Carriage House Style Garage Doors

Carriage House Style Garage Doors

If you want to remodel your Colonial or mid-century modern house, consider upgrading you garage door to a carriage house design. A carriage-style garage door will increase the value of your home and provide a historic charm to your property. At AAA Garage Door in Omaha, Neb., we offer a variety of materials, colors, window designs and hardware for the exterior look of your overhead door. Use this buying guide to explore our carriage house garage doors for sale.

What Is a Carriage-Style Garage Door?

Carriage-style garage doors are classic and timeless. Their design resembles the doors of traditional coach houses that sheltered horse-drawn carriages before modern cars were invented. Their barn-style look is still popular today — many opt for carriage house garage doors to add vintage charm to their modern homes. 

How to Choose a Carriage-Style Garage Door for Your Home

Carriage house garage doors come in many styles to suit your preferences. The design, hardware, overlay and insulation might all factor into your choice. 

Design and Color

A garage door that complements other exterior elements will add to your home’s curbside appeal. Some popular choices for carriage doors include:

Wood or wood grain finishes: Wood’s natural, dark luster adds depth and character, making it suitable for modern homes. 

White and neutral colors: White’s pure, clean, fresh appearance provides a classic look. It has a contrasting effect on modern homes while blending in subtly with more rustic designs.

Brown and dark colors: Like white, dark colors can contrast with your home, giving it a bold look. Mid-century and country-style homes are instantly transformed with the addition of a dark-shade carriage house garage door.

Real and faux wood are so similar that it’s hard to tell the difference with the naked eye. However, their construction differs — faux wood is made of composite materials such as aluminum, fiberglass and steel. For this reason, you’ll notice the difference when you knock on each door.

The benefits of these garage doors vary, and the right option for your home depends on your needs and preferences. 

Hardware

Various styles of hardware can accentuate carriage doors, including:

• Clavos: Clavos are nail heads with distinctive shapes that enhance the door’s appearance. They are available in bronze, wrought iron and stainless steel for a unique visual allure.
• Hinges: These hardware parts can be hidden or displayed to showcase their style. Strap hinges are popular for their elongated design that extends across the door, adding an ornamental semblance.
• Latches: Garage door latches secure the door, locking it when closed. They are generally not considered aesthetic additions because of their practicality, but they can make a difference in your door’s appearance.
• Pulls and handles: Pulls and handles are visually attractive and add a rustic element to garage doors. They’re available in intricate designs, including lion heads, clovers, leaves and other uncommon shapes, and heavy materials such as iron and steel.

Overlay

The pattern on your carriage door panel — also called the overlay — gives the door its unique coach house characteristics. The panel pattern traditionally has a barn-style X on the exterior. Some styles include extruding triangular, hexagonal and square shapes.

Insulation

Insulated doors help regulate the temperature inside your garage, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter with less energy. The reinforcement of insulation also adds to your garage door’s durability against impact. 

Which Home Styles Look Best With Carriage House Garage Doors?

Various home styles work well with carriage house garage doors:

• Victorian: Victorian-era homes are distinguished by their exaggerated exterior features, including towers, turrets, massive porches and curlicues on roof edges. The details of a carriage-style garage door can complement these elements.
• Craftsman or bungalow: These homes are identified by their low-pitched gabled roofs with uncovered rafters and open cornices. Other features include square or round column porches, stucco or wood siding, protruding stone chimneys, and abundant windows. Cross-diagonal carriage-style garage doors complement the clean, neat exterior of this style of home.
• Tudor revival: You’ll recognize these homes by their steeply pitched roofs with half-timber framing. Plunging eaves and a huge extruding chimney add a dramatic effect. Tudor revival homes are traditionally built with brick, stone and stucco with decorative arches and diamond-shaped, grouped windows. Carriage-style garage doors go well with Tudor revival-style homes because of their matching elaborate details. 

Benefits of Carriage House Garage Doors

• It increases your home’s value and curb appeal.
• It keeps your home safe from intruders.
• It makes your home more energy-efficient.
• It reduces the noise from your operating system and outside activity.
• It reduces the number of garage door repairs you’ll need each year.
• It prevents accidental injury to your family or property.

Carriage Style Garage Door Selections

At AAA Garage Door, we supply various carriage-style garage door options to suit your needs. Explore some of our popular styles.

Coachman® by Clopay®

These insulated steel and composite doors combine aesthetics and functionality. The wood grain textured overlay enhances their authentic wood-like appearance, while the door is constructed with insulated steel for improved durability. This collection of garage doors includes various designs and colors to complement your home’s other exterior elements.

Canyon Ridge® Carriage House (5 Layer)

With their magnificent faux wood composite overlays, these doors are a sight to behold. They have the distinct characteristics of traditional carriage houses with a modern flair. Their steel construction reinforces their strength, while wood boards comprise the overlay for a more authentic look. The carriage house garage doors in this collection are practical and attractive. They’re well-insulated and designed to resist moisture while adding to the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of your home. 

How Much Does a Carriage House Garage Door Cost?

If you’re trying to plan a full remodel of the exterior of your house, you should think about the garage door cost. The price to install and design your carriage house door depends on several factors, but you could customize this entryway to fit within your budget.

Consider these factors that affect the price of your door to help you decide what you should personalize.

• Materials: Steel is the most affordable material, followed by wood composite and natural wood. If you choose natural wood, keep in mind that you also need to paint and reseal your wooden panels every couple of years to increase its resistance to moisture.
• Insulation: An energy-efficient door will reduce your monthly energy bill and provide a more comfortable temperature for your home. While an insulated garage door with a high R-value will cost more money up front, you’ll save money on your utility bill.
• Location: Where you live affects the cost of your installation project due to the availability of the materials and the fees local contractors charge. If you choose a bulkier door, you should also be aware that they tend to be more expensive to install because the installer might need to hire a team to help carry the door.

Carriage House Garage Door Windows

Complete your carriage house garage door with a unique window design. Browse through the brochure of each of the collections we offer to find out the specific windows available for your desired product. In general, you could personalize any of the following features.

• Window size: Whether you have a one-car or two-car garage, you could choose a long or short windowpane pattern across your door. We recommend square windows for carriage style doors.
• Window shape: Carriage house-style garage doors with windows often have rectangular or arch shapes on the top.
• Window type: Some of our collections offer unique window types, aside from the rectangular or arch shape, such as the Kristin, the Trenton, the Clayton and the Wrought Iron. You could review the design brochures of these collections to discover how they would look against your house.
• Single and double-top section: You could choose one or two rows of small windows for the top part of your garage door. The upper row features a traditional arched design.
• Grille pattern: The decorative grilles are available in rectangular, square, vertical, horizontal or vertical and horizontal. You can easily remove them when you need to clean them.
• Glass option: You could choose faux or real glass for your windows. The glass design options include clear, frosted, seeded, obscure, rain, frosted gluechip, delta frost and narrow reed.

View Our Other Garage Door Guides

• Glass Garage Doors
• Steel Garage Doors
• Faux Wood Garage Doors

Your Guide to Broken Garage Door Springs

Your garage door endures immense strain daily. You rely on it to open and close on demand, whether automatically or manually. With so many moving parts, it will eventually experience wear and tear. Garage door springs are particularly susceptible to breaking because they lift and lower the weighty door frequently. 

If you have a broken garage door spring, AAA Garage Door is here to help — starting with this guide. 

Types of Garage Door Springs

Garage doors typically have either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the garage door, and they consist of rotating coils that counterbalance the door’s weight during operation. Extension springs are situated on the sides and counterbalance the garage door’s weight by expanding and contracting when in use.

Both spring types are long-lasting, enduring between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. Although torsion springs are costlier, they provide double the amount of cycles as extension springs. You might start noticing signs of damage when they reach their end of life.

How to Tell if Your Spring Is Bad or Broken

Failure to open your garage door is a possible indication your spring is faulty or broken. While there may be other reasons it won’t open, you can inspect the spring’s condition by checking it for separation, elongation or stretchiness. 

We strongly advise against physically touching or handling garage door springs due to the increased risk of injury and even death. Always consult a professional garage door contractor for help inspecting your springs. 

In the meantime, you can check out other signs of bad or broken springs without engaging physically. These include:

• Inspecting components inside the garage: Components such as the pulleys, rollers, cables and springs work together to open and close the door. If any of these parts are damaged, the spring may break under the door’s weight. 
• Checking for loss of tension: Springs operate with tension. Sagging and other visible signs of tension loss could indicate worn springs that need replacing.
• Performing a force-setting test: To perform a force-setting test of an automatic door, open it and place an object at the bottom as it slowly closes. The door has a sensor that should reverse upon contact with any object. If the door continues closing and doesn’t reverse to its open position, contact a professional right away — this might indicate an issue with the springs or the safety mechanism.
• Manually opening the garage door: Disconnect your automatic opener and lift the door manually. If the springs are working optimally, you’ll experience little to no resistance when you do. If the door opens with difficulty, it may be due to faulty or broken springs.

Can You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?

We advise against handling a garage door with a broken spring. If you try to use the remote, excessive force may cause the motor to burn out. Manually moving the door is dangerous without the appropriate tools and experience. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend seeking help from experienced contractors before opening the door yourself. 

How to Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring 

If you’re set on opening your garage door despite the broken spring, you can try the following.

1. Get Helping Hands

Avoid manually opening your garage door alone, especially if the spring is broken. Before starting, ask someone strong to assist you. 

2. Detach the Garage Door Opener

Find the red emergency release cord and pull it down to detach the garage door opener from the door mechanism. Once disconnected, you can manage the door manually.

3. Safeguard the Door

Keep the door in place using a vice grip or heavy wooden block to prevent it from falling.

4. Lift the Door

With your assistant’s help, lift the door from the bottom using your full body strength. You can work together to lift it in sections, using supporting objects to secure the door. Remove them carefully at each section until the door is completely open.

5. Secure the Tracks

Once open, place C-clamps between the rollers and tracks to keep the door from sliding closed. 

How to Close a Garage Door With a Broken Spring

Closing the garage door requires the same steps as opening it but in reverse. Here’s what you’ll do.

1. Find Help

Ask someone to help close the garage door by pulling it down manually. You and the person helping you should stand on opposite ends to hold the bottom corners.

2. Pull the Garage Door Down

Work in unison to slowly steer the garage door out of the horizontal rails that kept it secure, moving it down until it closes. Don’t let the door close hard or abruptly to avoid damage to components like the cables, tracks and motor.

3. Reattach the Garage Door Opener

Reconnect the garage door opener to the door mechanism. This process requires effort and may be difficult to do alone. We suggest calling a reliable garage door company to assist with your broken springs to avoid potential injury or damage.

Contact AAA Garage Door for Garage Door Spring Repairs

If left unresolved, a bad or broken spring can cause long-term issues. Avoid them by contacting a trustworthy, expert garage door contractor like AAA Garage Door. We’ll inspect your garage door and the springs and provide an overall assessment. We’ll then swiftly replace any broken springs so you can use your garage door as intended. 

Call us at 402-307-8013 or request our repair service online to get started.

More Garage Door Repair Resources

• How to make your garage door last longer
• Signs your garage door needs a repair
• Garage door panel advice
• Other common garage door problems

Broken Garage Door Panels: Should You Replace 1 or All?

Broken Garage Door Panels: Should You Replace 1 or All?

Deciding whether to replace or repair the garage depends on a lot of factors but the easiest way to tell is by how badly the door is damaged.

If only a couple of panels have been damaged it will probably be more cost-effective to replace the garage door panels than the entire door. Here are a couple of other things to consider when deciding between the two options.

The Door’s Age

With proper maintenance and care, garage doors can last between 20 and 30 years. If your door is reaching its end of life, it might be best to replace the entire garage door. Newer doors that are 10 years old or less can be suitable for garage door panel replacements, but it might be difficult to find your door panel’s exact color, model and material. 

The Extent and Type of Damage 

Sometimes, the extent of damage to your garage door warrants a complete door replacement. For example, strong winds can cause large objects to hit the door, causing irreparable damage. In this case, the best option would be to replace the entire garage door. 

If the damage is minor and only on one or two panels, replacing only those panels will likely be sufficient to get your garage door looking great again. However, it is still a good idea to have a professional inspect the rest of the door for damage to ensure the door’s structural integrity isn’t compromised. 

The Door’s Layout and Design

If you’re thinking about replacing one or more panels, consider your door’s layout and design. Depending on your garage door’s age, its design may be obsolete. Using panels that don’t quite match your door could make them look out of place rather than blending in naturally with the rest of the panels. 

Can I Replace the Garage Door Panels Only?

You can replace individual or multiple panels instead of the complete door, but the door should be well maintained to consider replacement. For example, an old, worn door may show signs of deterioration, such as peeling and flaking. You could replace the affected panels, but you will likely notice a style and color mismatch as the new panels stand out from the old ones. 

Risks of Replacing Individual Garage Door Panels

Replacing individual garage door panels instead of the entire door has a few inherent risks to consider. 

Internal Damage

You may not see it, but your garage door could have internal damage that impacts other components, such as the springs, rails or hinges. These components hold the garage door in place and contribute to its sturdiness. Replacing one panel won’t fix the internal damage. At the very least, the other components should also be repaired or replaced. The best solution, though, might be an entirely new garage door. 

Functionality

Replacing a single panel might impact the door’s functionality. For example, even if just one panel is dented, the entire door must be checked to make sure it is still straight and properly aligned on the tracks. If the panel is replaced, but the door isn’t straight, the issue is not entirely solved. 

Aesthetics

A newly replaced individual panel can be noticeable among older panels, detracting from your home’s curb appeal. Design limitations may also prevent you from replacing individual or multiple panels, leaving you with two options — replacing all the panels or the entire garage door.

How Much Does Replacing Garage Door Panels Cost?

A single garage door panel replacement can range from $200-$700 depending on the model. Like everything in life, the cost of replacing versus repairing a damaged panel is going to be a significant consideration. Repairing the panel is almost always the more affordable option, and with the help of our team at AAA Garage Doors, your repaired panel can often look as good as new. On the other hand, if your garage door is past its prime and the panels are damaged, then it might just make more financial sense to replace the entire garage door. 

Although in the long run, getting your garage door panels replaced might save you money because you won’t be paying maintenance costs as often. With a new Omaha garage door, you will have to call our repair technicians at AAA Garage Doors less often, your home will be kept more secure, and you can enjoy some of the mod-cons that many newer garage doors now come with, such as energy efficiency options, smart technology, and sensors. 

Can I Replace Garage Door Panels On My Own?

It’s possible to replace your garage door panels yourself, but we advise against it for several reasons. It’s a complex process that requires special tools and expertise. The door’s weight is another factor, and incorrectly handling it can cause damage to the door and its components. You risk injuring yourself, too.

We recommend contacting a professional garage door contractor to replace the panels for the best results.

How to Match Your Garage Door Panel When Replacing/Repairing

• The first thing you’ll want to do is tell your garage door repair company who the manufacturer of the garage door is and they’ll be able to contact them to see if they have any spare parts. It might be possible to get a matching piece to your garage door.
• You could re-paint the garage door panel that doesn’t match the rest of your garage. There are paints specifically made for exterior doors. Make sure to ask your garage door technician which type of paint is best for your garage door material.

Discuss Your Garage Door Panel Replacement Requirements With AAA Garage Door

Before attempting to replace your garage door panels, speak to our experts at AAA Garage Door for advice on a suitable option. Replacing individual garage door panels works well in many situations, but in some instances, replacing the entire door may be better. We’ll consider various factors to put your mind at ease and find a solution that suits your situation and budget. Call us at 402-307-8013 or request our services online today.

Learn About Garage Door Panel Replacement

• 11 Signs Your Garage Door is Failing
• 3 Effects of Cold Weather on Garage Door Openers

Roll-Up Garage Door Guide

Choosing a garage door for a commercial space is about more than just good looks. If you’re in the market for a commercial garage door, then your primary concern is most likely function. After all, a commercial garage door has to stand up to constant use, and it needs to protect the people and goods inside of your business.

You could go with a traditional sectional door system, such as the ones you’d find on a home, but there’s a better option for your business.

Sectional garage doors just aren’t designed to withstand constant open/close cycles and their bulky overhead requirements can get in the way of forklifts and other large commercial equipment. A commercial-grade roll-up door is a great alternative to a sectional door because it addresses both of those concerns. Besides being built to stand up to constant motion, rolling commercial doors also store themselves discretely above the doorway, leaving your ceiling clearance open for large machinery.

As you’re embarking on your search for the right garage door, consider the roll-up door.

What Are Roll-Up Garage Doors?

A roll-up garage door — also known as a rolling steel garage door — is a door made of flexible, horizontal sheets of steel or, in some cases, aluminum. When the door is down, it covers the garage opening just as a traditional sectioned door would. When it needs to be raised, the sheets of metal roll up into one compact tube and remain stored there until it’s time for the steel door to go back down. Rolling garage doors are most commonly used for commercial and industrial applications, such as doors at storage facilities, warehouses or loading docks.

What’s the Difference Between a Commercial and a Residential Roll-Up Door?

There are several differences between commercial roll-up garage doors and a roll-up garage door for homes. But if it’s the first time you’ve had to purchase a commercial garage door, you might not be familiar with what they are.

1. Dimensions

Residential garage doors are typically constructed at certain standard heights. Although there are cases where door sizes are customized, residential garages — whether single- or double-doors — are typically the same from home to home. There’s not much size variation in the market because there doesn’t need to be.

When you’re purchasing an overhead roll-up sheet door for commercial applications, the height and width requirements may vary greatly depending on what you’ll be using it for. For example, in a warehouse or other industrial setting, the door may need to be oversized to accommodate loading equipment coming in and out of the space. If the roll-up door is being used at a loading dock or trucking depot, it will need to be big enough to cover an opening sized to fit a semi.

Commercial roll-up doors are usually around 28 feet by 4 inches high and 30 feet by 4 inches wide. Commercial overhead doors are around 24 feet by 1 inch high and 32 feet by 2 inches wide. However, there are usually custom garage door sizes available to customers, letting you get the exact door you need. 

2. Appearance

When you’re choosing a residential garage door, there’s a lot to consider — windows, colors and additional design elements. After all, a residential garage door plays a big role in the overall curb appeal of a home.

In a commercial setting, the primary focus is on purchasing a strong, high-quality door that’s going to get the job done. Although you want a door that complements the existing exterior of your business, appearance isn’t as important. You don’t need to spend time considering decorative features, and you don’t need a door with windows. Roll-up doors can be painted to coordinate with your business’ exterior, but the paint color just isn’t as important as purchasing a high-quality steel door that’s going to stay secure.

3. Opening Capacity

A residential roll-up garage door is designed to be opened and closed a handful of times each day. This is one reason why it moves slowly up and down the track when you operate it. Moving slowly reduces the risk of damage and preserves the life and durability of the door and its opener.

On the other hand, a commercial roll-up door is built to withstand heavy use. It will need to go up and down several times throughout the day, so it needs the durability to stand up to that process. In addition to durable construction, it also goes up and down faster so you don’t waste your day opening and closing the door.

4. Materials

Residential garage doors are available in several materials, including wood, steel, vinyl and aluminum. This variety affords homeowners the option to customize their door to the look of their home, as well as their budget and the climate where they reside.

Commercial roll-up doors serve one purpose — to protect what’s inside of your building until it’s time to move it outside. To offer maximum protection, all commercial roll-up doors are constructed with either steel or aluminum. These highly durable materials get the job done and last a long time. They stand up to the elements without requiring regular painting or maintenance to keep them looking nice and operating efficiently.

View Our Commercial Garage Door Styles

Benefits of Rolling Doors

If you’re looking for a new commercial garage door, you’ve likely found several types of doors on the market. What makes a roll-up door the right choice for your business?

1. Durability

How many times a day do you open and close your existing doors? If it’s more than two, you need a door that’s built from high-quality, durable materials that can handle the wear and tear of regular open/close cycles. A roll-up door is designed to go up and down quickly over and over again, and, because it’s made of steel, repeated open/close cycles won’t cause unnecessary wear and tear.

2. Workplace Safety

Garage doors can present a significant risk in a commercial or industrial environment. If the spring on a traditional horizontal door snaps, it can send the door crashing down on top of whatever — or whoever — is underneath. In buildings where vertical clearance is an issue, a traditional horizontal track can reduce the space large machinery has to operate safely. In other words, sectional garage doors can pose significant safety issues in the workplace, putting your employees at risk as they go about their daily tasks.

Roll-up doors don’t have heavy springs holding them up. When they’re up, the door is contained into one roll. There’s nothing to snap and nothing to fall on unsuspecting employees below. There’s also no track along the ceiling, so equipment isn’t at risk of running into it or getting caught if it gets too close. A roll-up door is a great way to create an environment built around safety and employee wellbeing.

3. Security

When you invest in a roll-up door, you’re also investing in peace of mind. Your product is your livelihood and theft can cut into your profits. Roll-up doors are made from high-quality steel or aluminum. They are easy for employees to operate throughout the day, but they provide a solid barrier against unwanted intruders who might try to break in and steal from your business. Roll-up fire doors can also be used to create a protective barrier against fire should one break out in your building.

Another benefit to roll-up doors is that they protect your commercial space from the dangers of extreme heat or cold. Many items need to be kept at a consistent temperature to maintain their quality. A roll-up door can keep outdoor air from making your interior space too hot or too cold and maintain the integrity of your products while they wait to be shipped to their final destination.

If you want to enhance your door’s security, ask about these additional features:

• Interior and exterior locks
• Wind load protection
• Insulation
• Fire-rated doors
• Weather seals

4. Low Maintenance

Roll-up doors don’t need a lot of maintenance to keep them in good shape. Steel doors won’t rot, crack or become warped over time. Just clean them regularly, and they’ll be serving your business for many years to come. Besides saving you money, this also frees up your employees to spend their time on other more important tasks.

How Do Roll-Up Garage Doors Open?

If you’ve ever used a storage facility, you may have encountered a roll-up door that was operated by pulling down on a chain. As you pull down, the door rolls up and remains folded into the roll at the ceiling level until you pull on the other side of the chain to bring it back down. Roll-up doors are composed of strips of steel hemmed together to create a sheet of metal in the dimensions of a garage door opening. When the door is down, it creates a solid barrier between the interior of your commercial space and the outdoors. When it’s up, it creates a tight roll that remains out of the way of anyone coming in and out of the doorway.

Roll-up doors for commercial and industrial applications can be operated with automatic openers. What’s the best garage door opener for a roll-up garage door?

1. Electric door operator: Similar to a residential garage door opener, this electric opener uses a low-voltage motor for quiet, efficient door operation.
2. Jackshaft operator: Also known as a wall-mounted opener because it’s mounted on the wall next to the garage opening, a jackshaft operator provides quiet, efficient opening and closing capabilities for roll-up doors of all sizes. These openers are great to install in spaces where overhead space is restricted.

1. Electric Door Operator

Similar to a residential garage door opener, this electric opener uses a low-voltage motor for quiet, efficient door operation.

2. Jackshaft Operator

Also known as a wall-mounted opener because it’s mounted on the wall next to the garage opening, a jackshaft operator provides quiet, efficient opening and closing capabilities for roll-up doors of all sizes. These openers are great to install in spaces where overhead space is restricted.

How Much Does a Roll-Up Garage Door Cost?

Roll-up garage door prices vary depending on the size of your garage opening, as well as whether you choose steel or aluminum. As you research garage door options, you’ll notice that roll-up doors do have a higher up-front cost than other types of doors. However, over their life span, their durability and low maintenance properties mean you’ll actually end up spending less.

Every garage door is priced differently. Consider all the features you need and want to get the best garage door for your facility. Here’s a list ranking the potential garage door options from least to most expensive:

1. Standard overhead door
2. Overhead door with windows
3. Single roll-up door
4. Double roll-up door
5. Glass roll-up door

As you’re budgeting for a new door, be sure to factor in the cost of the door itself, a new garage door opener — if you need one — and other additional parts and labor. Requesting an estimate from a reputable roll-up garage door dealer will help you know what to budget so that there aren’t any surprises when it comes time to purchase and have a new door installed.

Different Types of Roll-Up Garage Doors

At AAA Garage Door, we are proud to sell Clopay® commercial roll-up sheet doors in a variety of colors and three gauges — light duty, medium duty and heavy duty. A high-performance hardware upgrade is also available for door applications that need to withstand a lot of use. Each of these doors is painted on both sides to prevent rust, and you can select from a wide variety of colors to complement the exterior of your property. They also come with weatherstripping and a heavy-duty bottom bar to keep severe weather where it belongs — outside.

Commercial vs. Residential Roll-Up Garage Doors

Commercial doors are built for frequent use and feature high durability, often best for businesses. Commercial conditions require additional safety features and solid strength. This makes them more expensive than standard residential roll-up doors. The additional costs get you a door that can withstand the heavy wear and high demands of commercial use. Residential doors are less expensive and built for fewer cycles, since they see less use than commercial doors.

Industries That Use Roll-Up Garage Doors

Roll-up garage doors are used across different commercial industries. Any operation that needs to maximize space and door use can benefit from a roll-up garage door. Here are some industries that often use roll-up garage doors:

• Manufacturing facilities
• High-security buildings
• Mechanic garages
• Parking facilities
• Emergency spaces
• Storage businesses

Design Options

Commercial roll-up doors come with several design options to ensure you get what you need. Choose from light, medium and heavy-duty doors as your base, then add your extra features. Clopay® commercial roll-up door features include:

• Roll-formed guides of hot-dipped galvanized steel
• 26-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel curtain
• A range of colors
• Baked-on silicone polyester top coat
• Self-lubricating wearstrips
• Full bulb-type bottom weatherstrip
• Durable bottom bar

Roll-Up Garage Door Safety

The best way to protect your employees and your investment is to keep roll-up garage doors clean and incorporate regular inspections into the workplace routine. Identifying a small problem early is the best way to prevent a big problem — and a big repair bill — later on.

Although these doors are low-maintenance, it’s still important to make sure they’re always clean and in good working order. If you suspect a problem, don’t put off a maintenance call. Postponing maintenance or repairs could result in costly damage or injury to one of your employees. It may be tempting to ask your employees to figure out how to repair the door, but this can be dangerous if they don’t have experience working on garage doors, especially if there is a chance the door could fall. If you suspect a problem, contact a reputable repair company to identify and repair it.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Roll-Up Garage Doors

Still have questions about roll-up garage doors? Here are some answers to the most common roll-up garage door questions.

Are Roll-Up Doors More Expensive?

Roll-up garage doors are typically more expensive upfront than traditional overhead garage doors. However, the exact price will depend on the door material, size, installation and design. Additionally, roll-up doors often have longer life spans and lower maintenance costs than traditional garage doors, reducing your long-term costs. Decide whether you want to spend more upfront for a better life span and maintenance to help you find the right door.

How Long Do Roll-Up Garage Doors Last?

Standard garage doors can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but you can expect a well-maintained commercial roll-up door to last 30 years with the right installation. Doors made from high-quality steel and aluminum will have the longest life spans. With the right garage door company and installation, you can enjoy your commercial roll-up door for decades.

What Is the Difference Between a Roll-Up Door and an Overhead Door?

A roll-up garage door rolls up into a coil at the top of the door. This makes installing and storing them in the “open” position convenient. Comparatively, overhead doors do not roll up. Instead, they stay in one long unit and move up tracks, sitting parallel to the ceiling when in the “open” position. Each door offers a different cost, energy efficiency and benefits.

What Is the Disadvantage of Roll-Up Doors?

Roll-up garage doors are heavier, less customizable and more expensive than overhead doors. However, they’re durable and secure, providing you with an excellent door for commercial uses.

Choosing the Right Roll-Up Garage Door for Your Needs

When you’re choosing a commercial roll-up garage door, you need to consider several factors:

• Space: Look at your available installation space. You may want a roll-up garage door if you have limited overhead space or need maximum clearance. Make sure you know your space’s dimensions to ensure you get the right fit. 
• Safety: Commercial spaces must prioritize safety. Protect your employees, property and equipment with commercial-grade safety features. Safety edges, photo-eye sensors, auto-reversal mechanisms and more all help keep everyone safe on the job.
• Energy efficiency: Choosing doors with good energy efficiency helps you save money in the long term. Get doors with excellent insulation properties to reduce your heating and cooling costs and keep your spaces comfortable. 
• Design: You should also consider the look you want. Consider at your existing space’s texture, color and designs. Try to pick a door that complements those elements to create a cohesive and functional space.

Commercial Roll-Up Garage Doors

You’re dedicated to your business. Choose fixtures and features that demonstrate your long-term commitment to success. A commercial roll-up garage door provides a safe, effective way to protect your business — and what’s inside of it. When you purchase a commercial rolling garage door, you show that you want to protect your investment and that you care about the comfort and safety of your employees.

If you’re looking to purchase a new roll-up garage door for your business, call AAA Garage Door, Inc. With more than 25 years of experience selling and repairing garage doors throughout the midwest, we’re eastern Nebraska’s go-to source for high-quality commercial and residential Clopay garage doors styles and openers. Our goal is to ensure complete customer satisfaction each and every time. And we’re proud to offer lifetime warranties on certain products, as well as personalized assistance choosing the right garage door for your needs.

If you’re ready to improve safety and security with a new roll-up garage door, schedule a free estimate today.

Contact Us To Talk To An Expert!

Learn About Other Commercial Overhead Doors

• Agriculture and Farm Doors
• High-Speed Overhead Doors

Steel vs. Aluminum Garages

If you’re in the market for new garage doors, different materials offer different benefits. Some are more durable, while others are a smaller investment. Because the type of garage door you choose will impact everything from curb appeal to property value, it’s worthwhile to learn what each has to offer. 

In this comparison guide, we’ll explore the benefits of aluminum vs. steel doors so you can make an informed investment for your home. 

Table of Contents

• Are Steel or Aluminum Garage Doors Better?
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door
• Shop Quality Garage Doors from AAA Garage Doors

Are Steel or Aluminum Garage Doors Better?

Steel is the heavier, more durable option, while aluminum is a softer, lightweight metal. Even though steel is more robust, aluminum still holds a superior strength-to-weight ratio. Both metals are on the more affordable end of the garage door material spectrum. They are both durable and work well in a variety of climates. 

Still, deciding which is best for your home depends on various factors. Each of these garage door materials has unique benefits to offer. 

Benefits of Steel Garages

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. It contains less than 2.00% carbon, about 1.00% magnesium and smaller amounts of silicone, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Steel is an essential metal in engineering and construction. 

Steel garage doors have these benefits to offer:

• Durable: Steel is a heavier, more robust metal that can withstand a lot of wear and tear over time.
• Versatile: Steel garage doors come in various styles and designs and can manage all finishes. It can be shaped around glass panels or used to make sectional garage doors or even the traditional roll-up style. 
• Recyclable: Steel production is more eco-friendly than many other materials because the metal is recyclable. 
• Less prone to dents: Steel’s durable properties make it less likely to dent. Driving into the door will likely leave marks, but minor impacts shouldn’t affect the surface. The panel beating process also makes it possible to remove dents rather than replace the door. 
• Low-maintenance: Pre-painted steel doesn’t require much maintenance. Spraying the door panel with a hose will keep it clean all year round.

With steel garage door selections, you can choose one to four-layer constructions. The more layers, the more durable the garage door will be. Additional layers also improve insulation.

Benefits of Aluminum Garages

Aluminum is a silvery-white metal used in residential homes, automobiles, trains and more due to its versatility and playability. It is the most widespread metal on the planet, accounting for over 8.00% of Earth’s crust. 

When used to craft garage doors, aluminum offers homeowners the following benefits:

• Lightweight: Because aluminum is a lightweight metal, these garage doors are easier to install. The lighter weight also ensures the garage door opener is under less strain, so the opening system will last longer and likely require less ongoing maintenance.
• Corrosion-resistant: Aluminum garage doors are unlikely to rust and corrode due to the metal’s natural properties. 
• Recyclable: This metal is recyclable, making it a more eco-friendly option than some materials.
• Low-maintenance: An aluminum garage door is effortless to maintain. You’ll only need to spray the garage door panel with a hose to keep it clean.
• Scratch-resistant: This metal may be more prone to denting, although it is scratch-resistant. 

Aluminum garage doors offer valuable benefits and can be more versatile than steel. But when aluminum doors dents, you may need to replace it. Panel beating is not suitable because this process can cause the metal to stretch and weaken. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door

Before investing in a garage door for your home, there are a few crucial factors to consider, from short- and long-term costs to property value and more. These factors will help you decide which material offers the best investment.

Short-Term and Long-Term Costs

Metal garage doors have similar price ranges, and several factors impact these prices, including size, style and finishes.

The repair costs between steel and aluminum garage doors are also similar, with aluminum repairs being slightly more affordable in general. Both types of garage doors can last up to 30 years with routine maintenance and care, although steel doors will wear down garage opener systems quicker due to their heavier weight. So, steel may come with higher long-term maintenance costs.

Curb Appeal

Both aluminum and steel garage doors are versatile options for boosting curb appeal. You can customize them with things like glass windows, different colors and finishes, hardware and insulation. However, aluminum is a lighter, more flexible metal, so customization is easier. As a result, customized aluminum garage doors are often easier to find. 

Because a new garage door boosts curb appeal and offers security and functionality, either metal can provide a 102.7% return on investment when it comes time to sell your house.

Home Security

Garage doors offer a lot in terms of home security. The garage door secures the largest entrance to your home and the most valuable space. However, steel is a superior material when choosing a garage door to enhance safety. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is easier for criminals to break through and enter your home. Steel, on the other hand, offers maximum security. 

Even so, it’s still important to be safety conscious when investing in a steel door. Installing a garage security system is wise, and upgrading the opener system is also important. Automatic garage door openers can boost safety, as the remote signals cannot be copied. Newer models send new code signals each time the door is opened or closed, making it harder for criminals to enter your home. 

Temperature

When it comes to managing indoor temperatures, insulation is essential. Because steel is heavier in weight, it can offer more insulation than aluminum. Steel is also more durable against harsh weather conditions. 

Aluminum has a higher thermal conductivity than steel, meaning it will transfer heat more efficiently. Aluminum doors may improve indoor temperatures in winter by absorbing heat from the winter sun and transferring it into your home through the garage. Even so, steel is a superior choice to boost home insulation. When choosing either material, insulating your garage doors is the best way to help regulate indoor temperatures and keep utility costs low. 

Shop Quality Garage Doors from AAA Garage Doors

Whether you choose lightweight aluminum or durable steel garage doors for your home, AAA Garage Doors offers a wide range of quality garage doors. But if you still aren’t sure which material is the best choice, reach out to our garage door experts at 402-307-8013. We’ll recommend the best options for your home, budget and lifestyle. 

Browse our range of garage doors and garage door openers and request an estimate online. 

Ran Into Your Garage Door? Here’s How to Fix It

As a homeowner, you have much to think about and often little time to get through everything. It can be easy to get caught up in your to-do lists, phone calls and planning, so much so that you reverse out of your home and accidentally back into your garage door while it’s still opening. 

Now you’re either at a standstill or panicking, processing what happened and what to do next. While this situation can be overwhelming, the good thing is you can resolve it quickly and safely, get your door back in working condition and your life back on track. 

Table of Contents

• What to Do if You Hit Your Garage Door With Your Car
• Common Issues Caused by Backing Into a Garage Door
• FAQS About Fixing a Damaged Garage Door
• Trust AAA Garage Doors for Quality Repairs and Replacements

What to Do if You Hit Your Garage Door With Your Car

There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve backed your car into your garage door. It can be a hazardous and frightening situation for you and your passengers. While panicking can be a normal response, you must remain calm and handle the situation as best as possible. To help, here are eight steps to follow if you accidentally run into your garage door with a car:

1. Check on Your Passengers

Whether you have a minor or significant impact on your door, you and your passengers can sustain injuries. Calmly check yourself and your passengers to see if everyone is safe.

2. Put Your Vehicle in Park 

Put your car in park and turn it off before exiting. This step is essential, as many people in a panic forget to put their vehicles in park, leading to further accidents. 

3. Assess the Damage

Once you safely turn your car off, exit and asses your vehicle and garage door surface for damages. If you run into your garage door from the inside, move it forward to get a better indication of the damage. If the accident occured outside, enter the garage from an alternative door or room to check for dents or markings and avoid potential safety hazards. 

4. Avoid Opening Your Garage Door Remotely 

Knowing the extent of your door damage can be challenging, and it’s best to avoid opening your garage remotely. This can lead to further system damage. 

5. Test the Door’s Manual Operation

If you notice minor dents and scratches on your door, try to operate or open it manually. However, if your garage door is misaligned and off the tracks, avoid moving or operating it manually, as it could collapse. 

6. List the Damages 

Make a list of visible damages and track misalignment, broken panels and dents to report to your repair company before they give you an estimate. You can also measure the dents and list the material damage to give technicians a better idea of the extent. If your garage door is off the tracks, keep an 8-foot distance until you get someone to repair the damage. 

7. Call Your Garage Repair Company 

Whether you have minor or significant garage door damage, call your repair company and explain all the faults listed. They’ll inspect your door and ensure it is safe for use and do repairs and replacements if needed. Avoid trying to fix your door on your own before getting a second opinion from a qualified technician. A garage door that is off its tracks can require complex repairs, and attempting to fix it can lead to injury. 

8. Decide on Repairs and Replacements 

After a professional inspection, you can decide if you need repairs and replacements. If it has minor dents and scratches, get a quote from your repair company to determine what you can afford to fix. Significant damage, like a door replacement, can be more costly and require filing a claim on your homeowners insurance policy. Remember to contact your car insurance company and find out if you are covered for any vehicle damage.

Common Issues Caused by Backing Into a Garage Door

Knowing what to look for if you back your car into your garage door can help determine the severity of the damage. Some common issues caused by running your car into your garage door can include: 

• Scratches: You might notice paint and material scratches on the surface of your garage door. These can be minor damages you can remove or touch up with rubbing alcohol, a paint coat or a stain, depending on your garage door material. 
• Broken panels: Your bottom door panels might be dented or broken and require repairs depending on the extent of the damage. A replacement might be the best solution if you have two or more damaged panels. 
• Misaligned rollers: Excessive impact can cause your garage door to come off track. In this case, you might need to replace your garage door hinges and rollers. 
• Misaligned or broken track: If your garage door track is damaged, it requires extensive repairs and replacements, including bending it back into shape or replacing it. 

FAQS About Fixing a Damaged Garage Door

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about garage door damage: 

1. Can I repair my garage door myself? While some damage can be minor, fixing a garage door can be complex and dangerous, requiring specialized tools and skills. 
2. How do I tell if I backed into my garage door? Signs you backed into your garage door can include damages like scratches and dents on your car and garage door surface. 
3. Can you fix a bent garage door? Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional garage door company can repair bent panels and adjust them back into place. 
4. Will I be covered if I hit a garage door with my car? While insurance companies can cover garage door damage, your coverage can depend on your insurance provider and policy. 
5. How do you know if your garage door needs a repair? Your local garage door company can inspect the damage and determine if you require repairs or replacements. They can suggest a complete replacement if the impact on your garage door is severe. 
6. How long does it take to repair a garage door? Garage door repair time can depend on the extent of your damage and the availability of parts required to fix the issues. 

Trust AAA Garage Doors for Quality Repairs and Replacements

While backing into your garage door can be overwhelming, with quality garage door services, the repairs and replacements can be quick and convenient. At AAA Garage Door, we have over 25 years of experience helping homeowners like you fix minor and significant garage damage doors efficiently. 

We offer quality workmanship and provide honest and reliable garage door repair and replacement solutions. Our qualified technicians pay attention to detail and provide exceptional customer service, helping accurately and quickly get your garage door back in working and safe condition. If you ran into the garage door with your car and need efficient and quality repairs, request an estimate today. 

Types of Garage Door Openers

Garage doors are often taken for granted. Practically every day, we push a button and expect them to open with no problems. They are an integrated part of our lives that we rely on to get in and out of our homes — but we rarely consider how much convenience and ease they add to our daily lives.

It’s only when we find ourselves needing one that we truly appreciate the convenience and security they offer. Let’s take a look at the many different types of garage door openers.

Table of Contents

• Types of Garage Door Openers
• What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener 
• Chat to AAA Garage Door For Your Installation

Types of Garage Door Openers

Selecting suitable opener types is a decision that needs some thought, both around functionality and the security and convenience of your garage. AAA Garage Doors offers installation for all major brands, including Amarr, LiftMaster, Sears, Martin and Genie. Here are some of the main types of garage door openers on the market:

Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Chain-drive openers are best suited for situations where noise is not a significant concern and when working within a tight budget. A few garage types that would suit a chain drive, where the noise won’t be a disruptive factor, include: 

• Detached garages
• Workshops
• Storage facilities

Additionally, if you have a large, heavy garage door that needs a robust and dependable mechanism, then a chain drive is your go-to option, especially if you prioritize a wallet-friendly choice.

Pros of the chain drive garage door opener include:

• Cost-effective: Chain-drive garage door openers are the best choice for budget-conscious buyers because they are among the most affordable options on the market.
• Durability and reliability: If you’re seeking a workhorse that can handle heavy lifting, chain drives are up to the task. These openers are built for endurance, capable of enduring the rigors of frequent use from larger, heavier garage doors.

However, there are disadvantages, such as the noise. The operation involves a metal chain moving along a rail, producing a distinct clanking noise that can be pretty loud. You can solve this, to a degree, with periodic maintenance. Regular lubrication of the chain can reduce noise and ensure smooth operation. 

Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Belt-driven garage door openers are usually chosen by homeowners with attached garages and those who prioritize a peaceful living environment. If your garage is near bedrooms or living spaces, the quiet operation of a belt-drive opener can be a game-changer. The reason why? It lets you open and close your garage door without disturbing the household. Some distinct advantages you can expect with this garage door opener include:

• Quiet operation: Belt-drive garage door openers are celebrated for their near-silent operation. They use a rubber or polyurethane belt to move the trolley along the rail, creating minimal noise and a smoother drive.
• Smooth and reliable: The smooth operation of belt-drive openers is quieter and gentler on the garage door. This reduced friction lessens wear and tear on the door and its components, increasing longevity.
• Low maintenance: A chain-drive opener needs constant care and lubrication to reduce the noise level, but the belt drive is already quiet. It doesn’t need regular lubrication, making it a hassle-free option for homeowners.

The primary drawback of belt-drive openers, however, is their cost — they do tend to be more expensive than chain-drive garage door openers. However, homeowners consider the investment worthwhile for the quieter and smoother operation they offer. 

The cost isn’t the only disadvantage, though. The other reason why it is more quiet is because it is less robust. While the belt drive is reliable for most standard garage doors, it struggles with heavy or oversized doors. 

Screw-Drive Garage Door Openers

Screw-drive openers are a versatile choice with standard garage doors and moderate climate conditions. If you need your garage door to open and close quickly, these openers do just that. Their strength also makes them suitable for heavy or wooden garage doors, where other types may struggle. The pros of these openers are:

• Simplicity: Screw-drive garage door openers are known for their straightforward design and fewer moving parts. This simplicity translates to less maintenance and fewer potential points of failure.
• Speed: Another advantage is their speed. Screw-drive openers often open and close garage doors faster than other types, which can be a significant time-saver.
• Strength: These openers are versatile and suitable for most garage door types, including heavy wooden doors. They offer consistent performance, even with doors requiring more muscle to lift.

Unfortunately, these garage door openers do come with one other “s,” which is sensitivity. Screw-drive openers can be sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. In regions with severe climate variations, professionals will have to deter this issue with proper insulation and maintenance.

Wall Mount Garage Door Openers

Wall mount door openers are an option for high-ceiling garages with limited headroom for traditional openers. It is also a good option for those prioritizing quiet and efficient operations. 

They are perfect for attached garages, particularly when bedrooms or living spaces are nearby. Let’s look at the benefits in detail:

• Space-saving: Wall-mount garage door openers are designed to be mounted on the wall beside your garage door. The innovative design frees up valuable overhead space for garages with limited ceiling clearance or for homeowners with storage racks.
• Quiet and smooth operation: Wall mount openers use a quiet belt or chain mechanism and minimize vibrations, making them perfect for attached garages where noise could be disruptive.

The convenience and space-saving features of wall-mount garage door openers do come at a premium. They tend to be more expensive than traditional overhead openers, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. The design, while innovative, is also complex. They have to be installed by a professional who understands this specific opener. This can add to the overall cost, but it ensures that the opener is properly set up for optimal performance.

Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

Not all garage door openers are the same, just like not all garages are not the same. In fact, some garages have unusual layouts or high-ceiling garages, maybe even limited overhead space. Standard, run-of-the-mill garage openers don’t work for these situations, but a Jackshaft could be your solution for the following reasons: 

• Space-saving design: Jackshaft garage door openers are lauded for their space-saving design. They are mounted on the wall beside the garage door, eliminating the need for overhead space that traditional openers require.
• Versatility: Unlike some doors that can only pull up a standard-size garage door, the Jackshaft is suitable for various garage door types. It can be used for standard, heavy and even a custom-made door. They are also adaptable for both residential and light commercial applications.

The benefits of space-saving and quiet operation come at a premium. Jackshaft garage door openers tend to be more expensive than traditional overhead openers, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. 

Direct Drive Garage Door Openers

Direct drives are another option for homeowners looking for peace and quiet from their garage. They are also a low-maintenance solution. These openers suit standard to moderately heavy garage doors, making them versatile for various applications. Consider the advantages of these openers:

• Silent operation: Some garage doors are noisy while others are quieter — direct drive openers can be practically silent. They are quieter than other openers because they have only one moving part, a stationary chain in a steel rail, which reduces noise and vibrations significantly.
• Minimal maintenance: Another benefit of only having one moving part is that there is less wear and tear. The direct drive garage door lasts longer with fewer maintenance requirements than the other types.
• Space-efficient: The compact design of direct drive openers minimizes the use of overhead space in the garage, making them suitable for garages with limited ceiling clearance.

While direct-drive openers are strong and reliable, there may be better choices for exceptionally heavy or oversized garage doors. They don’t have enough power to lift heavy doors, like some others do.

Hoist Garage Door Openers

Hoist garage door openers are used interchangeably for commercial and industrial settings where high-lift or heavy garage doors are standard. For residential applications, they are typically unnecessary unless you have a high-lift or specialized door configuration. Advantages of a hoist garage door opener include:

• Ideal for high-lift doors: Hoist garage door openers are designed to work with high-lift garage doors characterized by vertical or near-vertical tracks. The tracks allow the door to be suspended higher within the garage, giving the necessary power to lift heavy doors efficiently.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for high-lift doors, hoist openers can also work with standard and vertical lift doors.

While great for industrial use, they may be overkill for most residential homes with standard garage doors. Due to their extra power, the openers tend to be more expensive than common residential garage door openers. Installation may also require professional expertise, adding to the overall cost.

Smart Garage Door Openers

Smart garage door openers are ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who value convenience, remote access and advanced security and safety features. They are also ideal for families with multiple drivers, as each user can have their own access credentials. Additionally, if you often worry about whether you left your garage door open, the real-time alerts smart openers provide can ease your concerns. Smart garage door openers come with some notable features, such as:

• Remote control: One of the advantages of smart garage door openers is the ability to control your garage door from anywhere using a smartphone app. The remote access offers convenience, allowing you to open or close the garage door even when you’re not at home.
• Voice control: Many smart garage door openers are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 
• Automation and scheduling: Smart garage door openers often come with additional automation features. You can set schedules to open or close the door at specific times. For instance, you can program your garage door to close automatically at a specific time each evening.
• Real-time alerts: These openers can send real-time notifications to your smartphone, informing you of any garage door activity. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can see who is accessing your home as soon as they open your garage. 

Smart garage door motors typically come at a higher initial cost than traditional openers due to the added technology. Homeowners must also consider that the ability to control the garage door remotely relies on a stable internet connection and the functioning of the app or voice assistant. If there are connectivity issues or the app malfunctions, it can be frustrating.

While smart motorized garage door openers offer security features, they can also be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access if not adequately protected. It’s crucial to ensure your smart garage door opener has strong security measures in place.

What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener 

Selecting the perfect garage door opener is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It’s a decision influenced by multiple factors discussed in this section, such as:

• Priorities: What’s your primary objective for the garage door? Is it primarily for security, aesthetics, insulation or ease of use? Defining your priorities will help you narrow down your choices.
• Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a growing concern for homeowners. Opt for a garage door with good insulation to maintain comfortable temperatures in your garage and home. Good insulation can also help reduce energy costs.
• Durability: Your garage door opener should withstand the test of time and weather. Look for materials like steel, aluminum or fiberglass, which offer durability and longevity. Consider your local climate — you might find that some openers perform better in specific conditions.
• Cost: Budget is often one of the larger factors in decision-making. A high-quality garage door opener is an investment that adds value to your home, but it’s essential to balance that with your financial situation. Remember that AAA Garage Door can make the process stress-free with convenient financing packages. This helps you spread the cost and fit it comfortably into your budget while ensuring you get a top-notch product.

If you’re looking for affordability without sacrificing reliability, consider chain-drive openers, as they are one of the more budget-friendly choices, making them the most popular type of garage door openers. But if you are looking to aim for a middle ground between price and performance, belt-drive openers are often favored.

If you are more concerned about security, smart garage door openers take the lead. Their advanced connectivity and real-time alerts provide enhanced control and monitoring that none of the other garage doors can offer. Alongside them, look for openers with rolling code technology, which changes access codes with each use, adding a layer of security. Jackshaft and direct drive openers are another option, with their wall-mounted design. By keeping the opener out of sight, they are harder to tamper with.

If you have a hefty garage door, hoist openers are tailored to the task. They’re built for heavy, high garage door lifts. Screw-drive openers are another sturdy option, suitable for substantial doors like wood or custom-made ones. If you have a lighter garage door, chain-drive openers can also be adjusted to work efficiently. 

Chat to AAA Garage Door For Your Installation

At AAA Garage Door Inc. in Salt Lake, UT, we understand the importance of a reliable garage door opener and stock a variety of garage door openers suited for all budgets and garage styles. We are a family-run business with a customer-centric approach. 

Since 1994, we’ve been committed to providing our valued customers with fair and honest service. Contact us today for a quote on your garage door opener installation.

5 Ways to Weather-Seal a Garage Door

Sealing your garage door against the weather helps protect the space and keeps your belongings safe. Learn how to seal garage doors and weatherproof your garage with these five tips.

1. Bottom Weatherstripping

Also known as a door sweep, bottom weatherstripping is a common way to seal a garage door. This rubber seal attaches to the bottom of your garage door and compresses to fill gaps between the door and the floor. Garage door weatherstripping is available in rolls from most home improvement stores.

Bottom-seal weatherstripping generally comes in a standard shape that fits in the channels on the bottoms of most garage doors. If you have a wooden garage door, you may need to screw or nail in the weatherstripping. Be sure to choose aluminum or galvanized fasteners to prevent rusting. You can also install a metal channel to make your wood door compatible with standard seals.

Replacing bottom weatherstripping is relatively easy. First, remove the old seal. Most kinds pull out of the channels on the bottom of the door. However, some seals may have screws or nails, even on metal or fiberglass doors. Once you’ve removed the old seal, clean the bottom of the door. Push the new seal into the channels in one continuous piece, and trim it to fit your door. If the old weatherstripping had nails or screws, replace these fasteners as appropriate.

2. Threshold Seal

A threshold seal also fills gaps between the door and the floor, but this garage door seal attaches to the floor instead of the door. It can stand alone, but is more effective when combined with a bottom seal. Since it’s durable enough to drive over, a threshold seal typically consists of harder rubber and is longer-lasting than weatherstripping.

This seal can help keep water out of your garage if the driveway slopes toward the garage, but it can also make it more challenging to hose out or sweep your garage. It can also be a good option if your door meets the ground asymmetrically. However, if your door is significantly irregular or suddenly becomes uneven, it’s best to call a professional to repair and adjust it.

To install a threshold seal, mark the floor where you want it to be with chalk or a permanent marker. Clean the floor and wipe down the bottom of the seal. Apply construction adhesive to the floor in two lines along the edges of the seal and in a zigzag down the middle. Place the seal and gently press it into the adhesive. Most adhesives need 24 hours to cure before you can drive over them.

3. Top and Side Weatherstripping

Rubber weatherstripping is also available in a slightly different configuration for the tops and sides of the door. However, this seal attaches to the door frame rather than the door. Garage weatherstripping is available in rolls at most home improvement stores and cuts easily with a utility knife. It should sit flush against the trim, so you may need to remove raised strips from the frame or sand it for a smooth finish.

Measure and cut three pieces — one for the top and one for each side. Cut the ends of the top piece at an angle to accommodate the side pieces. Attach the weatherstripping with aluminum or galvanized nails or screws to avoid rust. Install the side pieces first, then the top overlapping the side pieces. The outside flange should touch the door along the top and sides when the door is closed. Caulk where the seal meets the frame. Be sure to use a caulk for garage doors or exteriors.

4. Brush Seals

Rather than being solid rubber, these seals use brushes, which are more flexible and durable than standard weatherstripping. Brush seals are more common along the top frame, but you can also install them on the sides. They cover the gap created when the door bends into the garage. Because brush seals aren’t a solid barrier, air, debris and small bugs may still get through. These come in multiple pieces and secure with adhesive tape. The brush should touch the door when it’s closed to be most effective.

Once you’re ready to install, clean the frame for better adhesion. On the first piece, pull the brush out of the track and cut it about 2 inches short. Attach adhesive tape to the track and press it onto the frame. After attaching the second piece, feed the brush from that piece into the track on the first piece. This overlap helps ensure no gaps between pieces. To account for this overlap on the last piece, pull the brush out 2 inches before cutting the track to fit with a hacksaw.

5. V-Type Seals Between Panels

This product seals gaps between garage door panels for enhanced weatherproofing. Many newer doors won’t need V-type seals since their panels have interlocking edges to block air when the door is closed. These seals are best for older or wooden doors with flat panel edges. Be sure to count the number of panels in addition to measuring the door’s width. Because V-seals cover moving parts, they can wear out faster than other weatherstripping types. It’s best to check them every three months.

To install V-seals, clean the inside of the panels where the seals will stick. Cut the seals to fit between the panels in one continuous piece. Pull back part of the adhesive backing, but don’t remove all of it at once. Fit the seal between two panels and press firmly into place. Continue peeling off the backing and placing the seal as you move along the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you aren’t sure whether sealing your garage is worth it or have more questions about replacing weatherstripping, you can find the answers to frequently asked questions here.

Why Should I Weatherproof My Garage?

Weatherproofing and weatherstripping are essential for keeping out water, debris, bugs and other pests, which can get into your home if you have an attached garage. Other benefits of weatherproofing your garage include reduced cleaning and improved energy efficiency. If you heat or cool the space, weatherproofing can help save you money on energy use.

How Do I Know if I Need Weatherproofing?

If you don’t currently have weatherproofing, you could likely benefit from adding some. Garage door weatherproofing provides several advantages and is relatively easy to do. To determine where you need weatherproofing, stand in your garage with the door closed and the lights off. If you see light coming in around the garage door, you want to seal those gaps.

How Long Should Garage Door Weatherstripping Last?

Weatherstripping lasts two to three years, but it’s best to check annually to see if it needs replacing. Weatherstripping may wear out faster on doors that experience heavy use.

How Do I Know When to Replace the Weatherstripping?

Good weatherstripping is pliable and soft to conform to the door’s shape and compress into any gaps. It’s time to replace your weatherstripping if it’s hard and brittle. You also need new weatherstripping if you notice cracks, tears or rips. Even if the weatherstripping seems to be in good condition, it might need replacing if you feel a draft, see light around the door or find more dirt near the frame.

Can I Install Weatherstripping Myself?

Yes! Adding or replacing weatherstripping is a manageable do-it-yourself task for most homeowners. Caulking and other weatherproofing methods are also suitable for DIY.

However, you can also hire a professional if you don’t feel confident in your skills, need other garage door repairs or don’t have time to do it yourself. AAA Garage Door can install, repair and replace your weatherstripping.

Contact AAA Garage Door

Since 1994, AAA Garage Door has provided prompt, reliable service to homeowners in the greater Omaha area. Whether you need a new garage door and opener system, regular maintenance or repairs, our trained technicians will get your garage door working and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to request service.

Wood vs. Steel Garage Doors

A garage door is a long-term investment — you see and use it every day and need to be confident that you can rely on it to protect your vehicle, home and family. Some of the most popular materials used to manufacture garage doors are wood and steel. The material you choose depends on your budget, style preferences and more. Whether you are considering extending a single garage to fit another car, want a detached garage, or need to replace or upgrade your current door, the selection process requires some thought and research. 

There are a few factors to consider when choosing between steel vs. wood garages. We’ll walk you through these different factors and the associated pros and cons of wood garages and steel garages to help you determine which is ideal for your needs. 

Table of Contents

• Cost
• Curb Appeal
• Insulation Needs
• Durability
• Security
• Eco-Friendliness
• AAA Garage Door Has Every Garage Door Solution You Need

Cost

Cost is likely one of the first things you’ll consider — do you want to get the best value for your money, are you able to splurge on quality, or are you willing to spend more to achieve a certain look? Here are some pros and cons of steel garages vs. wood garages related to costs: 

• Wood garage doors: Wood garage doors are generally more expensive than steel garage doors. Different factors will affect the cost of wood garage doors, including the type of wood and the size of your door. For example, hardwood is heavier and will cost more to install. However, if you love the look of wood doors, you have some options, including faux wood garage doors made from steel with a wood finish. These doors are more affordable and give the look of a wooden door. 
• Steel garage doors: Steel garage doors can vary in price, depending on the size of your door, the number of steel layers, the type of insulation and the design style. Customization can add to the overall cost. 

Another cost you’ll want to consider is the cost of acquiring a permit to install a new or replacement door. Permit laws will vary by state and municipality but are in place whether you are installing a wood or steel garage door. 

Curb Appeal

Your garage door is a major part of your home, and you want it to be eye-catching. The great thing about both steel and wood garage doors is that they come in various colors and styles. You can experiment with colors and customize your doors to your taste and liking. Here’s how wood and steel garage doors can impact your home’s curb appeal: 

• Wood garage doors: Wood garage doors are an elegant addition to any home. The natural grains and texture of wood can’t be replicated so you won’t find any other door like yours. 
• Steel garagedoors: Steel doors offer a more modern look, though it depends on the finishing you choose. White and grey garage doors complement the other colors in your home, black garage doors look sleek and sophisticated, and bold colors like red could attract more attention to your home. 

Insulation Needs

If you’re considering building a detached garage, your priority might be space and size rather than insulation and energy savings. However, you may want to consider insulation if your garage is attached to your home. Insulated garage doors can help reduce energy bills by keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Compare wood and steel garage doors in terms of insulation: 

• Wood garagedoors: Wood is organic and a great natural insulator. Wood garage doors can keep your internal temperature regulated during the summer and winter months. This is ideal for garages that are attached to the home. 
• Steel garage doors: A detached garage may not necessarily need insulation if it’s being used primarily for storage. Installing an uninsulated steel garage door could save you money. However, if you’re looking for a steel door for your attached garage, you’ll likely want to choose an insulated option. The two main types of insulation used in steel garage doors are polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene is the more affordable option but is also less effective. You can customize the level of insulation based on your home’s needs. 

Durability

An important factor in choosing a garage door is its durability. You want peace of mind knowing it can protect you from hazards like fire, storms and wind. Consider the durability of wood vs. steel doors: 

• Wood garagedoors: Many types of wood are naturally durable, so your door will likely withstand most weather conditions. However, wood is somewhat susceptible to damage or rot from fire, water and insects if it is not properly maintained. You can help prevent damage, chips and cracks through maintenance tasks like applying waterproof paint to your door, but doing so may be time-consuming. 
• Steel garage doors: Steel is extremely durable. It is fire-proof and resistant to warping, severe weather and cracking, making steel garage doors an excellent choice for many homeowners. Steel doors also require much less maintenance to maintain their effectiveness. 

Security

Your family’s safety and security are nonnegotiable, so you need to be sure that the garage door you install will effectively protect your home and family. Both wood and steel garage doors can provide the security you need:

• Wood garagedoors: Many people perceive wood garage doors as being less secure since wood is less resilient than other materials. While they may not be as secure as materials like steel, wooden garage doors are very heavy, which adds to their protectiveness. 
• Steel garage doors: Security is a major pro of steel garages. Steel garage doors are strong and difficult to force open, offering better protection for your home.

Eco-Friendliness

Many consumers are mindful of their carbon footprint and want to contribute to a more sustainable environment. If eco-friendliness is important to you, you may want to install a garage door that’s made of natural materials and can be recycled. Here are the pros and cons of steel garages and wood garages in terms of environmental friendliness:

• Wood garagedoors: One of the pros of wood garages is that their organic composition makes them ideal for recycling at the end of their life span. Wood is also a sustainable building material. 
• Steel garage doors: Steel garage doors can be a sustainable choice if they are made of recycled materials. Plus, insulated steel garage doors are energy-efficient, increasing their eco-friendliness. 

AAA Garage Door Has Every Garage Door Solution You Need

If you’re still trying to decide which garage door to choose, AAA Garage Door has a solution for you. With a huge selection of garage doors, we will help you find the perfect fit. 

Request an estimate or enquire about our garage door services for more information!

Faux Wood vs. Wood Garage Doors

Your garage door is one of the first things guests and strangers notice when they look at the exterior of your house. It may be prominent for different reasons, but it essentially reflects your unique taste and style. 

Whether you’re replacing a broken or faulty garage door or upgrading your current one for added aesthetic appeal, you have countless options to choose from. Faux wood garage doors and real wood garage doors come in various designs and colors, giving you the freedom to personalize them as you please. 

The challenge is deciding which is better suited to your needs. We’ll discuss the different features and the benefits of both to help you make an informed decision. 

Table of Contents

• Faux Wood Garage Door Features
• Wood Garage Door Features
• Benefits of Faux Wood Garage Doors
• Benefits of Wood Garage Doors
• Additional Factors
• Which Is Right for You? Let AAA Garage Doors Help You Decide

Faux Wood Garage Door Features

You’d never know the difference if you see a faux wood garage door from afar. They look exactly like a wood garage door. The only way you’d be able to tell them apart is by knocking on their surface. Wood-like garage doors resemble real ones but are made of materials like fiberglass, steel and aluminum. Each of these materials makes a distinct sound that will reveal the true nature of the faux wood door. The external layer is made of a blend of real timber, softwood and other wood compounds to give it a natural look. 

Wood Garage Door Features

Real wood garage doors are exquisite and unmatched in beauty, though they can easily be mistaken for faux wood garage doors. Most are manufactured using layers of hardwood rather than traditional solid wood. The one thing that sets them apart from faux wood is the texture and color variation of real wood, which is something that cannot be replicated. The grains and patterns in real wood add depth and character that distinguishes it from wood-like garage doors. 

You’re also able to install custom wooden garage doors by choosing from an array of different wood types like oak, mahogany, cedar and reclaimed wood. You can add panels, frames and windows that highlight its uniqueness and charm to add your desired personal touch. 

Benefits of Faux Wood Garage Doors

Depending on what you have in mind, the benefits of faux wood doors could make it hard for you to choose. There are a few things to consider:

• Cost and value: Wood substitutes cost less to manufacture, purchase and install, depending on your desired material. Aluminum is generally cheaper than the rest and offers value for money since it is exceptionally resistant to rust and corrosion. Adding insulation will increase the value as it helps regulate your home’s temperature while reducing energy bills. 
• Appearance: There is almost no distinction between faux wood and real wood garages. Therefore its appearance and curb appeal are equally attractive to its solid wood counterpart. 
• Weight: Lifting an aluminum or fiberglass garage door versus a real wood door requires less effort since the wood-like alternative is made of lighter material. This also means the opener will experience less strain when opening and closing, ensuring it operates optimally for longer.
• Maintenance: Maintenance is kept to a minimum with a faux wood door because the material used is able to withstand elements that lead to warping, fading, cracking and rotting. Routine maintenance is still required, although less frequently.
• Durability: Materials like steel are known for their durability against the destructive effects of strong wind, rain and other weather elements.
• Life span: Faux wood garage doors can last decades if maintained well, which adds to their value since they are less costly than wood doors.

These faux wood garage door pros certainly make choosing that much harder.

Benefits of Wood Garage Doors

Considering the same factors when deciding on wood vs. faux wood garage doors indicates your choice. These include:

• Cost and value: Real wood doors are costly, especially if you opt for solid wood like oak or cedar. Customizing it with panels, windows and other features will increase the installation cost. The upside is that you will enjoy a tailored garage door like no other. As with faux wood doors, insulating your wood door will increase your home’s value. 
• Appearance: Despite being hard to differentiate from wood-like garage doors, real wood doors have inherent qualities that enhance their beauty and style. This can’t be achieved in any other way than by using natural wood, adding unparalleled curbside appeal and elegance. 
• Maintenance: Your wood door is more likely to undergo regular maintenance because wood is prone to water damage, cracking, rotting and chipping over time and under harsh conditions. Maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, balancing the door properly and checking that the auto-reverse feature is functional. Regardless of whether it is a wood-like or real wood door, keeping your hand on your garage door ensures its longevity and safety for those who use it. 
• Durability: Wood in itself is durable in nature, so it should withstand extreme weather for an extended period. 
• Life span: A real wood garage door is expected to last up to 30 years if it is well-maintained. However, its organic nature leaves it predisposed to wear and tear over time, which could mean replacing it sooner than later. However, this should not deter you if you are leaning towards a wood garage door.

Given the substantial benefits, the wood garage door pros listed may not make your decision any easier.

Additional Factors

While the benefits mentioned before might affect your decision to choose one or the other, there are a few other considerations to bear in mind that may be helpful. They are:

• Climate: While we may experience mid-to-hot weather in the Nebraskan summer with high levels of humidity, winters get extremely cold, with temperatures dwindling in the negative perimeter. Be mindful of this when installing a wood vs faux garage door. Consider the advantages of each in terms of durability and maintenance. 
• Increased home value: If you upgrade or replace your garage door, your home’s value will likely increase if you decide to sell. An aesthetically appealing door will certainly secure a higher return on investment, especially if it offers additional benefits. 
• Eco-friendliness: If you are conscientious about the environment and ways to keep it safe, you would probably opt for a wood garage door. It is an eco-friendly alternative to materials like steel and aluminum. 

These additional points may be the ultimate deciding factor between choosing to install a faux garage door or a real wood garage door. It all comes down to your personal requirements, budget, preferences and specific needs. 

Which Is Right for You? Let AAA Garage Doors Help You Decide

Whether you opt for a wood vs faux wood garage door, we have everything you need to perfect your home with the ideal door. If you’re still unsure, our door imagination system will give you a visual aid to show you exactly how each door you try will suit your home. All you need to do is upload a picture of your house to give you an accurate representation. 

What are you waiting for? Submit a contact request form, and we’ll get in touch with you shortly.