When it comes to your garage door, there are crucial components that ensure smooth operation. Garage door drums are one such element that plays a vital role. In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about commercial garage door drums and why they matter to garage owners and homeowners alike.
Garage door drums may seem like a small part of the larger garage door system, but their significance cannot be overstated. They are circular components mounted on the torsion shaft, and their primary function is to wind and unwind the garage door cables, allowing the garage door to open and close smoothly.
Imagine this: You’re running late for work, and as you press the button to open your garage door, it gets stuck halfway. This frustrating scenario could be the result of worn-out or damaged garage door drums. Understanding how these garage door components work can help you prevent such inconveniences.
Garage Door Drums – Types
Garage door drums play a crucial role in the operation of overhead garage door systems, offering a dependable and efficient means of raising, lowering, and opening the garage door. Our garage door repair company experts in Nashville explain the types of garage door drums below.
Torsion Drums
Torsion drums use a winding mechanism that is attached to the top of a heavier garage door spring system. When the garage door springs are wound, the garage door cables and drums lift the door. As the springs unwind, the cables pull on the drums to lower the garage door.
Tension Drums
Extension drum systems use tension springs that attach to pulleys and garage door rollers on either side of the heavier door. When you open or close your garage door, tension is created which pulls the cables, allowing the door to move.
Standard Lift Drums
Standard lift drums are one of the essential garage door components of a garage door system, as they help to raise and lower the automatic garage door. These drums are typically found on most residential doors and can be found on either the left or right side of the door.
The drum is made up of two pieces; an inner drum which is connected directly to the torsion bar spring, and an outer shell which encases the inner drum. When the door is opened or closed, the drums rotate and lift or lower the door.
High Lift Drums
High lift drums are an integral part of a residential garage door system. They are used to transfer the lifting force from the opener to the garage door torsion springs, which in turn, lift and lower the door. High-lift drums are typically made of steel and feature a large wheel that holds a cable or chain on each side. As the opener runs, it lifts and lowers the cables with each pass, allowing the door to move.
Designed for well-functioning garage doors, these drums provide the necessary cable capacity for taller doors.
Vertical Lift Drums
Vertical lift drums are an important part of the modern garage door system, and they play a vital role in allowing the door to move up and down. When installing a new garage door, or replacing garage door materials of an old one, understanding how vertical lift drums work is essential.
Vertical lift drums are small cylinders that attach to either side of the top section of the garage door. They contain two cables, one on the left and right side, that are connected to a lifting arm. As the opener runs, it pulls on the drums which rotate and lift or lower the door.
Left and Right Hand Cable Drums
Garage door drums are an important component of a garage door system, as they allow the cables to be wound and unwound as the door opens and closes. There are two types of garage door cable drums: left-hand and right-hand. Knowing which type of drum to use for your particular garage door is essential to ensure it works properly and is safe to use.
Left-hand cable drums are typically used for conventional sectional-type overhead garage doors, while right-hand drums are used on one-piece doors. The difference between the two is the direction in which the drum turns when winding or unwinding the cables.
Why Choosing the Right Drum Matters
The choice of garage door drum depends on your door’s size and type. Using the wrong drum can lead to imbalanced tension and safety hazards. Always consult a professional garage door technician to determine the right drum for your specific needs.
It is imperative to properly maintain your garage door drums for safe operation. Regular inspection of the drums and cables with the help of a reputed garage door manufacturer is recommended to identify any signs of wear or damage. Also, you should lubricate the drums and garage door springs at least once a year. This will help reduce friction and ensure the smooth operation of your garage door system.
Garage Door Services in Nashville
“Garage door drums may be small, but they play a big role in the smooth functioning of your garage door. Don’t underestimate their importance.” – Jane Doe, Garage Door Expert
Jane Doe’s insight reminds us that even seemingly insignificant components like garage door drums can have a significant impact on our daily lives.
Understanding their types and importance can help you make informed decisions and ensure the longevity of your garage door. For professional advice and services related to garage door drums, contact us at Tip Top Garage Doors Nashville. For all your garage door repair needs, contact our garage door repair service providers in Nashville at Phone (615) 696-7300.