Garage Door Shakes When Opening? Causes & Fixes

Garage Door Shakes When Opening? Here’s What It Means (And How to Fix It)

Is your garage door rattling or shaking when opening or closing? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues homeowners face—and it’s a warning sign that something's off in your garage door system.

While some causes are minor, others can lead to bigger (and more expensive) repairs if ignored. In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Why your garage door shakes
• What you can troubleshoot yourself
• When it’s time to call a professional garage door service

Whether you’re in Calgary or elsewhere, these tips will help keep your garage door running smooth and safe.

Why Is My Garage Door Shaking?

A shaking or jerky garage door usually points to one of the following issues:

1. Loose Hardware

Your garage door has dozens of moving parts, from hinges to brackets to tracks. Over time, vibrations and movement can cause bolts or screws to loosen. This results in rattling or wobbling when the door moves.

✅ Fix: Carefully inspect and tighten loose bolts with a wrench. Avoid over-tightening.

2. Worn or Damaged Rollers

The rollers guide your garage door along the tracks. If they’re worn, cracked, or no longer rolling smoothly, they can cause shaking or banging.

✅ Fix: Nylon rollers should be replaced every 5–7 years. If they look worn or cracked, it's time to replace them.

3. Bent or Misaligned Tracks

Garage door tracks need to be perfectly aligned for smooth movement. Even a slight bend can cause the door to shake or stop suddenly.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to bend or realign the tracks yourself—it can cause further damage or injury.

4. Broken or Weak Springs

Torsion or extension springs carry most of your garage door’s weight. If they’re weak or broken, your opener has to work harder—leading to uneven movement.

⚠️ Spring issues are dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.

5. Opener Problems

Sometimes the issue isn’t the door—it’s the opener. Worn gears, loose chains, or incorrect force settings can make the door jerk or stutter.

✅ Fix: Try adjusting the force and speed settings on your opener. If that doesn’t help, schedule a professional inspection.

6. Lack of Lubrication

Friction between dry rollers, hinges, and tracks can cause loud noises and uneven movement.

✅ Fix: Apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant to all moving parts every few months.

When to Call a Garage Door Company

If the shaking is getting worse, the door is off balance, or you hear grinding, don’t wait. Call a professional garage door service right away. At C Town Doors, we offer:

• ✅ Same-day garage door repair
• ✅ Affordable spring and roller replacement
• ✅ Full system inspections and tune-ups
• ✅ Garage door opener repairs and replacements
• ✅ Service across Calgary and surrounding areas

A small issue today could turn into a full door replacement if left unchecked.

Prevent Future Shaking: Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Want to avoid these issues in the future? Here’s a simple maintenance checklist:

• Lubricate rollers and hinges every 3–4 months
• Check for loose bolts monthly
• Listen for unusual sounds during operation
• Schedule a professional garage door tune-up once a year

Regular maintenance extends the life of your system and prevents expensive breakdowns.

Final Thoughts

A garage door that shakes when opening is more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign that your system needs attention. By addressing the issue early, you can prevent costly damage and keep your home safe.

If you're in Calgary and need help, trust the pros at C Town Doors. We’re your reliable local garage door company for repairs, service, and full replacements.