Garage doors are functional barriers that add beauty and curb appeal to homes. They also can enhance energy efficiency and increase security.
Designed to enclose and protect garages and other large structures, overhead doors are available in residential, commercial, and industrial grades. They can be constructed of wood, aluminum, steel, fabric, or a combination of materials and can be both insulated and non-insulated. They can be used for various purposes such as ventilation, light, privacy, and weather-resistance. When choosing an overhead door, it is important to review the numerous features and options that are available to ensure the correct product is selected for the application. In addition to selecting the appropriate type of overhead door for a project, it is also important to consider its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics. Keep reading the article below to Learn More.
Today, most overhead doors consist of a series of horizontal rails and sections that are able to roll up and down on a track system with the help of hardware and motorized openers. They can be operated manually or with a remote control. The most popular overhead doors are sectional garage doors, which can be either up-and-over or roll-up. They are a great choice for homeowners who want to maximize space in their garages.
When selecting an insulated overhead door, it is important to choose one that is properly sized for the opening. A correctly sized overhead door will not only offer the best thermal performance, but will also be less expensive to install. In addition, it is important to understand that different types of insulation can be produced using various methods, which may affect their R-value. For example, polystyrene offers a lower R-value than polyurethane, but can be produced at a more cost-effective rate.
Security
Your garage door is a major entrance point into your home. It can be a tempting target for burglars, who are looking to steal expensive items. Fortunately, there are many ways to help make your garage and the rest of your property more secure. From security cameras and deadbolt locks to securing remote controls and prioritizing preventative maintenance, the right combination of measures can help keep your property safe from break-ins.
For commercial properties, a strong security strategy is vital to protect assets and maintain a safe environment for employees. By implementing a comprehensive approach to commercial garage door safety, businesses can mitigate the risk of break-ins and unauthorized access, while fostering an overall sense of security and tranquility for occupants.
Garage doors are typically constructed of wood or a steel and aluminum composite. For enhanced security, consider a reinforced fiberglass door. These doors offer excellent resistance to impacts and forceful entry attempts, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Installing security-enhancing features like photoelectric eyes, strike reinforcements, and a backup battery can provide added peace of mind. These features can help deter unwanted intrusions and prevent injuries to occupants.
Regularly inspect your garage door for signs of tampering or damage. Replacing weakened or damaged panels quickly can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access or injury.
Other physical security features to consider include a recessed keypad that reduces exposure, a lock that requires a special tool to open, and a backup battery that provides power even in the event of a power outage. Also, ensure that your garage has adequate ventilation to reduce humidity levels, which can lead to mold and mildew growth that may impact the integrity of the structure and components.
Lastly, consider upgrading your garage door to smart technology that integrates with your home automation system. Using a smartphone app, homeowners can remotely control their garage door, and receive notifications if it is opened or closed unexpectedly. Other innovative features include biometric fingerprint scan pads for heightened security and geo-fencing and geolocation functions that automate door actions based on user proximity.
Design
The design of the garage door you choose depends on the type of vehicle you plan to park in the garage, your aesthetic preferences and maintenance needs. You should also consider factors like climate, energy efficiency and price. For instance, if you live in a coastal area, you should opt for a door made from fiberglass that resists corrosion. You should also look for a door with high insulating values to help you save on energy costs.
Before you can buy a new garage door, you must take accurate measurements of your existing doorway to determine what size door will work. This process is not difficult but requires time and effort. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a garage door expert to avoid errors and ensure the correct dimensions are taken. You should also make sure the door opening is not blocked by any other obstructions that may interfere with normal operation of the garage doors.
You must measure the width of the doorway at both the top and bottom of the existing garage opening, as well as the space between the center post of two-door installations. You will also need to calculate the headroom, which is the distance between the garage door opening and the ceiling or lowest obstruction in the ceiling joists. You should use feet and inches when measuring these dimensions.
Single panel doors, which swing up overhead on hinges, require a larger clear space for full operation because the arc of their swing-up movement occurs partially outside the garage. On the other hand, sectional doors run along lower trolleys and do not need as much clear space to operate.
Most residential garage doors are made from steel, which is available in a wide variety of designs and finishes to complement your home’s style. Steel doors are offered uninsulated, insulated and in a 3-layer construction known as a sandwich style door. They can be painted or clad with composite or vinyl to mimic the appearance of traditional wood carriage house doors.
For a smooth, quiet and safe operation, the garage door must be properly balanced with steel counterbalance cables. These are attached to the roller brackets at the bottom corners of the door and to a notch on each cable drum. As the garage door rises, these cables wind around the cable drums to store tension and lift the door. When the garage door is lowered, the cables unwind to counter the downward force of the springs.
Maintenance
It is important to regularly examine your garage door to look for signs of wear and tear that might require attention. Having a regular preventative maintenance schedule allows you to catch any potential problems before they become significant and costly.
Garage doors open and close with a series of wheels that glide up and down on a metal track. Over time, these tracks can get clogged with dirt, sawdust, or rust, hindering the smooth operation of the door. Spraying the tracks with brake cleaner can dislodge debris and help them work properly again. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for any unusual noises that might indicate that the rollers are not moving smoothly or that there are loose parts.
A monthly force setting test is a simple way to make sure that your garage door is still operating at the right level of tension and force. Using a long stick or pole, wave it in front of the sensor as your automatic system closes. If the door doesn’t reverse and reopen, this may be a sign that you need to clean and realign your sensors.
Another easy maintenance test is to visually inspect your cables for frays and other damage. This can be a dangerous task, as the cables are under high tension, so it is best to leave this to professional technicians.
Examining the Frame: The hinges on your garage door are what allow the panels to swing up and down, so they can easily get worn down over time. A faulty hinge can lead to structural issues with your garage door and create safety hazards around your home, so it’s important to examine them often for signs of wear and tear.
Examine the Weather Seal: Over time, the rubber weather stripping on your garage door can break down and lose its insulating properties. This can allow cold air and water to enter your home, so it’s a good idea to replace it when it becomes damaged or worn. A scheduled maintenance visit from a qualified technician can also help you keep your garage door in great working condition and minimize the need for expensive repairs down the road.