Since their conception in the 1920’s, garage doors have come a long way. On top of the multiple styles and materials – such as single wide, double wide, carriage house, contemporary…wood, aluminum, steel – garage doors have also found new ways of operating. Before, garage doors had to be open and shut by hand. Then along came belt drives, chain drives, and finally – smart drive. So, what are the latest gadgets for garage doors and where is the industry heading? Let’s see the latest in garage door gadgets.

Smart Garage Door Opener

Ah, the smart garage door opener. A total game changer for those of us who have often come home to discover we left the garage door open all day. Again. In comes the smart garage door opener, where controlling one of your home’s entry points is as simple as checking an app!  With the press of a button, your garage door can be open, closed, illuminated, or turned off. From anywhere!

Integrated Home Monitoring Systems

Home monitoring systems allow you to connect video cameras and/or motion-activated sensors to entry and exit points of your home. Including your garage! Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home is safe while you are on vacation, running errands, or any other time you are away from your house. Should a curious animal or an intruder try tampering with your garage door, you will receive an alert on your smartphone.

Eco-Friendly Garage Doors

It is becoming increasingly important to consider the environmental impact our choices and consumption have. Including what the items we use every day are made of. Luckily, manufacturers have begun considering the same thing. And now, garage doors with a lower carbon footprint are becoming easier to access. From sustainably sourced materials such as recycled steel, to well insulated doors that require less energy for temperature control. 

Accessibility and gadgets available for garage doors today have come a long way. There are so many options available, it can become a bit overwhelming to learn all the types of doors and features available. Especially with the ever changing world of technology! How do you choose? That’s where Adam’s Door Systems can help. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-888-602-6550.

Modern garage doors are available in a variety of materials. Each coming with its own unique aesthetic, durability, and capabilities. So how do you choose the right garage door for you? Between personal preference, exposure to the elements, and budget it can be hard to know where to begin. To make this process easier, we’ve put together a list of how to choose the best garage material for your home.

Steel

Steel offers flexible design, durability, and an all around great value compared to natural wood. Lighter than their wood counterparts, these doors can withstand all climates and can even be insulated to provide more strength and R-Value. The main drawback to steel is that these doors are susceptible to corrosion and rust. Particularly if you live in an area where excess salt is used for de-icing in the winter months.

Wood

Wood garage doors bring a timeless elegance to every home they adorn. As a renewable resource, wood offers a more eco-friendly option to consider when purchasing a new garage door. Available in a variety of Overlay Carriage House designs, wood types, and customization options, wood garage doors are an excellent option for homeowners wanting a custom, unique look. In addition to the higher upfront cost of a wood garage door, it is also important to consider the cost of the maintenance required to preserve its beauty. Without proper, regular maintenance, a wood door will begin to fade, rot, warp, or chip. Drastic changes in outside temperatures as well as frequent contact with moisture (from rain, snow, or humidity) can cause wood to expand and warp as it absorbs this moisture. These doors are best for a place with a mild climate.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the best options for someone who wants a wood garage door without the maintenance and warping. Available in both overlay carriage house and raised panel designs, fiberglass provides an economical, low-maintenance alternative to wood. Because fiberglass is semi-transparent, this material will also allow more natural light into your garage. The downsides are that these doors are not suitable for windy climates, and the fiberglass can not be repaired if it becomes damaged.

Adams Door Systems has the largest selection of residential garage doors in the Greater Toronto Area. We strive to meet the needs of every homeowner. Our commitment to quality and energy efficiency means that you will have the best in garage door innovation, technology, and insulation.

One of the best features of garage doors today? A homeowner’s ability to choose a garage door that perfectly suits their style, taste, and budget! Garage doors today come in a wide variety of styles and materials. And for a homeowner looking to take things in a new direction, a swinging style garage door is the perfect option!

Carriage Garage Door

These garage doors used to be made of only wood, the weight of which could put a large strain on the hinges. Today these doors come in a variety of materials that are more lightweight, such as fiberglass. Carriage doors are normally composed of two opposing doors which swing out from the side, often spanning a 6’ to 8’ swing radius. This wide swing should be accounted for when considering a carriage door for your home.

Bi-Fold Garage Door

Another option for a swinging garage door is the bi-fold door. Also known as an accordion or folding carriage style door, these doors stack on the sides without fixed door panels to block views or breezes. Because they fold, they also take up less space when opening or closing. Normally spanning a 4’ radius – half that of a traditional swinging garage door.

Is Maintenance Different?

Maintenance for a swinging garage door is essentially the same as a roll up style door. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you perform hardware and track maintenance:

• Lubricate all moving parts using a lightweight household oil. This includes locking hardware, steel rollers and roller stems, torsion springs and tubes, lift cables, and hinge pivot points.
• Never use grease on your garage door track, as it can stop the rollers and make the opener work harder.
• Inspect and clean the door track to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
• With the door closed, inspect all hinges, struts, handles, locks, and brackets for loose fasteners.

Why Choose A Swinging Garage Door?

Simply put – because swinging garage doors are unique! No other garage door will make quite as big an impression as a carriage style garage door. Boost your curb appeal, impress your neighbors, and love your home with the addition of a swinging garage door. 

Simply put, swinging garage doors help you stand out. Door designs may vary, but a decorative garage door is a conversation piece. With a swinging garage door, you get great versatility in both form and function. Wondering what swinging garage doors are available to you? Contact us today at info@adamsdoorsystems.com.

It should come as no surprise that your garage door is one of the first things people will notice when driving past your home. Your front-facing garage will become the prominent facade feature of your house; making or breaking curb appeal, property value, and personal satisfaction. So in a world full of options, how do you make the right choice when it comes to which type of garage door to choose? In this article we’ve broken down the most popular types of garage doors, and how to know which is right for you.

Classic Garage Doors

Chances are you’ve seen this type of garage door before, as it is the most common style across the US and Canada. Classic garage doors are extremely versatile, coming in an array of colors, panel styles, and designs. They typically feature traditional monochromatic panels with symmetrically raised rectangles and can even be customized with windows for a special touch. If a simple, polished look is what you’re going for then a classic garage door is for you.

Contemporary Garage Doors

As modern and contemporary architecture continues to grow in popularity, the garage door has continued to evolve with it. Contemporary style garage doors tend to feature sleek designs, asymmetrical patterns, and large windows that create a unique focal point for your home. If you’re looking for a stunning and clean garage door, the contemporary style is for you.

Wood-Look Style

These garage doors use faux wood materials to recreate the envious look of real wood, with the added perk of durability. Wood-look garage doors can be completely customized to suit your tastes, coming in an array of wood grain colors, window configurations, and decorative hardware features. If you want a stand-out garage door that can withstand the elements, this style is for you!

Carriage House Style

Carriage house garage doors are a charming addition to any home; emulating the classic barnyard style door. These garage doors can be completely customized to suit your home because they come in a wide variety of colors and materials such as steel and faux wood. Decorative hinges, plates, and handles only increase their appeal. If you’re going for a rustic and ornamental look, a carriage house style garage door is for you.

There are still a number of varying factors that contribute to garage door styles – including how they open, what material they are made of, even differing color and finishing options. At the end of the day, the two most important factors to consider are functionality and the aesthetic that the garage door will add to your home. Contact us today to discuss our available garage door options and which is right for you!