How to Adjust the Height of Your Garage Door
Garage doors don’t just go up and down—they need to move smoothly, stop where they should, and close fully without slamming. If your garage door opens too far or doesn’t close all the way, it can create problems ranging from security issues to damage on the door itself. So, how do you adjust the height of a garage door? Learning how to do this can help you fix small issues, but it’s not always a job to take lightly. There’s tension, hardware, and electrical components involved, so you’ll want to approach this carefully. Let’s break down how height adjustments work and how to know when it’s time to bring in a professional.
Know What You’re Working With
Garage doors use one of two systems: torsion spring or extension spring. Torsion spring systems sit above the door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to provide lift. The type of system matters because each one uses different methods to control how far the door travels.
If you’re adjusting the height to fix an issue like a gap at the bottom, a door that opens too high, or one that stops too soon, you’ll need to check both the opener settings and the door’s hardware. Don’t make changes until you understand which part needs adjusting.
Adjusting the Open and Close Limits on Your Opener
If your door is powered by an automatic opener, you’ll find that most modern systems have limit screws or dials that control how far the door travels when opening or closing. These controls are often located on the back or side of the motor housing.
Steps to Adjust Travel Limits
- Unplug the opener. Safety first. Disconnect the opener from the power source.
- Locate the limit settings. Most openers use labeled adjustment screws or knobs: “up” for opening height, and “down” for closing height.
- Turn the screw. A small flathead screwdriver usually works. Turn the screw in small increments, about a quarter turn at a time.
- Test the door. Plug the opener back in and run the door. Repeat until it stops where you want it to.
Keep an eye on the door's movement. If it starts opening too fast, slamming down, or acting strange, stop right away. You could be putting extra strain on the motor or door. At this point if you start to feel unsure about what step to take next, don't hesitate to call a professional.
Spring Adjustments Are Risky Without Proper Tools
You might think the springs are the next thing to tweak if the opener settings don’t fix the issue. But this is where things get risky. Torsion springs hold a huge amount of tension, and adjusting them without the right tools or training can lead to serious injury.
How do you adjust the height of a garage door with spring tension? If you’re asking that, and you don’t already have winding bars and safety gear, it’s probably not something you want to take on yourself. Spring tension directly affects the balance of the door, which in turn affects how high it opens and how well it closes. Trying to adjust springs with makeshift tools or without knowing the tension level can easily lead to damage, or worse, injury.
Tracks, Cables, and Manual Stops
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the opener or springs. If your garage door isn’t reaching the ground or is stopping too early, it might be binding in the tracks or catching on worn-out cables. Rollers that are misaligned or tracks that have shifted can block the door from reaching its full height.
Some garage doors also have mechanical stop bolts that physically limit how far the door can travel. These are usually found on commercial doors or older models. If one of these is loose or has moved, it could stop your door short or let it go too high.
Know When It’s Time to Call a Pro
You might be able to handle opener adjustments with a screwdriver, but anything involving springs, tracks, or cables should be left to a professional. Misjudging even one part of the adjustment can lead to more damage or serious safety issues. Technicians with the right training and equipment can diagnose the issue and fix it without putting your home or safety at risk.
Get a Free Estimate and Fix Your Door the Right Way
If your garage door is going too high, not high enough, or slamming shut, don't let it go unchecked. Interstate Garage Doors has seen it all and we know exactly how to fix any garage door problem you may be experiencing. We service residential and commercial doors across South Central Pennsylvania, Hagerstown, Maryland, and Martinsburg, West Virginia. Call 717-263-3150 or request a free estimate for a repair or adjustment today. We'll get your garage door working exactly how it should; safe, smooth, and quiet.
