How to Fix a Garage Door Off-Track: Causes, Signs, and Solutions
A garage door coming off track is one of the more common issues we encounter as a garage door repair company. When this happens, it can be a significant inconvenience, potentially trapping your car inside the garage and disrupting your daily routine. Understanding the causes and signs of a garage door off-track can help you address the problem promptly and effectively.
The Importance of Proper Track Alignment
For your garage door to function correctly, the tracks must be properly aligned. Misaligned or bent tracks can make it impossible to open or close the door smoothly. This can lead to many problems, from minor inconveniences to more severe issues that require professional repair. Regular maintenance ensures that your garage door tracks remain in good condition and aligned correctly.
Common Causes of Misaligned Tracks
Old Age and Wear
Even the highest quality tracks can wear out over time. As the tracks age, they can become bent or misaligned due to regular use. Regular maintenance can help prevent wear and tear from leading to more serious problems.
Rust and Corrosion
Moisture exposure, either from garage leaks or condensation, can cause rust to build up on the tracks. Rust weakens the metal, making it more susceptible to bending and misalignment. Keeping the tracks clean and dry can help prevent rust from forming.
Broken Cables
The cables that help lift and lower your garage door are essential for its operation. If a cable breaks, it can cause the door to become unbalanced, putting extra pressure on the tracks and potentially causing them to bend.
Poor Lubrication
The rollers that move along the tracks need to be properly lubricated to move smoothly. Without adequate lubrication, the rollers can become stuck, leading to increased tension on the tracks and causing them to bend or misalign.
Signs Your Garage Door is Off-Track
- Unusual Noises: Garage doors are generally noisy, but if you start hearing new sounds like rubbing or grinding, especially in specific spots, it could indicate that the tracks are misaligned.
- Slow or Uneven Movement: If your garage door slows down or moves unevenly, it could be a sign that the tracks are not aligned properly. This issue should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
- Visible Misalignment: Sometimes, you can see that the tracks are not aligned correctly. If the problem has been present for a while, the weight of the door can bend the rails, making the misalignment more noticeable.
Addressing the Problem
It’s important to act quickly when you notice signs that your garage door tracks might be misaligned. While some minor adjustments might be possible on your own, it’s often best to contact a professional repair service like Trusty Garage Door Repair. A professional technician can conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine the extent of the issue and make the necessary repairs.
Ignoring the problem can lead to more significant damage and higher repair costs. Early intervention is crucial to maintaining the functionality and safety of your garage door.
Is your diy garage door repair any of these issues? The issue may involve one little component on the door or some components on the door, but either way, being unable to use your garage door is an inconvenience. In some cases, you may be able to fix garage door misalignment yourself. However, it is worth contacting Trusty Garage Doors immediately so that the problem doesn’t get worse.
If you have spotted signs of misalignment and want the issue fixed before it gets more expensive to correct, contact us today. A professional technician should perform a full diagnostic on the door and all its components. This kind of garage door problem can be very costly or may turn out to be a small adjustment with little expense.
Preventative Measures
Regular Inspections
Check the tracks, rollers, and cables regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Lubrication
Ensure that the rollers and other moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent tension build-up.
Cleaning
Keep the tracks clean and free from debris that could cause blockages or rust.
