The Differences Between Materials Used to Make Garage Doors

The different materials used for fabricating garage doors each come with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Steel, for example is affordable, durable, weathers well, stands up to abuse and can be finished in a variety of ways and provides a wide choice of styles, but it is a poor choice for insulation when compared to something like wood.

The benefits of steel when used for a garage door are dependent on the gauge, so all steel is not created equal and buying a steel garage door does not ensure quality just because it is made of steel. Thinner gauge steel cannot stand up to the punishment that garage door may face, also it cannot offer the resistance to an intruder that would be found in a thicker gauge.

Steel garage doors may come as a single skin or as two sheets within which insulation may be sandwiched. The insulation is to help the house hold heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Roller garage doors are usually constructed from lengths of steel connected to form a curtain and may also be insulated.

The Pros And Cons Of Aluminium Garage Doors

Aluminium comes with the same problems as thinner gauge steel and many of the same benefits. It is a light enough metal that it is easy for the homeowner to install an aluminium garage door on their own should they choose to do so, and it does not rust. The weight also makes it a popular material for fabricating roller garage doors, though other types, like roller shutters  can also be made with it. Aluminium can also be finished in any colour that the homeowner desires. Unfortunately, it can show wear if subjected to a punishing environment. Like steel, it is a poor material for insulation.

Fibreglass And Wooden Garage Doors

Fibreglass and wood occupy very small segments of the market as both have issues that make them unappealing to most people. One issue is price. Wood is expensive, not to obtain necessarily, but to maintain. Wooden garage doors are, like most garage doors, constantly exposed to the elements and will need regular upkeep by a homeowner. Due to the fragility of wood they are not suitable to being used as sectional garage door`s, therefore the homeowner is limited in the type of opening mechanism they can use (usually up and over).

Fibreglass is lightweight and resistant to salt air, both of which are good things. The weight makes it suitable for being used as a part of an electric garage door and the resistance to salt air is especially useful in houses that are located on a beach. However, fibreglass does not insulate a house very well, and it does not hold up well in cold weather. It also tends to discolour over time.

Guide to Installing Roller Garage Doors

There is a wide range of choice when it comes to styles and colours for your new roller garage doors. You may prefer a traditional timber or classic colour effect or want something chic and up to the minute to make an attractive feature to the kerb appeal of your home. Sizes up to 5 m wide and 3 m are stocked by most retailers.

By following the simple step by step guide to installing your new roller garage door you will have a smart, secure and safe closure for your garage which will stand the test of time and keep your valuables protected from weather and loss.

Step 1 Preparation

Roller Doors garage doors are easy to fit and come with step by step instructions which are clear and easy to follow.

Be sure to follow the detailed installation guide which takes you through the necessary measuring points and advises on positioning your new garage door for best results.

Step 2 Affixing brackets

You will be provided with a measured diagram for detailed directions where to affix mounting brackets. This is vital to ensure you get the correct location first time and thus eliminate any frustration and time wasting should you later realise you had misread something and carried out the installation incorrectly. We can all be a little bit guilty of not reading instructions thoroughly enough so play smart and check these very carefully.

Step 3 Positioning the door

The correct positioning of the roller door is the key to smooth running of your door once it is installed. Take a little time to ensure you are familiar with the instructions before you start to carry them out so the positioning and securing the axle to the mounted brackets are all correct.

Step 4 Safety instructions

Read these carefully to prevent injury both during installation and whilst the garage door is subsequently in use. Unroll the door carefully and make particular note of any special instructions relating to insulated roller doors if you have chosen this option.

Step 5 Fixing the side tracks

The side tracks ensure your new garage door rolls up evenly and is centred with the opening. A snug fit keeps out the weather and provides stability and efficiency for the door to ensure a long effective life.

Step 6   Final adjustments

Perform those final adjustments to fine tune the smooth and effortless operation of your new roller garage door. Whether you choose the manual or automated version there is less wear and tear on the garage door and fittings when these are correctly installed, balanced and smooth running.

And finally

The last set of guidelines explains how to fit the locking bar to give the most efficient weather seal. A rattling door resulting from a badly fitted bar is both annoying and damaging.

Follow the installation instructions properly and your garage door will provide peace of mind and durability for many years.

Insulate and a little bit more!

There are many different types of garage door available to purchase. One of which, is Insulated roller doors. This is a fantastic door that will not only prevent heat loss from a garage but can also offer that little bit of extra kerb appeal to your property.

The insulated roller garage doors are a high performance garage door manufactured from aluminium foam filled laths designed to provide thermal and acoustic insulation together with security.

Insulated roller doors are supplied with the benefit of being automatic as standard. With one press of a remote control the door curtain opens vertically into a neat roll with next to no sound at all.

Optional Extras

External Manual Release

The electric roller garage door is supplied with an internal manual release as standard, so that providing there is another entrance into the garage space, you can override the system and open the door if there is a temporary power failure. If there is no alternative access point then an external manual release may want to be considered. This is a key operated system that is designed to sit on the outside of the opening. When the key is placed into the barrel and turned, this allows you to pull the barrel which is connected to the release via a cord. This is for temporary use and once the power has returned the motor will once again take charge of opening and closing the door.

Battery Backup

The battery backup offers more convenience than the external manual release. It works so that in the event of a power failure, you can continue to use your door with the remote control. The battery backup will automatically work when the power stops.

Vision Slats

Allow natural light into your garage space by adding vision slats to your door. This gives a modern twist to the door finish you have chosen. You can have as many vision laths as you require.

Full or Half Box

The insulated roller door can be mounted several ways. On the internal face is the most popular choice as this allows the full drive through width of the opening to be used.

If there is no side room available, then the door can be housed between the openings. A half box will be required as a minimum to conceal the door curtain and protect the mechanism and motor from the elements. Between 140-180mm of opening drive through width will be lost to allow for the guides.

Another option if you did not have any side room nor want to lost any drive through width, is to externally mount the door roll. A full box will be required to house the roll.

The full box is also used for cosmetic purposes to hide the door roll neatly,

Keypad

Two remote controls are supplied with this door as standard, allowing the owner complete ease and convenience, when they need to open and close their door. This can be done all from the comfort of their vehicle.

An alternative and secure option to allow access to the garage is a wireless keypad. The keypad is externally mounted and allows access on entering a code into the system. Entry will be given to anyone who has been given the code. This is particularly useful for an entry point used by many people. Rather than many individuals having remote controls each, the keypad is stationery and always available to use.

Anti vandal keypads are also available, which have a harder wearing control panel.

Up and Over Garage Doors Explained

Generally speaking, up and over garage doors can be placed into two distinct categories of lifting mechanism

Canopy Up & Over Garage Doors

Traditionally the most common form of up and over garage door. When fully open, the door protrudes approximately one third of the height of the door thus forming a “canopy”.

Due to the lifting mechanism used in the door hardware, canopy doors provide the maximum drive through width for ease of access. Operation of the door is assisted through the use of torsion springs fixed into the door frame above the opening.

The slight disadvantage of a canopy type door is that the door hardware is only available on doors up to 8ft wide.

Although not ideal for automation, canopy doors can be adapted to open and close through the use of a bow arm convertor and a high quality powerful motor.

Retractable Up & Over Garage Doors

In recent years the popularity of the retractable type door has seen a great increase and is fast becoming the most popular type of garage door. When fully open, the door will retract fully into the garage and be supported on horizontal rails fixed to the ceiling.

Retractable lifting gear incorporates tension springs in the side tracks allowing it to take larger loads making it ideal for doors over 8ft wide or doors constructed from timber panels.

Due to this, all our Woodrite Up & Over Garage Doors are supplied with the benefit of this system as standard.

Woodrite Garage Doors Profile

Woodrite Doors Ltd beleive a good timber shop requires attention to detail in order to produce wooden garage doors of the highest standard..

According to John Brooks, company Managing Director;

“Wood is a remarkably versatile material and with the right approach is unequalled. It is attention to detail that really makes the difference and with many years spent working with timber the team know just what it takes to get things right first time. At Woodrite we care about quality and take pride in a job well done.”

John’s renowned “can-do attitude” is clearly evident. In order to produce doors to the highest quality, every aspect of the doors construction is carefully and continually monitored

Recent investment has seen the acquisition of a purpose built facility. Located in Brackey, Northamptonshire the timber shop has its own purpose built dipping tanks to ensure even full coverage of the base coat stain, advanced spray booths for finishing the doors to the finest standard currently available within the wooden garage door market.

Construction is carried out through the use of machine routers and tenoning machines to carefully craft the timber by a highly experienced team of time served joiners.

Woodrite offer a range of 36 beautiful door designs available in bespoke sizes with all doors coming with the benefit of a 2 year manufacturer’s guarantee and a 5 year guarantee on the finish if the factory finish is applied at the time of manufacture.

Ways to secure the most targeted area of your home

Burglars know that the garage door is often the most overlooked area of security within the home.  According to home security statistics approximately 40% of non-forced entry residential crime is via garage doors.  By securing this area will keep your belongings and your family safe.

There are various door options available within the market but consider each one individually and the security it can or cannot give you.  

Once you have chosen you garage door, one key measure is to install the door correctly.  By following the step by step guide within the installation manual will ensure that the door is not only fitted correctly and securely.  Fitting the door on the internal face of the brickwork will instantly increase the levels of security.  You will reduce if not eliminate the penetration points that would have previously existed.

If the garage doors include windows, ensure that they are sealed.  A burglar could look at this as a way to gain entry.  Although small enough to keep the burglar from climbing through, they could get enough access to the locking device. 

A manual operated garage door will be locked using a key.  When the door is locked, two locking bolts are fired into the side of the guides keeping the door closed.  As the locking mechanism is on the internal face of the door, no one will be able to gain entry without the key.  However, if you forget to lock the door, then anyone can gain access, permitted or not.

By investing in an electric garage doors will add permanent security to your garage.  This is operated by the click of a button or switch.  By using a key fob or remote control, at the press of a button the door will open and once pressed again will close.  A key pad is another option for an automatic garage door.  Situated on the outside of the garage, a code must be entered correctly to gain access.  The motor is housed on the inside of the door and can only be over ridden from the inside.  If you have alternative access into the garage or windows, be sure to secure these as well.

Other ways to protect the garage is to ensure that the area surrounding both inside and out is well lit.  Lighting is an effective way to prevent a burglary, as there is no cover of darkness to allow someone the freedom to move around undetected.  By ensuring that the garage door is locked at all times when not in use will prevent any opportunist from stealing your possessions.

We have all struggled on maybe a wet and wintry night when returning home in the dark and had to leave a warm car to unlatch the garage door and open it. You get back in the car wet through and hassled and after a hard day at work this is not the most relaxing homecoming you are yearning for. If you are returning from an evening out then it is distressing to arrive home and find that expensive evening wear is ruined by having to fight the elements.
Installing electric garage doors with a remote control opener lets you control it easily and whilst keeping yourself (and the interior of your car) warm and dry. No condensation caused by a rush of damp air which does neither you nor the car any good.

If you have passengers then this makes life much easier. They can sit in comfort till you are safely inside and your garage door is then closed before they have to get out. With children this is a big advantage as they have to either be left in the car whilst you open the door or someone has to get out whilst you drive in. Less hassle, more comfort and a safer environment is ensured by using electronically operated garage doors.

Safety and security for you and your passengers is also a consideration as you and they can relax knowing they will be in the safe environment without risk of being attacked or robbed. Unfortunately this is one of the times when people can be pre-occupied by getting home that opportunists have been known to take advantage of a moment’s lack of concentration or distraction to steal goods from drivers returning home. Install an electrically operated system and this risk is exposure is reduced. Unpacking shopping from your car can be done once the garage door is closed from the inside again keeping your property safe.

It goes without saying that anyone with physical difficulties or who is not very tall can have a real struggle opening and closing a garage door manually and would find an electrically operated garage door a great aid.  Many women and older people find it very difficult to open garage doors manually and these systems make life a lot easier. Stiff joints and weakening grip strength are not a hindrance if an electrically operated system does the hard work. A simple remote is a much easier product to control.

Remote systems with various settings are available for you to choose the system that suits you and your budget best.

The natural beauty of a timber garage doors

When deciding on a new garage door it makes sense to choose a reliable and established manufacturer and supplier.

Wooden garage doors are the more traditional choice and blend with most types and locations of properties. Whether you have a modern brick built estate home, a traditional stone house or live in a rendered property there is a choice of styles of garage doors and finishes available for everyone.

Timber is pleasing to the eye, welcoming, durable and can be finished in a range of stains to compliment your existing windows, doors and fascias. Metal doors can look very stylish fitted into modern homes especially in urban settings and are low maintenance and hardwearing in exposed positions.

The cardale group is one of the largest suppliers of garage doors and offers a wide range of styles and colours to suit most requirements. Up and over doors and sectional garage doors styles are the most popular types of wooden garage doors and can be fitted with electric garage door opening systems, remote controls, spare parts and range of other accessories.

Should you have decided to choose a metal garage door or one made of the modern resin coated plastic styles is for you then another brand in the same group can be supplied by Henderson Garage Doors. You can have confidence that the same have confidence that you are dealing with a major supplier in the sector who has been working in this sector for many years. They have many years experience supplying garage doors and their reliability and quality­ are well recognised in the industry.  

As suppliers of Cardale and Henderson garage doors we can help you choose the right product .Whether you favour timber, steel or aluminium garage doors there will be something to suit all tastes and budgets .

Start right away on the easy to use website and you will be enjoying all the advantages of the security and safety of a new garage door before long.  Delivery can be arranged direct to your door. Whatever additional features you are looking for whether it is an electrically operated system or need a custom made size the garage door prices are very competitive combined with great service and friendly advisers.

Garage doors are an important part of the security and safety the modern homeowner is looking for and by only using a reliable supplier in the first instance is the best way to ensure your new garage door has a good start.

Home and Garage Security

The weakest points in the security of your home may not be immediately obvious to law-abiding home owners but you can be sure opportunist thieves know these only too well.

Unlocked windows, open garden gates, overgrown bushes, ladders left out and fragile patio doors all delight the burglar who is looking for a quick and easy target. Taking some steps to make access to your property is time well spent. The harder you make it for someone to break in the more likely he is to go and find an easier prospect.

The knowledge that an intruder has been in your home is horrendous not to mention the anger , distress ,outrage and even fear that remains with the victims long after the event. Even if nothing much is taken it is the violation of somebody else helping themselves to your valued and treasures possessions that is justifiably enraging.
An often overlooked weakness can be the garage so here are a few guidelines that might help you avoid being just another case number in the official burglary statistics in your neighbourhood.

·         Make sure that garage doors are sturdy and always kept locked. Seems obvious but how often do you see doors left open and valuables on open show. It only takes a few minutes for an opportunist to make off with bikes, tools, equipment etc.

·         Ensure the garage door openers are not worn, weak or corroded through lack of maintenance. If all the burglar needs is a strong crowbar then he will make easy work of that. Fitting a new roller garage door and reliable remote operating system is a surer way of beating him.

·         Fit an electrically operated opening system from a reliable supplier.

·         Modern roller garage doors can be supplied with a security code which only allows you or your family to open it. It has been known for older systems to be capable of being operated by unauthorised persons. Some systems even allow for a change of security codes such as those used in hotels . It’s not much use having a code if it is easily overridden. Make sure the security code isn’t passed to other people unless you can keep tabs on exactly who they are.

·         Don’t leave the remote in your car. If your car is stolen then that’s a clear invitation for a thief to turn his criminal intentions to your home as well. Obtain a key chain remote to keep with your keys. That way it will not be out of your possession.

·         If there is direct access between the garage and the rest of your house ensure the connecting door is solid and has a suitably sturdy locking system.

·         If you are going away on holiday think about a secondary locking system for the garage door. One that can only be operated from inside the garage is a good idea and worth the inconvenience. It would only add a few moments to your final security check and ensure you peace of mind.

   

·         Finally consider fitting an alarm system to your garage. Not all insurance companies provide cover for the contents of garages so providing your own extra security will be money well spent and give you peace of mind.

Why choose an electric garage door

 

 

 

Along with increasing demands for technology and electronic applications in our homes the electrically operated systems for operating garage doors has boomed in the last decade. These are now an affordable convenience and no longer considered to be in the luxury market. The practical aspect is immediately appreciated by people who use them and wonder how they managed without an electrical door opener.

We have all struggled on maybe a wet and wintry night when returning home in the dark and had to leave a warm car to unlatch the garage door and open it. You get back in the car wet through and hassled and after a hard day at work this is not the most relaxing homecoming you are yearning for. If you are returning from an evening out then it is distressing to arrive home and find that expensive evening wear is ruined by having to fight the elements.

Installing electric garage doors with a remote control opener lets you control it easily and whilst keeping yourself (and the interior of your car) warm and dry. No condensation caused by a rush of damp air which does neither you nor the car any good.

If you have passengers then this makes life much easier. They can sit in comfort till you are safely inside and your garage door is then closed before they have to get out. With children this is a big advantage as they have to either be left in the car whilst you open the door or someone has to get out whilst you drive in. Less hassle, more comfort and a safer environment is ensured by using electronically operated garage doors.

Safety and security for you and your passengers is also a consideration as you and they can relax knowing they will be in the safe environment without risk of being attacked or robbed. Unfortunately this is one of the times when people can be pre-occupied by getting home that opportunists have been known to take advantage of a moment's lack of concentration or distraction to steal goods from drivers returning home. Install an electrically operated system and this risk is exposure is reduced. Unpacking shopping from your car can be done once the garage door is closed from the inside again keeping your property safe.

It goes without saying that anyone with physical difficulties or who is not very tall can have a real struggle opening and closing a garage door manually and would find an electrically operated garage door a great aid. Many women and older people find it very difficult to open garage doors manually and these systems make life a lot easier. Stiff joints and weakening grip strength are not a hindrance if an electrically operated system does the hard work. A simple remote is a much easier product to control.

Remote systems with various settings are available for you to choose the system that suits you and your budget best.

Secure your business with roller shutters

Just look around you the next time you are in a town or travelling by road or train at the number of business premises which are protected b­y roller shutters doors when the business is closed.  Some areas look as if they have been shut down and abandoned. But come daylight and the streets are transformed. They become vibrant busy retail centres once again.

These shutters don’t have to be dull and boring as they are available in many colours and styles already but  how about enlisting a local sign writer and put your business brand on your roller shutters and take advantage of the evening hours for some striking sidewalk advertising. No extra advertising charges to pay for! Your logo will stand out above your competitors. Add your telephone number and website and who knows what passing attention you might pick up during the night or weekend when your premises are closed. Anyone in business should be available 24/7 even if not actually on site.

It is a requirement of many insurance companies that premises are secured when staff are absent. But when morning comes and the shops and premises open their roller shutters it heralds the sign of a new business day when window displays and activity springs back into life.

Besides the security and safety aspect of shop owners using roller shutters they also provide private time when the window display can be changed. Window dressing is a valuable marketing tool for the modern merchandiser and the ceremonial raising of the roller doors can herald maybe a hectic sales period or tempting offer period. Far more dramatic to do this and raise the roller shutters in a dramatic manner than merely change a window display in the open view of all passers bye.

Heating in shops and premises is becoming a big expense and energy conservation is on all our minds. Not only do these costs add to overheads but the carbon footprint for businesses can be contained by identifying and rationalising all use of energy. Low energy lighting, careful monitoring of the temperature of business areas and shops all helps.

Closing roller shutters immediately business is over for the day means energy savings and ensures the heat that has built up during the day is not released into the atmosphere but helps to maintain an ambient temperature during the night.

Insulated roller shutters add much more. Install insulated roller shutters and see the energy savings your business will achieve. Cold staff are not happy staff!

Why choose an electrically operated garage door?

Along with increasing demands for technology and electronic applications in our homes the electrically operated systems for operating garage doors has boomed in the last decade. These are now an affordable convenience and no longer considered to be in the luxury market. The practical aspect is immediately appreciated by people who use them and wonder how they managed without an electrical door opener.

We have all struggled on maybe a wet and wintry night when returning home in the dark and had to leave a warm car to unlatch the garage door and open it. You get back in the car wet through and hassled and after a hard day at work this is not the most relaxing homecoming you are yearning for. If you are returning from an evening out then it is distressing to arrive home and find that expensive evening wear is ruined by having to fight the elements.

Installing electric garage doors with a remote control opener lets you control it easily and whilst keeping yourself (and the interior of your car) warm and dry. No condensation caused by a rush of damp air which does neither you nor the car any good.

If you have passengers then this makes life much easier. They can sit in comfort till you are safely inside and your garage door is then closed before they have to get out. With children this is a big advantage as they have to either be left in the car whilst you open the door or someone has to get out whilst you drive in. Less hassle, more comfort and a safer environment is ensured by using electronically operated garage doors.

Safety and security for you and your passengers is also a consideration as you and they can relax knowing they will be in the safe environment without risk of being attacked or robbed. Unfortunately this is one of the times when people can be pre-occupied by getting home that opportunists have been known to take advantage of a moment’s lack of concentration or distraction to steal goods from drivers returning home. Install an electrically operated system and this risk is exposure is reduced. Unpacking shopping from your car can be done once the garage door is closed from the inside again keeping your property safe.

It goes without saying that anyone with physical difficulties or who is not very tall can have a real struggle opening and closing a garage door manually and would find an electrically operated garage door a great aid.  Many women and older people find it very difficult to open garage doors manually and these systems make life a lot easier. Stiff joints and weakening grip strength are not a hindrance if an electrically operated system does the hard work. A simple remote is a much easier product to control.

Remote systems with various settings are available for you to choose the system that suits you and your budget best.

Specify the correct garage door for your property

Modern garage doors can be manufactured from a wide choice of materials ranging from timber, steel, aluminium, GRP, synthetic finishes and even glass. The style of door you select will affect the overall look of your garage.

Traditional materials may suit a period property or older design. Wooden garage doors add charm and elegance but maintenance has to be taken into account. Even changing the colour of the timber staining will affect the overall look. You may wish to tone in with existing windows and fascia board wood tones or go for something more dramatic. The different choices of colours make a wooden garage door quite striking.

The most popular garage doors on the market today are constructed from steel or aluminium. These can be coated or painted in a wide range of colours and finishes to individualise your property. Obscured glass can also be a very stylish alternative and as long as advice is taken on the safety aspects then this could add a very distinctive look.

Homeowners give much thought to interior design of a property. They often overlook the fact that the colours and styles of the exterior features of a house, including garage doors, and windows can greatly add to the kerb appeal of your home. If you are in the process of selling it then those first few minutes a prospective buyer has to gain an impression is not to be underestimated. It is a well known fact that prospective purchasers can be swayed very quickly one way or the other when viewing properties.

In these days it is vital to present your property in as positive a manner as possible. A well presented garage door gives the message that this is a well maintained home and sets the store for a positive presentation of the rest of the home.

Even if you are not selling your home the impression that a garage door gives will be noticed by visitors and callers.

Personalising the style and colours is one way to put your own identity in an area where maybe a lot of homes look alike. Make yours stand out in your neighbourhood by carefully choosing the correct garage door to meet your requirements. Adding an individual touch is often the secret to selling a house quickly and easily. A new garage door would be an investment in a way you might not have thought.

Many retailers offer discount garage doors prices at vastly reduced prices from many of the leading manufacturers including Gliderol, Hormann and Woodrite.

To conclude, the next time you are looking to make home improvements be sure to look  the garage for a much needed makeover.

Ways to secure the most targeted area of your home

Burglars know that the garage door is often the most overlooked area of security within the home.  According to home security statistics approximately 40% of non-forced entry residential crime is via garage doors.  By securing this area will keep your belongings and your family safe.

There are various door options available within the market but consider each one individually and the security it can or cannot give you.  

Once you have chosen you garage door, one key measure is to install the door correctly.  By following the step by step guide within the installation manual will ensure that the door is not only fitted correctly and securely.  Fitting the door on the internal face of the brickwork will instantly increase the levels of security.  You will reduce if not eliminate the penetration points that would have previously existed.

If the garage doors include windows, ensure that they are sealed.  A burglar could look at this as a way to gain entry.  Although small enough to keep the burglar from climbing through, they could get enough access to the locking device. 

A manual operated garage door will be locked using a key.  When the door is locked, two locking bolts are fired into the side of the guides keeping the door closed.  As the locking mechanism is on the internal face of the door, no one will be able to gain entry without the key.  However, if you forget to lock the door, then anyone can gain access, permitted or not.

By investing in an electric garage doors will add permanent security to your garage.  This is operated by the click of a button or switch.  By using a key fob or remote control, at the press of a button the door will open and once pressed again will close.  A key pad is another option for an automatic garage door.  Situated on the outside of the garage, a code must be entered correctly to gain access.  The motor is housed on the inside of the door and can only be over ridden from the inside.  If you have alternative access into the garage or windows, be sure to secure these as well.

Other ways to protect the garage is to ensure that the area both inside and out is well lit.  Lighting is an effective way to prevent a burglary, as there is no cover of darkness to allow someone the freedom to move around undetected.  By ensuring that the garage door is locked at all times when not in use will prevent any opportunist from stealing your possessions.

Sectional Garage Doors from Roller Doors Ltd

See our latest product showcase of the Gliderol sectional garage doors range.

The Value of Roller Shutters for Security

There are many benefits to going with roller shutters as improvements to your business or home, among them are their value as insulation, and the efficiency of having shutters that roll up. The most important aspect of having roller shutters for most people, however, will be the security aspect. The fact that shutters are good at protecting property is evidenced by the fact that they are popular for use in commercial settings, by business people who use them to protect their inventory. The more a person has to lose, the greater importance they place on security. The fact that people with a lot to lose have faith in these shutters should indicate a lot about their usefulness.

It should be noted that in many cases burglars choose their victims based on which business or home looks more vulnerable. They prefer easy entry to the place they intend to rob. Shutters present a considerable obstacle and they are fairly easy to spot for the would-be burglar. Because they are such a difficult obstacle, shutters work as a deterrent to criminals.

The security value of roller shutters

Roller shutters can be customized to work with a variety of security systems, making them easy to retrofit into a home or other property. Roller shutters can also be made to work by remote control. This is particularly important if the roller shutter doors are been installed on a garage. It will not be necessary for the driver to leave the safety of their car to enter their property.

The basic design of most security roller shutters involves tightly interlocking slats which are very difficult for intruders to break with the use of such common intrusion tools as crowbars. The interlocking slats form a sheet that opens and closes an entrance or window by being raised or lowered on guide-rails. Roller shutters can be made from several materials, like steel, aluminium or plastic all of which will be resistant to breakage. The interlocking design also effectively distributes force so that the shutters can withstand a lot of direct pressure without allowing intruders inside the building. The roller shutter is wound on a drum over a doorway or window. Shutters can also be locked from the inside with locking bolts.

One more security benefit that may not be immediately obvious is the speed of installation. The speed with which roller shutter doors can be installed means that there will be less time during which a property will be vulnerable to theft. A roller shutter can be installed in such a way that it will completely hide items from view, discouraging impulse-thieves from breaking in.

Automation For Garage Doors

When considering which door opener is best for your garage door there are several factors for you to bear in mind. Before you choose from the large number of possibilities consider the following.

Converting to an electric garage door system is a straightforward matter and will ensure that the door work smoothly and effortlessly. However do check that an able bodied person would be able to open the door manually as adding a motor simply replaces their actions.

Choosing the correct operating mechanism for opening your garage door is linked to the kind of garage door installed. There are four main types of garage doors so this is a key factor in selecting the opening mechanism which will give the safest and most effective use.

Do note that he correct height adjustment for balancing your door is level with your chest. This ensures the spring tension required for lifting the door is correct. Broken springs or imbalanced doors prevent the electric operator`s effectiveness. Regular inspection and lubrication of the moving parts of your door should be carried out like routine maintenance of your other home installations.

Garage door mechanisms come in 4 main groups:

Up and Over -Retractable

Single panel door with springs at either side or a horizontal ceiling track to support the door in position when open. The bottom edge of the door in these types will be flush with the garage door frame when the door is in the fully open position. This type of door can be used with any type of operator and is popular for automation. The material, width and weight of the garage door need to be taken into account.

Up and over Canopy Doors

This type of door is identified by a large spring along the head of the door and which protrudes by about 600mm on opening. It is not recommended for safe automation although some systems are available. A safer option in our opinion would be to replace the canopy door with a retractable door mechanism or install new roller shutter garage doors

Sectional Garage Doors

Hinged panel doors which allow door to open by rising vertically within the garage door opening. These are ideal for automation and any type of AC/DC operator can be used. Operator’s recommended minimum clearance guidelines must be followed and checked before selecting.

Side Hinged Doors

Conversion of these doors from manual uses a conversion kit supplied by many manufacturers. The auto- reverse safety feature must function normally with the fitted operator.

Insulate the largest thermal break in your property

Your garage can often be the largest un-insulated room in your property, often overlooked.  As we often use this room in short bursts, we forget to provide this area with insulation.  A lot of time is spent ensuring the rest of the property is insulated by various means, such as double glazing.

Each time the garage door is opened, unwelcomed heat gain or loss is occurring.  You may open your garage door several times a day to gain access to items in storage, park your vehicle, use a refrigerator etc. 

By providing your garage with an insulated garage door, you will cut down the amount of air leakage, heat transfer and reduce your monthly energy bills.

Insulated Roller Door

This system is very easy to install and provides a degree of insulation for the property.  Consisting primarily of a door curtain, this piece of hardware in the form of a roll, sits neatly behind the opening above your lintel area.  Manufactured with aluminium CFC free foam filled laths, approx 18mm in thickness, this door provides strength, durability and insulation properties. 

The insulated roller garage doors are designed to provide both acoustic and thermal insulation to your home, thus allowing you to use your garage as an additional room if desired.

A bottom rail safety edge also works as a seal between the bottom of the door and solid floor.  This is essential to finish the complete seal around the opening.

A high performance garage door that is available in a wide range of colour options, the insulated roller door can be a fabulous investment in providing protection for your home through both insulation and security.

Insulated Sectional door

Insulated sectional garage doors are made of a thicker gauged material consisting of 42mm of CFC insulating foam.  This provides a much more effective barrier that is able to work against combating heat loss.  Theses solid doors are made of individual panels installed on top of one another, to provide a tight secure seal between themselves.

Sectional garage doors are available in a selection of designs including Georgian styles that make an attractive addition to the face of the property.

Air can leak through the small gap at the bottom of a door.  With this insulated garage door, they are supplied with an aluminium profiled rail which contains a weather seal strip on the bottom of the door.  This rubber channel seals the gap between the door and the floor, preventing heat loss or gain.  This will also stop any leaves or unwanted materials that may previously have been blown in to the garage space.

The electric version of this door is provided with an environmentally friendly LED lighting system, which will illuminates the garage space for approx 90 seconds.

With insulated roller shutter doors, to ensure that you get the most efficiency out of it, you will need to insulate the remainder of the structure.  For example if there is a bedroom situated above, by installing a layer of insulation between the bedroom floor and the garage ceiling, you will create another barrier keeping each zone warm or cool when desired.

Tour of garage door manufacturing plant

Earlier this year the team at Roller Doors Ltd finally got an opportunity to visit the Gliderol factory in County Durham to see how some of our doors are manufactured.

Gliderol`s core business activity has always been roller garage doors. However in recent years the company has invested heavily in manufacturing equipment that allows them to make doors that in terms of quality are second to none.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Gliderol`s Director of Sales and Marketing Ian Hetherington. The passion and experience Ian has was clear to see as we discussed products and toured the manufacturing plant.

According to Ian “Gliderol operates the world`s most extensive network of garage door and automation manufacturing companies. Our UK facility, based here in County Durham has been “opening doors around the world” for over twenty years. Our reputation is second to none for the high quality and outstanding value our products and services represent.”

First stop on the factory tour was the sectional garage doors production line. This is a great piece of kit and at 103m long and costing in excess of £5m it should be. It was highlighted that it is the only panel forming plant in the UK that is capable of forming panel at 6metres a minute.



Ian enthusiastically explained that the first step in the process starts with the coils of raw material. Once placed on the production line, manufacture starts by passing the steel through a series of presses and roll formers. This embosses the steel to the required design in either a textured finish or a smooth finish depending upon the door specification.

Next stage in the process sees the doors been trimmed to the required length using a computer aided guillotine. If the door specification does not require insulation, it is at this point that the panels are taken to be completed by hand.



When the specification is set to include insulation, the door panel continues to the final stage where the front and back panels are joined together and the insulation is automatically poured into the panel, As the foam expands, it fills all the voids creating a complete insulated panel.

As Ian explained, having the capability to manufacture doors panels on site allows Gliderol the ability to strictly control quality.

Other big advantages achieved from having the ability to manufacture the door panels on site include;

·    60 height and 16 standard width variations in the single skin Safe-T-Glide doors range.

·    23 height and 16 standard width variations in the insulated Insul-Glide door range.

·    4 standard colours.

·    Golden Oak and Rosewood panels are available in the insulated and single skin doors (a first for the UK)

·    Made to measure widths available.

·    Georgian squares on the Oxford and Hampton doors are evenly spaced to suit the width of the door. (not every manufacturer does this)

·    Ability to produce smooth or woodgrain finishes.

        

•  In addition to the above, Gliderol sectional garage door hardware is a new evolution of a proven design that has been tried and tested across Europe. It brings all the engineering quality you expect and adds the easy fit system making it an installers dream.

All sectional doors are now supplied with a low headroom kit a standard. The internal headroom required is now only 110mm for a manual door or 130mm for an automatic door.