improper Installation or Previous Repairs
When Should You Call a Professional?
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Fix Uneven Garage Doors Today!

A garage door that opens unevenly can be a warning sign that something isn’t working as it should. Homeowners in Greenwood often experience this issue, especially as their doors age or endure the region’s fluctuating weather conditions.

At Select Garage Doors, we understand how important it is to have a smooth, reliable system in place. If your garage door opens crookedly or shifts more to one side, it’s a good idea to get it checked before the problem worsens.

Let’s explore the most common reasons why garage doors in Greenwood open unevenly, what signs to look out for, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Key Takeaways

Uneven garage doors signal a mechanical imbalance that should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage or safety risks.
Worn or broken springs are a top cause of uneven movement and should only be handled by professionals due to high tension risks.
Frayed or loose cables can cause one side of the door to lift higher than the other, resulting in a crooked opening.
Track misalignment from impacts, loose hardware, or temperature changes can disrupt smooth operation and lead to scraping or jamming.
Warped panels or uneven door weight, especially on wooden doors exposed to weather, can distort how the door opens.
Damaged rollers may cause jerky or tilted movement; regular maintenance helps extend their lifespan.
Malfunctioning openers or poor installation can contribute to uneven lifting, especially if the opener isn’t calibrated correctly.
DIY repairs are risky; most garage door components are under tension and should be repaired by trained professionals.

1. Worn or Broken Springs

One of the leading causes of an unevenly opening garage door is a worn or broken torsion or extension spring.

These springs are essential in balancing the weight of the door and allowing it to open smoothly. When one spring is weaker or broken, the door can lift unevenly or struggle to lift altogether.

Signs of spring issues include:

The door jerks or tilts while opening
Loud popping or snapping noises
The garage door feels heavy when opening manually

It’s important not to attempt spring repairs on your own. These components are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled. Instead, let a professional inspect and replace the springs safely.

2. Cable Problems

Garage doors use lifting cables on either side to help raise and lower the door. These cables wrap around drums at the top of the door as it moves. If a cable frays, loosens, or snaps, the door may lift more on one side, resulting in an uneven operation.

In some cases, one cable might slip off the drum while the other stays in place, causing a noticeable imbalance.

What to look for:

Loose or dangling cables
Fraying or rust on the cable line
The door tilts to one side when lifted

Cables are another component that should be handled by trained professionals due to their tension and placement near heavy moving parts.

3. Track Misalignment

The metal tracks on either side of your garage door guide the rollers as the door moves up and down. If one track becomes misaligned, bent, or obstructed, it can cause the door to move unevenly or get stuck during operation.

Common causes of misalignment:

Accidental bumps from vehicles
Loose bolts or brackets
Expansion or contraction from temperature changes

Symptoms:

Gaps between the rollers and the track
Scraping noises
The door stops or pauses partway up

In Greenwood, seasonal weather changes can cause metal tracks to expand or contract slightly, which may gradually affect alignment. Regular inspection can help catch this before it causes damage to the rollers or the door itself.

4. Uneven Weight Distribution or Warped Panels

Garage doors, especially those made of wood, can become warped over time due to humidity, rain, or exposure to the sun.

In Greenwood’s humid summers and cool winters, wooden doors can swell or shrink unevenly, causing the door to twist or bind during opening.

Other possible causes include:

Damaged or deteriorated panels
Objects attached to one side of the door (like insulation or hardware)

If your door appears visibly warped or if one panel is damaged, it may be affecting the way the door opens and closes. In some cases, replacing a single panel or adjusting the door’s alignment can restore smooth operation.

5. Worn or Damaged Rollers

Rollers allow the door to glide along the tracks. If the rollers on one side are worn, dirty, or broken, the door may drag or tilt during movement. Nylon or plastic rollers, while quieter, can wear down faster than steel ones.

Roller issues may present as:

Squeaking or grinding noises
Jerky door movement
Visible wear or cracks on the rollers

Regular lubrication can help extend the life of rollers, but they will eventually need replacement. This is typically a straightforward fix that can make a noticeable difference in how your door operates.

6. Motor or Opener Issues

If your garage door opener is old or unbalanced, it may struggle to lift the door evenly, especially if it’s not distributing force correctly. Chain-driven openers, in particular, can wear down over time and require calibration.

Some opener systems may also require realignment if their sensors or force settings are off. Although it’s less common than mechanical issues like springs or cables, opener problems can still affect door movement.

If you’ve checked all other components and the issue persists, your opener may need servicing or replacement.

7. Improper Installation or Previous Repairs

A garage door that was not installed correctly or has had uneven repairs in the past may show signs of imbalance early on. Misaligned tracks, poorly adjusted springs, or incorrect panel placement can all contribute to uneven opening.

If your home is new or the garage door was recently installed, it’s worth having a professional recheck the system to ensure everything was set up correctly.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If your garage door opens unevenly, it’s a sign that something is out of balance or broken. Continuing to use the door in this state can lead to more damage and even complete failure of the system. Most of the causes listed above are not DIY-friendly and can be dangerous without the right tools and knowledge.

Whether the issue is with your springs, tracks, rollers, or opener, Select Garage Doors offers expert inspections and repairs to help restore safe, smooth operation to your garage. We serve homeowners throughout Greenwood and are ready to help you get your garage door back on track, literally.

Don’t Ignore the Signs—Fix Uneven Garage Doors Today!

An uneven garage door isn’t something to ignore. What may seem like a small tilt or jerky movement can actually signal a larger mechanical issue. Left unchecked, it can lead to broken parts, safety hazards, or a completely inoperable door. Regular garage door maintenance, awareness of symptoms, and professional support go a long way in protecting your home and investment.

If you’re in Greenwood and your garage door is acting up, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us for a reliable garage door service. We’ll help you restore function, safety, and peace of mind to your home, quickly and affordably!