The main way to protect cars from theft and harmful environmental influences is the garage. The building can be located outside the dwelling, as well as built into the house. It remains to decide which garage door is better to choose.
Types of garage doors
Garage doors are mechanically exposed. They are closed and reopened daily. The mechanism of the devices is constantly being modified. A quality product does not lose its characteristics under any weather conditions.
The main categories of devices include:
- folding (lift-and-turn);
- folding (lifting and sectional);
- roller shutter (roll);
- bivalve hinged.
All types of garage doors have their own pros and cons. The choice of a product should be based on personal requests.
Folding (lift-and-turn)
This type is more commonly used for private garages. Suitable for industrial premises. The product has many positive characteristics:
- increased resistance to burglary;
- protection against rusting (the base is galvanized metal, covered with powder enamel);
- applicability of the mechanism for double garages;
- easy manual opening.
The guide rollers of the mechanism facilitate the movement of the protective flap in the vertical and horizontal direction. In the open position, the door is horizontal under the ceiling and does not occupy the space in front of the garage.
Folding (lifting-sectional)
The main feature of the lifting sectional devices is the opening, which does not require additional free space. You can put the car right next to it. Such structures are mounted in a garage with a direct and oblique entrance. The device includes several sections that can be folded. The damaged panel must be replaced. Lifting structures have advantages over metal sheets.
Roller shutter (roll-up)
This type is considered innovative. The roll-to-roll structure includes strips of steel that are combined into a flexible web. When opened, it is wound around the shaft. This allows the car to drive up close to the garage.
The only limitation is the thickness of the stripes. Its indicator should not exceed 25 mm, as this makes it difficult to use them in garages with high openings.
Double leaf swing
This variety is suitable for different designs. The swing view is, as it were, divided in half, as it assumes the presence of two leaves. They are based on a rigid frame. The leaves are fixed to the posts on the sides or to the opening by means of hinges. The doors can be easily adjusted to any size of the opening. They can open both inward and outward.
The frame is covered with various materials: tin, profiled sheet, wood, etc. The structure can be equipped with an additional door, which eliminates the need to open the gate itself unnecessarily. The entrance becomes especially important in winter, when the gate cannot be opened during snowfall.
Garage door materials
The materials used are different.Wood, aluminum, steel, glass and fiberglass are commonly used. Each species has advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden gate
The texture of the wood is quite attractive, but there is an undeniable disadvantage of such gates: exposure to negative environmental influences. Under the influence of rain, hail or snow, they begin to deform, rot and expand. As a result, the appearance is lost.
The structure requires maintenance, requires frequent painting. The maintenance of a wooden device is quite costly. The cost of the product on the market is high.
Composite garage doors
The structure is based on fiberboard. The gate is completed with a wooden frame. The products are characterized by a high level of energy efficiency. The design includes cores filled with polystyrene insulation to prevent warm or cold air from escaping to the outside.
Aluminum structures
They are distinguished by their durability. They are resistant to moisture. Not subject to deformation or decay. Their cost is much lower than their wooden counterpart.
In summer, aluminum absorbs heat. As a result, the temperature in the garage rises. The vehicle and the things in it are exposed to high temperatures. Structures do not have mechanical strength. Hail and strong winds can damage the sheets.
Steel gate
Products differ in a variety of color resolution, finishing materials and inserts. They have low operating costs and high energy efficiency. Includes a foam core, which provides the garage with tightness and the preservation of the air temperature inside. The products are distinguished by long-term operation and resistance to mechanical damage.
Automation and control
All types of garage doors can be equipped with automatic devices. They represent a wide range. They can be conditionally divided into stationary and remote models. The first type includes products that require direct contact.
Used by:
- key;
- push-button keyboard;
- external device for unlocking;
- fingerprint detector;
- reader of electronic cards.
The second type makes it possible to open the gate without leaving the car. Remote control, GSM module, induction loop, license plate reader, radio code keyboard are used.
The choice of the scheme is individual. Remote controls remain the priority on the market.
Additional features
Automation has a number of options that provide increased comfort and convenience of vehicle placement.
- Backup control loop. Allows you to open and close the gate without a remote control by a contact method.
- Recognition at the automatic level. It is used when it is impossible to open the gate due to external factors, for example, icing. The function prevents damage to the mechanism.
- Backup power supply and indication automatics. Batteries are installed in the systems to ensure the functionality of the drive in case of power failure.
- Automation and control of power outages. The devices operate a manual control system.
In some cases, home garage door automation is used. The mechanism includes motion sensors, recognition and other details. An individually designed device is considered the best option.
How to choose a garage door
The choice of garage doors depends on the buyer's preferences. An important role is played by the price category. However, there are several practical guidelines to help you avoid buying mistakes.
You can select a model based on the following performance indicators:
- Covering the gate with polymers. It is necessary to verify the quality of the material.It is recommended to clarify which galvanizing method was used in the production of this model. This moment influences the resistance to rusting and the service life.
- Fire resistance of the filler. If polyurethane has been used, determine if the foam ignites or crumbles when pressed. This is an important point, since when exposed to low temperatures, high-quality filler prevents the door from breaking. Usually, manufacturers producing quality products provide a 10-year warranty. Inexpensive structures quickly deform and stop functioning.
- The presence of a blocking device. Spring breaks often occur at sectional doors. Falling down of the gate will prevent the installation of the blocking device.
- Thermal insulation level. With the onset of cold weather, some elements of the gate can freeze. It is recommended to find out what material was used, whether parts that can freeze are included in the design, whether these elements are subject to opening.
- Burglary protection. No manufacturer can give an absolute guarantee, but the product must hold out for some time, necessary for the arrival of representatives of a security company.
- Warranty period. The service life of high quality products is at least 5 years. Proper maintenance of the structure, which involves lubrication and monitoring the functionality of the locks, plays an important role.
Products of European brands are of high quality and reliability. Some firms produce garage door components on their own, and some are imported from other countries. The products are also of high quality and comply with generally accepted standards.
