Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of garage doors?

Garage doors in Perth come in many different shapes and sizes. Their functions can also range widely, from being a cosmetic concealment all the way to a form of security. Most of the time, they can be categorised into a few simple styles, including Roller Doors, Sectional Doors and Custom Garage Doors, with some more common for residential or commercial use.

What are the common types of garage doors for residential use?

Commonly used garage doors in Perth and Melbourne for residential areas include Roller Doors and Sectional Doors. Both types of garage doors come in a wide variety of colours, styles, materials and finishes, which aim to improve security, safety and convenience, and enhance the overall look of a home.

Roller doors are typically remembered as those annoying manually operated doors that require you to get out of your car to open. Thankfully, there are now many customisable features and configurations to transform it into a fully automatic garage door. There’s also a wide range of colours, appearances and materials as well as the option to add insulation. Roller door residential applications include sheds, garage doors and carports.

Sectional garage doors are made using several large horizontal panels hinged together that slide along tracks with the ceiling overhead, as the door opens and closes. These motorised garage doors are pleasantly convenient and work really well with modern and new home styles that are going for a sophisticated clean look. There is also the option of choosing a ‘wood-look’ steel garage door if you desire a classic timber finish.

Need a new garage door? Contact Gryphon for a quick and easy solution. We’ll help you design and install a custom made garage door that complements your home and lifestyle.

What are the common types of garage doors for commercial use?

The need for added security and functionality will often dictate the design of commercial garage doors. They are commonly manufactured in a ‘roll up style’, where industrial rollers are made from durable materials built to protect against forced entry. Other common installations for commercial purposes can include light weight aluminium sectional doors. These automatic garage doors are suitable for closing an area off that is already secured, rather than providing a primary point of security/entry.

At Gryphon, we understand the need to keep valuable items and machinery inside the facility as safe and secure as possible. All our commercial roller doors and industrial roller shutters are manufactured from superior quality materials to give you much needed functionality and security for your factory or warehouse.

Are old-fashioned garage doors secure?

Safety concerns with overhead tilt models were most common in the past, primarily due to the springs’ lack of efficiency that was responsible for balancing the door’s weight. Overtime, without sufficient inspection and servicing, the springs would begin to rust and weaken, losing strength and durability. This caused springs to break unexpectedly, launching the spring’s metal fragments in every direction, causing damage to vehicles, garage walls and belongings.

Despite manufacturers implementing protective cages to surround and strengthen the springs, they weren’t completely effective. The safety and condition of these garage parts are still highly questionable, so if you’re still operating a tilt-spring garage door, we recommend contacting Gryphon for a maintenance inspection.

How can I fix a spring system garage door?

Due to the inevitable danger that these garage springs posed towards people and property, a safer system was developed to open and close overhead. This development consists of a cable pulley system that is equipped with a torsion where it is able to handle the weight with more safety and efficiency.

The torsion is a spring that wraps around a metal rod where it is bolted on one end to a fixed plate. This new system is often installed directly above the garage opening header. By composing the correct system of pulleys, cables, and connectors, the entire weight of it is transferred properly to the spring system. The main factor that makes this much safer than the previous system is how the energy is stored in the spring.

With the older method, the spring was unsupported by an inner pole, where it had to undergo increased amounts of tension when pulled and returned back to its original condition. However, with this new system, the spring is able to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on if the garage door is pulled up or brought back down) where some of the energy is forced onto the pole.

How does this fix compare to the previous system?

If it is installed professionally, the energy load that is put onto the torsion spring is completely controlled by the system. Also, the size and weight of the garage door must directly influence the level of durability for the system, so it can properly handle it. In the instance that the spring fails, as it is directly attached to the poll, fragments won’t disperse everywhere, instead it would remain intact. When it comes to issues that commonly occur with the previous spring-only system, I have never heard of a similar occurrence with torsion spring systems. However, this isn’t to say that no injuries have ever occurred with these.

Is a spring system garage door still safe to use after it’s fixed?

Generally speaking, it is safe for well-qualified installation professionals to install and repair this type of spring system. However, there have been cases of serious injuries that occurred when untrained people had attempted the installation. This is why a warning tag is often placed on a visible surface of the system in order to advise untrained and unqualified people of the dangers involved. Not only does it advise untrained people of the risk associated with installing it, but also of repairing, adjusting, and even touching it. This is because with the amount of energy that these springs undergo, if they are incorrectly tampered with it can turn into a horrendous situation. So if the label becomes damaged, tampered, or removed, it is crucial to get a new one reattached immediately.

Keep your family safe, hire a professional

The importance of hiring a professional to ensure proper maintenance will keep you and your family safe from any unexpected accidents from happening. Some garage doors can either be operated automatically (by motor) or manually (by hand). For both types, to ensure proper operations of the springs, door weight, and other relevant components, everything must be correctly balanced. 

If it is improperly balanced, it can be detrimental not only to the safety of the power-assisted motor, but also you along with others who use the garage door. Unfortunately, the actual weight is deceptive, which is why only a trained professional should perform maintenance on it.

As the process of opening and closing is easy if it is functioning properly, many do not pay enough attention towards hiring a qualified individual to check the overall weight-balance of the entire system. If the hardware, hinges, track, and door opener does not properly function together, it can lead to many problematic issues such as jamming or shifting.

In the instance it isn’t functioning efficiently, and is lacking proper maintenance, it may lead to serious bodily injuries. This is why it is important to ensure that all the garage door parts are engineered and installed correctly, and to hire a professional and qualified individual to undergo an inspection. Need a professional servicing? Speak to Gryphon today, we’ll be able to assist with any questions you may have.

I want an automatic garage door opener

Nothing is more convenient than being able to open your garage door at the touch of a button, especially after a hard day at work, or when it’s raining. At Gryphon we can retrofit and install automatic openers with remote control openers that let you park your car without having to get out and open the door. Get in touch with Gryphon today for pleasant customer service and high quality products. 

In the meantime, feel free to browse our library of manuals and troubleshooting guides.

What’s the difference between sectional garage doors and roller doors?

The difference between the roller doors and sectional garage doors is simple. It’s the way the panels move as the roller door slides up and tucks away. Speak to one of our friendly reps to help you decide if a roller door is what you’re looking for or something different.

What’s a panel lift garage door?

Panel lift is another way of saying Sectional Garage doors. Browse our wide selection of designs, colours and styles of sectional garage doors in Perth now.

Factors that can influence residential automatic garage door prices

  • All Perth homes are different, so depending on your size, design, width and height will all factor into the overall cost of your Gryphon Sectional Door.
  • We offer a wide range of colours featuring Colorbond with Thermatech to Dulux, and over 100 powder-coat options. Your preferred choice of colour will affect the cost of your sectional door.
  • Your location can also affect the final price with different environments having different requirements. If you live near the cost or where bushfires are common, or even cyclones, you may need tougher materials and design.
  • Depending on the type of material you have chosen for your sectional door, some may cost more than others. This can include hardwood timber, steel, aluminium, or polycarbonate.
  • Additional accessories and customisation such as handles, keypads, insulated garage doors, insulation panels, and windows can contribute to the final price you pay for your door.

How much does a garage door in Perth cost?

Prices will vary depending on the garage door type, material, and size, among other details. Get all the information you need to make an informed choice when purchasing a new garage door for your home or business. View Garage Door Perth Prices