Every homeowner requires basic knowledge about their garage doors to guarantee they work correctly. This article offers important information on maintaining your garage door, understanding common issues, and recognizing when to call professionals.
Single-panel doors are constructed from one monolithic panel. A single panel door swings up and overhead with a hinge on each side (jamb-type hardware) to a fully open position from the closed position. A disadvantage of monolithic panel doors is that the swing-up arc of the door occurs partially outside the garage. This means a vehicle must stop and park several feet in front of the door to avoid being hit by the garage door when it is opened.
Single panel doors can also be installed with (one piece track type hardware) that folds the door back with a single horizontal track on each side (mounted at the top of the wood frame) and a roller mounted to the top of the door on each side. A hinge on each side that attaches to the bottom of each side of the garage door. Using track hardware, a car can be parked much closer to the door, as the door is positioned entirely inside the garage door header when in the open position. Track-type hardware has less arc when raising and lowering the garage door than jamb-type website hardware.[citation needed]
Sectional garage doors
Sectional doors usually have three to eight panels and slide up and overhead. Sectional doors occupy the same internal garage space as a monolithic door. Sectional doors have two advantages over single-panel monolithic doors:
Sectional doors do not require any space outside the garage to open. A vehicle may park very close to the garage before opening the door.
Each panel of a sectional door has its connection to the door track. This increases reliability and robustness compared to monolithic doors, which have only a few track connections for the whole panel.
Garage doors can be made of many materials, but steel, aluminum, wood, copper, glass, and vinyl (polyethylene) are the most popular materials. Some manufacturers incorporate foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation within the monolithic panel and sectional garage doors.
Roller doors (sometimes called "sheet doors") are usually constructed of corrugated steel. They evolved from cover window and door coverings.[4] Other materials can be used (e.g., transparent corrugated fiberglass) where strong impact resistance is not required. Corrugations give the door strength against impacts. A typical single-car garage roller door has a preloaded spring inside the rolling mechanism. The spring reduces the effort required to open the door. Oversized roller doors in commercial premises are not sprung (except in the US), and a manual pulley and chain system or a geared motor is used to raise and lower (roll up and roll down) the door. Roller doors cannot be effectively insulated.
Understanding Your Garage Door
Garage doors serve as an essential part of your home, providing security, convenience, and curb appeal. They come in several types, including sliding doors, and are made from several types of materials such as wood, steel, and aluminum.
Types of Garage Doors
Sectional Doors: Made up of panel sections that are connected with hinges. As the door opens and closes, wheels at the edge of each panel roll inside a vertical track on each side of the door opening.
Roll-up Doors: These doors roll up into a single coil when lifted. They are typically used in commercial applications but are becoming more popular in residential settings due to their durability and compact operation.
Sliding Doors: As the name suggests, these doors bend to one side of the garage and sit parallel to the wall, useful for garages with limited headroom.
Common Materials Used
Material
Properties
Benefits
Wood
Natural look
Customizable
Steel
Resistant to warping
Variety of styles
Aluminum
Rust-resistant
Reduced strain on components
Solving Garage Door Problems
Before seeking expert help, it’s helpful to identify common issues yourself. Here are some typical problems and DIY fixes you can try:
Sounds: It's usually due to loose hardware, lack of lubrication, or worn rollers. Tighten all nuts and bolts and lubricate moving parts with silicone-based lubricant.
Door Won't Close: Check if there are obstructions in the track or misaligned sensors. Ensure sensors are clean and correctly aligned.
Remote Not Working: Replace the remote’s battery. If the issue persists, reprogram the remote or consult with a technician.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY can be helpful, certain problems require professional attention. These include snapped cables, severe door damage, and complex mechanical failures. Professional garage door technicians have the tools, skills, and experience to safely and effectively resolve these issues.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your garage door’s operation and common issues can greatly contribute to your home’s safety and functionality. Regular maintenance checks and being aware of when to involve professionals will ensure your garage door remains in top condition, providing peace of mind and security for your family.
