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Aluminum or steel?
Aluminum garage doors offer the advantage of being lighter and therefore tend to be easier on their opening mechanism. In the long run, great savings can be made on maintenance costs since the mechanism will last longer. When it comes to garage doors measuring 12 ft. (3660 mm) or less, there is however little difference between aluminium and steel. Finally, remember that aluminium is 100% recyclable.
Are polyurethane and white Styrofoam one and the same?
Not quite. Polyurethane features superior thermal insulation with a factor of RSI: 2.8 (R:16). In addition, since polyurethane adheres better to door surfaces, it provides twice as much resistance to flexion as polystyrene (Styrofoam) in a comparable door. Entrance doors are also insulated with polyurethane foam. Polystyrene is the material used to make coffee cups.
How much does the installation of a garage door cost?
It is very difficult to give an accurate price as many different components need to be considered. Is it a replacement door or a new construction? Must we remove the existing door? Do we have to rebuild the frame and cover with aluminium? What is the headroom above the door (to determine what type of lift)? Is there a bedroom above the garage (door insulation and noise reducing mechanism)? Do you need any extra accessories with your electric operator? What use will you make of your garage? Will you park your cars in it? Or maybe store things in it? Or maybe, it will be a workshop or a recreational room for your children.
These are all questions that must be answered in order to determine your specific needs. Besides, isn’t your garage door an important investment for you?
If you would like one of our sales rep to contact you, please email us at sales@hillsboroughdoors.com or call us at 1877-840-DOOR
How much horsepower does the motor need?
A motor of 1/3 HP is enough for doors in the 8 ft (2440 mm) high to 12 ft (3660 mm )wide range. Use a 1/2 HP motor for doors measuring over 12 ft. (3660 mm). Keep in mind that an electric garage door opener is only meant to work as a substitute for human strength. Therefore, the door must be well-balanced at all times in order to maintain its dead weight at 3 to 4 kilograms.
What can I do to reduce the noise of my garage door while opening or closing?
It often happens that the garage is below a room (Bedroom or other) where the noise caused by the door may cause a problem.
What to do then? Change the steel rollers for nylon rollers, choose an opener with a belt drive instead of a chain drive. If you already have an opener with a chain drive, you can get a mounting isolator kit. A torsion type spring will be less noisy and the choice of an aluminium door (lighter door) will reduce the noise. Finally we advise you to do regular lubrication of the rollers and the tracks.
What other measures should I take to ensure weather tightness?
An important item in weatherproofing a garage door is the exterior weather stripping found around the frame. For this purpose, a double-lip weather strip is the most efficient. In order to provide proper insulation, a garage door should be equipped with weather stripping featuring a thermal break at each panel intersection. Examine the weather stripping. Is there any at the top of the garage door?
[wptabtitle]Which is a better choice: Extension or Torsion springs?[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Torsion springs are located above the door and are safer and more suitable for double garage doors (14 ft wide & over). Extension springs are located above the horizontal tracks and require less clearance. They must always be equipped with safety cables.[/wptabcontent]
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