Your garage door may look like a simple construction, but its streamlined appearance hides a complex structure. While you don’t need to be an expert in all these different parts, knowing the basics is helpful so you can safely perform essential maintenance and spot trouble more easily if a problem arises.
Panels and Hinges
The most visible parts of a garage door are the main panels. The panels are stacked horizontally and connected by hinges so the door can roll up and back when opened.
Some garage doors feature windows along the top panel, while others are solid. The panels themselves can be made from various materials, including:
- Wood
- Fiberglass
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Vinyl
Lubricating the hinges regularly will help keep the door from squeaking. Any other repair or maintenance tasks, though, should be left to the pros.
Garage Door Tracks and Rollers
At each side of the garage door are a set of tracks. These tracks run vertically, then curve to run horizontally along the ceiling. The tracks provide the pathway the door follows when being raised or lowered.
Inside the tracks sit the rollers—small wheels attached to the door panels via metal rods. As the door goes up and down, the rollers slide along the tracks to guide the movement of each panel.
The rollers and tracks should not be lubricated, but they should be wiped down occasionally to get rid of any dust or debris that might get in the way. If you spot a problem with the rollers or tracks, call your local garage door repair team to make sure it’s handled correctly.
Torsion Spring
The torsion spring is located horizontally above the garage door opening. When the garage door opens, the torsion spring partially unwinds to help the door rise. When it closes, the spring tightens, helping to control the door on the way down.
Torsion springs are under an incredible amount of tension. They should always be serviced by a professional for safety reasons.
If you need assistance with garage door repair or installation in Heathsville or the greater Middlesex County area, call Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, today! With over 32 years of experience and a fully licensed team of garage door installers, we are here to help with all your overhead door needs. We have regular weekday appointments available as well as 24/7 emergency assistance. Along with our stellar reliability and customer service, we offer a one-year warranty on all workmanship and installations. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—Because Life Is Hard Enough!
