Got Wood?

Custom wood garage doors combine durability and beauty for your home. Wooden styles are timeless and remain unaffected by trendy types made of metal or fiber.

The classic appearance of wood is unmatched and efforts by garage door manufacturers to have it replaced with more economical materials have been futile so far.

Custom wood garage doors are the latest statements of aesthetic architecture in this part of the world and are gaining in popularity by the day. There are specialized wooden overhead garage makers spread over entire United States catering to the needs of customers since decades. The styles of these garage doors range from squared and arched top, double and single customized varieties, without or with glass, to swing types. Swinging wooden doors are a universal favorite among house owners. This overhead door type lends a rustic appearance to your home. A varnish finish is most attractive for swinging wooden types.

Custom wood overhead doors speak volumes of your taste and preferences. Only if you have an eye for all things classical would you opt for a wooden variety. With rich carvings or elaborate decorations, these wooden doors stand out among all other classes. The best thing about these garage doors is that they are manufactured on order. Many door makers take the help of designers and architects to design the perfect door for your garage. Elaborate carvings are often made as per your preferences.

Wooden doors being powerful provide sufficient security against storms, rain or snow. They could withstand winds and hurricanes with speed reaching up to 140 miles per hour. Like metallic and fiber styles, custom wood variety could also be fitted with door openers. A door opener is both a security and convenience device. Being electronically operated with the help of transmitters and sensors, the door opener allows hands free movement of the door. Security is also enhanced at the same time.The seeming strength of custom wood type could be augmented by installing a door opener. These electronic gadgets operated by transmitters and sensors not only provide additional security to your garage but also enable the doors to be operated without human intervention.

Garage Door Emergency Release Latch

Well you probably don’t think about the electricity cutting out in your home. If it happens to you, how can you get your garage door open? No need to worry, there are solutions to your problem.

The first solution is using the “emergency release latch” which all automatic openers provide. The latch allows you to manually open the garage door by hand. 

To do this:

1. Locate the release mechanism. Somewhere along the track between the motor and the door should be the drive carriage and a release mechanism with a cord hanging down. Usually it will be closer to the door assuming it is closed. If the power is out and your garage is dark, you may need to use a flashlight to help you see.
2. Pull the handle to release the carriage. It may take a little force especially on an older opener that might be stuck. Pull all the way until it stops to be sure it is completely released. If not fully released, attempting to manually open the door could damage the opener.
3. Manually open the garage door. Now the garage door should be able to freely open and close. Be aware that anyone will be able to open the door from outside. You might want to use a latch if this is not a temporary solution.
4. Re-engage the automatic door opener. Once the power has been restored or the opener has been repaired, pull the release cord again to make sure it is fully open. Manually raise or lower the door until the carriage locks into place. Verify that the opener works as expected.

Lifting up a garage door is a trivial action for the majority of us; nonetheless, utilizing the emergency release latch can turn out to be a daunting task for the elderly or the young.  There is an alternative.  A battery-operated power backup is a proven and effective solution; although, it does come at a price.  Essentially, the battery backup is powered by the mains when not in use and kicks in automatically when required.  Due to the fact that it is battery operated, it has a limited number of uses before recharging is required – an important note for those prolonged power outages.

Evolving Door Styles for Garages

Some things do come back in style if you wait long enough. Think hip-hugger pants, shag carpeting and, yes, even wood garage doors. The wood garage doors of the 1970s are back in a big way. It’s one of many design trends that have come and gone.

The first revolution in garage door materials happened in the 1980s, when raised panel steel doors replaced wood ones. They continue to dominate the market today, mainly because they’re economical and low-maintenance. But for certain homes — especially custom homes or those with an Old World look — a big expanse of cold steel just won’t do. Frequently the garage door is a major part of the front of a home and people are finding that they can do something more interesting.

For this reason, wood has become the most popular option. But these aren’t the humble wood doors of two decades ago. These are wood doors in a carriage-house style that has an old-fashioned craftsman look, made of the finest wood, offering a much richer appearance.

Woodie Plank Door from 1st United Door Technologies

Just as wood is beginning to catch on, the next wave of garage doors is already approaching. If you have a steel garage door, there are ways to ramp up its curb appeal. You can select different patterns or textures and install windows; and there’s always the do-it-yourselfer’s best tool: paint or gel stain. But if you want your garage door to be a focal point rather than something to disguise, wood may just be worth its price tag.