Garage Door Offtrack

An off-track garage door might seem like a huge problem. However, there are plenty of reasons not to panic when it comes to your door's parts constantly coming off the track. While it's a nuisance, it's not necessarily a sign of a bigger problem. Whether your door needs a thorough cleaning, some lubrication, or a simple replacement part, there are plenty of reasons why your door's track might be acting up. Here are just a few issues that you might be dealing with when it comes to your door's tracks.

Dirt, Dust, and Grit

Though it might seem like there are bigger, heavier forces at work here, sometimes a problem with your door's track simply comes down to dirt. When your track (or its parts) get dirty, that leaves your door with less room, and a less smooth track with which to function properly. If you notice that your track has become caked with dirt or dust, try giving it a thorough clean before assuming the worst. That goes for parts, too. Check your rollers to make sure they're not dirty as well. After you've cleaned and lubricated you'll be able to see whether or not you're dealing with a bigger problem.

A Worn Down Part

Sometimes a part is used so many times it simply ceases to function. Whether it's a worn down gear or a deteriorating roller, you'll be able to spot a faulty part from a mile away. If you're dealing with a fairly old door or even a newer model that hasn't had the best upkeep, you should always keep some spare parts handy. Extra rollers, springs, and cables can be easily purchased online or at a hardware store near you. Just be sure to get the correct models and measurements for your replacement parts before purchasing.

A Bent Track

If you keep trying to set your door back on its track and it keeps stubbornly disobeying, it's very possible that you're dealing with a problem with the track itself. Take a minute to thoroughly check your track for any signs of bending, warping, dinging, or other damage. Sometimes the smallest aberration is enough to take a door off its track. In the case of a bent track, you might be dealing with an older door where the track was built of cheap, faulty material. If you know your door's track is sturdy, it's time to take a look at your door's springs.

A Broken Spring or Cable

Sometimes a bent track is its own problem. Other times, it's a symptom of a bigger issue. When one of your garage door's springs breaks, it sets the door off balance, leading one side of your door's track to carry more weight than the other. Safety cables are put in place to prevent this from happening. However, as a safety precaution, there's only so much weight those cables can hold. If you're dealing with a bent track, take a minute to examine your springs and cables to make sure you're not dealing with a bigger issue.