My Garage Door Came Out of its Tracks
Hello again from the Garage Door Doctor. Let’s talk garage door off tracks. Garage doors can go off track a number of reasons, and addressing the underlying cause is crucial to prevent off tracks from occurring in the first place. Here are common reasons why garage doors may come off track:
- Impact or Collision: Accidental impact or collision with the garage door, such as hitting it with a vehicle, can cause the door to come off track. This can result in damage to the tracks, rollers, or other components. We’ve seen a number of car vs. door off tracks in the past couple of weeks. Public service announcement: Never start your car in your garage with the door closed!
- Obstructions in the Tracks: Debris, dirt, or other obstructions in the tracks can disrupt the smooth movement of the garage door rollers. This can lead to misalignment and cause the door to come off track.
- Misalignment of Tracks: The tracks must be properly aligned to ensure the smooth operation of the garage door. If the tracks are not aligned correctly, it can result in the rollers moving out of place and the door coming off track.
- Worn or Damaged Rollers: Over time, the rollers that move along the tracks can wear out or become damaged. Worn or damaged rollers may not move smoothly, leading to misalignment and the potential for the door to come off track.
- Loose or Damaged Hardware: Loose bolts, nuts, or other hardware components in the garage door system can contribute to instability. Regular use and vibration can cause these components to loosen, affecting the door’s alignment.
- Broken Cables: Garage doors typically have cables that run along the sides and connect to the bottom of the door. If these cables break, the door may come off track. Broken cables can result from wear and tear or improper tension.
- Warping or Bending of Tracks: The tracks themselves can warp or bend over time, especially if they are not properly maintained or if there’s excessive force applied to the door.
- Broken Springs: Garage doors with multiple springs may be thrown out of alignment if one spring break creating an imbalance in the weight of the door, and my need to be replaced.
- Issues with the Garage Door Opener: Problems with the garage door opener, such as a malfunctioning motor, can lead to issues with the door’s operation. If the opener is not functioning correctly, it may cause the door to go off track.
- Lack of Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts, tightening of hardware, and inspection of the overall system, is essential to prevent issues that can lead to a garage door coming off track.
To prevent garage door track issues, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance, address any signs of wear or damage promptly, and ensure that the tracks and rollers are clean and properly aligned. If you encounter persistent problems or are unsure about how to address the issue, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of a garage door professional. If you are in the Charlotte, NC or Lake Norman areas, give Garage Door Doctor a call if you have any issues or questions about your garage door.
