If you are shopping for a new garage door, you need to know what constitutes a good R-value for a garage door, how it’s calculated, and, more importantly, what you should buy to fit your needs.

Here are the answers to all your questions about garage door R-value.

R-Value for a Garage Door - What is the Ideal Parameter

The R-value is an imperial measurement of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. More precisely, the R-value measures resistance to heat flow. The transmission of heat or cold can be reduced using an insulating material. Thus, R-value indicates the energy efficiency of a product. This number is calculated as a function of the thickness of the insulator and its physical properties.

When considering a garage door’s R-value, the larger the number, the better the thermal insulation of the door. For example, R‑16 is better than R‑12.

Recommended R-Values for Garage Doors

Not everyone needs a garage door with a high R-value. Choosing the right R-value for your garage door depends on what type of garage you have and how much time you spend there.

The breakdown of recommended R-values for garage doors is as follows: 

• Non-Insulated to R-6 Insulation: This range is recommended for non-insulated and detached garages where people do not spend a lot of time. Having an insulated garage door doesn’t make sense if the walls of your garage are not insulated.
• R-6 to R-9 Insulation:This range is recommended for attached garages that are not conditioned, i.e., heated or cooled, depending on where you live. The doors provide sufficient insulation to stop cold damage to any items you store in the garage and are relatively inexpensive.
• R-9 to R-13 Insulation: This range is recommended for conditioned (heated or cooled) garages. In this case, you are looking for the highest possible R-value to keep the air you are heating or cooling inside where you want it.  
• R-13 Insulation and Higher:This range is recommended if you have converted the garage into a living space or are trying to create a net zero home. You may have to pay a premium for a garage door with such a high R-value, but you will also save a lot on energy costs over the garage door’s lifetime.  

Beyond these general recommendations, getting the highest R-value possible is a good idea if you want to be energy efficient. However, high R-value garage doors are significantly more expensive due to their more costly materials. 

Contact Automated Door Systems Now to Find the R-Value that is Right for You!

The expert team at Automated Door Systems can help you find the garage door that perfectly meets your needs and can even assess the R-value of your existing garage door.

Most people think that all garage door rollers are the same. But in fact, nylon and steel garage door rollers are very different.

To be sure you choose the rollers that are right for you, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of nylon and steel garage door rollers when replacing your old plastic ones. Read on to learn about what differentiates nylon garage door rollers from steel ones and find out which type comes out on top.

Nylon vs. Steel Garage Door Rollers: Durability

Garage door roller durability mainly depends on the presence of ball bearings. Ball bearings are small metal balls placed between the rotating wheel of the roller and the stationary rod to reduce friction. Garage door rollers wear out much faster without ball bearings. Most steel and nylon rollers have ball bearings, while plastic rollers do not.

Note that the more ball bearings, the longer the product’s lifespan. Rollers generally have between seven and 13 ball bearings. For example, nylon rollers with 10 ball bearings are rated between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles, whereas nylon rollers with 13 ball bearings are usually rated at 20,000 cycles.

In terms of material, nylon and steel are durable and have comparable lifespans. The key difference is that steel rollers can corrode. Despite a protective layer of rust-resistant coating, they can sometimes get scratched or worn down.

Nylon vs. Steel Garage Door Rollers: Maintenance

Neither nylon nor steel garage door rollers need a great deal of maintenance. To prevent squeaking and grinding noises and keep them in good condition, lubricate them twice a year using a high-quality lubricant. Apply the grease directly to the bearings for steel and nylon rollers with exposed ball bearings and apply the grease to the roller itself for rollers without bearings. Rollers with sealed ball bearings do not need any lubrication.

Nylon vs. Steel Garage Door Rollers: Noise Level

Nylon garage door rollers are the clear winner when it comes to silent operation. Steel rollers produce rattling noises and vibrations as they travel up and down the garage door tracks. Nylon is the obvious choice if you want a silent garage door system.

For All Your Garage Door Needs, Including Rollers, Contact Automated Door Systems Now!

Nylon garage door rollers are more popular than steel ones. They are quieter, don’t corrode, and generally provide a much smoother experience. They are a bit costlier than steel garage door rollers, but they are worth the modest financial stretch. Steel garage door rollers are nonetheless perfectly acceptable.

Both nylon and steel garage door rollers will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance. But in an objective overall assessment, nylon rollers come out on top.

Weatherstripping can save you hours of hard labor. For example, it can prevent leaves from blowing right back into your garage immediately after you clean it with a blower. Some garage door seals work best against leaves, while others handle water. With the correct type of garage door seal, you can keep rain, bugs, grass, and leaves out of your garage for good.

You can read on to learn more about different types of garage door seals and how they can help your garage stay moisture- and debris-free.

What Is a Garage Door Seal?

Whether winter, summer, spring, or fall, weatherstripping protects the garage space from inclement weather, making garage door seals essential year-round. There are different types of garage door seals available on the market—threshold, bottom, and more. Some seals, such as brush seals, typically come on commercial doors, but every garage door has bottom seals.

A bottom seal—a gasket or astragal—is necessary for a garage door because concrete floors aren’t even, and it helps seal the gaps to make the space more level. Bottom seals are used to weatherproof the garage and help keep rain, snow, leaves, grass, insects, and more out of your garage.

Different Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals

A garage door bottom seal doesn’t only help to weatherproof the garage but is also vital for keeping your garage clean. A range of problems can occur if the garage door bottom seal breaks, so you need to replace it as soon as possible.

The different types of garage door seals include:

• J-Type Seals: These bottom seals are installed on a single-channel retainer and seal each side of the garage door by forming a hook shape, like the letter “J.”
• T-Type Seals: These bottom seals are installed with single-channel retainers, forming an inverted “T” when viewed from the side.
• Bulb Seals: These are long tubular seals with a narrow “T” shape at the top and rounded bottom. They push upwards over an uneven surface to spread out.
• Beaded Seals: These are also T-shaped bottom garage door seals designed to fit into a circular groove. Beaded seals are used for two-channel retainers and prevent water from seeping under the seal.

Looking for Different Types of Garage Door Seals? Contact Automated Door Systems Today!

Most Automated Door Systems garage doors come with bulb seals, and some even have thermal seals between sections providing additional protection against the elements. We also offer garage door seals with insulation for even greater energy efficiency.

If you’re wondering how to install garage door cables, you’re probably worried about a costly repair or replacement.

However, if you are able to identify your broken garage door cable, you can perform the installation yourself!

You must make sure that your garage door is safe for you and your family sooner rather than later. This article can help you figure out where to start.

If you want to find out how to install garage door cables, read on for the seven steps to a successful job!

How Does a Garage Door Cable Work?

Your garage door cable keeps you safe if a spring on the garage door breaks. Torsion spring cables connect the bottom of the garage door to the cable drum so the springs can lift the door. With regular use, the springs can get worn out or frayed.

When Should You Replace a Garage Door Cable?

If you’re wondering if you need a new garage door cable, begin by determining the current state of the cable itself. You should check it once a year and replace it if you see any damage.

The most common damage is rusting, broken or separated wires, frayed wires, and oxidation. If you notice these signs of damage, installing a new cable is the best option.

Before starting the job, you should have the following tools to keep you safe. They can easily be ordered or obtained at your local hardware store.

• Garage door replacement cable
• Leather work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Ladder or stepladder
• Wrenches
• Vice grip or locking pliers
• Rags
• Winding bars
• Ratchet
• Sockets

Steps for Installing Garage Door Cables

1. Open the Door

Pull down the emergency release so you can open and close your garage door manually. The emergency release is usually a red rope with or without a handle near the opener or the top rail.

Open the garage door and use a vice grip below the roller on both sides to hold the door open.

2. Release Spring Tension

Loosen the spring screw sets at the centre of your garage door with ¼ turns. After that, fully insert both winding bars. Use both bars at the same time to avoid injury and do not get in the way of the bars.

Completely unwind the garage door spring in ¼ increments until you release all the tension. Do this individually for every spring on your garage door.

3. Loosen Cable Drum Screws

Once you release the tension, use the wrench to loosen the screws in the cable drum at the top left of your garage door. Then remove the cable. Near the bottom of the door, use your socket and ratchet to remove the bottom screw from the jamb bracket. Remove the bottom bracket and then the cable.

4. Insert New Cable

Next, insert the new cable into the bottom bracket, then thread it to the drum at the top of the garage door. Repeat for the other side of your door.

5. Set the Cable

Insert the cable into the slot in the cable drum. Make sure it’s accurately set and doesn’t overlap. Wind the cable onto the drum, slide the drum to the bearing plate and turn it counterclockwise until the cable is tight.

Tighten all screws once the cable is set on both sides. Do not over-tighten the screws, as it could strip them.

6. Increase Spring Tension

While holding the new cable, use your vice grip to hold the rod that intersects the garage door in place against the wall. Repeat on the other side.

Then, use the winding bars to increase spring tension by ¼ turns. Do not overwind the springs.

7. Finish Up

Remove the locking pliers from the metal rod at the top of the door and re-engage the door by pulling the emergency release. Lift the door until it clicks into place. You can now plug in your garage door opener.

How to Install Garage Door Cables with Automated Door Systems

Despite these step-by-step instructions on how to install garage door cables, it can still be tricky to follow every step perfectly. Contact us for 24-hour, fast, and friendly garage door service.

Our professionals at Automated Door Systems carry the cables commonly used in garage doors across the country! We quickly identify the problem and repair your garage door as quickly as possible.

Most people enter their homes through their garage doors more often than their front doors, so a properly functioning garage door is essential for daily convenience. Because of regular use, it’s normal for a garage door to require periodic repairs.

Here are the top five signs that you need a garage door tune-up.

Five Signs You Need a Garage Door Tune-Up

Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your garage door until there’s a severe problem. And when that problem arises, the signs are usually pretty obvious—strange noises, the door doesn’t open or close smoothly, and more. Here are five common signs that your garage door needs a tune-up:

1. If your garage door suddenly won’t open or close, something is wrong. The problem could be as simple as an engaged disconnect switch or something more serious such as a faulty connection between the door and control panel.
2. If your garage door starts making unusual noises, it is also a sign that it needs a tune-up. Grinding, rumbling, or banging could indicate significant problems like bent coils or loose spring tension.
3. When garage doors move slower than usual or get stuck part way up or down, this is another sign that something needs a tune-up. Often, lubricating the door’s tracks and rollers can resolve this issue.
4. If your garage door opener remote is no longer working, it might just need new batteries. But if that doesn’t solve the problem, there could be a bigger problem with the opener itself.
5. If you see any gaps or cracks in your garage door, this is a sign that the door needs to be replaced. These gaps can let in drafts and pests and cause serious injury if someone accidentally walks into them.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call the professionals to get your garage door back in working order.

Contact Automated Door Systems for the Best Garage Door Tune-Up

These are just a few signs that you need a garage tune-up. At Automated Door Systems, we are happy to provide regular garage door maintenance. Monitoring these five signs will help you know when to schedule a tune-up. We’ll help get your garage door back in top condition.

Is your garage door remote broken, or is the door simply not working? You may wonder how to fix an automatic garage door. With some troubleshooting, you can repair your door, avoid costly service calls, and get your garage door opener working again in no time.

A garage with an automatic door opener is a great luxury, making it easy to stow your car away during unpleasant weather conditions. But when your garage door opener is not working, that convenience quickly becomes a burden. Try these quick troubleshooting tips before you call in a professional.

See if you can fix your automatic garage door using the tips outlined below.

How to Fix an Automatic Garage Door - Troubleshooting

1. Inspect the batteries in your wireless transmitter

Dead transmitter batteries are the most common cause of automatic garage door issues. If you are able to open your garage door using another remote or transmitter inside your home, you have a problem with one specific device.

In most cases, changing the battery on your transmitter is as simple as sliding off the back of the remote, removing the old battery, and popping in a new one. Some transmitters may have a small screw holding the battery door in place, meaning you’ll need a screwdriver to access the old battery.

After you’ve changed the battery, test it by opening and closing your garage door. If it works, you have solved the problem with your automatic garage door.

Sometimes the transmitter itself may be broken and need to be replaced by a professional.

2. Make sure the path of the garage door is completely clear.

Automatic garage doors are designed to be as safe as possible. They have a reversing mechanism that prevents them from closing if anything is in the way. If your garage door starts to close but stops or does not close entirely, something may be blocking its path.

Make sure that the garage door’s path is completely clear. Move any items out of the way. Check that nothing is obstructing the door’s track. Make absolutely certain that your vehicle isn’t blocking the garage door or tripping the photo eye sensor.

3. Look for and identify common mechanical issues.

Automatic garage doors often experience other common mechanical problems that you may be able to identify yourself:

● Check the channels on either side of the garage door to ensure the door is aligned.

● Inspect the photo eye sensors to confirm they’re pointing toward each other and are properly aligned.

● Visually inspect the motor and springs to look for anything unusual, such as a broken or disconnected chain.

4. How to Fix an Automatic Garage Door - Professional Guidance

If these troubleshooting tips do not help you solve your problem, then you need to call in a professional for a more thorough examination.

Contact us for 24-hour, fast, and friendly garage door services.

Though constructed from durable materials and built to withstand heavy use, commercial garage doors can still present issues to business owners. This article explores five common commercial garage door problems that may require the services of a professional garage door repair company.

Five Common Commercial Garage Door Problems

The most common problems requiring professional commercial garage door repair include:

1. Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

Metal tracks guide overhead commercial garage doors as they lift and shut. The door will neither open nor close when these tracks become damaged or misaligned. Only a qualified professional garage door technician can straighten and repair the ways.

Should you notice warping in your commercial garage door, it is essential to get it looked at as soon as possible. Otherwise, the tracks may become more damaged and require complete replacement.

2. Door Fails to Open

Torsion cables and springs are needed to function correctly for commercial garage door openers. If a line is worn or a spring breaks, the garage door will not be able to open and close. Torsion springs are dangerous without the proper tools and equipment because they are tightly wound. These crucial parts need regular maintenance to ensure that they are working well.

When a commercial garage door fails to open, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your local commercial garage door company.

3. Unusual Noises

Dirty rollers may be the culprit if your commercial garage door makes unusual noises when opening and closing. Over time, debris may gather on the rollers and damage them. Regularly clean your rollers and watch for corroded rollers that need replacing.

4. Power Issues

Another reason garage doors fail to open and close is often a problem with the power supply. Appropriate power is required to operate correctly, hefty commercial garage doors. This specific problem warrants a visit from a professional technician.

5. Broken Panels

When commercial garage doors are used constantly, it’s common for panels to become dented or damaged. The good news is that a single section can be replaced without overhauling the entire door.

Get the Professional Help You Need from the Expert Team at Automated Door Systems Today!

Automated Door Systems strives to provide prompt and reliable service when you need it most. Whether you’re looking for someone to fix a specific component on your commercial garage door, repair a commercial garage door, or need a new garage door, count on our skilled technicians. No job is too complicated for our dedicated team! We provide services at your convenience so that you can get ahold of a technician any time there’s a severe problem.

To schedule a service call for your commercial garage door problems, contact us at one of our four locations in Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto.

There’s nothing as irritating as coming home after a long day at work only to discover that your garage door won’t open. There are many possible reasons your garage door isn’t opening correctly. You may need to replace a part of your garage door or all of it if the doors do not work as they should or cannot open completely.

Always consult a professional garage door company and know your garage door manufacturer. But before we start exploring different ways to fix a garage door, let’s understand why your garage door isn’t opening.

Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening

Possible reasons your garage door isn’t opening include:

1. Your Operator’s Power Source Is Disrupted

If your garage door isn’t opening, the first thing you should check is the power source. Ensure that it is plugged into a working outlet and that there is no disruption to the power source. Sometimes outlets go out without warning, so check if the outlet is working by plugging another working electronic device into it. You can also check your circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI.

2. Your Cables Have Snapped or Popped Off

Just like a bike sprocket, your garage door cables can sometimes become disengaged.

When the torsion spring on your garage door breaks, the door cable snaps, too, if your garage door cables have snapped, this is not a problem that you can fix on your own, and it is crucial to have someone who knows what they are doing take a look at it.

In some cases, the damage caused by the snapped cable can be extensive and dangerous, so it is always best to exercise caution and call a professional.

3. Your Sensitivity Is Maladjusted

In a newly installed garage door or sometimes in an older one, the sensitivity can become maladjusted. If the sensitivity is set extremely high or low, your garage door will not open. Consult a garage door expert to reset the sensitivity.

Always remember to take care when fixing a malfunctioning garage door, as you risk severe injury if things go wrong. If you are unsure about what you are doing, it’s always better to call experienced professionals who can instantly identify and resolve the problem.  

If Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening, Have It Inspected, Fixed, Repaired, or Replaced at Automated Door Systems Today!

Are you in a tight spot because your garage door isn’t opening? Don’t panic! The Automated Door Systems can help you figure out why your garage door won’t open and fix it immediately.