Your garage door opener is made up of many components that work together to perform an important task that helps keep your home and car secure. Knowing how the system works can help you determine when to schedule garage opener repairs to keep it operational.

Which Parts Help My Garage Door Work?

1. Operator

The garage door operator is the big box that hangs in the middle of the ceiling, and it works by picking up the signal from the remote or from a keypad and switch located by the garage door. This component requires electricity to power the sensors and motor, so performance issues are usually related to the power supply. If the door isn’t moving when you press the remote buttons or keypad, have a garage opener repair technician check the motor, fuses, and circuit breaker to identify the source of the problem. 

2. Drive Openers

The drive system provides a controlled setting for the garage door to open and close. The drive itself is a motor that moves a trolley up and down a rail with help from the belt and springs. Depending on the size of the door, your garage may be equipped with a belt drive, a screw drive, or a chain drive. 

A belt drive is made of rubber and is often very quiet. Screw drives use metal rods to move the motor and require more power to move heavier doors. Chain drives use chains and are often the least expensive to install and the noisiest to use. 

If the drive isn’t working properly, the trolley may not be properly connected to the rail. A garage opener repair technician will need to remove the drive first and then reposition or replace the trolley. If there is an issue with the belt or springs, leave them to a professional—these components bear a lot of weight and require specific training to handle safely.

3. Weather Seals

Weather seals are placed on all four edges of the door to keep out pests and control conditions inside the garage. They help keep out wind and moisture and provide a more comfortable, consistent temperature year-round. Check the weather seals a few times throughout the year for cracks or signs of age, as outside conditions can wear them out and make them less effective.

If your garage door is due for a tuneup, contact Garage Door Repair in Maineville, OH. They have served the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, as well as Northern Kentucky, for over 15 years, providing expert installations and repair services. They carry doors from highly respected brands and offer 24/7 service for garage opener repairs. Visit their website for service details, and call (513) 384-1424 for an appointment.