A garage door is a necessary component of every home. Its primary function is to endure the weather and safeguard your vehicles. Choosing the perfect garage door for your house may help safeguard your things while providing much-needed curb appeal. This article will focus on what sectional garage doors are, the different types, benefits, and maintenance.
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What Is a Sectional Garage Door
Sectional garage doors are garage doors installed today that are made up of panels or sections that slide up and overhead when the door is opened. These doors are popular for residential and commercial applications, as they are easy to operate, energy-efficient, and provide excellent security.
The sections of a sectional garage door are typically the interior and exterior steel, aluminum, or wood. They are interlinked by hinges enabling them to fold each time the door opens and closes. The panels also feature overlapping structures to ensure that there is tight junctions to avoid seepage of water and intrusions of insects.
Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors
There are two main types of garage doors: single panel and sectional. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between them will depend on several factors, such as cost, ease of installation, maintenance, and aesthetics.
A piece garage door or single garage door comes in one single panel, and the door opens upwards and outwards as the door is hung from a hinge system present In the jam. They are usually constructed out of wood, aluminum or steel with choices being available in a range of styles and colors. Single-skin garage doors are less expensive than the two, hence often adopted by homeowners who are mechanically capable of handling their modest budget. However, a few drawbacks to single-panel doors should be considered before purchasing.
Advantages of Single Panel and Sectional Garage Doors
One of the main advantages of sectional garage doors is that they require less clearance space than single-panel doors. Because the panels slide up and down on tracks, they don’t need as much room to operate, making them a great choice for homeowners with smaller driveways or limited space in front of their garages.
Also, sectional doors more preferred due to their efficiency in use as compared to single-panel doors. The individual panels give better insulation since they are made of polystyrene insulation and allows the garage to trap in heat hence using less energy which could lead to cheaper bills.
Read more on whether it is worth it to replace the garage door.
Another benefit of sectional garage doors is that they offer less clearance space than a single-panel garage door. Since the panels operate on tracks, they require a shorter range to move up and down, making them suitable for homeowners with small driveways or limited space in front of their garages.
Sectional doors are also more energy-efficient than single-panel doors. The individual panels are more efficient in terms of insulation, as they are made of polystyrene insulation. This means that the garage remains warm and can likely reduce one’s energy bills.
Sectional garage doors also have some benefits over single-panel doors: one is that the former does not need much maintenance compared with the latter. Single-panel doors can be easily damaged or dented, thus requiring replacement of the whole door. However, only replacing the affected panel can be quite achievable here, especially if the doors are sectional, thus no excessive charges on repair.
Disadvantages of Sectional and Single Panel Garage Doors
One of the main disadvantages of single-panel garage doors is that they require a lot of clearance space. This means that the area directly in front of the garage needs to be clear of any obstacles, such as cars or other items, for the door to open fully. This can be a problem for homeowners with smaller driveways or limited space in front of their garages.
Also, single-panel doors are usually less energy effective than the sectional ones which is the main disadvantage. Since the whole door opens, keeping inside the garage warm or cool can be quite challenging and therefore leads to high energy costs.
Sectional garage doors, in contrast, include numerous sections of the door-opener, and it is constructed from several panels that appear on the tracks whenever they are opened and closed. These doors are generally used in commercial buildings and are made of steel or aluminum, which come in different colors and designs. A sectional door has a higher price compared to a single panel door, but it has certain benefits that make it ideal for homeowners to use.
Types of Sectional Garage Doors For Homes
1. Carriage House
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Depending on their design preferences, homeowners can choose between a single bay and a double bay. They should, however, keep in mind that car garage doors open in two ways: swinging or climbing.
Remember that if your garage door opens, it will require additional clearance and could pose a risk of collision with someone or something when it opens. Carriage-house garage doors appeal to many people because they have a rustic, domestic feel and are an unusual opening method.
2. Raised Panel
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Raised panel garage doors are the most popular type of garage doors, whereas raised panel garage doors are the most popular type of sectional garage doors and are available in steel, aluminum, and wood. These are typically vertical in operation and generally rectangular and can be rolled up along the sides of the garage opening. Garage doors of raised panels are very flexible and strong and can be painted or stained in different styles.
3. Contemporary
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A contemporary garage door that commonly combines metal and glass parts is a good choice for those seeking a modern-style house. Using contrasting materials highlights your home and increases its charm.
This door design typically opens and closes by sliding up and down like a regular raised-panel door, but it can also be fitted as a single-panel door with a side opening. Contemporary garage doors can be customized with different panel designs and glass options, such as frosted or tinted glass.
4. Insulated
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Insulated garage doors have an extra layer of insulation that makes it easy to control the climate within the garage. This is particularly true in places where temperatures are either very high or low, and a garage that is not insulated can easily get extremely hot or cold. Most insulated garage doors are steel or aluminum, and they are available with various overlays and panel profiles.
5. Roll Up Doors
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This can be seen in commercial applications, but roll-up doors provide a simple solution designed primarily for spaces lacking ceiling space. These types use two 3-1/2″ thick steel sections to slam around a drum over the openings in the doors.
Roll-up and coil-shaped windows are designed for high-efficiency applications and are constructed without springs to prevent rust, corrosion, and freezing. Because of the heavier-duty character of the roll-up models, the upfront cost is much higher compared to a segmental layout.
6. Custom
Today, some companies that produce garage doors offer homeowners the opportunity to choose specific features and designs for their doors. These options may include custom-look panel and frame specifications, surface treatments, and hardware trims. Another type of garage door is the custom one, and since they can be made of wood, they can provide as many options as possible.
7. Roller Garage Door
Roller doors have a similar opening to section doors. The door is designed to provide optimum interior and exterior room, so it is possible to walk up the door. The ceiling is open so that lamp posts and storage can remain available. A roller garage door offers space-saving functionality while allowing for electrical access.
Roller door garages are fairly simple, but because they are primarily designed for commercial use, they are high-performing, withstand a high load, and are designed with extension springs that shouldn’t corrode or thaw.
Additional Types Of Garage Doors To Consider For Your Home
1. Traditional Raised-Panel
The symmetrical rectangular panel of this garage door type, sometimes known as “classic,” is easily identifiable. Traditional raised-panel garage doors are popular because they open upward instead of outward, providing a safety feature for a family-friendly house.
A typical raised-panel door is ageless and complements any home owing to its classic appearance. Another consideration when purchasing a typical raised-panel door is whether you want recessed or raised panels. A recessed panel will enhance a classic style, but a raised panel will provide depth.
2. Garage Door With Side Hinges
It combines solid and reliable functionality with straightforward personal access, said Hipgrav. These are opened outward and are usually produced in the same sizes. Units are an excellent solution to garage areas where access can be made to walls or utility boxes near entrances.
Side-hinged doors are typically made of wood and mimic barn door designs, but steel is another strong choice for these classic garage doors. Upon full opening, they offer greater room for the head and are ideal if space is restricted.
3. Up-And-Over/Tilt-Up Canopy Garage Doors
If driveway space is not an issue, a standard tilted roof-type garage door can offer optimum stability. Alternatively, it could lead by a mechanical or electrical device that rotates a hinge that extends inwards to allow it to swing upwards and into the garage.
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They consist of one piece of solid slabs instead of section panels, and when fully opened, the opening is parallel to the ceiling. Up-and-down doors combine security, look, and functionality with advanced technology.
How To Install a Sectional Garage Door
Although they are very popular and easy to maintain, sectional garage doors may be quite difficult to install. However, it can be done perfectly well on your own, provided you have all the necessary tools and information. This process includes putting together the door sections, putting in the tracks, fitting the springs, and putting in place the opener.
To begin with, you must have all the tools and materials needed for the installation. These essentials include a ladder, hammer, screwdriver, level, drill, measure tape, pliers, and a saw. You will also require door panels, horizontal tracks, vertical tracks, hinges, rollers, springs, cables, brackets, and an opener.
1. Measure the Garage Opening
The first action that needs to be taken is to determine the width and height of the garage door opening to get the right one for purchase. Take the measurement across the maximum breadth, which will often be taken at the geometric center of the opening. Following that, note down the height from the floor up to the opening’s header. Again, make sure that the opening is square and that it is running with plumb so that it can be easy to fit.
2. Assemble the Door Sections
The next step is to assemble the door sections. Start by attaching the hinges to the top and bottom of each panel. Ensure that the horizontal panels joined with hinges are securely fastened and aligned correctly. Then, attach the rollers to each panel using the provided screws. Make sure that the rollers are properly aligned and slide easily.
3. Install the Tracks
Certainly, the horizontal tracks should be mounted first. Fix them to the ceiling by means of the brackets supplied and double-check that they are level. Then, all the vertical tracks have to be mounted on the horizontal tracks with the help of the brackets that are supplied with the units. Ensure that the tracks are aligned properly and well fixed in a position.
4. Attach the Springs
The next operation is to fix the springs. The type of springs to be used will vary depending on the weight of this door; hence, there is a need to make the right decision. According to the manufacturer’s guide, proceed and fix the given springs to the track hangers in place. Make sure that they have the right tension and that the door can quickly lift and lower, or it will fling the springs off, causing harm to car windows.
5. Mount the Opener
If you are using an opener, it is best to install it now. It has a motor unit and a track that need to be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and there is also a bracket. Next, you need to hook the opener’s arm to the door and then to the motor part.
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6. Install the Cables
The next step is to install the cables. Begin by fixing the cables to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door part. Then, the cables are fixed through the coils and tightened on the respective cable pulley. Ensure the cables are properly tensioned, and while they are in the pulleys, they should glide easily.
7. Test the Door
Before finalizing the installation of the door, use the door as intended to check if there is any issue. Pull the door and push the door a few times to be confident that it doesn’t have any problems with the springs or cables that provide it with a natural balance. If these are too tight, then they need to be loosened; if they are too loose, then they must be tightened.
8. Seal the Door
Lastly, caulk the door so that a flow of air or water from outside cannot enter the garage. Add weather stripping at the bottom portion of the door and, if necessary, at the sides too. However, one may also make further enhancements on the door by installing insulating coatings to it.
Tips on How to Maintain a Sectional Garage Door
1. Lubricate moving parts
Oil is among the regular services that must be carried out with a lot of precision when it comes to sectional garage doors. Some of the components that get worn out most often include door rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs, so they require to be oiled frequently.
The other aspect that will determine the type of lubricant to use will be the material used indoors as well as the components of doors. Silicone spray or white lithium grease is generally the best for most garage doors. But, on this, one should seek information from the manufacturer for their own guidelines regarding the use of this solution.
2. Inspect the Door Regularly
Routine checkups can reveal problems that could turn into major concerns if they are not addressed early enough. The door should be checked at least twice a year, better still in spring before the onset of winter and towards the end of summer. Be able to determine if cables are worn out or stretched, if bolts are loose, and if tracks are bent at all.
Look for the condition of the weatherstripping of the door and properly seal it if not. Moreover, to check how balanced the door is, remove the opener and actuate the door yourself. However, it must be balanced to ensure it does not overload the opener and also to help reduce frequent wearing.
3. Keep the Tracks Clean
The tracks that allow the door to roll up and down have to be clean from debris cluttering it. Dirt leaves and other debris can influence the tracks and make the door ‘stick’ up or even come off the tracks. Tracks should also be cleaned daily with a damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Do not use abrasive chemicals or high-pressure washer water, as they will cause harm to the tracks and rollers.
4. Tighten Loose Hardware
Garage doors have several components that vibrate and wear out in the course of use, making the bolts and screws become loose. In this case, some of the bolts, nuts, and screws may come loose, and although they may not affect the door’s performance in the beginning, it may lead to more severe issues later. It is also important to check the design of various hardware throughout the durability test and use the screwdriver or pliers to tighten any loose parts. But don’t over-tighten, as this may cause some losses on the doors or its parts.
5. Check the Spring
Springs are known to be the most important part of a garage door. These hold up the door and enable it to move up and down without any constraint. Of all the springs, torsion springs are the most preferred for commercial garage doors in many facilities. They are under high tension and can be dangerous to work with, so it is best to leave spring maintenance to a professional. However, you can visually inspect the springs to ensure they are not broken, stretched, or worn.
6. Test the Safety Features
Garage doors are heavy and can cause serious injury or even death if they operate incorrectly. Modern garage doors have safety features that help prevent accidents. These features include sensors that detect objects in the door’s path and automatic reversal mechanisms that stop the door from closing if it encounters an obstacle. Test these safety features regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
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7. Replace Worn or Damaged Parts
Any components that have been used or are in such a bad state should be replaced to avoid mishaps or further deterioration. For instance, cables may fray or break down and pull the door down, while panels may be weakened and contribute to the door’s security and insulation. To be safe, optimal part replacement should be with genuine manufacturer parts because they offer the correct fit and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sectional Garage Doors
i. What does a sectional garage door mean?
A sectional garage door is a type of garage door composed of several horizontal sections or panels connected with hinges. These panels are designed to slide up and over the garage opening on tracks and then lay parallel to the garage’s ceiling when fully opened.
This design allows for more efficient use of space inside and outside the garage, as the door does not swing outward like traditional garage doors. Additionally, sectional garage doors provide better insulation and security than other garage doors. They are commonly made of steel, aluminum, or wood and can be operated manually or automatically with a motorized quiet door opener.
ii. What are the advantages of sectional garage doors?
Sectional garage doors have several advantages over other types of garage doors. First, they provide excellent security as they comprise several panels that interlock tightly, making it difficult for intruders to gain access. Second, they are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, saving homeowners time and money.
Third, sectional garage doors are energy-saving as they offer special insulation, thus keeping the garage warm during the cold season but very cool during the hot seasons. Fourth, access can be made through the remote control since doors can be opened and closed through the remote controls, which is quite appropriate for any homeowner who may need to access the garage in the shortest time possible. Finally, sectional garage doors are produced in various RAL colors and can be applied in various interior designs and finishes, enhancing the house’s exterior view.
iii. What is the difference between sectional and roller garage doors?
Sectional and roller garage doors are two types of garage doors that differ in their construction and functioning. A sectional garage door consists of horizontal sections that move up and over the garage while operating vertically.
On the other hand, a roller garage door has a curtain of material that rolls up and down with the help of a drum. The roller garage door lifts up, and like a curtain, it takes very little space inside and outside the garage. In summary, the sectional doors slide from side to side while the roller garage doors roll vertically upwards and downwards; thus, they are suitable for garages with little headroom or driveway space.
iv. How much room do you need for a sectional garage door?
The size of space needed to accommodate a sectional garage door depends on the size of the door and the kind of track system to be employed. Consequently, a normal residential sectional garage door will need not less than twelve inches of headroom about the opening and three entire inches on the side.
Therefore, it is important to note that where the garage door is of specialty, it may need more or less space than what comprises the formula above. Another vital thing to know is one needs to seek advice from an installation expert regarding the amount of space required depending on the garage door.
