When Do Garage Door Tracks Need Replacement?

It is a little known fact that typically when you replace a garage door, you are replacing the tracks as well. While some manufacturers create adjustable tracks, for the most part, every garage door comes with their own tracks specifically made for that door. So when you get a new garage door, you are getting new tracks installed as well. However, there are some situations in which the garage door tracks wear out before the actual door. Your door and all its other components could be just fine, but how do you know when it is time to replace the tracks?

Door Jamming

If your garage door has times where it jams – otherwise struggling to open or close – or has times where it actually grinds against the side of the garage or smashes into the floor, it is time to replace the tracks. What these symptoms mean is that the garage door is improperly spaced for its tracks. It is not sitting on a perfect fit with your tracks, and that is a recipe for disaster.

The Door is Loud

In truth, a loud garage door can be a symptom of many different garage door problems. However, if you are able to narrow down the increase in volume or any odd noises to the tracks, it probably means it is time for new ones. Typically this means that the rollers need lubrication or are wearing down. However, when the rollers wear down, this means the tracks are wearing with them. It could mean a very small warp in the tracks, but something is wrong and it needs fixed.

Your Garage Door Fell

This is kind of the worst case scenario, but if your garage door falls off the tracks, either partially or entirely, it is time for new tracks. In most cases, this means the tracks have warped enough so that the rollers were able to fall out. You will need new tracks to remedy this.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re always happy to help!

Keeping Your Family Safe by Knowing These Garage Door Danger Signs

While it is true that garage door accidents can happen suddenly, in most cases your garage door was showing signs before anything had happened. As much as it seems like it sometimes, a garage door doesn't break without a few warning signs first. By knowing the danger signs of your garage door, you can help keep your family safer by fixing the issue before it becomes a danger. Below are some detailed warning signs to have on your radar.

Your Garage Door is Loud

Garage doors aren't necessarily quiet, but there is a difference between being normally loud and LOUD. Furthermore, if you hear any abnormal noises like screeching or grinding, this is an issue as well. The best case scenario is that your door needs lubrication.

No Reversal System

If you have lived in a house for a long time or purchased an old house, it likely has an old garage door as well. If it was installed prior to 1993, then the garage door lacks the automatic reversal features that keep families safe. This reversal system makes it so the garage door will reverse if it comes into contact with something solid instead of continuing to go down.

Dipping or Sagging

If your garage door is noticeably sagging in the center or dipping down to one side, something is definitely wrong. This shouldn't be ignored as the condition is only going to get worse and it can ultimately make going anywhere near your garage door a dangerous place.

Rust

A little rust isn't a big problem. However, if you continue to ignore rust, especially on sensitive places like the cables or the spring, it can make for a dangerous situation. Having said that, always clean rust when spotted or replace components that are overly rusted.

Have you spotted any of these danger signs around your garage door? If so, it is time for garage door repair or even replacement. If you have a dangerous garage door, please don’t hesitate to contact us.