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Whether your garage door has the most durable type or the latest model, there will come a time it gets damaged if you don’t take care of it well.
After all, garage doors are equipment just like any other that needs regular maintenance to keep it working.
If you arrive at your house only to find your garage door is off-track or won’t open, there might be a problem with your garage door tracks.
The question is, do you know how to fix the problem?
To ensure that you fix the issue, this guide will help you how to adjust garage door tracks DIY.
The next time you encounter a misaligned or damaged track, you know how to deal with it.
Safety Tips for Adjusting Garage Doors
Any DIY on large equipment such as garage doors requires safety precautions to ensure the job is done safely.
Prioritize safety above all when adjusting garage door tracks as they can be heavy and be quite intensive to deal with.
Make sure to adjust one track at a time. Also, don’t remove the bolts all the way.
Allow space for the bolts to have movement enough to adjust the track.
You can also wear gloves and eye protector to make sure you’re protected.
Different Ways to Adjust Garage Doors
Different factors lead to trouble on overhead doors.
A simple bump or rusty parts can lead to a malfunctioning garage door.
For that reason, adjusting must be done right away once you notice the door is out of alignment.
An off-track door can result in more problems on your garage door, so it’s best to address it right away.
Moreover, follow the procedure at home. As long as you’re using the right tools, you’re good to go.
That said, there are different ways to adjust garage door tracks DIY.
How to Fix a Binding Overhead Door
If your overhead door was poorly installed, it could cause the door to bind.
A binding overhead door makes the door close quickly and restricts its movement.
If this is the problem with your overhead door, solve it by adjusting and realigning the door.
To start:
- Inspect the screws holding the tracks along the door frame.
- By using a mallet, loosen the screws and place them in the right place. Do this step gently to avoid damage on the tracks.
- Use a level to see if the track is aligned. If it’s already aligned, tighten the screws.
- Repeat the process for the other track.
- Align the tracks closely against the weather seal to ensure there are no gaps on the overhead door.
How to Close the Gap Under the Overhead Door
A gap under the overhead door invites dirt, stray animals, or water.
Hence, it will make your garage dirty and exposed to different elements.
Also, it’s easy for the thief to open your overhead door if there are gaps.
To address the problem:
- Check the lower track and locate the loosen bolts.
- By using a wrench, tighten the loose bolts and make sure to position the overhead door correctly.
- Keep doing step 2 until there are no visible gaps.
If you still see a tiny gap, it’s okay. The small gap will allow the garage to breathe.
However, if the gap is still wide, adjust the bolts using a wrench until you’re satisfied with the result.
Give the bolts a tug to secure them in place.
How to Fix a Bent Overhead Door
A bent overhead door is probably due to damaged springs or cables.
But once you find no issue with those parts, check the track if it’s bent or broken.
Inspect the track closely. If it’s heavily damaged, it may need replacement.
Make sure to replace the track with a professional garage door repair service in Vancouver to prevent injuries on your part.
You can also check this video on how to deal with a bent or crooked garage door.
Get Professional Help!
You need to conduct regular maintenance when it comes to garage doors.
No matter if it’s the latest model or has the most durable type, it will lose quality over time.
Take care of your garage door at all times to prevent issues from coming.
There’s no arguing that misaligned doors can be frustrating and stressful.
If you have done the steps on how to adjust garage door tracks DIY and still won’t work, call Vancouver Overhead Doors.
We provide residential and commercial garage door repair, garage door installation, maintenance, and replacement.
If track adjustment is what you need, we will make sure to do it for you.
Call us and receive our 24 7 garage door repairs!
