Garage door track alignment or excessive noise must be dealt with to restore functionality to your garage door tracks. A good clearance with horizontal tracks ensures that the door components work without too much wear on them while also reducing the chances of waking up the entire neighborhood with irritation squeaks. But what exactly is the meaning of horizontal tracks in perpendicular garage doors?
Simply put, these tracks must be perfectly level while also ensuring a precise perpendicular connection with the vertical tracks. That’s how they allow the door to glide effortlessly. But if you don’t know how to make them? Worry not; this blog post has got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to make perpendicular garage door horizontal tracks in a step-by-step manner. We’ll cover this topic without confusing explanations or unnecessary jargon. So, let’s dive in!
Tools Required to Make Perpendicular Garage Door Horizontal Tracks
Before diving into the heart of the matter, you first need to gather everything essential, such as:
- Bubble level, which keeps the alignment tracks straight.
- Heavy-duty brackets that support the horizontal tracks.
- A good ladder is ideal because you will be working overhead.
- A measuring tape to guarantee the precise placement of the tracks.
- A power drill is required to attach the brackets and screws.
- Goggles and steel-toe boots are part of the safety equipment needed for protection.
- Wrench or sockets that help in fastening nuts and bolts.
With these things, you will get everything you need to begin! So now, let’s discuss how to make perpendicular garage door horizontal tracks.
Step-by-Step Guide on Making Perpendicular Garage Door Horizontal Tracks
By now, you may have understood what kind of things are necessary to carry out this whole operation. If so, let’s now get down to this step-by-step guide!
Step 1: (If Needed) Remove the Existing Tracks
If your door’s tracks are still present, you will first have to remove them carefully. To do so, simply unscrew and detach them. However, be mindful of any tension in the system, as garage door springs can be dangerous.
Step 2: Position the Horizontal Tracks
Whether you removed the existing tracks after reading this guide or have already done so on your own, the next step is to position the horizontal tracks. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Measure the length and height where the new tracks will go.
- Mark where the brackets will go on the garage wall and ceiling.
- Ensure the tracks are nice and level with a bubble level. This is very important, as misalignment can lead to the door needing unnecessary extra force to open and close.
- If you did observe that the tracks are not level, adjust their position slightly before setting them permanently.
Step 3: Secure the Track Brackets
The next step of this ‘how to make perpendicular garage door horizontal tracks’ guide is to secure the track brackets. But how? Well, to do so, simply follow these steps:
- Drill the pilot holes where you marked the bracket positions.
- Then, attach the brackets firmly with screws and bolts.
- Make sure to double-check the alignment with the bubble level before moving forward.
- In case you notice any unevenness, adjust the brackets before completely tightening the fasteners.
Step 4: Install the Horizontal Tracks
Now, it’s time to install the horizontal tracks. So, follow these straightforward instructions for that:
- First, slide the tracks into the brackets and secure them with bolts.
- Then, connect the horizontal tracks to the vertical ones at a smooth curve. This will allow seamless movement.
- After that, simply tighten all bolts and fasteners securely because loose hardware can lead to long-term damage.
Step 5: Check the Garage Door Functionality
After completing the steps above, it’s time to put effort into testing them. You can follow these steps to test your tracks:
- First of all, manually open and close the garage door to check for smooth operation.
- Try to look for any misalignment, resistance, or unusual noises.
- If needed, make minor adjustments to fine-tune the positioning. You can also use a laser level to ensure the perfect alignment of the tracks before finalizing.
Always Consider Safety First!
As you may know, working with heavy garage door components means safety should always come first, right? So, while implementing the steps discussed above to make perpendicular garage door horizontal tracks, stick to the following suggestions:
1. Remember to Check for Obstructions
Before testing the door’s movement, make sure that nothing is in the way.
2. Use a Sturdy Ladder
A shaky ladder can make a simple task dangerous. So, always use a sturdy ladder.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Safety glasses keep debris out of your eyes, and steel-toe boots protect your feet. Hence, don’t forget to use them!
Pro Tips for a Smooth Installation
You’ve got your hands on the actual procedure and safety recommendations. Let’s discuss what experts suggest about ensuring a smooth installation. So, here are some pro tips:
1. Never Guess
If something seems off, re-measure or use a laser level before securing anything.
2. Lubricate the Moving Parts
If required, don’t hesitate to lubricate the moving parts. Doing so will reduce friction and prevent unnecessary wear.
3. Not Double-Check, but Triple-Check Your Measurements
A tiny miscalculation can lead to misalignment, which can make the door hard to operate. So, if your first measurement is off, confirm it again before drilling.
4. Always Use Quality Hardware
Although cheap-quality hardware, such as brackets and bolts, may be inexpensive, it can become loose over time, which can cause instability. So, don’t hesitate to invest in good-quality hardware.
Final Words on Making Perpendicular Garage Door Horizontal Tracks
To sum up, adjusting or installing your garage door horizontal tracks might seem complex, but it’s completely manageable with the right approach and tools. So, take your time and follow the steps shared in the above guide. And always prioritize safety.
Questions People Also Ask
- What do I do when my garage door continues to make noise despite following everything in the guide on ‘how to make perpendicular garage door horizontal tracks’?
In this case, you should look for misalignment, loosened bolts, or perhaps even a missing lubrication. Apply silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers if everything looks in order.
- Can I install horizontal tracks by myself?
Absolutely! But having an extra set of hands can make the job much easier, especially when aligning and securing the tracks. So, if you don’t feel completely sure anywhere, do not hesitate to consider consulting a professional.
- How often should I check my garage door tracks?
Every six months! And while doing so, keep an eye on any signs of wear, loose fasteners, or misalignment because catching minor issues earlier can prevent bigger problems down the road.
