Keeping up with garage door maintenance plays a big role in its functionality and safety. However, unfamiliarity with the door’s anatomy can make it difficult to troubleshoot and explain potential problems to a repair technician. This brief guide will help you gain insight into the makeup of your garage door.

4 Important Garage Door Components

1. Panels

Panels provide coverage and aid in energy efficiency by locking in heat when the weather is cold and keeping cool air in during the summer. They can be made of a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. While some doors are made of one continuous panel, newer doors contain multiple panel sections. These panels can be separately replaced if they are damaged or fall out.

2. Torsion Spring

A torsion spring is a horizontal coil located above the garage door that helps it open and close with ease. When it is closed manually, the springs build energy as they wind up. When the door is opened manually, the springs unwind, and the energy is released. If the door feels too heavy when you try to lift it, there may be something wrong with the spring. Leaving a garage with a damaged torsion spring open is dangerous, as the door may become too heavy and drop without warning. 

3. Rollers

Rollers are small steel or nylon wheels that are affixed to the edges of the garage door. Their purpose is to help the door move up and down the tracks. The most common configuration of rollers is two at the bottom of the door, two at the top, and two more in the middle. Since rollers are in such frequent motion, they should be lubricated at least twice a year and replaced if they start making unpleasant grinding noises.

4. Vertical Tracks

Garages have two metal tracks that run from the bottom of the door to the ceiling. The door’s rollers glide along these tracks so that it opens smoothly. If the tracks are blocked by debris or tools in the garage, they can become bent. It is important to call a garage door maintenance company if you notice dents in the tracks, as this problem can hinder the door’s movement.

If you’re considering garage door maintenance or replacement, contact Mid-State Door & Opener in Tomah, WI. With 25 years of experience in garage door sales, their team strives to provide exceptional customer service and high-quality installation. They also have a wide range of popular overhead door brands available at fair prices. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (608) 372-9681 to schedule an appointment today.