An Interesting Look at Garage Door Hardware
The hardware that’s used when installing your garage door makes a big difference in the long run both for basic safety, as well as mechanical operation. For this reason, we here at Boulder Garage Door in Boulder, Colorado would like to present an interesting look at garage door hardware for our customers.
Just think, if you use your garage door an average of 3-5 times a day, you will use that door about 40,000 times in 25 years, which is a reasonable life expectancy. It’s likely the largest moving part in your home and can pose a threat to your family members if it fails. That’s why it’s critical that it is built with quality materials that will not break easily. This is particularly important if you live in a windy area.
Of course, if you start with quality materials and hire the experts, you can count on a proper installation, and your garage door will perform properly for years to come without falling apart. Here’s an interesting look at garage door hardware and how to ensure that you’ve received a quality product:
TRACKS
Take a look at the horizontal tracks if you have a double door. The weight of this door requires that the tracks be reinforced with a horizontal steel angle (2”X2”, 13 gauge) to ensure that they don’t bend while sustaining the door. The 14-gauge rule of thumb also applies to the vertical tracks, and they should be not only bolted but also welded to the wall anchoring plates.
SPRINGS & CABLES
Ask what kind of torsion springs are installed. Many times a 10,000 cycle spring will be installed by default which means it will only last about 5 or 6 years. You can stretch that out by requesting 20,000 or 25,000 cycle springs. As for the lift cables used to raise and lower the door, they should be galvanized and at least ⅛ inch or 3mm in diameter.
HINGES & ROLLERS
The door should have full 14 gauge hinges, and if it measures more than 14 feet or 4.3 meters wide, it requires double hinges at the ends of the door. The right kind of hinges is necessary to ensure that the door works smoothly and retracts into the ceiling correctly. Plus, a double door should be equipped with at least three reinforcement struts to add strength to the door.
The rollers should be durable, made out of steel and with at least ten ball bearings, and can be covered in nylon to make them quieter.
While that was an interesting look at garage door hardware, you don’t have to know all of these garage hardware specifics yourself. When you contact the professionals at Boulder Garage Door to install your garage door, you can rest easy knowing that all of these garage door hardware details will be properly taken care of and your garage door will stand the test of time. We have over 40 years of experience and can assure you that a job done by us is a job well done. Call or contact us today for information.
