If I replace my existing door, can I keep my old track?

We will always encourage consumers to replace their old track when installing a new garage door. As you can probably imagine, each brand and model of garage door has been specifically designed to work in conjunction with a specific type of track.

Unfortunately, there is no international standard when it comes to garage door tracks. Let’s look at the positive: you receive a new track that is free from old grime, dirt, and rust. In essence, replacing your old track is an inexpensive way to insure that your entire garage door system is as safe and reliable as possible.

Keeping the old track will usually void any manufacturer’s warranty that would have otherwise applied to the garage door.

Minimum required headroom space

Have you considered the amount of headroom space required for fitting a sectional garage door?

This all depends on if you plan on automating the garage door.  Automatic garage door openers are fitted against the the ceiling of the garage; this requires additional room between the ceiling and the top of the garage door opening.

With all the benefits offered by an automatic garage door, it’s still worth considering automating your garage door as an option.

Today’s garage doors are designed and manufactured to maximize space for efficiency. Manual sectional garage doors require as little as 70mm of headroom space; whereas, electric garage doors require double the amount of room (140mm).

Sectional Garage Door Security

If your prime concern about purchasing a garage door is security then a sectional garage door is your door.

What makes sectional garage doors so secure?

Sectional garage doors are comprised of several lengthy panels. Each of these panels is made of two steel walls/sheets which are reinforced with large amounts of dense insulation. The manner in which each of these panels combines with interleaving edges further reinforces the door.

Those who purchase a sectional door usually purchase an accompanying automatic garage door opener.  Due to a sectional door’s construction and purpose, these doors are slightly heavier and can be more difficult to open. Read our article about Security of an Automatic Garage Door Opener for further information.

Sectional Garage Doors are sought after due to their air-tightness.  These draught-proof doors not only keep out draughts, leaves, and dust but burglars too.  While Up & Over doors are penetrable with merely a crowbar, such is not the case with a sectional counterpart.

Sectional doors are usually mounted against the garage door opening wall as well as the ceiling. In addition, the door sits flush against the wall and floor when in the closed position making it difficult to leverage any tools upon the door.

Sectional Door Draught Strips

The best style of garage doors for keeping draughts down are the roller and sectional garage doors.

Sick of all those leaves blowing underneath the door? Thought about how you can save on your energy bill?

Consider a sectional door that is fitted with a draught strip. The draught strip is attached to the bottom-side of the garage door. Most garage door manufacturers supply sectional doors with draught strips included.

Sectional garage doors create a draught-proof seal for your garage, whilst providing maximum space for access. A rubber seal at the bottom of the door prevents debris such as leaves from entering the garage.

Increased thermal insulation

Sectional garage doors are popular on today’s market because of their thermal properties. Many find that they are ideal for converting your garage into a playroom, workshop, gym, home office or storeroom.

Some sectional doors offer over 40mm thick panels. These panels are constructed of an outer and inner steel skin separated by a special foam core. The panel’s construction gives the door a rigid strength without compromising style. Rubber seals around the door prevent drafts and debris blowing into the garage.

Increased drive-through width

One great benefit of a sectional garage door is the fact that the door increases the available drive-through width into your garage.  This is because a door frame is usually NOT required provided the opening is a standard measurement.

Sectional doors fit to the rear surface of the front brickwork of your garage opening against the clear brickwork to the sides and top of your garage opening.

If you own an MPV or 4×4, you might be interested to know that sectional doors offer greater headroom clearance to accommodate large vehicles.

The Benefits of a Sectional Garage Door

Mr. Roy Jones of Guildford recently submitted a rather interesting question: “What is the benefit of a sectional garage door over other types of doors?”

Firstly, sectional doors open vertically upwards. In turn, this gives you more space inside and in front of your garage and the whole opening is clear. You can park your car close to the door without having to move the car to open/close the garage door

Sectional doors van fit in a variety of garage door openings including angular and arched garages.

They can fit a variety of different houses including Victorian, Georgian or even your modern 1950s home. Sectional doors are suitable for a variety of home styles.

In terms of thermal insulation, sectional doors offer the greatest protection from outside temperature differences.  The insulation found in a sectional door is generally many times thicker than its counterparts.  In addition, sectional doors close nice and tight with rubber seals minimizing any possible drafts.

Sectional garage doors are the most secure against burglars.

Lastly, sectional automatic doors are as easily to operate as your TV. One button pressed and you can drive securely into your garage.