Why should I use a professional garage door dealer/installer instead of DIY?
At Garage Headquarters, we believe that the installation of a garage door is not a do-it-yourself job. A garage door is the largest moving object in your home and, because of the large number of small parts, installation of a garage door is highly technical. Connecting the springs can be particularly dangerous and proper installation is critical to the performance of your door. Professional garage door dealer/installers can typically install a door in a few hours and are careful to make sure safety requirements are met. Installations by most homeowners typically span several days and cause much frustration. We want everything to be as painless as possible for you.
Plus, incorrect installation can void certain warranties, so we recommend a professional handle the job for you. One of the other services a professional garage door dealer/installer can provide is the disposal of your old door, if you are replacing a door.
What is a carriage house door?
A carriage house door is a style of garage door that replicates the look of doors found on carriage houses in the early 19th and 20th Century. Garage Headquarters distributes a variety of striking carriage house designs made from three different materials, steel, wood and wood composite. All Garage Headquarters carriage house doors have the look of authentic carriage house doors with the remarkable up-and-down function of today’s modern garage door.
The Black Label Classic Collection, Nantucket Collection and Newport Series include a variety of carriage house style doors. Garage Headquarters offers stamped-steel carriage house doors in the Weston and Quincy Series that eliminate a homeowner’s concern of misaligned trim overlays. We also offer beautiful, handcrafted wood carriage house doors in the Vineyard Collection!
Why should I choose an insulated door if my garage is not insulated?
A garage door opening is very large. Insulated doors will help to reduce the transfer of heat or cold air into your garage. This is important for a number of reasons:
— If your garage is attached to your home, air in the garage can travel through the doorway to your living area.
— If you use your garage as a workshop, your comfort will be a top priority.
— If your garage is below another room in your home, air can travel through the ceiling of the garage into the floor of the room above. An insulated door will keep temperatures in the garage fairly stable to reduce the temperature fluctuation in the room above.
— An insulated door is generally quieter and has a more attractive interior than a non-insulated door.
What type of spring is better: extension or torsion?
The two types of springs used on garage doors today are extension and torsion springs.
Extension springs are attached on either side of the door and stretch along the horizontal track when the door is closed.
Torsion springs are typically located just above the top section of the door and are mounted to the header. They are wound springs and do not expand or contract when the door is moved.
Some homeowners prefer torsion springs because these springs offer more safety and provide better balance to the door for smoother operation.
I’d like to purchase a steel door, but need a color other than those you offer. Can I paint the door once it’s installed?
Yes! All Garage Headquarters steel doors are pre-painted with a factory-applied baked-on coating that is suitable to be repainted. Garage Headquarters doors will accept a wide variety of commercially available latex exterior paints, when applied in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not use oil-based paints.
Read on below for a painting walkthrough once you have your door installed!
Is 25 gauge steel thicker than 24 gauge steel?
Surprisingly, no! When comparing strengths of steel, remember, the lower the gauge number, the thicker (and stronger) the steel.
What is “Wind Load”? How do I know if my garage door needs to be a wind load door?
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes and windstorms, you may need a garage door that is engineered to meet strict building code requirements for high winds.
Your Garage Headquarters representative can help determine the appropriate Wind Load door for your area. Garage Headquarters distributes Wind Load approved garage doors for practically every door that we offer, which is simply an upgraded version of a door that has been reinforced to meet wind codes.
Are special size doors available? I have a custom-built garage that features an unusual size door.
Yes. Garage Headquarters offers residential doors in widths between 6′ and 20′ in two inch increments and in heights between 6’6″ and 12′.*
*Not all door models are available in this range of widths.
What are the benefits of a steel door vs. a wood door?
Steel doors may require less maintenance than a wood door. Garage Headquarters steel doors are pre-painted with a factory-applied baked-on coating. Garage Headquarters recommends an annual cleaning of the exterior of the door with a common household detergent and warm water at least one time per year.
Garage Headquarters wood doors are unfinished and need to be primed and painted or stained on all six sides of the door upon delivery. Garage Headquarters recommends visual inspection of the paint or stain finish on wood doors one time per year to confirm if another finish application is necessary.
