If your Norman Garage Door is more than 15 years old or you’re building a new home, upgrade to a stronger, more insulated model. You’ll also want one that complies with the latest security regulations, has a battery backup and works quietly.
Insulated doors have a Styrofoam or polyurethane core sandwiched between two layers of steel (or vinyl for non-insulated models).
The garage is a critical part of any home. Not only does it protect your car from the elements, but it also serves as a convenient entry into your house. But did you know that the garage door itself has an interesting history? From its humble beginnings to the advanced, functional doors we see today, the garage door has undergone many changes over time.
Before the garage door as we know it was invented, people kept their cars in barns or sheds that were often used to store livestock and farm equipment. When cars became more popular, it was obvious that they needed somewhere to be stored while not in use. Enterprising individuals began to build large public or private garages that allowed drivers to keep their vehicles while not in use.
However, keeping a vehicle in a building that was frequently being used to store livestock or other items was not ideal and left the cars exposed to the elements as well as animal odors. This led to the need for something better, and C.G. Johnson stepped up to meet the need with his upward-acting sectional garage door.
In 1921, Johnson created a garage door that folded up as it moved, allowing cars to be easily parked inside. It was a revolutionary invention that has not only changed the way homes are built, but it continues to be in use 100 years later.
As the decades went by, consumers continued to seek out new options for their garages and the doors that opened them. This led to the creation of steel raised panel doors that were able to match the look and feel of more modern houses. The 1950s also saw the rise of homeowners who owned multiple vehicles, which required garages that could accommodate them all.
Overhead door companies were booming by this time, with the top three being Overhead Door, Crawford Door and Rowe Mfg. By the end of the Depression, Ford was a leader in auto production and households were able to afford more than one vehicle.
The Types of Garage Doors
There are many choices when it comes to garage doors. There are six basic types: sectional, roll-up, slide to the side, hinged and tilt-up canopy. Each has its own unique style and set of benefits. You also need to decide on the door material, finish color, and special options like windows, insulation, and hardware.
The most popular type of garage door in America consists of several horizontal panels joined together and hinged at the top. They are fitted with rollers and operate using either springs or a standard ceiling-mounted garage door operator. This system is ideal for homeowners who use the garage primarily as extra storage space, but it is not recommended for those who wish to park vehicles in the garage.
A newer variation on this design consists of three sections that fold horizontally before opening, similar to a bi-fold closet door. This model is more compact and saves space, but it can be difficult to repair. It is also more expensive than a sectional garage door.
Tilt-up garage doors, formerly known as swing doors or up-and-over doors, use a pivoting hinge to tilt upward and move inside the garage. They require an extraordinary amount of headroom for full operation, but they do offer a sleek appearance that suits various home exterior styles.
These are the most economical of the five common types. They are made from steel and are available in a variety of colors, styles and window options. While they are not as insulating as wood or aluminum, they are very durable and low-maintenance.
Fiberglass garage doors are promoted as being ‘kid-proof,’ as they are harder to dent than wood or steel. They are built upon a steel frame and filled with polystyrene insulation. These are a cost-effective alternative to natural wood and come in an extensive selection of color and design options, including some lifelike, wood grain finishes.
The Materials
The garage door is one of the most visible and frequently used elements of your home. As such, it is important to choose the right material for your needs. Consider factors like local weather conditions, cost, energy efficiency and durability.
Steel garage doors are a popular choice because they are affordable and durable. They are able to withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain without warping or rusting. They can also be fitted with a variety of design options to suit any architectural style. Steel is not a natural insulator, but high-quality steel garage doors can be layered with polyurethane insulation to increase energy efficiency and regulate garage temperatures.
Wood garage doors offer a traditional look that is perfect for older homes or those with classic architecture. While they are not as durable or low-maintenance as other materials, they can add a unique aesthetic to your home and make it stand out in the neighborhood. They are a good insulator but require more maintenance than other materials. Wood is prone to damage from moisture and needs regular sanding, refinishing and repainting to keep it looking new.
Aluminum garage doors are a great option for homeowners looking for a stylish contemporary appearance. They are lightweight and customizable, making them an excellent choice for modern and contemporary houses. They are able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and can be fitted with glass windows for added natural light and visual appeal. However, they are less durable than steel and may dent easily due to windy conditions or impact.
Fiberglass garage doors are made from a blend of different materials that makes them resistant to harsh weather and impact. They are a great alternative to steel because they can withstand harsh weather conditions and are easy to clean. They can be molded into various shapes to create an eye-catching aesthetic and are available in a wide range of colors to match your home.
A professional will be able to help you decide what type of garage door is ideal for your home. They will ask you questions about your day-to-day life to ensure that the garage door is a good fit for your lifestyle. They will also remind you of the pros and cons of each type of garage door so that you can make an informed decision.
The Installation
If you’re installing a new garage door, it’s important to get everything right. Working with springs, which are under a lot of tension, is dangerous and can cause serious injury if the system isn’t properly installed or maintained. A professional will ensure the system is well-balanced and correctly aligned, preventing problems with operation and premature wear on components.
The cost of a garage door can vary significantly depending on its appearance and customization, with windows and patterns being among the most expensive options. Adding a door opener or other automation features also raises the price. However, the most significant factor that impacts the cost of a garage door is its material. Metal and fiberglass doors tend to be the most affordable, while wood and composite doors are considerably more expensive.
Track Channel shaped metal bars that provide a guide for the roller wheels of sectional doors. They run horizontally above the opening, vertically at the head jamb and diagonally across the ceiling. Typically they are welded or bolted to the wall header, anchored by brackets.
Vertical Track Assembly Mounted to the jambs on each side of the door opening, this guides and supports the garage door vertically in its closed position.
Centre Bearing Bracket A plate that houses a shaft bearing and aligns and supports the torsion shaft and counterbalancing mechanism. It also anchors stationary cone(s) to the header and serves as a safety stop. WARNING: Do not remove this bracket as parts are under high tension.
Strut U-shaped reinforcement hardware that attaches to the inside of a door section (and runs along the length of the section) to add strength and rigidity, reduce sagging, increase wind load capability and provide a thermal break between the outer and inner surfaces of the door.
Top Bracket/Top Fixture Adjustable bracket mounted on the top of a door section to position the top roller and adjust for a snug fit. It may be used to support a garage door light or other accessories, and to provide a seal at the top of the opening.
Manual Release Device A hand crank or handle that disengages the power units so the garage door can be raised and lowered manually. This is sometimes useful if you have to work at heights where using the electric system would be dangerous.
