Norman Garage Door is a popular home addition that can enhance curb appeal. These doors can be made from many materials and offer a variety of features and options.

When choosing a garage door, homeowners should consider their climate, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs. They should also be aware of the potential hazards of a moving garage door.

When the automobile became a common form of transportation in the late 1800s, car owners were worried about their precious investment being exposed to the elements. They sought to protect their vehicles from the sun, rain, snow and even theft. The first garage doors were hinged on the sides and swung outward, but these were difficult to operate with large vehicles and couldn’t be opened if there was snow or dirt on them. Entrepreneurs took advantage of this growing concern, building large garages and offering space for people to park their cars for a monthly fee.

Today’s garage doors are available in a wide range of styles and materials to suit any aesthetic. Steel doors are the most popular choice for durability and affordability, while composite and fiberglass doors offer the look of wood with the benefits of low-maintenance, weather resistance and greater energy efficiency.

Many garage doors feature windows to allow natural light into the garage, and some are designed with decorative panels or grooves that add a rustic touch. These can be complemented with a variety of paint and stain colors for a custom look. Insulation levels vary as well, with some having higher R-values than others.

Some garage doors use a torsion or extension spring system to open and close. Both systems have cables at the bottom corners of the door that run to hooks on either side of the garage opening, called track brackets. These attach to the garage wall and are supported by high-tension springs above the door opening. When the garage door is closed, these springs stretch and store energy that’s released when you open it. They also help prevent the door from sagging or drifting down when not completely closed.

Materials

There are a wide variety of garage door materials to choose from, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some require more maintenance than others, and your choice may be influenced by the weather conditions in your area. For example, if your home is located in an area prone to heavy rains, you might want to choose a durable material that resists moisture and withstands wind damage.

Steel is one of the most popular garage door materials because it is sturdy and offers a sleek appearance. It is less likely to warp or crack compared to wood and also resists rust and corrosion. Its toughness makes it a good choice for areas prone to harsh weather, and it can handle the strain of daily use better than other materials.

It is also a cost-effective option since it does not require much maintenance, but you should periodically check the door for signs of wear and tear that could affect its function. The main components to look for include the brackets that hold the tracks from the wall to the ceiling, bearings that support the torsion springs, pulleys that direct the movement of cables and drums that help wind up the cables when the door opens.

Depending on the design and style of your garage, you can add a number of decorative accessories to enhance its look. For instance, you can install a stylish window to bring natural light into the garage. You can also opt for a door with panel designs to create a unique aesthetic that complements the look of your home.

Faux wood doors are another common option and can be customized to match your home’s exterior. They are usually cheaper than real wood doors and can be sanded, stained or painted to match any color scheme. They are a good choice for homes with traditional architecture and can be custom-stained to match the trim and molding.

Insulated steel garage doors are another popular option that improves the energy efficiency of your home. They come in a variety of styles and colors, and their stiff foam insulation provides a high R-value that keeps warm air from escaping. They are resistant to dents and can stand up well in most climates, but they may become brittle if exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time.

Safety

After purchasing a UL-approved garage door and flawlessly installing it (or having professional installers do so), homeowners must commit to regular maintenance and safe operating practices. This includes a regular inspection of the entrapment protection sensors and auto-reverse functions to ensure they are working as designed. In addition, a two-by-four placed on the ground underneath the garage door should be used to test the force settings each month.

If the force settings are too high, it is a sign that the garage door opener system needs adjustment. In this case, it is best to contact a garage door service provider for help.

It is also important to keep children from playing near the garage door when it is in motion. This can lead to serious injuries if they get pinned between the garage door sections or are caught in the path of the closing door. This is why it is a good idea to look for a garage door that has pinch-resistant panels.

Another safety concern that homeowners should be aware of is the potential for garage door thieves to steal their garage door remotes. This is why it is a good practice to never leave your garage door remote in your vehicle or inside your home where someone might be able to take it.

Lastly, homeowners should know where the emergency release button is located and become familiar with how to use it. In addition, homeowners should never place their fingers in between door sections and should teach their children not to do so either.

As with most things, a garage door will require routine maintenance to stay in good working condition. This should include a visual inspection of the springs, cables and rollers to be sure they are in good shape. Also, it is a good idea to lubricate all moving parts periodically to reduce friction and prolong the life of your garage door. Lastly, it is important to make sure the emergency release cable is not frayed or disconnected from the pulleys. If the garage door is not properly maintained, it can quickly become a hazard to anyone who uses it.

Installation

A garage door isn’t just an integral part of a home’s architecture and style; it also plays an important role in the function and security of the house. While homeowners can perform many maintenance tasks on their own, the installation and major repairs of a garage door should always be left to professionals.

When it comes to installing a new garage door, the first step is to determine the size of the door opening. Then, the garage door and track can be custom sized to fit the opening. A professional will ensure the headroom and back clearance of the garage are sufficient for the system to work correctly.

Depending on the type of garage door you choose, the next step is to install the carriage tube and mounting bracket. This tube is the rail that the carriage travels along to open the door. Then, the power unit and connecting bracket can be mounted. Finally, the safety system can be installed, including sensors that detect objects in the door’s path.

If you’re using a torsion spring system, the next step is to mount the springs. These are attached to cables that run through the door, which store energy and then release it to help lift the garage door. To prevent accidental injury, these springs should be fitted with containment cables by a professional.

To begin preparing the garage for the new garage door, make sure the track is clear of obstructions and the floor is level. This will allow the installers to properly adjust and balance the door, and will also ensure proper airtightness and functionality of the system.

Be sure to remove any equipment, tools, bikes, trash bins, or anything else that might be in the way during the installation process. This will give the installers a clear workspace and reduce the risk of them damaging your belongings or causing injury to yourself or others.

While reusing existing hardware can be an option for some maintenance tasks, it’s best to purchase and use new track and mounting hardware for your garage door. This is because it’s made specifically to work with the weight and layout of your new garage door.