How to Avoid Jammed Garage Doors

Have you ever thought of the consequences a jammed overhead door will have in your life? You won't be able to move the car in or out of the garage and your security will be compromised. Such problems might give birth to more, as the jammed door might create an unsafe environment in the garage, and some garage door parts might get seriously damaged and will need replacement.

The basic reasons why doors jam

What causes garage doors to get stuck midway of their trip? Is it natural and what we can do about it? It's important to remember that the mechanical parts are also affected by the weather conditions and other factors, which determine whether the door will move properly or not. That's one of the reasons why lubrication maintenance has such great importance to the right rolling of the wheels and to the good condition of all parts made of steel.

The most common reason for jammed doors is obstructions in the garage door tracks. Small dents or a single stick that has fallen from the tree might keep the rollers from moving. At the same time, the tracks must be properly adjusted and installed in the right position. If the inner part of the track doesn't leave a small space of about ½ inch till the door jamb, the movement will be noisy and the door might eventually get stuck. Loose fasteners and brackets will misalign the tracks, and the wheels will stuck or pop off.

If you want to avoid dealing with a jammed door, you must also make sure the pulleys are fine. When you check or replace the extension garage door springs, it's best to check the pulleys and see if they're rusty or their nuts are loose. When pulleys split in two, the door usually jams. The door moves all the way up and down when there's a clear, clean and lubricated way to welcome the rolling of the wheels without obstructions. That's why maintenance is important and it's also vital to make sure the electric system is free of problems, too. If you disconnect the opener and find that the door opens without problems, it's best to check out the electric door openers. Sometimes the problem is evident and sometimes it's not. In any case, avoiding jammed doors is essential.