Norman Garage Door has become a key home design and security component. They are available in various types, materials, and features.
Choosing the right door depends on factors like climate and maintenance requirements. Routine inspection and care can help your garage door last longer. Read on for tips on choosing the right one for your home.
Your garage is a large opening into your home, and as such, it’s a potential entry point for burglars. The good news is that today’s garage doors offer a variety of security features to protect your family and belongings.
A well-insulated garage door reduces the heat that can enter your home through this area and helps keep your valuables warm in the winter. The insulating value of your garage door is determined by the thickness and type of material used in its construction. While the insulating value of a garage door is important, it’s also wise to invest in other garage door safety features, especially if you have children or pets living in your home.
One of the most common security features available is an automatic reversal system. This feature is designed to prevent injuries or damage caused by a closing garage door hitting people or objects in its path. This safety feature uses photo sensors to detect a beam of light blocked by an object, and the door will automatically reverse its direction and open.
Another safety feature to consider is the manually operated release lever or cord that allows you to disengage the opener and manually open your garage door in case of an emergency or power failure. This safety feature is especially important for families with young children, as it can help avoid accidents and injury that a sudden or unexpected closing garage door could otherwise cause.
You can also enhance your home’s security by installing a motion sensor or a camera that will alert you of any suspicious activity in or around your garage. Many smart lock systems are also compatible with these devices, and they can be controlled via a mobile app to allow you to remotely open or close your garage doors, even when you’re not at home.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to keep high-value items out of your garage or at least locked away when they’re not in use. This includes items like bikes, sports equipment and tools that may attract a thief looking for easy pickings. It’s also a good idea to never leave your garage door remote in your car; keeping it in the vehicle can give crooks easy access to your home when you aren’t there to keep an eye on things.
Durability
Your garage door is an integral part of your home’s security and energy efficiency. As such, it needs to be durable enough to withstand harsh weather and constant use, but also stylish and attractive. Today’s doors offer an array of materials, designs and finishes to match any architectural style. Some even provide insulation to regulate temperatures and enhance energy efficiency. The choice is yours, but you should always choose a quality model that offers durability and functionality.
The most common types of garage doors are steel, aluminum and wood. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Metal doors, such as steel, are rust-resistant and more affordable than wood. They also have a high degree of durability and can be equipped with foam insulation to regulate temperature and enhance energy efficiency. However, they can be subject to corrosion, dents and stains depending on the environment.
For a more contemporary look, homeowners can opt for glass-panel doors made of tempered safety glass and a corrosion-resistant metal frame. This type of door allows for more natural light to enliven the interior space and enhances the curb appeal of your property. It’s a durable option, but it requires regular cleaning to prevent stains and scratches.
If you want a more traditional look, consider a wood or wood composite garage door. These are a good choice for those with a budget, but they require more maintenance and are more prone to damage. They can be stained or painted to achieve the desired aesthetics, but they must be regularly repainted to protect them from moisture and humidity.
A less common but more durable choice is a bi-fold steel door. This door opens horizontally, allowing you to easily access the contents of your garage without having to move cars around. These doors are available in wood, reinforced aluminum and steel. They save headroom and can be equipped with a manual opener, but they are not very weather-resistant. They are also relatively expensive.
Design
Before selecting a garage door, homeowners should consider style and design elements to align with the architecture of their home. For instance, if they live in a neighbourhood that largely has traditional homes, opting for a traditional-style door can complement the aesthetic and add visual harmony. On the other hand, if they live in a modern minimalist home with large windows, choosing a sleek and contemporary door can make a striking design statement.
Choosing the right door can also be determined by the material and colour, as well as additional features like window styles and hardware options. These can increase the initial costs but can boost curb appeal and improve functionality, such as through the incorporation of smart technology.
For a bold design statement, full-view glass doors are ideal. These doors allow natural light to flood into the garage space, creating a seamless connection between inside and outside. Clopay offers a number of doors with this style, including glass with tinted and frosted patterns that offer privacy while reducing glare and heat gain.
More subtle designs include flush panel doors with a lack of raised or recessed panels, which create a clean look that works well with contemporary homes. These doors are available in a range of colours to match different architectural styles, and can be further customized with windows and hardware options.
Another option is a sectional garage door, which folds into multiple sections that slide on tracks when opened. This type of door saves headroom, making it a good choice for tight spaces. It also comes in a variety of materials and finishes, with insulated and wind-rated options for added protection.
A carriage house-style door is a popular design that looks like the swing-out or overhead operation of traditional carriage houses where horse-drawn carts would be stored. These doors can be fashioned from wood or steel and come with decorative hardware to evoke the historical design.
Many homeowners prefer a contemporary door with clean lines and a neutral colour palette to blend in with the architecture of their home. This style can be further personalized with window styles and hardware in a modern finish that matches the rest of the property.
Maintenance
Your garage door is more than just a simple barrier, providing protection and insulation for your house. It is also a significant investment that requires regular maintenance to prevent future problems and extend its lifespan. By following these ten crucial garage door maintenance tips from Dako, you can keep your doors functioning smoothly and safely for years to come.
Check your garage door hardware on a monthly basis for loose or missing screws and bolts. The constant movement of the door can cause these components to loosen over time, so tightening them will keep them functional and safe for your family.
Lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks with a silicone- or lithium-based product to reduce friction and noise. A high-quality lubricant will help the moving parts operate more smoothly and last longer.
Test the safety features of your garage door by placing a small object in the path of the closing mechanism and ensuring that it reverses course. You can also test the balance of your door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it half way; if the door stays in place, it is properly balanced.
Replace weatherstripping as needed to prevent moisture, pests, and drafts from entering your garage. Weatherstripping is a thin strip of flexible material that creates a seal between the door and the frame, keeping the garage well-insulated and protected. Choose from several options including rubber strips, gaskets, or bulb seals, all of which provide excellent sealing properties and are resistant to extreme temperatures.
If your garage door uses extension springs, you should use a restraining cable to prevent broken springs from becoming projectiles. These springs are under high tension, and they can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. Only a qualified professional or a mechanically experienced individual should perform adjustments on these types of springs, and even they should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid injury.
Always move your car or any other objects out of the way before attempting to service your garage door. This will allow you to work safely and reach all the areas that require attention. You should also inspect your garage for signs of rust and paint damage, which will require repainting or touch-ups to protect the surface from further harm.