One of the most common — and frustrating — garage door issues homeowners face is when their door suddenly goes off track. Not only does it make the door difficult or impossible to operate, but it can also create safety hazards and cause further damage to your garage door system. Whether it’s a minor derailment or a more serious issue, it’s important to act fast.

Common Causes of Garage Doors Going Off Track

Garage doors rely on a system of moving parts that requires proper alignment and tension to operate smoothly. Your garage door might go off track due to:

Broken springs: Torsion springs play a key role in balancing the door. When they break, the door can become unstable and come off track.
Misaligned tracks: Did you bump into the tracks with a car or lawn mower? If the tracks have shifted or have been dented, they can force the rollers out of place.
Worn-out rollers: Rollers that are cracked, chipped or no longer spinning correctly can drag along the track, pulling the door out of alignment.
Debris in tracks: Leaves, dirt and other debris can jam the track and obstruct the rollers from gliding properly.
Improper installation or repair: If the door or tracks weren’t installed or repaired correctly, even small issues can lead to major track misalignment.

How to Identify If Your Garage Door Is Off Track

Are you not sure if your door is off track? There are a few clear signs to look for:

Uneven movement: A door that shakes, jerks or seems to lean while operating likely has alignment issues.
Visible gaps: Check the alignment between the rollers and the track. If the rollers are no longer inside the track or appear tilted, the door is off track.
Noisy operation: Scraping, grinding or popping noises are indicators that the door is not running smoothly on its tracks.
Door not closing properly: A door that doesn’t fully close or stops short may be experiencing track misalignment or roller problems.

What to Do If Your Garage Door Is Off Track: DIY Steps

If the problem appears minor, there are a few things you can safely try before calling a professional:

1. Disconnect the opener

Start by pulling the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener. This allows you to operate the door manually and prevents additional strain on the motor.

2. Inspect the tracks and rollers

Visually examine both sides of the track for dents or obstructions. If you spot debris, clean the track using a dry cloth or brush.

3. Check the rollers

Look for signs of wear or damage. If the rollers aren’t aligned or rolling smoothly, they may need replacement.

4. Realign the tracks (if it’s safe)

If a track is only slightly bent, you can try to tap it gently back into place with a rubber mallet. Be cautious not to cause further damage.

Warning: If the track is badly bent or you’re unsure of what to do, don’t try this step. Call in a professional instead.

5. Test the door

Once you’ve finished, carefully lift and lower the door to see if it moves evenly.

When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair

Expert service is the safest and most effective solution in cases where there are:

Safety concerns: Garage doors are under a great deal of tension. DIY repairs can lead to severe injury if not done correctly.
Severe track damage: If the track is twisted, cracked or out of alignment in multiple areas, professional replacement is your best bet.
Broken springs or rollers: These parts require special tools and knowledge to replace safely.
Complex issues: If basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need a thorough inspection to uncover the root cause.

Call the Pros at Kern Door Company for Your Garage Door Repair Needs

A garage door that’s off track can quickly become a serious safety risk or lead to more expensive repairs. By spotting the warning signs early and calling in the pros, you can protect your garage door and keep it operating smoothly.

Kern Door Company has built a strong reputation throughout Bakersfield and Kern County by delivering dependable garage door repair, installation and maintenance.

With same-day service available for urgent repairs, you won’t be stuck waiting for help. Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do, and we stand behind the quality of our work.

Contact Kern Door Company today to schedule a repair or get a free estimate on a new garage door!