The Essential Dos and Don’ts of Choosing a Commercial Garage Door
A commercial garage door is more than just a silent entryway. It is a critical component that ensures security, functionality, and adds to the aesthetics of your building. Choosing the one requires you to ponder over factors like security, daily usage, aesthetics, and functionality.
Choose the wrong one and see a rise in maintenance costs, a decrease in energy efficiency, and even worse, a compromise in the security of your assets.
But how to choose the right garage commercial doors? This can be trickier with a lot of options with plenty of features to choose from. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with this blog to guide you through some common dos and don’ts while choosing a commercial garage door for your business.
What To DO When You’re Selecting A Commercial Garage Door
RESEARCH Commercial Garage Doors Types
It is important to learn about the different commercial garage door types. Each has its own use and setting.
Sectional Doors:
This is the most popular kind, with panels that roll up and lie parallel to the ceiling. They are easily customized and can also be insulated.
Rolling Steel Doors:
Also known as coiling doors, they are ideal for heavy-duty applications. Made from overlapping steel slats, they roll up into a compact coil above the opening and therefore do not require much space. They are very heavy-duty and secure for storefronts, warehouses, or even small industrial facilities.
High Speed Doors:
If your business requires frequent, rapid access, high-speed doors can be the right fit.
Made from a flexible vinyl or fabric material, they open and close quickly to minimize long exposure to wind, rain, and temperature, ensuring a more comfortable environment in heavy foot traffic areas.
Fire-rated Doors:
Ideal for commercial complexes that require compliance with stringent fire safety regulations, these fire doors are built to close automatically in case of a fire outbreak, thus preventing its spread. Constructed of steel, they are a must for structures dealing with flammable items or for places where there is a prescribed fire code area.
Aluminum Glass Doors:
If your business requires visibility and sleek design elements, an aluminum glass door is a nice choice. They let in light and an airy feeling, while still providing security.
DO Prioritize Durability and Material
Your garage door is only as good as the material from which it is made. Don’t skimp on this.
Steel:
Hot-dipped galvanized steel provides the very best in corrosion and impact resistance. It can be insulated, and energy efficiency can be improved.
Aluminum:
It weighs less than steel and is rust-resistant. Aluminum is perfect for the glass-paneled door or when a lighter-weight door is necessary.
Fabric/Vinyl:
These doors are designed for high-speed usage and are often used in cleanrooms or other environments where temperature control and air pressure regulation are crucial.
DO Consider Insulation and R-Value
If your company operates in a climate-controlled environment — be it a refrigerated warehouse, an automotive repair shop, or heated workshop space — insulation isn’t a luxury; it’s something that your business depends on. The R-value is an indication of a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. A properly insulated door will save energy whether it is lowering or raising the temperature because it reduces heat gain and loss, so be sure to include these efficient garage doors in your shopping for a new garage door.
DO Consider Security and Access Control
Opt for a door with strong locks, and think about connecting it to your business’s security system. When high security is a top concern, a rolling steel door can be the best option.
DO Think About The Door’s Use And Cycle Life
How often will the door be in operation? A high-traffic door on a loading dock can be opened and closed hundreds of times daily. Typically, standard doors are tuned for approximately 10,000-20,000 cycles. For heavy traffic, a high-cycle spring system is a great investment – it can be rated for 100,000 cycles or higher and will last much longer than your door and the cost to maintain its use.
DO Hire a Pro for Commercial Garage Door Installation
This is not a DIY project. The installation of commercial garage doors is not a simple task, as special tools, knowledge, and safety precautions must be considered. Always choose a professional garage door installer for this job.
The “DON’Ts” – What to Avoid while Selecting a Commercial Garage Door
DON’T Focus Solely on Price
Budget is important, but the mistake of only focusing on price can be a very costly error. If a door is cheap, it may be flimsy, made with subpar materials, not insulated well, or have a short cycle life, causing expensive repairs.
DON’T Overlook the Opening Size
Measure the opening size of the garage accurately. Consider not just the width and height, but also the surrounding headroom (the vertical space above the opening) and side room (the space on either side). A door that is too large or too small will not function correctly and could be a safety hazard. Always consult with a professional who can take precise measurements.
DON’T Ignore Building Codes and Laws.
Commercial buildings have their own building codes. This includes safety codes, wind load rules, and special industry regulations. Failure to follow these codes could result in fines, and it might even land you in legal trouble.
DON’T Neglect Warranties and Maintenance
Just like any other piece of machinery, a commercial garage door needs regular maintenance in order to perform properly. A quality provider should be able to provide a good maintenance plan and a decent warranty on parts and labor.
DON’T Overlook the Aesthetics
The functionality is critical, but the look of your garage door matters too. It’s part of your business’s façade. An old, dirty, or out-of-place-looking door can leave a bad impression of your brand. Select a color and design that matches the architecture of your building and reflects the professional impression as well.
DON’T Just Settle for One Quote
You should get quotes from at least three different good companies to determine the price, warranty, and other services. Request references and thoroughly read their online testimonials.
Over to You…
It is worth investing time and effort to find the right commercial garage door for your business. It ensures safety, convenience, and complements your brand as well. If you are looking to install the one, get in touch with us at City Garage Door. We help you choose the right one, while our installation services are timely and genuinely priced.