A garage door, also known as a hard-plank door, is usually a heavy-duty, metal-framed door on a garage that opens by an air-lift or manual motor. Garage doors are commonly large enough to handle automobiles and several other items. However, small garage doors can also be constructed from a single panel that tilts back and forward over the garage roof. Such doors are known as tilt-up doors. Other types of such doors include the sectional garage door, the flexi-file garage door, roll-up garage door, and a retractable garage door. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most common type is the sectional garage door, which is made up of several panels connected by spring tension. Each section contains a pair of torsion springs. The spring tension enables the door to roll up smoothly and gently along the ceiling, not allowing it to dig into the ceiling. Torsion springs are often replaced by electronic control devices to prevent the door from closing if it is improperly closed.
The sectional garage door features two torsion springs, each spring attached to a side of a torsion spring plate which can be found on either side of the door. This design requires fewer moving parts, which results in less repair and maintenance costs. However, because the springs can be separate sections, single-point failure can occur if one spring breaks while the other is still operating. If this happens, the whole garage door becomes inoperable.
Roll-up doors, also called canopy doors, feature overhead garage doors that collapse completely, allowing parking to be done under the structure. Though these doors have no insulation, they are popular with many home owners who wish to enhance curb appeal. This style is best installed by a professional to ensure proper installation. Many of these doors include the proper insulation for optimum energy efficiency.
Bi-folding garage doors do not feature tensioned springs. Instead, the torsion springs are wound tightly on an aluminum frame. An aluminum frame is very effective at insulating against heat and cold. These doors feature the most efficient insulation available, but because of their construction, they cost more than other styles of overhead garage doors. Most bi-folding doors include insulation between the various panels.
Regardless of the materials used to construct garage doors, the most important component is the torsion spring. Garage doors must provide the necessary lifting force to allow vehicle access. If the garage door fails, causing vehicle-related deaths or injuries, the torsion spring will rupture and fail along with the door. As such, it is imperative that homeowners regularly inspect their garage doors for signs of wear and tear. Garage doors should be kept in top shape to ensure safe travel.