Garage Door Rollers: How Do You Choose the Right One

The garage door rollers are one of the smallest yet vital parts of your garage door system. Since your garage door opens and closes daily, understanding the basics of garage door rollers is essential. Take the time to read our guide to help you choose the right ones for your system.

How Do Garage Door Rollers Work?

The door mechanism depends heavily on the garage door rollers. These small wheels with ball bearings help the door move up and down smoothly. Attached to a shaft, they slide into a sleeve bracket on the door, allowing it to open and close efficiently.

The Two Types of Garage Door Rollers

There are different types of garage door rollers available on the market. Below, we will explain further the pros and cons of the two most commonly used rollers in garage doors.

Steel Rollers

Steel rollers consist of a steel wheel connected to a steel shaft that allows the wheel section to move freely. That makes them quite robust and sturdy, unlikely to break under normal circumstances. One advantage of steel door rollers is that they tend to be cheaper than their nylon counterparts.

However, steel door rollers also have some disadvantages. Compared to nylon rollers, they make more noise and vibration as they travel up and down the metal track. Additionally, they also require frequent lubrication to keep them working smoothly.

Nylon Rollers

Nylon is a tough and durable chemical polymer used in various products, including rollers. These rollers need very little lubrication, making them efficient and easy to use. Also, they are much quieter than conventional rollers because they are sturdy and absorb vibrations.

So, if you want a quieter garage door, rollers made from tough and durable nylon material are definitely for you. However, they may cost a bit more than steel rollers.

How Can You Determine the Right Size of Garage Door Rollers?

One way to determine the correct roller sizes is to take one out and measure it precisely. Another way is to open the door halfway and see whether rollers are visible from eye level.

To determine the size of replacement rollers, measure the length of the roller head using a ruler or tape measure. The standard roller sizes are one-inch, two-inch, or three-inch. With the exception that they are 1/4″ shorter, they are 3/4″, 1 3/4″, and 2 3/4″.

You can also measure the stem or shaft connected to the roller. Make sure you measure it and that the new ones will be the same length. Older doors may require custom-sized rollers, so contact Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities if you need help.

When Do You Need to Replace the Garage Door Rollers?

As your overhead garage door ages, the rollers may operate louder. This issue is likely due to a lack of lubrication or annual maintenance. Immediately replacing the rollers can help prevent further problems, such as a door going off track. Thus wears out other garage door parts, including drive gears, sprockets, and belts on your garage door opener.

Another indication that rollers need replacement is shaking or excessive vibration when the door is opening or closing. Again, rust is a common culprit to this, as it can make the rollers turn less smoothly.

Garage Door Repair Near Me

Do you need a new set of garage door rollers? Do not risk making expensive mistakes or causing harm to yourself by attempting a DIY garage door repair. Instead, call on the garage door professionals to advise you on the best high-quality replacement parts.

At Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities, we would love to hear from you if you have any questions on garage door repair. Rely on our expertise to perform garage door maintenance and emergency repairs as needed. We proudly serve Bettendorf, IA, and the surrounding areas. So get in touch with us today to avail yourself of free estimates!