A garage door consists of several different parts that all work together to provide smooth and easy operation. You usually wouldn’t need to worry about the details and all the complex parts required to make your garage door work properly, but when your garage door encounters a problem and stops working properly, knowing some of the most common garage door components, and what they do will come in handy. In this post, we will list some of the most common garage door components and their role in the smooth operation of garage doors.

Door Tracks

Sectional type and roller type garage doors will feature tracks that will typically run vertically on either side of your garage door opening, curving into the ceiling above, and then running along the top of your garage. The garage door sits in these tracks using them as a guide for smooth and even opening actions. Tip up doors don’t have tracks on either side but make use of a different lifting mechanism.

Bottom Rails

These can sometimes be referred to as the bottom seals or weather strips. These garage door components run horizontally along the bottom of the garage door itself. When the garage door is lowered the bottom rail creates a seal with the floor to prevent rain and debris from coming into your garage. The seal protects everything inside the garage from the elements while also increasing the door’s energy efficiency. If the bottom rail is damaged or if the floor is uneven this component will not work.

Hanger Kit

If you have a garage door suspended under the ceiling of your garage you will most likely have a hanger kit. A hanger kit is usually a metal, triangular frame which holds the rails in place and can also be used to hold any motor in place for an electric garage door.

Rollers

Almost all garage doors will feature these garage door components, consisting of a metal rod and wheel made of nylon, steel, or plastic. These rollers sit inside the tracks of your garage door and roll up and down, for seamless action every time.

Garage Door Hinge

If your garage door is formed of numerous sections, you will find each section joined to the next with hinges. These hinges allow your garage door to bend when opening or closing it as it moves along the tracks.

Torsion Spring

These garage door components wind a cable on drums to open and close the garage door. A torsion spring for a garage door consists of a large-gauge steel wire coil that uses torque or a rotating force to counteract the weight of the garage door. When the garage door closes, the springs twist to store rotational energy, and as the door opens the springs open, letting go of the stored energy.  The springs are the most important contributor to balancing the weight of the door and requiring less effort to lift.

Extension Springs

These springs extend along both horizontal tracks. They connect to cables to help pull your door open, then as the door opens these springs retract, and the wires pull at a consistent speed to counteract the garage door. When the door closes, the springs then extend again to release the garage door to its original position.

Pulley And Cable

The pulley and cable are the key to the lifting and lowering of your garage door. The cable is attached to the springs, whilst the pulley wheels help to lessen the weight of the door itself. This combination is what makes it easier to lift and lower the garage door.

Cable Drums

Cable drums, also known as spools or reels, are similar to the pulley. These garage door components are the workhorses of the wires. They are circular drums that are installed on the torsion spring shaft on either side of the garage door. The cables that are attached to the bottom of the door wind around the cable drums when the door is opened or closed. The cable drums help the garage door to move up and down smoothly and evenly. They also help to ensure that the cables stay in place and do not become loose or tangled. Cable drums are an important part of the garage door system and should be checked regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Garage Door Chain Or Belt

Some garage doors will use a chain or belt to aid with the lowering and lifting of a heavy door. This is usually paired with a drive mechanism. The best garage door chain or belt is the one that keeps your door opening and closing reliably and quietly, year after year.

Curved Door Arm

The curved door arm plays a pivotal role in its smooth and efficient operation. This metal arc, attached to both the garage door opener and the door itself, silently guides the door through its opening and closing path. In some up-and-over garage doors, a curved door arm will attach to the top of the door itself to a rail that runs in the centre of the garage just underneath the ceiling.

Garage Door Jamb

The garage door jamb is the vertical portion of the frame that holds the door in place. It is made up of several parts, including the jamb brackets, jambs, and weatherstripping. The jamb brackets are used to attach the jambs to the wall, while the jambs themselves are the wooden framework mounted on the side and top of the garage door opening. Weatherstripping is used to seal the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing air and water from entering the garage

Conclusion

We hope that the above-listed garage door components and their uses give you a better understanding of your garage door components. If you need a professional team to look at your garage door, look no further than Lockfront.co.za. From installing garage doors and gates to repairing, replacing and servicing motors or setting up your remotes and installing other systems to control who can access your home or business. The experts at Lockfront Automation will get it done for you.