How Often to Replace Garage Door Rollers?

As a homeowner, you are aware that garage door rollers are the most crucial parts of the garage door. They are responsible for the door to move up and down when they are open or closed. Without these rollers, the only way you can operate the garage door is through manual effort. It’s not only dangerous but unnecessary to pull up and pull down manually.

The most important question in your head is – How often should you be replacing the garage door rollers? While you are here, allow us to share the answer to this query.

Why Should You Replace Defective Rollers?

In case you have any kind of defect in the garage door, it is possible that it needs to be replaced. Every garage door part has a lifespan. Whether it’s the rollers or the springs, you have to replace them at some point.

When your garage door roller malfunctions or breaks, it can cause issues in operation.

Rollers need to be ship-shape for smooth garage door operation. A breakage or malfunction of rollers may not seem like a big thing to you as of now, but you will notice the damage it can cause.

When a garage roller wears off or loosens, it will make the door open in a jerky and uncanny manner. It puts a lot of strain on the door opener system which also decreases its lifespan.

A broken or cracked roller also jams the door. This might make it difficult for you to enter or leave the garage with your car. Moreover, it also makes your house vulnerable to pests, intruders, and harsh weather conditions.

In case the rollers don’t work properly, the whole system can get damaged. It is advisable for you to replace any worn out rollers within a stipulated time frame to avoid further damage.

When Should You Replace Garage Door Rollers?

Just like garage door parts such as springs, rollers have a yardstick known as cycle ratings. This means that rollers last only for a few cycles.

When you close or open the garage door, it is counted as one cycle. Any average garage door is opened and closed at least three to five times a day or at least fifteen hundred times a year.

In general, you can see the documentation of the door to check the service life of all the components. The service life of the rollers will also be mentioned within that.

Let’s take the example of nylon rollers. They last up to ten thousand cycles. This kind of roller should last at least seven years. In case the rollers are close to seven years old, it’s time to change them.

Signs That Your Garage Door Rollers Need a Replacement

It’s about checking the cycle ratings. That’s an important yardstick to find out how long the garage door rollers will last.

Don’t wait till the end of time because rollers tend to get worn out sooner than you know. It’s crucial for you to inspect these rollers carefully.

Look for any damage or possible signs of wear and tear. You will see a few signs like chipping, cracking, loose, or bent components. Rollers that have ball bearings should be checked for any kind of broken seals.

Other signs include slow or irregular garage operation and noises like grinding and squeaking. Be very sure that you inspect the rollers from time to time. You may need to call a professional to inspect and also lubricate the garage door rollers.

In a nutshell, maintenance and inspection both are required to see if everything is ship-shape.

It’s Time To Get Your Garage Doors Rollers Replaced

Now that you are aware of the different signs that tell you your garage door is damaged and needs replacement, it is time to take some action.

Garage door replacement is a daunting, physically tiring, and time-consuming task! It is best to hire a professional to take care of this. Garage doors are complex and intricate systems. They are very heavy and only a professional knows how to fix them efficiently

DIY can be a foolish and very expensive mistake indeed. You could get an injury so it’s best to let the professional take care of everything.

In case the rollers are worn-out, old, or damaged, make sure you hire a professional.

Hiring a professional may be a daunting task for you at this point. You should be finding garage professionals near you and check their ratings and reviews.

You can also ask your friends, relatives, and neighbours about the best technicians to take a look at the garage door.

How Often Should You Change the Rollers of a Garage Door?

Drum rolls, please!

Ideally, you should replace the garage door rollers every 5 to 10 years. Even if it has a lifespan of 15 or 20 years, you should not wait for it to lose its sheen or completely die.

Human beings have a habit of using objects till the expiry date, but there’s always a chance that your garage door roller might malfunction or get damaged at some point.

You need to get it inspected on a yearly basis or whenever you find any glitch with it.

It also depends on your usage. If you are using the garage door 50 times a day, the roller will not as long as you think it does.

Whenever you see a sign that the garage door is not opening smoothly or you get jerking motion while opening the door, it is advisable to call a professional and let them check it.

If it’s the rollers (or the springs), make sure you get it replaced immediately.

Concluding Thoughts

A garage door is an important part of the house. Even if it’s not inside the house, it plays a crucial role in insulating your home.

Most importantly, it is also the access point for thieves and other intruders. Why do you want to wait till your rollers reach the end of their lifespan?

If your garage door is giving you problems, get it checked and see if the rollers are creating the menace. In case that’s the issue, don’t waste time and change the rollers now (even if the lifespan is 20 years).