Garage door rollers. – Are they truly interchangeable? Not quite. The market offers variations, from steel tires to neoprene ones; roller bearings to sleeve bearings, each with distinct weight ratings and tire sizes. Before delving into the pros and cons of garage door neoprene rollers, let's explore the intricate details of garage door rollers.
Steel door rollers – They are the classic type we are used to, typically featuring roller bearings to enable the tire's smooth rotation under load. The weight-carrying capability varies depending on their specific construction.
Neoprene door rollers – These rollers use a steel stem paired with a nylon tire, which may come in a sleeve bearing design or incorporate a steel insert featuring roller bearings. The version with roller bearings excels in supporting heavier weights. The roller bearings play a key role in ensuring the tire rolls smoothly, preventing any sliding in the track under load. The sleeve bearing type remains satisfactory as long as the recommended load limits are observed.
Exploring Pros and Cons of Neoprene and Steel Rollers
Let’s examine the pros first:
- Neoprene door rollers are generally quieter than steel rollers. Various factors contribute to garage door noise, and it has been proven that neoprene rollers are a preferable option over steel ones.
- Neoprene door rollers are more resistant to damage from rust due to moisture.
- Neoprene door rollers wear extremely well. With appropriate selection, rollers featuring neoprene tires can support an equal or higher load compared to steel tire rollers.
Now let’s examine the cons:
There is essentially no downside as long as the correct roller is chosen for the specific installation. It's crucial to ensure that it is suitable for the intended load. An uninformed individual might unintentionally opt for a roller with a sleeve-bearing design instead of a roller-bearing design for example.
Apart from selecting the right product, there's no reason not to consider neoprene tire rollers for your garage door. They are dependable, quiet, and durable. If you're considering a replacement (check out common garage door problems here), be sure to ask our technicians about neoprene tires. You'll be amazed at how quietly and smoothly your door will operate!
The supertechs at Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey provide expert craftsmanship for your residential and commercial garage door needs offering repair and replacement services for both your garage door and its components.
OR