As Brisbane homes expand in size and multi-car households become the norm, double garage doors offer a convenient solution for maximising parking space and storage potential. However, with twice the moving parts comes double the risk of potential problems requiring specialised maintenance and repairs. Let’s explore common issues unique to double door configurations and proactive measures ensuring smooth operation.
Alignment challenges multiply
The increased width of double garage doors spanning over 5 metres means even slight track misalignments lead to major functional issues compared to single doors. Key concerns include:
Uneven hanging
If one side hangs slightly lower than the other due to improper balancing or spring tension, the door may bind against tracks or weather seals causing jerky movement and premature wear. Regular balance testing and adjustment becomes critical.
Gaps and rubbing
Wider door spans are more prone to flexing at the centre joint where panels meet, potentially allowing light and weather infiltration or causing unsightly paint rubbing. Ensure hinges remain tight and rollers glide smoothly to prevent sag.
Difficulty sealing
With double the perimeter length, achieving a consistently level threshold seal to block out leaves, pests and water intrusion becomes trickier. Inspect for uneven compression or buckling indicating need for gasket replacement or floor releveling.
Given the consequences of misalignment are magnified with double-wide models, addressing small issues proactively with a professional tune-up makes a massive difference in avoiding major malfunctions down the road.
Motor strain matters
With double the door comes double the weight for opener motors to raise and control safely. Undersized, low-power motors not rated for the increased load lead to chronic problems like:
Overheating
Inadequate horsepower combined with extended runtime cycles due to larger sizes causes motors to overheat and fail prematurely. Upgrading to heavy-duty 1 HP AC motors ensures ample lifting capacity to spare.
Stuttering
Weak motors struggle to build momentum, resulting in stuttered start-stop motion rather than smooth action. Invest in quality variable-speed belt drive openers optimised for heavy double-door demands.
Slippage
Insufficient grip strength against the added weight causes chain drive openers to slip and jerk, leading to noisy operation and eventual breakage. Switch to enclosed rack and pinion gears for reliable high-torque transmission.
When in doubt about motor sizing needs for your specific door configuration and material, always consult with a professional installer to avoid disappointment and potential damage from underpowered openers.
Increased impact risks
Double the door width means double the risk of accidents from distracted drivers misjudging entry angles. Protect against costly panel damage by installing:
- High-visibility laser parking guides projected onto floors for easy alignment
- Foam cushioning strips along interior edges to absorb minor bumps
- Motion-activated LED lighting kits to improve visibility in dim conditions
- Bollards or barrier posts at strategic points to deflect major impacts
By designing your garage interior defensively in anticipation of occasional mishaps, you minimise the risk of dents and dings turning into expensive section replacement ordeals.
Conclusion
While double garage doors offer incredible everyday convenience, they also require a heightened level of preventative maintenance and proactive repairs to continue operating at peak performance. By understanding the unique challenges that wider spans introduce and taking steps to address them early, Brisbane homeowners set themselves up for years of hassle-free dependability. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – especially when multiplied by two!
