Your garage door isn’t just a large moving panel, it’s a complex system made up of multiple parts working together to keep your home secure, functional, and convenient. When one part fails, it can affect the entire system, leading to noisy operation, uneven movement, or even dangerous breakdowns. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to cover the main components of a garage door system and why they need regular maintenance as it is key to keeping your door running smoothly and extending its lifespan.
Key Components of a Garage Door System
Garage Door Panels: These are the visible sections of your garage door, made from materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, or composite. Panels provide security, insulation, and curb appeal. Keep panels clean, inspect them for dents or cracks, and touch up paint to prevent rust or rot.
Tracks: Tracks run vertically and horizontally along the sides of your garage door. They guide the rollers and keep the door aligned as it opens and closes. Keep tracks clean and free of debris. Make sure they are straight and properly secured to the wall. Bent or misaligned tracks should be adjusted by a professional.
Rollers: Rollers glide inside the tracks, allowing the door to move smoothly. They can be steel, nylon, or plastic. Over time, rollers wear out or collect dirt, leading to jerky movement and loud operation. Inspect rollers regularly and lubricate them with a silicone-based spray. Replace cracked or worn rollers promptly.
Springs: Garage doors are extremely heavy, and springs counterbalance that weight to make the door easier to lift. There are two main types:
• Torsion Springs mounted above the door.
• Extension Springs mounted along the sides.
Springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. Have a professional inspect and lubricate them annually. Replace them at the first sign of wear or imbalance.
Cables: Cables work in tandem with the springs to raise and lower the door. They are made of high-tension steel and can fray or snap over time. Check for frayed or loose cables but do not attempt to repair or replace them yourself. Call a professional immediately if you see damage.
Garage Door Opener: The opener is the motorized unit that lifts and lowers your garage door with the push of a button. It typically includes:
• A motor
• A drive mechanism including the belt, chain, or screw
• Remote controls and keypads
• Safety sensors
Test the auto-reverse and safety sensors monthly. Replace remote batteries annually and schedule a service if the opener becomes noisy or sluggish.
Hinges: Hinges connect the individual panels of your garage door, allowing it to bend and flex as it moves. Lubricate hinges regularly and tighten loose screws to prevent misalignment.
Safety Sensors: Modern garage doors come equipped with photo-eye sensors to detect objects in the door’s path and prevent accidents. Wipe sensors clean with a soft cloth and ensure they’re properly aligned. Test them monthly to make sure the auto-reverse feature works.
Why Proper Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Safety: A poorly maintained garage door can be dangerous. Broken springs, frayed cables, or misaligned tracks can cause the door to slam shut or come off its tracks unexpectedly.
Reliability: Routine maintenance reduces the chance of sudden breakdowns, ensuring your door operates when you need it most like during bad weather or emergencies.
Cost Savings: Catching small problems early prevents major repairs later. For example, replacing worn rollers is far cheaper than repairing a bent track or damaged opener caused by neglect.
Longer Lifespan: Proper lubrication, cleaning, and timely part replacements can add years to your garage door system, delaying the need for a full replacement.
Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained door with intact seals and insulation keeps your garage at a steadier temperature, reducing energy loss from your home.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Your garage door is a crucial part of your home’s convenience, security, and curb appeal. Do you need a tune-up, inspection or repairs? Contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.
