Garage Door Roller Replacement: what to note first

One of the little wheels along the edge of the door has a chunk missing, another sits crooked in its hinge, and there is a fine grey dust on the floor under the track where plastic has been wearing away.

Worth answering before the call

Has the door ever come off its track or been hit by a vehicle? Are there two hinges stacked at the ends of each section, or one? How many sections does the door have, and is it wood, insulated steel or single-skin?

What does stem length mean and why does it matter?

The stem is the steel shaft that passes through the hinge or fixture and carries the wheel. Most residential doors use a four-inch stem through a single hinge. Heavier doors have two hinges stacked at the ends of each section, and those need a seven- or ten-inch stem so the shaft reaches through both. A short stem in a double hinge sits loose, lets the wheel lean, and is a common reason a door leaves its track. The technician counts the hinges before choosing the set.

How often should the whole door be inspected?

Industry guidance suggests a monthly visual and listening check by the homeowner, with the door closed and then in motion, and a yearly visit from a trained door systems technician who goes over springs, cables, rollers, hinges, track, balance and the opener's safety functions. Rollers themselves are worth a look twice a year, and they belong on the list whenever springs or cables are being replaced. A door used many times a day earns more frequent attention.