Avondale Garage Door has multiple functions that must all work together to operate. If one aspect isn’t functioning properly, it can affect the entire system and cause safety issues.
Luckily, most modern garage doors are equipped with sensors that detect any obstruction in their path and automatically reverse the movement to prevent accidents. Home inspectors can test these safety features by putting something like a 2×4 in the way of a closing door.
A garage door is more than a convenience, it’s also a safety feature that protects people and property from potential injuries and damages. Whether you have young children or pets, a working garage is a vital part of a safe home environment. Fortunately, today’s garage doors come equipped with a number of safety features that make them a safe and reliable option for the whole family.
One of the most important safety features is the auto-reverse mechanism, which prevents injuries by detecting any objects or people in the path of the closing door. This feature has become mandatory in many homes due to its effectiveness in preventing accidents. It’s important that homeowners regularly test this feature to ensure it is functioning correctly.
The force settings of a garage door are another important safety feature that can help to prevent injuries. These settings can be adjusted to limit how much force the door can apply when it encounters resistance, which is ideal for homes with children or pets.
A mechanical pressure sensor is another crucial component of a garage door that helps to prevent accidents. This sensor is activated when the door encounters an object and can be tested by grasping the base of the door and applying upward resistance.
Torsion springs are another critical aspect of a garage door’s safety. These springs store energy and then release it to facilitate movement. While they are a crucial safety feature, they can be dangerous to handle on your own. Attempting to adjust or replace a torsion spring without proper training can result in serious injury. Instead, homeowners should contact a garage door professional to avoid these risks.
Durability
Durability is a major consideration when shopping for a garage door. Choosing durable materials and innovative technology can increase longevity, reduce repair expenses and save energy. Durability features include corrosion-resistant materials, rust-retardant finishes and weatherproofing. These features protect the garage door from moisture and other environmental elements.
A garage door must be able to withstand extreme temperatures, from freezing winters to scorching summers. An insulated garage door provides a barrier against extreme temperature changes, keeping the space comfortable while lowering utility bills. Insulation options include polystyrene, polyurethane and foam. Each offers varying levels of insulation.
Depending on your location, you may also need a door that can withstand humidity and other harsh conditions. For example, wood doors can warp or rot in humid climates, while aluminum doors are a smart choice for coastal areas because they’re resistant to mold and mildew. Composite models combine wood and steel to offer the best of both worlds. They’re a solid option for humid regions because they won’t rust or warp and are insulated for added energy efficiency.
Garage doors require regular upkeep to keep them operating safely and efficiently. Performing simple maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts and inspecting safety features for misalignment, can prevent small issues from snowballing into larger repairs.
Garage doors are exposed to a lot of abuse during everyday use, so they need to be built with strength and durability. Durability features include reinforcement, which helps the door withstand high winds and flying debris during storms. Clopay’s impact-rated garage doors are designed specifically to withstand these conditions, meeting stringent windload building codes for peace of mind. Other durability features include hinges and rollers. These components connect and support the individual panels, enabling the door to transition smoothly from standing vertically to lying horizontally when opened or closed.
Energy Efficiency
Insulated garage doors are a great choice for homeowners seeking energy efficiency. They help minimize the transfer of heat between your garage and your home, minimizing heat loss in the winter and reducing heat gain in the summer. This results in lower energy bills and increased comfort. Insulated garage doors can also boost resale value, as potential buyers may find them attractive for their energy efficiency features.
Choosing the right type of insulation for your garage door is important to ensure its energy-saving properties. The most popular insulation material for garage doors is polystyrene, which offers good thermal resistance at a cost-effective price. However, the construction of your garage door will impact its insulating abilities. For example, the presence of thermal breaks — gaps and spaces at the ends and between garage door sections — can negate the benefit of your choice of insulation material.
Other factors to consider include the R-value of your garage door, which measures its resistance to the flow of heat. Typically, the higher the R-value, the more efficient your garage door will be. In addition, you can improve your garage door’s insulating capabilities by opting for double or triple-layer construction.
For example, our Amarr Classica doors feature steel overlays and polyurethane insulation to offer an R-value of up to 20.4. This collection combines the beauty of wood with the durability and affordability of steel, offering a high level of energy efficiency without compromising on style.
Aesthetics
When it comes to your home’s aesthetic, a garage door is an important part of the overall picture. A well-chosen garage door can elevate your home’s curb appeal and boost its value. Whether you’re leaning towards a modern design or a more traditional look, the right garage door can bring cohesive style to your home’s exterior.
Today’s garage doors come in a wide range of colors and styles to match different architectural styles. Steel and aluminum provide durability, while wood offers warmth and elegance. Many options also feature energy-efficient features like Intellicore insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort.
Aside from color, garage doors can be enhanced with a variety of accessories and hardware. This includes pull handles and hinges, which can add character to your door and complement its architecture. Decorative windows can also be added, bringing natural light into the garage and boosting its visual appeal. Window options are available in a range of sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your home’s architectural style.
Many manufacturers offer factory-applied stain colors that are both durable and long-lasting. These durable finishes are formulated to resist chipping, peeling, and UV damage, protecting your garage door from fading over time. This makes them a wise investment as they’ll stand the test of time and adapt to changes in your home’s trim, roofing, and other architectural details.
A popular choice for those who want the charm of a wooden garage door without the maintenance, composite doors have become a great option. Made of moisture-resistant materials, they’re available in a variety of paint or stain colors to suit your preferences and can be customized with window options that complement different architectural styles.
Technology
The garage door has long been a point of entry, and now it’s becoming one of the most important components in your home’s security and convenience. Smart technology is redefining the function of the modern garage door, offering homeowners more control and accessibility than ever before.
Smart garage doors feature integrated smartphone apps that let you open and close your door remotely, even when you aren’t at home. You can also integrate your garage door with voice-controlled virtual assistants to enable hands-free, speech-based operation. These smart features are a must-have for those who want a more connected home.
Energy efficiency is another crucial component of modern garage doors, with manufacturers prioritizing features that support green living and sustainable lifestyles. For example, garage doors featuring advanced insulation with high R-values can curb heat transfer and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year, thereby minimizing energy usage and cutting down on your utility bills.
The latest in garage door technology includes biometric access control, which uses a scanning system to recognize your fingerprint and prevent unauthorized users from opening the garage door. This innovative feature surpasses traditional keypads and remote controls, proving that the garage door isn’t just a point of entry but an integral part of your home’s security system.
Other technological innovations for the modern garage door include security beams, which detect motion in the driveway and illuminate to deter intruders, and safety sensors that emit audio and visual warnings when a person or object is detected. Additionally, you can add a manual release handle to your garage door for use in the event of an emergency, or you can opt for DC-powered openers, which consume 75% less electricity than AC-powered models.
