Garage door off track or cable broken in Ottawa
A door hanging at an angle, rollers popped out of the track, or a cable dangling loose are all signs the door's lifting system has failed on one side. The door can fall, so stop using it until it is fixed.
Signs you need this repair
- The door is crooked or one side is lower than the other
- Rollers have come out of the track
- A cable is loose, frayed or snapped
- The door jammed partway and won't move
- The bottom of a track is bent (often from a bumper)
Why doors come off track
Common causes are a broken cable or spring on one side, a car or snowblower bumping the track, worn rollers, or the opener forcing a door that was already binding. Ice build-up at the bottom of the tracks during an Ottawa winter can also cause the door to bind and twist.
What to do right now
Leave the door where it is, unplug the opener so nobody presses the button, and keep people and pets clear. Don't try to force the rollers back in — the cables are under tension. A technician will usually realign the track, replace any damaged cables and rollers, and check the springs while they're there.
What it typically costs
Published Ottawa guides list track realignment at roughly $125–$400 and cable replacement at roughly $150–$350. See our cost guide for sources. Read the cost guide.
Common questions
Is a door that is off track dangerous?
It can be. A door that is off track on one side can fall or swing as it shifts. Keep clear of it, unplug the opener, and have it repaired before using it again.
Will my insurance cover a door I backed into?
Sometimes. That depends on your policy and deductible — call your insurer. Ask the technician for an itemized invoice either way.
Need help now? One call gets you a local company's number.
Call now · (343) 633-2631