Is your garage door not performing like you expect it to? Learning how to adjust the hinges could help improve its operation. While some of these hinge alignment adjustments can be done yourself, others require the help of a professional. Learn about how Action Overhead Door’s technicians can fix any garage door problem you have, including spring tension and loose hinge repair.
What Should You Do With a Broken Hinge?
A broken hinge may cause the entire garage door to fail. The hinge might break due to a weather-related issue or in the event someone hits the garage door with a car. Hinges could also fail if they’re placed under repeated stress without replacement or repair.
A garage door might open and close with one or two broken hinges, but it probably won’t operate smoothly. If you notice problems with a sticking door and jerky movements from the automatic opener, inspect the hinges immediately for signs of damage or breakage.
Without intervention, additional hinges will fail due to the strain, and the entire door could collapse.
If you notice broken hinges, know that the only solution is to replace them. Considering that even a small garage door weighs a few hundred pounds and that the hinges bear much of that weight, you should only leave a job like this to the professionals to ensure safety.
If the hinge is not broken but has another kind of problem, there are other steps you can take to adjust garage door hinges.
How To Fix Loose Garage Door Hinges
Loose hinges are among the most common reasons for needing to make adjustments to a garage door. As the equipment ages, screws and bolts can loosen, especially if the door vibrates when the automatic opener moves it up and down. As the hinge hardware loosens, you might notice additional vibrations from the door during operation.
Hardware may loosen due to the long-term expansion and contraction of metal and wood caused by changes in temperature and humidity levels. If the hinges are exposed to regular rain and snow, the metal could corrode and come loose.
Without fixing the loose hardware, the garage door could eventually fail. To tighten loose parts, use standard wrenches and screwdrivers. If the hardware continues to loosen during normal operation, you may need the assistance of professionals to adjust the door or automatic opener to prevent the vibrations.
What To Do for Hinge Pins That Catch
Learning how to adjust garage door hinges that are catching may involve adjusting the hinge pins. The pins connect the door to the hinges, allowing it to open properly. They also keep the hinges from separating as the door operates.
Sometimes, the pins may stick as you try to open the door. This can cause a clicking noise as the door operates or may lead to undue strain, making it difficult for the automatic opener to run smoothly.
If the pins are causing the door to stick, inspect the pins. If they are out of position, you might need to remove and reinsert them. This is a challenging DIY job, however, so you may need the assistance of professional door installers to do it correctly.
You can also replace the pins or the entire hinge to fix the problem. Pins typically last only 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. If you have an older door that constantly sticks, you may want to consider hiring professionals to inspect the pins and determine the best course of action for repair.
Hinges Under Strain May Require Repairs to the Jamb or Door
If you notice that the garage door closes at an odd angle or doesn’t completely reach the ground, you could have a problem with one of the hinges due to an unbalanced load.
If the garage door wasn’t installed properly, it could be the cause of the stress and strain. After a technician inspects your setup, the best solution might be to disassemble and reassemble the door.
Your garage door type might also play a role in the adjustments you need to make when the door is unbalanced. A large door consisting of heavier materials will be more difficult to adjust when it slips out of balance than a lightweight door.
If the door cannot be easily disassembled or if the balance is only slightly off by about half an inch, adding a spacer to the jamb might work. The spacer should be able to realign the jamb to match the garage door’s edge. This slight adjustment might allow the garage door to close securely and improve the door’s balance.
How To Alleviate Squeaky Garage Door Hinges
Figuring out how to adjust garage door hinges that squeak might not seem as important as solving other problems, but it can be. A squeaky hinge could indicate that the hinge parts are rubbing against each other or that sections of the garage door are misaligned. If a hinge is squeaking, you should inspect the part for damage.
If you don’t see any wear and tear, the hinge may not require specific physical adjustments to address annoying squeaks. Instead, you can fix the squeaky hinge with lubricant spray or oil.
Many people assume that squeaks originate from the automatic opener chain or the rollers as they move along the tracks. While these parts also need occasional lubricant, don’t forget to check the hinges for the source of squeaks.
Trust Action Overhead Door for Help With Garage Door Hinge Adjustment
Whether you need help lubricating garage door rollers, repairing springs, or spotting problems with hinge wear and tear, rely on the professionals at Action Overhead Door. We have the tools and experience to adjust garage door hinges and ensure smooth operation.
We do not cut corners when working on your doors, providing you with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’d prefer installing a new garage door, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (502) 955-7725.
