Garage Doors Key Terms

Make your knowledge of garage doors key terms an open and shut case

By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor Beeline Editing Services

Garage doors key terms are useful knowledge when dealing with numerous commercial applications. Garage doors can be made of a variety of different materials and can be installed in a number of different ways. And whether large or small, plain or fancy, garage doors keep the elements out and the contents of your garage secure. Whether you're planning to sell garage doors, install garage doors or simply purchase garage doors, there are a number of key terms you need to know.

Sectional doors

Sectional doors are comprised of sections that are hinged together to form the complete door. The sections enable the door to bend around the track as the door opens and closes.
Try: Learn everything you ever wanted or needed to know about sectional garage door installation in the informative how-to guide posted at Hometips.com.

Wind load

Wind load is the force or pressure of the wind as it hits the garage door in the closed position. Although once reserved for coastal, hurricane-prone states such as Florida, wind load regulations are now widespread and considered an important part of the garage door business.
Try: Louisiana State University's Ag Center provides an informative commercial/residential wind load guide and diagram of wind load types for educational purposes.

Lites

Lites is the industry term for optional (usually decorative) glass or acrylic windows within the frame of a garage door. Lites typically provide light and visibility.
Try: Visit Holmes Garage Door for a short explanation and visuals related to garage door window lites.

Astragal

Astragal is the term used for the weatherstripping that runs along the bottom of a garage door to form a seal that prevents elements such as water, leaves, insects and other debris from getting inside.
Try: Check out the different types and features of astragal at AAA Remotes.

Track

The track is installed on the garage door opening and is designed to hold and guide the rollers on the garage door as they move vertically to the top when the door is closed, then horizontally parallel to the ceiling when the door is open.
Try: Read the article at Professional Door Dealer that covers the history and evolution of garage door tracks.

Rollers

The rollers are the wheels and axles that run up and down the track as the garage door is opened and closed.
Try: Garage Door Parts has a wide variety of rollers, with application descriptions of each.