Purchasing a new garage door happens infrequently, and the details you decide upon prior to purchase will impact how well the door functions for years to come. roller doors is an option if you do a bit of prep work before ordering.
Measure the opening properly
Roller doors are made to measure, so accurate measurements are important. Take measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the opening and use the smallest measurement. Repeat this process for the left, centre and right heights. Brickwork isn’t perfectly square, and a wrongly sized door is very expensive to correct.
Next, take a look at the space above the opening. The curtain rolls up to a box, and that box needs space to fit behind the lintel. See if there is enough headroom and space on the sides and check if there is enough space to fall in love with a particular model. With not a lot of space, consider a smaller box, a door that coils on the outside, or see if there is another way to make up the space.
Think about the slats and the finish
The look and function of the door are determined largely by the profile of the slats. Insulated slats cut down on the noise and draught of the garage door and retain more heat. These are appropriate for a garage door that integrates with the house, because a draughty garage door can make the adjoining room cold. Single-skin slats are appropriate for a garage used primarily for storage and are less expensive and lighter.
Colour is also important. The powder-coated finishes used by manufacturers mean that the door can be coloured to match other doors on the house. Water and dust marks show up faster on darker colours.
Plan for power and safety
The majority of roller doors are electric, so check with your installer to see if you will need a spur. A spur is an additional power supply that leads from your main power source to the roller door motor. A battery backup is useful because you can still use the door opener during a power outage and avoid using the manual release that takes a lot of effort to operate.
Additionally, a good installer should go over the safety features of the release with you. The release should come with an obstacle-detection system that allows the door to stop and reverse if it makes contact with an object in its path. Gaps in the door can be a hazard for pets and children. Finger guards should be incorporated to ensure the safety of children and pets.
Look after it once it is fitted
Unlike some doors that need maintenance several times a year, roller doors can generally get away with just a few quick maintenance checks a couple of times a year. Listen out for new noises and check the guide rails for debris. Wipe down the slats and give the moving parts a light spray with a lubricant. These checks can prevent a small problem from becoming a big problem and expensive repair.
Spend a small amount of time doing these checks and you’ll ensure your roller door is in tip top shape.