When your overhead garage door falls off its tracks, there are several simple things you can do to fix it. First, make sure the tracks are clean and clear. Then, inspect the rollers to ensure they are functioning correctly. If this is not the problem, you can replace the rollers or the track.
When doing a job like this, It is best to have someone help you open and close the door. Not to mention that with garage door repair or DIY in this case, it is always a good idea to have a second set of eyes and hands. If you cannot lift the door, you can also use vise-grips to hold it open.
Common Reasons – Why Most Garage Doors Get Derailed?
One of the most common causes of derailed garage doors is insecure tracks. A loose track can cause the rollers to come off the tracks. To avoid this problem, check the tracks and replace lubricant if necessary. Then, apply a lubricant to the tracks. In other words, remove the old lubricant and add fresh lube. A damaged track can also cause the rollers to derail. To fix a derailed garage door, you must first find the culprit, aka the damage.
Dirty garage tracks are the biggest reason for derailments. A dirty garage can cause lubrication to wear out, leading to the rollers jamming up. Another cause is a damaged track. Something as simple as backing a car into it or hitting something else can damage the tracks and cause the rollers to fall off the track. In any case, it’s crucial to Seek Professional Help for the repair.
How To Prevent Derailment?
A dirty garage can cause derailments and jams. Keeping the tracks clean is the best way to avoid the problem. Otherwise, the rollers will jam up and cause the entire door to fall off the track. Start by cleaning up the track if it is in bad shape. After cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate the rollers to prevent them from derailing again.
Identify the cause of the problem. The problem is usually caused by a dirty garage. A dirty garage can lead to the rollers jamming and wearing out. A dirty garage can also cause the rollers to come off the rack and become unreachable. Regardless of the cause, it’s best to call a professional to resolve the problem.
If you’ve tried to fix a derailed garage door yourself, you’ll likely have to spend a lot of money. A quick fix might only cost a few hundred dollars, but a more complicated repair can cost hundreds of dollars. You may need to call a professional if the problem persists for more than a few days after you fix it.
How To Put A Garage Door Back On Track?
If your garage door has slid off the track and you have no idea what to do, try the following method to fix it yourself:
Use a blunt instrument to secure the track edge with pliers. Then, manually slide the door’s wheels back onto the track. Be careful not to injure yourself in the process. If you can’t safely put the door back on track, hire a professional.
To start putting the door back on track, disconnect the garage door opener from the power source. Lift the door until it lines up with the track. You can also use a rubber mallet to tap the roller back into place. Make sure to align the angle of the mounting plate with the door. Once you have the angle correct, use a screwdriver or carpenter’s level to unscrew the roller’s mounting plate. Replace the roller and re-tighten the screws.
The tracks are held in place by brackets. Using a carpenter’s level, you can make sure that the tracks are straight. If they aren’t, loosen the screws that hold the brackets and adjust them to your desired level. If the door is out of alignment, you can adjust the track by loosening or tightening them again.
Finally, make sure the rollers are lubricated with silicone spray or grease to prevent further damage.
Final Word
Even the best garage doors can go off track when not correctly maintained. That’s why it is essential to ensure that your garage door is well maintained, even if you do it yourself. However, for best results, it is best to hire a team of professionals for an annual examination and repairs.
Most jobs will require that a professional address the problem because garage doors can be dangerous to work with. The slightest mistake or oversight can lead to physical and property damage.
Author Bio: Ran Kroynish is an experienced handyman who’s been working for Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repair ideas and knowledge with others.
