Garage Door FAQs
Do you have questions about an upcoming garage door project or garage doors in general? Below, we answer several questions commonly asked of garage door professionals.
Q: Do garage door companies also sell and install garage door openers and other door-related products?
A: Yes, most garage door companies install accessories that provide high levels of convenience, safety and security. Most companies utilize factory-installed hardware and tracking systems to install ceiling- and wall-mounted garage door openers; wired or wireless infrared safety sensors and accessories; quiet, all-steel tracking systems; state-of-the-art, multifunction control panels; and more.
Q: Should I choose an insulated garage door or a non-insulated one?
A: It depends on your house’s exposure. If you’re planning on installing a steel garage door and your house faces east, south or west, a vinyl back to deflect radiant heat that’s generated by afternoon sunlight is recommended. If your home faces north, however, insulation won’t be as beneficial because the garage won’t get as much sun. In that case, you can opt to install windows instead.
Q: How important is the gauge of steel on my garage door?
A: People put a lot of emphasis on the gauge of steel on their doors, but it’s not that important—especially with some of the other components available today.
Q: What’s the difference between a screw drive motor and a chain motor in terms of noisiness?
A: Screw drive motors are the quieter of the two, but most garage door companies tend to use chain motors for single-story homes that don’t have rooms above their garages. If you have a living space above your garage, a belt drive, which is even quieter, is recommended.
Q: What will happen to my old garage door after the new one is installed?
A: Most garage door companies will remove your old door and dispose of it properly.
Q: Can a garage door company install a keyless entry system on my garage door?
A: Most garage door companies can mount an exterior keyless sensory system that mounts to the wall on the outside of the garage door and requires you to enter a code. These systems are also handy if your children come home from school before you—instead of carrying keys, they can punch in the code and get into the garage.
Q: Does my steel garage door need to be insulated?
A: Many steel doors are insulated with bonded polyurethane, which adds strength to what is otherwise pretty thin steel. All modern steel garage doors are thin-gauged, and the manufacturers decide what to disclose regarding the gauge. Unfortunately, there’s no third-party verification, which means you have to trust that the steel is as strong as the manufacturer claims it is.
Q: What kind of garage door operator should I have?
A: That depends on the type of door you choose. Most garage door companies will discuss every aspect with you and come up with an appropriate recommendation based on your needs.
Q: Are carriage garage doors worth the price?
A: Carriage doors can greatly improve the appearance of a home and dramatically enhance its value. They also improve curb appeal because they’re the first thing you see on the front of the house.
Q: I have a garage door that needs to be repaired, but it was installed by a company that is no longer in business. Can another garage door company fix it?
A: Yes. Many garage door companies do repair work on a wide variety of doors and openers, even those that weren’t purchased from them. Most companies have access to many hard-to-get parts, so if a model is still being made (or if the parts are available), they can solve the problem. If not, alternate solutions can be appropriately advised.
Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified garage door company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a garage door company with confidence by offering a list of local, top rated companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only garage door companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified garage door company.
