What are the reasons tracks become bent? How common is it, and what should we do?

Bent garage door tracks are not too common of a problem, but they can happen when some conditions apply. When the garage door goes off track, it may make weird noises and not open or close correctly. It is crucial to address these issues early on because a bent track can cause further damage to the opener and the door.  

So, what are those conditions that cause garage doors to go off the tracks? And what do you do when the garage door is off track?

1. Excessive weight load- If the garage door is too heavy for the tracks, it can cause the tracks to bend under the weight. Excessive load is typical with older tracks that are not designed to handle the weight of modern, heavier doors.
    
2. Poor Installation- The tracks may not be able to handle the garage door's weight and movement, causing the tracks to bend.
    
3. Lack of maintenance- Over time, the tracks can get dirty or rusty, weakening them and making them more susceptible to bending.
    
4. Accidental damage: If a car or heavy object hits the tracks, it can cause them to bend. This is actually the most common reason for the tracks to bend.
    
5. Weather conditions: Extreme weather, like heavy snow or high winds, can put extra pressure on the garage door tracks.
    
6. Wear and tear: The constant opening and closing of the garage door can cause overtime wear and tear on the tracks, eventually leading to them bending.
    
7. Improper alignment- if the tracks are not aligned properly, it can cause the door to move unevenly, putting extra pressure on certain parts of the tracks.

What do you do when the garage door is off track?

The first thing to do is stop the garage door operation. When the garage door is not operating properly continuing to use it can cause more damage to the door and the track. Next, disconnect the automatic garage door opener. If you need help with how to do it, refer to the owner's manual. Try to open the door manually. If the door is stuck, don't force it. You could cause more damage or injury to yourself. The door opens, check the track for any visible damage, check for bends in the track or a place where the rollers came off the tracks, check if there is a place where the tracks come off the wall, and if all the hardware is in place (screws). If you need help figuring out what the problem is? Call a professional technician. They can diagnose the problem and use the right tools to fix it.

Remember, garage doors can be dangerous to work with; safety is the first priority.

Should I fix or replace my damaged garage door tracks?

Yes, you can fix your garage door tracks, depending on the severity of the damage to the tracks. If the damage is minor, you can probably hammer it out with a rubber mallet. For major damage, the track may need to be replaced.

Check the alignment: the tracks must be perfectly vertical along the vertical section and perfectly horizontal along the horizontal sections. Use a level to check this out. If the tracks are out of alignment, loosen (but don't remove) the screws holding the track, adjust the track to bring it back to alignment, then tighten the screws. Clean the tracks with concentrated household cleaner and cloth and lubricate them after the cleaning. Check for loose hardware, make sure all screws and bolts are tight. Loose hardware can cause the track to become misaligned.

If the damage to the tracks is too severe, it is best to replace the tracks.

Routine maintenance is essential; it can always help prevent further damage to the tracks and the garage door. In routine maintenance, we can detect some of the future problems by checking all the hardware and lubricating the system.