Garage door rollers are one of the most important components of a functional garage door. You can open and close your door much more smoothly and quickly, thanks to the rod-and-wheel systems.
The rollers are working hard every time you open your garage door. However, replacement is inevitable at some point, mostly due to average wear and tear. Read on to learn more about the garage door rollers replacement process.
Why You Should Replace Defective Rollers as Soon as Possible
If your garage door is moving jerkily or slow when opening or closing, the rollers have probably become bent, worn, or loosened. One of the effects of damaged rollers is a strain on the garage door system, which impacts its lifespan.
All it takes to cause a jam keeping your door from closing completely, is a single cracked or broken roller. You might not be able to get your car in or out of the garage. Doors that don’t close properly make your garage vulnerable to the weather, pests, and thieves.
Even new garage door systems components are at risk of damage with improperly functioning rollers. Replacing the worn rollers as soon as possible will help you prevent more problems.
What Are Signs You Need to Replace Garage Door Rollers?
You will need to replace garage door rollers when they have reached their maximum number of cycles. Every opening or closing constitutes a cycle, which means at three to five cycles a day, the door will have around 1,500 cycles yearly.
Your garage door should have documentation telling you how many cycles your garage door components last before they require replacement. If your rollers are at the end of their estimated life cycle, replacement is a good idea. The projected life cycles for different rollers are:
- Nylon, which lasts about 12-20 years and are the quietest option
- Plastic, which is the most common but lasts only a few years
- Steel without ball bearings, which also last only a few years
- Steel with ball bearings, lasting 10-15 years but the noisiest
Although the life cycle ratings for most roller types are typical, sometimes the rollers wear out sooner than projected. Inspecting your rollers periodically can help you spot trouble before it starts. Some signs to look for include:
- Visible wear or damage, including chipping and cracking
- Loose connections between rods and wheels
- Broken seals in doors with ball bearings
- Squawking or grinding noises
- Slow or irregular door operation
A yearly professional inspection, at the least, will help you spot any problems before they become too serious. Part of this inspection will also include roller lubrication.
What is the Process for Replacing Rollers on Garage Doors Like?
Garage doors and their components are intricate enough that a professional needs to be involved for the best results. These doors operate under a high tension level and are also very heavy. Such a job should never be a DIY project because of the risk of injury or damage.
Before replacing your rollers, you may need to keep the lubrication frequency in mind. At the very least, you should have a professional lubricate your rollers twice a year. The professional who lubricates your rollers and does an annual inspection can advise you on when you need to think about replacements.
Whenever possible, you will want to opt for rollers made from one of the higher-quality materials. Your Kansas City garage door repair professional will know how to make the right suggestions based on your circumstances.
When you need to have your garage door rollers serviced or replaced, it is important to turn to a professional. Radio Controlled Garage Door and Gate offers the service that you need, as well as replacements for your garage door parts. Contact us today if you need any help to replace garage door rollers.
