Why Your Garage Door Went ‘Off the Rails’

Despite its weight and size, and the frequent movement it undergoes, your garage door system is actually quite simple. The design allows it to open and close efficiently without requiring a lot of space. Instead of swinging open like a regular door, it's made up of hinged panels that roll up and down, making it more compact and functional.

To make this motion possible, the door is connected to a spring that helps balance its weight, and it has rollers on either side that move along tracks. These tracks are essential—they keep the door aligned with the opening and provide support when it's open. That’s essentially how the system works.

The downside of such a straightforward mechanism is that every part plays a critical role. If one component fails, the whole system can stop working. This is why it's important to understand what might go wrong, especially if your garage door has gone off track.

Why Your Rollers Might Come Off Their Tracks

If the rollers that help your door move aren’t functioning properly, the entire system can fail. Here are the most common reasons why your garage door rollers may come off their tracks.

1. The Roller Tracks Go Out of Alignment

Your garage door opens and closes several times a day, which puts a lot of stress on the roller tracks. Over time, even small misalignments from installation can worsen, causing the tracks to shift out of place. When this happens, the rollers can easily pop off, leading to a malfunction.

2. A Lift Cable Stretched or Broke

The lift cables, located on each side of the door, transfer the tension from the torsion spring to the door itself. If a cable stretches or breaks, the door may not open evenly, putting extra strain on the rollers and potentially forcing them off the track.

3. A Roller Wears Out

With constant use, the rollers can wear down over time. If one roller fails, the others may take on more pressure, leading to uneven stress and possible misalignment. This can cause the remaining rollers to eventually fall off the track as well.

Understanding what caused your garage door to go off track can help you identify potential issues before they become serious. While knowing the cause won't fix the problem on its own, it can guide you in preventing future issues. If you're dealing with this problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional. At Whitby Garage Doors, we specialize in quick and reliable repairs—just give us a call and we'll get your door back on track in no time.