Invented when the Ford Model T was taking off in popularity, garage doors let owners shelter their cars without putting them at risk of rain or snow. The doors also kept odiferous horse-drawn carriages away from the cars.
To keep your Patriot Garage Door working its best, lubricate torsion springs twice a year with lightweight motor oil. Lubricate rollers and tracks, but not hinges or spring wires, which can rust.
The garage door has gone from a simple structure to one of the most high-tech components in our homes. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of this invention, which started as a simple solution to a very common problem.
With the introduction of cars in the early 1900s, it became evident that people needed a place to keep them. Initially, garages were repurposed carriage houses or barn-like structures with doors that swung outward. Eventually, as cars became more popular, these structures became too small to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. Luckily, in 1921, C.G. Johnson of Hartford City, Indiana, came up with a better solution. He invented the first overhead garage door, which folded while lifting up, running parallel to the garage ceiling. This was a huge improvement over the old doors, and it also made storing the car much easier.
In 1926, Johnson followed up with another revolutionary invention: the electric door opener. This allowed people to open and close their garage doors remotely, which was a major convenience. This further evolved the garage door industry, allowing companies like Overhead Door Corporation to flourish.
Today, we use garage doors in a variety of ways, from storing our vehicles to serving as an extension of our home. In fact, some of the biggest names in business got their start in a garage, including Harley Davidson, Disney, Apple, and Mattel.
Despite all the innovations, there have been some unfortunate incidents that highlight the need for additional safety features in residential garages. In 1993, a Minnesota man was crushed to death by his own garage door, which did not have photoelectric or pressure-sensitive sensors. This tragedy led to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the U.S. requiring that all residential garage doors have both photoelectric and pressure-sensitive sensors.
In addition to sensor technology, modern garage doors are also equipped with a host of other safety features, including a backup battery in case of power failure, a manual release mechanism, and tamper-resistant bottom brackets. They are also built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including snow and high winds.
Materials
There are a few types of garage door materials to choose from, each one with their own pros and cons. Steel garage doors are the most popular because of their durability and affordability. They also offer a variety of customization options like windows and panel designs. Wood doors are more expensive but provide a natural look that complements your home’s architecture. Aluminum garage doors are lightweight and corrosion resistant. They also have a modern aesthetic, but they may require more maintenance and repairs than other materials.
Vinyl is another affordable option that requires little upkeep, but it’s best suited for homes in temperate climates since it can crack and warp under harsh conditions. Fiberglass is a durable material that resists dents, but it can oxidize over time. It also has low insulation capabilities. Steel and fiberglass are both great choices for homeowners looking for a high-quality, cost-efficient garage door.
Vertical Track
A metal section welded, bolted or riveted to the jambs that guides and supports the vertical movement of the garage door. It also contains a horizontal track with a curved end known as the radius.
Hinges Located on the ends and centre stiles at the meeting rails, hinges allow the sections to “break” or pivot independent of each other as they are opened or closed. They are essential to the proper operation of the garage door.
Struts A u-shaped reinforcement hardware that attaches to the inside of the door and runs the length of the span of the section to add strength and rigidity. Wide garage doors require struts to help prevent buckling and sagging in the horizontal position and increase wind load capacity.
A residential garage door is a major investment that protects your belongings and provides convenient access to your home. The type of material your door is made from can impact its durability, lifespan and overall cost. It’s important to consider your priorities, budget and local weather conditions when choosing a garage door material. A well-made, low-maintenance door will save you money on repair and maintenance costs over the years.
Styles
Traditionally, garage doors were made of solid panels that hung and hinged together to open and close. But as cars took over from horses, and people wanted a more convenient way to access their cars than driving out and parking on the street, they began to turn to a new method of opening their garages: overhead operation. These garage doors operate from above and swing up into a horizontal position, similar to the style of commercial-type galvanized steel roller shutters.
A wide variety of garage door styles are now available to match house designs and personal aesthetics. From classic carriage house-style products to sleek, full-view aluminum door styles, these modern options work as either a bold statement piece or to blend into the exterior of your home and let in more light.
Single panel and sectional doors make up the majority of garage doors sold today. These products consist of four or five horizontal sections joined together with hinges and can be bent to conform to curved facades like gables and dormers. They also allow for more customization with window patterns and cladding, including wood tones or natural-looking faux wood composite overlays.
Carriage house-style garage doors are extremely popular for farmhouse-style homes. They recreate the rustic appearance of old-fashioned barn doors and can be customized with painted or stained buck overlays and divided window grilles. These doors pair well with other classic exteriors, including Colonial and ranch homes.
Tudor and Craftsman-style homes feature decorative half-timbering and stucco exteriors. Wood-panel garage doors with A- or V-bucks complement these classic styles. They’re also suitable for Craftsman houses, which often have a mix of stone and brick exterior materials on their lower portions.
Victorian-style homes have asymmetrical facades and may feature porches, dormers, or cutaway bay windows. These eye-catching structures are often two to three stories tall and come in a variety of jewel tones. They may be accented with decorative hardware and wrought iron.
Louver-style garage doors have horizontal slats to bring in natural light and air. They’re a great fit for colonial and coastal homes, and they can be made from real or faux wood to achieve more authenticity. They pair well with modern homes as well, especially those that have a minimalist design and use natural colors for their exteriors.
Installation
There are many different factors that will influence the cost of your garage door. The most significant is the type of material that you want to use, as some materials are more expensive than others. Another factor is how much customization you want in your door. For example, if you want windows, patterns or decorative hardware, this will increase the price significantly. Finally, the size of your garage and any potential resizing will also impact costs.
Springs: The springs are one of the most important components in a garage door system as they enable it to open and close smoothly. They are attached to cables at the bottom corners of your garage door, and they wind up and store energy as the door closes, helping it lift. During installation, the springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle, so this job should be left to professionals.
Cables: These are braided steel wires that work alongside the springs to help the door move up and down. They are available in varying thicknesses to support a variety of doors. To install them, first lay the bottom panel exterior-side down on a workbench or sawhorses, and then slide the track rollers into the holes in the brackets at the top corners of the panel. Finally, secure the track rollers to the header with lag screws.
Doorset: The doors themselves can be made from wood, fiberglass or vinyl, and they come in a wide range of sizes and styles. For example, you can get a traditional single-panel door that swings up overhead on hinges, or you can opt for a sectional door that folds horizontally. In addition to the style of the door, you can also choose a color and finish.
Insulation: Some garage doors are insulated to reduce noise and heat transfer between the exterior and interior of your home. This is a great way to save money and protect your home’s value.
Jackshaft operator: Designed to work on rolling grilles, doors and shutters, jackshaft operators are a good choice for large garages as they won’t obstruct headroom. They are available in light, medium and heavy models to suit a range of applications.