Garage doors are meant to glide smoothly along their tracks, opening and closing without resistance. When that stops happening, it’s more than just frustrating. It can be a safety issue and an early sign that something is going wrong behind the scenes. We’ve seen this problem many times, and we know that garage doors that stick, jam, or hesitate rarely fix themselves.
This post explains the common causes of garage doors jamming on the tracks and what you can do to get them moving freely again. We’re also sharing some less obvious insights that homeowners in Calgary should consider, especially when the seasons shift or garage door use becomes more frequent.
Misaligned Tracks Can Derail Everything
If your garage door doesn’t stay aligned with its tracks, it won’t operate properly. The metal tracks on either side of your garage door must remain parallel and level. However, with time and vibration, those tracks can slowly begin to shift. That’s especially true if your home’s foundation is settling or your garage has experienced minor impacts.
In other words, even a small shift in one bracket can throw the entire system off. As a result, your garage door might get stuck partway or refuse to open or close altogether. To clarify, this is not something that typically happens overnight. It builds up gradually, which is why routine inspections are key.
We usually recommend booking garage door repair in Calgary as soon as this issue starts to appear. If you ignore it, the rollers might jump off the track entirely, leading to more extensive and costly damage.
Dirty or Damaged Rollers Add Friction
The rollers are designed to help the garage door glide along the track. However, when they collect debris or begin to wear out, their movement becomes less fluid. As a result, you may notice jerky movements or complete jamming as the roller meets resistance.
For example, cold temperatures in Calgary can cause metal parts to contract and stiffen, making things worse. Similarly, exposure to moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, particularly if the rollers are made of lower-grade materials.
That is to say, if you haven’t cleaned or inspected your rollers in a while, this could be a simple yet overlooked reason for the issue. We always advise checking the roller wheels for cracks, debris buildup, or wobbling. If they seem damaged or worn down, it’s best to replace them. If you need help with this, our team also handles garage door spring repair, which often overlaps with roller issues.
Obstructions on the Track
Sometimes the reason your garage door jams is as simple as something being in the way. Leaves, gravel, or even a slight bend in the track can stop a garage door mid-motion. Likewise, spider webs and grime buildup might seem harmless, but over time, they create resistance that interferes with movement.
That might not seem like a big deal at first. However, when your opener tries to force the door past a blockage, it strains the entire system. Consequently, you’re not just dealing with a minor jam, you’re wearing out the motor and cables as well.
To prevent this, we suggest wiping down the tracks monthly with a clean cloth. Use a light solvent if needed, and never apply thick grease or household oil. These often attract more dirt, which causes further sticking down the road. Regular cleaning can go a long way in preventing small issues from becoming major repair jobs.
Spring Tension Problems Affect Door Movement
Most homeowners don’t realize how much the tension of the garage door springs affects its ability to stay on track. If the tension is too tight or too loose, the door won’t move evenly. One side may rise faster than the other, creating a situation where the rollers bind or jam partway.
Above all, we recommend not adjusting springs on your own. These components store a lot of energy, and improper handling can be dangerous. Instead, contact a professional who’s experienced in tension testing and spring calibration.
A common side effect of spring issues is uneven or tilted movement. If you see that the door tilts or moves in a lopsided way, it’s likely that the tension is uneven. Addressing this early reduces the risk of track misalignment and keeps your door running safely.
Weather-Related Expansion and Contraction
Calgary’s weather plays a major role in how garage door systems function. The temperature swings we experience here can cause both the metal tracks and wooden door panels to expand and contract. Over time, this cycle creates warping, bending, or track shift—all of which contribute to jamming.
For instance, a wooden garage door that swells during humidity might push outward against the tracks. Similarly, metal tracks might contract during a deep freeze, slightly altering the space rollers need to move freely.
Most importantly, don’t overlook how your garage door performs differently in winter compared to summer. If you find it sticks more after the temperature drops, seasonal expansion is likely a factor. In those cases, a technician might recommend minor adjustments to keep everything aligned year-round.
Poor Installation or Worn Hardware
In some cases, the problem isn’t wear and tear. It starts with poor installation. If the initial track setup was done quickly or improperly, your garage door may never have been able to glide smoothly. Loose fasteners, misaligned supports, and uneven spacing all lead to eventual jamming.
Likewise, older garage door systems with worn bolts or hinges might have play in the structure that affects stability. As a result, each time the door moves, the vibration loosens the system even more. This gradual wear puts stress on your opener and increases the chances of something locking up or breaking.
We often inspect hardware during routine service visits and encourage homeowners to tighten visible screws and brackets twice a year. That includes checking both the horizontal and vertical tracks. Preventive maintenance like this takes less time than emergency repairs and keeps your system safe for daily use.
Opener Settings Might Be Incorrect
Many people don’t realize that garage door openers have sensitivity settings. These control how much resistance the system will accept before stopping. If these are set too high or too low, your door may jam unexpectedly.
For instance, if the opener is too sensitive, it might stop the door when it detects minor resistance, such as a slightly bent track. On the other hand, if the sensitivity is too low, the opener may try to force the door through friction or obstructions, causing damage.
In either case, the solution is to recalibrate the settings, which is usually done through the opener’s control panel. This process is outlined in most user manuals, but if you’re unsure, we recommend professional adjustment to avoid causing further alignment issues.
Regular Inspections Save You Headaches
Garage doors are one of those systems we rely on daily, but often forget to inspect until something goes wrong. That is why we encourage Calgary homeowners to do a visual check once a month. Look for signs of rust, gaps in the track, uneven movement, or strange noises when the door is in motion.
Similarly, if your door has jammed more than once in the past six months, that’s a red flag. It’s often a symptom of larger structural or mechanical problems. Addressing it early with a local technician helps prevent total breakdowns and keeps your property safe.
If your door is already jamming or feels unreliable, the best thing to do is get a trusted garage door repair in Calgary team to take a look. The longer these problems are left unattended, the more stress they place on your opener, cables, and panels.
Know When It’s Time to Reach Out
Not every problem with your garage door requires immediate attention, but frequent jamming definitely does. Even if you’re confident with tools and DIY fixes, track and spring problems can be risky to handle alone. That’s where experience matters.
If you’ve gone through all the basics—cleaning the track, checking for obstructions, inspecting the rollers—and your door still gets stuck, it’s time for backup. You don’t need to wait until the system fails completely. You can reach out to us anytime through our contact page and schedule a reliable assessment.
We’re happy to help you get your garage door moving again safely and smoothly.
FAQs
Why does my garage door keep getting stuck halfway?
This is often caused by misaligned tracks, worn rollers, or incorrect spring tension. It can also be due to a faulty opener or sensitivity settings that need adjustment.
Can cold weather affect my garage door movement?
Yes, temperature swings in Calgary can cause metal components to contract and wood to swell. This may lead to misalignment and jamming on the tracks.
Should I lubricate the garage door tracks to prevent jamming?
No. You should clean the tracks but avoid lubricating them directly. Instead, apply silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and hinges to maintain smooth motion.
How do I know if the rollers are the problem?
Listen for squeaking, grinding, or wobbling. Visually inspect the rollers for cracks, rust, or uneven wear. Damaged rollers often cause the door to drag or jam.
When should I call a professional for help?
If the door jams frequently, moves unevenly, or makes loud noises, it’s time to call in an expert. Safety risks increase when dealing with springs and alignment issues.