A garage door that comes off its track usually hangs crooked, gets stuck partway, or makes a loud scraping noise. It is one of the more dangerous garage door problems because the door can shift or fall without warning. Here is what causes it and what to do next.
Common causes of an off-track door
- A car, bike or trash bin bumped the door or the track.
- A lift cable snapped or came off its drum, so one side dropped.
- Worn or broken rollers that no longer hold the door in the track.
- Loose track brackets that let the track bend outward.
- The opener kept pushing after the door hit an obstruction.
What to do right away
- Stop using the opener. Unplug it if you can reach the plug safely.
- Keep kids, pets and cars away from the door.
- Do not try to lift, push or pry the door back into the track.
- Do not loosen springs, cables or bracket bolts. They are under high tension.
- If the door is stuck open, lock the inside door between the garage and the house.
How a technician fixes it
A proper repair starts by securing the door and releasing tension safely. The technician then straightens or replaces the bent track sections, replaces damaged rollers or cables, re-hangs the door, and checks spring balance so the door does not come off again. Finally the opener force settings and safety sensors are tested.
Get help in the Houston area
Our team handles garage door repair and emergency garage door service across Houston and nearby cities, including Katy, Pearland and Sugar Land. If your door is off track, call (832) 434-7291.