Top Reasons for a Bent Garage Door Track
Everyday use takes its toll on garage door tracks, which can get bent.
Garage doors are among a home's most frequently used components, and over time, they endure significant wear. One common issue is a bent garage door track. This problem can disrupt the operation and pose safety concerns, whether a subtle misalignment or a noticeable bend. A bent track could be to blame if your garage door is opening unevenly, sticking, or making grinding noises.
Understanding the causes of garage door track problems can help you take preventive measures or know when to call for professional help. Below are the top reasons for a garage door track becoming bent.
Wear and Tear
Repeated daily use naturally contributes to metal fatigue. Garage doors that open and close multiple times a day wear down their tracks just like any other moving component. Over time, these curved garage door track sections can weaken and lose their structural integrity.
Older systems, especially those not regularly maintained, are more prone to failure. If your garage door track is bent and the system is over 10 years old, replacement rather than repair might be the safest route.
Broken or Weakened Cables
Garage doors rely on lift cables and drums to carry their weight. If one of these cables fails, the door can drop unexpectedly and exert extreme pressure on the track. This sudden weight transfer is one of the most common causes of garage door rails bent out of shape.
When cables snap or stretch unevenly, the door's entire balance is compromised, often damaging both the tracks and panels.
Impact or Collision
Physical impact is one of the most immediate causes of a bent garage door track. Accidental bumps from a vehicle, lawn equipment, or heavy items like storage bins can damage the lower portions of the track.
Even minor impacts can lead to misalignment or warping over time. If your garage door is bent at the top, it may have been hit while closing, opening, or sustained pressure from above. In any case, structural distortion can escalate into a significant safety concern.
A Misaligned or Unbalanced Door
Garage doors must stay balanced to operate safely. If one side of the door is heavier, uneven force is applied to the tracks, causing one side to carry too much weight. Over time, this imbalance can lead to garage door track bending, twisting, or shifting.
An unbalanced door may also lead to garage door panels bending as the door flexes unnaturally during movement.
Weather Exposure
Environmental factors like moisture, snow, and dirt can accelerate wear and corrosion on metal tracks. Rust can cause friction points that interfere with smooth movement. Eventually, this leads to sections of the garage door track being bent due to a weakened metal structure.
Extreme cold temperatures can make the metal brittle, increasing the risk of bending or cracking under stress.
Lack of Lubrication
Garage door tracks need regular lubrication to maintain smooth motion. When neglected, friction increases between the rollers and track, resulting in scraping, jerking, and unnecessary stress.
The rollers may grind into the metal without proper lubrication, resulting in a bent garage door track over time. Using a high-quality silicone spray on metal components can help prevent this issue.
Track Obstructions
Small obstructions like debris, rocks, or tools left near the tracks can block roller movement. This creates pressure points, especially during door operation, which can cause the track to bend or dent.
Regular inspection and clearing of the garage area can prevent unnecessary strain on the track system.
Fixing a Bent Garage Door Track
If you're wondering how to fix bent garage door track problems, it's essential to approach this carefully. A professional technician can realign the track using specialized tools for minor bends. However, serious warping, twists, or cracks in the metal often require complete replacement of the track section.
Attempting a DIY fix on a track can be risky because of the high tension in garage door systems. Additionally, improper repairs may cause further damage or misalignment, leading to future problems.
Contact a Professional Service
When a garage door or garage door panels are bent due to a track issue, it's vital to contact a certified garage door repair service. Professionals have the knowledge, tools, and training to assess the damage and perform safe, lasting repairs.
Ignoring track damage can lead to:
Further bending and misalignment
Increased wear on rollers and openers
Higher risk of total system failure
Potential injury from sudden door drops
Final Thoughts
Bent garage door tracks are more than a cosmetic concern—they signify mechanical strain and a potential safety hazard. Whether caused by impact, wear, weather, or lack of maintenance, garage door track bent issues should be addressed promptly.
For long-term performance and peace of mind, schedule regular maintenance checks and lubrication, and don't hesitate to bring in a garage door specialist when you notice signs of a problem.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair specializes in efficiently accomplishing all garage door jobs, from garage door drum replacement and garage door spring replacement to garage door cable repair and replacement. We offer easy online scheduling. Call (602) 610-0112.
