Moving a garage door between the open and closed positions is no easy task. While the motor and the springs do their part to support the weight of the door, the track system ensures that everything remains intact. So, when the door is no longer on the track, without a doubt, you know you have a problem.
Take Swift Action
If you notice that your garage door is no longer securely nestled along the track — call for help right away. Track issues don't always mean that you have a significant repair issue on your hands; however, the problem does indicate that you need the help of a professional.
A garage door can easily weigh hundreds of pounds, and if you don't know how to repair the issue accurately, you could cause the door to fall off the track completely. The result of this action would be extensive property damage, costly repairs, and most important, injuries. Immediately stop using the door until you get the go-ahead from a repair professional that the door is safe.
Learn About Possible Causes
Believe it or not, track issues are a lot more common than you might think since they can occur for many different reasons. The most common of these reasons is some form of a collision. For example, if you accidentally back your car up into the garage door, the force of the impact could jolt the door off the track. The same issue could happen if something hits the track itself.
However, general wear and tear can lead to the issue as well, as worn rollers or a damaged cable could also be to blame.
Avoid This Issue
Fortunately, there are some actions that you can take to avoid this type of issue with your garage door. One of the best things you can do is to work to keep objects away from the door. For example, don't store boxes near the door that might push the track out of alignment or let your children play to close to the area, as they could easily hit the track.
You should also have your door inspected routinely. Regular inspections can help spot issues like a worn cable before it gets to the point that it fails, which can save you the hassle of a problem with your door.
A door that is off the track can pose a severe safety hazard, so it's vital that you do not ignore the problem. Contact a garage door repair professional right away for assistance.
