When it comes to modern conveniences, garage doors rank high up there on the list of home gadgets that we cannot do without. This preference may be traced back to the fact that, throughout the UK, people have shown an increased preference for driving their cars rather than commuting to and from work. In fact, in Great Britain alone, the proportion of households with access to a car increased from fifty-two per cent to seventy-five per cent (52 %-75 %) during an almost forty-year period (1971-2007). Thus, with many households now purchasing vehicles at a rapid rate, the need to protect such investments at home have also become of high concern. This is where garage doors come in.
These come in various materials and basic operating mechanisms. This article introduces one of the most popular types in the UK- roller garage doors.
What is a roller garage door?
Garage doors differ in many aspects; primarily, they differ regarding the operating mechanism used to open and close the door. A roller door gets in name from the way a curtain of galvanised, lightweight material rolls up or down a tube that is placed on top of the garage entrance. Roller doors are different from other mechanisms in that they are lightweight, easy to maintain, and easy to operate.
What is it made of?
Most of the roller doors sold in the UK is typically made of sheets of galvanised plastic-coated steel or double-skinned aluminium latch. Compared to a sectional door, for instance, the roller door does not feature full panels but instead use a hinged design to facilitate efficient rolling up or down motions for the roller door. Other materials include tracks that run the height of either side of the garage entrance, weatherproof rubber seals, which close the gap between the door and the spaces around the opening, and a tubular drum attached on top of the entryway onto which the curtain is stored when the door is in use.
What are the advantages of having one?
Roller garage doors are particularly advantageous for those who have limited and narrow garage paths, as well as those with rather small garages that can fit only a single car. This is because the operating mechanism of a roller door does not require ample space outside nor inside the garage. In addition, since roller doors are made of durable materials, they are guaranteed to withstand stronger impact and not be subjected to denting and warping. This type of door is also popular because they are relatively easier to maintain compared with other forms that employ counterbalance mechanisms.
Can it be automated?
Yes, roller doors can easily be automated if this is your preference. Automated garage roller doors can give you additional sense of security and add protection. Furthermore, roller garage doors are convenient, incredibly easy-to-operate, and add extra comfort to your home. They make your life a lot easier by eliminating the need for you to get out of your car, walk up the driveway, and manually open your garage door. Most automatic roller doors are equipped with an infrared sensor, which detects any movement when the garage door is closing. When an obstruction is identified, the door stops moving downward, thus reversing up. This feature is great if you have young children or pets.
