Garage door Weblog

Simplify your next garage door purchase, consult with a specialist.

Shopping around for a new garage door used to be a very simple decision as designs and styles were limited. Today, garage doors have evolved, and even though reasonably priced, it is still an important investment. Because your door may be around for at least twenty years, it would be wise to count on advice from an expert garage door consultant. J-F Morin, Garaga Marketing Director www.garaga.com , an important Canadian garage door manufacturer, had this to say : “A professional dealer brings product knowledge and installation expertise to your home. When combined, they will be able to assist you in choosing the style that best compliments your driveway, and which finish will suit your home.”  Consulting with a specialist means a positive shopping experience and excellent after sales service.

The longevity of a door depends not only on door quality and components but on top notch installation. Professionalism starts from the moment an install team drives up to your home to take door measurements. They will be particularly helpful in garages with limited headroom situations and guide you accordingly. Style, energy efficiency and product offering is at their fingertips.  In many cases they bring their showroom to you with color chip samples and glazing options.

Since a garage door is probably the largest moving part of your home and requires many small hardware parts when installed, it seems logical that this technical procedure be stress free. In a few hours, a professional door installer will remove, install and seal your new garage door into place. A transformation that brings safety and security to your home.

According to Mr. Morin here are 3 key elements to consider when buying a garage door:

1. Experience : is the company reputable? How long have they been installing garage doors?  If the company is a recent one, you may want to double check the experience background and request referrals. You can also ask to see a projects photo album and testimonial letters.

2. Warranty / After sales service :

An excellent installer will offer this without you asking for it. A good warranty on service is 2 years.

3. Member of a professionnal association :

Check if the company is a member of an association. Most associations require strict codes and criteria and offer workshops to their members, keeping them up to par with industry trends.

Don’t hesitate to contact two separate door companies. This will help to narrow down your choices and create your own buying checklist. In 1996, Garaga launched a network of expert garage door dealers that must comply and respect a strict work code in sales, installation and door repair. To find out more about this group of professionals, go to www.garaga.com or www.BeautyofQuality.com

Why an insulated garage door ?

If your new home will have an attached garage, it's a good idea to insulate this area as well. The wall between the garage and the interior of your home should be considered an exterior wall and insulated to the level of other exterior walls. An insulated garage door can dramatically reduce heat loss. A well-insulated garage will also help keep your vehicles running smoothly during cold weather. If you'll be using your garage as a workshop, you might consider investing in radiant floor heating. This option will provides better warmth, uses less energy and eliminates the safety hazards of a portable space heater. Ask your builder for more details. Source: Alliant Energy's PowerHouse is an educational program designed to help you improve the energy efficiency, safety and comfort of your home ( www.powerhousetv.com )

Planning, the key to building a garage

Are you considering the addition of an attached garage to your house ? Do you wish to convert your carport into a garage ? Now that's a great idea! Adding a garage will not only prove to be very practical, but it will also increase the resale value of your property.

However, such an important project requires some serious planning. In order to avoid making mistakes that could become disastrous while at the same time staying within your budget, you need to act properly. Here are some advice from GARAGA Inc (www.garaga.com) , an important garage door manufacturer in Canada.

Garage attached to the house

The main steps involved in planning the construction of an attached garage are the following:

1. Determining your needs
2. Determining the size of the garage
3. Designing the plans
4. Obtaining the building permit
5. Planning financing and construction

Now let's look more closely at these planning steps.

1- Determining your needs

Start off by deciding how much money you wish to invest in this project. Think about the reasons that justify building a garage and how you plan to use it.

• Will you use it to park cars?
• Will it become a large storage room or a workshop?
• Will you add a workbench to it?
• Will you need several electric outlets?
• Will you need a service door?
• Will you need windows or heating?

At this point, it would be appropriate to visit your town's department of urban planning to know more about the local building codes regarding an attached garage. For example, there might be setbacks to take into account when choosing a location or even a maximum height to consider when the time comes to design the plans.

2- Determining the size of the garage

The size of your garage is unquestionably one of the most vital aspects of the planning. An unnecessarily large garage will reduce the available space on your land while a garage too small will greatly limit possible uses.

Generally, the minimum size for a single garage is 12 ft. wide by 22 ft. long (3.7 m x 6.7 m) and 18 ft. wide by 22 ft. long (5.5 m x 6.7 m) for a double garage. However, these numbers are a strict minimum. Many home owners choose to make their garages wider so they can open their car doors freely, and longer so they have enough room to put in a workbench.

When it comes to garage size, the rule of thumb is this: build bigger when in doubt. You will appreciate having extra storage space for bikes, the lawnmower, gardening tools and sports equipment, especially since it is impossible to predict what your needs will be five or ten years from now.

If you plan to park cars in the garage, keep in mind that car sizes vary considerably. For example, you could one day replace your subcompact car by a larger family van. Would you have enough room in your garage to accommodate this type of vehicle without having to change its interior design completely? Do a sketch to better visualize the layout of your garage.

3- Designing the plans

Once you have determined your needs and the required size for your garage, consult an expert who will be designing the construction plans.

The designer will make sure the garage does not clash with the house, but rather complements it. A garage that does not match the house, either because of its size, its finish or its architecture, could even reduce the property's resale value.

A garage and a house should have several common elements, including the slope of the roof, the exterior finish and the type of doors and windows.

4- Obtaining the building permit

Now that you are ready to start your project, go back to your department of urban planning to obtain a building permit. In some instances, a permit to connect your garage to an electrical power utility and to the water supply could also be required.

It is essential to respect local codes to the letter since an inspector will meticulously examine the garage once the construction is finished. If the building does not exactly match the plans or meet local codes, you will have to, in the best-case scenario, modify the building or, in the worst-case, start the construction over.

5- Planning financing and construction

Since building a garage is a project that requires a hefty investment, financing must be carefully planned. Whether you decide to get a loan from your bank or increase your mortgage payments, your financial institution will be able to inform you of the various options available and offer sound financial advice.

You will also have to decide whether you want to hire a general contractor, hire subcontractors while assuming project management or even do some of the work yourself.

If you choose to hire a general contractor, ask him to obtain the building permit from your town. This way, he will be responsible for making the necessary changes so the garage meets local codes.

One thing is sure, planning the construction of an attached garage is not a luxury, but a crucial step that will help make this important project a success.

If you plan to add an attached garage to your house, do not hesitate to contact Drummond Designs' Renovation Service. Working from pictures or sketches provided by clients, Drummond Designs' team of experts can suggest ideas and offer advice that will take into account your needs and budget.

You can reach Drummond Designs by dialing toll-free 1 800 567-5267 (ext. 2) or visit Drummond Designs' Web site at www.drummonddesigns.com

Useful Tools for the Largest Door on your Home

Today’s homeowners want to ally security and functionality when using their garage door. We are looking for peace of mind when we are at home and this is why we do not make any compromises when it comes to our homes. Since small details contribute to our well-being, Garaga presents some accessories that will facilitate the access to your home while guaranteeing your security.

Park your car safely

Today’s garages are getting larger and many have more than one door. Did you know that it is now possible to simultaneously or separately open your garage doors? With this accessory, you have the control for each of your doors on your garage door opener remote control.

Are you tired of scratching up your vehicle and banging your garage door frame, walls, and posts? Then, it is time to do something about it. The tennis ball hanging on a string can now be replaced with a new high-tech laser solution. The operation of a parking laser is quite simple. As you pull in, you will see the laser beam dot slowly move onto the hood of your car towards your windshield. When the laser dot hits the exact point on your vehicle that you have predetermined, then it is time to stop. For those who have two-car garages, some models have two lasers.

Operator with back-up battery system

Now when the power goes out, your garage door opener can still work. There is a model of operator with a battery back-up system available on the market. This battery allows 20 open and close movements of your garage doors. Always charged and ready, it provides the highest level of safety and convenience imaginable. You can feel secure because in case of emergency, you would be able to enter or exit your garage without any problems. Moreover, it is possibly the quietest system ever designed. The powerful motor has a belt drive system that provides quiet operation, along with smooth start and smooth stop to reduce the noise of the garage door as it opens and closes. It is perfect for homes that have a bedroom that is located just above the garage.

Is your door still open?

Are you afraid of your garage door being left open? Because your garage is the easiest access to your home, there is now a product on the market to make you feel more secure. In fact, it is a very sensitive monitor that tells you if your garage door is open or closed from any room in your home. ″It gives you great convenience and peace of mind. When the light flashes red, it is because your door is open.″ says Vicky Leclerc, communication coordinator at Garaga.

Motion-Detecting Control

Have you ever entered a dark garage at night? For your security, a motion-detecting control panel that turns your garage door opener lights on automatically when you enter a dark garage is now available. It is equipped with an energy-saving light sensitivity adjustment to ensure lights only go on when it is dark.

Turn lights on

Who likes to walk into a dark house? Now, you can light up your home from your car with your remote control. You can find on the market a remote light control that turns lights on or off inside your home. ″You can get a compact receiver that you will install on your main house lights. This receiver catches the signals from your garage opener remote control and turns the light on inside your house″ explains Vicky. It is easy to install and to program.

A variety of useful accessories are available to provide you peace of mind and security. Do not hesitate to communicate with a professional door installer like a Garaga Expert. They are trained to ensure comfort and peace of mind and would be pleased to guide in choosing the appropriate accessories that will meet your needs. Do not forget that when you tighten your garage security, you are protecting not only your garage, but your home, your family, and all of your belongings as well.

Reduce noise on your garage door opening cycles

Every time the garage door opens and closes, a loud rumble comes right through your bedroom floor making things particularly unpleasant for you or friends, relatives occupying your guest bedroom that is probably just above the garage. Can’t stand it ? J-F Morin, a technical expert at Garaga (www.garaga.com), an important garage door manufacturer in Canada, wants to give you some advice to help you reduce noise generated by the up and down movement of your garage door.

1. The first thing to do is to change the steel rollers on your garage door to nylon. With nylon rollers, you will obtain almost silent running on the tracks.

2. Another point to look at is your electric operator. Any model with a rubber belt reinforced with metal wire is best because the motor of this model is insulated from the metal case and will cut vibrations. The rubber belt is also quieter than the steel chain.

3. If your garage is made of concrete, a noise isolator system (semi-rigid rubber 6 mm) can be effective. The supports that hold up the horizontal tracks can be insulated with a piece of rubber to cut the vibrations. On a wood frame, do not fix directly under the beams, place a piece of wood perpendicular under which you will have installed a rubber insulator. If you have a bedroom or living space above your garage and intend to add hardwood flooring, it is recommended to sound proof it by installing carpet and under carpet .

4. A good lifting system (springs) can also contribute to noise reduction. ''Torsion'' type springs (instead of ''Extension'' springs) is ideal because they allow precise balancing of the door and avoid friction of cables and springs on the horizontal tracks.

5. Concerning the tracks, it is best to choose tracks with the largest radius possible. In fact, the larger the radius the smoother the door action will be. The standard radius is 10 inches (''extension'' spring) and 12 or 15 inches (''torsion'' spring). Opt for the largest radius possible if you have a big clear space above the door.

6. Finally, regular lubrication (twice a year) of perimeter frame weatherstripping (silicone), rollers and track (motor oil) is important.

7. If you are planning on purchasing  a new garage door,  the experts at Garaga, recommend you choose an insulated garage door with an aluminum coating, especially if it is a double garage door (ex: 16 ft). They are lighter and easier than a steel door on mechanism long term.

With the above advice, it should easier to reduce noise problems from your garage door. Do not hesitate to call your nearest Garaga Expert. A network of distributors in  Canada who are trained to offer you top quality work and service and in the end, peace of mind.

For more information, consult the Garaga website at www.garaga.com.

Picking Exterior Colors

Spring is when many homeowners consider exterior spruce-ups. A paint job is one of the most basic. It might be summer or fall before you do the work, but you can tackle the first part of the project now: picking colors.

The choices can be overwhelming. It's hard enough to decide what colors to paint the interior, where only you and your guests see the results. When you paint the outside, there's added pressure. You and your neighbors will live with the colors you choose, likely for several years. If paint chips have stymied you into avoiding a choice.

• Neighborhoods of yesteryear sported row after row of pristine white houses; only one in about every half-dozen houses is white today. White has been replaced by neutral shades -- ivories, taupes, and grays -- that provide sophisticated depth and color.
• Earth tones enhance the richness of a home's architecture while not competing with its style. A Victorian home, for example, commands attention by the sheer force of its lines, angles, and trim. If you paint your Victorian home bright purple, you're forcing people to look away from the architecture and focus on the home's color.
• If your home looks like most of the others on your block, you may want to consider using color to set it apart. But don't go overboard. If you like blue, opt for a soft shade with gray tones, and use a more vivid color on the trim.
• Consider weather and quality of light when making your color choices. For example, beneath the intense sun in southern climates, stronger and brighter colors look less startling than they would in cooler, often overcast parts of the country. Likewise, deep colors usually are not used in southern regions because they absorb heat and may fade. When reviewing paint chips, place them against the exterior of your home in natural light.
• Stick to two or three colors: body, trim, and perhaps an accent. A pleasing, easy approach is tone-on-tone, which uses different shades of the same color for body and trim. In a five-color strip from the paint store, the body could be the fourth-deepest shade and the trim the second-lightest. Accent architectural highlights with a third color.
• Consider how body and trim colors will affect the structure. A light body color can make a home look larger, while a darker shade can make it look more compact. The same goes for trim color: It can be lighter or deeper than the body color, but it should complement architectural detailing and maintain visual continuity.

Source : http://www.bhg.com

Is there such a thing as a "Green" garage door ?

Many consumers these days are eco-minded and always on the lookout for "Green" or Eco-friendly products.  Currently, there is no such standard for the moment in the garage door industry or norm that can categorize a garage door as environmentally friendly like in the window industry (ex : CSA standards  A 440.4). However there are few things that can be helpful when one arises this objection :

1. Energy efficient: Garaga (www.garaga.com) insulated doors are pressure injected with polyurethane foam that have a true R value (R-12 to R-18), a solid interlocking joint with double lip weather stripping contact increases weather tightness and less air infiltration. An efficient thermal break (wood end blocks) prevents the transfer of cold to inside of door.
2. Door longevity: Garaga doors have a lifetime warranty and but are designed to surpass 25 years . Garaga residential «Dura Plus » hardware is top rated by garge door dealer network.
3. Recycled components: the aluminium used by Garaga is recycled.

Although there are many energy saving benefits to purchasing a Garaga door (www.garaga.com) they do not comply with the« Energy Star » rating program.

"R" factor, "U" factor: what is the difference ?

Garage door energy efficiency levels are usually rated in terms of U-values (conductance of heat) and R-values (resistance to heat flow).  The higher the R-value, the less heat a garage door will lose. R-16 is better than R-10. If a door's U-value is low, it will lose less heat than one with a higher U-value. Finally, "R" is an imperial measurement, "RSI" is metric. "U" is imperial, "C" is metric. R = 1 / U and RSI = 1 / C.

Source: Garaga, garage door, Inc (www.garaga.com)

Tips for choosing a garage door

Usually, we buy only one garage door in our life: when we build a new house or when we renovate.  That’s why consumers immediately reach for reliability, durability, style and appropriate insulation. When time comes to shop for a new garage door, what are the elements consumers should consider and analyze to make the right choice? Garaga (www.garaga.com), one of the most important garage doors manufacturers in Canada,

provides those tips for home owners. 

1. Insulation and R-Value

An insulated door will keep the garage area and the rooms above and besides the garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, resulting in energy savings.  If you use the garage for a work shop or recreation area, having an insulated door will keep temperature more consistent. The higher the R-Value the better the insulation i.e. R-16 is better than R-8 by 50%.

2. Insulation Type

The two types of insulation are polyurethane and polystyrene. Polyurethane provides twice the insulation value as polystyrene (white styrofoam).

3. Placement of Insulation

Insulation can be injected under pressure (polyurethane) or placed between the metal skins in the form sheet (polystyrene). Pressure injecting fills the complete cavity of the door and adheres to the metal skins. This adhesion greatly reduces the chance of the skin separating from the insulation causing the door to sound tinny.

4. Metal Thickness (Gauge)

The lower the gauge the thicker the material i.e. 14 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge. The thicker the material the stronger the door. A thicker gauged metal skin combined with a pressure injected insulation provides the best impact resistance.

5. Hardware

This is the track, hinges and re-enforcement plates.  The hardware is the back bone of the door system as it carries the weight of the door, provides the connection between the panels (hinges) and provides the anchor point for the fasteners which hold the hinges to the panels. Having a thicker gauged hardware system will ensure the door system will last longer.

6. Thermal break

Having a thermal break in the door system means that the front metal skin does not contact the back metal skin along the length and at the ends of the door panels.  Without the thermal break, both heat and cool will be allowed to move from the outside of the door to inside the garage reducing the insulation value of the door. Metal end caps may allow frost build up and the door sections to freeze together.

7. Rollers

Rollers which ride in the track and carry the weight of the door come in 3 styles: nylon, nylon with ball bearings and metal with ball bearings.  Nylon rollers with ball bearings will last longer than nylon rollers without ball bearings and are quieter than the metal rollers with ball bearings.

8. Weather Seal

The weather seal on the outside top and sides of the garage door as well as the weather seal on the bottom of the door is what prevent wind, rain and snow from entering the garage. The type of weather seal used should not be overlooked.  A good weather seal is made up of two parts, the seal gasket and the holder.  A plastic holder with screw cover can match the colour of your door and hide the screws that hold it to the door frame giving you a professional finished look.  The seal gasket should be made of rubber and not vinyl so if will not split or crack. 

Making the right choice is not an easy task, that’s why Garaga (www.garaga.com) always produces its garage doors with the best materials on the market, increasing the level of security and insulation of each door. We never have a second chance to make a good impression: consumers always find in Garaga reliability, durability and stylishness to make the right choice.  That’s why they buy with confidence a Garaga garage door !

Women are involved in the decision-making process

One of the hottest trends in today’s market is garage makeovers. Once considered just a parking spot or catch-all for storage overflow, the garage is fast emerging as a liveable addition to the home. The image of the garage has changed and women want to be a part of it.

In a recent survey, commissioned by reality brokers Century 21, homebuyers were asked what they believed to be the most important amenity in the home-buying decision. Unbelievable as this may sound, 74% listed the garage.

Garages are also becoming bigger, and two thirds of new homes built today have two-car garages. It’s no wonder women are now a key player in the decision making when it comes to replacing or purchasing a new garage door. According to Kareen Roy, Marketing Coordinator at Garaga Inc (www.garaga.com), women frequently come up to our garage door specialists and say : “If I am going to have something that big attached to my home, you bet I want it to look fabulous and give added value to the neighbourhood.’’

The next step is making the right choice in door style, colour, window designs and decorative hardware. This can seem like a complicated process however Garaga has simplified this by catering all their literature with aesthetics and women in mind with a floral theme.

“Our products vary from simple non-insulated doors for sheds or a boat house to very energy efficient insulted doors that stop air infiltration and keep in the heat. With sky rocketing fuel costs, energy efficiency is on everyone’s mind especially the ladies who see the utility bills come in.’’ says Kareen Roy.

She also notes that female customers are looking for product quality, curb appeal and a wide choice. “Garaga has made sure to answer this need by updating our web site and online Design Center where you can create your own garage door in five quick and easy steps, print it out and take it to the nearest door specialists for an estimate.”

Garaga insists their dealers use the Consultant Approach and for Kareen Roy this much welcomed by the male dominated industry. “The best advice I can give men for serving female customers is simple: listen to what they are saying and sell them what they are asking for. Most importantly, make your showroom inviting, clutter free and pleasing to the eye.’’

Men and women are so different emotionally, mentally and physically yet salespeople continue to sell their products to women the same old way they have always sold them to men.  A rule of thumb to keep in mind is: Men go buying while women go shopping.

One of those differences is that a woman will see all the details through her five senses and view them in connection with each other. Kareen points out a few tips to her Garaga dealers. “Put a small scale door sample in their hand while explaining the features of Garaga’s high pressure foam insulation system. Walk customers over to your operating door to show the mechanism, door safety and have her listen to the quietness of the openers.’’

According to the Wall Street Journal, women are involved in the purchase of 61% of major home improvement products. And one out of three women are the sole decision-maker in these projects,  it’s no wonder that manufacturers, distributors and vendors are capitalizing on this and paying attention to female customers and making sure their meeting their needs.