A malfunctioning garage door can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it disrupt your comings and goings, but it can also leave your car and belongings vulnerable. One of the most common issues is a garage door that has come off its track. This can be caused by a variety of factors, but the good news is that it’s often fixable. Great Value Garage, your trusted local garage door specialists, is here to help you understand the reasons why your garage door might be off track and guide you through some potential solutions.

Common Causes of a Fallen Garage Door

1. Obstructions in the Tracks: Even small objects like pebbles, leaves, or built-up dirt can hinder the smooth movement of the rollers on the tracks. This can cause the rollers to jump off track, leaving your garage door stuck.
2. Loose or Damaged Tracks: Over time, vibrations from frequent operation or accidental impacts can cause the tracks to become loose or misaligned. Bends or misalignments in the track prevent the rollers from following their designated path, leading to a derailment.
3. Worn Out or Broken Rollers: The rollers facilitate the smooth movement of the door along the tracks. With constant use, rollers wear down and become less effective. In extreme cases, they can break entirely. Worn or broken rollers can cause the door to become unbalanced and eventually jump off track.
4. Broken Lift Cables: The lift cables are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the garage door. If these cables fray, unravel, or snap, the door can become unbalanced and come crashing down, potentially damaging itself and the opener.
5. Spring Issues: Torsion springs and extension springs play a crucial role in maintaining the proper tension for smooth garage door operation. Worn-out, weak, or broken springs can cause the door to become unbalanced, putting undue stress on other components and increasing the risk of derailment.
6. Improper Installation: If the garage door opener or the tracks themselves weren’t installed correctly from the beginning, misalignments and imbalances can occur, eventually causing the door to come off track.
7. Forceful Operation: Trying to force a jammed garage door open or shut can put immense strain on the entire system, potentially causing components to break or become misaligned, leading to a derailed door.
8. Accidental Impact: Bumping the door with your car or another object can cause the tracks to bend or knock the rollers out of alignment, resulting in a fallen door.
9. Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing problems with your garage door. Without proper lubrication and cleaning, components can wear down faster, increasing the risk of a derailment.
10. Low-Quality Parts: Using low-quality parts during repairs or installation can lead to premature wear and tear, or even component failure. This can put your garage door at a higher risk of coming off track.

Solutions for a Fallen Garage Door

Safety First: Before attempting any repairs, make sure the garage door is disconnected from the opener. This prevents accidental activation while you’re working on it.

Simple Fixes:

• Clear Obstructions: Inspect the tracks for any debris and remove anything that might be hindering the rollers’ movement.
• Tighten Loose Hardware: Check the bolts and brackets securing the tracks and tighten any loose ones.

DIY Repairs (for the Handy Do-It-Yourselfer):

• Realigning Minor Track Bends: If the track bend is minor, you might be able to carefully hammer it back into place using a flathead screwdriver and a rubber mallet. However, this is a delicate process, and significant bends require professional attention.
• Replacing Worn Rollers: Replacing worn-out rollers is a manageable DIY project for those who are comfortable working with tools. However, ensure you get the correct size and type of rollers for your specific garage door.

Call in the Professionals:

For issues like broken springs, frayed lift cables, significant track damage, or concerns about safe repairs, it’s always best to call in a qualified technician from Great Value Garage. Our experienced professionals have the expertise and tools to diagnose the problem, recommend the right solutions, and perform safe and efficient repairs to get your garage door back on track.