Selecting a residential rolling garage door for your home can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many varieties to choose from. Here we’ll cover all the must-know details about choosing the right one for your needs and budget, including information on materials, features, and styles.
Measure Your Door Opening
One of the first steps to consider when purchasing a rolling garage door is measuring your existing door opening. Take the height and width measurements, as this will determine what kind of door you can buy. Make sure to double-check the measurements before you order, as ordering an incorrect size can be costly. If you’re unsure of how to get these measurements, it’s best to contact a professional for help.
When ordering the door, you’ll also need to determine the number of springs it requires. This will depend on the size and weight of your door. If you buy a pre-assembled door, contact us, and should be able to advise the best number of springs depending on the size of your garage. Generally, heavier garage doors will require more springs for optimum performance and reliability. Additionally, make sure to choose a good quality garage door that is made from durable materials and offers reliable insulation to help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Choose a Residential Rolling Garage Door Design
The next step is picking out the design for your garage door. Consider which colors or finishes will complement your building’s exterior, and which style will best fit your home’s aesthetic. The most common styles of residential doors are retractable, canopy, roller shutter, and sectional doors. Retractable doors open vertically by rolling up; they are often made with materials like steel, aluminum, or timber. Canopy doors only open halfway and part of the panel is left lingering outside the garage; they come in various shapes and sizes. Roller shutter doors provide maximum space since they roll up around a drum above your opening; they are also popularly used in commercial buildings as well. Lastly, sectional doors require tracks on either side to tuck into when opened; this style preserves more energy than the other options because it creates a better seal when closed.
When it comes to designing your garage door, you have a lot of freedom. Decide which colors or finishes will best complement the exterior of your building, and which style is most suitable for the aesthetic of your home. Consider the materials used – steel, aluminum, or timber – and the scope of your project budget. Consider all these factors before making a final decision on a design for your rolling garage door that fits both aesthetically and financially.
Consider the Size & Weight of Your Door
The size and weight of your garage door will be determined by the door opening area, which must be measured accurately. Generally, when considering rolling garage doors, the two main factors to consider are the width and height of your door in meters. It’s also important to check that the motor has a suitable lifting capacity for the size and weight of your door – heavier doors require more power. Installation should only be done by trained personnel who are competent in using an electric motor/ control system to ensure safe and functional operation of your garage door.
Rolling garage doors are also much more secure than standard up-and-over garage doors that can be jemmied open with a piece of wood in a matter of seconds so that you can have greater peace of mind regarding the security of your property. Rolling garage doors offer substantial noise reduction when compared to other types of doors due to their tight seal which keeps wind and road sounds out, making them great for homes in noise-sensitive areas.
Find Your Right Drive System
The drive system mostly affects how quickly and securely a rolling garage door opens and closes. Here, there are two basic systems to consider – chain drive and belt drive. Chain drives are generally less expensive but will have more noise, while belt drives are quieter but cost more. An easy way to determine the right drive system is by considering your budget and sound preferences – both systems potentially offer a secure and safe operation of your garage door.
Chain drive systems include an attached steel chain running from the motor unit to the door’s trolley. Thus, the system is connected directly to the door and therefore needs less maintenance than belt drive systems. On the other hand, belt drives use a rubberized or poly-reinforced belt that is connected to a special motor, allowing for quieter operation but with greater maintenance requirements. Whichever system you choose, it must remain properly maintained and periodically serviced by a professional garage door expert in order to ensure safe and secure operation for many years to come.
Do Not Forget Safety Features & Maintenance Information
Before you make your purchase, be sure to research the safety features of the rolling garage door and its operation. Safety bonuses like anti-finger injury protection, anti-pinching technology, and a timer-to-close feature make this purchase a safe one! Finally, check the maintenance requirements of your garage door – certain lubrication practices and lining replacement should be necessary to ensure smooth operation and increase longevity.
The operation and safety features of your garage door should be the first thing you review prior to purchasing. Safety bonuses like anti-finger injury protection, anti-pinching technology, and a timer-to-close feature all make this purchase a safe one! Additionally, when it comes to installation, double-check on the amount of clearance needed both above and below the door to ensure that it will close properly without obstructions and provide easy entry/exit points for yourself and visitors. Finally, check the maintenance requirements of your garage door – certain lubrication practices and lining replacement should be necessary to ensure smooth operation and increase longevity.