Check Your Garage Door Tracks For Damage

Your garage door is normally the largest moving object in your home and is most likely used every day. Garage door parts can wear out and break with everyday use, creating potential safety hazards. There are several easy maintenance and inspection routines that most homeowners can perform to ensure the safety and condition of the door.

If there is an issue with a garage door, most homeowners usually assume that the problem stems from the springs or the garage door opener. Sometimes this is the case, but it is important to check the garage door tracks.

Most overhead garage doors operate on spring tension. The door itself moves up and down on metal tracks attached to the garage walls and a set of heavy springs provide the power. It is important to routinely inspect the tracks to maintain the operation of your door.

First, when inspecting the garage door tracks, look at the mounting brackets that secure the tracks to the wall. If they are loose, be sure to tighten the bolts and screws that attach the brackets. Examine the tracks for dents or damage, if there are any damaged areas pound them out with a rubber mallet or hammer.

Next, with a level, check to make sure that the tracks are properly aligned. Both of the tracks should be at the same height on the garage walls. If you find that the tracks are not properly aligned, loosen the screws that attach the mounting brackets and carefully adjust the tracks into alignment.

Prevention is vital for the maintenance of your garage door. To prevent track damage and wear, clean the tracks on a regular basis. Use a heavy cleanser that remove built up grease. Use a good lubricant on the rollers so the garage door can open and close smoothly.

All of these maintenance practices can be done with household tools and products. But if you feel uncomfortable about performing these tasks yourself and you are in Nevada, you can always contact your local overhead garage door repairman.