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Understanding Garage Door Anatomy GarageDoorSalesNearme.Com | The terminology used to describe a garage door can be confusing.
There are different parts that make up your door, like the torsion spring and lock bar. But what exactly are they? Understanding garage door anatomy will help you understand these parts better.
In this article, we will talk about the Hinge and Rollers, as well as the Torsion and Extension springs. And while these parts are important, the terminology used to describe them can be confusing, too.
Garage Door Anatomy
#Torsion springs
You might be wondering what to do with torsion springs in garage doors. To get started, unwind the spring completely, removing it from the bracket and cable attachment.
Next, measure its wire size, inside diameter, and length. Once you have the measurements, wind the spring in the opposite direction from how it was unwound. Lastly, wind it by hand until it is a quarter turn off its center.
A torsion spring will last for a specified number of cycles. Each cycle is the time it takes the door to open and close. In general, a spring can withstand at least 10,000 cycles.
This figure is a general rule of thumb for springs, which means that if the spring is rated for 10,000 cycles, it should last for several years.
However, if you have a heavier or narrower door, it may be necessary to increase the inside diameter to compensate for the additional weight.
The easiest way to measure a torsion spring is to use a tape measure. Measure the length from one end of the torsion spring to the other and divide it by twenty or forty to get the wire diameter.
Once you know how long the spring is, you can measure the length. For a 36-inch torsion spring, measure one end to the other and note down the length. After that, you can use the length to purchase a replacement spring.
#Extension springs
The first step to properly replace an extension spring is to identify the spring size. These springs are usually marked with a color code on the end. Different manufacturers use different color codes to indicate their specific pulling weight.
Before purchasing new extension springs, weigh your door so that you can determine the appropriate size. Then, measure the springs with an analog scale. For broken extension springs, measure the weight of the door from either the center or side of the broken spring.
To properly diagnose your door’s extension springs, first determine the length of your current springs. A spring with a stretch of five inches will be 30 inches long.
The length of the spring depends on the height of the door and the length of the cable. Extension springs can extend up to 42 inches.
You can buy extension spring clips to fix the problem, but this is only a temporary solution. Ultimately, it’s best to replace the entire spring if the existing springs are frayed.
Garage doors with taller doors require a longer spring than short-strung ones. To avoid compromising the spring’s life, be sure to check the first number of the spring.
In general, you should not use a spring with a first number greater than 10. The first number should be ten percent higher than the second number.
For example, a seven-foot extension spring cannot be used on an eight-foot garage door. The spring will not stretch to its full length, which will cause extra tension when the door is opened and will affect the lift.
Garage Door Anatomy
#Hinge
A basic understanding of the garage door’s hinge is essential to its proper functioning. A hinge is a part that connects each section of the door. It differs from one panel to the next, and is marked by number on the bottom section.
If the hinge is installed incorrectly, it could result in a damaged garage door. To replace the hinge, disconnect the garage door opener.
Remove the hinge with a crescent or socket wrench. Replace the hinge with a new one and install new bolts and washers.
Garage door hinges come in different gauges, sizes, and styles. Gauges are assigned to different hinges, depending on the size of the door, the number of panels, and the number of windows.
Most hinges are labeled with a number, usually one through ten. These numbers correspond to where the hinge is installed.
A technician can evaluate the system and replace any defective parts with appropriate ones. If you do not know how to identify the hinge, consult a garage door repair shop.
The garage door is made up of individual panels, which fold upwards and outwards to open and close. Wood doors can show wear and tear with improper maintenance.
Steel and aluminum doors corrode and rust over time when they are not cleaned and maintained regularly. Each panel is connected to another panel by a hinge.
If a single hinge is broken, the entire system can become damaged. That’s why it’s crucial to keep track of garage door hinges to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
#Rollers
Garage door rollers are an important part of the door and require regular maintenance to keep them operating properly.
While it is tempting to use WD-40 to grease the rollers, this is not a good idea, as WD-40 is a degreaser, not a lubricant.
Instead, use silicone or lithium-based grease to maintain the smooth operation of your garage door. If you are handy with tools, you can also purchase a grease gun for your door and apply grease using it.
In general, the more expensive rollers have a longer lifespan, but there are cheap ones that will last you only a few years. A few other warning signs to look for are cracked rollers or loose components.
Even though rollers are made of durable materials, they can still wear out over time. If the rollers are beginning to squeak, or your garage door is making strange noises, they might need replacing.
The cheapest type of rollers is plastic. This material is easily damaged, and is often noisy. It also wears out easily, since the metal roller makes contact with the metal track, causing friction.
Some people try to lubricate these rollers, but the oil they use can attract dirt into the bearings, reducing their life. A better option would be to upgrade to a two-inch nylon-coated roller that has 11 ball bearings.
Garage Door Anatomy
#Lock bar
There are some basic steps that you need to follow to fix a lock on a garage door. First, make sure that the floor of the garage is free from any obstructions.
If there is any object blocking the entrance to the garage, the lock bar may not be aligned properly. Also, check for irregularities in the bottom seal of the garage door and ensure that it is seated and level. If none of these steps work, call Overhead Door technicians to fix the lock for you.
Once you have learned the basic terminology behind a garage door, you should also learn about its parts. For example, the lock bar is the part that locks the door so that no one can open it accidentally.
The torsion spring is another component. It is designed for European and Asian cars and is stamped with its thread color.
The other parts of the garage door are hinges and locks. It is important to learn the basic anatomy of a garage door to avoid getting lost or confused.
#Tracks
A garage door has many moving parts, but a track system is one of the most important. The tracks hold the door in place and may be curved, vertical, or horizontal.
Regular inspections of the tracks are essential to ensure that they are in good condition. Damage to the tracks can result from heavy objects and forces.
Here are some ways to maintain their proper condition. When they begin to bend or break, it is time to call a technician.
The horizontal track is made of a section of the track reinforced with an angle. It supports the garage door in a horizontal position. This track contains a curved end called a radius.
The IDA plays a critical role in door quality control. They partner with the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation to develop educational and certification programs.
The tracks of garage doors can be damaged by truck or building impacts. Heavy doors may also shift, resulting in foundation or construction shifting.
Generally, residential tracks are 0.055″ wide and mount to the jamb by machine-riveting. For heavier doors, this is a good choice for jambs made of steel.
The angle also provides significant structural support for the horizontal track. In addition, the header and flag bracket attach to the header.
The rear hang is a reinforced “triangle” of angle iron. These brackets add support to the rear portion of the horizontal track assembly.