Owning a home or a business in the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Southeast Indiana area means you likely rely on your garage door for convenience and security.
However, a poorly balanced garage door can pose serious safety risks and lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. To ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely, you can perform a simple balance test. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your garage door’s balance and when to call in the professionals at Cincinnati Door & Window for help.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Garage Door’s Balance
1. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
First, you need to disconnect the garage door opener. Make sure the door is in the fully down position before doing this. If the door is not properly balanced and you disengage the opener while the door is open, it could slam to the ground, potentially causing serious injury or damage. To disconnect the opener, locate the red release cord hanging from the opener mechanism and pull it. This will allow you to operate the door manually.
2. Manually Open the Garage Door
With the garage door opener disconnected, you can now manually open the door. Slowly lift the door by hand, stopping at intervals of about every 18 inches. Pay close attention to how the door behaves at each stop. If the door is well balanced, it should stay in place at each interval without slamming down or flying upward. A little drifting is acceptable, but significant movement indicates that the door is not balanced properly. The door should move smoothly through the entire cycle, without requiring excessive force to lift or lower.
3. Observe Any Issues
As you manually operate the garage door, take note of any unusual sounds, such as creaking or grinding, and any visible issues like misaligned tracks or frayed cables. These could be signs of underlying problems that need professional attention. If the door slams down or runs up on its own, this is a clear indication that the door is not balanced and requires repair.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any issues during your balance test, it’s time to get the door looked at by a professional. Balancing a garage door involves adjusting the tension of the springs, which can be dangerous if not done correctly. Attempting to fix a garage door yourself can lead to injury or further damage to the door. Instead, rely on the expertise of a professional garage door technician who has the necessary tools and experience to safely and effectively repair your door.
Why Choose Cincinnati Door & Window?
If you live in the Greater Cincinnati area and your garage door needs repair, give Cincinnati Door & Window a call at (513) 821-5095. Here’s why they are the best choice for your garage door needs:
Expertise and Experience
Cincinnati Door & Window has a team of skilled technicians with years of experience in repairing and maintaining garage doors. They can quickly diagnose and fix any issues, ensuring your door operates safely and efficiently.
Comprehensive Services
Whether your garage door needs a simple balance adjustment or more extensive repairs, Cincinnati Door & Window offers a full range of services to meet your needs. From spring replacements to track realignment, they have the expertise to handle any job.
Prompt and Reliable
When your garage door isn’t working properly, you need fast and reliable service. Cincinnati Door & Window is known for their prompt response times and commitment to customer satisfaction. They’ll get your door back in working order quickly, minimizing any inconvenience to you.
Local and Trustworthy
As a local business serving the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana area, Cincinnati Door & Window takes pride in their reputation for quality and reliability. They are dedicated to providing excellent service to their community and building long-lasting relationships with their customers.
Don’t Hesitate To Call
Regularly checking the balance of your garage door is a simple yet important task that can prevent accidents and costly repairs. If you notice any issues during your balance test, don’t hesitate to contact a garage door repair professional at Cincinnati Door & Window. With their expertise, comprehensive services, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust them to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely. Give them a call at (513) 821-5095 and ensure your garage door is in top condition.