Sectional Overhead Doors: A Smart Choice for Modern Garages
Considering replacing your worn out, awkward garage door? Instead of the traditional up and over door, consider sectional overhead doors. More and more homeowners are choosing these styles of doors. They offer a number of advantages over traditional overhead and up and over doors. Sectional overhead doors are neat and tidy, and offer added security. They take up less space and make better use of the space around your garage.
How a Sectional Door Works
A sectional door is made of several horizontal panels that are hinged together and open by rolling the door up into the ceiling of your garage. This design causes the panels to take up less space than other designs that rely on swinging doors. Unlike a conventional up-and-over door, nothing swings outwards, so you can park much closer to the garage and still open the door freely.
That makes a huge difference for driveways with short approaches, especially if you have an out-swinging door. I’ve seen a couple of situations where door swings clipped a bumper, and a few where a door swing left a gap between the car and the door. A sectional design makes the full approach usable.
The Main Advantages
The main benefit of space-saving is obvious, but there are other benefits. Sectional doors tend to run quite smoothly and quietly, especially if the springs and rollers are of a good quality. Also, because each section is guided along horizontal tracks, they are well suited to the operation of an electric operator, meaning the door can be opened and closed from the comfort of your car.
Other benefits include:
- A clean, even appearance with flat panels
- Seals are used to reduce air infiltration around the openings.
- Strengthens construction and security
- Lots of colours and finishes to choose from
- Compatible with Smart Homes and Accessories
Insulation and Comfort
Many sectional doors use insulated panels. If your garage is a workshop, gym or hobby room, these doors can make that space more comfortable in the winter and help reduce noise. Also, rubber seals around the edges and bottom of the door help to keep out draughts and also dust and rain.
Improving the insulation of an attached garage can potentially improve adjoining rooms. It may not significantly change your energy bills, but it’s a smart addition to other strategies to make your house more comfortable.
Style and Finish
Sectional doors are available with several panel designs from smooth and contemporary to woodgrain effects that mimic timber. You also have the option of a range of colours and can match your front door, window frames or brickwork.
Some garage designs incorporate windows or glazed panels to allow for natural light to enter the garage. These work well if you use the space for projects, but if you’re more concerned with privacy, you may want to go with a design with solid panels.
Measuring Up
Make sure you measure your opening and know the height and width before ordering. Also know the headroom and side room. Side room is the space for the tracks and springs. Sectional doors require headroom to operate, so check early.
The height of your garage also plays a big factor. Door panels have to have room to travel along the ceiling, and if there’s not enough space because of low beams or other obstructions, the set up may need to be changed or another style chosen.
Security and Safety
Security shutter doors are known for being strong and robust. Many models include safety features as standard and it’s worth looking for safety devices that include protection against: breakage of springs, finger injuries from panel joints, and obstruction detection to prevent the door closing on an object in its path.
Adding locks and automatic locking mechanisms give you more peace of mind, especially if your garage stores bikes, tools or other valuables.
Keeping the Door in Good Condition
Take a little care and your sectional door will provide years of service. Wiping down the panels with a wet cloth from time to time will keep them looking nice and help remove any stains. Inspect the door seals and replace them as needed. Lubricate hinges and rollers according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Doing this will keep the tracks free from dirt and debris.
If you hear strange noises or notice movement that seems irregular or a door that feels heavier than usual, call to have it checked out right away. Springs and cables are under tension, and regular people should not be doing any repairs.
Choosing the Right Door for You
Consider how you use your garage, how much space you have on your driveway, and how important insulation and security are to you. Look at several styles, check out guarantees and think about whether or not you want electric operation.
A sectional garage door can be more convenient and provide a better appearance for the street compared to other door designs. This makes it attractive to many homeowners. If you are wanting to improve your garage in these ways, a sectional garage door should be strongly considered.