Garage doors: the subtleties of design choice

Garage doors protect the building from the scorching rays of the sun, rain and other unpleasant surprises. They can differ not only in the appearance or material from which they are made, but also in the design features. That is why, deciding to build a garage from scratch, or simply change the gate in it, you need to know the subtleties of their choice.

The garage door is an important detail. From what design to give preference, depends not only comfort, but also the service life of the gate itself.

First, when choosing a constructive garage, you have to consider its location and the availability of free space around it. For example, for a country house there is more space available than for a summer cottage, and for a rented house in a cooperative - you have to think not only about your comfort, but also about the convenience of those who rent garages nearby.

On the private territory, the garage can be located at the back of the yard or go through the gate directly onto the road. Much depends on it. For example, if the doorway goes straight out into the street, then you don’t need to think about arranging the driveways, and when you make a fence, you can simply do with one gate. This one-stop solution will save a motorist time and money.

Secondly, modern gates are made from different materials:

• sheeting;
• wood;

• metal;
• become.

It is also worth noting that now you can purchase both finished models and individual parts. In the second case, the person will have a great opportunity to do everything “for themselves”: to equip the entrance to the garage as it is convenient to him.But you can’t hurry with this and grab this opportunity, because in reality such an idea may not be very attractive as it seems at first glance.

However, if a person is far from the world of repair work, then it is unlikely that he will be able to perform such a complex installation at once.

As already mentioned, it is important what material the input structure is made of. It depends on how long the garage will stay and how warm it will be there. On the features of each of the most popular materials worth talking in more detail.

Most often for the manufacture of garage doors masters use such material as decking. He has several notable advantages. First, the doors made of this material are very durable. It is hard to touch, which makes it resistant to external damage. Doors will not be scratched and not rumpled. At the same time, despite this high quality, professional flooring is not so expensive.And when compared with other materials, it is completely cheap.

Gate from a professional flooring it is easy to mount. Any person who owns the tool at least a little will cope with the installation. Corrosion-resistant coating extends the service life of such a structure. And manufacturers, as a rule, give a guarantee for several years.

The second most popular material is, oddly enough, natural wood. It is quite inexpensive. For the manufacture of garage doors, you can use a bar, rail, boards, or even a simple picket fence. Yes, and tools to create such a design need a little. Products made of natural wood are the fastest. In fact, the only stage that takes a lot of free time is the creation of a frame. In addition, the gates of wood look very beautiful, because they can be decorated with exquisite carvings or even decorative figures.

The disadvantages of this material include the fragility, low strength and the same low level of security. In the event of a fire or even accidental sparks, the gate will be in danger and burned. In addition, the quality of such gates is directly dependent on the quality of wood. If not very strong types of wood like poplar are used, then the construction is quite fragile.

Iron or steel gates are stronger not only wooden, but also made of corrugated board. They are also good because they can be decorated with forged patterns, turning simple metal into a real work of art.

Many, however, do not favor this material, because it does not insulate heat so well.

In fact, all these materials have the same number of advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended to choose the one that fits the climatic characteristics of the place in which the person lives, and will give the necessary quality of protection. You can not rely solely on the price - in this case, you can expect an unpleasant surprise: the gate will not last even a couple of years, and their replacement will cost several times more.

It is important to take into account what sizes at the gate, selectable for the garage. There are certain standards under which manufacturers, as a rule, customize their products. But in some cases, you have to either look for some non-standard size, or even make the gate to order, because the standard design is too small or too large for the room in which the garage stands.

Very often, custom-made gates are made for rooms designed for the fact that not one car will be stored in them, but several at once, or a car with a motorcycle or other vehicle.

Standard doors are now manufactured according to GOST 31174-2003. It contains all the details: from the width to the height. For example, if a person builds a garage for a motorcycle or subcompact car, then the sash should be the same two meters in width and height. For larger cars, the gate is much larger: it should be almost five meters wide.

But if such parameters do not suit, then you can go the other way. There is a special method that helps to calculate the parameters of the future gate. To the width of the car, which is planned to keep in the garage, is added 45 cm on both sides. Thus, it turns out the stock, which is enough for the machine to be able to safely leave without touching the roof or walls.

Now almost all manufacturing companies are ready to create custom-made gates. True and they are not ready to break some rules. So, for example, the main frame is able to withstand only a certain weight, because if it is larger, the design simply will not survive. According to the rules, the load should not be higher than fifteen kilograms per meter. It is for this reason that the sash and do not above five meters and wider than three.

Gates differ in design features. There are several popular types of gates, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Sectional gates. This type of design is very convenient. They are installed in private garages and in cooperative ones. Such gates, when opened, are folded up like roller shutters, and completely go under the ceiling.Such a simple system of panels is very good, because it saves free space.

For such gates in the ceiling, you need to make special sections. As a rule, they are supplemented from the inside with metal gaskets. Inside, these sections are sealed and protect the gate from the negative effects of the environment. In addition to special ceiling sections, this model is also supplemented with a spring mechanism, special guides and even cables for safety net.

The rising canopy itself may consist of different materials. Most often used sandwich panels, and the bottom is made of durable wood.

Separate sections of such gates can have both closed and unclosed contour. The second option is more popular. The fact is that the gate with an open loop is not complemented by the so-called "cold bridge". Connecting the individual panels only mounting foam. But this, in turn, is a disadvantage. The fact is that the foam is not so strong.Guides in this design, as a rule, are made of durable galvanized steel. The thickness of the material should not exceed two millimeters. Also, the panels are additionally sheathed with plywood or even wood. It is worth noting the fact that sectional doors allow installation of windows.

Such gates are divided into two main subspecies:

• ceiling;
• lateral.

It is difficult to say which design is easier to perform. Ceiling consists of segments combined horizontally. In order for them to fold and fold normally, a gap of about 10–20 centimeters in size must be left above. The side gate consists of vertical segments. The gap is also present, and it should be next to the wall.

A good sectional option is that the gate opens without taking up free space next to the garage. In addition, they are well protected from the weather. But there is such a design and a certain minus: the width of the standard gate of this type does not exceed two or three meters, so they are used only for standard garages for one car.

This type of construct is also called “sliding”. Designs are both finished and homemade. In fact, they are remotely similar to the previous type of gate. Only, unlike the sectional options, the sliding options are a dense web of any material. This solid shield is mounted on guide rails made of durable products.

Such rails are located below and above or on the sides. As a rule, these gates come with an electric drive. This is convenient because it is possible to open the structure at a far distance without getting out of the car.

To create such elements, a dense profile is used, trimmed with wood or enamel. There should be no decorative parts on the surface of the solid shield so that they do not interfere with the gate opening and closing. Such a construction is not cheap. The price determines the complex mechanism and accessories. But if you evaluate the comfortable conditions of dignity, then you can spend money on such a purchase.

There are a lot of similarities with sectional gates that have lifting and turning designs. But there are still differences, moreover, significant.Outwardly, they are easy to recognize: they look like an "accordion", which consists of separate sections. Separates all these sections rubber seal. As a rule, the gate consists of approximately three parts connected by welding. They all fold at a certain angle. Corners are usually 180 or 90 degrees.

In order for such gates to be formed, a little more space is needed, because the folding system is slightly different from the one that is present in sectional models. The middle elements of this complete construction are superimposed on those located at the edges. Then they turn around, and there is an opening in which the car can enter. Folding gates, in which there are such welded parts, are bad only because, in the absence of proper care, they will quickly fail.

Sliding or swing gates can be either single or double. They are very different from the three previous options. As the name implies, the sash simply swings open to the outside, opening an opening where the car can enter. In fact, they resemble simple doors. If the garage is located inside the courtyard, and does not come out of the opening, then such a design may well fit.

Swing gates can be made of virtually any material, be it decking, metal or even simple wood. For additional protection and preservation of heat in the room, the door is insulated with either polystyrene foam or other material that is suitable for this purpose.

Installation of such gates is the simplest task that even an ordinary person can handle.. In addition, this option will cost at times cheaper than installing sectional doors or rolet.

But here there are some downsides. For the full opening of the valves need a lot of free space. Therefore, next to the garage can not be installed or flower beds, or any decor items. In addition, if a lot of snow falls, then before you leave the garage, you must first completely clear the space. Swing gates are a fairly simple and even primitive design. But it can also be slightly “modernized.” For example, you can supplement them with a special drive. It facilitates the use of the design.

In addition, they can additionally be decorated with decorative plates, forged patterns or some inserts. All these decorations look organic and in no way interfere with the opening of the gate.

Another interesting and practical design is the rolling gates. Such a system looks like a full-fledged canvas with rollers on the sides. It is thanks to these rollers that heavy gates can go up and down. The rollers hold strong clamps hidden in the wall or on the ceiling. In some cases, the construction is complemented by special springs, which greatly facilitate the process of lifting heavy gates.

Such gates are made of solid steel. It is complemented and insulated with special linings. Also for facing the gate used steel or enamel. All this design keeps on a strong frame. As a rule, they are made of such materials as wood or solid steel. It is able to withstand even the great weight of the gate. This type of construction is not suitable for custom-sized garages.. Even for a room designed for two cars, a person will have to find another option.

Standard sizes for rolet are suitable only for ordinary garages. In addition, it is worth remembering that, although the gates are more practical than swing doors, they still need a little extra space for transformation.

In this model, in fact, there is only one drawback. If the motorist at least slightly damages the gate, then he will have to change not their separate part, but the entire structure.. This is not only inconvenient, but completely uneconomical. It is also worth remembering that a ready-made construct cannot be insulated in any way. Therefore, if a person lives in an area with an extremely harsh climate, then it is better to refuse such a design.

It is worth noting that the choice of the gate for the garage is large enough. The design should not only be suitable for the price, but also to arrange its quality. Folding gates are suitable for a modern garage, and for a more traditional one - swing doors that hold strong hinges.

Regardless of the features of the selected design, you can always make the model much more practical, for example, to supplement it with a control system. Then the gate can be opened without leaving the house, using a small remote control.Thus, you can get a practical and convenient design that will suit the person in all respects.

Many buyers believe that virtually nothing depends on the manufacturer, and brand names are an overpayment for beautiful words. But in fact, different manufacturers use different materials and technology work. That is why most buyers prefer to turn to reliable and reliable manufacturers, whose product will definitely not disappoint.

Among US gateway companies, the best reviews are: Clopay. In Europe, Germany and Finland are considered popular producing countries. Among the German brands emit Novoferm, and among the Finnish - Meswac. German collaboration with the Swedes gave such a brand as Normstahl.

Domestic production also does not stand still and is developing rapidly. Over time, there are more and more companies that can make a real competition to foreign brands. Now the trust of users enjoys firm Doorhanwhose quality standard is very high.

Belarusian manufacturers also cope well with their tasks. One of the leading companies in the market of this country is the firm Alutech. She collaborates with the German brand. Gunther. Thanks to this cooperation, customers are provided with high-quality gates that do not stand like a whole country house.

Co-production. In addition, some companies, for example, Trend produce not full-fledged designs, but only individual parts. This means that you can collect components from different manufacturers and create your own masterpiece. This method was chosen by many masters, because in this way one can also save a lot. Every brand has expensive and cheap parts.

This information should be enough for even beginners who did not know anything about the features of the gate installation, could clarify something for themselves. Useful tips and practical recommendations will complement this story about the types of structures and their features. After reading them, you can find the garage doors that are perfect for a person the first time and not be disappointed in the purchase after a few weeks.

First, you need to pay attention to quality. This applies to the foundations of the gate, and loops, and insulation. Gates are used to protect the car from bad weather conditions and cold, so they must be well protected from the effects of moisture and mechanical damage. Such a design should be safe for the car and for the owner of the car.

The duration of the service life of the purchased gate directly depends on what means were used to protect the coating against the appearance of corrosion on it. If possible, then you need to ask the seller about what method of galvanizing was used, and by what means it was carried out. Different polymers give a different effect, and the service life of the gate covered with them is different.

But attention must be paid not only to cover the gate, but also to the device panels. If any additional means were used to insulate the door, then it is imperative to clarify the moment of safety of this filler. It should not be flammable, otherwise you can not be sure that the design is completely safe.

High-quality filler ensures that the room will be warm even after several years of active use of the gate. As a rule, manufacturers even give an additional guarantee for the safety of the structure. She can act about ten years. If there is no guarantee, and the gate is suspiciously cheap, then the construction may be deformed after several seasons, or the gate will cease to function as it should.

If you need to additionally warm your garage, you can use a special polymer. It is located between the sectional joints and in all possible slots. As a rule, these slots are located on top or on the sides, depending on what type of structure. Sealing with polymer ensures that the rooms are warm and that nothing threatens the cars.

Another point that professionals recommend checking with sellers is the presence of special metal plates inside the panels.Like insulation, they play a very important role. Dense metal plates make the gate much more durable and reliable. Such structures are not afraid of mechanical damage or the threat of hacking.

By the way, this parameter should be discussed in more detail. It would not want to believe in the opposite, one hundred percent protection against hacking does not exist. But to approach such an ideal is quite possible. This will require a very strong gate that can withstand the onslaught of enemies until the arrival of the security service or the police, and a good alarm system that can alert the owner of the garage of an unwanted invasion of private territory.

It is also important to know that the gate should not only protect the car, but also be completely safe for the car owner. As a rule, structures consisting of a solid metal shield that moves down are very heavy. Therefore, it is impossible to allow even the slightest chance of them dropping abruptly at the moment when a person will pass through the opening or drive a car.

Another nuisance is the case when the gate pinches the fingers of a motorist at closing. But this is quite possible to avoid: just pick a gate with a smooth intersectional transition. They close more slowly, and the person does not risk harming himself.

It is also worth talking about the appearance of the gate. As a rule, a garage is an unremarkable construction that lies behind a rising shield. Solid doors made of a solid sheet of steel or metal should not attract much attention. The lack of decorative details on their surface is also due to the fact that designs in garages are often rising or folding into an “accordion”.

If there are any forged elements or other volumetric details on such surfaces, they will cling to the smooth surface and interfere with the normal closing of the gate.

However, nothing prevents a car owner to put swing gates in the garage. Here you can decorate them just as you like.For example, if you put a wooden structure, it can be decorated with decorative carvings. A metal door or products made of corrugated will be decorated with elegant forged inserts. They can be located both at the edges and in the center of the gate. It all depends on how the car owner wants to see his garage.

Interesting and look great garage doors, decorated with paintings. With the help of a special can or even ordinary paint, you can paint their surface with abstract patterns or paint a full-fledged drawing on it.

This graffiti will appeal to young motorists. And fans of the classic style should limit themselves to something more simple, for example, to draw subtle patterns along the edges of the gate. Already this will be enough to give the design individuality and make them more unusual.

Design features are often determined not only by what type of construction is chosen, but also in what style the plot is decorated. For example, next to the cottage in a modern style will look good simple solid color gate, for example, sectional or elevating.But the country site, stylized antique, decorate the garage of the bars, supplemented with wooden swing structures.

In general, there are many types of gates. Each design has its advantages and disadvantages. There are no completely perfect options, no matter how the sellers assure the opposite. In order for the car to be under reliable protection, it is always necessary to select the model that suits all parameters, starting with quality and ending with the appearance.

It is also worth remembering that Better doesn’t mean more, and good gates are not always unreasonably expensive. You can always find a compromise. For example, buy gates from a domestic manufacturer or assemble them yourself, combining components from different manufacturers.

How to make a garage door with your own hands, see the next video.