Anatomy of a Garage Door - Findlay Door and Hearth

Findlay Door and Hearth - Anatomy of a Garage Door

Familiarizing yourself with the key parts and components of your garage door is helpful when you’re shopping for a new garage door or reaching out to us for repair or maintenance services. When you ever have questions about specific garage door parts, our team is always available to assist you. We are also ready in case of a garage door emergency, so give us a call today! We’re here to help.

WEATHER SEAL

The garage door weather seal, also known as weatherstripping, is installed along all four sides of the garage door to create a secure seal that helps block out cold air, moisture, pests, and insects.

DOOR SENSORS

Garage door safety sensors, often called eye sensors, emit a light beam across the interior of the garage door to detect movement or obstacles, preventing accidental closures. Federal regulations mandate safety features like these sensors on all garage doors.

DOOR STRUTS

Garage door struts are installed along the top panel and across the width of other panels, providing added strength and stability to prevent the sections from bending. They help ensure the door operates smoothly when opening and closing.

DOOR LOCK

Many overhead doors are equipped with security features like slide locks, deadbolts, or latch-style garage door locks. Contact us to learn more about garage door security advancements and options to safeguard your home and valuable belongings.

DOOR TRACKS

Garage door tracks direct the movement of the door as it opens and closes. Available in three different widths to accommodate various needs, these tracks are positioned on either side of the door and extend above it.

HINGES

Garage door panel hinges link the individual sections of the garage door together. Available in various styles and sizes, these hinges are subject to wear and should be regularly maintained by our team of technicians and replaced as needed.

CABLE DRUMS

Garage door cable drums are positioned at the ends of the torsion spring shaft, facilitating the winding and unwinding of cables when the door is raised or lowered.

HORIZONTAL TRACKS

The horizontal tracks of a garage door run parallel to the ceiling and bear the weight of the garage door when it is fully opened.

SPRING PAD

The spring pad is installed above the door to anchor the center bearing bracket and hold the tension of the torsion springs.

AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER

Automatic garage door openers use a mechanism to lift and lower the garage door. The opener’s drive mechanism may incorporate a chain drive, screw drive, or belt drive.

TORSION SPRING

The garage door torsion spring is located about the door opening and works as a counterbalance to the weight of the garage door. Because of the torsion spring’s extreme tension it should only be repaired or replaced by a qualified professional.

WINDOWS

Garage door windows are an option to add style to your home. Standard double-strength glass garage door windows can be upgraded to tempered glass, insulated glass, solar bronze, or clear Lexan® polycarbonate.

GARAGE DOOR PANELS

Several individual garage door panels make up your garage door and can typically be replaced if damaged. Door panels may be made of steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, or vinyl.

OPENER KEYPAD

The garage door opener keypad allows you to easily open or close your garage door at the push of a button – keyless entry! Accessories such as wireless consoles, master remotes, and the OHD Anywhere App provide added door control and security options.

ROLLERS

Garage door rollers are small wheels that roll up and down the garage door guide tracks as the door is opened or closed. Rollers are a wear part and should be maintained and/or replaced periodically.

INSULATED (optional)

Insulated garage doors are an option that feature built-in insulation to deliver maximum thermal efficiency – adding comfort to your home by protecting against temperature changes. Ask us about R-values and insulation material choices.