Is your garage door causing you more trouble than it should? Before you give in to an expensive repair bill or the stress of calling an expert, think about this: A misaligned track is usually the cause. Fixing it is something most homeowners in Ottawa can handle. If you spend some time learning how your garage door works, you can save money. You will also gain a new skill that will help you for a long time.
This guide will give you the knowledge and simple steps you need to find out what is wrong with your garage door. It will also offer a clear and practical solution. We will divide the process into easy steps. This way, you will feel ready to fix it like a pro. So, let’s get to work and get that garage door working again – both in real life and in a good way.
Why Garage Door Tracks Get Misaligned
Garage door tracks can get misaligned for many reasons. This can cause problems like sticking, jamming, or evencoming off the track. Here are the main reasons:
Loose Track Fasteners
Over time, the constant use of your garage door can loosen the bolts or screws. This can lead to shifting and, eventually, misalignment of the tracks.
Accidental Impact
Even a small bump from your car or an item in storage can push the tracks out of line. It is important to pay attention to the careful balance of your garage door system and avoid any crashes whenever you can.
Worn-Out Rollers
Garage door rollers are key for smooth movement. When they wear out, they may get damaged or lose their shape. This can make them stick in the tracks. The extra friction can push the tracks out of place.
Faulty Installation
If your garage door is fairly new and you have problems with the tracks, it might be due to bad installation. Tracks that were not put in straight or with strong brackets can easily come out of place.
Other Contributing Factors
- Temperature Changes: Being in extreme heat or cold can make metal parts grow bigger or smaller. This might change how well the track lines up.
- Wear and Damage: As time goes by, the regular use of your garage door opener and other moving parts can lead to the track getting out of line.
Checking and taking care of your garage door system often is important. This helps find problems early before they become big issues. If you are uncertain about anything related to garage door care, feel free to reach out to a reliable garage door repair service, like Berintek in Ottawa, for help.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start adjusting your garage door track, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment will help make the job easier and safer. Here is a list of the tools you will need:
- Screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips): You need these to loosen and tighten different fasteners, like screws and bolts.
- Wrench or socket set: This tool is important to adjust track brackets. They are usually held with nuts and bolts. A wrench or socket set in the right size can make this easier. If your garage door is new, you might need a hex key instead of a wrench for some fasteners.
- ** Pliers:** Pliers are helpful for gripping and bending track sections if you have minor problems.
- Rubber mallet: A rubber mallet is good for gently tapping the tracks back in place without hurting them.
- Level (a spirit level works best): A level is key to check that the tracks are horizontal. A spirit level is best for this since it gives clear readings.
- Safety glasses: Always wear safety glasses. They protect your eyes from debris or any injuries when working on your garage door.
- Work gloves: Wear sturdy work gloves to keep your hands safe from sharp edges and possible splinters.
If you feel uncertain about the tools or how to use them, feel free to reach out to a professional garage door repair company like Berintek in Ottawa. They can give you expert help and advice. This will make sure you have what you need to safely adjust your garage door tracks.
Safety Precautions
Safety is the most important thing when you fix your garage door tracks. Many homeowners in Ottawa can do this job on their own. However, you should be careful to avoid injury and make sure the repair goes smoothly.
First, make sure to unplug the garage door opener before you start working on the tracks. This stops the opener from turning on by itself and causing injuries. If you use a manual garage door, make sure to keep it open with a strong object. This will help stop it from closing suddenly while you make changes.
Next, be careful about the risks that garage door springs can bring. These springs are under a lot of tension. They can cause serious injuries if they break or get loose. If you see any signs of wear or damage, call a garage door repair company like Berintek for help. Do not try to fix or replace the springs on your own unless you have the right training and experience.
Additionally, always wear safety glasses to keep your eyes safe from debris or injuries while working on your garage door. Think about wearing clothes like long sleeves and pants to cover your skin from sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Garage Door Tracks
Step 1: Inspect the Tracks for Damage
Carefully check the overhead garage tracks along the ceiling and the tracks on the sides of the door for any damage. Look for bends, dents, or any spots where the tracks do not line up. If you see any serious damage, like bent or broken parts, you need to replace those track sections before moving on.
Step 2: Loosen Track Fasteners
After checking the tracks, find the brackets that hold them to the wall and ceiling of the garage. These brackets are often held with bolts or screws. Use a wrench or socket set, or a hex key if your garage door is new, to loosen the fasteners. Take care not to take them off completely. Just loosen them a bit to let you make adjustments.
Step 3: Align Horizontal Tracks
Place your level on the flat tracks to see if they are aligned. The tracks should be level and straight with each other. If they are not, gently tap the tracks into the right spot with a rubber hammer. Use the level often to track your progress and make sure the tracks are straight. If your garage door has a bent track, set the level on the flat area of the track, not the bent part.
Step 4: Adjust Vertical Tracks
Next, look at the tracks going up and down. Use the level to see that they are straight up and down. They should lean a little toward the back of the garage, about ¼ inch for every foot of track. This lean is important to make the door work well. You can fix the tracks by loosening the screws, moving the tracks, and then tightening the screws again.
Step 5: Tighten Fasteners and Test
Once both the horizontal and vertical tracks are in line, tighten all the fasteners you loosened earlier. Check your work with the level to be sure everything is set. Then, reconnect the power to your garage door opener if needed. Test how the door works by opening and closing it several times. Watch its movement carefully. The door should move smoothly and quietly along the tracks. If it does, great job! You have successfully adjusted your garage door tracks.
When to Call a Professional
While adjusting garage door tracks is a doable DIY project for many homeowners in Ottawa, it’s important to know when you need a professional. Your garage door is an important part of your home, and safety must come first.
If you face any of these situations, it’s a good idea to reach out to a reliable garage door repair company like Berintek:
- Broken Springs or Cables: Garage door springs and cables hold a lot of tension. When they break or don’t work right, they can be very dangerous. Trying to fix them on your own can cause serious harm.
- Track Damage: If the tracks of your garage door are bent, damaged, or not lined up right, it is best to let the experts handle it. They have the right tools and skills to check the damage and do the repairs needed.
- Heavy Garage Doors: If your garage door is heavy or hard to move, adjusting the tracks yourself can be difficult and risky. Professional workers have the right experience and tools to manage heavy doors safely.
- Ongoing Problems: If you followed the guide, but your garage door still does not work well, there might be deeper issues. These issues could need help from a professional for fixing.
Remember, Berintek is your reliable partner for garage doors in Ottawa. This guide gives a helpful solution for small track adjustments. But we know some issues need a professional.
If you feel unsure about any part of this repair or if you face a problem you can’t fix, feel free to contact us. Our team of skilled workers can take care of all kinds of garage door problems, from easy track adjustments to spring repairs and changes.
We have many garage door services, such as:
- Fixing and adjusting tracks
- Replacing springs
- Repairing cables
- Replacing rollers
- Repairing and installing garage door openers
Don’t let a broken garage door affect your day. Call Berintek now for a free quote or to set up a visit. Our friendly staff are here to help you. They will make sure your garage door works well and safely.
