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!