Five Common Issues With Garage Door Tracks
Posted on: 27 December 2020
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The tracks that guide your garage door are an important part of the system. If there is a problem with the track it can cause the door to malfunction.
1. Damage
Bent and warped tracks can make it impossible to open or close the garage door. If the track is only slightly damaged, the door may operate but it might bind and cause loud noises or it can shaking and jerk as it opens. Major damage can prevent the door from working completely, or the door may get stuck when it is only partially closed. A repair service may be able to repair the tracks. If not, the tracks will need to be replaced.
2. Alignment
The tracks may not have any damage, but they may be out of alignment. Poorly aligned tracks result in many of the same issues as damaged tracks -- squealing noises, binding, and shaking. There are alignment screws inside the tracks, which you can loosen or tighten to change the alignment of the tracks. If you have problems getting the tracks aligned perfectly on your own, call a repair service as they can quickly complete the repair.
3. Obstructions
Obstructions in the track can lead to shaking, loud noises, or inability to move normally. Minor obstructions include dirt, leaves, or cobwebs. These sorts of obstructions usually don't stop the door from operating, but they can cause the door to be loud or perform poorly. Larger obstructions are usually items lodged into the track that shouldn't be there, or they could be due to seasonal issues such as ice formation. Removing the obstruction will solve the problem so the door operates properly again.
4. Lubrication
The tracks need to be lubricated regularly so that the rollers on the door will move smoothly. After a thorough cleaning, wipe down the track with a rag covered in a garage door lubricant. You should also lightly lubricate the rollers. This simple task will keep the door operating well. The tracks should be lubricated twice a year in the spring and in the fall.
5. Hardware
Problems with the hardware that holds the track in place can also lead to noise, shuddering, or failed operation. If the mountain hardware is loose or missing, it will need to be replaced in order for the door to operate properly. A broken roller can also cause opening issues since the roller won't properly move along the track. Fortunately, rollers are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Contact a garage door repair service if you suspect any issues with your garage door tracks.