Glossary of Garage Door Terms

Plenty of garage door terms get thrown about by those in the industry that many will simply not understand. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy glossary of garage door terminology so you can better understand the process of garage door repairs and installation.

 

Product Glossary Terms

These product terms are related to the various garage door types and their key structural components:

Sectional Garage Doors

These doors are comprised of multiple horizontal panels connected by hinges. As the door opens, these hinged sections bend over a curved portion of the track, allowing it to move vertically and then horizontally into the garage. This design maximises space inside and outside the garage, making it suitable for garages with limited driveway space.

Roller Doors

Constructed from corrugated steel, roller doors roll up around a drum located above the door opening, conserving ceiling space. This design is ideal for garages with limited headroom and offers a compact solution without compromising the door’s strength and security. Roller doors are also appreciated for their durability and ease of operation.

Flex-A-Door

This type of door is designed for garages with low headroom. It combines features of sectional and roller doors. It slides up and curves into the garage like a sectional door but folds into a roll at the top instead of retracting fully onto the ceiling. This design provides a middle ground in terms of space efficiency and operational mechanics.

Tilt Doors

Tilt doors consist of a single rigid panel that extends outward and upward in a tilting motion. This design utilises pivoting arms and springs to facilitate the tilting mechanism, making it suitable for garages with ample front space to accommodate the outward swing before lifting.

Panels

These large, typically rectangular components comprise the bulk of the garage door's surface. Available in various designs, materials, and finishes, they contribute to the door's aesthetic and structural integrity.

 

Installation Glossary Terms

Installation terms cover any terminology that is crucial during the setup and installation of garage doors:

Cable Drums

Cable drums are situated at each end of the torsion spring shaft and help lift the garage door. As the door is raised, the cables wind around the drums, evenly distributing the door's weight for smoother operation.

Guide Tracks

These metal rails guide the rollers attached to the garage door as it opens and closes. Tracks ensure the door moves smoothly and stays aligned, preventing jams and imbalances.

Hinges

Placed between the individual panels of a sectional garage door, hinges facilitate the bending of the door as it opens and closes, allowing the panels to pivot relative to each other and follow the curve of the tracks.

Disengage Rope / Lever

This safety feature allows the garage door to be manually operated in case of a power failure. Pulling the disengage rope or lever removes the door from the automatic opener system, allowing manual control.

Cable

Steel cables are essential for the safe operation of garage doors. They connect the bottom corners of the door to the cable drums and aid in the controlled lifting and lowering of the door.

Headroom

This term refers to the space required above the garage door for properly installing and operating the door and its hardware. Adequate headroom is crucial for the door's mechanism to function without interference, and different door types require varying amounts of headroom.

Sideroom

Sideroom is the space needed on either side of a garage door opening to accommodate the vertical track installation and other operating mechanisms. Ensuring sufficient sideroom is essential for the garage door's proper alignment and smooth functioning.

Opener Bracket

This bracket attaches the garage door to the opener’s arm, serving as the connection point where the force is applied to lift and lower the door. It is vital for the proper transmission of mechanical force from the opener to the door.

Rollers

These small wheels are attached to the garage door panels and ride in the tracks, allowing the door to open and close smoothly. Rollers are critical to the door's smooth operation and come in various materials, including steel and nylon, each offering different benefits.

 

Maintenance Glossary Terms

These maintenance terms are related to the upkeep and regular maintenance required to keep garage doors functioning properly:

Bottom Seal

The bottom seal is a rubber or vinyl strip attached to the bottom edge of the garage door. It prevents drafts, water, and pests from entering the garage and is crucial in maintaining its interior environment.

Reinforcement Bracket

This component is used at the top of the garage door to reinforce its structure and prevent bending or breaking under tension. It is essential when the door is connected to an automatic opener.

Nylofelt® Running Strips

These are used along the track of certain garage doors to provide smooth, quiet operation. The material reduces friction between moving parts, enhancing the door's longevity and performance.

Belt or Chain

Belts are part of the drive system in automatic garage doors. They offer a quieter and smoother operation than chains, which are more traditional and can handle heavier doors but are noisier.

Weatherseal

This seal, running along the bottom and sometimes the sides of the door, protects the garage from external elements like rain, dust, and pests, improving energy efficiency and comfort inside the garage.

Nylon Rollers

These can ensure smoother and quieter operation than traditional steel rollers, which can be noisier and require more frequent maintenance.

Extension Springs

Located above the horizontal tracks, extension springs help lift the garage door. These springs extend as the door closes, storing energy released when the door opens, aiding in lifting the heavy door and balancing its weight.

Torsion Springs

Positioned above the garage door opening, torsion springs are crucial for balance and support in lifting the door. These springs wind up as the door closes and unwind to assist in opening, providing more consistent tension and a longer lifespan than extension springs.

 

Technology and Innovation Terms

Technology terms encompass anything associated with the technological advancements and safety features integrated into modern garage doors:

Automatic Opener / Motor

This electric device automates the process of opening and closing the garage door. Typically installed at the centre top of the door, it works via a track-driven, chain, or belt system linked to the door. It includes safety features to stop or reverse the door if an obstruction is detected.

Door Lock

The lock is essential for manual garage doors. It secures the door when closed, providing security against unauthorised entry.

Automatic Door

This refers to any garage door equipped with an electric opener, which can be controlled remotely, enhancing convenience and safety.

Pick Resistant Lock

These locks are designed to be more difficult to tamper with than standard ones, offering enhanced garage door security. They are particularly valuable in preventing break-ins, using advanced locking mechanisms that resist picking and bumping.

Photoelectric Sensors

These are safety devices installed near the garage door's base that emit an infrared beam. If the beam is interrupted by an object or person, the door automatically stops closing and reverses direction to prevent accidents.

Insulation

Insulation in garage doors reduces heat loss and enhances energy efficiency, which is especially beneficial for garages attached to homes. It can also help reduce noise from the garage, making insulated doors a popular choice for residential applications.

Remote Control

Remote controls are handheld devices that activate the garage door opener from a short distance. They add convenience by allowing users to operate their garage doors without leaving their vehicle or entering the garage.

Keypad Entry

An external keypad is installed outside the garage, allowing access through a security code. It offers a keyless entry option, making it convenient for families or individuals needing access without a remote control.

 

Garador Can Set You Up for Garage Door Success

Whether you’re after a new roller door or looking to upgrade to a smart garage door opener, Garador can help you get exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today to find out more.