Is your business going through a renovation project? Will you be doing construction in the future? One of the things to consider is the addition of garage doors. They could have a significant effect on all sorts of things, which we will explain below.
It doesn't matter why you need to have additional garage doors – you could have a million reasons to do so. What does matter is that you take all integral factors into account before you purchase any garage doors.
Of course, you might not know all the details about garage doors or garage door operators on buildings for a business. That's why this article exists. We will go through all of the information you need to ensure the items you purchase are ideal for your specific situation. Read on to find out all the details.
Like these kinds of trolley door operators? This is the LiftMaster MT model.
What's different between a business garage door and one for a home?
If you've ever taken a good look at the two types of garage doors, you know they aren't the same. In fact, commercial garage doors and residential garage doors aren't even used for the same thing. A commercial door is often sturdy and large. It's made to open often and let in large loads. With residential garage doors, aesthetics tend to be the main factor. These garage doors are made to ensure your home looks excellent.
Weight and dimensions
As mentioned, the typical garage door for a business is more substantial. Instead of letting in one or two cars, they are used to let in trucks all day long. This means a commercial door needs to be very long-lasting and strong for all the traffic that comes in throughout the day.
Operational cycle capacity
Another thing that differs is the operation cycle between the garage doors. It's higher with commercial garage door models. For example, a home garage door is designed to open a couple of times each day, while a commercial one might open a few dozen times across 24 hours.
Warehouses and commercial spaces have way more traffic. The garage doors are made to reflect that. They might be made to open a hundred thousand times over 20 years since they're used over and over. When choosing the best garage door operator for a business, think about power but remember that energy efficiency also matters.
Thoughts about horsepower
The amount of needed horsepower can vary. It all comes down to the door's usage and size. However, commercial doors will be heavier, larger, and open many times each day, so you want a powerful option.
Here are some loading dock doors. These garage doors are the G-1000, 8’ x 8’, Heron Blue by Garaga.
Deciding between operator types
Two basic categories of electric door operators are on the market: trolley and jackshaft. When you're deciding which of the two is suitable for you, consider one question. Do you want the operator to be placed on the wall or the ceiling?
● Trolley
This kind of mechanism will be placed hanging from the ceiling. It's going to be toward the middle of the garage door and at the end of the rail. The name comes from the fact that the rail has a trolley. It goes to the door and moves along it to cause the door to lift. This is an operator often used for a traditional lift door. It works by moving the door horizontally.
● Jackshaft
Option two is the jackshaft, sometimes known as a wall-mounted garage door operator. It's going to be near the door and utilize rotational force. While a trolley can't do so, a jackshaft works with many kinds of door movements.
You want to know more about these garage door operators? This is the LiftMaster GH (on the left) and the jackshaft LiftMaster LJ8900W garage door operator model (on the right).
Have a pretty good idea of what to expect from various garage door operators? Now you can take some time to see all the models of garage door operators from LiftMaster. Then, you'll be better equipped to decide which options are best for your company.
Your business and how it affects the right garage door operator
You need to know your business inside and out to decide on the right operator. Think about how the door will be used and what kind of materials are best for your needs. Consider the number of garage doors you want to install.
Think about the needs of your company before you make a purchase. Everything from the level of traffic to your industry will be essential to know. Of course, the cost is also crucial, but don't choose a shoddy operator if it won't do what you need it to do.
Condos & apartments
Cycles are based on the units you own. The more units, the more the door is used. For instance, with 50 occupants who open and close the garage door once a day, the door will be used about 100 times. That might not sound like a lot, but it can add up. Be aware that the amount of operational cycle will affect everything from the garage door operator's cost to the horsepower needed.
Two other things to have are: a timer-to-close feature and a pneumatic reversing sensing edge. The first is self-explanatory. The second makes sure the door opens as soon as it touches an item.
Dealerships & garages
For large garages and dealerships, consider jackshaft garage door operators. These offer more storage space and an accessible ceiling. Consider adding the two items below, as well:
● A loop detector (often placed before the floor is paved) will know when vehicles are near and open the door.
● A mid-stop to prevent a whole opening unless needed. This helps keep good ventilation and heat inside.
Car washes
Some car washers add garage doors for better safety and security or insulation. While every car wash is unique, some things are similar in each. For instance, you want a water-resistant garage door operator since humidity can cause issues with electronics.
But things like location and the construction of the building also matter. Maybe you want to add in more powerful operators. These can control the flow of traffic and cut down on noise.
Research the building and area to make sure you get the correct item. Add accessories that fit your needs!
Fire stations
Lots of firehouses are made with glass doors. Why? To ensure firefighters can have excellent visibility when hurrying away from the station.
This full view door is a G-4400, 14’ x 16’, Anodized extrusion.
Remember that efficiency and safety are also requirements. For example, firefighters need to move fast in an emergency. Seconds make a difference!
This blog from FireRescue1, a network that assists the firefighter community, gives information on how LiftMaster smart garage door operators make a massive difference to firefighters' work each day.
The article explains that the two primary advantages of a robust operator are:
● personnel and equipment safety
● anti-vandalism and anti-theft protection
Adding a wall control panel also increases speed. Every door can open at the same time so all the workers can get out fast.
Warehouses and other commercial buildings
The truth is that what your building is used for matters. The business you run will relate to the number of doors you need, which garage door operator suits the load you go through in the warehouse, and what works best for your stored items.
This is only one of the reasons that you should speak with an expert in garage door operators. They will be able to assist you. But, in the end, you'll be sure to have a model installed that is just right for you.
Is it time to explore and learn more?
It's undeniable that those who aren't well-versed in garage door operators and garage doors may have trouble understanding all the definitions and terms in the industry. This is why we provide several resources and tips that are meant to assist you in understanding the operators and garage doors that are your best choice.
We're here to help with any project you have, whether installing new operators or updating the aging ones you already own. We also provide commercial doors to suit people of all kinds.
Browse through our image gallery if you want to look at genuine projects that have been completed in the past. You also shouldn't be afraid to ask questions of a specialist so you can get through the decision-making process and have all of your questions answered.
Contact us at 1-800-585-7595 or reach out to us in person to get input on your ideas. You can speak with a member of our customer representative team and we'll even make sure you get a quotation after we determine what options are available to you.
This is the LiftMaster GT garage door model, a heavy industrial-duty trolley door operator.
Considerations around the installation of the garage door operator
One of the things that every business needs is a set of electric garage door operators. Have you figured out the right model to meet your needs? That means you should move on to installation! Searching for professionals who can help with proper tools and experience ensures the best possible functioning garage door.
At Champlain Door Systems, we commit ourselves to ensure you're satisfied and have a safe project. Each of our technicians has extensive training and knowledge about all things garage doors. In addition, wiring is run and an electrician installs electrical outlets to ensure safety and professionalism.
Another crucial thing to be aware of is that each of the LiftMaster commercial garage doors comes with a security system to increase your safety and protect you. Speak with your garage door provider to learn about all the options and what each of them has to offer you.
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