Garage doors have come a long way over recent years and when looking for a new one you will likely find yourself overwhelmed by the enormous choice available to you. Your garage door is one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior, as it will be one of the first things you and your visitors see upon arrival at your property; a showcase of your personality.

When purchasing a new garage door it’s essential to evaluate the space that you have available and choose the best option that fits your space, taste, budget and lifestyle.

Garage Doors Sunderland hosts a huge range of designs and colours to choose from, helping you to find the perfect door.

Figuring out the right style of door for your space can be tricky and it’s so important to get the right design for your space. We have listed our four most popular styles to help you to make an informed decision on which is the best door for your property.

Up & Over

Up & Over designs are one of our most popular and come in two different styles – the canopy and the retractable. Both designs work for different spaces. Protruding approximately 2 feet from the door frame when open, the Canopy is what people consider as the “traditional” garage door, whereas the Retractable is the slicker version and does not protrude as much to form a canopy.

Roller

It’s not uncommon for properties to have short driveways, especially the newer homes, which could prove problematic if you have a second car that you’d like to park on the driveway. The last thing you want is to repeatedly ask your partner to move their car every time you want to access the garage. This could prove a problem for some homeowners, however roller doors are the perfect solution. Their slimline design means there is no outward swing at all so you can easily access your garage regardless of the space in front of the door.

Sectional

Sectional doors are one of our customer’s favourites. Like the roller design, they eliminate the problems that you could face with short driveways and as they are designed with horizontal hinged sections that slide vertically into the roof of the garage interior, providing another stylish option for slime spaces.

Side Hinged

Side Hinged doors are the perfect solution for properties that may not accommodate traditional garage doors. If your garage is short on headroom or has built-in shelving, it may be a struggle to find a style that can work but a Side Hinged door is the perfect design for you. It’s fitted with a central or off centre split with split positioned on either side so it opens just like a barn door. They are a brilliant option if you are concerned about making noise as they are basically silent so if you are a night owl these may be preferable.

Whichever door suits your needs and space, we are proud to offer a wide range of garage doors that are all innovatively and bespokely designed and fitted by experts with a 10 year guarantee; providing you with a solution with a promise.

We stock some of the highest quality roller garage doors Sunderland has ever seen! But it’s important that you keep on top of maintenance for your garage doors as they’re designed to last for years and years. That’s why we’re letting you know our tops tips on how to look after your roller garage doors.

Keep your eyes and ears open
Every time you use your garage door make sure you listen out for any creaks, squeaks or other discerning sounds. It’s also a good idea to look out for any issues – especially wear and tear on the system such as cables, springs and pulleys. Ask yourself is the door hard to open? Or is does it open in a fluid motion? Telltale signs like this will help you fix the problem earlier on. A few roller garage door warning signs include:

• Jerks when opened or closed
• Gaps between the ground and the door when closed
• Gets stuck
• Doesn’t open
• Doesn’t close
• Open or closes too slowly

Replace the rollers
The rollers on a roller garage door need to be checked a couple of times a year, but you only need to replace them every six or seven years. This does depend on how much you use your garage door. If any of them are damaged in any way then it’s time to replace them. Keep this up and your garage door will always stay in great shape.

Weather Seals
Installing weather seals on the bottom of your garage door, around the door frame and between the panels can be a very effective and easy way of maintaining your roller garage door. Not only will they keep the elements out, they help reduce your household bill too. If you don’t know how to fit them then we can always do it for you! Check out our previous work here.

Check the motor
If you have an automated roller door then you’ll need to check the motor. Sometimes you may need to just lubricate the tracks with silicon-based sprays. Avoid using oil as it can cause a build-up of dust and grease, making it tougher to open your garage door. You should also perform a few safety checks such as ensuring the motor actually works, nothing is loose and there aren’t any broken cables or dents in the mechanics. You might even need to reset the garage door opener. If you haven’t done this already, simply unplugging the opener, waiting ten seconds and turning it back on – just like a computer!

Take care of the door itself
Maintaining the actual door panels or rollers themselves is just as vital as maintaining the mechanical aspects of the door. This especially matters if it’s made of solid wood, as you’ll need to look out for water damage, wood rot, mould and chipped paint. On metal doors it’s essential to keep an eye on any rust spots that may appear – but you can easily sand them down and repaint them. Luckily, our roller garage doors are made of hard-wearing easy to maintain materials so they need little maintenance.

Ready to take a look at our garage doors collection? Visit Roller Garage Doors Sunderland today and start browsing.

When it comes to roller garage doors Sunderland has the pick of the crop. At Garage Doors in Sunderland we provide an extensive range including automated garage doors, side-hinged doors and, of course, roller garage doors. But what makes roller garage doors one of the best choices for your home? Take a look as we explore the reasons why…

Space savers
Roller garage doors are space savers if you have a short driveway or small garage. They are one the most effective options if you’re looking to transform your garage into a living space such as a games room or another bedroom (popular with teenagers in the house!).

Versatile
Another amazing aspect of roller garage doors is they can be fitted to almost any style of garage. This includes in front of the aperture, inside or in between. The lack of internal tracking means the door operates in a smart and compact fashion. With regards to style, roller garage doors are available in various shades of woodgrain and a rainbow of laminated foil overlays.

Robust
Constructed from foam-filled aluminium or steel slats, roller garage doors are well-known for being sturdy. This is an obvious advantage as garage doors are exposed to the elements and all sorts of wear and tear. The door itself features a single skin curtain with a big ribbed metal sheet so it essentially rolls up like a blind – but a very strong one, of course!

Choice of mechanisms
Roller garage doors are either operated by an electric motor or a spring-assisted manual mechanism. They’re easy to customise, so it suits both the contemporary and the traditional look. Again, roller garage doors are compact because the tube motor is fitted inside the roller barrel, so nothing gets in the way.

High security
Last but definitely not least, roller garage doors are highly secure – especially the double-skinned versions. It’s highly resistant against impact from forced entries, thanks to the streamlined, strong design. On the other side of this, roller garage doors are perfect in an emergency. For example, if you’re locked in the garage in a power cut then you can use the manual winding mechanism to get out. This works from the inside only, so it’s extra secure.

Ready to take a look at our roller garage doors collection? Visit Roller Garage Doors Sunderland today and start browsing.

Your garage door has been installed for some time now. It gets regular use from all the family, and has started to make an awful noise. All the repeated use means that it’s starting to show signs of wear and makes an awful noise whenever you open or close it.
Although no door will always run smoothly, it is important to make sure it won’t break down completely.

The maintenance of your garage door means that you are protecting the safety and security of your home. As the garage door is a large moving part it is important to make sure that everything is working correctly. A malfunctioning door could damage your vehicle, while also proving as a safety concern for pets and children.

The security of your home is tied in with your garage, as well as your vehicles. It is also the largest entry point to your home, so needs to be treated with care. It is essential to keep it maintained to protect your home and family. A solid, well maintained garage door is vital to the value, security and safety of your home.

Like any machine with gears, there could be a number of things that cause noise. Friction is the most common cause, no matter what model door you have installed. Bolts may start to loosen and parts may have lost their lubrication. Other parts may need replacing altogether including the garage door opener and hinges. If the garage door is old, or has sustained damage, it is important to make sure these issues are tended to quickly before they end up as safety concerns.

If you apply lubricant to the moving parts then that could fix the issue. You can purchase a suitable lubricant from your local hardware store. It isn’t advised to use WD40, as it will attract and trap excess dirt and potentially drip onto your car. Tighten some of the nuts and bolts that need it as well.

Working on your garage door is a sensitive undertaking. There are many, many components that operate the door. Even if you are a die-hard DIY enthusiast, it is best to assess whether or not you will need a professional to assist you. There is a chance that removing the wrong part could cause the door to fall on you. Springs may look easy enough to fix alone, but should always be handled by professionals. Make sure to exercise caution. If in doubt, call a professional.

For all garage door repairs, here are a few tips to keeping you door in shape:

1. Checking Springs
It is a simple enough job to check on the garage doors springs a few times a year. Make sure nothing appears to be broken or rusting. If anything looks out of place then make sure to act as soon as possible.

2. Sensors
Testing the sensors is a fairly easy task. Locate where the sensors are on the front of the door and block one of the sensors with an object. The door won’t close with something in the way, so press the close button and observes what happens. If it hits the obstruction and reverses, then your sensors are in working order. If not, call a professional right away.

3. Rollers and hinges
Roller garage doors will require lubrication of the rollers often. White lithium grease spray will do the trick. It keeps the rollers and hinges running smoothly and quietly.

If you are in any doubt about garage door repair, call a professional.

Replacing garage doors in Sunderland is not often a cost that we factor into our outgoings. There are many effective companies who conduct garage door repairs in Sunderland. However, occasionally, we have no option but to replace our garage door when it is old and faulty. It may be tempting to replace our door with the same type as our previous one. However, there are many options available to us. It is crucial to assess other garage door types and choose one that will suit us moving forward. Below are a series of questions which might help to aid your decision.

Practicality

Do you have a small driveway?
It is a common feature of modern housing to have a small driveway. This sometimes means that we have to remove our vehicle from the driveway in order to make room to open up the garage door. This is an inconvenience that can be prevented with the right choice. Roller garage doors are very compact when opening and closing. It does not require a space with which to swing open and shut because it simply rolls up and down in a confined space. This is an excellent choice for a smaller driveway and should be seriously considered in that circumstance.

Is your garage an unusual shape?
Some garages might not be a conventional shape and therefore require a particular garage door to fit them. This might be the case if your garage has a slanted roof or access hatch. A wooden garage door can be custom-made to fit any space. This is also the case with a side-hinged garage door which can be adapted to fit. Roller garage doors are often chosen in these circumstances because they use minimal space and do not require valuable roof or wall space which might be lacking if your garage roof is sloped.

Do you use your garage for another purpose?
Garages are not always used to store vehicles. Perhaps you can use yours as an artist studio, home office, home gym or even an extra bedroom. A side-hinged garage door might be a good choice if you want to normalise the space and remove features which allude to its traditional use. However, a roller garage door might be the best option because of the minimal space it requires. You can make the most of your roof and wall space because a roller garage door does not need it to function. Therefore, you have extra space for furniture and storage.

Personal circumstances

Do you have restricted mobility?
You may have to consider which garage door you can use while taking your personal challenges into account. Perhaps you have restricted height or limited mobility which mean that not all garage doors would be accessible. A side-hinged garage door can be opened and closed at a lower height. However, an automatic garage door allows you to manipulate the mechanism without even leaving your vehicle. This is also helpful when it is raining and the floor is slippery and a potential health hazard. An automatic garage door will provide ease of use now and for years to come.

Is your choice of garage door safe for a family home?
Most garage doors are safe when used carefully with the awareness that children might be nearby. However automatic garage doors provide an extra layer of protection. This is because they include an obstruction sensor which prevents the door from closing if it senses someone that is too near. This is helpful because sometimes we might not notice something that the sensor would pick up. It allows us to double-check our surroundings and account for any children nearby before closing the garage door.

Design

Do you want a door that is highly personalised?
Most garage doors can be customised to a certain extent. However, a wooden garage door is highly customisable because its whole design can be created from scratch. It can be engraved with specific imagery and words. It can also be primed and painted with the exact colours that you desire.

Do want your garage door to become a feature of your house?
A sectional garage door is an intricate feature, that is functional yet beautiful. The horizontal hinged sections will slide vertically into the interior of the garage roof. The complexity of this structure allows a sectional garage door to contribute to the attractiveness of your property.

There are many options when planning to replace garage doors in Sunderland. It is crucial to consider all the types available and choose one carefully that will suit your personal requirements as well as complimenting your property.

Garage doors may seem like a straightforward purchase. However, with so many options currently available, you now have increased autonomy when choosing this feature for your property. There really is no excuse not to purchase a garage door that accommodates your long-term needs.

Up and Over Garage Doors
Up and over garage doors are one of the most popular choices. This is because they offer superior functionality and flexibility at great value. Up and over garage doors are available in a canopy or retractable version. A canopy up and over garage door is the most basic option on offer and is considered the traditional garage door. This door forms a canopy when open, because the garage door protrudes approximately 2 feet from the door frame. A retractable up and over garage door does not protrude to create a canopy. However, the retractable version is easier to automate than the canopy garage door. Both garage doors are available in a wide range of styles and glazing options. Up and over garage doors are also made from high quality materials which will withstand frequent use. They have excellent security credentials which are crucial for many home-owners and tenants who rely on their garages to safeguard valuable or sentimental belongings. The simple design of up and over garage doors ensure that they are easy to maintain with minimal ongoing costs. This guarantees that the up and over door is a great option for those on a budget.

Roller Garage Doors
Newer properties are particularly prone to a lack of space which can sometimes result in inconvenience, such as having to move the car from the drive in order to open the garage door. The roller garage door is an ideal option for home-owners with a short drive. This is because the roller garage door has no outward swing: using the smallest amount of space possible. Roller garage doors are also a great choice for people who want to utilise their garage for something other than its traditional use. Home gyms, artist studios, home offices and extra bedrooms are just some of the functions that garages are fulfilling. A roller garage door uses minimal space ensuring that there is room for plentiful storage. This is unlike most garage doors which occupy valuable roof or wall space. A roller garage door may be the best option if your garage has unique features such as a slanted roof or access hatch. Roller garage doors are well insulated and available in a range of glazed options, so you can adapt your door specifically to suit your purpose. Roller garage doors can also be easily automated for increased convenience. They have a robust design and do not have an internal tracking system which guarantees that they are unlikely to become faulty. Their ease of use means that they are a very reliable and affordable option.

Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are incredibly stylish and admired by many. The horizontal hinged sections slide vertically into the interior roof of your garage. Sectional garage doors have a charming design which adds character to your property. However, the aesthetic of these garage doors is not the only aspect for which they are popular. They are very robust which ensures that your garage is extra secure when housing expensive or sentimental items. They are also able to retain warmth and provide protection against challenging weather conditions which safeguards any possessions stored within. Sectional garage doors are long-lasting because of their superior quality and finish. They are easily automated and are suitable for shorter drives due to opening vertically. Sectional garage doors are available in many styles, with a choice of glazing options and extra insulation if required.

Side Hinged Garage Doors
Side hinged garage doors provide ease of use and are robust and reliable. These doors open like a traditional door and therefore function very discreetly and quietly. This is helpful if your garage is in close proximity to other houses, or if you work irregular shifts and want to secure your vehicle in the garage during the early hours of the morning without waking the neighbours. Side hinged doors are autonomous because they can be installed with either a central or off centre split as well as a split positioned on either side. There are also automated options available and extra insulation if needed. Side hinged garage doors are user-friendly: providing increased accessibility to those with restricted mobility because there is no lifting required to gain entry unlike typical garage doors. Side hinged garage doors are built with hard-wearing materials and are low maintenance which ensures that they are extremely cost effective. They are also popular because they can be installed regardless of the height of the garage of if there is internal shelving inside that prevents the roof or wall space that a traditional garage door would require to function.

Automated Garage Doors
Automated garage doors were once considered a luxurious option but are growing increasingly popular. They are enviable when you are trying to gain access to a traditional garage in turbulent weather and are getting soaked by the rain. Automated doors allow the door to open smoothly and swiftly by simply pushing a button. There is no need to exit your car to unlock the garage, safeguarded it from potential theft: you can simply use your fob and watch the garage door open as you slowly drive towards it. Automated garage doors are also very safe because they are fitted with an automatic three-minute courtesy light sensor as well as an obstruction sensor. This safeguards young children and animals from danger, as well as protecting the actual garage door from becoming damaged by displaced or forgotten objects. Automated garage doors are silent and an ideal option for those who work night-shifts or do not want to disturb the neighbours. Automatic garage doors are very easy to maintain and require no lubrication. They offer very secure protection to valuables and belongings that are stored in your garage.

Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors are elegant and provide a highly attractive focal point to your property. These secure garage doors are very popular because of their luxurious finish and high-quality materials. Wooden garage doors are long-lasting because they are made from real wood and protected with a base-coat preservative which requires minimal upkeep. Wooden garage doors are available in many types of wood and finishes which ensure that they are suitable for all styles of home. Wooden garage doors can be purchased in a choice of glazes as well as in manual or automated styles.

There are many types of garage door to choose from which ensures that you can find something that you will love here at Garage Doors Sunderland.

Our home is our sanctuary where we feel safe. It is the place where memories are created and sentimental possessions are stored. When home security is compromised it feels incredibly unnerving and personal. In which ways can homes be made more secure?

Keep the lights on even when the house is unoccupied
It may seem like a waste of electricity to keep a light on in one’s absence, however this is a proven deterrent for burglars. A lit-up house automatically suggests that people are home and it not worth the potential risk a burglar would incur if they were to investigate otherwise. A house with lights on is even more vital in a location where there are not any neighbours close by to deter the burglar. If you are absent for an extended period, you may want to consider an automatic timer that turns lights on and off at certain intervals. To further increase your security in a crime-renowned location, you could leave a TV or radio on to provide the illusion that there are voices coming from your house. However, be careful that these appliances do not pose a fire hazard.

Install a reliable alarm system
An alarm system is a traditional method of preventing burglary. Some people may think that alarm systems are redundant because they are often triggered for no reason and therefore people can ignore them. However, they are still identified as an effective method of home security according to the Metropolitan Police Service. To safeguard your home further, it is important to ensure that any outside wiring is not exposed and an easy target for criminals. It have been known that burglars cut these wires before forcing entry to houses. This stops the alarm system from being alerted and prevents unwanted attention in the process.

Place an infra-red detector at the entrance of your home
This is a surprisingly successful crime deterrent. An infra-red detector provides more effective security than a static light because of the sudden emergence of light which attracts attention. This is because the sudden light is unexpected and immediately alerts the home owner and other occupants that there is someone approaching the house.

Ensure that all windows are securely locked
Double glazing is a strong deterrent because it is harder to break. However it can also be costly and is not always a viable option. Whether you have double or single glazed windows, it is important that they have an effective locking system to prevent easy entry. Never leave downstairs windows unlocked when you leave a room unless they are secured on a latch. This is because burglars have been known to make a swift entry even when the house is occupied. They may also reach inside the window to grab a valuable item. To prevent attracting unwanted attention, blinds are an effective option because they obscure the view of any valuables that are on show. They also make breaking and entering more of a challenge and are likely to deter burglars further. If you live in a crime-prone area, several smaller panes of glass or wrought iron railings encasing the windows may need to be considered.

Change the locks to your new house
No matter how trusting you are, you can never be too sure if you have received all the keys to your new house from the previous owner. One suggested way to protect your home is to change the locks. This may seem unnecessary but it will provide you with complete knowledge of who can access your home. Changing the locks of your new house is recommended to heighten security and provide peace of mind.

Make sure your house has interior door hinges
Interior door hinges safeguard your house from unauthorised entry. They prevent easy removal of the hinge pin which can provide easy access for burglars. If you do have exterior door hinges, they can be rectified by removing the door and resetting the hinges so that they are concealed inside the house.

Robust garage doors aid home security
Garage doors are often overlooked as an effective burglary deterrent. A durable and hard-wearing garage door that is well-fitted is less likely to be viewed as a potential point of entry by burglars. This is because they can not “fish” the lock so easily. “Fishing” is a technique used by burglars who fashion a piece of wire to release a mechanism that allows the garage door to open. A garage door that is resistant to rust and rot is harder to penetrate to gain entry. Garage doors should always be locked when not in use. This is particularly crucial if the garage is attached to the house and contains access to an entry door.

If you’re looking to make improvements to your home, whether to add value or simply make it a better place for you and your family to live, one of the areas that many people fail to consider is the humble garage. Designed to be a place to park your car safely and securely, for many people they are now just a storage facility, filled with items from your house that you simply don’t have room for.

Do you not think that is a waste though? Using all that space to store your car or goods may be all well and good, but have you thought about what else you could use your garage for? Take a look at some of the ideas below and you might just be inspired to revolutionise your garage space and give your home a whole new extra and exciting dimension.

Home gym
We all want to be as fit and healthy as we can, but with work, social and family commitments, it can be tough to find the time to get to the gym regularly. There is of course home exercise equipment, but even if you do have some room for an exercise bike or stepper, how many of these are now nothing more than glorified clothes hangers? Imagine converting your garage into a gym, how good would that be? With all that dedicated space you could have a range of equipment and you’ll also save a lot of money on your monthly gym membership.

Office
With more and more businesses realising the benefits of offering their staff flexible working, working from home is becoming more and more common, whether it is a permanent arrangement or just something you do occasionally. Not many people though have the room for a dedicated office, which means that you may not be able to take advantage of home working and seeing more of your family. Converting your garage to a home office is a great idea, and gives you the best of both worlds, a quiet and dedicated working space yet the delights of being close to home and best of all, no commute!

Pub
Sick of paying expensive pub prices every time you want to go out and socialise? More and more people are converting their garages into their own little pub for the use of their friends and family. Complete with bar, seating, pool table and dart board, your home can be a real social hub!

Playroom
If you have children, you’ll know just how messy they can be. As well as keeping lots of toys in their bedrooms, you’ll know that if you are not careful, their toys can easily take over your living space as well. Decluttering is always a good idea, so why not think about converting the garage to a playroom? Your children will love having a dedicated play area and you’ll have a much tidier house. Moving some of their toys from their bedroom will also help them keep their room tidier and provide less distractions when going to bed.

Man Cave
What man wouldn’t want a man cave? Perhaps the most simplest of conversions, all the man cave needs is a large TV, some comfortable armchairs, a good stereo, a couple of consoles and a fridge for storing beer. If you’re a man and want to be the envy of all your friends, then get yourself a man cave. You’ll be a real hero!

Whether you want your garage as a traditional place to store your car or you’re looking at converting it for another purpose we can help supply and fit the perfect garage door for your needs. Take a look at our full range of garage doors then give us a call on 0191 501 6318 or email info@garagedoorsinsunderland.co.uk and start making the most of your garage today!