There are many parts to a garage door. Our garage door Leicester installers are very familiar with these components. A garage door, often taken for granted, is a highly complex system with various critical parts that work in tandem to ensure smooth opening and closing.
As one of the heaviest and most frequently used moving parts in a home, it requires regular maintenance and, occasionally, part replacements to keep it in optimal working condition.
This article aims to explain the different parts of a garage door system in the UK, their functions, and how they can be replaced when necessary.
Garage Door Tracks
Garage door tracks are the metal guides that enable the door to open and close smoothly. The door tracks are typically comprised of vertical and horizontal pieces.
The vertical tracks run up and down on both sides of the doorway and hold the door in place when it is fully closed.
The horizontal tracks are attached to the ceiling and direct the door backward into the garage when it's being opened. If these tracks become bent or misaligned, they can hinder the door's operation and may need to be straightened or replaced.
Garage Door Bottom Rail
The bottom rail is a crucial component of the garage door system, designed to protect against weather elements and enhance security.
It houses the bottom seal or weatherstripping, which serves to prevent water, drafts, dust, and pests from entering the garage.
Bottom rails can often bear the brunt of daily wear and tear, so regular inspections are necessary to ensure they're in good shape.
If damaged, it's usually best to replace them.
Hanger Kit
A hanger kit, also known as a rear track hanger kit, is responsible for securing the horizontal tracks to the ceiling of your garage.
It maintains the correct level and distance of the tracks from the ceiling, ensuring the garage door moves smoothly along its path.
Over time, the hanger kit can loosen, which might lead to noisy operation or uneven movement of the door.
If this happens, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Rollers
Rollers are small wheels that run inside the door tracks, enabling the door to move up and down smoothly and quietly.
Rollers can be made from different materials, including steel, nylon, or plastic.
Over time, they can wear out or become damaged, causing the door to operate noisily or unevenly.
Replacing worn-out rollers can greatly improve the door's operation.
Hinges
Hinges are pivot-points that connect the different sections of the garage door, allowing it to bend as it is raised or lowered.
They help guide the door on the tracks and ensure smooth operation. Like rollers, hinges can wear out over time and may need to be replaced.
If you notice your garage door making unusual noises or movements, it could be due to worn or damaged hinges.
Cable and Pulleys
The pulley and cable system is used in extension spring garage doors to lift and lower the door.
The cables attach to the bottom corners of the door and run up to the pulleys, which are connected to the springs.
This mechanism multiplies the force of the springs, making it easier to lift the door. Over time, the cables can fray and the pulleys can wear out.
Regular inspection and timely replacement are necessary to maintain safe operation.
Torsion Springs
The torsion spring is a key component in most garage doors, designed to counterbalance the door's weight.
When the door is opened, the spring unwinds, releasing its stored energy to lift the door.
Conversely, when the door is lowered, the spring winds up, storing energy for the next opening.
Torsion springs are under high tension and can break with use. Because of the potential danger involved, torsion spring replacement should only be performed by professionals.
Curved Garage Door Arm
The curved door arm is a component found in automatic garage door systems.
It connects the door to the automatic opener and plays a pivotal role in lifting and lowering the door.
If this part is damaged or misaligned, it can cause the garage door opener to struggle or fail to open the door correctly.
If issues arise, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Summary
Understanding the different parts of a garage door system is crucial for maintaining its efficient operation and longevity.
Remember, while some parts can be replaced or repaired by homeowners, others, especially those under high tension like torsion springs, should only be handled by professionals due to the potential safety risks involved.
Regular inspections and prompt attention to any issues can go a long way in ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of your garage door.