Every part of the home is important, including the garage, which is one of the functional parts of the house. The use of the garage is not merely limited to parking vehicles but to storing items of your hobby such as bicycles, fishing rods, skateboards, and also garage equipment for quick access to the stuff. Any problem with the garage door can certainly be a matter of concern for homeowners as it impacts the day-to-day activity of parking vehicles. Garage doors getting off track makes the opening and closing of garage doors difficult, which may also cause injury. The concern for homeowners is to explore the reason for the off-track door and the ways to fix them(DIY or professional help). Here, we discuss the garage door off track reasons and ways to fix them.
Possible Reasons for Garage Door Getting Off Track
There are multiple reasons for garage doors getting off track, which we discuss below.
Damaged or Loose Tracks
The damaged track affects the alignment of the rollers causing doors to off track as alignment holds the door at the right place.
Also, frequent vibration of the door due to frequent opening and closing of the door loosens the nuts and bolts of the track, which no longer holds the track.
Hitting the Garage Door
While exiting the garage door, you may accidentally hit the door with a high impact that throws rollers off track.
Dust Accumulation
A very basic cause of garage door off-track is dust and debris accumulation in the track, impacting the movement of the door, which you may not have noticed.
Bent Track
The bent track caused due to many reasons can also cause the door to go off track.
Issue With Roller
The problem with the roller is one of the common causes of the garage door not opening and closing properly. Over the period, rollers get worn out, fall off, or get frozen, causing doors to go off track.
Steps to Bring Garage Door Back on Track
Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
The first step towards fixing the garage door off-track problem begins with disconnecting the garage door opener. An emergency rope is released from the garage door opener, which enables disconnecting the door opener to operate the door manually. Pull the emergency rope so that the door is released from the opener. Disconnecting the automatic door opener saves from any damage while fixing the track.
Check the Jammed Wheels
The next step is to locate the jammed wheels, which is a challenging task. Try opening and closing the door a few times to locate the jammed wheels. Once located, clutch locking pliers on the track and under the door to hold them in place. You can seek help from an expert if you can't locate the jammed wheels.
Place the Wheels Back on Track
Now, take an extra pair of pliers to open the track to put the wheels back on the track where they originally belonged. Once the wheel is back in its original position, close the opening made in the track. With the help of a heavy object like a rubber or wooden mallet, bring the track back into its shape.
Check the Alignment of the Door Manually to Ensure It's in Place
Now, it's time to check if things are working properly. Check manually if the roller is working smoothly and the door is opening and closing properly. Also, check the balance of the door to ensure it moves smoothly. If everything is in perfect condition, your work is done, and the garage is ready for use. However, if you notice any issues, repeat the above steps or call a professional for the work.
Tips to Avoid Off-Track Roller of Garage Door
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Apply lubrication regularly on the track and roller for smooth functioning.
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Check the bolts on the track regularly to ensure they are tight and secured.
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If any accident happens, make sure to conduct a thorough check of the garage door system.
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Clean the garage door track and roller regularly using a damp cloth to maintain cleanliness.
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Inspect the garage door system visually for any noticeable wear and tear.
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If you notice any issue in the alignment of the track, address the issue at the earliest before it turns out to be a big issue.
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Seek help from an expert to inspect the system as they do the work more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Garage door off track is a common problem that seeks urgent attention because it may cause damage to the property and also pose a threat of door falling down. You can fix the problem using a DIY method, if you are confident to accomplish the task all by yourself or simply contact a professional to do the work, though it'll cost a bit.
