How To Choose Between Steel And Nylon Garage Door Rollers

Rollers are a key component of your garage door system. They connect the door to the tracks and permit smooth operation. Here’s how to choose between the two most common materials for garage door rollers: steel and nylon.

Durability

The durability of garage door rollers depends largely on whether they have ball bearings. Ball bearings are small metal balls that are placed between the stationary rod and the rotating wheel of the roller to reduce friction. Without ball bearings, rollers wear out much faster. Most steel and nylon rollers have ball bearings. Plastic rollers, on the other hand, never do.

Rollers typically have between seven and 13 ball bearings. The greater the number of ball bearings, the longer the lifespan of the product. For example, a nylon roller with 13 ball bearings is typically rated at 20,000 cycles, whereas a nylon roller with 10 ball bearings is rated at 10,000 to 15,000 cycles.

In terms of the materials themselves, both steel and nylon are durable and have comparable lifespans. The main difference is that steel rollers can corrode. While they do have a rust-resistant coating, this protective layer can get scratched or worn down.

garage-door-roller-min.jpeg?mtime=20201022125940#asset:20650

Maintenance

Neither type of garage door roller requires a great deal of maintenance. To keep them in good condition and prevent squeaking and grinding noises, simply lubricate them twice a year using the lubricant recommend in your owner’s manual. For nylon and steel rollers with exposed ball bearings, apply the grease directly to the bearings. For rollers without bearings, apply the grease to the roller itself. Rollers with sealed ball bearings don’t require any lubrication.

For more in-depth and comprehensive information, read our article on maintaining and lubricating rollers.

Noise level

When it comes to silent operation, nylon is the clear winner. Steel rollers produce vibrations and rattling noises as they travel up and down the metal garage door tracks. One of the main advantages of nylon rollers is that they’re quiet. If having a soundless garage door system is important to you, then nylon is the obvious choice.

Cost

Steel garage door rollers cost less than nylon. If you’re looking for the most affordable option and don’t mind the extra noise, they may be the right choice.

However, note that the price of rollers also depends on the number of ball bearings they have. Rollers with 13 ball bearings are superior to rollers with 10 or seven ball bearings and are therefore more expensive.

About plastic

Plastic garage door rollers are also sold in some stores. However, they should be avoided at all costs, as they’re low-quality and typically last only two or three years. In fact, they’re a cheap product used by some home builders to cut costs. If you currently have plastic garage door rollers, you should replace them as soon as you can.

interior-garage-rollers-min.jpeg?mtime=20201022125922#asset:20649

The right rollers for you

Most garage door experts recommend investing in nylon rollers. They cost more than steel rollers, but they’re worth the upgrade. Nylon rollers are durable, dependable, and allow your garage to operate silently. However, steel rollers remain a practical option for homeowners who want to save some money upfront and don’t mind a noisier garage door system.

Roller replacement

You may be wondering if your garage door rollers are due for a replacement. Here are some possible signs that your rollers are worn and on the verge of failing:

  • Vibrations. When rollers begin to wear down, they no longer run smoothly along the track and can cause the garage door to vibrate more violently than usual.

  • Unusual noises. If your rollers are creating a screeching or grinding sound, either they need to be lubricated or they’re damaged and need replacement.

  • Door misalignment. If your door lurches or gets stuck when opening or closing, it may be due to a damaged roller that’s casing the door to open unevenly.

The best way to know if you need new rollers is to have your garage door inspected by a professional. It’s recommended that you get your whole garage door system inspected and serviced at least once a year. A qualified garage door technician will be able to determine whether any rollers are damaged and can replace them on the spot.

Operating a garage door with faulty rollers can result in costly damage to your garage door system.

new wayne dalton garage door

Quality Garage Door Rollers In Western Canada

If you want to replace worn-out rollers or upgrading to silent ones, trust the experienced team at Creative Door Services™. We supply quality garage doors parts and provide dependable garage door maintenance and repair services.

Contact us at one of our locations in Western Canada: you’ll find us in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Request Quote Request Service

Don't close the door on this great opportunity.