Garage doors have many components, like the tracks, that allow them to open and close safely. However, the tracks can become damaged or misaligned for various reasons, including daily wear and tear, improper installation, lack of lubrication, and vehicle impact.

Here are six signs your garage door tracks require repair.

1. The tracks are visibly warped. If your garage doors’ tracks are no longer parallel and flat, you must contact a professional before the situation worsens. Once the tracks become misaligned, your garage door can suddenly fall, causing severe injury. You’ll likely need to replace the tracks if they're severely twisted, creased, or cracked. Fortunately, slightly bent garage door tracks can often be repaired using a claw hammer.
   
   
2. The garage door opens slowly or roughly. If your garage door moves roughly against the tracks or takes longer than usual to open, try lubricating the metal parts to ensure everything is moving smoothly. If that doesn’t help, check for damage to the cables and pulleys on the garage door. Such damage can put unsupported weight on the tracks and push them out of alignment. If this is the case, your system will need professional repair.
   
   
3. The garage door won’t open. First, try troubleshooting by closing the door, pulling the emergency release cord, and lifting it manually. If it doesn't move, your garage door’s tracks may have become warped, jamming the rollers and preventing the door from moving. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself, as you may further damage the door mechanism or sustain a serious injury. It’s best to call a professional to inspect and re-align the track system.
   
   
4. There’s a gap between the track and rollers. If you notice that the rollers on your garage door have started to rise off the track, it’s best to call a professional to correct the problem. This is a telltale sign that the tracks are out of alignment.
   
   
5. The garage door hangs ajar. If your garage door won’t close completely or is lopsided when operating, the tracks may have become loose or damaged. First, check the tracks for any loose bolts and tighten them if necessary. If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and correct the issue.
   
   
6. You hear loud noises when the garage door opens or closes. If operating your garage door causes screeching, popping, and shuttering noises, something’s wrong. First, check for an obstruction causing friction in the tracks, like dirt or sand. If everything looks clean, the tracks may be misaligned, causing metal to rub on metal. Immediately stop using your garage door to limit further damage and call a professional to rectify the issue.

Your garage doors are heavy pieces of machinery made up of a complex system of springs, sensors, pulleys, and tracks that require specialized knowledge. Therefore, it’s best to call a professional technician if you notice something amiss. They’ll be able to diagnose and repair the problem before the damage can snowball and cause a bigger issue, affecting the entire garage door system.

Schedule Regular Maintenance for Peace of Mind

Staying on top of regular garage door maintenance can help prevent a host of problems like bent and damaged tracks. At Creative Door Services^TM, we offer a flexible planned maintenance program. One of our technicians will periodically visit your home to help preserve the health of your garage door and keep it functional for as long as possible. All our installers participate in ongoing training and certification programs, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

Residential Garage Door Repair and Replacement Western Canada

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, look no further than Creative Door Services^TM. We carry a wide variety of residential garage doors to complement the style of your home. We also have easy-to-use garage door openers and state-of-the-art access control solutions to automate and secure your door.

We have eight locations from which we’re happy to serve you. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. To learn more about our products and services or request a free quote, contact us today.