With all the options available, choosing a new garage door can be intimidating! Aside from serving a practical purpose, your garage door has a significant effect on the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

Several key factors need to be considered when determining what type of garage door to buy. Let’s explore the various garage door styles to help you decide.

Types of Garage Doors

Roll-Up Garage Doors

These doors are an excellent space-saving choice for garages with limited headroom. Roll-up doors coil into a compact cylinder when opened, conserving valuable space within your garage. Common in commercial settings, they can also work well for homes.

Sectional Garage Doors

Among the most popular options for homeowners, sectional doors consist of horizontal panels that open vertically. This design minimizes ceiling space requirements, making them a versatile choice. You can find sectional doors in materials like steel, wood, and fibreglass, allowing you to match your home’s aesthetic.

Swing-Out Garage Doors

If you own a traditional or historic home, swing-out doors can add a touch of rustic charm. These doors open outward, akin to barn doors, making them suitable for a specific aesthetic. Keep in mind that they require ample space in front of the garage.

Slide-to-the-Side Garage Doors

For those with limited headroom, slide-to-the-side garage doors offer a practical solution. They slide horizontally, similar to sliding glass doors. However, you must ensure you have enough space beside the garage for the door to slide.

Tilt-Up Garage Doors

Tilt-up doors are straightforward and cost-effective. They consist of a single panel that pivots upwards to open. While a budget-friendly option, they might not be the most visually appealing choice and require space in front of the garage.

Garage Door Materials

Garage doors are available in many materials, each with unique advantages:

Steel

Known for durability and low maintenance, steel doors offer strength and security. They can be painted to elevate and match your home’s exterior.

Wood

Wooden garage doors provide a timeless and classic appearance but require more maintenance to prevent rot and warping.

Fibreglass

Lightweight and resistant to rust and corrosion, fibreglass doors can mimic the look of wood while offering enhanced durability.

Vinyl

Low maintenance and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, vinyl doors come in various designs and colours.

What Type of Garage Door Should I Buy?

Your choice of garage door largely hinges on your personal preferences. When selecting the most suitable garage door for your requirements, you should consider four crucial factors: insulation, cost, safety features, and maintenance.

• Insulation: Consider an insulated garage door if your garage serves as more than just a parking space. Insulation helps regulate the temperature inside, making it energy-efficient and comfortable, particularly if there’s a room above the garage.
• Safety Features: Prioritize safety by ensuring your garage door has sensors that stop it from closing if an obstruction is detected. These sensors prevent accidents and injuries.
• Cost: Garage door prices can vary widely. While budget considerations are essential, bear in mind that a high-quality, well-insulated door may lead to long-term savings due to energy efficiency.
• Maintenance: Evaluate the time you’re willing to spend on garage door maintenance. Some materials require more care than others.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garage door requires carefully considering your space, style preferences, and practical needs. Make sure to evaluate materials, insulation, safety features, budget, and maintenance requirements. By weighing these factors, you’ll be better equipped to select a garage door that complements your home’s aesthetic, functions seamlessly, and adds value to your property.

When homeowners think about upgrading their homes, they often focus on aesthetics—a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, or landscaping. 

However, one essential but often overlooked area for enhancement is the garage door, namely upgrading to an insulated garage door. But it’s normal to wonder if you even need an insulated garage door.

Benefits of An Insulated Garage Door

An insulated garage door functions as a barrier, retaining heat in winter and cool air in summer. It has many benefits, including:

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

Insulated garage doors maintain a stable temperature, making it more convenient for tasks like unloading groceries or securing kids in car seats.

Energy Savings

An uninsulated garage door can make your home less energy-efficient. But with a well-insulated door, you reduce the load on your heating system. Choosing a high R-value garage door offers significant energy savings.

Quieter Operation

Insulated garage doors are much quieter than uninsulated ones. For example, an insulated door produces only 80 decibels (dB), while an uninsulated door emits 96 dB. Insulation reduces noise by absorbing vibrations and lessening impact sounds, allowing you to use your garage without disturbing your family, pets, or neighbours.

Improved Durability

Garage door insulation, often made from polystyrene or polyurethane foam, forms a strong layer between the door panels. This extra strength boosts the door’s durability, reducing the likelihood of dents from regular use. Dents can impact the door’s function and appearance, potentially diminishing your home’s overall appeal. Opting for an insulated garage door is a smart decision for the long term.

Why Do I Need an Insulated Garage Door?

Insulating your overhead garage door offers numerous benefits, with some situations making it not just a smart choice but a necessity.

Consider investing in an insulated garage door if:

You Want Protection from the Elements

In regions with harsh winters like Quebec and Ontario, where temperatures can plummet, an insulated garage is crucial for your vehicle’s well-being. It prevents cold weather-related issues, extends the life of your car, and safeguards the automatic opener and door hardware. Moreover, it helps keep moisture at bay, protecting items vulnerable to humidity.

You Have an Attached Garage

An uninsulated garage door can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency if the garage is connected. Heat escaping through an inefficient garage door drives up the cost of heating your home by forcing your HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy. An insulated garage door enhances comfort and reduces your energy bill.

Your Garage is an Extension of Your Living Space

An energy-efficient door is a must for those who use their garage as a workshop, office, home gym, or entertainment room. If you frequently occupy your garage and have heating systems in place, an insulated garage door is essential for efficient heating.

The Rest of Your Garage is Insulated

If the walls and garage door windows are properly insulated, but the door isn’t, the garage is vulnerable to cold air seepage and is less energy efficient overall. Completing the insulation with an insulated garage door is the final step in creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient garage.

Conclusion

An insulated garage door offers numerous benefits, including enhanced comfort, energy savings, quieter operation, and improved durability. It’s a good choice if you want to safeguard your automobiles and keep your garage at a steady temperature, especially in cold weather. Completing the insulation in your garage with an insulated door ensures a more comfortable and energy-efficient space.

People often overlook the size of their garage door when doing home improvements. Many homeowners need to realize there are standard garage door sizes, and choosing the right size is vital for both practicality and appearance.

What Are Standard Garage Door Sizes?

Standard garage door sizes are the typical measurements for garage doors that you'll find commonly used. They form the basis for many garage doors available. These sizes are frequently categorized as garage doors for one or two cars.

Perfect for the haven of a single car, the single-car garage door measures 8 to 9 feet wide by 7 to 8 feet high. Then there's the spacious 16 feet wide by 7 to 8 feet-high double-car garage door, which can fit two cars parked side by side.

Why Size Matters

Selecting the standard garage door size is crucial since it influences your garage's operation as well as appearance. Size counts for the following reasons:

Vehicle Fit

The most obvious reason is ensuring your vehicle can comfortably fit through the door. A door that's too narrow or too short can lead to scraped mirrors or damaged paint.

Storage Space

Your garage isn't just for your car. Many homeowners use their garages for additional storage. Selecting the appropriate size ensures you have enough space for your tools, bikes, and belongings.

Resale Value

The size of your garage and its door can impact the resale value of your home. Potential buyers often look for functional garages that meet their needs.

Aesthetics

The size of your garage door has a big impact on how your property looks. It's crucial to select a size that complements the architectural style of your house.

How to Choose the Right Size

Now that you are aware of how important garage door sizes are, follow these steps to select the ideal model for your house:

Measure Your Garage

Accurately determine the width and height of your garage opening. Consider the clearance you need for your vehicle.

Consider Your Needs

Take into account your garage's intended use. If you have two cars to park or require additional storage, a double-car garage door could be the right solution.

Check Local Regulations

Some areas have zoning regulations that dictate the maximum and minimum garage door sizes. Make sure to check your local building codes.

Design & Style

Because garage doors are available in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles, it's important to choose a design that blends in with your home's overall aesthetic.

Consult a Professional

If you need more clarification about the size or have specific requirements, it's always a good idea to consult a professional garage door installer. They can provide expert advice and measurements.

Conclusion

It's crucial to comprehend standard garage door sizes if you want to transform your garage into a functional and beautiful space. It's about improving the value and standard of living in your house, not just about fitting your car. 

Thus, measure carefully, consider your needs, and choose a garage door size that allows you to enter a better, more functional place.

Choosing the right garage door is important; it can either secure your home and still be an eyesore, or it could be aesthetically pleasing but be unsafe. You should learn all about sectional doors before you buy one.

Sectional doors are considered some of the best garage doors, maybe even the best. They’re popular because they're strong, dependable, and offer many options for customization. You can paint them any color and choose from different designs to complement any building. Continue reading for complete information about sectional garage doors to help you make the right choice.

What is a Sectional Garage Door? - An Overview

Sectional garage doors have multiple panels connected by hinges. They help you save space in and around your garage. You can get them in single or double-door models; some are even insulated.

These doors come in aluminum, iron, steel, or wood. They are especially attractive because they fit into any kind of garage space.

How Do Sectional Garage Doors Work?

• Sectional garage doors consist of four to eight horizontal panels connected by hinges.
• These panels move vertically along guide rails just below the ceiling.
• The panels are approximately 50 mm thick and hinged together, attaching to the inside tracks of the garage door frame, causing them to bend as they move upward.
• There are cable drums located at both ends of the tracks.
• When the door is opened, the cable winds around the drum, lifting the door.
• The opposite happens when closing the door.
• Torsion springs on a central rod support the door's weight to prevent it from falling when in motion.

How Much Does a Sectional Garage Door Cost?

Sectional garage door costs vary based on size, style, material, and customization. Although the upfront cost might be higher, choosing a sectional garage door can lead to long-term savings.

They require less maintenance and come with energy-efficient insulation, which helps keep your garage insulated and reduces energy expenses. Investing in a quality garage door, particularly a sectional one, is well worth the initial cost for the added security and immeasurable peace of mind.

Are Sectional Garage Doors Secure?

Definitely! Sectional doors are highly secure, making them a top choice for most homeowners. Both single and double sectional doors typically include a locking system that thwarts any attempts to open or lift them forcibly. Double sectional doors are exceptionally robust, offering even greater security.

Which is the Best Sectional Garage Door?

Steel is favoured because it is strong, dependable, flexible, and stylish. Each type of sectional door has its unique benefits. For example, double sectional doors are excellent for safeguarding valuable items in your garage.

If you don't need thermal insulation, uninsulated sectional doors are a good fit. But it's wise to consult a professional for personalized advice on selecting the perfect sectional garage door for your home.

Conclusion

Sectional garage doors are incredibly advantageous, aesthetically pleasing, and practical. They provide security, insulation, and energy-saving benefits that enhance your home's value, offering you peace of mind.

A grasp of sectional garage door features helps you fully appreciate these advantages. Reach out to our dependable garage door team today to embrace the numerous benefits of sectional garage doors.

When it comes to garage doors, there are various options available on the market. One such option is the single-panel garage door. If you're considering getting a new garage door, you must have all the information about single-panel garage doors. 

Read on for an understanding of single-panel garage doors to help you make the right choice.

What Exactly is a Single-Panel Garage Door?

Single-panel garage doors enjoyed immense popularity before the rise of sectional doors. These doors consist of single, sturdy slabs that smoothly ascend into the overhead space above your car. Although they occupy a comparable amount of space to sectional garage doors, their functionality can differ significantly.

In contrast to sectional doors, which are suspended on overhead tracks, most single-panel garage doors rely on a robust hinge system securely affixed to the doorframe. In this setup, the door swings open effortlessly, eliminating the need for a garage door opener. On occasion, single-panel doors are also configured to operate like sectional doors, making them compatible with garage door openers.

What are the Pros & Cons of Single Panel Garage Doors?

Pros of Single-Panel Garage Doors

Affordability

Single-panel garage doors offer exceptional cost efficiency, with the canopy version being particularly budget-friendly compared to other garage door options.

Aesthetics

Many individuals are drawn to the timeless design of the single-panel garage door, making it a popular choice for those looking to complement the style of older properties. Furthermore, these doors are available in a wide variety of materials, colours, and finishes, allowing for customization to suit your preferences.

Ease of Use

Single-panel garage doors can be effortlessly operated either manually or with an automatic lifter. Thanks to a well-balanced design, manual operation is a breeze.

Cons of Single-Panel Garage Doors

Durability

Single-panel garage doors are installed on a single point of attachment, which can make them less structurally robust when subjected to strong winds or impacts. They lack the multiple attachment points found in other door types.

Space Requirements

Be cautious when parking vehicles or standing close to single-panel garage doors when they are opening. These doors swing outward, and their clearance demands have earned them the nickname "chin busters."

Safety Concerns

Single-panel garage doors use extension springs, which can pose safety risks without regular maintenance. A broken extension spring can become a dangerous projectile, potentially causing severe injuries, vehicle damage, or harm to the garage's interior. However, this risk is easily mitigated through regular maintenance and inspections.

Conclusion

Single-panel garage doors are a timeless and versatile choice for homeowners. Their simplicity, affordability, and classic appeal make them attractive, especially for DIY enthusiasts and those with older homes.

However, it's important to be mindful of potential space limitations and safety concerns related to the use of extension springs. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the garage door complements your home's functionality and aesthetics. 

Most people can easily distinguish between single-panel and sectional garage doors based on their design, but what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? These two garage door styles have subtle operational and functional differences that make each one a good fit for particular types of homes and homeowners.

To help you in your garage door decision-making process, this article will explore the specifics of both single-panel and sectional garage doors, outlining the merits and drawbacks associated with each type.

What is a Single-Panel Garage Door?

A single-panel garage door consists of a single, large piece that ascends upward into the space above the car when opened. Usually, these doors are affixed to a robust hinge system connected to the doorframe rather than suspended on overhead tracks. This garage door style is common in homes with a vintage aesthetic.

What is a Sectional Garage Door?

A sectional garage door features multiple horizontal panels connected by hinges, allowing the door to flex and follow a curved path as it opens and closes. Sectional garage doors offer a contemporary design and require less overhead clearance space.

Single-Panel Vs. Sectional Garage Door — What’s the Difference?

Single-Panel Garage Door - Pros & Cons

Sectional Garage Door - Pros & Cons

Conclusion

With a clear understanding of the distinct appearances and performance attributes of single-panel and sectional garage doors, you're well equipped to make an informed choice about your garage door.

If you're looking for a timeless traditional or elegantly classic garage door, explore the diverse range of products available from Automated Door Systems. We also offer specialty garage doors to suit your unique preferences.

Garages are a fundamental part of our home. We use them to store our vehicles and sometimes our valuable possessions. They are also a common target for thieves, who see them as an easy access point into your home.

You might have taken security measures to protect your valuables. But if you’re still concerned about how to make your garage more secure, this blog is for you.

We’ve compiled practical ways to make your garage more secure, such as strengthening garage doors , securing windows, and installing security systems.

How to Make Your Garage More Secure

Install Tinted Security Film

Installing tinted security film is a quick and easy way to make it less enticing for criminals to try to break in by blocking their view of your garage’s items while allowing natural light to enter.

This laminated polyester film that adheres to your garage door glass is simple to apply. According to David Flax, Vice President of Operations for Window Genie, a US-based residential window washing and tinting business, the film also makes the windows more difficult to break.

Tint-free window security film is available if you want breakage protection without the tint. Utilize this easy yet effective method to keep your garage and its contents safe.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights efficiently surprise and deter potential thieves as they approach your garage door. The sudden light will startle them and may even convince them not to attempt to break in to your garage.

With motion-activated lights, you don’t need to worry about turning your lights on manually. When motion is detected, these lights automatically switch on, adding an extra layer of security to your garage and house.

Thanks to motion sensor lighting, you can feel secure knowing that your property is safe even when you're not there to turn on the lights manually.

Keep Your Garage Doors Closed

Anybody can enter your home if your garage doors are left open for an extended time. What’s more, anyone driving or walking by can easily see what's in your garage. Keeping your garage doors closed even when you’re working in your yard is vital. Even if you live in a safe neighbourhood, you can never be too careful.

Technology is also available to help you keep track of your garage doors. With some of the most recent garage door opener models, you can use a smartphone app to check whether your doors are open or closed. Standalone garage door monitors are also available to monitor your doors closely

Upgrade to A Smart Garage Door Opener for Better Security and Convenience

Upgrading to a modern automatic garage door opener can significantly improve your garage's security. Older models are vulnerable to break-ins, as burglars can quickly figure out the access code. New models utilize a safer "rolling code" technology that produces another unique code each time the remote button is pressed.

Additionally, modern garage door openers come with smart technology that allows you to remotely monitor and operate your garage doors using a smartphone app. This feature is convenient and provides an added layer of security by alerting you if someone is trying to break in.

Maintain Your Garage Doors

In addition to making your home less attractive and energy efficient, warped, faded, and improperly sealed garage doors also endanger your family's safety. Old garage doors with gaps or breaches are easier for robbers to enter. Modern garage doors can increase security and make your home's exterior more attractive.

Due to their longevity and the numerous unique design options offered to homeowners, steel garage doors are preferred. Replace your old-fashioned garage doors with a modern, secure choice to protect your property.

Secure Your Garage Door When You're Away

Most homes have automatic garage door openers, making it more difficult for burglars to enter. Place a padlock on one of the door tracks if you're going on vacation to ensure the doors stay closed.

Another option is to unplug the automatic opener while you're away if your door opener is outdated and lacks the technology to detect whether your garage doors are open or closed. Consider your home's security carefully; always secure the garage doors and entry points.

Opt for a Keychain Remote Opener for Added Convenience

It's crucial to think outside the box when deciding where to hide the garage door remote to ensure thieves can’t use it to break in. People often hide these remotes in their car glove box or under the seat, but thieves are aware of this and will probably search these places first. The remote should always be in your vehicle, especially if parked in your driveway.

Take the remote inside your home or consider a universal remote you can keep on your keychain or a smart garage door opener. With the smart garage door opener, you can remotely open and close your garage door using an app on your phone, protecting you if you forget to close it.

Some garage door openers even include timers you can program to close the door automatically each day at a certain time, such as when it becomes dark outside or when everyone has left for work and school. These measures may greatly reduce the likelihood of a break-in and protect your family and home.

Secure the Entrance Between Your Garage and Home

Attached garages are a convenient feature in many homes, allowing easy access to the house without having to walk through inclement weather. However, the connecting door between the garage and the house can pose a significant security risk if left unlocked. Once a burglar gains access to your garage, they can easily enter your home.

To prevent this, always keep the connecting door locked. Consider installing a steel security door with a deadbolt in this spot for even greater garage door security. It’ll provide extra protection and peace of mind knowing your home is secure. You can never be too careful when it comes to your home's security—always keep your garage and connecting door locked.

Install a Garage Security System

Research indicates that burglars are less likely to target homes with visible security systems. Therefore, an alarm system for your garage is as important as one for the rest of your home. Security cameras above your garage's entry points are also effective deterrents for thieves.

With affordable, high-quality motion-activated video cameras that can be monitored on your smartphone, it's easier to monitor suspicious activity around your home's exterior. Your home's security is a worthwhile investment— a garage alarm system and security cameras will keep your property and family safe.

Automated Door Systems Can Help Secure Your Garage

There’s nothing worse than the sinking feeling of returning home to discover that your garage or another part of your property has been broken into. Home burglaries rise in the summer months.

Now is the time to implement these vital garage security ideas and bolster your home's defences. Take proactive efforts to ensure your property is safe and protected.

Garages are the ultimate convenience during the winter months. Not only is your car parked in a cozy garage, you avoid having to scrape ice off your car in freezing weather. And isn’t it nice to get inside your car in the morning without braving the elements?

But winters can be tough on your garage. Cold weather brings sleet, ice, and snow. The question is, does snow have an effect on your garage door?

How Does Snow Affect Your Garage Door?

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your garage door. 

Here are some ways that the cold and snow affect your garage door. 

Frozen Door

Water pooling near the foot of your garage can freeze, sealing your garage door shut and barring your access to the garage. 

If this happens, do not try to pull or push the doorframe too hard, as you may damage the garage door’s hardware. Try to thaw the ice underneath using hot water, a space heater, or even your hair dryer. Make sure to clear snow, water, and ice daily from the foot of your garage door to prevent this problem from recurring.  

Broken Springs

Broken springs or compromised spring strength can also prevent your garage door from opening. The snow and the cold weather that follows can cause the springs to become brittle, especially if you the garage door has springs made of carbon. Testing and inspecting your garage door springs before the cold winter months hit your area is highly recommended. Installing safety cables can also help protect the garage door from broken springs. 

Piling Snow

Another important issue that can arise for your garage doors is due to snow piling against it. It is common for snow to be piled against the door while shoveling it in the winter months. This can not only lead to the blocking of your door but can bring about frozen debris and leaves that can cause additional damage to your garage door. 

How to Protect Your Garage Door from the Negative Effects of Snow

Snow does affect your garage door, so here are some tips for protecting your garage door from the winter elements.

• Clear the entire garage track of debris to ensure smooth operating. 
• Make sure to confirm that your garage door works manually. You don’t want to get stuck relying on the automatic opener alone. 
• Always clear any snow that accumulates when your garage door is open. The door might fail to close entirely if snow obstructs the way. 
• Consider a weather-resistant garage entrance that can withstand the possible effects of snow on the garage door.  
• Applying ice melter on the driveway can also help prevent a build-up of ice near the door. 

Find the Best Garage Door Repair Services at Automated Door Systems

Winter months can be tough on your garage door and result in costly repairs. 

Wondering about the effects of snow on your garage door? Scrambling because your garage door needs emergency repairs due to freezing weather? Contact Automated Door Systems! 

We offer emergency repair services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our experts provide professional installation and repair services to ensure that your garage doors operate smoothly. 

If you have an automatic garage door, you likely know it relies on cables on both sides to lower and lift the door. You may also wonder what you should do if your garage door cable breaks. These cables transmit energy from garage door springs to the door, making them crucial to proper functionality.

However, if a cable snaps or falls out of a drum, your garage door may cease to function and, worse, may drop unexpectedly. We’ll discuss what to do if your garage door cable breaks, whether you can still use the door, and whether you should try to replace a garage door cable yourself or hire a licensed contractor.

Should I Try to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Cable?

Under no circumstances should you try to open a garage door with a broken or loose cable. The remaining wires are under excess tension, increasing the chances that they will snap, causing the door to fall on whatever or whomever is underneath it.

If your garage door gets stuck open due to a faulty cable, immediately call garage door repair specialists and await their arrival. If you cannot leave your home exposed, you may have to cut the remaining cable to close the entrance. In such instances, it is critical to get at least three or four other people to hold the door and carefully lower it to the ground when the cable is severed.

Signs of Broken Garage Door Cables

Before proceeding with any repairs, it's essential to identify signs of damaged or broken garage door cables. Look for the following:

• The door is crooked and unbalanced.
• The door is shaking, squeaking, or operating unusually.
• The door crashed to the floor unexpectedly.
• The door is stuck in place and won't go up or down.

If you notice any of these signs, you must address the issue promptly.

How to Fix Your Garage Door Cable

• First, make sure the door is wide open and securely locked in place. You can do this by using vice grips on the metal track just below the door's bottom wheel or by placing a ladder or scaffold under the door to keep it steady.

• Once the door is safe and steady, remove the old, broken cable looped around a peg at the bottom of the garage door and remove it from the drum (the round part it's wrapped around).

• Now, follow the instructions from the cable manufacturer to attach the new cable to the drum. Wrap the cable around the drum as directed.

• After that, loop the other end of the new cable around the peg at the bottom of the door.

• The new cable might not be exactly the same length as the old one. To ensure everything is even, replacing both cables is a good idea. You can also adjust the length of either cable, but be careful if you need to work with the torsion spring, as it can be tricky.

Garage door cable repair is not a DIY task unless you have been trained and have first-hand experience in garage door repair. Fixing the cables yourself poses significant risks and may lead to injuries. Many emergency room visits result from people attempting spring or cable repairs without the proper knowledge and tools. That’s why we recommend, instead of doing it yourself, calling the professionals of Door Dcotor.

Finding Expert Garage Door Cable Repair Service

Look no further than Automated Door Systems if you need timely and dependable emergency garage door repair professionals to fix your garage door cables. We offer complete garage door repair, installation, and maintenance services.