All You Need to Know About Garage Door Hinges

Although relatively small, garage hinges are an essential part of every garage. They hold the panels and keep them together. Therefore, properly working garage door hinges ensure that the garage door operates properly. Garage hinges come in various sizes, styles, shapes, and gauges. If you don’t know which ones you need for the garage, don’t worry. Here’s everything homeowners need to know about garage door hinges.

Garage door hinge numbers

Garage hinges come in different numbers. Knowing which ones your garage doors need will help you to make a smart purchase. After all, the right number ensures a smooth installation.

When looking at the face of the garage door hinge, you’ll notice an engraved number. The number indicates where the hinge should go on the garage door. #1 hinges usually go in the center, #2 hinges go between the second and third panels, and #3 hinges go between the third and fourth panels.

When replacing garage door hinges, make sure to purchase the right number. Getting the wrong ones could potentially damage the panels.

Residential or commercial garage door hinges

Generally speaking, there are two options for the gauge size and width. When ordering hinges for a garage door, the choice will depend on whether these are residential or commercial doors. For residential doors, 14-gauge hinges or thicker will do fine. On the other hand, heavy-duty 11-gauge hinges or lower are the right options for commercial garage doors.

Getting hinges greater than 14-gauge for residential doors is usually not recommended. They shorten the lifespan of the garage doors and prevent the door from operating correctly.

Types of hinges

The security and durability will depend a lot on the type of hinges. Some of the most common garage door hinges are flush, butt, case, and strap hinges.

Although not the strongest type, flush hinges are long-lasting. They’re also relatively small, saving a lot of space. This is because one leaf sits on the other when the garage doors are closing.

Most homeowners opt for butt hinges because they’re able to support significant weight. For this reason, these are suitable for steel garage doors. The size is similar to the flush hinges, but the leaves are positioned differently.

Case hinges can support the same weight as butt hinges but are much better-looking. If this factor is essential for homeowners, then case hinges are the right choice. What’s more, since they come in different shapes and sizes, there are many options.

Finally, strap hinges are unique and appealing. Owing to their very long leaves, these can secure the garage doors most efficiently.

Contact the professionals

Knowing which hinges to get for the garage door can be tricky, so a garage owner may want to consult an expert. A detailed inspection will allow an expert to suggest the right-sized garage door hinges that’ll ensure your garage doors operate smoothly. They can also give some suggestions about the types that’ll work well with the garage door in question.

Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112