1) Task & components at a glance

In sectional doors, hinges connect the panels, roller holders guide the rollers in the rail, and top roller holders guide the top section into the curve.

• Center hinges : connect panels in the surface, hold the joint precisely.
• Side hinges/roller blocks : carry the load at the edges, define the rolling position.
• Top roller holder : special holders for the top section (transition straight → curve).
• Reinforcement angles & coupling plates : increase stability at critical points.

2) Product overview with direct links

Center hinges (example selection)

• Center hinge with shortened top leaf
• Novoferm center hinge
• Crawford center hinge 542, black

Side hinges & roller blocks

• Hörmann roller bracket/side hinge type 6, galvanized
• Crawford side hinge, non-adjustable
• Crawford side hinge for straight rails
• Nassau side hinge (left)
• Faltec side hinge SH 70 (aluminium) – Faltec door 310

Roll holder (side) & top roll holder (top)

• Hörmann roller holder, galvanized
• Hörmann roller holder type S
• Hörmann top roller holder, right
• Hörmann top roller holder, left
• Upper roller holder BR60 (left/right usable)
• Roller holder for Novoferm T45 panels

Reinforcement & Connection

• Hörmann reinforcement bracket for side hinge (left)
• Panel coupling plate (connecting plate/center hinge)

Sets & brand-specific solutions

• Fitting set for Alpha Deuren

Tip: If you are unsure, start with the decision table below and then compare the hole pattern/sidedness with the product photos.

3) Detect defects: Quick check & symptoms

Short diagnosis in 5 steps

1. Check the joint pattern: Are the panel gaps uneven at the top and bottom? This indicates wear on the center hinge .
2. Test for side play: Lift the door a few centimeters and shake it sideways. Excessive play indicates a problem with the side hinge/roller block or roller holder .
3. Hear curve running: cracking/scraping in the bow guide → often top roll holder bent/adjusted.
4. Cracks/deformations on the hinge leaf, rivets, or around the screws? Then replace the hinge .
5. Screw holes : worn/oval? Plan for reinforcement brackets .

Typical symptoms & indications

• Creaking when starting/stopping: dry or cracked center hinges.
• Gate pulls to the side: uneven rolling position/side hinge knocked out.
• Jams in the curve: bent/incorrectly adjusted top roller holder.
• Fine metal powder: Friction in the wrong place → check geometry.

4) Why old hinges break

Aluminum and steel sheets fatigue with repeated bending. Combined with moisture, microcracks develop, which eventually open up.

• Notch corrosion: minimal rust at screw holes → stress peaks → crack.
• Incorrect tightening torque: mounted too tightly/too loosely → blade works, hole pattern becomes oval.
• Misalignment: Rail/panels not aligned → hinges absorb transverse forces.
• Mixed operation old/new: one strong element & three weak ones → load is concentrated.

5) Selection: Manufacturer, hole pattern, side

How to find the right part

• Manufacturer & system: e.g. Hörmann, Crawford (342/542), Novoferm, Nassau, Alpha Deuren, Faltec.
• Position: Center, Side (with/without roller holder), Top (top section).
• Hole pattern & dimensions: Compare screw spacing, blade lengths, material thickness.
• Sidedness: Note L/R – unless expressly usable on both sides .
• Condition of the environment: stabilize worn areas with reinforcement angle .

Professional tip: Take photos of the installed part (front/side) + dimension sketch (hole spacing) – then compare the product photos/sketches in the shop.

6) Carry out the exchange safely

Safety first

• Secure the gate: Secure the gate in the open position against falling down (e.g. locking/support).
• Avoid spring areas: Working on torsion/tension springs is specialist work – risk of accidents.
• Protective equipment: gloves, safety goggles, firm footing.

Assembly steps (simplified sequence)

1. Identify damaged part, check dimensions/sides, have suitable replacement part ready.
2. Loosen screws, relieve pressure on component, remove old part.
3. Clean the contact surfaces and, if necessary, install reinforcement angles.
4. Attach the new part, align it without tension , and screw it in step by step.
5. Move the gate by hand, check for noise/guidance, and fine-adjust the bracket if necessary.

After replacing the brakes, run 2–3 test cycles and tighten them. Only then return to regular operation.

7) Error → Cause → Part (Quick Selection)

Practical examples from all over Germany

• Terraced house, south side: Top roller holder slightly warped due to sun/heat → replacement & readjustment → door runs quietly again.
• Industrial hall: Side hinge at the forklift passage subjected to multiple loads → new roller block + reinforcement → longer service life.
• Existing system: mixed old/new hinges → uneven joint pattern → complete set of center hinges replaced.

8) FAQ

How do I know if a hinge is broken?

Cracks in the blade, bent tabs, oval screw holes, creaking joints, crooked joints. If in doubt, compare the photo/dimensions with the product photos.

Do I always have to swap both sides?

In cases of clearly localized damage, the affected side is often sufficient. In cases of severe wear or a mix of old and new parts, replacing them in pairs is advisable to ensure the loads are balanced again.

Why do old hinges break “suddenly”?

These are usually microcracks that have grown over time due to fatigue or moisture. The "rupture moment" is only the visible end point.

What measurements do I need to order?

Manufacturer/Type (e.g. 342/542), Position (Center/Side/Top), Hole Spacing (Horizontal/Vertical), Blade Length, Material Thickness, Sides (L/R).

What about the top section?

Top roller holders or upper roller mounts are available for this purpose. These ensure a clean entry into the curve and are often available separately for the left and right.