The operation of garage doors can seem pretty straightforward but there are actually a lot of parts that work together to ensure that the door is operating smoothly and efficiently. Knowing how a garage door operates and understanding their components can aid you with maintenance and handling problems that may arise.
There are several types of garage doors, however we will focus on sectional doors as they are the most commonly used. Sectional doors consist of several panels connected together with hinges, allowing the door to roll up horizontally as the door opens.
Key Components of a Sectional Garage Door
Door panels
The garage door panels make up the main structure of the garage door. They are what forms the door, and provides security and insulation. The panels’ durability is absolutely crucial for the lifespan of the door. They can be made of a number of different materials such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass or wood.
Tracks
The garage door tracks are responsible for guiding the movement of the door as it operates. The tracks are manufactured with steel and are mounted vertically along the sides of the door as well as horizontally at the top to hold the door up along the ceiling. It is crucial for the tracks to be aligned correctly or else they will cause the door to not function properly. Misalignment can lead to excessive noise, sticking or even the door coming off the tracks partly or completely.
Rollers
Rollers are the wheels that go into the garage door’s tracks. They are responsible for the garage door moving smoothly. Rollers can come in different materials like steel, plastic or nylon. Nylon rollers are seen as superior as they are more quiet and do not need as much maintenance. Rollers should be checked a couple times a year and lubricated during regular maintenance to keep them working optimally and extend their lifetime.
Springs
Springs are crucial to your garage door as they provide the tension to raise and lower the garage door. Garage door’s can have one of two types of springs, tension springs or extension springs. Tension springs are above the door and lift by winding and unwinding. Extension springs are located on the sides of the door and stretch as the door opens. Springs do wear out and will normally need replacing every 7-14 years.
Cables
There are two garage door cables, one on either side of the door. They attach to the bottom of the door and connect to the springs to lift the door evenly. Cables can become rusty and snap and if this happens, it can be a dangerous situation. This is because the door could possibly fall.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is installed around the edges of the garage door to seal it. It helps prevent drafts, moisture, pests and debris from entering and is vital to maintaining the garage’s insulation.
Opener
The garage door opener is the motor that operates the door’s movement. There are few different types of openers, the most common being belt drive openers and chain drive openers. They use mounted trolleys with a chain or a belt to move the door and are mounted on the ceiling. Another type of door opener which is becoming more popular is the jackshaft opener. Jackshafts are a bit different as they are mounted on the wall beside the door and do not use a chain or belt, instead they are mounted to the torsion tubes.
Openers also come with photoelectric sensors which are a safety feature. They are located near the bottom of the door on both sides. They detect any obstructions in the door’s path and will reverse its motion if anything is detected.
It is necessary to understand the components of your garage door to maintain functionality and efficiency. All door components should be inspected a couple of times per year and regular maintenance done. This will help to ensure that your garage door continues to run smoothly, safely and will also reduce the risk of unexpected issues. If any components are showing signs of wear or have become damaged, it is important to speak to a professional.