Garage Door recommendations?

[DanL]

I’m not sure the reasons you’ve given are cause to avoid Garolla?

Sectional vs. roller door surely isn’t a company thing, but more a general garage door thing? Roller doors take up much less room (it seems) than sectional doors, so if that’s a requirement then surely the first point is moot?

As for being around to honour a warranty - I’m curious how often any warranty needs to be called upon, after the first (say) year which would hopefully show up any defects in manufacturing?

Not attacking you - genuinely interested, as I too am thinking about changing my door, and Garolla seem reasonably priced as far as I can tell. I was quite tempted, but as it’s not urgent I’m following the thread with interest in case there’s a better option for an insulated roller door.

[aeropilot]

langtounlad said:

Roller doors aren't as good as sectional doors.

While true in isolation, roller has a huge advantage over sectional in that it free's up your ceiling space, for lighting (for when door is open) or other uses of the ceiling space.
Like me, this might be a sufficient advantage to offset the disadvantage in their long term service life.

[langtounlad]

aeropilot said:

While true in isolation, roller has a huge advantage over sectional in that it free's up your ceiling space, for lighting (for when door is open) or other uses of the ceiling space.
Like me, this might be a sufficient advantage to offset the disadvantage in their long term service life.

That is correct - hence we also install roller doors where that is the best compromise

[langtounlad]

DanL said:

I’m not sure the reasons you’ve given are cause to avoid Garolla?

Sectional vs. roller door surely isn’t a company thing, but more a general garage door thing? Roller doors take up much less room (it seems) than sectional doors, so if that’s a requirement then surely the first point is moot?

As for being around to honour a warranty - I’m curious how often any warranty needs to be called upon, after the first (say) year which would hopefully show up any defects in manufacturing?

Not attacking you - genuinely interested, as I too am thinking about changing my door, and Garolla seem reasonably priced as far as I can tell. I was quite tempted, but as it’s not urgent I’m following the thread with interest in case there’s a better option for an insulated roller door.

My basic premise is that sectional doors are better (for many reasons) and as Garolla only do roller doors then my point stands.
Roller doors don't extend into the garage space when open - true, but for the overwhelming number of customers that's not an issue.
Rollers doors do require greater headroom - which may be an issue in some instances.
The garage door industry has many examples of suppliers falling by the wayside over the years. I recommend factoring that into the decision making process.

[DanL]

langtounlad said:

My basic premise is that sectional doors are better (for many reasons) and as Garolla only do roller doors then my point stands.
Roller doors don't extend into the garage space when open - true, but for the overwhelming number of customers that's not an issue.
Rollers doors do require greater headroom - which may be an issue in some instances.
The garage door industry has many examples of suppliers falling by the wayside over the years. I recommend factoring that into the decision making process.

Cool, thanks for the answer. I don’t “need” the space saved by a sectional door, but it might be handy - there’s a loft access hatch that’s blocked by my garage door when it’s open, and this wouldn’t happen with a roller door. I think I’ve got the headroom, but I’ll check out sectional door costs as an alternative.

[aeropilot]

DanL said:

langtounlad said:

My basic premise is that sectional doors are better (for many reasons) and as Garolla only do roller doors then my point stands.
Roller doors don't extend into the garage space when open - true, but for the overwhelming number of customers that's not an issue.
Rollers doors do require greater headroom - which may be an issue in some instances.
The garage door industry has many examples of suppliers falling by the wayside over the years. I recommend factoring that into the decision making process.

there’s a loft access hatch that’s blocked by my garage door when it’s open, and this wouldn’t happen with a roller door.

This is one of the reasons I went with a roller, along with the fact that the sectional door would block out half of the circular bulkhead type LED ceiling lights.
My next door neighbour has an identical garage layout, and has a sectional door, as her loft space is not boarded out with a ceiling, as she just drives her Jazz into and out of the garage once a week to go visiting her nephew, and doesn't use the garage for anything else, so the leccy sectional door is perfect for the job.
Horses for courses.....

[bennno]

langtounlad said:

Don't work for them, but do work in the industry. My comments re. sectional being better than roller are based on knowledge of the relative relability of each product type over their service life. I've used Novoferm as an example as they are Europe's largest garage & industrial door manufacturer (all types). They therefore have a far better likelihood to still be around for the duration of their warranty and also keep all service & wear item parts in stock.

The quality of a garage door installation depends on both the product selected and the skill of the installer. A good installer can make an average quality door look good. And the opposite is also true. A domestic buyer needs to choose wisely on both counts.

Agreed re sectional over roller. But still bemused as to why you keep exclusively pushing a less well known brand over what many consider to be the best in the form of Horman / Garador sectional doors?

[langtounlad]

bennno said:

langtounlad said:

Don't work for them, but do work in the industry. My comments re. sectional being better than roller are based on knowledge of the relative relability of each product type over their service life. I've used Novoferm as an example as they are Europe's largest garage & industrial door manufacturer (all types). They therefore have a far better likelihood to still be around for the duration of their warranty and also keep all service & wear item parts in stock.

The quality of a garage door installation depends on both the product selected and the skill of the installer. A good installer can make an average quality door look good. And the opposite is also true. A domestic buyer needs to choose wisely on both counts.

Agreed re sectional over roller. But still bemused as to why you keep exclusively pushing a less well known brand over what many consider to be the best in the form of Horman / Garador sectional doors?

I believe that I've answered your question; 'I've used Novoferm as an example as they are Europe's largest garage & industrial door manufacturer (all types)'. Horman / Garador are relatively small players in the market, although well established with a good product reputation. I'd certainly advocate either of them above Garolla.

This is a forum, I'm entitled to my opinions and have freely given input to this discussion. In addition, I've given the reasons for my answers. I've no idea why you keep trying to undermine what I've posted, when I have no agenda and am seeking no advantage from the information that I have provided. I'm merely offering the benefit of my knowledge & experience. What are you offering, other than being argumentative?

[ukwill]

Costco currently have their deal on Garage doors running. I stumbled across this when we were doing a refurb. At the time it was a fair chunk cheaper than anywhere else. Has now been in place for almost 4yrs and zero issues (touch wood). 2 fitters turned up from Birkdale (or subbed) and took approx 3hrs.

(They do both sectional and roller)

https://www.costco.co.uk/Tyres-Automotive/Garage/I...

[SDarks]

I had three Garolla electric roller doors fitted on a triple garage last summer.

Pros - Cheapest by a large margin, delivery and fitting were quick and they look great.

Cons - Fitting wasn't the best, not entirely flush etc. A couple of the remotes have stopped working (low quality Chinese blipper style), after-sales not great and it seemed to be a big hassle for the fitter to come back out to fix something he did wrong on instal. I also wanted the doors to drop all the way down with one click which the fitter said is possible but he has to open the box and that voids the warranty. So now I have to sit in my car and hold the button until the door drops fully.

Make of the above what you will, if cost is the big factor then go Garolla if its a more long term house spend the extra.

[langtounlad]

SDarks said:

I had three Garolla electric roller doors fitted on a triple garage last summer.

Pros - Cheapest by a large margin, delivery and fitting were quick and they look great.

Cons - Fitting wasn't the best, not entirely flush etc. A couple of the remotes have stopped working (low quality Chinese blipper style), after-sales not great and it seemed to be a big hassle for the fitter to come back out to fix something he did wrong on instal. I also wanted the doors to drop all the way down with one click which the fitter said is possible but he has to open the box and that voids the warranty. So now I have to sit in my car and hold the button until the door drops fully.

Make of the above what you will, if cost is the big factor then go Garolla if its a more long term house spend the extra.

If the door has been set up with a 'hold to close/open' control, that would indicate that there is no safety mechanism included in your installation. Quite a big 'no-no'. Roller doors should have a rubber safety strip on the bottom. If the curtain hits an obstruction, the light-beam inside the rubber is blocked and triggers the reverse mechanism. Its absence would dictate that you are required to maintain sight and manual control (keep button pressed) of the door throughout its movement cycle. If the safety strip is however present - then it's a shoddy set-up of the drive motor on installation. Low quality chinese blippers are indicative of a 'build to a price' approach, rather than build a 'well-engineered product to last' product strategy.

[bennno]

langtounlad said:

I believe that I've answered your question; 'I've used Novoferm as an example as they are Europe's largest garage & industrial door manufacturer (all types)'. Horman / Garador are relatively small players in the market, although well established with a good product reputation. I'd certainly advocate either of them above Garolla.

This is a forum, I'm entitled to my opinions and have freely given input to this discussion. In addition, I've given the reasons for my answers. I've no idea why you keep trying to undermine what I've posted, when I have no agenda and am seeking no advantage from the information that I have provided. I'm merely offering the benefit of my knowledge & experience. What are you offering, other than being argumentative?

Ok let me ask this another way, do you work for a company who supplies or installs Novoferm doors?

The reviews are bad, it also suggests they need to be serviced annually at high expense or the warranty is void.

[langtounlad]

bennno said:

Ok let me ask this another way, do you work for a company who supplies or installs Novoferm doors?

The reviews are bad, it also suggests they need to be serviced annually at high expense or the warranty is void.

I'm not going down that avenue. I'm not pushing Novoferm nor trying to get sales leads. I've referenced them as a comparison Vs Garolla as a way of emphasising the importance of manufacturer stability and ongoing parts availability. They are an appropriate comparator as they are the largest player in the market. If I'd chosen Hormann as the example, would that have made you happier? All the main players stipulate a regular service as a requirement for keeping the warranty valid. It's easy to find bad reviews on any market leader on various forums. However Novoferm, and other established players haven't built their business by offering universally poor service or product. Keep in mind also that bad reviews can also be due to a poor install - something that I have also mentioned.

I suggested the Novoport to phumy as that is a door operator designed specifically for the type of application in his garage. I was just trying to be helpful but that appears to be controversial.

[bennno]

langtounlad said:

I'm not going down that avenue. I'm not pushing Novoferm nor trying to get sales leads. I've referenced them as a comparison Vs Garolla as a way of emphasising the importance of manufacturer stability and ongoing parts availability. They are an appropriate comparator as they are the largest player in the market. If I'd chosen Hormann as the example, would that have made you happier? All the main players stipulate a regular service as a requirement for keeping the warranty valid. It's easy to find bad reviews on any market leader on various forums. However Novoferm, and other established players haven't built their business by offering universally poor service or product. Keep in mind also that bad reviews can also be due to a poor install - something that I have also mentioned.

I suggested the Novoport to phumy as that is a door operator designed specifically for the type of application in his garage. I was just trying to be helpful but that appears to be controversial.

One straight answer, do you work for them or an agent of theirs?

[Wagonwheel555]

Bumping this thread as it’s recent

Looking for a roller garage door to replace the up and over we have now.

Garage is going to be converted but the door left on so a stud wall is going to be built behind the door therefore as long as the door doesn’t fall apart, I am considering getting a Garolla one?

Reviews are weird, either 5 star or it’s the worst decision they have ever made, little in between.

[skwdenyer]

Wagonwheel555 said:

Bumping this thread as it’s recent

Looking for a roller garage door to replace the up and over we have now.

Garage is going to be converted but the door left on so a stud wall is going to be built behind the door therefore as long as the door doesn’t fall apart, I am considering getting a Garolla one?

Reviews are weird, either 5 star or it’s the worst decision they have ever made, little in between.

Is this just a “dummy” door, or must it operate?

If the latter, is there separate access from inside? If not then you need to make sure your chosen door can be opened manually from the outside. Motors fail, mechanisms jam. There’s nothing worse than a door that won’t open, and which must be cut out to gain access

If a dummy, of course none of that matters. But then if a dummy you might as well just leave your existing door (albeit fixed in place and the overhead rails removed).

[Fas1975]

Forgot I started this thread. Very timely as the new door goes in this week, will post up pics when done. I was turned off by Garolla. There was something “off” with the franchisee and went with my gut and avoided. Found a very local family run business, went for a Garador sectional door with motor, two remotes and Bluetooth functionality so I can control via my phone.

[______]

Fas1975 said:

Forgot I started this thread. Very timely as the new door goes in this week, will post up pics when done. I was turned off by Garolla. There was something “off” with the franchisee and went with my gut and avoided. Found a very local family run business, went for a Garador sectional door with motor, two remotes and Bluetooth functionality so I can control via my phone.

We went horman sectional door and they are superb.

[Miocene]

I've got an alutech sectional going in next week. There's a bedroom above the garage, so I'm going it makes a difference to the warmth!

[I-A]

We've gone for the Hormann Rollmatic 2 (double garage), hopefully will be installed early next year.