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New Garage Door BUYER S GUIDE

A Note from the Owner As the owner of Precision Garage Door with 20 years in the garage door industry I ve never seen as many options for a new garage door as there are today From materials to design and garage door openers homeowners can truly create a door that is unique to their style home and lifestyle A garage door is an investment in your home and we believe that it s important for you to understand the doors openers and the parts that make your garage door run smoothly so you can confidently make the right decision Based on the most common questions and concerns we ve heard from homeowners over the past 20 years we created this guide to help you through the process of buying a new garage door Take some time to read it over and determine what s important to you Thank you for trusting us to enhance your home s value and beauty

THE GARAGE DOOR BUYING PROCESS Perfection doesn t happen overnight Below is a brief outline of what you can expect when buying a garage door with Precision You should plan on this process taking 3 9 weeks from the initial consultation to final installation 1 2 3 4 5 Read our Garage Door Buyer s Guide Our Garage Door Buyer s Guide can help get you started on your journey to designing and ordering your new garage door Learn about different style options top of the line openers and garage door basics that will help you choose the perfect garage door for your home Meet with a Door Designer at Your Home One of our professional Door Designers will come to your home with samples and guidance on garage door styles materials construction and mechanics Meetings typically take about an hour The Designer will also measure your garage to ensure the perfect fit and make sure they can get you the exact door you want Not every door fits in every garage Order Your New Garage Door Once your garage door is ordered it typically will take between 2 and 8 weeks for your door to arrive in our warehouse depending on the manufacturer and door customization you choose You may also be asked to approve manufacturer s drawings to ensure everything is to your specifications Schedule Installation Once your garage door arrives at our warehouse our door team will call to schedule an installation typically installation occurs within a week of our call Installation Day On the big day a specially trained team will come to your home remove and dispose of your old door and install your new beautiful garage door along with any openers and accessories you have selected

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU Garage doors are not a one size fits all investment We suggest focusing on the 3 elements that are most important to you to help find the perfect garage door As the largest moving object in your home these elements are intertwined with one another and reading through the categories can help guide you toward the right door for you Review the topics prior to meeting with your Door Designer so that you re ready to make the most of your time together Design Budget Safety What style matches your home s architecture Is the garage door a focal point or visible from the street Do you have a particular cost in mind Are you interested in financing Do you have children pets that play inside outside of or near the garage materials company standards style cost mechanics openers Noise Maintenance Urgency Is your garage adjacent to a living space What level of maintenance are you comfortable with Does this project need to be completed by a certain date construction openers materials mechanics company standards style Insulation Home Automation Durability Is your garage cold or do you have an adjacent living space Are your garage walls and ceiling insulated Interested in controlling or monitoring your garage door from your phone How often is the garage door used Do you use it as the main entrance into your home Do your children play sports in the driveway construction materials openers construction Security Are you concerned about break ins Is your current garage door sturdy enough to deter theft company standards construction openers mechanics

STYLE The style of a garage door can greatly transform your home Think outside the box and explore those that enhance your home s architecture Trends When it comes to trends it s about making your garage door the center of attention rather than just blending it in with your home Over the last few years we ve seen the following trends emerge and they are here to stay Modern Carriage House 1 2 Originally considered a more rustic design a shift toward clean horizontal and vertical planking and elimination of decorative hardware turns a classic into modern This is one of the most frequently selected styles Ultra Custom Doors 5 Full View Glass Doors Mosaic Windows 3 A sleek and upscale design full view glass doors turn your garage door into a statement piece Emergence of more simplistic flush and plank garage doors in the last few years have allowed windows to become the new focal point Dispersing windows in a random mosaic pattern or along the sides of the door can create an engaging feature on your home Unique Colors 4 Opting for one of a kind color choices started in Canada and is now taking the US by storm Homeowners are more frequently moving away from the standard white door and making bold color selections like evergreen or black to add a wow factor to their home s exterior Wood wood composite and vinyl composite are ideal garage door materials for homeowners who want to be able to customize their doors from start to finish From exotic species of wood to made for outdoor wood composites custom wood and wood composite door manufacturers have heeded the calls for more unique designs allowing you to create a true work of art New technology has also paved the way for custom vinyl composite doors Similar to wood they can be created to your specifications from a one of a kind family crest or ultra custom window design but with the benefit of virtually no maintenance 5

STYLE Designs Step outside and take a look at your home s exterior Are there more curves or right angles Do you have square windows or are they arched Take in the architectural elements of your home s design from the roof lines to the window shape Consider having your doors and windows reflect those elements It can create a cohesive and uniform look for your home s style Carriage House Carriage house garage doors come in two distinct styles rustic and modern The rustic carriage house design includes the traditional hardware such as handles and straps which mimic the look of original carriage house doors This style combined with the convenience of an overhead garage door offers the old world look with the sophistication of modern technology Modern carriage house garage doors are simple but still add a wow factor to many homes The clean design of the modern version creates a timeless look that will never go out of style Rather than the focal point being the hardware or wood grain the actual design of the door catches your eye allowing it to effortlessly add beauty to any home s exterior 6

STYLE Contemporary Contemporary garage doors are quickly becoming a popular option for more modern homes This style is recognized by its clean crisp lines and unique material combinations From copper and rich redwood to glass and charred wood there is a contemporary option for every garage door material The experimentation of designs and materials have given homeowners the opportunity to turn their garage door into a focal point and add a unique flair Traditional The traditional garage door defined by a raised or recessed panel remains popular year after year Homeowners continue to choose this design for its simplicity and ability to match the exterior of many homes Many garages currently have traditional doors so when replacing the door this particular style feels safe because it s what was already there On a time crunch for your garage door project Consider a traditional stamped steel door which may be in stock at your local dealer Custom Custom garage doors allow homeowners to create a garage door that is truly all their own Designed by you to match your home s style with unique panel and window designs a custom door brings a homeowner s garage door dreams to life Manufacturers of vinyl composite wood and wood composite are especially adept at creating one of a kind doors that make a home stand out 7

STYLE Windows Glass Now more than ever there are so many different choices when it comes to choosing window and glass options for your garage door The ability to personalize the window sections of your door means you can add to your home s existing style or completely create a one of a kind focal point Consider your home s architectural style From colonial to craftsman or mid century modern each home style is known for its unique features and design By matching your garage door windows to your home s architecture and existing windows you create a sophisticated look Explore glass options Different glass options allow homeowners to have both private and elegant garage doors While clear glass is often most popular tinted frosted or obscure glass can provide privacy without skimping on style Many homeowners choose seeded hammered or glue chip as the inclusions in the glass lend a twinkling appearance when the garage is lit from within for a higher end look These glass types are available for nearly all door types regardless of manufacturer clear frosted glue chip obscure seeded tinted Try a unique layout Contemporary garage door buyers are opting to explore the placement of windows in mosaic patterns randomly throughout the door or in a more uniform design that strays away from the classic top panel style Choose larger windows The classic top section window design is getting a makeover Many homeowners are designing garage doors with larger windows in the top panel adding more natural light and an increased curb appeal 8

STYLE Personalize your grilles There are three different types of grilles you can select for your window panes window inserts simulated divided lite and true divided lite 1 1 Window inserts are used on basic steel doors to create the appearance of individual windows The plastic is snapped into place over a single window and can be removed if you need to clean the glass 2 Simulated divided lites are the most common construction for any door beyond a basic steel The window section is constructed as one large window pane with a grille of the same material as the door placed on the front of the glass portion to resemble individual window panes 3 True divided lite means there are individual panes of glass within the window section Each piece of glass is cut individually for each pane of the window These are only available on high end wood and vinyl doors and the design is rarely used as it dramatically increases the cost of a door and gives the same look as a simulated divided lite from outside the garage 2 Do you need insulated glass Homeowners know of insulated glass as argon gas sealed between two panes of glass to prevent heat loss from your home In the garage door industry insulated glass is two panes with air between them to create that same effect Manufacturers of garage doors do not use argon as the constant movement of the doors would cause the argon to leak and become ineffective quite quickly If your garage is not insulated and you do not have any appliances that create heat such as a fridge or dryer you most likely do not need insulated glass Decorative Hardware Depending on the garage door design you choose decorative hardware can add a regal or rustic appearance to your garage door The variety of finishes on the hinges knockers handles and more will accentuate not only your garage door but the style of your home s exterior Decorative hardware is added at the discretion of the homeowner as every home is different Decorative hardware is typically used on carriage house and custom doors while traditional and modern doors tend to go hardware free Clavos give your door a medieval feel while handles on a carriage house door will enhance the overall rustic design Many choose to leave it off of their carriage house door if they are going towards a more modern carriage house style 9

STYLE aluminum stamped steel vs Decorative hardware is made of aluminum and stamped steel and each comes with its own pros and cons Aluminum is typically more expensive but has more designs to choose from and is typically thicker with a three dimensional appearance It s the best choice in coastal areas because it s essentially rust resistant The addition of aluminum decorative hardware usually costs between 150 250 Stamped steel decorative hardware can be found on most standard carriage house doors and is typically included in the cost of the door Both aluminum and stamped steel decorative hardware are essentially maintenance free as long as you choose the correct door material for your area 10

MATERIALS Garage doors are constructed of many materials from exotic wood species to composite materials and the classic steel It s important that the material you choose aligns with the look of your home and your lifestyle Steel Vinyl Fiberglass Full View Glass Wood Composite Wood Vinyl Composite Durability Ease of Repair Range of Styles Colors Customization Corrosion Fade Resistant Low Maintenance Price Steel Steel is one of the most traditional garage door materials Large rolls of steel travel through machines that emboss a wood grain onto the door then stamp one of the various designs into the steel The wood grain actually adds stability to the door However the manufacturing process of stamping does limit the design choices of those looking for a standout door Steel is a low maintenance material aside from routine inspection It s durable in that it is fade resistant However it is susceptible to rust and dents so you ll need to take that into consideration when shopping materials 11

MATERIALS Vinyl Vinyl garage doors are typically used when a homeowner wants the simplicity of a traditional garage door but lives near the shore where having a steel door will lead to rust within the first year They are easy to maintain as a wipe down a few times a year can keep them looking and working great For many homeowners vinyl is a top choice for garage door materials because it is incredibly durable and can withstand dents the elements and everyday wear When choosing a vinyl garage door customization options are limited There are fewer color and design options than a steel and vinyl composite But for the homeowner who is less concerned with unique elements and more interested in durability this is the right door for you Fiberglass Fiberglass is known for its ability to mimic wood from the look to the stain It has limited customization options and is offered in common designs and styles but it makes up for it in durability This material is very resistant to insects warping dents moisture and changes in humidity which make this garage door material a great choice for homes on the coast or in salty environments However it can fade over time after long exposure to the sun Fiberglass is low maintenance but it can be difficult to repair if a section is damaged Full View Glass Full view glass garage doors offer a wow factor that is hard to beat With a variety of glass options and frame choices that range from aluminum to vinyl composite full glass can really make the garage door a focal point Glass isn t a very durable material so though it s relatively easy to replace a broken glass section it can become costly Aside from keeping the glass clean it doesn t require much maintenance to keep it looking pristine Due to the construction of full view glass doors being nearly all glass there is no insulation with this material 12

MATERIALS Wood Composite Wood composites are a combination of resin and wood fillers which give them many of the qualities of wood without the headache These specific types of composite such as Extira and Tricoya are manufactured to be used outside and will vary by door manufacturer Wood composites can be cut routed milled stained or painted just like wood This material offers total customization and can truly match any homeowner s exterior design Wood composites are moisture resistant which leads to less warping and cracking This material can absorb heat better than others so it s often better for garage doors that face south and have harsh sun exposure as they can resist fading It can resist termite damage as well as swelling and shrinking Wood Wood allows you to completely customize your garage door You can choose from popular Wood Species such as mahogany and cedar or make even more unique choices with Douglas fir and reclaimed barn wood Create a standout design choose your finish and you ll have a custom one of a kind door made of high quality material Wood can be cut routed and milled to meet any homeowner s specifications and truly adds beauty to your home Wood garage doors come in stain grade or paint grade Stain grade doors offer more rich natural colors across the wood to maintain continuity as it s stained Paint grade doors usually have more knots and dark spots which won t be visible once they are painted Stain grade doors need to be refinished every 1 3 years depending on sun exposure while paint grade doors last about 5 10 years between refinishings 13

MATERIALS If your door is not factory finished it s important they are stained or painted within 10 days to maintain a fresh appearance It s strongly suggested that you have your garage door stained by a reputable professional prior to installation You can also opt to paint your wood garage door depending on the wood species you choose Homeowners who desire wood doors but need a lower price tag than a full custom wood door might consider a wood overlay In this case unfinished wood planks are adhered directly to a steel door Styles are limited and the boards will need to be maintained and finished in the same manner of a full wood door If you re interested in the look feel and customizability of a wood garage door without the maintenance you might want to consider a wood composite or vinyl composite garage door which can be stained to mimic wood grain Vinyl Composite Vinyl composite doors are created by routing and milling cellular PVC a malleable and more workable form of traditional PVC It can be customized to create a one of a kind door that is durable and virtually maintenance free A simple cleaning with your garden hose is enough to keep it looking great Vinyl composite is rust resistant which makes it a great choice for seaside locations as well as salt insect rot moisture and fungus resistant Vinyl composite garage doors allow homeowners the opportunity to create a completely unique door which makes vinyl composite so versatile and popular It can be factory finished with a stain to look like wood or painted a variety of colors However vinyl composite does absorb heat quickly which restricts paint colors Homes with southern facing garage doors are limited to lighter paint colors If your garage door is painted it shouldn t have to be repainted or refinished unless it s a darker color or gets a large amount of sun exposure and it may not fade for over a decade or more Depending on the color of your door you may be required to use a specially made paint by the manufacturer which is made to have Light Reflective Values 14

CONSTRUCTION You know what they say it s what s on the inside that counts And that applies to garage doors too A well constructed garage door can help with security insulation and more When it comes to garage door construction there are 1 2 and 3 layer doors Each layer of construction adds stability and durability to your door 1 layer construction is uninsulated and consists of a single sheet of steel This is best used in detached garages when you are not storing valuable items inside or concerned about climate control in your space Steel 2 layer construction consists of a steel front and a layer of polystyrene insulation backed by a thin layer of vinyl This is best used in fairly inactive driveways as the door can become dented Steel Steel Fiberglass Vinyl Wood Wood Composite Vinyl Composite 3 layer construction is a complete sandwich one layer of material a layer of insulation polystyrene or polyurethane and a backing layer that matches the front material This is the most durable construction offers the most insulation and heat loss protection and is the only construction used by all material types Due to the construction of Full View doors being nearly all glass there is no insulation with this material 15

CONSTRUCTION Insulation Insulation isn t just about keeping your garage warm or cool It is also an important factor in the durability and security of your door Types of Insulation There are two different types of insulation used in garage doors polystyrene and polyurethane Polystyrene is the same material used for a foam cooler and is cut to size and then placed within a garage door panel If it is part of a 2 layer steel door it will have an additional vinyl backing to make it easier to clean but is susceptible to damage from inside the garage It adds rigidity to the door and typically has an R value between R6 R10 Polyurethane is a spray injected expanding foam insulation As it is sprayed in the door from both sides it expands to fill every nook and cranny inside the door which adds rigidity Polyurethane has an R value of R12 R19 on average polystyrene polyurethane R value R value is the measure of resistance to heat flow through a material Insulation is meant to stop the movement and transfer of heat however heat can enter and leave your home in two ways conduction which R value measures and air infiltration which it does not Conduction is the transfer of heat through a surface by direct contact For garage doors conduction is eliminated through thermal breaks Most often used in 3 layer steel doors with polyurethane insulation thermal breaks help eliminate the transfer of heat by breaking the continuity of the steel between the front and back of the door A small strip of rubber like in the image to the left is placed between the steel on the front of the door and the steel on the back of the door This makes it so that the front and back no longer touch and the heat cold can t transfer between the two sides 16

CONSTRUCTION Air Infiltration If your garage door is not properly sealed around your door frame air infiltration can result in heat loss and ultimately eliminate the R value of your garage door Weather seal is the vinyl flap that is placed around the outside frame of a garage door It helps to stop the air infiltration around the opening of the garage door This strip should be both nailed and then back caulked to ensure air does not penetrate the door opening Previously strips of wood were placed around the edge of the opening to keep air and pests out So if you currently have just a wood strip you ll find that the addition of new weather stripping with a vinyl flap will greatly reduce air flow Bottom rubber is applied to the bottom of a garage door to stop air dirt bugs and pests from entering the garage The bottom rubber is not designed to keep water out of your garage This issue needs to be addressed through grade issues on your driveway More Than a Garage Door While R value is an important factor when it comes to your garage door s insulation it shouldn t be the only determining factor in the door you choose You need to consider your garage as a whole The windows walls floor ceiling the garage door and even the company installing the garage door all work together to impact your garage door s insulation Insulation of Your Garage You should match the R value of your garage door to your garage Most homes in the Northeast are constructed using 2x4 construction sheetrock and fiberglass insulation which would put the R value of your walls at about an R10 R12 and you should try to match that in your garage door If your garage is constructed of concrete blocks your garage is considered uninsulated Choosing a door with a higher or lower R value than your garage currently has will have a limited effect in stopping heat transfer but you will still want to consider an insulated door for security and durability purposes Quality of the Installation The installation of your garage door can affect the overall efficiency of your garage door If your door has air gaps faulty bottom rubber and isn t properly weathersealed you can experience heat loss You should talk to your garage door company about their installation standards around weather sealing track selection and how they ensure your installation is completed to your satisfaction 17

CONSTRUCTION How Construction Affects Security A vulnerability of a single layer garage door is that it can be kicked and knocked off the track allowing thieves to enter your garage A door constructed with insulation is ultimately stronger and more secure than a single layer garage door It helps keep the door firm and solid which can keep your home more safe Noise A door with insulation is more rigid preventing the door from rattling as it moves up and down the track A properly installed 3 layer garage door will be virtually silent in its function Additionally a garage door with insulation can help block out the noise from outside your home and add another layer of sound barrier Durability When considering garage door durability the 3 layer sandwich style door offers the most resistance to dents noise and rattling Insulation gives the door added rigidity but depending on how busy your driveway is with kids running around and playing games you ll want to opt for the polyurethane insulation Because it s a spray foam insulation it fills in all the nooks and crannies You ll also need to consider the material you choose if you re intent on having a durable garage door Vinyl is the most durable garage door material but is limited in designs If you re interested in customization and durability you should opt for vinyl composite or wood composite materials It s also important to note that small knicks and scratches in vinyl or vinyl composite won t be as apparent because it s the same color underneath 3 layer garage doors are also less resistant to cracking 1 layer and 2 layer garage doors have been known to crack at the top of the door from the pull of the motor Did You Know In areas that get snow you ll want to be knowledgeable about the garage door material you re choosing and how the elements can affect your door In the Northeast where we get a lot of snow the salt that is used to melt the snow can cause damage to steel or wood garage doors As the salt mixes with the melting snow it rots and rusts the materials 18

MECHANICS The inner workings of a garage door are just as important as the door itself Ensuring the use of the appropriate spring high quality rollers hinges and tracks and maintaining those parts will greatly prolong the life of your door Some elements may come as part of your door while others may be upgrades The Interior Below is what the interior of an average garage looks like with a torsion spring system You will notice the different elements that make up the complete garage door system and help your door work and function properly 19

MECHANICS Spring Systems There are two types of garage door spring systems extension and torsion The spring system allows your garage door to move up and down making it an important component of the overall garage door mechanics The right spring system can depend on several factors but ultimately your Door Designer will help you choose the best spring system for your door Extension Spring System Extension spring systems use springs that stretch and retract to close and open your garage door They extend along both horizontal tracks and are secured with a safety cable through the center While extension springs are less expensive than torsion systems they require more parts and usually more maintenance One advantage to this type of system is that each side of a spring system works independently so it can compensate for an uneven ground Older homes typically use extension systems because they have limited head room in the garage Garage door openers were invented in 1926 but didn t become popular until the 60s so many garages weren t built with them in mind If you currently have an extension system it s recommended that you stick with that rather than reworking your whole garage spring system Torsion Spring System Torsion springs are mounted on a torsion tube above your garage door horizontally and are wound up to create torque or tension As the door closes cables attached to the bottom corners force the springs to wind up When the door opens the springs unwind and the tension transfers to lift the door open Torsion springs are generally safer than extension springs in terms of operation because they re contained on a torsion tube However you should never try to wind repair or replace a torsion spring by yourself Because they are under such extreme tension they can cause serious injury so always call a professional They do tend to be a little more expensive Torsion systems work best if the ground in the garage door opening is completely level You also need 12 inches above the door to mount the spring so many times there is not room for a torsion system on an older home Torsion systems are often recommended for heavier doors but are required for all doors over 8 feet tall 20

MECHANICS Tracks Garage door tracks are located on both sides of the garage door and guide the door as it opens and closes There are several different elements of the overall track system and what you need will depend on the type of door you choose and the dimensions of your existing garage Radius The track radius is the curved part of your track that transfers the door from the vertical position to the horizontal position or vice versa The distance between the top of your door opening and the lowest point on your ceiling determines the maximum size of the radius for your track Typically the larger the radius the smoother and more quietly your door will travel from open to close Similar to a long winding road versus a road with a sharp switchback the angle is approached more gradually and can be more easily managed The maximum size of your radius also defines how many horizontal panels that you can have in a door which is especially important if you are interested in a 3 panel door which allows for larger windows Click to Watch What s more by choosing the largest possible radius or upgrading to a high lift track your door will be closer to the ceiling giving you maximum headroom in the garage Not sure Track Radius which is right for you Your Door Designer will Explained give you guidance if this is something you are interested in The radius of your garage door track can impact everyday situations in your garage If you have 10R 12R 15R an elevated entryway door to your home in your garage a radius that is too small could cause the track to run through the eye line and be an eyesore as well as potentially dangerous You ll also want to consider the radius if you use your garage for everyday car parking A radius that is too small for the height of your vehicle could cause your trunk or car door to hit the track motor rail or open garage resulting in damage 21

MECHANICS Your Door Designer will do a proper measurement while at your home for a consultation but if you want to get a sense if a different radius is a possibility in your garage you can try it yourself Stand one foot back from the opening of your garage While there measure the vertical distance from the top opening of your garage door to the lowest point in your garage The minimum headroom necessary is noted at the end of each track description below Low Headroom Track This is designed for manual doors or doors that have a garage door opener It has a little bit of a turn at the front of the track to allow the top panel of the door to shut completely Low headroom tracks can tend to be a little noisier than the other tracks because the top panel can slam as it s closing Minimum difference 3 5 inches 10R This is a better option than low headroom in terms of track however it doesn t work as smoothly as tracks with longer radiuses because it turns quicker and also limits the size of your panels For this track to work properly you don t want to have a garage door with panels larger 21 Minimum difference 9 inches 12R This is the most common size track we see in the Northeast It offers decent headroom and the garage door functions well on a 12R track For this track to operate properly the door panels must be smaller than 32 Minimum difference 11 inches 15R This radius size is the minimum required for a 3 panel garage door which supports larger windows This type of track runs smooth because of the longer radius Minimum difference 14 inches 20R This radius is more custom and can be more costly The garage feels larger because the doors are up higher however it requires a lot of headroom and the goalposts may have to be extended Even with the extended headroom this radius offers you can still use a regular garage door opener Minimum difference 19 inches 32R This radius often makes the most sense if there is an elevated doorway in the garage used to enter the home Standard track would run right through that doorway creating an eyesore and possible safety hazard A jackshaft opener and torsion spring system is required for this radius If you have space to go higher consider this radius Minimum difference 31 inches High Lift High lift track is an extension between your vertical track and your horizontal track If you use your garage as car storage with a car lift you will most likely require a high lift track This requires at least 12 feet of headroom in order to work High lift track is constructed by extending the vertical track until it meets the horizontal track Extra Feature Powder Coated Track Tracks hinges and brackets can be powder coated in virtually any color to blend into your garage ceiling and door For those that have just built a home or take particular pride in their garage this is a great enhancement to consider 22

MECHANICS Woodwork Woodwork refers to different elements of wood in your garage that can affect your garage door installation Below we discuss two of the main sections in the interior of the garage that should be inspected before installation Goal Posts This term describes the wood around your garage door frame inside your garage The track and other garage door parts are mounted to the goal posts to keep the track secure and steady It s important that the woodwork around the garage door is in good condition and has no damage If the bottom of the goal posts have rotted due to water damage or the boards have split because the mounting holes for your current track were not pre drilled you will need to replace them Spending a small amount now to have your garage door installer replace the woodwork can help maintain the lifespan and safety of your door Faulty woodwork can endanger the quality of your garage door materials and potentially any people pets or objects in the garage Headerboard The header is the section of wall above your garage door opening that maintains the structural integrity of the opening while a headerboard is a specific piece of lumber that creates a solid surface in the absence of a strong header area Both are a mounting area for the motor rail and in some cases torsion tube The headerboard is far less likely to need to be replaced than a goal post as it isn t exposed to water however if it is cracked or not mounted securely it may need to be replaced to ensure your garage door runs smoothly 23

MECHANICS Good Better Best Not all garage door parts are created equal Below we lay out the different garage door parts in a Good Better Best comparison so you can make informed decisions about garage door mechanics Pulleys Pulleys work together with the extension springs to lift the weight of the door There are three different types of pulleys that homeowners will find in their garage GOOD A press fit pulley is two pieces of metal pressed together to form the working piece It is likely to split over time due to the pressure from the cables GOOD BETTER BETTER A riveted steel pulley is similar to a press fit pulley with the addition of rivets for additional strength Because it s not one solid piece of equipment the pulley can eventually split It has bearings inside which will also eventually wear BEST A solid cast iron pulley has a sealed bearing and often lasts twice as long as a riveted pulley and won t split as it is made from a single piece of iron BEST Rollers The rollers of your garage door move along the track as the door opens or closes They can impact a door s operational smoothness or noise level GOOD BETTER GOOD Steel rollers create a loud garage door because of the metal on metal contact with the track BETTER Plastic rollers are not as loud but there is no bearing so there s nothing to lubricate to help the door operate smoothly BEST BEST Nylon rollers are quiet as they roll along the track They have sealed bearings so they ll never need lubrication 24

MECHANICS Operating Cables The placement of operating cables differs for extension systems and torsion systems however the functions are the same to provide the counterbalance strength to open and close the door Extension operating cables run vertically on each side of the door and horizontally to connect to the extension spring Torsion operating cables run vertically down the length of the door The weight and frequency of use of your door as well as the type of pulley used can shorten the lifespan of your cables GOOD GOOD Standard operating cables have 7 wires per strand and 7 strands per cable BEST Aircraft quality cables have almost 3x the amount of wires with 7 wires per strand and 19 strands per cable increasing the durability and strength of the cables BEST Center Bearings Center bearings are the component of a torsion system that support the center of the torsion tube as it turns the torsion spring GOOD Plastic center bearings are a single donut shaped component through which the torsion tube is placed Because it is a fixed unit the torsion tube may rub on the plastic center bearing and cause wear GOOD BEST Sealed steel center bearings are the same donut shaped piece of steel with a second piece of steel placed within the donut supported by small sealed bearings for independent movement The fluid movement of the second piece of steel eliminates friction on the tube for smoother operation BEST 25

MECHANICS Extension Springs An extension spring system uses springs that stretch and retract to close and open your garage door In an extension spring system there are two different types of springs double loop and shackle clip GOOD Double loop springs have a 2 layer loop at each end that connect to the eye hook and pulley GOOD BEST The shackle clip spring isn t part of the coil as the clip is bent around the end of the spring meaning it won t be as susceptible to wear and tear and ultimately break off as is possible with a double loop spring BEST Torsion Springs GOOD BETTER Torsion springs are mounted on a torsion tube above your garage door horizontally and are wound up to create torque or tension There are three different types of torsion springs oil tempered galvanized and powder coated GOOD Oil tempered springs have the tendency to rust over time and can be noisy as the spring winds and unwinds BETTER Galvanized springs don t rust but can corrode which leads to squeaking as the spring ages BEST Powdercoated springs will not rust or corrode because of the coating that protects them leading to a longer lasting quieter system BEST 26

MECHANICS Extension System Parts vs Torsion System Parts Extension System Product Contractor Grade Pulleys Press Fit Riveted Steel Solid Cast Iron Rollers Plastic Steel Nylon Operating Cables Standard Precision Standard Whisper Tec Upgrade Aircraft Quality Shackle Clip Double Loop Springs Torsion System Product Contractor Grade Precision Standard Whisper Tec Upgrade Center Bearing Plastic Sealed Steel Rollers Plastic Operating Cables Standard Springs Oil Tempered Nylon Steel Aircraft Quality Galvanized Powdercoated 27

OPENERS No two openers are the same From enhanced features to safety security choosing the right garage door opener can sometimes be just as important as choosing the right garage door 8165W 8365W Soft Open Close AC AC Drive Chain Chain Belt Motor 4 Years Chain 1 Year Parts 1 Year Motor Lifetime Chain 1 Year Parts 1 Year Single Door Single Door AC DC 84501 8587W DC AC 87504 267 8500W DC DC Soft Open Close Soft Open Close Chain Belt Wall Mount Motor Lifetime Belt Liftime Parts 1 Year Motor Lifetime Chain 5 Years Parts 5 Years Motor Lifetime belt 5 Years Parts 5 Years Motor Lifetime Single Door Double Door Double Door Double Door Soft Open Close Battery Backup Warranty Motor Belt Parts Capacity Parts 5 Years WALL CONTROL myQ Enabled Motion Detection Light Activation Time to Close LCD Display Panel Lighting Incandescent Incandescent Side to Side LED Incandescent 360 LED External LED Camera Optional External Camera Optional External Camera Optional External Camera Built in HD Camera Optional External Camera Optional External Camera 28

OPENERS Noise Concerns of Openers Noise generated from a properly functioning opener primarily comes from the chain or belt When addressing noise concerns related to openers you ll want to factor in whether your garage is attached to your home or not Chain drive openers run on a steel chain and are very durable but tend to be a bit noisy They are often less expensive than a belt drive opener and are a great option for a detached garage or home that does not have an adjacent living space Belt drive openers run on a steel reinforced belt and are virtually silent Just as reliable as chain drive openers belt drives are recommended for homes where there is a living space attached to the garage as they will not disturb any occupants Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall to the right or left of your door and connect directly to the torsion bar to raise and lower your garage door Because they do not have a belt or chain the opener itself is essentially silent Jackshaft openers really gained popularity when people began putting car lifts in their garages to store their vehicles as the absence of a motor rail and ceiling mounted opener gives you additional floor to ceiling height It s also a common opener when there is an obstruction such as a beam in the ceiling limiting the space where an overhead opener could be placed AC vs DC motors AC motors run the door at a consistent speed throughout the track while DC motors have a soft open close feature Essentially DC motors slow down right before the open or close is complete As a result DC motors are slightly quieter as they simply touch the floor or motor rail to stop rather than banging into them to stop Technolog y Features of Openers Garage door openers of today are equipped with technology that allows you to monitor and control your garage no matter where you are increasing functionality and accessibility Smart Phone Control This technology is meant to connect you with your garage door no matter your location This means you can open close your door get real time notifications preset scheduled garage door openings closings and more In Garage Package Delivery Pairing your myQ technology with Key by Amazon allows secure in garage deliveries of your packages Built in Camera Currently only available on the LiftMaster 85503 the camera allows you to know see and hear what s going on in your garage LED Lighting Gone are the days of the incandescent bulb Light up your entire garage with just your opener 29

OPENERS Safety Features of Openers Garage door openers offer many features to keep people pets and objects safe when the garage door is opening or closing Remote Closing Signal This feature triggers the lights on your garage door opener to flash notifying anyone in the garage that the door is being closed remotely using myQ technology Safety Eyes Garage doors are equipped with safety eyes that are mounted on the bottom of the track near the opening If the garage door is closing and there is a person pet or object beneath the door in the opening of the garage door the safety eyes send a signal to the opener to reverse and return to the open position to avoid injury Security Features of Openers Garage door openers are readied with various features to help keep your home and family secure from outside intruders Trolley Shield A Trolley Shield can prevent break ins to your garage by thieves This helps protect the trolley and emergency release cord from becoming disengaged from the opener and the door to be opened manually Closed Position Lock This feature monitors your garage door when it s in the closed position and helps prevent a forced opening If an intruder tries to open your garage door by pushing it to the open position Posi Lock automatically activates the garage door opener to keep the door closed Rolling Code for Remotes This feature sends a new opening code to your garage door opener with every click of the remote so your code can not be copied by others remotely and used to open your door Timed Garage Close Program the garage door to close automatically after a set amount of time Automatic Garage Door Deadbolt Every time the garage door is closed this feature automatically deadbolts the garage door so it s virtually inaccessible Motion Detecting Lights The opener s lights will be activated when there is movement in the garage 30

COST The overall cost of a garage door can vary based on a number of elements But the value it adds to your home both in your long term enjoyment and ROI should be strongly considered Return on Investment The return on investment ROI that a garage door offers is higher than any home renovation project for the Middle Atlantic region of the United States A complete garage door replacement is valued at 106 ROI That means you d get more than what you paid for the door in the first place It can be hard to imagine that something as simple as a garage door replacement can add so much value to your home But with so many materials styles and high end products garage doors can really improve your home s exterior increase the energy efficiency and keep your home safe and secure Elements That Impact Cost Standard Design vs Custom Design Creating a completely custom design with scroll work intricate window grilles or replicating a door you saw on vacation in Europe will greatly increase your cost Choosing a standard design such as carriage house or raised panel while still selecting to use overlays or larger windows may be a more cost effective way to create a door your neighbors will envy Windows Doors without windows are typically less expensive but you may be losing the wow factor windows can add For standard doors windows are 8 10 of the cost of the door Special Finishing Special finishings include a rich stain on a mahogany door or a stain like paint finish on a high end vinyl door These options add to the overall value and elegance of your home s exterior Depending on the type of customization you choose could increase the cost of your door by 10 90 Material The material you choose for your garage door depends on your needs and wants as a homeowner If you have an active driveway where children are playing you may opt for a more durable material which will save you money in the long run Woodwork Replacement Your garage door track is mounted to the goal posts inside of your garage It s important that the woodwork is strong and not damaged so it can securely and safely hold your garage door Any reputable garage door company will inspect your woodwork prior to installation and make appropriate recommendations Basic woodwork replacement starts at about 150 however depending on the extent of damage from water or the installation of your current doors this can increase 31

COST Opener Replacement In some instances garage door openers can be reused but with so many functions and features built into garage door openers about 66 of homeowners choose to purchase a new one This can cost between 399 999 depending on the opener you choose and its unique features It s also important to note that an unbalanced door puts more strain on the gears and motor of your opener Installing a new door that is well balanced with an opener that is already worn can ultimately cost you slightly more Should your opener fail it will require an additional appointment and service fee for the replacement visit Insulation Insulation helps stop heat loss from your garage but may not be necessary depending on what your garage is used for If it s detached does not have an opener installed and is used to store tools and equipment you may not want to pay for the addition of insulation However if your garage is attached to your home serves as a main entryway or is used as a workshop where you entertain your hobbies insulation may be a really important feature and the cost of 150 500 can ultimately lower the energy bills in your home from lost heat or cooling through your garage Door Type Changes If you are converting from a swing out sliding or one piece garage door there may be additional labor charges for retrofitting your current space to work with a modern day overhead door Company Installing Your Garage Door The garage door you choose is only as good as the company you choose to install it A garage door is truly an investment in your home and you ll want to protect it before it s even on your home Selecting a company that is trustworthy accountable for their work has a variety of reviews online and written installation standards will ensure a quality installation process While it may cost a little more money upfront a high quality company will ultimately save you money in the long run because you won t have to keep calling for garage door services and repairs Not to mention should an issue arise you ll know exactly who to call Ready to make a change to your home but not sure about cost We offer financing options available from GreenSky PLAN 4068 PLAN 4123 0 if paid in full in INTEREST 0 INTEREST 6 PLAN 2786 MONTHS if paid in full in 12 MONTHS Project Cost 9 99 INTEREST First Payment 96 for MONTHS Amortized Payments 5 000 114 85 10 000 190 69 151 69 15 000 266 54 227 54 20 000 342 38 303 38 75 85 Subject to credit approval If under plan 4068 or 4123 interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within the 6 12 months If plan 2786 fixed interest rate of 9 99 for 96 months Payment example assumes one time 10 000 purchase on approval date APR 10 10 with 1 payment of 190 68 followed by 95 amortized payments of 151 68 Payments assume Account Activation charge of 39 applies and is due with first required payment 32

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A GARAGE DOOR COMPANY You have chosen the perfect door but who you choose to install the door can have a bigger impact on your long term investment 1 4 7 Licensed Insured Precision is licensed and insured at all of our locations All companies that visit your home should be licensed and insured with up to date policies and coverage Ultimately a company that isn t licensed and insured could cost you big time should any accidents or issues arise on your property Be sure to request these documents upon arrival to protect the physical and financial safety of yourself and the company Reputable Reliable When choosing the company to install your garage door you ll want to be sure other people have had positive experiences with them Reviews from satisfied customers help determine if the employees were knowledgeable and courteous they kept their word and if there were any issues they were solved 2 5 Trustworthy Employees Allowing anyone to come into your home requires trust and you should feel that trust from the moment you book an appointment You ll want to ensure that all employees are drug and background checked Additionally you ll know exactly which Precision technician installer or Door Designer is coming to your home before your appointment as you ll be sent a picture and bio of the employee Quality Training Our Door Designers technicians and installers are all individually trained in their specific role They receive written and on the job training with an extensive team of professionals to back them if they have any questions As a result of this training you can be sure that the job will be done right the first time and eliminate the need for any additional service calls and costs 3 6 No Subcontractors When working with a company that hires subcontractors it can be difficult to reach the right person should an issue arise with your garage door Everyone s pointing fingers and you wind up with a headache and an issue that still hasn t been solved When buying a new garage door it s important to choose a company that has its own employees You ll know you can trust their work and if there are eventually any issues you ll know who to call and be confident that you ll get in touch with someone the first time Installation Standards Having a written list of Installation Standards allows you as the homeowner to know what to expect from your garage door company come installation day We have a thorough outline of what should be included in an installation and ensure it s done properly Fully Stocked Trucks Whether it s samples of doors for a consultation the proper tools for a service call or the brand new opener you need to get your door running each of our employees have fully stocked vehicles for added convenience This limits the amount of visits they have to make and helps solve your garage door issues or answer your garage door questions Additionally depending on the door you need and the urgency with which you need it you may be able to choose from a traditional stamped steel garage door we have in stock at our warehouse 33

LET S MAKE SOME CHOICES Fill out the form below to help us guide you towards the perfect door s Style Materials Design Carriage House Contemporary Traditional Custom Door Material Vinyl Fiberglass Glass Steel Vinyl Composite Wood Composite Wood Color Neutral Bold Maintenance Low Routine Wood tones Grille Type Window Insert Divided Lite Mechanics Glass Type Clear Frosted Seeded Tinted Glue Chip None Existing Spring System Obscure Extension Preferred Spring System If glass do you want it insulated Yes Extension No Do you want decorative hardware Yes Torsion No Construction Do you have an insulated garage Yes No Torsion Existing Track Radius Low Headroom 10R 12R 20R 32R Highlift Track 15R Preferred Track Radius Low Headroom 10R 12R 20R 32R Highlift Track 15R Whispertec Upgrade Yes No Preferred Door Construction 1 layer 2 layer 3 layer Openers Do you want an insulated garage door Yes No Preferred Garage Door Opener 8165W 8365W 8355W 8550WLB WLED 85503 Does the garage have an adjacent living space Yes No 8587W 8500W Cost Number of Doors ____ Number of Openers ____ Budget _____________ 34

THANK YOU T hank you for taking the time to review our New Garage Door Buyer s Guide We hope that you were able to learn about the different garage door elements that are important to you and get started on the process of finding the perfect door for your home Buying a new garage door is truly an investment in your home and it s one that should be done with knowledge and consideration Finding a garage door you love and a company you trust are a recipe for success for years to come After many years in the garage door industry we take pride in our ability to help homeowners design the right door for their home lifestyle and preferences With knowledgeable employees a high end reputation and the assurance of a quality installation we will prove why Precision Garage Door is a name you can trust Get in Touch With Us 833 215 0070 hello pdstristate com Learn More Precision Garage Door Learning Center 35

GLOSSARY Bottom Rubber Bottom rubber attaches to the bottom or your garage door to help stop air dirt bugs and pests from entering the garage Jackshaft Opener Garage door opener that is mounted to the wall rather than the ceiling of the garage Emergency Release A cord attached to the trolley that can be pulled to detach the garage door from the opener Keypad A panel placed outside of the garage used to open the garage door with a code that is set by the homeowner Extension Spring One method to lift the garage door that is mounted on each side of the garage door track horizontally the extension spring stretches and retracts to close and open our garage door Liners This word describes the wood that makes up the frame of your garage door on either side and across the top The weather seal attaches to the liner and rests on the garage door for an airtight seal Goal Posts The wood around your garage door frame inside your garage The track and other garage door parts are mounted to the goal posts to keep the track secure and steady Motor Just like in a car the motor which is inside the opener moves the opener parts to open and close the garage door Header The structure above the garage door opening that maintains the structural integrity of the opening Headerboard A specific piece of lumber that creates a solid surface in the absence of a strong header area Hinges Hardware applied to the interior of the garage door to secure each section of the door together while still allowing it to move independently over the radius Horizontal track Supports the door in its open position works with the vertical track to guide the door up and down Motor Rail An extension of the opener on which the trolley runs to guide the door open and closed This is also where the chain or belt runs to move the garage door Opener The machine that houses the parts that open your garage door mechanically Radius The garage door radius is the curved part of your track that transfers the door from the vertical position to the horizontal position R value The measure of resistance to heat flow through a material 36

GLOSSARY Remote A handheld device that can open and close your garage door from afar with the click of a button Safety Eyes Safety system that alerts the opener to reverse to the open position if there is a person pet or object in the opening of the door as it s moving down Weather Seal Vinyl flap placed around the outside frame of a garage door to help eliminate air infiltration around the opening of the garage door Woodwork An all encompassing term used to describe the different elements of wood in your garage that can affect your garage door installation Sections The horizontal panels of a garage door connected with hinges Torsion Spring One method used to lift the garage door that is mounted parallel to the door on the header of the garage the tension of the spring winds up as it closes and unwinds as it opens Trolley A part of the opener system connects to the center of the garage door to enable the motor to open and close the garage door Vertical Track Supports the door in its closed position works with the horizontal track to guide the door up and down Wall Control Panel Located inside the garage near an entry door 5 feet off the ground Depending on the model of the garage door opener it will have a light button an open close button and a screen that allows you to set features and functions to meet your preferences WV 07 16 21 37