Broken Garage Door Rollers Repair
Garage door rollers are the wheels that allow your door to move on the metal tracks horizontally and the slides of your door, vertically.
The roller is comprised of a wheel and a metal rod, which is attached to the overhead door’s frame.
The rollers play an essential role in letting the door open and close.
That is why it is a big problem when an issue such as a broken roller arises.
Before we discuss how to repair broken rollers, here are the types of rollers you need to know.
Types of Garage Door Rollers
There are three types of garage door rollers.
The plastic rollers are affordable, however, it is not sturdy.
It can be an option for doors lighter garage door models, and single-panel types of overhead doors.
Steel rollers are made of steel and carry more weight in comparison to plastic rollers.
This type of roller is loud when it moves.
However, it is durable and can last a long time.
Nylon rollers are the best option for garage door rollers.
This roller is lightweight, but it supports heavy garage doors.
It has a longer lifespan which is a long-term investment for many homeowners.
Signs of a Broken Roller
There are many things that will giveaway a broken roller.
First, it makes a popping sound when the door opens and closes.
That is the sound of the rollers being pushed further into the tracks, causing it to make popping noises.
Two, the door will wiggle.
The door will wiggle because part of the roller is already loose from the track.
This will cause the whole door to shake when it opens and closes.
The garage door will also vibrate, making loud noises as it does because the roller is about to leave the tracks that keep it in its place.
When that happens, it is high time to replace a broken roller.
Here are the steps to fix a broken roller.
Broken Rollers Repair
The first replacement is on broken rollers on a horizontal track.
Step #1
Close the door to prevent the section you are about to dismantle from falling.
Step #2
With the proper sized socket, remove the hinge from its place.
Step #3
Remove the broken roller and then put the hinge back in its place.
Vertical tracks pose a safety hazard.
That is because the bottom bracket is attached to a cable.
If you remove the bracket, then the cable will escape its sloop and can electrocute you.
A way to change this, though we discourage it, is to first
Step #1
Bend the vertical track, 6 inches from the transition of the curved track.
Step #2
Remove the roller from the track. Do this without moving the bottom bracket.
Step #3
Put the replacement roller in its place and bend the curved track again.
Garage Roller Maintenance
The typical lifespan of a garage roller is fifteen to twenty years.
To extend a garage roller’s life, you should take care of it and apply proper maintenance.
First, choose a track that will last you a long time.
Yes, we’re suggesting you opt for a nylon roller.
Make it a habit to lubricate the rollers yearly. Make sure that this lubricant is lithium-based.
Clean the tracks from debris that may turn into a blockage.
What will happen when you do not replace the garage roller the moment it breaks?
First of all, that is pushing the limits.
When you leave a broken garage roller for too long, you risk stressing the other parts of the door.
Stressing the other parts of the door will cause more problems and it also imposes safety hazards.
Honestly, we do not encourage people to do broken roller repair on their own.
When you remove the hinge from its attachment, the door may fall and take you with it.
There’s also the issue with cables and wires that should already make you doublethink if you truly want to do it.
If not, that is the safe and sensible option that we encourage.
We are adept in garage door roller replacements and ensure that your door will be running well by the time it is finished.
Some of the tips above require help from professionals but, for anyone residing in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Markham, or Newmarket, rest assured that there are many garage door repair experts in the area to help.
