When it comes to garage doors, many factors must be considered, from climate and maintenance preferences to energy efficiency and smart functionality.
The most common types of garage doors are sectional, roll-up, and slide-to-the-side. Each type offers different materials, options, and special features. Here is a guide to help you make the right choice. Contact Avondale Garage Doors now!
Overhead garage doors can improve the look and value of your home. They can also create an extension of your living space and make it more functional. Overhead doors are available in a wide range of styles and designs, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. Some of the most popular options are roller and sectional overhead doors. You can also choose a high-speed door for maximum performance.
When comparing Division 08 products, it is essential to gauge a door’s suitability for a particular project. While some insulated steel garage doors may look similar in appearance, the specifications of each door are often quite different. Some of these include insulation, material and panel composition. It is also important to consider how the door is used and what the operating cycles are.
For example, it is a good idea to specify steel with a minimum of 26-gauge thickness, as it has better tensile and compressive strength than aluminum. Additionally, it is important to specify that the doors be designed for a maximum of 100,000 operating cycles.
The photo eyes on a garage door should be installed within 6″ of the floor and mounted in a location that is not blocked by obstructions, such as trash cans. Occasionally, the sensors can become misaligned. When this occurs, you can use a screwdriver to realign the photo eyes. If the photo eye is still not properly aligned, it may need to be replaced.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors are a great way to add style and function to your home. They offer a variety of styles and materials, making them ideal for a wide range of homes. Some are even available in automated versions that can be programmed to open partially for pedestrian access.
Sliding garage doors are also relatively inexpensive compared to other options. However, the price can vary depending on the number of panels and accessories, and if the door is automatic or manual. In addition, the installation of sliding doors requires a level ground area to ensure smooth operation. It is important to check the levelness of this area during your garage makeover project to avoid any problems in the future.
Another advantage of sliding garage doors is that they don’t take up space overhead, making them suitable for small spaces. These doors are popular in commercial and industrial applications, but they’re also becoming increasingly common for residential garages. In fact, they’re often used as an alternative to traditional garage doors in homes that have a limited amount of overhead space.
Whether you need to use your garage as an office or workshop, this type of door can be a perfect solution. It’s a simple way to convert your garage into a usable workspace while keeping your cars secure and out of sight. Sliding doors are also easy to operate and can be fitted with windows to let natural light in.
Torsion springs
A torsion spring, also called an extension spring, is a helical spring that operates with a tension load. It features hooks, loops or end coils for attachment purposes and is used in many applications, including garage doors, trampolines, electric guitars, seat belts and agricultural machinery. Tension springs are key components to a garage door system, as they provide force that balances the weight of your garage door, making it easier for people and machines to operate. When properly calibrated, a torsion spring system minimizes stress on the entire garage door system, providing greater longevity and reduced repair costs.
Most torsion springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which is the number of times your garage door opens and closes in one year. However, those who open and close their garage doors frequently may want to consider high-cycle springs rated for up to 25,000 cycles. These offer greater durability and reliability, as well as increased safety features.
To adjust your torsion springs, you’ll need a sturdy ladder, a C-clamp, and an adjustable wrench. Before you start, secure the door by placing a C-clamp below the bottom roller or using two locking pliers to hold the track hanger. Next, remove the spring hook from the track hanger by removing the nut that holds it in place. Once the spring is free, you can move it to a different hole to change its tension.
Rollers
Located along the tracks, garage door rollers are essential for the smooth operation of your doors. They are available in a variety of sizes, including two-inch wheels with a four-inch stem for residential applications and three-inch wheels with a seven- or nine-inch stem for heavier duty situations.
Generally, steel rollers are more durable than plastic ones and will last a longer time. If you’re interested in a quieter system, consider moving from metal to nylon rollers with sealed bearings. These have 13 sealed ball bearings that keep dirt and grit from entering the bearing races, extending their life and making your garage doors as quiet as possible.
Safety Sensors (Photo Eyes)
Mandated by federal law, your garage doors must have a pair of photo-eye or safety sensors that help prevent major injury or death. The sensors work by directing an infrared beam between two points near the ground. If the beam is interrupted, the garage door will stop closing halfway up and reverse direction to avoid hurting someone or damaging things.
The sensors are also the best way to prevent garage door code capturing, which allows an unauthorized person to open your garage doors. By sending a different set of random codes every time the transmitter or receiver is activated, these safety sensors ensure that the door will never open for someone who doesn’t have your unique code.
Hinges
Hinges are a key component of your garage door. They are a crucial link between the door panels and allow them to bend as the doors open and close. Garage door hinges are usually made of heavy-duty galvanized steel to provide strength and longevity. You can choose from a variety of styles and gauges to find the best fit for your doors. Most commercial hinges are imprinted with a number to indicate their size, so it’s important to match the right ones for your garage door.
Sectional garage doors are the most popular type of residential garage door in America. They consist of panel sections that are hinged together, allowing them to open vertically and move into the garage ceiling. They are an excellent choice for homes with taller garages and those in climates that experience extreme temperatures, as they can be insulated to help keep the garage at a comfortable temperature.
Traditional swing-out garage doors resemble the classic doors on older houses and are often made of wood. They hang from jambs on strong hinge systems and have a beautiful look that complements any home style. However, they do require more clearance than other types of doors, so you’ll want to make sure your vehicle can park inside the garage without blocking the door. Also, swing-out garage doors can’t be automated, so you’ll need to open and close them manually if you have one in your garage.
Weatherstripping
If you have gaps around your doors and windows, weather stripping can help seal them up, reducing drafts that drive up your energy bills. It can also keep your home warm and dry in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer, preventing air from escaping and keeping outside air out.
Choosing the right type of weather stripping will depend on your specific needs and the gap size. For example, you may want a metal or vinyl v-strip that offers a tighter seal than foam tape or door sweeps. You can install these types with or without a groove in your door jamb, although some require the use of a grooving tool to cut a grove for them. Foam and felt strips are cheaper and easier to install, but they wear out more quickly and don’t hold up well against moisture.
The most durable option is interlocking metal, which provides a very tight seal and lasts for a lifetime when installed correctly. Before installing new weather stripping, clean the frame and jamb with a damp cloth, repair any damage, and sand it smooth. This will give the new material a good surface to stick to and make it more effective. If you’re unsure how to measure the gap, try using a dollar bill between the door and jamb to see how much space there is. This will give you an idea of the amount of weather stripping that you’ll need.
