Roughly 11,000 garage-door related injuries occur every year, nearly all of them preventable with basic maintenance and timely replacements. Like any machine, your garage door will wear down over time, and it’s especially important to watch for signs of improper function.
Your garage door tracks are one of the main components to keep an eye on. Read on for our list of 5 signs your garage door tracks need to be repaired or replaced.
1. Stopping or Stuttering
Your garage door tracks are not part of the mechanical elements found in your garage door. Instead, they act as a guide to bring the door to its proper position as it mechanically opens.
If you notice that your door is stopping or stuttering as it moves, this is a clear indicator that you should replace your garage door tracks. The inconsistent motions show that the door is not being guided properly to its opening or closing position, meaning the tracks aren’t doing their job. Be sure to have new tracks installed as soon as possible, as this can be a safety hazard for you and your family.
2. Sticking or Jerking Open and Closed
If your garage door is sticking and trying to correct itself by jerking open and closed, this is another major sign that you need to replace your garage door tracks. As mentioned before, the job of the tracks is to keep the door moving smoothly to its opening and closing position. If you notice that it is not moving smoothly, then it’s time to shop for new garage door tracks.
3. Uneven Open/Closure On Either Side
If your garage door appears crooked when it’s opening or closing, that’s a sign that one of your garage door tracks is not guiding it properly. Once you notice this happening, it’s time to get a replacement installed.
4. Visible Signs of Wear and Tear
Just like any metal component, your garage door tracks are vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and other defects over time. It’s important to regularly look for signs of wear on your tracks. That way, you’ll know when to replace them before any damage is done.
5. Door Falling Off Garage Door Tracks
If your door falls off the garage door tracks, this is a surefire sign that the tracks need to be replaced. Do not attempt to replace the door or put it back on the tracks, as this can create a very real hazard for you or your family.
Even if you are able to get the door back on the garage door tracks, it is extremely likely to fall again. Due to the weight of the door and how fast it falls, it could end up seriously damaging your vehicle or even worse, hurting you or your family.
Falling doors account for nearly 17% of garage door-related injuries. Don’t risk it; replace the garage door track immediately if the door falls.
Replace Your Garage Door Tracks Today
If your garage door is showing one or more of these signs, don’t wait to replace the tracks. New garage door tracks are easy to have installed and help ensure the safety of your family and property.
Contact us today to get your new garage door tracks installed.