The range of garage door styles, colors and accessories is continuing to grow in some bold new directions. Still, because of their proven performance advantages, the different materials offered tend to fall into 5 main categories. Knowing which materials are best for your garage may help you choose a door solution that will last longer and ultimately save you money. Here is a quick summary of the primary questions to ask before making your choice.

While we definitely recommend a thorough service inspection by a certified Raynor dealer every 1 to 2 years, there are a few things you can check yourself to prevent problems from escalating. These visual checks should become a routine for you every month, especially if the garage door experiences hard use in your home.

Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 "Cost vs. Value" trend report has been released and it is very good news for anyone considering an update of their garage doors. Firmly positioned as number 1 in the survey's rankings, a fresh new garage door provides a whopping 97.5% return on its cost in terms of additional home resale value.

PROJECT PROFILE: Oakville Trafalgar Park Area Renovation

• New Fire Station #3

• Renovated Arena and Community Centre Addition

Architect: Diamond Schmitt, Toronto

Contractor: Graham Construction, Toronto

Speeding response times for fire fighters and paramedics stationed at the impressive new Oakville Station #3, fast-acting Slidetite 2.0 four-folding doors from Richards-Wilcox were among the first requirements expressed to the design/construction team as planning began on the new fire station and nearby arena renovation/expansion which also features Raynor coiling doors in the updated hockey arena.

One of the most significant architectural projects ever to take place in Oakville, Ontario, the entire complex is a greatly heralded example of thoughtful access planning and heritage commitment by the community, its architect, Diamond Schmitt, and contractor, Graham Construction.

Any architect that is involved with construction in coastal areas is already quite familiar with specifying reinforced hurricane-rated garage doors that protect against wind-blown debris. They are a longstanding requirement established by code in south Florida, Texas and other regions. In recent years as the devastating effects of tropical storms as well as tornados have been mapped and studied, there is a broader perspective arising that suggests this wind protection specification is not just for beach houses any more.

If you haven’t yet seen the Buyers Bootcamp program on DIY Network and HGTV, you may find the show’s concept interesting. The host, Scott McGillivray, compares remodeling “pitches” of two property owners, then chooses one property for a makeover and covers the costs himself. If the makeover results in profit, he shares in it. If it isn’t profitable in terms of added resale value, he shares in that outcome as well. Raynor garage doors are featured in two episodes this spring.

Skinny top windows are out. Bolder and larger window treatments are in as Raynor’s stylish new Aspen Series garage doors can be fitted with any of 16 different LuxeVue™ window designs to punch up the curb appeal of your home.

PROJECT PROFILE:

Facility: Philipstown North Highlands Fire Station, Cold Spring, New York

Door Systems: TC300™ Commercial Sectional Doors

Architect: Mitchell Associates Architects, Voorheesville, NY

For many architectural firms, this New York fire station renovation and expansion project might have represented very unique challenges. But for Mitchell Associates Architects, completing the job cost effectively and to newest required standards was essentially a matter of applying what the firm has learned in more than 160 projects involving emergency services facilities.

If you are considering a new garage door or opener, there are plenty of options out there for product selections as well as local dealers and installers. We might suggest that quality of the installation and the ongoing service offered by your local dealer should be among the most important factors to consider, right along with the quality and styling of the door system.

If you’ve added or replaced a remote control for your Raynor garage door opener, or would simply like to re-program your remotes for security, this article will give you a quick summary of programming steps. It’s easy to do and requires only that you have a ladder or step stool handy so that you can reach the program Learn Button on your opener. Ask a friend or family member to help with that ladder work if you aren’t comfortable.