There are parts of your home that you probably don’t even think about as long as they function as expected. Take your garage door, for example. It opens, closes, and protects your belongings tucked inside. But the moment it starts acting up, you’re likely to wonder what’s causing the problem and how long you can ignore the issue before you need to call a professional.
The culprit may be your garage door rollers, which connect the door to a set of tracks for seamless opening and closing. While the system might not be broken, you’ll likely need to contact a garage door expert for proper diagnosis, replacement, or repair. Overhead Garage Door is here to help by extending our knowledge and expertise to you. In this overview, we’ll discuss garage door rollers, including how long they last and signs they need replacing so you can get expert help when necessary and keep using your garage worry-free.
Garage Door Roller Replacement in Greater Chicago
Overhead Garage Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company. We offer same-day, 24-hour emergency service throughout greater Chicagoland and southeast Wisconsin.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Garage Door Rollers?
Garage door rollers don’t last forever. Their longevity depends on the material type, its quality, and how you maintain the system. Frequency of use also affects the rollers’ life span. If you open and close your garage door multiple times a day, it’ll experience more wear and tear than a door that remains closed for most of the week. Here are the life expectancies for garage door rollers based on their material:
- Plastic rollers: While this roller type is the least expensive, it does not equate to top, durable quality. Plastic garage door rollers only last a few years, requiring constant replacement.
- Steel rollers: These strong rollers have promising longevity with regular maintenance, lasting about 10 to 15 years, but they’re noisy and prone to corrosion and rust. Steel rollers come with or without ball bearings, which can positively or negatively affect their life span.
- Nylon rollers: Although nylon garage door rollers are the most expensive option, they have the best life span due to their durability, lasting 12 to 20 years. This material also offers the quietest opening and closing of your garage door.
Signs Your Garage Door Rollers Need Replacing
Keep an eye and an ear out for the following telltale signs that your garage door rollers need replacing:
- Old garage door rollers produce slow or uneven movement, making your garage door take longer to open or close.
- You notice visible signs of wear, such as cracks, chips, or bent components in the garage door mechanism. If these types of wear worsen, your garage door can jam and stop working altogether.
- Corrosion or rust can make the rollers emit a loud, squeaky, or grinding sound.
- The opening and closing of your garage door should be smooth from start to finish. The rollers likely need replacing if the door shakes or vibrates when in motion.
Your garage door should open and close with no issue, giving you peace of mind that all is well on your property. If you’re not sure when your garage door rollers were last replaced, inspect them periodically for damage that indicates they’re nearing the end of their life span. Paying attention to the signs your garage door rollers need replacing and getting a professional to inspect them at the first sign of trouble will help you prevent further damage to the system.
How To Replace Garage Door Rollers
Replacing garage door rollers on your own is a manageable task only if you follow proper safety precautions and instructions. This DIY task is potentially dangerous because garage doors are very heavy, and the springs carry a lot of tension, putting you at risk of serious injury. If you don’t have the right tools to get the job done or don’t trust yourself to perform the task injury-free, don’t fret. Avoid expensive mistakes by contacting a garage door professional instead.
Need garage door roller repair in the Greater Chicago area? Overhead Garage Door experts have extensive expertise and the proper equipment to complete the replacement effectively and efficiently. We require every member of our team to have at least five years of industry experience. Plus, we provide prompt repairs and timely replacements so you can get back to enjoying your home in no time.
Is It Worth Replacing Garage Door Rollers?
In short, the answer is yes. If the rollers are cracked or broken, your garage door can jam, preventing it from closing all the way. Any gaps in your garage door allow unwanted pests, thieves, or inclement weather to enter your property and cause unnecessary damage. When the rollers are bent or loose, they can cause a jerky motion when the door closes, straining the system and decreasing its life span. Prevent further damage to your home and get your garage door repaired as soon as you notice signs of wear or damage.
After a garage door roller replacement, maintain its longevity with regular maintenance every three to six months to keep the system’s components rolling smoothly. Depending on the material, you can use a silicone-based lubricant to ensure the rollers roll, not slide, in the door track. Ask our garage door specialists for the best tips to maintain your system.
Opting for the cheapest parts can result in premature wear and replacement. It’s best to avoid plastic garage door rollers if possible. Steel rollers are a good alternative that can last more than 10 years with proper maintenance, including periodic lubrication. If you go with the best option, nylon garage door rollers, you won’t need to replace them for many years to come. Ultimately, the right decision depends on your budget and repair needs.
Contact Overhead Garage Door for All Your Repair Needs
Whether your garage door rollers need attention or there is damage to the springs, door track, or cables, you should leave it to the professionals for proper diagnosis and repair. Trust our Overhead Garage Door experts to inspect your garage door and offer the best solutions to help you save money and maintain your home. We’re proud to provide same-day, 24-hour emergency service throughout Chicagoland, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contact us today for all your garage door roller repair or garage opener installation needs.