Replies

1. 
   4Lorn1 | Jun 30, 2002 06:37am | #1

   Get one with a SFBC, South Florida Building Code, certification for strength and wind resistance. When the wind blows hard you may be glad you did. They are also more likely to keep those wandering tools in the shop where they can do some good and keep the unwashed masses out.

2. 
   Piffin | Jul 01, 2002 02:53am | #2

   My recommendation is this; If you have an installer, hirer him. If he sells them too, buy his best.

   I might recommend a brand and have you waste tons of time trying to find that brand in your neighborhood while a local has already found out what is good or not in the climate you have.

   Installation ease? every time I try it, it seems like I've got two to do. First one takes five or six hours and a couple new cuss words. Second one takes an hour and a half or two hours. Specialist installers have it down to just under ninety minutes a pop from open truck door to watch my dust.

   And writing the check leaves no scars on my knuckles.

   Excellence is its own reward!
3. 
   Rein_ | Jul 01, 2002 03:44am | #3

   I agree with hiring the installer.

   I just had one put in and I have to say the installer was one of the best subs I have seen in action. Good work, I could have never duplicated it. Even after watching him.

   - In your climate, you will definitely want the highest R-rating you can get.

   - With metal doors, check for a thermal break between the inside and outside panels.

   - When I shopped around, the pricier outlets pushed their heavy duty tracks and hardware. Since these get the most wear and tear, I have to agree these are important.

   - Aluminum v.s. steel. This seems to get debated. I ended up with aluminum because of the particular design options available. My preference would have actually been steel. It is cheaper and is more resistant to the little dents and dings of shop use. Steel is also less thermally conductive, but the thermal break should take care of that. Aluminum is popular because it is lighter. A good opener will take care of that though.

4. 
   Edgar76b | Jul 24, 2002 09:00pm | #4

   I install garage Doors And Openers. In my opinion the liftmaster , by chamberlin is still the best. Even though Chamberlin  makes craftsmen and Wayne Dalton and etc. However, The Liftmaster has a little something extra. Including the warranty I prefer the belts and chains to the screw drive.  They all have a function.

   As far as doors are concerned. I agree with everybody else about the thermal breaks and what not. They make a door called the premdor which is vinyl. I would check the specs. For the freezing temps in Alaska. But, it is a very impressive door. I wouldn't be suprised if it will work for you. There is also a door made in canada. Garaga it is an aluminum door . Also it looks Impressive. I am stuck on CHI doors. They are alot like the old Franz Doors. The key is to get one with a heavy guage steel. nothing less than .24 guage if you ask me. Which is also Insulated and braced. Most CHI doors don't require any aditional bracing , For opener instalation. Especially, the insulated. At any rate I can't emphasize the importance of bracing. For saftey as well as durabillity.

   
   

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   Edited 7/25/2002 1:18:44 AM ET by Edgar76b