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Answer: Normal finish framing is the size of the door required. However, if you would like your door to work more efficiently, the opening should be framed about a ¼" smaller than the door. This is known as a jamb lap and it will help seal the door better than using the same size as the door. The jamb lap will cover a small portion of the door face, and once the weather stops are installed, it will help seal out the elements more effectively. This applies for both commercial and residential doors.
Question: Do I need the floor in place to install the door(s)?
Answer: No, but the ground must be level. However, it is best to have the floor in place prior to installation. Correct starting height can be established, limits can be set, safety measures can be assured, etc.
Question: Can the door be painted?
Answer: Yes, the door can be painted, but that is not necessary with steel doors.
Question: Can windows be added later?
Answer: Yes, we will be happy to add decorative glass windows of your choosing at a later time if you prefer.
Question: How much room do I need above the opening to make everything work correctly?
Answer: For a standard commercial application, you will need 20". A standard residential application requires 12".
Question: What is the warranty for a newly installed door?
Answer: Many of our products come with extended warranties, some with limited lifetime warranties. However, the standard warranty is one year on materials and labor.
Tip #1 - The Balance of Your Door
To lift a sectional overhead garage door, all you need is two fingers. If you need more, you've put your finger on a major problem. A properly installed and maintained residential garage door will have a balance weight of 3 to 5 kilograms (7 to 12 pounds). Any extra weight will not only affect the operation of the door but could affect the safety reverse sensitivity of an electric opener and also shorten the openers life expectancy.
Tip #2 - How to check a typical residential sectional overhead garage door for balance.
If you have an electric opener, disconnect the garage door opener by pulling the red handled release rope. Then lift the garage door to a half open position. Slowly release the door making sure your feet are clear of the door if the door closes. A properly balanced door will stay in the half open position. If the door closes by itself, the springs require more tension. If the door opens by itself, the door springs have too much tension. Don't forget to reconnect your electric garage door opener.
Note: Adjusting spring tension is very dangerous. Do not attempt to adjust spring tension unless you are an experienced door technician and have the proper tools.
Tip #3 - How to check a typical residential electric garage door opener safety reverse:
From the inside of your garage with the garage door closed, place a mark on the floor directly below the point that your garage door opener is connected to your garage door. This is usually in the center of the door. Push the wall button and open your garage door. Place a piece of 2" X 4" flat (1 ½ inches high) on the floor where you made your mark so the door will close onto it. Go to your wall push button and close the door. When the door closes onto the 2X4, it should immediately reverse on contact to a full open position. If this does not happen, your electric opener requires service by a trained professional or it may require replacement. It is recommended that this test be performed once a month.
Tip #4 - Lubrication adds life to sectional garage doors
The most common sign that a door needs lubrication is squeaking or grinding noises or the door does not open or close easily and smoothly. To extend the life of your sectional overhead garage door, it is recommended that all metal moving parts be lubricated a minimum of once a year. Do not use grease as dust and dirt will get imbedded in the grease and create more wear. Use a lubricant that is specially formulated for garage doors, a silicone lubricant or S.A.E. 30 oil. Place a couple of drops of oil on each hinge pivot point, spring shaft bearings and a bead of oil along the top of each spring. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, call Creative Door Services. We'll send our professional technicians to lubricate all the correct parts, adjust your spring tension for proper balance and identify any potential problem areas like frayed cables or worn bearings, possibly saving you an emergency service call in the future.
