What is headroom? 
Headroom is the distance between the top of the door and the lowest point of the ceiling or any obstruction such as a garage door opener rail, pipes, or ductwork.
 
How much headroom do I need? 
This depends on what type of spring system that your new door will have. For extensions springs, a minimum of 10" is required for the door to operate. Torsion springs require 12". Remember, these amounts are for door operation only. If you are installing a garage door opener, additional headroom is required.
 
I do not have the needed amount of headroom. Is there something I can do? 
Yes! Low headroom kits are available. If your door came with extension springs, the needed headroom can be reduced to 4-1/2”. Torsion springs systems can be reduced to 4-1/2”.
 
What is backroom? 
The backroom is the distance from the garage door to the back wall of the garage. The door height plus 18" is required for proper door installation. Additional backroom is required for the installation of an automatic garage door opener.
 
I do not have a standard size door. Can you make a door to fit my needs? 
Standard residential door widths are 8', 9', 10', 12', 14', 15', 15'6", 16', and 18'. Some models can be custom ordered in 2" increments (8'2", 8'4", 8'6", etc.). Check with us for custom width/model availability. Standard door heights are from 6' to 8' in 3" increments, except for 7'3". Most residential models are now available in extended heights up to 12’.
 
What is side room? 
The measurement from each side of the door opening, outward to the nearest wall or obstruction within the garage. Allow on each side of the door 3-3/4" for standard extension and torsion springs to allow for installation of the track.
 
What type of spring system comes with my new door? 
We recommend torsion springs but we can supply extension springs on some door models.

I have a window section in my door. Do I have a choice on the placement of that section? 
The window section can be placed in either the third (2nd from top) or the fourth (top) section.
 
I am getting ready to remove my old garage door. It has standard torsion springs. How can I get the tension off the springs? 
Torsion springs are under high tension. Unwinding standard torsion springs requires specific tools and training. Due to the dangerous nature of this process, we recommend you contact us to remove the tension from the springs.
 
I am building a new garage; what size should I make the finished opening for my door? 
The finished opening should be the same size as the door you wish to purchase. The door fits against the opening from the inside. The finished opening for residential doors will have an exterior perimeter seal or stop molding to seal out rain and wind. We install the perimeter seal or stop molding on all residential doors.
 
Can I replace only the sections, and not use the new track and springs? 
To avoid installation problems which could result in personal injury or property damage, use only the track and springs specified and supplied with the door. Do not attempt to reuse the old track, springs, or hardware. Failure to use all supplied hardware will void the factory warranty.

Do I need to reinforce my garage door if I am installing an automatic opener? 
Yes! Failure to properly install opener reinforcement will result in damage to the door and will void the warranty. The reinforcement configuration differs depending on the model number and size of the garage door.
 
My door “hangs” in the opening – is that normal? Can I fix it? 
Normally a door will hang about 4 – 6 inches into the opening. This helps keep tension on the cable so it does not fall off the cable drum or pulley. If you have a door with an electric opener, it can be adjusted so the door is pulled completely even with the opening, if necessary, to provide additional clearance for a vehicle.

Does my garage door require maintenance? 
Your garage door is the largest moving object on your home, and we recommend that the Door Maintenance information in your installation manual is performed on an annual basis.
 
Can I fix my door myself? 
Our doors are designed to last, but some parts do occasionally wear out or become damaged. If you are reasonably handy and follow the instructions with the parts or in your installation manual, you can do some repairs yourself. Some of these parts include rollers, bottom seal, hinges, lift handles, windows and window inserts. While some homeowners have the skill and tools to handle it themselves, we recommend that replacing springs, door sections, tracks and operators should be handled by a door professional.
 
Are replacement sections available for my door? 
We can order replacement sections from a wide variety of manufactures if the door is still manufactured. Exposure to the elements over time will alter the color of the section; therefore it may not be a perfect match. Due to the custom assembly of some carriage typed doors, certain restrictions apply for replacing sections.

 
I hear a lot about R-value. What is it and is it important? 
R-value is a measurement of thermal efficiency of a door, or how well it insulates. Insulation is an important factor to consider when purchasing a garage door. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your garage, or if you have a room directly above or adjacent to your garage, you will want to purchase a door that offers a high R-value. If your garage is not attached to your home, or you are not concerned with insulation, you can purchase a door with a lower R-value or no insulation at all.
 
My door has no insulation; how can I insulate the door? 
We can order Insulation kits for some doors.
 
Can I install my old garage door opener on my new door? 
In most cases we can hookup your new door to your existing opener. We have to ensure that the unit is equipped with all of the safety features required by law today to ensure the safety of your family. Upon verification that the unit meets the current government requirements, just about any opener can be installed.
 
When referring to the gauge of the steel skin, does a lower number mean thicker steel? 
The lower the gauge, the thicker (and stronger) the steel. For example, 24-gauge steel is thicker than 27-gauge steel. However, a “sandwich” constructed door with two 27-gauge steel skins and a bonded insulated core is stronger than a “steel frame” door with a single 24-gauge steel skin.

Can I paint my Door? 
Most steel doors can be painted with any high quality exterior paint. Wood doors should be painted/stained prior to installation.
 
Do you offer Doors for High Wind Areas? 
We offer garage doors to meet specific wind speeds. These doors have added steel reinforcement struts, upgraded springing and heavy-duty commercial grade track and rollers to meet wind speeds and gusts from 75 mph to 170 mph. Your local building department can give you information on which ratings your county requires.