Your garage door is a sophisticated system with numerous
interconnected parts working together to provide safe, reliable operation.
Understanding these components can help you identify potential issues early and
communicate more effectively with your garage door professional.
At Great Garage Doors, we believe informed homeowners make
better decisions about their garage door maintenance and repairs. Let’s explore
the key components that make your garage door system function smoothly.
Garage Door Panels and Springs
The most visible part of your garage door consists of
multiple horizontal panels made from steel, wood, aluminum, or composite
materials. Steel panels are popular with Youngstown and Mahoning County
homeowners for their security and insulation properties. Panels are connected
by hinges that allow the door to bend as it travels from vertical to
horizontal positions.
Garage door springs are the most critical components,
counterbalancing your door’s weight (often 150+ pounds) to enable easy
operation. Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door opening and
are safer and longer-lasting than extension springs, which mount on
either side above the tracks. Both spring types are under extreme tension and
should only be serviced by trained professionals.
Tracks, Rollers, and Movement Components
Garage door tracks guide your door’s movement,
running vertically along each side then curving horizontally along the ceiling. Rollers fit into tracks and enable smooth movement—nylon rollers operate
quietly while steel rollers offer greater durability.
Cables work with springs to lift and lower the door
safely. Frayed cables should be replaced immediately, as breaks can cause
dangerous door failures.
Garage Door Opener and Protection
The garage door opener includes a motor unit (chain,
belt, or screw drive), trolley and rail system, and safety sensors that create
an invisible beam to reverse the door if broken during closing.
The bottom seal and weatherstripping between
sections create barriers against water, debris, pests, and cold air—essential
for Northeast Ohio’s climate.
Protecting Your Investment
Understanding component functions helps you appreciate your
garage door system’s complexity and the importance of professional maintenance.
At Great Garage Doors, our trained technicians service every component of
residential and commercial garage door systems throughout Youngstown, Mahoning County, and Trumbull County.
As factory-direct distributors for Haas garage doors and
LiftMaster opening systems, we have the expertise and inventory to service any
brand of door or opener. Contact us today at 330-743-7437 to schedule your
garage door inspection.