Navigating any new field offers a flurry of new terms and that can leave you lost with your eyes spinning. This is especially troubling when you are buying an expensive garage door! Familiarize yourself with some of the more important terms and phrases of the garage door industry so you decide which garage door best fits your home.
Tracks
The tracks of your garage door – sometimes referred to as rails, are what guide the door up and down via rollers. Generally speaking, the lifting strength of tracks can be determined by the width of the track which are commonly available in 1-, 2-, or 3-inch variants – with larger tracks being able to lift heavier doors. Don’t feel the need to go all out with a 3-inch track, as these are typically reserved for an industrial level or large residential garage doors installed in barndominiums.
Beyond widths, garage door tracks are available in a variety of form factors to fit garages of different shapes and sizes. They include:
- Standard Radius: The most common form factor
- Follow Roof Pitch Lift: Lifts at an angle. Best for sloped roof garages.
- Low Headroom Lift: Best for smaller garages
- High Lift: Lift straight up. Designed for taller garage spaces
- Vertical Lift: Lift straight up. Designed for the tallest garages.
Besides standard radius lifts, each of these form factors can introduce some extra needs and costs due to their unique designs, so be sure to consult an expert at Precision for your unique needs.
Panels
Panels are the components that make up the door part of garage doors. They are often split into multiple sections so the garage door can “roll” up or down. Garage doors that use high lift or vertical lift tracks can sometimes be set as one single solid panel. Beyond the basic panel splitting, most of your choice in panels will simply come down to their cosmetic design. Some popular options are:
- Ribbed Panels
- Carriage House Panels
- Recessed Panels
- Flush Panels
Jambs
The door’s “trim” is referred to as the jamb. The jamb is specifically designed and uses materials for the outdoors to increase your door’s longevity.
Primed white wood is the most frequent choice for garage door trim, as it is often the least expensive option. However, this trim leaves quite a bit to be desired from a visual standpoint. Another inexpensive option would be stained and primed general construction lumber, which can offer more color options than plain ole white.
Springs
The main power source used to open and close a garage door is the springs. Two types of springs are frequently used: torsion springs and extension springs.
- Torsion Springs: Garage door torsion springs run parallel to the garage door and bear a significant amount of the weight of the door. By winding up torque within the springs it builds enough power in the metal to open and shut the door. This effect allows the torsion springs to lift even the heaviest of doors and consider the more reliable spring option.
- Extension Springs: These are weaker springs that run parallel to the tracks. Instead of twisting the spring to store and utilize its power, extension springs push and pull when operating. Since this allows for less power to be stored within the spring, more work is placed on the garage door opener’s motor. In turn, this causes the motor to need more frequent maintenance and replacement. On top of the motor wear, older extension springs are prone to suddenly snapping, causing property damage and possible injury. Generally, extension springs are recommended in low headroom garages where torsion springs cannot be installed.
Note: Installing or replacing any garage door spring should be left to a professional, as risk of severe injury or even death is possible due to the large amounts of power stored in garage door springs.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstrips are materials installed around your garage door to prevent the elements from entering your garage. They can come in a variety of forms and sizes but typically will cover the top, sides, and bottom of your garage door. To know if you need new weatherstripping on your garage door, shut the door and look for anywhere the light may be peeking through. That is a sign that your weatherstripping is worn and needs replaced. Usually, the bottom strip will need to be replaced more frequently than the top or sides. Maintaining your weatherstrips will help insulate your garage, protecting your garage and energy bill.
R-Value
R-value is a standard measure of thermal resistance per unit area. It is a technical term used across many industries including insulation, camping, windows, roofing, and garage doors. In short, the higher the R-value, the better the garage door is at keeping the temperature inside the same.
In the Midwest, an R-value of 6 to 8 is generally recommended for garage doors due to our harsher winters. Yet, keep in mind that the garage door’s R-value is only as valuable as the rest of your garage’s insulation. Single pane glass, thin plywood, and open cracks in your garage will negate the effectiveness of your garage door’s R-value.
Start the Garage Door Buying Process
With this, you now know the basic terms related to garage door materials. You're now equipped to start the garage door buying process, with the experts from Precision ready to assist whenever you need them. As your trusted Fort Wayne garage door company, we're here to help. If you have any questions, please contact us through our website or give us a call today.
