When a garage door doesn't open or close the way it is supposed to, the problem could be in the tracks. Here are a few repair tips to help you learn how to put garage doors back on track.
1) You have to first check if the tracks are well anchored to the wall. Usually, the reason why a garage door goes off track is that the tracks themselves are loosened. Check if the brackets that anchor the track to the walls. If they are a bit loose, you should tighten the bolts.
You also need to check the tracks for any sign of damage or denting. A bad dent can usually cause the garage door to "jump" off track, much like a train being derailed. Repair these dents by pounding them out using a hammer and a block of wood or using a rubber mallet if you have one.
Badly damaged tracks should be replaced immediately, before they cause hazard.
2) Make sure that the tracks are properly aligned. You can do this using a level. If the tracks are horizontal, they should be slanted slightly down to the back of the garage. However, if you are using a roll-up door, the vertical track sections should be exactly leveled. If the tracks are not in the right level, you should first loosen the brackets that hold the tracks in position. When this is done, you should very carefully tap the tracks so that they are aligned.
You should also make sure that the tracks are on the same height on the walls of the garage.
3) You should also make sure that the tracks are clean. In learning how to put a garage door back on track, you will realize that some garage doors get out of track simply because of an obstruction of dirt and grease on the tracks. What you need is a good household cleaner to accomplish this task.
4) After cleaning the tracks, you should also lubricate different parts of the garage door. In the tracks, you could use your commercial garage door lubricant which comes as a spray. As an alternative, you can also make use of powdered graphite. This will ensure the smooth opening and closing of the door.
In the rollers, the best type of lubricant you can use is silicone spray although household oil can serve as an alternative.
5) You should definitely check for any loose parts. Tighten screws or bolts that seem to be too loose. If you are dealing with a roll up door, you ought to check the hinges which hold the door panels together. Replace any hinges which seem to be damaged.
If you are learning how to put a wood garage door back on track, make sure that the wood is not cracked in any manner. Check for loose screws or hinges. Sometimes, loose hinges can lead to sagging of the door which makes the door go off track.
Remember that learning how to get garage doors back on track is all about patience and noticing the little details which could make your job easier or more difficult. It is also not just abut giving a quick fix to your off-track door. You need to make sure that when you do get that door back on track, it will stay on track.
