FAQs

 

A sectional garage door is a type of garage door made up of individual panels or “sections” connected by hinges. This is the most popular traditional style of garage doors in residential neighborhoods, known for its space efficiency and versatility.

Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:

• Panels: The door is divided into horizontal panels that are hinged together, allowing them to flex as the door opens and closes.
• Tracks and Rollers: As the door operates, rollers attached to the sides of the panels run along tracks on either side of the garage opening, guiding the door up and overhead.
• Space Efficiency: Because the door retracts overhead rather than swinging outwards, it’s an excellent choice for saving space in driveways or tight garages.
• Versatility: Sectional garage doors come in various materials, styles, and finishes, adaptable to many architectural designs and personal preferences.
• Insulation Options: Many sectional garage doors offer insulation options, making them energy-efficient and helping to maintain temperature control within the garage.

Sectional garage doors are favored for their sleek operation and flexibility in design, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Preview our extensive selection of sectional doors here. Whether you’re seeking a modern look with glass panels or a classic wood finish, our range of sectional garage doors offers a wide array of options to fit your needs.

 

If you’re considering home improvement projects, one pressing question might be: “Is upgrading my garage door a worthwhile investment?” The answer, in short, is a resounding yes. Let’s delve into how a garage door upgrade can impact your home’s value and appeal.

The Value Proposition of Garage Door Upgrades

1. Enhanced Curb Appeal

The garage door often takes up a significant portion of a home’s façade. An upgraded door can instantly transform the look of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you opt for a modern design or a classic wooden finish, the change can dramatically impact first impressions.

2. Improved Security

Modern garage doors come equipped with advanced security features, from motion detectors to break-in resistance. Upgrading can offer homeowners peace of mind, knowing their home and belongings are better protected.

3. Energy Efficiency

Contemporary garage doors are often better insulated, translating to more significant energy savings. An insulated door can help stabilize indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on HVAC systems and subsequently lowering energy bills.

4. Lower Maintenance

Newer models, especially those made with composite materials, resist wear and tear and don’t require frequent painting or staining. This means less work and expense in the long run.

Market Trends and Resale Impact

Upgrading your garage door isn’t just about the immediate benefits. When it’s time to sell:

• Higher Resale Value: According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, the ROI on a garage door replacement often exceeds 90%. This means you’ll recoup most of the costs when selling your home. DASMA – Remodeling #1 for ROI and read more here from Remodeling: 
• Competitive Edge: Homes with updated features, including modern garage doors, often have a competitive edge in the market, attracting more potential buyers and possibly speeding up sales.

Cost Considerations

While upgrading a garage door can provide a return on investment, it’s essential to factor in the initial costs. Materials, labor, and any added features (like smart openers) will influence the total expense.

To sum it up

Upgrading your garage door offers a blend of immediate and long-term benefits, from elevating your home’s aesthetics to realizing a notable return on investment during resale. As with all home improvement decisions, consider your home’s architecture, your budget, and your long-term plans to choose a garage door that aligns with your goals.

 

Telling the direction in which a garage door torsion spring is wound can be vital for safe and effective replacement or repair. Here’s how you can determine whether you have a left-wound or a right-wound spring:

1. Location of the Springs:
   • In a typical two-spring system, when you are standing inside the garage and looking at the door, the left-wound spring is usually on the right side of the garage door, and the right-wound spring is on the left side of the door.
   • Please note that this is not a definitive rule, as some systems might be set up differently, but it is a common configuration.
2. Ends of the Spring Coils:
   • Stand facing the spring and observe the coils.
   • A right-wound spring will have the end of the last coil pointing in the clockwise direction.
   • A left-wound spring will have the end of the last coil pointing in the counter-clockwise direction.

 

1. Spring Cones:
   • The cones at the ends of the springs are usually color-coded. Typically (but not always):
   • Red indicates a right-wound spring, and it is usually located on the left side when you’re facing the garage door from the inside.
   • Black indicates a left-wound spring, and it is usually located on the right side when you’re facing the garage door from the inside.
   • Please note that these color codes are not universal, so it is important to confirm with the spring’s manufacturer or a professional installer.
2. Written Markings:
   • Some springs have painted markings or tags that indicate their winding direction. Check for any labels or markings on the spring that might indicate its winding direction.
3. Physical Inspection:
   • Stand directly in front of the wound spring. If the coils close (get tighter) as you go in a clockwise direction, it is a right-wound spring. If the coils close (get tighter) as you go in a counter-clockwise direction, it is a left-wound spring.

Please proceed with extreme caution when dealing with garage door springs. They are under a significant amount of tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled. If you are not comfortable or experienced with garage door springs, it is best to hire a professional garage door technician to handle the replacement or repair.

Give us a call at (425) 454-3250

 

Maybe!

Do not assume you can paint your door any color without knowing the manufacturer’s specifications. You can permanently damage your door if painted in certain dark colors. Many homeowners have had to replace their beautiful doors because they didn’t read and follow the user manual.

Laminated or Multiply Garage Doors: Many of these doors should not be painted dark colors like black by homeowners. Dark colors can absorb more heat, causing extreme expansion and contraction, which might lead to warping or other damage.

Read your user manual for your door. If you do not have one, contact the manufacturer or visit their websites for a copy.

 

You can often paint your garage door. Sometimes the factories do not have a matching color for your home, so you need to have it painted. We have painted many of our new garage door installations. Newer paints are highly durable and will last many years, even though they may not be as strong as the factory finishes.

But there are several considerations to keep in mind if you choose to pain your own door:

• Type and Material: Check the type and material of your garage door. Most steel, wood, and aluminum doors can be painted, but specific guidelines might apply, especially for laminated or multiply garage doors.
• Manufacturer’s Specifications: Review the manufacturer’s instructions or warranty details to understand if there are any restrictions or recommended procedures for painting. Some doors have finishes that may not be compatible with standard paints, or painting them might void a warranty.
• Color Choice: Selecting a color requires careful consideration, especially for laminated or multiply doors. Painting these doors in dark colors like black could cause extreme expansion and contraction, leading to damage.
• Preparation: Proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and application are essential for a long-lasting finish.
• Comparison with Factory Finish: Keep in mind that a do-it-yourself paint job may not be as durable as a factory-applied finish. Factory finishes are applied in a controlled environment, ensuring that the surface is meticulously prepared and primed for optimal adhesion. Consider the differences in preparation, paint quality, application, and curing process when deciding to paint your garage door yourself.
• Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about the process, give us a call at  (425) 454-3250

As a reminder, please contact the manufacturer for painting recommendations. They are the experts on their own products.