Have you ever tried to describe a problem with a specific part of your garage door but struggled because you couldn’t think of that component’s proper name? Though no two garage doors are alike, many of them do share some of the same parts. Today we are going to go through seven of those different parts of a garage door, what each one does, and how to tell if that specific part is working correctly.
1. Tracks
The tracks keep the garage door itself in place and aligned when opening and closing. They are found at the sides and above it. If its movement is aligned evenly, it means that the tracks are working, so pay attention to any signs of misalignment.
2. Springs
Springs are what help keep the garage door suspended when opened and are located above its interior. If your garage door is moving slower than usual when opening or you hear any atypical sounds as it door opens, it is a sign that your springs are not in working order. If it is opening at a steady pace and you do not hear any unusual sounds produced while it opens, then it means your springs are working the way they should be working.
3. Hinges
The hinges are what keep each component of the garage door together. Check your hinges for rust and make sure the screws are nice and tight so that your garage door can work without issue. Tight hinges can make the difference between a secure home entry and an insecure home entry.
4. Rollers
Rollers are found between the upper brackets below the spring and help keep the garage door tracks in place, allowing them to move up and down seamlessly. Periodically check for any wear and tear on wheels and pay attention to how the door moves up and down. As long as it continues to move smoothly, your rollers are in working order.
5. Locks
No garage door is complete without its primary security feature. These locks can take many forms, from manual to electric, and sometimes a combination of both. Every lock is unique, so check out what kind of lock you have. It is safe to say that whether manual or electric, any indication of your garage door being unable to lock properly warrants urgent attention.
6. Bearing plates
The bearing plates ensure that the spring mechanism remains in place above the garage door interior. A loose bearing plate can possibly lead to your garage door coming apart, so check those bearing plates at the upper ends of your garage interior. If they are nice and secure, you can move in and out of your garage with ease.
7. Keypad
More and more residential and commercial buildings have keypads as an additional security measure. This keypad will be located right at the exterior side of the garage door. If you are correctly inputting the code and see the door move shortly after, it means your keypad is well connected to the rest of the opening system. Make sure to always stay on top of battery replacements so your car doesn’t get stuck sitting in the garage.
The More You Know About Garage Door Parts
Now that you know how to recognize these seven important garage door features and better understand what each one does, it will hopefully be much easier for you to explain any future problems to a professional. If you are experiencing any issues with your garage door, or you have any questions about additional parts of it, contact us today, and we will be happy to make sure your garage door is in optimal condition.
