Garage doors aren’t just functional barriers but can complement your home’s style and provide energy efficiency. Whether your door is classic, contemporary, or somewhere in between, it’s important to get the details right. Also, check out the Patriot Garage Door safety and security features.
What do Mickey Mouse, Hewlett-Packard, Harley Davidson, and Mattel have in common? Each started in someone’s garage.
As automobiles became more affordable and widespread, people realized they needed a place to keep their cars when they weren’t driving them. This led to the development of garages. The first official private garages were built in the early 1900s and used large doors that swung outwards like traditional carriage house or barn doors. This method of storing cars was inconvenient and often left vehicles exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the hinges on these large doors were susceptible to extensive wear and tear. A better solution was necessary, and it came in the form of a new type of door that would lift upwards to become parallel with the ceiling. This is the design that modern garage doors are still based on today.
The modern garage door is a very complicated piece of machinery that must be properly maintained in order to continue working efficiently. These mechanisms are designed to allow you to park your car inside the garage, which will protect it from the elements and other threats such as theft and vandalism. The modern garage door also features sensors that will stop the closing mechanism if it’s sensed that something is in the way, such as a child or pet. Before these safety mechanisms were installed, it was common for garage doors to close on children or pets, causing them serious injury.
After World War II, technological advances allowed manufacturers to produce garage doors more cheaply and easily, making them more affordable for most Americans. This opened the door for many households to own a vehicle, which was previously a luxury only available to those with enough money to afford one. The modern garage door is now an essential part of the American family, and it continues to evolve over time.
Inventors have also worked to improve the mechanisms that open and close these large doors. The first electric garage door opener was created in 1926 by C.G. Johnson, who is considered “the father of the garage door industry.” This device allows you to operate your garage door from the comfort of your car, eliminating the need for you to get out and manually open it.
Design
If you’re looking to upgrade your garage door and add a design statement to your home, there are many choices that go beyond the builder-grade options. The first step is to consider the style of your home and pick a garage door that aligns with its aesthetic. Modern garage doors are often made from aluminum and high-grade synthetic materials that offer a sleek, minimalist look. These doors typically have full-view glass panels, which allow natural light to flood the space and connect your garage to the outdoors.
For a more traditional look, select a door that matches the style of your home and its architecture. This broad category includes styles that align with Colonials, ranch homes and craftsman designs as well as more recent popular options such as cape cods. These doors usually have symmetrical panels and classic styling that complements any house type.
The material your garage door is made from will also impact its appearance and performance. Steel and aluminum are durable options that require little maintenance, while wood offers a premium look but requires more frequent upkeep. Wood composite is a popular choice that has the look of wood but offers the durability and low maintenance of metal.
Next, decide if you want the door to be operated manually or with an opener. If you’re planning to use an opener, choose a model with a built-in safety sensor that stops the door from closing when something is in the path of the opening. If you’re opting for manual operation, make sure your door has a red safety cable that hangs from the track to allow for easy emergency disconnect.
Once you’ve chosen a style and material, customize your garage door even more with an array of color and stain choices. Stains are a great way to highlight the natural beauty of any wood design, while paints are available in a wide range of colors that can coordinate with your home’s exterior.
Another way to make your garage door stand out is by selecting unique hardware, which can elevate the overall aesthetic. For example, Clopay offers handles and hinges in brushed stainless steel and matte black finishes that enhance modern designs and create subtle yet sophisticated details.
Installation
The garage door is one of the most visible components of your home’s exterior. It should reflect your style and complement the architectural design of your house. It should also add curb appeal and value to your property. In addition to securing your vehicles, tools and equipment, it should provide an attractive entryway into the interior of your home.
Garage doors are available in a wide range of styles and materials, each with its own unique benefits. Consider your climate, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs when choosing a garage door. For example, if you live in a coastal area, you may want to choose a fiberglass or vinyl garage door that resists corrosion. If energy efficiency is a priority, look for insulated garage doors with high R-values.
Before shopping for a garage door, take accurate measurements of your opening to ensure that the new door will fit properly. If you’re installing a sectional door, the dimensions of the sections should match the width and height of the existing frame. Also note that the amount of headroom (space above the door opening) and backroom (space behind the garage door) is important when selecting a garage door. If you have limited space, a low headroom or backroom garage door is available.
The spring system is another key component of a garage door. Most residential garage doors use either a torsion or extension spring system. A torsion system uses springs above the opening of your garage, while an extension system has cables at the bottom corners of the garage door. Both systems use braided steel wires to work alongside the springs to lift the door.
Whether you’re looking for a classic natural wood look or a neighborhood showstopper, the options are endless. Most metal garage doors come with factory-applied finishes that are virtually maintenance-free. Choose from hundreds of Sherwin-Williams(r) colors and a custom tint for a personalized finish that suits your home’s design.
Sensors are a critical safety feature that help prevent the garage door from closing on pets, people or items in its path. Occasionally, sensors can become dislodged or out of alignment, which can cause the garage door to operate improperly. American Garage Door and Repair Services can clean or realign your sensors to restore proper functionality.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your garage door in excellent condition and helps prevent costly repairs. Our service professionals inspect, clean, and lubricate components like hinges, rollers, and springs to ensure they are functioning properly. We also look for unusual signs of wear or damage, such as loud noises during operation or jerky movements. This allows us to repair small problems before they become major and save you money in the long run.
The most important part of maintenance is keeping debris and dirt clear of the tracks. Dirt and debris can cause the track to bend, which affects the operation of your door. It can also interfere with the sensors and cause the door to close on objects, which could be hazardous. We recommend brushing the tracks and wiping them down with a damp cloth at least twice a year to keep the garage door operating smoothly.
Another important maintenance step is to regularly inspect and replace the door’s rubber weather stripping. This prevents drafts and keeps out cold air, rain, dust, and other debris from entering your home. This simple step can help you save on energy bills and prevent unwanted visitors from entering your home.
If you have an older garage door that doesn’t have a protective coating, consider restaining or painting it. A new coat of paint will protect the surface from stains and corrosion. It can also help improve the appearance of your garage door and add to its value.
Lastly, we recommend a monthly inspection of the operating switches, remotes, and keypads. This can make sure they are working properly and that your family members or neighbors have access to the garage. It’s also a good time to test the photo eye sensors and mechanical auto-reverse feature to make sure they’re not blocked or obstructed. If you notice any issues, be sure to contact a professional for proper repair. Adjusting mechanical parts of your garage door without a professional can be dangerous and lead to serious injury.