One day, you press the clicker to your garage door to open it. As usual, it opens fine, but this time it uncharacteristically loses control as it shimmies downward to close. What’s going on? Why is it doing this? Here’s a brief explanation of why some residential garage doors in Rancho Cordova, CA will shake when they open or close.
Why a garage door is jerking when closing
Garage door technicians get calls about this problem all the time. The truth is that there is more than one reason why this might be happening, such as bad rollers, bent tracks or problems with your garage door opener. Get it looked at as soon as possible! Ignoring any issues will put strain on the opener, and can eventually burn out your opener’s motor. Some repairs are simple enough to be done by homeowners, while others need specific tools and skills that only a professional is likely to have on hand.
Causes of shaky door syndrome
There are several reasons why a garage door might be jerking or shaking when in motion. There are three primary parts of garage doors: the door, the door opener and the door springs. The garage door opener utilizes a lift motor to raise and lower the garage door. The lift motor works together with the springs to pull the door up, then lets it back down when it should close. The track system is the piece the door runs on to stay in place when opening and closing. If the door is shaking or jerking during operation, the track may be dirty or compromised by damage.
What to do about damage
While inspecting the track, you might discover damage. Crimps and bends are the most common types of track damage, ranging from minor damage that can easily be repaired with a hammer (to straighten it back out) to more severe damage requiring a professional’s skills and knowledge. You might also call an expert for minor repairs you’re uncomfortable trying to fix on your own. If there’s dirt or debris in the track, use a vacuum nozzle or other means to remove it, then wipe it clean and give it a test run.
Checking rollers and other hardware
The rollers on your garage door track can wear out or sustain damage over time, but they might also be contributing to door jerking. That said, if the rollers are making noises, such as squealing or squeaking, while the door is opening or closing, they might be the reason for the jerking. It’s best to hire a professional to replace damaged rollers, especially since the new rollers must match up with the old hardware. Loose hardware on panels, specifically screws and hinges, could also be the cause. Inspect all hardware to ensure it’s able to properly support the entire weight of the door.
Whether your garage door is shaking, needs to be replaced or has stopped working, contact the team at Action Door Service. Our trained technicians are ready to help repair all types of residential garage doors in Rancho Cordova, CA. Don’t hesitate to call us today!