Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch.
Skip to main content.
Understanding Garage Door Parts and Terminology

Understanding Garage Door Parts and Terminology

24th Jun 2024

Garage doors are essential for any home, providing security, convenience, and curb appeal. To maintain and repair your door effectively, it’s crucial to understand its various parts and terminology. This knowledge will help you identify issues, communicate with professionals, and ensure you get the right parts from a quality garage door supply store.

1.Panels: These large sections make up the door itself. They are typically made from steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass, and can be insulated for energy efficiency.

2.Hinges: Located between the panels, hinges allow the door to bend as it opens and closes. Depending on the door’s weight and type, hinges come in different sizes and strengths.

3.Tracks: These metal rails guide the door as it opens and closes. Both sectional and one-piece garage doors typically have tracks. Sectional doors feature vertical and horizontal tracks, while one-piece doors have a pair running along the sides.

4.Rollers: These small wheels move inside the tracks, facilitating the door's movement. Rollers can be steel or nylon; nylon rollers are quieter and require less maintenance.

5.Springs: Most garage doors use torsion or extension springs to counterbalance their weight. Torsion springs are typically mounted above the door, while extension springs run along its sides.

6.Cables: These components work with the springs to lift the door. Cables are typically made of steel and run from the bottom of the door to the springs.

7.Drums: Garage doors with torsion springs use drums to wind the cables evenly as the door is lifted. These drums are mounted on either end of the torsion spring shaft to ensure smooth and balanced operation.

8.Bottom brackets: Found at the bottom corners of the door, these brackets secure the cables and support the door’s weight. They play a crucial role in the door's lifting mechanism and are essential for maintaining structural integrity.

9.Weather seals: These strips of rubber or vinyl are placed along the bottom, sides, and top of the door to keep out dust, debris, and moisture. Weather seals help improve energy efficiency by preventing drafts and maintaining indoor temperature.

10.Opener: This is the motorized device that automates the door’s operation. Openers have various features, including remote control, smartphone connectivity, and battery backup.

Choose Quality Garage Door Parts

Understanding the terminology and function of garage door parts is crucial for effective maintenance and communication with technicians. Whether performing a minor repair or considering an upgrade, this knowledge can save you time and money. For quality parts and expert guidance, rely on Overhead Door Parts Online.