Top 3 Reasons a Garage Door is Off-Track
Doors coming off-track is one of the most common garage problems homeowners face.
Doors coming off-track is one of the most common garage problems homeowners face. They should resolve this issue immediately, as a non-functioning garage door is not only an inconvenience but also poses a severe safety threat.
Ideally, homeowners should try to recognize the early signs that a garage door might be off-track. This way, they can fix the problem before an incident occurs. Keep reading to learn why a garage door can get off-track and how to identify the issue.
Loose tracks
Loose tracks are one of the most common causes of a garage door coming off-track. Homeowners can quickly establish if this is the case by checking if the tracks are anchored to the garage’s walls. If the tracks are separating from the walls, it’s time to tighten the loose bolts and secure the bracket back onto the wall.
Damaged tracks
Objects of considerable size often flow in and out of the garage daily. The most obvious is the homeowner’s vehicle, but the garage usually houses bulky equipment and garbage cans. Any of these objects can dent or damage the garage door’s tracks.
Even a small dent can be enough for the door to come off-track, and homeowners usually don’t notice it.
If something seriously damages the tracks, the best option is to replace them entirely. Damaged tracks can, in turn, damage the garage door, causing a safety hazard and incurring unnecessary costs.
Roller problems
The tracks are the first part of the garage door homeowners should inspect when determining the issue. If the tracks are functioning smoothly and there are no noticeable dents on them, it’s time to move on to the rollers.
The rollers might get misaligned, especially if a car or another object hits the garage door. Even if just one roller comes off the track, it can affect the door’s operation. Furthermore, these rollers can cause the bending of the horizontal rails. When the horizontal rails bend under pressure, they can cause further damage to the garage door.
Another common issue with the rollers is dirt and debris caught between them. While removing the buildup is a reasonably easy task, regularly cleaning the rollers might prevent the issue from happening again.
The rollers can also lack lubrication, leading to the garage door going off-track. Homeowners should try to lubricate the rollers from time to time to keep them functioning smoothly.
Loose parts
Tracks and rollers aren’t the only parts that can throw the door off the tracks. A working garage door is a complex system where every component relies on each other for a smooth operation.
Therefore, several different parts can cause this issue. Homeowners should check the door for loose screws, hinges, bolts, or any part that needs tightening or replacing.
Consult a professional
Sometimes, even a thorough inspection of the garage door doesn’t answer why the door is malfunctioning. If that’s the case, homeowners should contact a professional garage door repair company. Its employees have the knowledge, experience, and tools to identify the problem and resolve it quickly.
Even if homeowners find the source of the problems, calling in a professional might be better than attempting a DIY fix. After all, a garage door can weigh up to 500 pounds, so a repair can be dangerous for non-professionals.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112
