The Novoferm guide
Tips & tricks for garage doors
WOODEN GARAGE DOORS
EVERYTHING ABOUT TYPES, INSTALLATION AND CARE
Nowadays, garage doors are usually made of metal and plastic. Many people see wood on garage doors as problematic. Of course, in contrast to the previously mentioned designs, the material is generally more maintenance-intensive. However, it also has its clear advantages. In particular, the natural, elegant appearance and excellent insulating properties speak in favour of timber garage doors. They are also far more robust and durable than is often thought.
To ensure that you can enjoy all the positive properties in the long term, wooden doors require specific care. Read on to find out what is particularly important here, what types of wooden garage doors you can buy and how to choose the right motor!
WHICH WOODEN GARAGE DOORS ARE AVAILABLE?
- Double-leaf wooden garage door: The double-leaf wooden garage door is a classic garage door. It usually has two door elements that are mounted on hinges on the sides of the garage opening and open outwards.
- Wooden up-and-over door: The popular up-and-over door is also available in wood. This door variant is opened in its entirety to the ceiling of the garage using a mechanism consisting of rods and springs.
- Wooden sectional door: Sectional doors are also available in wood. Here, individual wooden elements or sections that make up the door are pulled under the garage ceiling on a rail to save space.
- Wooden roller shutter door: Wooden roller shutter doors are somewhat rarer, but are becoming increasingly popular due to their fine, modern yet natural appearance. This type of door consists of narrow wooden slats that are rolled up to the height of the garage lintel when opened.
WEATHERING: THIS IS HOW (IN)SENSITIVE WOODEN GARAGE DOORS ARE
As a natural, "living" material, wood should of course be given a certain amount of care so that you can enjoy it for a long time. However, it doesn't have to be really delicate.
The type of wood used for the garage door plays a major role here. Products made from mahogany, teak or other robust woods are much more frugal than those made from pine, for example. Professional treatment with a wood preservative then provides optimum protection against the weather.
Stains or paints are usually applied at the factory, but need to be renewed regularly.
SANDING WOODEN GARAGE DOOR
THAT'S WHAT COUNTS!
If you want to freshen up your wooden garage door with a new glaze or paint and make it optimally weatherproof again, you should first sand down the existing protection. Complete sanding is only necessary if the paint is heavily weathered or a completely new colour is to be applied.
It is best to proceed in the following steps:
- Clean the garage door thoroughly - water, neutral soap, sponge and brush are usually sufficient.
- Once dry, carefully sand the door with an orbital sander or random orbital sander.
- Larger areas of damage can be filled with wood putty - if there are any unevennesses, simply re-sand.
- Remove any sanding dust from the door and cover or mask off any areas that are not to be painted.
- Prime the garage door and then paint it with a weatherproof paint or glaze.
WHICH ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR MY WOODEN GARAGE DOOR?
Wood is a comparatively heavy material. Therefore, if you want to open and close your wooden garage door electrically, you should make sure that the motor has sufficient power. Especially with up-and-over and sectional doors made of wood, which need to be lifted, it is important to consider the following guideline value: Ten square metres of door generally require an operator with a force of 700 N.
WOODEN GARAGE DOORS - HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR WOODEN DOOR PROPERLY
Caring for your wooden garage door primarily means maintaining the paintwork. To ensure that the paintwork protects the wood from the weather and other harmful influences for as long as possible, it should be regularly cleaned of dirt.
The door should be cleaned with a clean cloth, clear water and a little washing-up liquid after the cold season at the latest. In addition, the paintwork should be refreshed at least every five years.
