Doors can be different in size, shape and material, but their basic tasks are the same: prohibition of unauthorized persons from entering, maintaining the temperature regime in the room and the aesthetic appeal of the external part of the building. Modern house and garage doors are equipped with automatic systems, which simplifies their handling and increases the efficiency of the above functions. Unlike home gates, commercial gates involve more intensive use, which is easier to anticipate before purchase than to spend money on repairs later. So, let’s take a look at the proper commercial garage door installation.
Table of Contents
Popular types of garage doors
The type of gates to be installed affects the process of their installation and is determined in accordance with the project, which takes into account the wishes of the customer and the geometric features of architectural objects. There are many such types, but the situation in the modern market allows us to highlight the main preferences of buyers. Knowing which option suits you best, it is easier to decide on the order of installation of garage doors.
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Sectional
They are made of sandwich panels, additionally equipped with heat and noise insulation, as well as a vertical opening system. The doors are visually appealing as they are offered in a wide range of colors and surface finishes. As a rule, such gates are opened remotely, and the working distance can be increased by installing an antenna. Are mounted under a roof to save working space.
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Rollback
They are also made using sandwich panels, there may be a variant of corrugated board. When developing the installation plan, take into account the free space in front of the door for sliding the sash. This option is well suited for a large room with a sloping ceiling.
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Lifting and turning
Available in wood or steel, the opening process is controlled by a hinged lever mechanism. Assume a small intensity of daily use. The opening for the gate must have a strictly rectangular shape, and the leaf must be even – in case of leaf deformation, it is necessary to change the entire door leaf.
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Roller shutters
The upper shaft “winds” the door leaf onto itself, and makes it possible to use the design for low rooms in a limited area of space. For installation, consoles and a protective box are used. When installing an automatic system, the gate can be controlled remotely, with the ability not to bump into objects — an entering car or a passing person (animal).
For commercial use, which is characterized by a high frequency of opening and closing, sectional and rolling garage doors are better suited.
Installation order
First you need to prepare a garage opening for the installation of the selected design. For concrete and brick stands, an additional frame is not needed, for softer supports it will come in handy. Wall surfaces must be smooth, cracks and chips must be covered with cement. Make a control measurement of the contour — beams and lintels must clearly fit in size.
The space from the gate to the ceiling and walls is regulated by the chosen design or by professional installers (for example, from Sti Garage Door). The height of the ceiling affects the level of lifting of the gate and is classified as follows:
- 30…60 cm — standard lift
- 20…35 cm — low
- from 60 cm — high
Be sure to check the slope of the floor with a level — the junction of the gate to the floor must be perpendicular.
Standard kit
Upon receipt of the ordered structure, check its completeness. Particular attention should be paid to the presence in the right quantity and in good condition of the following items:
- racks and profiles
- brackets, rollers, springs
- panels, insulation, fixings
For installation, you will definitely need: a drill, a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure and a building level.
Frame installation
Fastening the frame is a fundamental process in terms of installing a garage door, as it lays the base securely for the entire structure. The bottom panel should extend evenly over the edges. Next comes the drilling under the dupil at a steady depth. The next step is to fix the racks and profiles, fixing them securely. The correspondence of vertical and horizontal guides can be checked using a level. Fasten the pins and hinges very carefully one after another.
Canvas making
The next step is to fasten the hinges to the side supports, and the brackets to the bottom panel. You need to insert guides into it and fix the rollers, and then pull the cable. After you need to mount the top panel. At the end, it is necessary to inspect the structure for gaps, which, if found, must be eliminated.
Debugging
A smooth start of the system is an indicator of its correct installation. This is accompanied by the debugging of all springs and the tension of the cables. The fasteners must be extended to prevent the door from vibrating. Cable tension should be close to uniform. Check the operation of the gate – it should be calm, without jerks.
If you have any doubts about the quality of the installation of the door system, you can always turn to specialists, such as Sti Garage Door.
More for than against
The most popular types of garage doors on the market — sectional and rolling — differ in design, but have a number of common positive features:
- attractive appearance
- high design reliability
- weather protection
- protection against vandals
- installation in a limited space
- additional level of isolation
- easy repair
These types of garage doors also have negative sides:
- limitation in geometric dimensions
- the need for sufficient space for the sash
Sectional garage doors are more expensive than roller doors, but they have a number of competitive advantages. In particular, they are better suited for commercial installations as they offer better insulation and longer life. Roller doors are easier to install and easier to use, but they are not designed for high frequency loads.