How to fix a garage door that’s come off track
A normal functioning garage door consists of garage door rollers, tracks, and switches. It takes quite a bit of force to operate such a heavy door so frequently. Garage doors are used frequently on a day-to-day basis. So it’s only a matter of time and understandable when things go wrong, like when the garage door comes off track.
One recommended way to address any problems with your garage door is to consult a garage door specialist if in need of assistance. A certified technician can assess the problem and either make suggestions or repairs to help the door run smoothly. They can also advise you if there are any underlying issues as to why something may have gone wrong.
However, a garage door coming off the tracks is a common problem that the homeowner can fix his or herself with a bit of guidance. Understanding why rollers derail can help you prevent this problem from occurring in the first place. Below are a few steps on how to fix a garage door that’s gone off the track.
How to Fix A Garage Door That’s Come Off Track
If you’ve noticed your garage door come off the track, we have some tips to help you understand the problem and how to fix it:
Gather Your Materials
Firstly, gather materials needed for putting a garage door back on its tracks. These include a wrench, hammer, pliers, wood blocks or sawhorses, and some sort of lubricating substance like spray or even cooking oil.
Open Door Manually
Get someone to help you open the door manually after disconnecting it from the opening mechanism. Your helper should help you lift the door and then set it on saw horses or wood blocks to keep it open.
Identify Where Door Comes Off Track
As you open the door, pay attention to where the door catches on the tracks so you know where it’s coming off track.
Apply Grips
Apply grips or locking pliers to help keep the door up, in addition to having the sawhorses or wood blocks there for safety reasons.
Secure Wheels Onto Track
Using pliers, manipulate the metal on the edge of the track and slip the wheels back into the track. You can secure the wheels into the track by knocking the edge of the track back into shape as it was before you used pliers on it.
Make Sure Garage Door is Reattached
Make sure the door is reattached to the opener and can open and close smoothly.
In order to fully understand how to fix a garage door come off track, it’s best to refer to your owner’s manual. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting your garage door, contact a trusted Fratex Garage Door Specialist for assistance.
Five Most Common Reasons Garage Door Rollers Derail
Pinpointing reasons that garage door rollers derail and working to prevent those causes is the best way to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely. Keep the following causes of rollers derailing in mind when inspecting your garage door regularly:
1. Not enough lubrication:
A main reason garage door rollers derail is that the track and the rollers themselves are not lubricated properly. These two surfaces will generate a lot of friction, so it’s important that they have the lubrication needed to keep moving together smoothly. Sprays like WD-40, silicone oil, or even household cooking oil will suffice to create enough lubrication to keep the rollers moving smoothly along the track.
2. Tracks aren’t secured properly:
If you or the person who installed your garage door didn’t install it securely, you may end up having problems with your garage door tracks later down the line. Tracks that are not securely fastened to the garage wall can create problems by moving too much, coming off the wall entirely, or just being slightly loose enough to misdirect the rollers. So, it’s important to make sure your tracks are firmly and tightly fastened to your garage walls.
3. A misaligned track:
Similar to poorly secured tracks, those that are misaligned can also cause problems. Misalignment problems can be easily fixed by loosening fasteners and adjusting the track as needed and then securing the tracks again.
4. Dirt is causing problems:
Garages are dirty, dusty places, and this dirt and dust can get into your garage door track causing roller problems. If there’s dirt in the roller track and there’s not enough lubrication, this is enough to jam your rollers and send them right off the tracks. You can fix this problem yourself with a strong dish detergent and scrub brush. Just remember to re-lubricate the tracks when you’re finished.
5. Damaged tracks:
Garages can also be risky places where your tracks may be damaged for one reason or another. Cars backing into tracks or other blunt forces can bend or dent them, sending rollers off the rack or jamming them. Aside from being careful, knocking these dents out is possible with a rubber mallet.
Of course, the best way to keep your garage door running smoothly is to ensure it receives routine maintenance from professionals who are trained to identify and address problems, whether they be easy to spot or more difficult to notice. Be sure to schedule a regular inspection of your garage door by a garage door specialist.
Conclusion
Repairing a garage door that’s come off track doesn’t have to be a headache or an ordeal. It’s actually quite simple when directions are followed and safety precautions are taken. The most important step is to have a professional regularly inspect the garage door. Garage door tracks can easily be repaired by moving the door manually and then securing it with pliers or sawhorses while you watched. And make sure your tracks are secured to your walls; this will also ensure that the tracks stay completely still. Doing so will ensure a safe and working garage door for your home.
Ensuring that your garage door rollers are in good shape and won’t become derailed is a priority, and homeowners can do that by paying attention. To prevent rollers from coming off the tracks, make sure the tracks are clean and have enough lubricant. Misaligned tracks can be identified easily, and luckily, their fix is simple and straightforward.