An Easy Guide to Garage Door Drums
Drums are a part of the garage door's counterbalancing system, responsible for maintaining the balance when the garage door lifts and lowers.
Drums are a part of the garage door's counterbalancing system, responsible for maintaining the balance when the garage door lifts and lowers. These essential components work with the springs to allow the garage door mechanism to operate smoothly by offsetting the garage door weight. These circular rollers have mounted grooves on either side of the door's torsion spring bar shaft and cables wrapped around them.
The garage door drum rolls in place, and the cables wind around it when it opens and unwinds as the door closes. The drums come in different sizes and styles based on the garage door weight, height, cable length and thickness, and the required high lift. A malfunctioning garage door drum or cable will not allow the door to operate as smoothly.
Types of garage door drums
Standard lift
Standard lift garage door drums are commonly used for most residential garage doors. These are flat and have raised grooves towards the outside of the door to keep it stable and balanced as it opens. Standard lift cable drums are available in three diameters, 4", 5.25", and 8".
Vertical lift
Vertical lift garage cable drums are taller than standard lift drums. These are generally used in industries of warehouses. They shift away from the door shaft when the garage door is closed, move closer to the shaft, and wrap on the drum as the door opens. Vertical lift drums come in 8.5", 11", and 13.5" outer diameters.
High lift
High lift cable drums feature flat portions like standard lift drums and raised parts similar to vertical lift garage door drums to keep the garage door on horizontal and vertical tracks. The cables operate on the raised portion as the garage door opens vertically and then switch to the flat part when the door moves on the horizontal track. High lift drums come in 4", 5.25", 5.75", 6.375", and 8" diameters.
Signs that garage doors drums need replacement
Due to regular use, the garage door drums can rust, accumulate dirt and dust, or experience wear and time over time. Broken garage door drums can make it difficult to open the door. Here are a few warning signs indicating it is time to replace the garage door drums:
Shaky or noisy drums.
They have chipped, cracked, broken, or have become warped.
Garage door drums require regular cleaning and inspection by garage door professionals. This will help them determine potential issues and get them repaired on time to avoid damage to the garage door and its components.
If the garage door needs new drums, choose them according to the door height. Taller garage doors require larger drums to accommodate the cable length. If unsure, a garage door professional can help one choose the right drum for the garage door.
Get professional garage door drum repair and replacement
Repairing or replacing a garage door drum is complex and dangerous. Mishandling the drums, springs, or cables can result in property damage and personal injuries. A garage door technician has the necessary training, experience, expertise, and quality tools and equipment to do the job safely and efficiently. Professionals can also advise homeowners on proper garage door drum maintenance.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
