Anatomy of a Garage Door - Sandusky Door & Hearth

Sandusky Door and Hearth - Anatomy of a Garage Door

Our garage door professionals invite you to learn about the parts and components of your garage door. It’s good information to know when you are shopping for a new garage door or need to contact us for garage door repair or maintenance service. Have questions? We’re here to help.

WEATHER SEAL

The garage door weather seal, or weatherstripping, is used around all four sides of the garage door and works to provide a tight seal that helps keep out cold and moisture, as well as insects and other critters.

DOOR SENSORS

Garage door safety sensors, or eye sensors, project a light beam across the inside of the garage door to sense motion or obstructions and prevent accidental closure. Federal law requires safety features such as sensors on all garage doors.

DOOR STRUTS

Garage door struts run along the top garage door panel, and the width of other door panels, adding strength and rigidity to prevent the door sections from bending. Door struts allow the door to open and close smoothly.

DOOR LOCK

Many overhead doors are secured with a slide lock, deadbolt, or latch style garage door lock. Ask us about the latest garage door security features to protect your home and high-value garage items.

DOOR TRACKS

Garage door tracks guide the garage door when opening or closing. Door tracks are located on both sides of the garage door and above the door. Tracks are available in three different widths to suit the application.

HINGES

Garage door panel hinges connect the various sections of the garage door. Hinges come in different styles and sizes, and are a wear item that should be maintained or replaced periodically.

CABLE DRUMS

Garage door cable drums are located at the end of the torsion spring shaft and help the door cables to wind and unwind as the door is lifted open or lowered to close.

HORIZONTAL TRACKS

The two horizontal tracks run parallel to the garage ceiling and support the weight of the garage door when it is fully open.

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.