Why Did My Garage Door Come Off Its Tracks?
Addressing the Problem
When it comes to garage door issues, some of the most common problems are caused by a loose, badly-lubricated, or dirty track. Though a garage door that's come off its track is a fairly ordinary issue that can often be easily fixed with a few simple tools, it's still a hassle when it happens. That's why it's good to know how and why this problem occurs so that the next time the issue comes up, you'll already be prepared. Read on to find out some of the most likely culprits when it comes to your garage door jumping its tracks.
The Alignment is Off
A garage door is constantly coming into contact with traffic, whether it's your vehicles going in and out at will, ordinary foot traffic, or other obstructions caused by weather. Sometimes, when a larger object comes in contact with your door, it can provide enough force to bump your door off its track. However, if you're experiencing this issue and aren't aware of any kind of bumping or damage that's been done to your door, you might simply be dealing with a low-quality track made of inexpensive material. If the weight of your door is too much for the track, it can become bent, warped and misaligned. If this is the case, it's always best to build a new track entirely out of secure material.
The Rollers are Worn Down or Broken
Rollers are one of the most important aspects of your doors function. Each roller allows your door to slide easily along its track every time it opens or closes. If a roller is broken, dislodged, or even dirty, it could cause issues with your track, leading your door to stop functioning properly. Luckily, rollers can be removed and cleaned regularly and, if broken, replaced easily.
A Cable Broke
Your garage door comes with two lift cables on each side. These cables bear most of the weight of the door each time it opens. If one of the cables breaks, the other side will have to carry the entire door as it travels upward. This can impair the door's function and cause it to jump off track. If you notice one of your lift cables is fraying or broken, play it safe and order a replacement cable immediately.
The Track Itself is Bent
Sometimes even if your track is made of the sturdiest possible material it can still be vulnerable to damage, warping, and bending. When inspecting your door's track, always try to rule out any issues with the track itself before ordering new parts. If you notice that the metal track is bent, you'll need to replace the entire part before moving forward.
When in Doubt, Leave it to the Professionals
In most cases, an off-track door is a quick fix that can be done at home with a few spare parts. However, if you've tried to identify the problem on your own and you're still coming up short, contact a professional for extra assistance.