The Anatomy Of A Standard Garage Door
It's common knowledge that a garage door consists of many interconnected components. Each of these parts ensures the operation of the entire mechanism, so it is important to understand how it works. Of course, it is not vital for you to know everything about the construction of this mechanism. For this, there are expert technicians who have experience working with garage doors. However, even having some basic knowledge will help you to recognise a door malfunction. It will also make it easier for you to quickly identify the problem and find the right solution. In this article below we will examine what is included in a garage door and why every part of it is important. Let’s start!
What Are The Parts To A Garage Door?
People use this device just about every day. Still, how many owners know what their garage door consists of? Let’s review the main components that garage doors include.
- Panels
This component is the main part of the garage door and can be made of wood, steel, aluminium, or other materials. Panels can also be made in various designs, including windows or additional fittings. That’s the part that adds a unique style to your home exterior. - Hinges
The hinges are a considerable size and fasten the garage door panels together. They allow the sections to fold, thereby opening the door. Hinges can be made of steel or plastic. Although steel hinges are more reliable, they need to be lubricated from time to time. - Door tracks
They are situated on both sides of the garage door and function as guides when opening or closing the door. It is worth making sure that they stay dirt-free, but we recommend not lubricating the mechanism. - Rollers
They control the sliding mechanism when opening and closing the door and are placed on both sides of the garage door. Rollers consist of a metal rod and a wheel, which can be made of nylon, steel, or plastic. Quite often, the rollers have to be replaced due to damage. - Torsion spring
This component is extremely important in the garage door opener system because it balances the weight of the door. The torsion spring is always under tension, so you should not entrust the repair of this component to non-professional technicians. - Extension springs
They are located on either side of the garage door or next to the top rails and perform the same function as a torsion spring. However, because these springs are less safe than torsion springs, they are equipped with additional safety cables. - Weather-stripping
This is used to keep out drafts and other elements. In addition, it increases the energy efficiency of the gate. Weather stripping should also be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear. - Garage door opener
Probably, the most important and widely known component of the garage door opening system. It is responsible for opening and closing the door without you leaving your car. It consists of many parts, such as an operator, drive mechanism, carriage, trolley, emergency release rope and sensors.
Garage Door Panels
Garage door panels are one of the key factors to consider when choosing a door. At first glance, it may seem to be merely a matter of a stylish appearance. However, the strength and durability of your garage door panels, as well as the cost, will depend on the choice of panel material and many other aspects. Here are some details you should consider when choosing panels. First, it is worth paying attention to the preferred material of the panels. The shelf life, durability and price will depend on this. Let’s take a look at the main types of materials for panels.
- Wood
That is one of the most common materials. This is not only because of the unique style provided by the wooden finishing but also by its relative affordability. The only significant disadvantage of wood is the need for constant maintenance. For example, if you live in an area with a humid climate, you will need to apply paint occasionally to avoid deformation. - Steel
Probably the most popular material for garage door panels. One of the criteria when choosing this particular material is its wear resistance and durability. Also, steel panels require minimal maintenance and can be manufactured as a wooden coating. One of the few disadvantages of steel panels is their vulnerability to dents. - Aluminum
Usually, panels made of this material have the appearance of transparent or frosted glass with an aluminum frame. This gives you a semi-transparent garage door, which is also aesthetically pleasing and maintains your privacy. However, it is worth taking into consideration that these panels usually turn yellow over time. - Vinyl
Vinyl panels are also quite a good option with many advantages. Among them are wear resistance, easy maintenance and resistance to dents. However, some garage door owners are not always satisfied with the appearance of these panels.
Another aspect when choosing garage panels is the type of construction. The cost of your panels will largely depend on that. In general, there are three different types of construction:
- Single layer
This type of garage panel design is the most affordable as it only has one layer of material. However, this type does not provide high safety and isolation. - Double layer
The most popular type of construction. Additionally, a polystyrene plate may be installed between the panels for better insulation. - Premium doors
That type of construction is in higher demand because of the thick polystyrene board that sits between the thick layers of your garage door panels. This makes them extremely durable and safe.
Garage Door Hinges
Hinges are an extremely important part of your garage door as they act as a connector between the panels. They also differ according to the material the loops are made of, as well as the numbers that are responsible for the correct placement. The numbers on hinges are engraved numbers that refer to the installation order. That will depend on how your panels will be fastened and how well your garage door will work in general. Therefore, when buying hinges, it is important to pay attention to the numbers.
External sounds when opening or closing usually indicate that your garage door hinges need professional maintenance. If you notice that some of your hinges have started to malfunction, we recommend replacing them to avoid further damage to the panels or other components.
Garage Door Torsion Springs
A garage door is a complex mechanism that consists of many components. However, the torsion spring is among the most important ones. It is responsible for opening and closing your garage door smoothly. It may seem simple enough at first, but it's important to understand that a home garage door weighs more than 150 pounds, so the torsion spring is under a lot of pressure. That's why it's important to make sure that this part of the mechanism is kept in good condition.
Over time, a torsion spring might wear and weaken after daily use and exposure to weather conditions. That affects garage door use because, due to insufficient spring tension, more and more effort is required to open it. At the same time, a broken torsion spring is generally a dangerous device that can damage your property. Therefore, we recommend contacting professionals if you need to replace the torsion spring for a garage door.
Summing Up
In conclusion, a garage door is a complex system of many interconnected parts. All these components play an important role in the mechanism's operation, so it is important to monitor their condition. All of this affects how long your garage door will last, so if you notice any malfunctions, you can call Up & Down Garage Doors! We provide a wide range of garage door repair, installation and replacement services.
