Quality, reliability, and convenience are the main criteria for choosing garage doors. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the models on the market so that their characteristics meet your expectations. New garage doors will provide reliable protection for your car and will serve without causing any inconvenience in terms of operation and maintenance. If you are looking for a company for garage door repair in Arlington or garage door installation, then this article is for you.
Table of Contents
Basic Criteria For Choosing Garage Doors
To quickly navigate and accurately choose a good garage door, pay special attention to the following characteristics:
- strength and reliability of the structure;
- the presence of anti-corrosion protection, eliminating the destructive effects of precipitation on the metal surface;
- anti-burglary characteristics, the presence of special protective fittings;
- heat and sound insulation.
Each of the selection criteria requires more detailed consideration. If these aspects are ignored, the likelihood of contacting a garage door repair company is very high.
Reliability
The main determining factor here is the thickness of the insulation, steel sheet sheathing, and sandwich panels. In addition, the type of cladding matters – solid or with an additional protective layer.
It should be remembered: gates that are too wide become more sensitive to intense mechanical load and deform faster under the weight of their own weight.
In regions where the climate is characterized by frequent hurricanes, the rigidity of the gate structure, or the wind resistance indicator, is of particular importance. A correctly chosen model will withstand strong gusts of wind without deformation and will last for many years without needing repairs after each cold season.
Anti-corrosion Protection And Its Quality
Exposure to precipitation can have negative consequences even for the most durable gate model if the manufacturer has not taken care of anti-corrosion treatment. Currently, several effective protection methods have been developed:
- application of zinc coating up to 2 mm thick;
- use of stainless steel alloys for the manufacture of fittings;
- priming and painting;
- applying a polymer coating to a pre-galvanized surface.
Treatment methods may differ significantly between different garage door manufacturers. The best option is to give preference to models whose production uses several methods of surface protection. The combination of the most effective solutions will extend the service life of the gate and help avoid costly repairs.
Quality of Heat And Sound Insulation
Several techniques can be used to make a metal structure for a garage warmer. First of all, this is the use of special seals, increasing the thickness of the panels, and choosing a fragmented contour or structural changes in order to avoid cold bridges. The most effective is the use of several methods to reduce heat loss.
Thus, even in the coldest winters, the garage will be relatively warm, and severe frosts will not affect the condition of the car. As for the level of sound insulation, most garage door models show an indicator of 20-23 dB.
Types Of Garage Door Designs, Pros And Cons
Several options for garage doors are offered to buyers. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular options.
Sectional Garage Doors
The design consists of horizontal panels connected in a loop manner. When opened, the panel system rises vertically and then moves along the ceiling along guides. Sectional doors are suitable for any type of opening and can be used in conditions of limited space since they do not require additional space to open them freely.
Among the main advantages of this model are:
- a high level of sealing and insulation,
- trouble-free opening,
- noiselessness
- reliable protection against burglary (due to the tight fit of the panels).
A variety of designs makes it easy to choose a model taking into account the color of the house facade and the owner’s preferences.
Hinged Garage Doors
The design consists of two rigid sashes mounted on hinges in the opening or on side posts. Depending on the type of hinge, the door can open outward or inward, which requires additional space near the garage. You can use any opening size.
Sliding Garage Doors
The structure is installed at a certain distance from the ground surface and moves along the garage opening manually or using automation. The presence of an electric drive allows you to open the garage using the remote control without leaving the car. The advantages of the model include installation at any height, minimal space for opening, reliable protection against corrosion in the form of a polymer coating, and an aesthetic appearance. The relatively high cost is justified by the ease of operation and the absence of problems with opening in heavy snow.
Roller Garage Doors
This is a relatively new model that appeared on the market several years ago. The structure is assembled from steel strips connected in series in the form of a flexible sheet. The opening is carried out by winding the fabric onto a shaft under the ceiling. Strip thicknesses of up to 25 mm are sufficient for reliable protection and thermal insulation of the garage space.
Up And Down Garage Doors
A universal model suitable for arranging garages belonging to businesses and private homeowners. The guide system allows the door to move in a vertical or horizontal direction to close and open the garage, respectively. In the open position, the sash is placed parallel to the surface of the ceiling, taking up virtually no space. The advantages of the model include increased burglary resistance, easy opening in mechanical or automatic mode, reliable protection against corrosion in the form of galvanization and polymer coating, and the ability to use it for arranging double garages.
There are a few other important points that require your attention before making your final choice of garage door. It is necessary to clarify:
- Quality of anti-corrosion protection of metal by galvanizing or a layer of polymers.
- Type of filler, its moisture resistance, frost resistance, and mechanical strength.
- Methods used for sealing cracks and gate joints.
Wrapping It Up
Even the most reliable garage doors will not last long if the owner does not take the time to care for the structure. Maintenance involves periodic lubrication of moving parts and locks, monitoring their serviceability, and timely replacement as they wear out. If you want to take a responsible approach to garage door maintenance, we recommend contacting the reliable company STI Garage Doors, which provides garage door repair services in Arlington.
