When was the last time you gave your garage door a second thought? It’s a feature that we tend to overlook – until it is time for an upgrade or something goes wrong. However, it’s a pretty important feature. It isn’t just an entrance; it also plays an important role in curb appeal and home security.
If you're in the market for a new roller garage door, there’s more to consider than just style and price. From materials and safety features to motorised options and maintenance, there is a lot to consider! In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.
What Is A Roller Garage Door?
Unlike traditional doors that swing outward or slide upwards, a roller garage door is designed to roll up vertically into a coil above the garage opening – similar to how a carpet is rolled. This makes it an ideal door for garages with limited space.
Made from a Colorbond steel curtain, the door smoothly wraps around a drum located at the top of the opening when in use. The edges of the door are fitted with felt or fabric strips that help it open and close smoothly and quietly. Roller garage doors can be operated manually or automatically, but most modern designs today are equipped with an electric motor and remote control.
The Benefits of a Roller Garage Door
Choosing a roller garage door offers a range of benefits that go beyond just functionality. Here’s why it’s a great investment for your home:
Space-Smart Design: Roller doors are incredibly compact. You only need space right above the opening, which leaves your ceiling free for storage or lighting. As it opens vertically, you can also park closer to the door without worrying about it swinging outward or needing additional clearance.
Durability: Made from sturdy materials like Colorbond steel, roller garage doors are built to last, providing excellent protection against wear and tear and various weather conditions.
Easy to Operate: Modern roller garage doors are incredibly easy to operate. Most come with electric motors and remote controls, making it a breeze to open or close them with the touch of a button. For those who prefer a simpler setup, manual options are also available and easy to use as well.
Affordable: Compared to sectional or tilt doors, roller doors offer great value. They're straightforward to maintain too - just the occasional cleaning and yearly servicing to keep them running smoothly.
Looks Good: A roller garage door isn’t just functional—it’s stylish too! Available in a range of colours, with a single finish and design option, it’s easy to match your home’s aesthetic while enjoying reliable performance.
Things to Consider
As we’ve seen, roller garage doors have a host of fantastic benefits. But, before you decide, it’s worth taking a step back to think about a few key factors to make sure you’re making the best choice for your home and lifestyle. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Getting The Measurements Right
When it comes to roller garage doors, getting the measurements right can make all the difference. A door that’s too small or too large won’t work smoothly, and the last thing you want is a door that doesn’t fit your space or function properly!
Check Your Garage Headroom: Ensure there’s enough headroom above the opening for the drum of the roller door to fit comfortably. Without sufficient space, the door won’t roll up properly, which can lead to installation or operational issues.
Account for Door Width: It’s essential that the roller door is slightly wider than the garage opening. This helps minimise gaps, ensuring better insulation, security, and overall functionality.
Measure the Height of the Opening: The height of your garage opening is just as important. If your walls are shorter, you might need a taller roller door. If the drum or door takes up too much room it might make it harder to manoeuvre larger vehicles into the garage.
Plan for Motorisation: Thinking about motorising your roller door? Make sure there’s enough space to accommodate the motor and its components. Motorised roller doors typically require additional clearance, so double-check the area above and around the garage opening.
Ensure Proper Support: Roller doors can be quite heavy, so proper structural support is crucial. A smooth, flush lintel (the horizontal beam above the opening) and sturdy jambs (the vertical side posts) are essential for the door’s functionality and longevity. You don’t want it to be hanging unevenly or under strain!
KGD Tip: Remember to think about your car size and any extra space you might need for storage or workbenches. Want help getting those measurements spot on? Give our team a call for a free measure and quote!
Material Quality and Durability
Did you know that the material of your garage door plays a bigger role than you might think? Not only does it affect the way it looks, but how it performs too!
For homes, aluminium roller doors are the go-to. They are light, making them great for everyday use, but still durable enough to withstand the elements. Aluminium doors are especially well-suited for coastal areas due to their resistance to salt-air corrosion, making them a long-lasting and low-maintenance option.
Operating Mechanisms
Want to open your garage door with just a push of a button? Or prefer keeping things simple with manual operation? Roller doors can be operated manually or automatically (motorised) and the choice depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and how much convenience you're looking for.
Manual Roller Garage Doors: Manual roller doors are simple and reliable. With no motorized components, they come with lower upfront costs and use a lock and key mechanism for access and security. While you will need to manually lift and lower the door, this can be a perfectly practical option for smaller garages or those on a tighter budget. Since there are fewer moving parts, maintenance is usually limited to ensuring the door’s track is clear and lubricated.
Automated & Motorised: On the other hand, motorised roller garage doors offer a higher level of convenience. With the push of a button, you can open or close the door using a remote control, app, or smart home integration. With garage door openers, there is no need for manual lifting, which is especially helpful for people with mobility challenges or if you use the garage frequently. Garage door openers also offer a level of added security, as many come with features like automatic locking mechanisms. However, with convenience comes the need for more maintenance. Regular servicing is necessary to ensure the motor continues to run smoothly, and the electrical components remain in good condition.
Security & Overrides
Whether you opt for automatic or manual roller garage doors, both options offer reliable security features to help keep your home safe. When browsing the market, be sure to look for these essential security features:
Manual Override Options for Emergencies: In case of power failure, it’s essential to have a way to operate your motorised garage door manually. Roller garage doors come with emergency override systems that allow you to open or close the door without electricity. You can choose between a key-operated external release mechanism or a manual override switch or pull. Both options ensure you’re not locked out of your garage if the power goes out.
Obstruction Detection: PE Safety Beams are sensors that detect when something blocks the door's path and automatically stop or reverse the door’s movement. We recommend these with every motorised door to protect your family and pets from accidents.
Auto-Reverse: If the door encounters resistance, it automatically changes direction, adding an extra layer of safety.
Rolling Code Technology: For automated roller doors, remote operation systems use rolling code technology. Each time you use the remote, a different, single-use code is generated, preventing anyone from copying or intercepting your code, and using it to open the door.
Built for Aussie Weather
One of the key decisions when selecting a roller garage door is whether to choose an insulated or non-insulated model. With the right features, a roller garage door can make a significant difference in your garage’s temperature, keeping it 10 to 20 degrees cooler or warmer than the outside! That’s a pretty big difference, especially when you are working in your garage!
But which do you choose? There are a few factors to consider when making the choice between insulated and non-insulated garage doors.
Insulated garage doors are ideal when you have a garage that is attached to your home, or if you use the space as a home office or gym. However, if your garage is not attached and you don’t have any significant concerns about temperature control, you can opt for a slightly cheaper non-insulated model.
Another factor to consider when choosing a roller garage door is what you’ll be storing. If it’s mostly tools and equipment that aren’t sensitive to temperature changes, a non-insulated door might be enough. However, if your garage is a workspace and you store valuable or temperature-sensitive items like wine collections, electronics, or artwork, insulated doors will provide the protection they need.
In addition to insulation, consider adding weather seals to your roller garage door. These seals help block out rain, dust, and drafts, ensuring your garage stays dry and comfortable. A threshold floor seal is especially beneficial, as it ensures there is no gap at the bottom of the door.
Style and Finish
Your garage door is usually one of the first things people see when they look at your home. And, because it is street-facing, how it looks can make a big difference. The rest of your home can be stunning, but a less-than-aesthetic garage door can quickly detract from the overall look and feel of your home. Fortunately, roller garage doors come in a range of colours, making it easy to match (and even transform!) your home’s aesthetic.
DIY Vs Professional Installation
While the idea of installing your roller garage door yourself might seem like you’re saving, it’s important to consider a few key factors before making a decision. Installation can be time-consuming and complex, so relying on professionals ensures the job is done right.
Additionally, roller doors can be quite heavy and often require more than one person to lift and install properly. Without the right tools and equipment, you may face difficulties in getting the door aligned correctly, which could lead to issues down the line. Professional installers also have the specialised equipment and expertise to ensure the door is mounted securely and functions smoothly.
Ready To Make the Choice?
The perfect roller garage door doesn't just look great from the street, it keeps your home secure, comfortable and energy-efficient all year round. Remember, quality makes all the difference - from material choices to operating mechanisms, taking the time to consider all the factors ensures your door will serve you well for years to come.
Ready to transform your Sydney home with a custom garage door? Contact the team at KangarooGD today. Our team of experts will help you find the perfect garage door to suit your design taste, needs and budget!
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