The garage door is a complex mechanism that is an essential part of your home and garage. However, there comes a time when you are considering replacing your existing garage door. Here is some information you may want to consider before you decide to purchase your next garage door.
Sectional Garage Door
Garage doors come in different shapes and sizes, and that is because most garages are different and serve different functions. The various designs of garage doors are intended so that you can choose a door that will best meet your home garage’s or your business’s unique requirements.
One of the most common types is a sectional garage door; it is composed of sections that are often joined by hinges; the sections are then constructed together to fit one on top of each other and compose a garage door. The sizes of sections vary from door to door since garage doors have different sizes. In addition, the sections of each individual door may vary between themselves, and that must be noted during the installation. Even though the sections may look identical, they may vary in weight and functionality. For example, the top section cannot be installed as the bottom section and vice versa; the middle sections may also vary in their weight and specific functions. For those reasons, it is highly advised that a professional Vancouver garage door repair technician is to install your new garage door. For your door to be balanced and functioning properly, it must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in a safe manner.
Garage Door Materials
There is a wide selection of materials available to choose from, such as steel, wood, aluminum, plastic, and fibreglass. The type of material you choose will affect the longevity, energy efficiency and degree of maintenance your new door will require.
Garage Door Materials
There is a wide selection of materials available to choose from, such as steel, wood, aluminum, plastic, and fibreglass. The type of material you choose will affect the longevity, energy efficiency and degree of maintenance your new door will require.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel is probably the most efficient material for a garage door considering its durability and cost. This material will have many advantages: it is not affected by weather conditions, and it is light as well as strong. Steel will not absorb moisture; thus, the door will maintain a constant weight throughout the year and will stay balanced for longer. Even though steel is prone to rust, there are many paints and coating options that will keep the rust away for a long time.
Wood Garage Doors
Wood also has its advantages since it has been used to construct garage doors for a long time. Wood allows various appealing designs, it is easy to stain and paint, and it is easy to work with. Prices will mainly depend on the wood type, with oak being the most expensive and pine being the least expensive but also less durable. Wood doors are relatively heavy.
Wood becomes heavier as it becomes saturated with moisture and lighter as it dries. That causes fluctuations in the weight of the door, and it may cause the door to deform. For those reasons, it is difficult to keep the door balanced without regular maintenance. Wood is also prone to rotting and will need to be repainted or re-stained regularly, especially if you reside in an area with a humid climate.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum has all the advantages steel has, it is light, durable, and does not absorb moisture. In addition, it is not affected by rust. For this reason, aluminum is the material that is often used in garage doors with windows. Aluminum doors are usually more expensive than steel doors.
Plastic Garage Doors
Plastic is another rust-resistant material. The sections will often be constructed with steel or aluminum rails and a plastic exterior. The material’s advantages are that it is light, scratch-resistant, and does not absorb moisture; thus, the door will maintain a constant weight.
This material does not require paint. However, if you want to paint it, you will have to use special paint, and the painting must be done in a specific manner.
The heat has a deforming effect on plastic; although heat-resistant plastic is available, it will elevate the door’s cost.
Fibreglass Garage Doors
Fibreglass has all the advantages plastic has, and the door will be constructed in a similar way, with metal rails and fibreglass exterior panels. Also, it is more heat resistant than plastic is.
Installation of a new garage door
It is very important that a professional Vancouver garage door repair technician will install your new garage door since it must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with high precision to details. In addition, installation of a garage door requires special equipment, specialty and experience. There is some of the equipment that may be required during a garage door installation: masonry drill, circular saw, cable puller, angle iron cutter.
Installing your garage door properly and in a safe manner is the key to your safety and the longevity and proper functioning of your garage door. If you are considering replacing your garage door and/or have questions, please call Thrifty Garage Door Repair in Vancouver BC at (604) 901-7676. At Thrifty Garage Door, we are here to help homeowners own the best garage door in the neighbourhood with competitive pricing.
