Garage door hinges may be small and easy to ignore, but they are essential. They guarantee the proper opening and closing of your garage door and allow your door to accurately follow the track to eliminate any swinging. If the garage door hinges wear out, it may be extremely difficult or impossible to open your garage door safely.
Common Signs of Worn Garage Door Hinges
Whenever your garage door operates, many parts are under a great deal of tension, weight and pressure — including the hinges. Garage door hinges can often wear or become broken due to damage, for example, by a car impact or improper maintenance. You can typically determine that your hinges are wearing out if you notice any of these signs:
- Loose or missing screws: If the screws securing the hinges are loose or missing, the hinge itself can become misaligned, causing the door to operate inefficiently.
Jamming or sticking: If your garage door becomes difficult to move or the roller shafts do not slide side to side, it could be due to damaged hinges or rollers.
Rust buildup: You may notice rust buildup, particularly on lower panels where moisture tends to collect. Rust and corrosion on the hinges impede their movement and weaken them structurally. - Squeaking or grinding noises: If you hear persistent squeaking or grinding, it could be a sign that the hinge or roller is worn out.
Visible damage or bending: Physical damage, such as impacts from vehicles or improper use, can cause hinges to bend, resulting in misalignment that makes the door more challenging to open and close. A damaged hinge can cause the door to drag, making the door and opener to wear out sooner.
Once you suspect your hinge is wearing out, or has already broken, it’s best to replace it with a newer, sturdier, heavy steel option.
Types of Garage Door Hinges and Their Functions
Choosing the right hinge type is essential for door durability and performance. The ideal garage door replacement hinge depends on your door’s size, weight and frequency of use. Here are the most common types of garage door hinges:
- Standard residential hinges: These hinges are the most common on residential garage doors. They’re generally made from 14-gauge steel and stamped with numbers indicating where they belong. For example, number 1 hinges are installed between the bottom and second panel, while number 2 and 3 hinges are used progressively higher on the door. Hinges at the edges also support rollers, helping the door move smoothly along the track.
- Heavy-duty hinges: For larger or frequently used doors, heavier gauge hinges, such as 11-gauge steel, provide enhanced strength and longevity. These are common in commercial settings or on residential doors that see high traffic or carry extra weight.
- Roller hinge combinations: Roller hinges support the garage door rollers and allow smooth panel movement along the track.
- Eco-friendly hinges: Green hinges are an emerging option in residential and commercial applications. They help seal gaps between the door and frame, reducing air leaks and improving temperature stability.
Garage Door Hinge Replacement Options
If you’ve spotted a broken hinge on your garage door, it’s time to consider your replacement options:
- DIY considerations and risks: Replacing garage door hinges might seem simple, but incorrect sizing or installation can compromise door performance and your safety. A hinge too weak for the door weight, or one mounted improperly, can lead to jamming, misalignment or additional wear on adjacent components.
- Professional replacement benefits: Replacing garage door hinges professionally ensures that hinge gauges, numbers and placements match your door’s size and weight. Technicians also have the expertise and tools to support the door safely during hinge swaps, eliminating the risk of injury or structural damage.
- Approximate costs: The cost will depend on the type and gauge of steel. You may need between 10 and 15 hinges for a standard residential door. Heavy-duty or custom powder-coated hinges will cost more but offer superior durability.
Trust Us for Preventative Garage Door Repair and Maintenance
Whenever you need garage door repair or maintenance, it’s always best to trust a professional. It can be very tempting to get a garage door hardware kit from your local big box retailer, but DIY repairs put you at risk of avoidable injury. Our technicians at Best Overhead Door have the necessary tools and knowledge available to safely make repairs without risk of personal injury.
Once you’ve replaced your garage door hinges, conduct routine maintenance to ensure they’re always in good shape. The best way to ensure the lifespan of your garage door is to trust a professional to perform maintenance at least once every year. During maintenance, a professional will check all moving parts and ensure everything is properly lubricated. Maintenance includes checking the functionality of the door hinges and torsion springs. As needed, they will make any repair recommendations or upgrades to ensure your garage door is continually operating properly and safely with all the necessary hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Hinges
Explore the answers to commonly asked questions below:
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- How long do garage door hinges typically last? The lifespan of garage door hinges generally depends on usage, hinge gauge and maintenance frequency.
- Can I replace just one hinge, or should I replace them all? If only one hinge is worn or damaged, you can replace it. However, upgrading all hinges at once is often more cost-effective if your door is over 10 years old or if multiple hinges are showing wear.
- What’s the difference between residential and commercial hinges? Residential hinges are lighter and typically made from higher-gauge steel, while commercial hinges are more robust, often made from lower-gauge steel to handle the weight and stress of larger doors.
- How do I know which numbered hinge to use where? Hinges are numbered based on their position on the door. Number 1 hinges are typically placed at the bottom, while number 2 and higher are placed progressively higher along the door. Consult with a professional if you’re unsure.
- Are green hinges worth the investment? Green hinges are a smart upgrade for garages where energy efficiency is critical. These self-adjusting hinges form a tighter seal against the jamb, reducing air leaks and temperature shifts. While more expensive up front, they can help stabilize indoor temperatures and lower utility costs.
Choose Best Overhead Door, LLC For Garage Door Repairs
For all garage door repairs, it’s best to trust a professional to guarantee safety and proper maintenance using quality tools and equipment. For nearly 30 years, Best Overhead Door has been the premier garage door installation, maintenance and repair company for Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA. If you’re ever stuck with an improperly functioning garage door, call our technicians, who are available 24 hours a day and can promptly and reliably repair your garage door.
To learn more about our services, complete our online contact form or speak to one of our team members today at (503) 620-1205.
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