Reasons Garage Doors Come Off Track

Garage doors that are off track are more likely to cause an accident and are visually unappealing. If an incorrectly set garage door is continued to be used, the door can fall completely off the track and cause damage to the garage, the vehicles inside, or even harm someone. This article will detail some of the most common reasons for garage doors going off track and details to watch out for when using them.

ROLLER WEAR AND TEAR

The rollers along the edge of the garage door roll along the tracks, pulling the door with them. Over time, these rollers become worn and may not move freely within the track. This may also happen when the door is not regularly lubricated. A single bad roller is not likely to cause the entire garage door to malfunction, but problems can escalate quickly since the rollers have to work in sync.

LOOSE HARDWARE

Rust and motor vibrations can loosen the nuts and bolts holding the track and other pieces together. When this happens, the pressure on the garage door becomes uneven, which can cause one side of the door to bulge or come out of the track. The problem becomes more noticeable with lower-quality garage doors made from light materials. A professional garage installation will ensure that every part is tightened down to reduce the risk of loose hardware.

BLOCKAGE

Garage tracks are usually open to the environment, and they gather dust and debris when the garage cycles. The debris can clog up the tracks, sticking to the lubricant and increasing friction along the channels. That can damage the rollers and degrade the doors faster than usual. In addition, if debris is lodged in one of the tracks, it can completely stop that side from working, or the garage door can be damaged when forced through the blockage.

CABLE OR SPRING ISSUES

Cables or springs are tightly wound to drums on each side that hold the garage door and keep it level while opening or closing. When one cable or spring breaks, the other side supports the weight of the door, which typically means one side will be lower. In some cases, the system’s instability can cause the doors to go off the track while closing.

IMPACT WITH THE DOORS

With owners in a hurry, accidents happen. Hitting the garage door with a car can damage its lower section. Superficial door damage is typically straightforward to repair or replace with straight sections. However, the impact can cause a misalignment of the tracks or bend a portion of the mechanism, which the owner might overlook when repairing the doors.

For best results, it’s highly recommended to contact a garage door professional whenever it gets damaged. Their extensive troubleshooting and inspection process will ensure there are no problems left unchecked.

Call Quick Response Garage Door Service: we are your Arizona garage door service specialists.
602-274-3667 (Phoenix) or 520-219-3667 (Tucson)