Parts of a Garage Door
Every homeowner should know their garage door parts. Knowing how it works makes maintenance and repair easier, saves time and money, and ensures it runs for years to come.
In this post, we will break down the parts of a garage door and maintenance and repair. By knowing this, we can take action to keep our garage doors in top shape.
Parts Of A Garage Door
Each part plays a big role in how our garage door works, from the door opener to the springs. Knowing these parts, we can spot the problem early and know when to call a pro.
Panels
The panels are the big sections of the garage door’s visible surface. They are usually made of steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Their design can be traditional or contemporary and affect the overall look of the house exterior.
Insulated panels also help control the temperature in the garage, which can affect our energy bills. Damage to these panels can affect the door’s functionality, so regular inspection is important.
Tracks
Tracks are metal channels that guide the garage door as it opens and closes. On both sides of the door, tracks allow for smooth vertical and horizontal movement. Proper alignment of the tracks is key; if they bend or misalign, the door will jam.
Clearing the tracks and lubricating them helps the movement. If problems arise, such as the door won’t close completely, checking the tracks should be our first step.
Rollers
Rollers are small wheels that fit into the tracks, allowing the door to move smoothly. Each roller is usually made of nylon or steel, depending on the door type. We should monitor these rollers for wear and tear as worn-out rollers can cause noise or the door to get stuck.
Lubricating the rollers helps minimize noise and prolong their life. If we hear a grinding sound or difficulty opening them, it’s time to replace them.
Springs
Springs counterbalance the garage door’s weight so we can lift and lower it easily. There are two types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are above the door. Extension springs are on both sides.
These springs are under a lot of tension, so we should take care of them. Regular inspection for rust or wear can help avoid sudden spring failure, which can lead to costly repairs or injuries.
Cables
Cables connect the springs to the door itself and help distribute the door’s weight as it moves. Cables are made of strong materials like steel to handle the tension from the springs.
If we see frayed or damaged cables, we should address them immediately. A broken cable can cause serious accidents as the door can fall unexpectedly.
Hardware
The hardware is all the small parts that make the garage door functional: hinges, brackets, and pulleys. Each part plays a big role in how the door opens and closes.
We should check the hardware regularly for corrosion or wear. By tightening loose bolts and replacing damaged hardware, we can make the door safer. Maintaining the hardware also prevents strain on other parts.
Motor And Opener
The motor and opener system allows us to operate the garage door remotely. The motor is usually located in the garage ceiling and moves the door. There are different types of openers, chain-driven, belt-driven, or screw-driven, each with pros and cons.
Regular motor maintenance, including lubrication and cleaning, ensures the motor can operate smoothly for years to come. You should also give some thought to testing the safety features like auto-reverse to help prevent accidents and keep your garage safe to use. If the garage door opener fails, access and security issues can arise.
Conclusion
Knowing the parts of a garage door is important for its maintenance. Key parts are springs, which balance the door’s weight; openers, tracks, and rollers; and panels, which provide insulation. Familiarizing ourselves with these parts helps us troubleshoot common problems, ensures smooth operation, and prevents potential issues. Regular inspection and maintenance can extend the life of the garage door system. Knowing the garage door parts allows us to make informed decisions on repairs or upgrades and which parts to focus on. Maintaining a garage door means safety, efficiency, and security for our homes.
Need help with your garage door maintenance or repairs? Contact Two Brothers Garage Doors today! Our team of experts can inspect, repair, or upgrade your system to keep it running safely and smoothly. Call us now to schedule your service and experience the difference!
FAQs
What parts make up a garage door opener?
A garage door opener has several parts. These are the motor, drive mechanism, safety sensors, and remote control. Each part helps to make the operation smooth and efficient.
What are the parts of the structural framing of a garage door?
The structural framing of a garage door includes the tracks, hinges, and panels. Tracks guide the door as it opens and closes. Hinges connect the panels so they can pivot; panels are the structure and insulation of the door.
What are the replacement parts of a garage door?
Common replacement parts for garage doors are springs, rollers, and cables. Springs lift the door, rollers make it move smoothly along the tracks, and cables connect the springs to the door for tension support.
How do the parts of a garage door work together?
The parts of a garage door work together in harmony. When we press the opener, the motor drives the mechanism to lift the door. Springs counterbalance the weight; tracks guide the door to a set path.
What is the bottom part of a garage door?
The bottom part of a garage door is called the bottom panel. It seals the garage and usually has weather stripping to waterproof the garage by keeping out water.
