Safety first: If your garage door is off track, stop using it and keep people and pets away. Do not pull the emergency release, lift the door, loosen hardware or try to put rollers back into the tracks. An unstable door can fall. Arrange professional garage door service.
A garage door off track needs professional assessment. The guidance below explains how to keep the area clear and describe the problem while waiting for help. It does not provide instructions for putting the door back on its tracks.
What to do when a door is off track
1. Stop operating the door
Keep everyone clear of the opening and do not stand beneath the door. Do not disconnect the opener or force the door open or closed.
2. Observe from a safe distance
You may note visible damage from a safe distance to describe it to a technician. Do not touch springs, cables, rollers, brackets or tracks.
3. Leave the door in place
Do not loosen fasteners, bend tracks, reconnect rollers or use makeshift supports. Leave the door in place until a qualified technician can secure and repair it.
4. Request professional service
Describe what you can see and whether the door is open or closed. Use the RL Door Solutions request-service form or call 248-954-2440 to discuss the situation.
Routine care for a correctly operating door
Routine maintenance is separate from repairing an off-track door. If the door is damaged or unstable, leave maintenance and repairs to a qualified technician.
For a correctly operating door, follow the manufacturer’s inspection and maintenance instructions. Note unusual sounds or movement and discuss them during a garage door inspection.
Tracks and lubrication
Debris can collect near tracks. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, and do not try to clear or adjust the tracks of a damaged door.
Use only the recommended lubricant on the specified moving parts. Do not grease the tracks. Ask a technician if you are unsure which maintenance tasks are appropriate for your system.