Tips for buying garage doors

It’s often hard to know where to start when looking for a new garage door to replace an old one or for a renovation. Whether you want a new door for style, security or convenience Access Garage Doors offer a wide range of door types and finishes. Here are our tips to ensuring you get the right garage door for you.

Primarily designed to store your car, most garages end up being a store room for tools and other items that don’t have a place in your home, but you may need one day. Your new garage door must keep things safe and secure as well as adding style to your house it can also add value!

Types of garage doors

Up and over garage doorsYour property may influence the style of door that you choose as older properties may suit a more traditional look such as Timber garage doors. However if you are after something more contemporary, an aluminium or fibreglass door may be a better choice for you. Remember your garage doors is built and installed to last, so make sure you choose the right one for your lifestyle. To help you choose the right garage door, here’s what you can expect from each finish of door:

Steel

Steel garage doors provide security as well as being corrosion resistant as they are manufactured from premium grade galvanised steel. Access garage doors offer a range of finishes; primed doors offer the ability to paint your garage doors any colour you wish or can be installed as plastisol coated steel with low maintenance colour options white, black and brown. Weather gain is an affordable way to get to look of a timber door and woodgrain laminate finishes are available in golden oak and rosewood.

Timber doors

Side-mounted timber doors look elegant, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll need quite a bit of clearance in front so they can open fully. Timber garage doors are also available with other door mechanisms and come in a variety of different timbers including softwood. Mahogany, cedar wood and oak.

Fibreglass

Rundum Meir Overhead Sectional Timber Garage Door

 

Enhance your property with ever popular fibreglass garage doors. Fibreglass offers superb detail, with low maintenance high gloss white and timber grain effect finishes. In addition to their moisture resistance they also don’t warp or change in weather conditions

Insulated ABS

Impact resistant white ABS (Acrylonitrate Butadiene Styrene) is the perfect match to complement white PVCu windows and doors and is virtually maintenance free. The material itself is very forgiving against knocks from car bumps and footballs due to its flexibility.

Aluminium Framed retractable doors

Made from durable powder-coated steel or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Plastic), these doors also require a good deal of clearance in front when you open them. You can operate them with a remote control (although this is sold separately). But they do come with a 70mm frame, handle and lock.

SeceuroGlide Roller Garage DInsulated sectional doors

 

Insulated sectional doors are ideal if you’re strapped for space, as you won’t need any clearance at the front to open them. As the powder-coated steel comes fully sealed, they’ll give you plenty of protection against theft, noise and cold. They come with a 90mm frame, handle and lock. They’re also compatible with a remote control (which is available separately).

 

Insulated roller doors

These doors are made from tough but flexible aluminium, their slim individual slats roll up very tightly. The result? More room to spare inside your garage as well as in front of it. Like insulated sectional doors, they give you lots of protection against break-ins, noise and the elements. They come with a 90mm frame, handle and lock, too. But an advantage of these doors is that they come with a remote control as standard.

Tips for choosing the right colour Garage Door

What’s my garage door shade?

It’s hard to go wrong with a white garage door as it fits with the majority of house styles and areas, but if you have a more traditional or architecturally styled home you may wish to have a more of a statement garage door. Here are some helpful tips on choosing the right colour for you style and home.

Red garage doors

Material type

The material that you choose for you garage door will, of course, affect the options and colours that are available to you. With manufactured doors there are limitations to the colour options within the catalogue, however, there are generally options available to you, just be sure to ask a representative when you book your survey.  Although steel garage doors are can be easily painted, is not always recommended as the standard finish is very durable. Wooden doors offer much more versatility as you can mix paint to any shade you what, along with a wide range of wood stains also being available on a huge variety of tones

Complementary colours

We advise not to match your garage door colour with your houses façade as you run the risk of it blending in and not being the statement piece it deserves to be. Instead of matching your garage door to your home, try to compliment them. If you have stone or brick, then natural variations of materials work fine if you find a tone that suites your home – Although we do love bold coloured statement garage doors!

Colour swatch test

Visualising what your garage door will look like in its new shade can be hard, so we recommend creating a sample using spare wood from the garage. Paint or stain your sample and lean it against the garage door throughout the day so you can gauge how your new coloured door may look in different stages of daylight.

Access Garage Doors offer a wide range of garage doors from leading manufactures in various style, finishes and colours, you’re sure to find the perfect door for your property. Contact one of our garage door experts about our extensive range of specialist garage doors and finishing option.

 

Secured by design

Secured by Design is the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing ouSecurebydesignt crime’ by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a wide range of products and applications.

Only products which have been tested and meet the required technical standard can be awarded the Police Preferred Specification. Research has indicated that Secured by Design usage can reduce burglary by up to 50% and criminal damage by 25%.

Seceuroglide Excel has been awarded the prestigious Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification status by many years of hard work on redesigning and improving an already very good product to a level where the required test by the LPCB was passed with flying colours. Bear in mind 95% of products tested by the LPCB (The Loss Prevention Certification Board) fail!

About Secured by Design

Established in 1989, Secured by Design (SBD) is the title for a group of national police projects focusing on the design and security for new and refurbished homes, commercial premises, and car parks as well as the acknowledgement of quality security products and crime prevention projects. It supports the principles of ‘designing out crime’ through physical security and processes.

Secured by Design works with the industry and test houses to create high-level security standards, responding to trends in crime, and has given input on a number of key standards .The principles of the scheme have been proven to reduce the risk of crime and the fear of crime.

For more information on the secured by design initiative refer to their website www.securedbydesign.com

Garador Guardian Range

The UK’s first range of Up & Over garage doors to meet the Secured by Design accreditation. The Guardian Range of doors have beenGuardian Range engineered to offer even greater security to meet STS202. (STS202 is a security technical specification that addresses attempts at manual burglary.) Currently available in two designs with either Retractable or Canopy gearing options and a choice of 7 standard colours. In addition, Garador can also offer a range of front entrance doors which are also SBD certified.

The new Guardian Range has been engineered to offer even greater security. Both the Craton and Horizon door styles are available within the Guardian Range and can be supplied with either canopy or retractable gearing options and in any one of the seven standard colours.

Features Include:

Lock Body Protection – A reinforcing plate has been added to the lock body to prevent attacks against the locking mechanism. This new plate protects both the lock body and the central locking rod anchor points.

Improved Lock Security – Additional plates added to the base corners protect the bottom locking points of the door. These plates ensure the bottom latches remain intact even under extreme attack to prevent access.

 4 Point Locking – A 4 point locking system is standard using steel rods operating steel security latches all protected behind braced areas and fed back to a high-security anti snap cylinder lock.

Anti-Snap Cylinder– The standard cylinder has been changed for a new anti-snap version which also incorporates a sacrificial front. The new cylinder is designed to prevent entry even after an attack.

High-Security Bracing – Braces at the back of the door have been increased from 2 as standard to 8 braces for extra protection. The number of spot welds has been increased by more than 70, further securing the door skin.

For more information contact the team on 0800 716 569.

Guardian Lock security

Lock Security

Guardian Anti-Snap Cylinder

Anti-Snap Cylinder

Guardian Bracing

Bracing

Guardian Lock Body Protection

Lock Body Protection

 

 

Insulated Garage Doors – Save energy and money!

Insulated garage doors make a lot of sense in a time when we’re all preoccupied with ways to save energy and money. More and more people are utilising their garage space as an addition room to the house and this means ensuring the space is properly insulated. The increase in requests and sales of insulated garage doors has been growing in the last few years and it’s not hard to see why. Families looking for playroom areas, dads looking for workshops and studSeceuroGlide Rollerents who need a space to be creative are finding the garage can be invaluable. With insulated garage doors, all these things are realistic options for homeowners.

It’s worth remembering garage door drafts have a large impact on heating bill losses of the entire property, that’s why we recommend draught excluders for garage doors to eliminate heat loss. Insulation helps you to save cash and also enables you to use the garage space in smart ways.

There are a large range of insulated garage doors available with different designs and features but they all share one important attribute – they are made to offer a very high level of security, which appeals to a lot of our customers.

SeceuroGlide is the original insulated roller garage door. SeceuroGlide roller shutter garage doors: insulated & made of twin-walled slats. Secured with unique locking roller shutter system. Since its launch as the first insulated roller garage door, SeceuroGlide has maintained its position as market leader through continuous development and innovation, it’s one of the most versatile options on the market.

There are a number of advantages of sectional doors: usability, reliability and safety, good sealing of opening and excellent thermal insulation. Sectional garage doors are the best-insulated doors for a residential type garage doors. With vertically rising style doors split into several sections, they are constructed in 20 or 42mm thick insulated steel panels, offering superb insulation and achieving excellent U values if installed behind the garage aperture.

Georgian PanelsAlutech sandwich panels are 45 mm thick. For the production of the panels, Alutech uses galvanized steel tape 0.4 mm thick with 16 μm zinc coating. The front side of the panel is coated with poly urethane modified by polyamide particles (PUR-PA) 20-25 μm thick. The panel is closed-circuit: the front and inner steel sheets are interconnected at the top and at the bottom of the panel, offering excellent thermal insulation. The new Trend Series of doors are economical and functional doors with a 40 mm thickness with fittings made of galvanized steel, which are optimally suited for regions with temperate and cold climates.

Hormann’s new double leaf, side hinged door brings a traditional style up to date by using the same insulated panels that form Hörmann’s class leading sectional garage doors.

If you want to make your garage as insulated as possible, then look at the double skinned sectional doors with 40-45mm thick panels and make 100% sure the door is fitted completely behind the garage opening. We can provide a range of insulated doors, from roller doors to sectional door or traditional side hinged doors. If you have any garage door problems we can solve them.

 

Advice about Garage Door Repairs

Garage door repairs aOn most garage door repairs are best left to the experts at Access Garage Doors, but some minor problems you can fix yourself with the use of garage door spares

Due to the many moving parts operating on a daily basis, wear and tear on garage doors is inevitable, and while major components such as automated doors require extensive fixes, you can replace smaller components yourself.

Basic Spare Parts

Usually, the simplest components are also the ones that receive the most amount of stress.

  • Cables – Cables provide support and keep your garage door open or closed. To replace your cables, prop open the garage door and remove the cable while it is still rolled up in its spindle.
  • Springs – Garage door springs provide torsion and act as a counterbalance. We advise replacing both springs at the same time as a pair. To replace your springs, use a winding bar to loosen it. Never attempt to remove it while it is still under tension.
  • Rollers – Rollers keep your garage doors on track. Replacing it is just a matter of removing the track to access the roller. You can then replace it, taking care to realign the new roller with the track.
  • Draught StripsDraught strips provide insulation and save energy. You typically install them at the bottom of the door, using adhesives. They seal up the area and prevent draughts from entering your garage.

Rundum Meir Sliding Garage Doors

Rundum Meir Sliding Garage Doors – 40 years in the making

Rundum Meir - Main

Oak overhead sectional 4.2 m h x 2.6 m w

Rundum Meir have 40 years experience in making bespoke, sliding garage doors to order.

The wide range of materials they use in the construction of their garage doors, which include aluminium, insulated steel and a variety of timbers, such as oak, are ideal for architect-led projects, refurbishment, and conservation of listed and traditional buildings.

Rundum sliding garage doors can be made to fit almost any opening including curved or unusual shapes. And the superb build quality and engineering ensures all custom made garage doors operate very smoothly and quietly. They also have many additional advantages and features such as electric remote automation and insulation.

Both the bespoke wooden and metal doors have numerous options for personalisation to create a wide variety of installations.

 

 

Garage Door Floor Seal

Weather Defender Garage Door Floor Seal

Weather Defender Banners Keep your garage clean

Garage Door Floor Seal Features:

The Weather Defender floor seal is designed to protect your garage from leaves, dust, debris, rodents and rain by creating a seal between the garage door and floor.

  • Made from 100% recyclable premium marine grade PVC
  • UV stabilised
  • Easy tear off front lip for doors with a small gap underneath
  • Supplied with an adhesive that can be applied if submersed in water
  • Ridges on the top side to reduce the risk of slipping
  • Top profile designed for roller doors
  • Eye catching yellow safety strip

Suits ALL types of garage doors –

  • Up & Over garage doors
  • Sectional garage doors
  • Roller garage doors
  • Side Hinged garage doors

If you want to know more about Weather Defender visit the website or to place your order call the team on 0800 716 569

 

 

5 common problems with Garage Doors

5 common problems with Garage Doors

Your garage is supposed to prevent trouble by keeping your car safe from the elements but sometimes garages have problems of their own. Garage doors won’t open, refuses to lock or is aged and warped. Here’s how to solve garage door predicaments with our Garage Door repair tips;

The door is stuck shut

  • This can be the result of a broken cable, bent track or worn springs

The door opens slower than usual

  • This can be caused by a broken spring that needs replacing

The door squeaks as it opens and closes

  • It’s most likely that the rollers and bearings need to be lubricated

Your door won’t close fully – It partly closes before going back up

  • Something is obstructing your automatic opener, preventing the door from closing completely
  • The Cables need replacing
  • The track is bent and needs replacing
  • Or the springs are worn

No matter what you do your door won’t open or close

  • There may be a problem with the keypad or the programming, but first, try replacing the batteries in the remote control if you have an automatic opener.

Some repairs you can make yourself, however, we advise getting an expert who is fully trained and equipped to assist you and make any necessary repairs safely and efficiently. Here at Access Garage Doors we provide a full garage door repair service. Call the team or contact us to arrange a member of our team to advise you and repair your door.

To help prevent garage door problems test that your garage door working, checking the springs, rollers, spindles, cables and track. Wipe down the tracks, preferably with a microfiber cloth to prevent lint from being left behind. Also, make sure to keep all the metal moving parts lubricated. However, do not lubricate plastic parts. If you are having issues with your garage door call our friendly team on 0800 – 716569 who will be able to provide more detailed advice and send a member of our garage door repairs team to assist you.

 

RSJ LINTEL INSTALLATION

DOUBLE GARAGE CONVERSIONS

Do you have a double garage that has two single doors? Are you finding it a squeeze to park your car in the garage? We can help!

Here at Access Garage doors we have the facilities to transform your garage into a double garage with a double-width door. By removing the centre pier and installing an RSJ lintel that spans the distance across the two openings, providing a much wider door. All measured and customised precisely for your requirements.

But what is an RSJ you ask? A reinforced steel joist (RSJ) is a horizontal steel beam used within construction, also referred to as l-beam and h-beam due to its shape. We use an RSJ when converting the two single garages to one double garage.

Before - two single garage doors

Before – Two single garage doors

During - installation of load bearing steel

During – Installation of load bearing steel

After - Installed double sectional garage door

After – Installed double roller garage door

 

We offer a full double door conversion service, transforming two single doors into one, making it more convenient for you to park your car and creating more space in your garage by removing the central pillar between the two single garages. The Double Garage Conversion service includes:

  • Removal and disposal of existing single garage doors, brick pier etc.
  • Supply and fit load-bearing steel lintel
  • Supply and fit double sized garage door of your choice (manual or automatic)

We tender to all making good and dispose of any rubbish created during the installation. We also offer additional Garage Doors extras and can fit any door style for you in the necessary size. Alternative sizes, designs, models and automation all available. Contact our expert team for more details.

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