Sectional garage door – what does it consist of and how to install it?
Contents
Sectional doors are currently the most popular way to close the garage. They have a very practical design, thanks to which they are safe, tight, and at the same time comfortable to use. However, in order for a sectional garage door to properly perform its function, it must be well installed. Read what it consists of and what is most important when installing it. Also check out the infographic at the end of the post, where we have summarized the most important information.
Sectional garage door – the most popular choice
There are different types of garage doors available on the market today. There is also no problem with adjusting their dimensions, appearance or parameters to individual preferences. However, the sectional garage door is by far the most popular type. These types of structures are chosen for various reasons, but among the most important ones it is worth mentioning:
- lifting sash and hidden mechanism – the mechanism and guides are mounted from the ceiling; there is no need to secure free space in the rest of the garage or driveway, because the sash rises vertically;
- good thermal insulation – a sectional garage door is usually a great choice for a heated garage;
- anti-burglary protection – most sectional doors available on the market are equipped with them;
- easy adjustment of dimensions – sectional doors are available in every possible size;
- possibility of installing automation – usually a sectional garage door is installed as standard with an automatic drive;
- A wide selection of colors and designs – this type of door is easy to match to the façade of the house and individual taste.
Most users value them for their functionality and convenience of use, as well as the ability to fit into any garage. Solidly made and properly installed, they serve without any problems for many years and perform their functions perfectly.
What does a sectional garage door consist of?
The sectional garage door owes its name to its specific design. Its leaf is usually made of horizontal panels (segments) connected by hinges and properly sealed. When opening, the door is lifted vertically upwards and then “hides” under the ceiling.
The garage door guides installed above the entrance are parallel to the ceiling. However, there are also side models. In this case, the segments are arranged vertically, and the garage door guide is placed along one of the side walls of the garage. When opening, the door slides to the side. This solution is recommended primarily for low and wide rooms, because the mechanism with guides under the ceiling requires at least 15 cm of lintel (free space above the entrance light).
What are the key elements of a sectional garage door?
- Garage door segments are usually manufactured from steel or aluminum. They are filled with insulation several centimeters thick. Glazed panels can also be used. A standard sash consists of 3-6 elements.
- Special garage door hinges connect them to each other, making the entire structure stable. Appropriate sealing is also used at the joints.
- Another key element is the guides on which the door “climbs” when opening. Usually, they are equipped with a drive that allows the sash to be raised and lowered automatically.
- The garage door spring is responsible for its smooth closing and opening. It is selected according to the intensity of use of the door (the number of cycles of its closing and opening during the day).
All these elements affect the properties of the structure and its proper operation.
How to install a sectional garage door?
Sectional doors are installed in both new and older houses. They are universal in terms of use and style. In most places, this type of door works best. However, it is necessary to properly select and install components. It should also be remembered that garage door guides require a certain amount of space. If they are to be mounted under the ceiling, at least 15 cm of lintel is needed. In addition, the jambs (i.e. the fragments of the wall on the sides of the entrance) must be at least 10 cm long. Each garage door runner has a length roughly corresponding to the height of the entrance, so it requires quite a lot of free space under the ceiling (or along the wall in the case of a side door).
How to install a sectional garage door? This is quite a complicated process that is best entrusted to professionals from Best Garage Door Repair and Service. It consists of many stages, such as:
- preparation for installation – finishing the lintel, jambs and garage floor, taking accurate measurements, supplying power to the drive, etc.,
- preparation of gate segments (screwing hinges),
- screwing the vertical guide,,
- inserting the door segments and tightening the hinges with the roller,
- Screwing on the horizontal guide,
- mounting the shaft with springs,
- winding up the springs,
- execution of a suspension from perforated angles,
- checking the correct operation of the gate.
Theoretically, you can do all these activities yourself, but it requires some skills. Therefore, it is always recommended to outsource this task to professionals. The cost of installing a garage door is not very high, and it ensures its proper operation. This is also often a condition for maintaining the warranty.
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