Your garage door may look simple. Perhaps to you, it is just a slab of metal, wood, or fiberglass that moves up and down. However, your garage door is so much more than that. It has a number of moving parts and mechanisms that help it function. One of the most important things overlooked by homeowners is garage door hardware. Garage door hardware can be most functional and decorative. While functional pieces are by far the most important, decorative pieces serve their purpose as well. Here are several types of garage door hardware that you should know about as a homeowner.
1. Springs
Springs are one of the most crucial parts of your appliance. Garage doors can weigh up to three hundred pounds. Because of that, it is important to balance that weight for the appliance to move up and down. That is what springs help with. The springs are under an immense amount of pressure. This pressure helps counterbalance the weight of the appliance they support, allowing it to smoothly raise and lower.
There are two types of garage door springs, torsion and extension. Torsion springs harness the power of torque to help balance the weight of the appliance, and they are considered the more high-quality product; this type of hardware coils and uncoils when the opener operates. They last longer than extension springs and are considered more durable. Extension springs stretch and contract rather than coil and uncoil. They are not as powerful or durable as torsion springs.
No matter what type of spring you have, it is important to take maintenance seriously. Get a garage door inspection once a year and look for signs of wear on your springs every few months. This type of hardware can cause serious property damage and injury when broken, so it is important to stay on top of repair needs.
2. Cables
Garage door cables work in tandem with springs to balance the weight of the garage door when it opens and closes. They wind and unwind along a metal drum. This type of garage door hardware is vulnerable to fraying and snapping after heavy use. That is why you should always have both your cables and your springs inspected annually.
3. Tracks
You know those long, curving metal bars bolted to each side of your garage wall? Those are the garage door tracks. Think of them like a path. They allow your garage door to travel up and down a certain trajectory. Garage door tracks need very little maintenance. As long as you make sure to clean them once in a while, add lubricant to the rollers that move along them, and tighten bolts and screws when they become loose, your tracks will stay in good shape.
4. Hinges, Latches, and Door Handles
Hinges, latches, and door handles often fall under the category of decorative garage door hardware. Many people use these accessories to enhance the appearance of their appliances rather than add a functional element. Decorative hardware is just there to look pretty. While this type of hardware may seem unnecessary, there is nothing wrong with improving curb appeal and keeping your property looking beautiful!
5. Garage Door Lights
The last type of garage door hardware we are going to discuss is lights. Lights are a great addition to any garage door. They enhance security, improve curb appeal, and can make working outside during the evening hours easier. Garage door lights come in a wide variety of designs and types. There is something out there for everyone.
We Install and Maintain Garage Door Hardware!
Perhaps after reading this blog, you have decided that is time to get your current hardware inspected and repaired. Or maybe you would like to get new hardware for your garage door. Whatever the case may be, our team at Best Garage Door Repair can help. Contact our team today for assistance!