How It Works: Garage Doors

A garage is a part of a home or building used for vehicle storage. Garage doors are significantly larger than other gateways to allow for the passage of trucks and automobiles. They can be opened through the use of an electronic opener or manually.

Most overhead structures are made up of several panels that are hinged together. They roll on tracks. The weight of the door is balanced on a pair of torsion or extension springs. These gateways can be constructed from many different materials. Common materials used include: vinyl, wood, steel and aluminum. C. G. Johnson is known as the inventor of the upward-lifting door and the electric door opener. Both inventions were developed in the 1920s.

Single-panel gateways slide up and overhead to open. They are also known as monolithic doors because they have a single panel. The main disadvantage of these structures is how they open. When they are opened they swing outward, away from the structure. This can be inconvenient when it comes to parking. If a vehicle is not parked a few feet back from the structure, it could be hit when the door is opened. Furthermore, any object that is within the range of the structure could keep it from opening up fully.

Sectional gateways can have six or eight panels. These panels slide up and over to open. The structure occupies the same amount of space as monolithic structures, yet have more advantages. They do not swing outwards and therefore, do not require space outside of the garage in order to open. The structures are more reliant because every panel is separately attached to the track.

Roller doors are made using corrugated steel. They are sometimes constructed with other materials when impact resistance is not a priority. These structures are commonly seen on storefronts or on industrial buildings or warehouses. This is because the corrugated steel is strong and able to handle harsh powerful impact.

Most of these devices are constructed from steel sheets made to resemble a raised panel wooden door. They are available double-skin, insulated and uninsulated material. Steel carriage doors have become quiet popular because they do not rot or weight a lot. They also come in a variety of designs.

There are two main lifting mechanisms used for these devices: torsion spring and extension spring. Torsion spring systems use one or two tight sprints on a shaft that has cable drums on each end. These springs are estimated to last for up to seven years, if maintained. Extension spring systems use a pair of stretched springs that run parallel to the tracks, which are horizontal.

It is important that these garage door units are maintained in order to ensure their longevity. Door balance should be assessed at least once a month. These structures should be able to open and close without resistance. If they do not, there is a problem. Furthermore, they should run along the tracks smoothly. Most of the moving parts should be lubricated on a monthly basis, except for the tracks. These tracks can get sticky and attract more grime and dirt, leading to a door that is hard to open and close. If a door is not properly maintained, it can create safety hazards. Restraint cables are recommended for most structures as a safety precaution. If an extension spring breaks, it can cause serious injuries to a person. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 people are injured annually from these structure in the United States.


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