Lifting gates for a garage: design features, pluses, DIY manufacturing steps

If automation of opening and closing doors is required, it is worth considering an overhead garage door. Such systems have an original design and are made of high quality materials. The design can be created by hand.

Lifting garage doors and their features

The lifting system does not take up much space. You don't need to make a lot of effort to open it. The opening process is as follows. The sash moves up and folds. The leaf location is determined by the gate type. If desired, additional elements can be mounted in the sash - windows or a wicket.

The lifting gates do not swing open like ordinary leaves, but go into the ceiling and are constructed from the following elements:

• strong skeleton;
• one-piece sash surrounded by a frame;
• return spring device;
• sash movement device.

The designs have the following positive qualities:

1. Compactness. The gate does not take up much space.
2. Simplicity of installation work.
3. Automatic opening.
4. Free lifting of the sash.
5. Quietness, which is guaranteed by the web movement mechanism.

For lifting webs, special fittings are used to ensure the full operation of the device. Standard mechanisms include sealing parts that are designed to fit snugly. Be sure to use supports and guides on which the structures are fixed. They also use lifting chains and mechanisms that drive the system. Installation of canvases requires compliance with technology and building codes.

Overhead doors can be cladded with different materials such as inserts or rigid panels.

Read about sliding gates for giving with your own hands!

The device of garage lifting gates

Garage systems can have different design features. The main elements include a metal frame, a movement device and a canvas, fixed by hinges. The frame is made of steel profiles. This element has the main load. The box is mounted in the garage opening and secures the suspension.

The canvas is a frame element constructed from metal profiles. The frame is sheathed with sandwich panels or steel sheets. Galvanized steel is used for corrosion protection.

The following mechanisms are used to open the gate:

1. The articulated lever is characterized by a simple structure and reliability. It allows you to lift the sash with a turn. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the rails are installed accurately.
2. The mechanism with drive counterweights is suitable for heavy webs. Structures are made of solid wood or sheet steel. The system is equipped with a steel cable that is fixed in the corners of the metal structure.

Varieties

Overhead garage doors are sectional, roller shutter, up-and-over.

Sectional

The systems consist of sections arranged horizontally and connected by hinges. Elements can be insulated or not. An elastic seal is laid along the contour of the sections.

Sectional garage doors have the following advantages:

1. Saving usable space inside and outside the garage.
2. The design has excellent sound and heat insulation qualities.
3. Universal sizes. The system can be matched to large openings.

Sectional structures can be installed not only vertically.

The sections can be cold or warm. The first option is used for unheated rooms. Sectional doors are made of sandwich structures. Two metal walls are separated by an insulated layer. Stainless steel is used for canvases.

The front surfaces are coated with modified polyurethane for corrosion protection. Used as insulation mineral wool... The surface inside is treated with a special protective varnish.

Lifting and turning

These systems perform both lifting and turning. As a result, the gate is in a horizontal position under the ceiling. The design is a one-piece sheet that completely covers the opening. The lower frame of the canvas rests against the sill, the height of which is 3 cm. An external frame is placed on the sides, on which the canvas enters. The movement is provided by a hinge-link device. The basis of such a system is the frame. It must be made of durable materials. The structure moves with rollers.

The advantages of the lift-and-turn system include:

1. Simplicity of the device.
2. Compact dimensions.
3. No snow cleaning required in front of the garage.
4. If necessary, light equipment is provided with automation.

In addition, such designs are inexpensive compared to other options. Slewing and lifting systems are also classified into separate types. Hinge options are in demand. In this case, good adjustment is required for the compensation springs. Counterbalanced gates. The cable is attached to the canvas, and the counterweight is mounted on the other side through the winch. The system is suitable for massive and large gates.

Roll

The canvas consists of lamellas, the width of which is 1.5-2 cm. When opened, the elements are rolled into a roll on the shaft. The lamellas are connected to each other by hinges. The roller shutter rises vertically.

The following design advantages are distinguished:

1. Convenient design application.
2. Low weight.
3. A wide range of decorative designs.
4. Doesn't take up much space.
5. The ability to install automation.

Roll-up systems can be installed in the opening, as well as on internal and external walls.

Sectional and roll-up models are easy to use, but do not have a high level of burglary resistance.

Gate materials

Various types of materials are used to create a garage door.

The following options are especially popular:

1. The corrugated board is ideal for such systems. It has remarkable strength characteristics. A special protection coating ensures resistance to moisture.
2. The wood looks aesthetically pleasing. To protect against fire and decay, the material is treated with a special compound.
3. Aluminum and steel panels are the most expensive option. The material has good performance characteristics.
4. The popular options include sandwich panels. They have excellent sound and heat insulation properties. They are quick to install and easy to maintain.

Preparation for construction

Preparatory work begins with the selection of a suitable design. Project development and construction drawings will be required. When making a system with your own hands, you should choose a proven technology - a lever mechanism with a hinge. At the project stage, measurements of the garage opening are carried out. This will allow you to correctly sketch the system.

The size of the gate is selected taking into account the parameters of the opening. The choice of size is also influenced by the mechanism used, which can be spring or torsion. Steel structures have the greatest width.

Before work, it is important to prepare a drawing with all dimensions. In terms of dimensions, the system should be 10 cm longer than the opening length. Adding centimeters will prevent gaps between walls and structure.

The dimensions of the opening are measured in width and height at several points. The dimensions of the frame must correspond to the parameters of the opening.

In order not to spend money on development, you can take ready-made drawings. There are different plans - schemes from trusted manufacturers. Systems with wickets and automated structures are in demand.

The opening height must be 30 cm higher than the top of the vehicle roof.

Materials and tools for work

To make the sash frame, you will need profile pipes, the thickness of which is 2 mm and dimensions of 40 * 20. Smaller pipes are required for longitudinal and transverse spars. This will reduce the weight of the structure. For the sash sheathing, a profile sheet treated with an anti-corrosion compound is used. As guides, you can use a channel, the width of which is 20 cm. The box to which the lever-spring device is fixed is made of a wooden bar.

Lever springs and support rollers are available from the store. For insulation, polystyrene foam with a thickness of 40 mm is used.

You will also need a special tool:

• welding device;
• pencil;
• screwdriver;
• drill;
• spanners;
• level.

Aluminum can be used for external cladding. This metal is lightweight, which will place less stress on the drive. Steel sheets are suitable for heavy traffic conditions.

It is recommended to purchase automation ready-made, since it is difficult to create such a mechanism on your own. It is important to carefully study the bearing markings on which the maximum load on the part is affixed.

The torsion drum is made of high strength aluminum. Walls and lintels are reinforced with metal corners.

Overhead garage doors, stages of installation work

The gate manufacturing process consists of the following steps:

1. Preparing the opening for the system. Vertical supports are inserted to a depth of 2 cm, which are fixed with anchor bolts. A beam is used as supports, the size of which is 120 * 80 mm.
2. The beam is being assembled. The horizontal beam is mounted parallel to the crossbar in the opening.
3. For the manufacture of the frame, two guide rails are made. The elements are made from 4 metal corners. The rollers will move along the rails, which are fixed to the sash.
4. Then the canvas frame is made. Metal corner profiles are welded to each other and then attached to the finished box.
5. The rollers are fixed at the corners at the top of the frame. For this, fasteners and a drill are used.
6. The frame is sheathed with a material with anti-corrosion properties. Self-tapping screws are used for work.
7. The vertical beams are equipped with movable brackets.
8. At the bottom of the beams, the ends of the channels are fastened along the spring.
9. The finished canvas is hung on the frame.

To protect the garage from burglary, the gates are additionally equipped with latches and locks. Locking devices are standard protections. Automation is installed on modern structures, which is equipped with a protective system. The anti-jacking alarm is popular. When you try to pry on the sash, a loud signal is heard, which scares off intruders. Installation of remote access systems allows you to control the automation from a distance. Installation of a secret locking mechanism.

Perforated profiles in the structure should be reinforced with planks. The guides must be trimmed so that a small tip remains for fixing the elements.

A plumb line is used to set the frames. Brackets are used to fix the vertical guides.

To equip the lifting mechanism, you can use an alarm from a car. There should be a groove at the bottom of the blade. It will be required to install insulation materials. To increase the illumination, the canvas can be sheathed with a special translucent material.

Painting overhead gates is not difficult. A monochrome gray palette is ideal for designs.

Features of construction insulation

Additional insulation will help prevent heat leakage from the garage. For this, a foam finish is used from the inside. This material is stiff and does not absorb moisture. The foam is not difficult to work with as it is lightweight.

You must first process all the gaps between the canvas and the frame. For this, polyurethane foam is used. This will protect the room from heat loss and drafts. Gate leaves are treated with paint or a special primer that protects the surface from rust. After the coating has dried, the thermal insulation of the system can be started.

To goal opened easily, you need to adjust the spring by tightening the nut. For the convenience of using garage doors, you should install an electric drive with a control unit. The drive must be suitable for a certain type of door.

To protect the shutters from freezing, they must be periodically lubricated with silicone grease.

Installation of automation

Controlling gates with an automatic electric drive can greatly simplify your life. It doesn't take much effort to do this.

But it should be borne in mind that the wiring system is complex and requires a direct connection to the house wiring. Additionally, a remote control is used, which can be portable or stationary.

The advantage is the use of an automatic mechanism and manual opening. Hydraulic drive is an expensive solution. Such a mechanism makes it possible to call structures fast-lifting.

Installation of automation consists of the following steps:

1. The gate device is checked for cracks.
2. The drive is assembled taking into account the instructions.
3. The guide bar is fixed in the center of the ceiling.
4. The brackets are fixed to the back of the rail. This is done using dowels.
5. The drive is being installed.
6. The lever is installed. One part is fixed to the sash, and the other to a cable or chain.
7. Finally, wiring is done.
8. The device is being tested.

Checking work

Upon completion of installation work, adjustment is performed. To do this, the structure should be opened and closed several times. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of extraneous sounds and smooth movement of the canvas.

The mechanism must work without extraneous noise. For this, a special lubricant is used to process the elements of the system.

The reasons for the lack of smooth running can be attributed to the large weight of the blade and incorrect adjustment of the springs. With a large weight, it is necessary to lighten the sash or reinstall the lifting mechanism, taking into account the more massive system.

Useful tips for choosing a gate

When choosing a system, you need to decide on the installation site. The design features of door systems depend on this. The type of room also matters. For a warm garage, insulated canvases are selected. For a cold building, you can choose corrugated board.

Certain control methods are also selected:

• automatic;
• remote;
• manual.

With a remote control, the gate can be opened without leaving the car. To open the doors, just press the button on the remote control. When purchasing a system, it is important to pay attention to some details. The guides must have the same cross-section as in the drawings. The distance between guides and bearings must comply with standards.All nodes in pivot joints must move freely from vertical to horizontal direction. A protective mechanism should be located in the fold areas. The device ensures the integrity of the structure and protects against the penetration of foreign objects into the gap. At the bottom of the gate, a synthetic seal is attached to protect the door from freezing. The thickness of the panels should be kept to a minimum.

If the installation of a winch is required, you need to correctly perform the necessary calculations - engine power, gear ratio and force. Handles and locks must be of high quality. The control panel must withstand mechanical stress.

Recommendations for use

In order for the garage overhead door to serve for many years, it is necessary to provide good care. The structure requires modern adjustment and repair.

It is important to follow these guidelines:

1. Regularly treat rubber seals with silicone. This will help prevent cracking and freezing.
2. Lubricate rollers and leverage components. The procedure will help prevent the occurrence of rust and extraneous squeaks.
3. Adjust the spring tension.

In the presence of visible damage, the operation of the structure is prohibited. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle while the opening mechanism is in motion. In the process of installation work, welding or drilling can be used. Welding is the preferred option. In this case, the frame is securely attached and there are no additional holes in it. If the canvas weighs more than 100 kg, you will need a reinforced fastening mechanism.

Overhead garage doors - video