The hinges on your garage door are a lot like the connective tissue that holds your bones together. Without your connective tissue, you would be a heaping pile of bones. Similarly, without strong hinges, your garage door panels wouldn’t be able to connect; they’d be disjointed and nonfunctional.
By definition, a hinge is a small garage door part that holds together the panels of your garage door. When your garage door opens or closes, the hinges allow those panels to stay together. Depending on the design of your garage door, they also help it to pivot accordingly.
Hinges come in various sizes and materials to accommodate different types of doors. They are generally numbered to indicate where on the garage door they belong.
Garage Door Hinge Replacement vs. Repair
If you’re unsure whether your hinge needs replacement or repair, the advice from our garage door experts can help. Learn about repairing versus replacing your garage door hinge.
Most garage door hinges that show signs of damage will require replacement instead of repair. This is because they are such an integral part of making sure that your garage doors don’t collapse.
Although hinges are a seemingly small part of your garage door system as a whole, we don’t recommend downplaying their importance. Maintaining your hinges, and replacing them when necessary, can save you from the headache of having to repair your garage door itself.
You should have your hinges replaced by a garage door professional if:
- There is any noticeable damage to the hinge such as being bent or rusted.
- Your garage door is hanging off the hinge.
- Your hinge makes noise when you open and close the garage door.
- You have an older hinge that isn’t as sturdy as before.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door Hinge
Choosing a new hinge for your garage door isn’t always as straightforward as ordering hinges and attaching them. There are many factors to take into consideration to make sure that you’re getting the right type of hinge, including:
- Number of door panels: Most residential garage doors use two hinges per panel.
- Door weight: Heavier garage doors need sturdier hinges. Your garage door professional can recommend the right hinge for your door based on its weight.
- Type: The design of your hinge makes a difference in its look and functionality. For example, decorative hinges do not provide nearly as much support as butt hinges, even though decorative hinges can enhance curb appeal.
If this process seems overwhelming, let the experts at Precision Garage Door Service help. Call us at (877) 301-7474. We’ll make you aware of your options and help you choose the right hinge for your preferences and needs.
Standard vs. Decorative Hinges
How important is the design of your garage door hinges? While there’s no cookie-cutter answer to this question, you may have a clear preference between maximum functionality and aesthetics.
To help you make a more informed decision, here is a little bit about standard garage door hinges versus decorative ones.
Standard Garage Door Hinges
If your main concern is supporting the heavier weight of your door, butt hinges (or “standard hinges”) are the way to go. Many residential garage door owners opt for this hinge type because of its stability. They are also generally easier to install and maintain than most other hinge types.
Decorative Garage Door Hinges
If your desire is to achieve a mix of functionality and enhanced curb appeal, consider a decorative hinge. Below are some popular decorative hinges to consider:
- Blue Ridge 16" Strap Hinge: If the exterior of your home would benefit from a barn house or rustic look, this hinge type would be a beneficial addition for its sturdiness and design.
- Versailles 18" Hinges: For more of an elegant look, consider these. They’re made from heavy-duty steel, which makes them both functional and stylish.
- Canterbury 17" Hinges: Traditional yet design-savvy, Canterbury hinges offer durability to last through normal wear and tear.
- Versailles 11" L-Hinge: Another option for achieving a look of elegance is the Versailles 11in L-hinge variety, which offers a combination of stability and flair.
To get a better idea of how the look of these hinges would fit in with the overall aesthetics of your garage door, visit our garage door designer tool.
Call Precision for Garage Door Hinge Installation and Repair
For garage door hinge repair and replacement that you can trust, call on the specialists at Precision Garage Door Service. Find the specialist nearest you or call us at (877) 301-7474 to get started on your hinge repairs.
