A Garage Door Off Track
Homeowner Guide to Getting Your Overhead Door Back on Track
A malfunctioning garage door can be a major inconvenience for homeowners. One common issue that can arise is finding you have a garage door off track. Our team of expert repair technicians at Cheney Door Company has seen this problem time and time again.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation. A garage door that is off its tracks will likely require a professional to fix the garage door. However, there are some basic steps you should know in order to keep your home and your property safe.
Garage Door Repair: Safety First
Remember, safety is paramount. Garage doors are incredibly heavy so when one is not on its tracks, it can be a dangerous situation. Before you attempt any troubleshooting, it’s crucial to ensure your safety. Do not handle or walk around a garage door that is not securely in place and is at risk of falling.
Your first course of action is to stop operating the garage door. If it appears the door is off its tracks, not try to use the opener for closing or opening.
The next best course of action is to call garage door professionals like those at Cheney Door Company. You can always call us for a quick repair at 316-262-2098.
What Causes a Garage Door to Leave its Tracks?
Most often, a garage door is off its tracks because it was hit by a vehicle. This is a common experience for a lot of us. Perhaps you were going too fast and the door hadn’t completely opened before you backed out. Even going a few miles an hour into a garage door is enough of an impact to cause it to go off track.
A poor installation of your garage door could be the cause for it going off track. This is likely if the horizontal tracks were of low quality or poorly installed. As we mentioned, garage doors are very heavy. If the tracks cannot handle the weight of your door, it may bend under the pressure.
Worn-out rollers can cause a garage door to come off its tracks. If you have an older garage door, rollers or other worn parts could be the problem. If your garage door is over 20 years old, consider replacing it. It is only a matter of time before other components in the system wear down or break.
Garage Door Off Track: Advice for Homeowners
As long as you can remain safe, you can try to assess the situation. Check the door carefully to see how bad the problem is. Is the door partially off track, or has it completely derailed?
If the door has only slightly come off track, you may be able to realign it yourself.
- Manually Lift the Door: With the help of a friend or family member, carefully lift the garage door back onto the tracks. Make sure to lift evenly on both sides.
- Inspect Rollers and Tracks: Examine the rollers and tracks for any visible damage. If you spot bent or broken parts, they might need replacement.
- Align the Tracks: Use a level to ensure that the tracks are aligned properly. Gently tap them with a hammer if needed but be cautious not to apply excessive force.
How To Prevent a Garage Door Going Off Track
To avoid future off-track incidents, consider these preventive measures:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks with professionals to keep your garage door in top condition.
- Avoid Impact: Be cautious when parking or moving objects around the garage to prevent accidental impact with the door.
- Clean Tracks: Keep the tracks clean and free from debris to ensure smooth operation.
When To Call for Professional Overhead Door Repair
If your garage door is severely damaged, or if you are unsure how to fix it, it’s best to consult professionals like those at Cheney Door Company. We have the expertise and experience to handle complex repairs safely and efficiently. Contact us today for a quick garage door repair.
