Is your garage door acting up lately by failing to close all the way? No need to despair – before replacing the whole system or hiring a pro, see if a simple do-it-yourself adjustment can fix the issue. In many cases, all it takes is tweaking the tracks back into proper alignment. We’ll show you how with basic tools and some patience. You may be surprised how an easy adjustment can save you from a full Garage Door Repair in Petersburg.

The Problem: Out of Alignment or Loose Tracks

More often than not, the issue lies with the garage door tracks being out of alignment or loose. Over time and with constant use, the tracks can shift slightly from their proper position. When this happens, the rollers on the bottom of the door have a hard time lining up exactly right to close fully. There’s a small gap left at the top.

The Fix: Realign Those Tracks

All it takes is a few adjustments to potentially remedy the situation. Here are the easy steps:

1. Open the garage door about halfway and examine the tracks. Check if they are parallel to each other or if one side is higher/lower than the other.
2. Loosen the bolts or screws securing the tracks to the ceiling and walls using an adjustable wrench or screwdriver. Be very careful not to disengage them completely.
3. Gently push or pull the tracks back into proper alignment if needed. The tracks should be level and parallel to ensure smooth rolling.
4. Once aligned, retighten the bolts or screws firmly but not overly tight. Go around and check each mounting point is snug.
5. Run the door up and down a few times to test. Does it now close fully without catching? Problem solved!

Still Not Closing? Check These Areas Too

If realigning the tracks didn’t do the trick, a few other things to examine are:

• Springs: Ensure the tension springs aren’t broken or loose on both sides
• Rollers: Check that the rollers aren’t worn out and spin smoothly
• Sensors: Test that light sensors aren’t obstructed and signal the door correctly
• Motor: Make sure the motor isn’t showing signs of failure like overheating

When in Doubt, Call a Pro

If basic adjustments don’t do the trick, it may be time to consult a garage door professional. They have the expertise and special tools to diagnose deeper issues. Replacing worn components or the whole system is sometimes necessary for safety and performance. A pro can also inspect your installation for code compliance. With any mechanical system, regular maintenance goes a long way in extending the life and function of your garage door. With a little TLC, you can likely get many more years of use out of it.