New Garage Door Tuttle has evolved from simple barriers to key components of home design, energy efficiency, and security. With many styles, materials, and features available, homeowners can find the perfect door for their lifestyle and budget.
The garage door must be equipped with a manual release handle that is mounted as high as practical above the standing surface so that children cannot reach it. It should also include photo sensors (also called “eyes”) that emit and detect beams of light.
From the very first time people started using wheels for transportation, they’ve needed places to store their vehicles. In ancient times, these storage spaces were usually public, with gates that opened to allow a carriage or wagon to pass through. As the wheel became more prevalent, private places to store vehicles began appearing, and they were typically sheltered from the elements by simple gates or walls. Carriage houses, or barns, were also used for vehicle storage, but they were often a long distance away from homes. This was fine when carriages were the only form of transportation, but as cars came along, they needed closer and more convenient garages.
The first garage doors were basically barn doors that hung on hinges and swung open, but they weren’t practical for storing an automobile. They were prone to sagging, they didn’t stand up well to snow and rain, and they required plenty of space to swing open, making them impractical for most garages. Newer doors were created that moved on a track, but these weren’t ideal either. They tended to be quite wide and took up too much room, and they could be difficult to operate in heavy snow or if the tracks were blocked by car parts.
Materials
The material used to make a garage door can affect the cost, maintenance and energy efficiency. The type of material used also depends on local climate and maintenance preferences. For example, if you live in a coastal area, steel may not be a good option for your door due to corrosion. Similarly, if you live in an area with heavy rains, wood may not hold up well against moisture. Having a low-maintenance material can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
The door face includes decorative hardware and more functional pieces like panels and windows. Panels add curb appeal and can improve energy efficiency. They come in a variety of styles including V-groove, flat, raised, herringbone and tongue and groove. They can also be trimmed with muntins (dividers that separate lines within a window) or left flush depending on your personal preference.
Steel doors are a popular choice because they’re economical, durable and available in many colors to match your home. They’re prone to scratches and dents, however, so regular care is required to maintain their appearance. Steel is also not a natural insulator, so additional insulation options are necessary to regulate your garage temperature.
Aluminum is another budget-friendly alternative to steel. It’s more rust resistant and can be fitted with faux wood textures to complement your home’s design aesthetic. It’s also lightweight so it puts less strain on your automatic garage door opener and is easier to clean. Its glass panels are a great option for homes with modern architectural designs and can allow natural light to enter the garage without compromising your privacy.
Styles
As the gateway to our homes, garage doors are a key component in both functionality and curb appeal. As such, they are available in a wide variety of styles, materials and colors to accommodate different preferences. However, some types of doors are better suited to specific home styles than others.
When choosing a new garage door, consider your home’s architecture to ensure it matches. For example, traditional homes often pair well with recessed panel or shaker style garage doors that offer multiple window options for customization. These doors also come in a range of wood tones and colors.
Contemporary-styled garage doors are sleek, symmetrical designs that complement modern architectural styles. They come in a range of aluminum, glass and steel finishes to match your home. If energy conservation is important, choose a model with a higher R-value to help prevent unwanted heat loss.
If your home has a farmhouse-style exterior, select a wood carriage house product that recreates the rustic appearance of old-fashioned barn doors. Iron strap hinges, handles and decorative nailheads known as clavos add the finishing touch to this classic design.
For homes with coastal-style exteriors, consider a wood shingle or board-and-batten door that replicates the look of traditional beach houses. They pair well with wrought-iron or nautical-style hardware and can be customized with a gate handle in the shape of a crab, whale tail or pineapple.
Security
A garage door is a good target for thieves since it provides an easy entry point to the main living areas of a home. Proper security measures, though, can prevent burglary and provide homeowners with peace of mind.
Enhance garage door security by upgrading the lock to a stronger, heavier-gauge model. This can deter thieves and increase the time it takes to break into a house. For a further layer of protection, consider adding a slide lock on the track to keep the garage door closed. This can only be operated from inside the garage, so it is not foolproof, but it is an effective deterrent.
Installing garage door safety sensors can also improve security. These devices detect obstructions and automatically reverse the direction of a moving door to prevent accidents or injuries. These can be especially useful for households with children or pets. Complementing safety sensors with Wi-Fi connectivity, pinch-resistant sections, or a backup battery can boost functionality.
Other garage door security measures include enhancing natural lighting with motion-activated flood lights to shine a spotlight on anyone scoping out the area with the intent of breaking in. Remove shrubbery and trees that provide cover near the garage and ground-floor windows to make it difficult for burglars to sneak in undetected.
Vigilance and awareness of suspicious activities in and around the home are also important for preventing burglaries. Homeowners should report any unusual individuals or behavior to their local authorities and neighborhood watch groups. This helps to reduce criminal activity and contributes to a safer, more secure environment. Additionally, new technologies are constantly emerging to further enhance garage door security. For instance, rolling code technology offers a layer of encryption that makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal or replicate codes.
Maintenance
In order for your garage door to function smoothly, it requires consistent maintenance. Key focus areas include precise spring adjustments, meticulous track alignment and thorough checks of the reversing mechanism- vital to operational efficiency and safety. Visual inspections should be conducted consistently to identify abnormalities early and to prevent larger problems. Lubrication is another essential maintenance measure. Applying silicone-based lubricant to moving parts such as rollers, hinges and springs will promote smooth operation. Avoid using WD-40, which acts as a solvent rather than a lubricant and can damage moving parts.
Tracks provide the framework within which your garage door operates, so ensuring they remain free of obstructions and damages is critical to maintaining smooth and efficient movement. Additionally, keeping your tracks clean will help reduce operational noises as they move up and down.
Garage doors use mechanical and photocell safety features to ensure they do not crush objects or people in their path of motion. These can be tested by putting a board on the floor in the path of the closing garage door; it should hit the board and reverse direction. Similarly, if you pass your leg in front of the photo eyes while the door is moving, it should stop and reverse immediately.
Keeping your garage door properly maintained will enhance its functionality, protect it from weather conditions and add value to your property. A well-maintained door will also keep moisture out and prevent mold and rot from growing in the garage or on surrounding surfaces. Regular maintenance and repairs can also save you money in the long run by extending the life of your garage door. For example, replacing worn weather stripping can reduce leaking and improve the insulation of your garage.
