Garage doors are notorious for getting off track. If your door is off track, it can cause all sorts of problems, from the door not opening or closing properly to the door being difficult to operate.
Fortunately, an off-track garage door can often be fixed with a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn how to fix your garage door if it’s off track.
Common Causes for Garage Doors Going Off-Track
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a garage door is for it to go off-track. This typically happens due to one of several reasons.
The first and most common cause is an obstruction in the path of the door. Something as simple as a leaf or a twig can cause the door to go off track.
Another common cause is a lack of lubrication. The moving parts of the door need to be well-lubricated to function properly.
If the rails or hardware are loose, that can also cause the door to go off-track. Additionally, if the rails are warped, damaged, or dented, that can also lead to problems.
Sometimes, the rails can come out of alignment, which will also cause issues.
Finally, worn rollers or broken lift cables can also cause garage doors to go off-track.
If you’re having problems with your garage door, it’s best to consult with an expert to diagnose the problem and find a solution.
Obstructions
The first thing you’ll want to check for is any obstructions in the path of the door. Something as simple as a leaf or a twig can cause the door to go off track.
Lubrication Needed
If the door isn’t well-lubricated, that can also cause problems. The moving parts of the door need to be lubricated to function properly.
You can use a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 to lubricate the door. Be sure to wipe away any excess lubricant so that it doesn’t attract dirt and debris.
Loose Rails or Detaching Hardware
If the rails or hardware are loose, that can also cause the door to come off track.
You’ll want to check all of the screws and bolts to make sure they’re tight. You may also need to replace any damaged or worn parts.
Warped, Damaged, or Dented Rails
If the rails are warped, damaged, or dented, that can also lead to problems. You may be able to repair minor damage with a hammer or a plunger.
However, if the damage is severe, you’ll need to replace the rail.
Rails Came out Of Alignment
Sometimes, the rails can come out of alignment, which will also cause issues. You can try to realign the rails yourself, but it’s best to leave this to a professional.
Worn Rollers
Over time rollers get worn and can fail. You may need to replace them if they are excessively worn.
Broken Lift Cables
Lift cables interact with a spring system to help lift the door. If the cables are frayed or broken on one side then can cause the door to go off-track.
Damaged or Sticking Door Hinges
Hinges help the door to open and close smoothly. If they are damaged, sticking, or come loose then the door may start to go off-track. Inspect them for damage and repair or replace them as necessary.
Tools Required to Fix an Off-Track Garage Door
The tools you’ll need to fix an off-track garage door will vary depending on the problem.
For example, if the problem is simply that the door is dirty or dusty, then all you’ll need is a rag and some cleaner.
If the problem is that the door needs to be lubricated, then you’ll need a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40.
If the problem is that the rails are dented or damaged you’ll need a hammer, a screwdriver, and/or pliers.
If the problem is that the rails are out of alignment, you’ll need a level.
And if the problem is that the rollers are worn out, you’ll need to replace them.
Steps to Get a Garage Door Back On-Track
Has your garage door become stuck or begun to make strange noises? If so, then it may be time to get it back on track.
- The first step is to check for any obstructions in the path of the door.
- Next, you’ll need to lubricate all of the moving parts, including the hinges, rollers, and cables.
- Once that’s done, you can tighten any loose hardware and check to see if the rails are still in alignment.
- If the rails have become warped or damaged, you may need to replace them.
- In addition, check to see if the door hinges are sticking or broken. If so, then they will need to be lubricated and possibly replaced as well.
- Finally, if the lift cables have become frayed or broken, then they will need to be replaced.
By following these steps, you can get your garage door back on track in no time.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Garage Door Back On-Track?
The amount of time it takes to get a garage door back on track will vary depending on the problem.
For example, if the only issue is that the door needs to be cleaned or lubricated, then that can be done in just a few minutes.
However, if the problem is that the rails are damaged or out of alignment, then that will take longer to fix.
In addition, if the lift cables need to be replaced, that is also a more time-consuming task.
Overall, it will likely take at least an hour or two to get your garage door back on track. However, it could take half a day to an entire weekend to replace or repair both tracks, rollers, hinges, and other hardware if needed.
How to Prevent a Garage Door from Going Off-Track
There are several things you can do to prevent your garage door from going off-track.
For example, you should regularly check the door for any obstructions and remove them if necessary.
In addition, you should keep all of the moving parts lubricated to prevent them from sticking or becoming damaged.
You should also check the alignment of the rails and tighten any loose hardware.
Finally, you should inspect the door hinges and lift cables for any damage and replace them if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help keep your garage door on track and prevent it from becoming stuck or making strange noises.
Can You Fix a Garage Door Track Issue Yourself (DIY)?
In some cases, you may be able to fix a garage door track issue yourself.
For example, if the problem is simply that the rails are obstructed or things just need to be lubricated you should be able to fix this yourself quickly in less than an hour.
If the rails are damaged or other hardware like the cables needs to be replaced it could take you several hours to an entire weekend and it may be better and faster to hire a professional.
When to Get Help from A Professional
There are some cases where you will need to get help from a professional.
For example, if the problem is that the rails are severely damaged or out of alignment then you likely won’t be able to fix them yourself and will need someone with the proper tools and experience to do so.
If the lift cables have frayed or broken then you also will need a professional to replace them as they connect to a spring system and it can be dangerous to fix this without experience.
In general, if the issue is something that you feel you can’t fix yourself or would take too long to do so, then it’s probably best to hire a professional.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Someone to Fix a Garage Door Track Issue?
If you need to hire someone to fix a garage door track issue, the cost will vary depending on the problem.
For example, if the only issue is that the door needs to be cleaned or lubricated, then it shouldn’t cost more than $100.
However, if the problem is that the rails are damaged or out of alignment, then it could cost up to $500 to fix.
Overall, it will likely cost at least a few hundred dollars to hire someone to fix a garage door track issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your garage door is off-track, there are several things you can do to fix it.
First, you should check for any obstructions and remove them if necessary.
In addition, you should keep all of the moving parts lubricated to prevent them from sticking or becoming damaged.
You should also check the alignment of the rails and tighten any loose hardware.
Finally, you should inspect the door hinges and lift cables for any damage and replace them if necessary.
If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, then you may need to hire a professional.
The cost of hiring a professional will vary depending on the problem but is typically at least a few hundred dollars.