The Difference Between Cheap vs Expensive Roller Garage Doors

When it comes to enhancing the security, convenience, and aesthetics of your home, investing in a roller garage door is a significant decision. Roller garage doors provide an array of benefits, including a space-saving design, smooth operation, and improved insulation. However, when selecting a roller garage door, one of the primary considerations is often the price. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, understanding the differences between cheap and expensive roller garage doors is crucial for making an informed decision.

Why Do Roller Garage Door Prices vary so much?

All roller garage doors may all look the same in a glossy brochure, the only variation seemingly being the colour and very subtle curtain slat finishes, but there are some large differences when it comes to the components used and the quality of the motor and operating mechanism.

We are all aware of cheap parts being sourced from Chinese or Indian manufacturing companies for far less than European companies, however, these savings only apply when the parts are mass produced for products that are sold in the millions. This is not the case with roller garage doors. You should be very careful when considering price as the only factor when buying a roller garage door.

The difference

A cheap roller garage door that uses low-quality components and electric parts will only produce one result, and that is failure. It just depends on how long this takes. We deal with requests every week from people all over the country who have had a roller garage door that has failed. The company they purchased the door from has now ceased trading. Most of the time, the parts required to repair the door are not available in the UK, and it requires a much bigger and more complicated repair to be carried out to conform with CE regulations and to be able to be a serviceable roller door.

Choosing the right roller door

Each company, when quoting, will tell you the roller door they are selling is the best one to buy. But take your time to find out why they think their roller door is the best, and you may get a lot of different replies.

Starting with the basics, any good roller garage door will have a minimum of a 5 year guarantee on the electric motor and good guarantees on the curtain finish, usually a standard of 10 years. The curtain slats most commonly used are normally 77mm deep and around 14mm thick of foam filled insulation. 

Browse our recommended manufacturers by searching our manufacturer directory here. 

Cheaper, thinner, and not so strong roller doors use cheap slats, usually from Chinese manufacturers, and when the slats have any imperfections in manufacturing, the results can be disastrous for a whole door curtain, With each slat not lining up properly, the roller door will look second hand the day it is installed.

The majority of insulated roller doors use a tubular motor, which is an electric motor inserted into a barrel housing that the curtain then wraps around. The best tube motors in the world are manufactured by industry-leading European manufacturers, for example, Somfy (market leaders), whose failure rate is almost nonexistent. Cheaper Chinese motors are becoming more extensively used now, and although many are fine for the first year, the safety devices and electronics that control the motors are even more important and cannot be compromised.

Finding the right garage door specialist near you

When searching for a company to quote for your new roller door, there are a few things to check for first. This includes ensuring they only supply market-leading garage door manufacturers that provide lengthy manufacturer warranties as standard. This also includes checking out their reputation and ensuring they do not compromise on quality. 

We also recommend using one of our local garage door specialists near you in your area.

Our members:

• Vetted companies
• Supply industry-leading garage doors
• Great warrantys
• A first-class service 
• Stress free experience guarantee

Why Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener

In the realm of modern convenience, few household upgrades rival the transformation brought about by installing an automatic garage door opener. Gone are the days of wrestling with a heavy door, battling the elements, or worrying about security. The transition from a manual garage door to an automatic system represents not only a leap in convenience but also in safety and efficiency. Let’s delve into why upgrading your garage door opener is a wise investment and how it can streamline your daily routine.

1. Convenience Redefined:

The most apparent benefit of upgrading to an automatic garage door opener is the sheer convenience it brings to your everyday life. No more manually lifting or lowering the door, especially during inclement weather or when in a rush. With just the press of a button, you can effortlessly operate your garage door, saving you time and sparing you from physical strain.

2. Enhanced Safety Features:

Automatic garage door openers come equipped with a range of safety features designed to protect both your property and your loved ones. Sensors detect obstacles in the door’s path, preventing accidents and damage to vehicles or belongings. Additionally, modern systems offer rolling code technology, which generates a new access code each time the door is operated, thwarting potential intruders.

3. Improved Security Measures:

Manual garage doors are vulnerable to forced entry, making them a potential weak point in your home’s security. By upgrading to an automatic opener, you can bolster your home’s defences with features like automatic locking mechanisms and remote monitoring capabilities. These added layers of security provide peace of mind, especially when you’re away from home for an extended period.

4. Quieter Operation:

Traditional manual garage doors can be noisy and disruptive, particularly if they have worn-out hinges or springs. In contrast, automatic openers operate with minimal noise, thanks to advanced motor technology and sound-dampening features. This quiet operation is not only less bothersome to you and your neighbours but also serves as a testament to the quality and efficiency of modern garage door systems.

5. Energy Efficiency:

Automatic garage door openers contribute to energy efficiency by minimising heat loss or gain through the garage. Insulated doors and weather seals, paired with the swift opening and closing action of automatic systems, help maintain a more consistent temperature within your home, reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems.

6. Integration with Smart Home Technology:

One of the most exciting aspects of upgrading your garage door opener is its compatibility with smart home technology. Many modern systems can be seamlessly integrated with home automation platforms, allowing you to control your garage door remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands. This level of connectivity not only adds another layer of convenience but also enhances the overall functionality of your home.

7. Increased Property Value:

Investing in an automatic garage door opener is not just about immediate benefits; it can also add value to your property. Potential buyers view automatic openers as a desirable feature, contributing to the overall appeal and marketability of your home. A well-maintained, modern garage door system can make a positive impression during property viewings and potentially increase your home’s resale value.

8. Long-Term Cost Savings:

While the initial cost of upgrading to an automatic garage door opener may seem significant, it’s important to consider the long-term savings it can provide. Reduced energy consumption, fewer repair expenses due to wear and tear, and potential discounts on home insurance premiums are all factors that can contribute to cost savings over time. Additionally, the added convenience and security may translate into intangible benefits that far outweigh the initial investment.

Conclusion:

In summary, upgrading your garage door opener from manual to automatic represents a significant step towards enhancing the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home. Beyond the convenience of effortless operation, automatic systems offer a host of features designed to streamline your daily routine and provide peace of mind. Whether you prioritise convenience, security, or energy efficiency, investing in an automatic garage door opener is a decision that promises both immediate benefits and long-term rewards for homeowners.