The Buyer’s Guide to Commercial Garage Doors in North Carolina
Industry in North Carolina is booming, and all retailers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers need to store and secure their property behind a resilient, reliable barrier. If your business selects the right kind of garage doors for its specific needs, you can rest assured knowing your products, premises and personnel are safe. This comprehensive buyer’s guide will act as your compass and direct you toward the perfect choice.
How Do I Choose a Commercial Garage Door for My NC Business?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a garage door for an industrial or commercial facility in North Carolina. Your location, its weather patterns, the size of your vehicles and products and your price range are all important points to address with your garage door service provider.
Consider North Carolina’s Climate
North Carolina’s hot, humid summers can introduce moisture into storage spaces, inviting mold and mildew as well as product and equipment damage. Businesses in NC should pick garage doors with excellent header and jamb seals so no moisture enters their facility. Although the region only receives moderate rainfall, it is known to experience hurricanes, particularly along the coast, and the occasional tornado inland. Heavy-duty, impact-rated garage doors will fare best against this rough weather.
Determine What Size Door You Need
Commercial garage doors can range from eight feet to over 40 feet wide and stand up to 24 feet tall. If you’re storing huge vehicles like harvesters or planes, go for the tallest doors with enough width to accommodate the largest vehicle spaciously. For a car park at an office block or retail hub, you’ll want to prioritize width — especially if you have more than two lanes of traffic moving in and out of the space. For off-street loading bays, ensure your clearance height is 14 feet or more to satisfy county building codes.
Decide on Your Price Range
Prices for commercial garage doors vary greatly according to which type you’ve chosen, what width and height you need, your insulation requirements and which customizations or upgrades you’ve selected. To get an accurate idea of what you’re looking to spend on materials and installation, contact your garage door specialist.
What Type of Commercial Garage Door Should I Choose?
The type of commercial garage door you need for your business depends heavily on what kind of industry you’re in. Below are four of North Carolina’s biggest keystone industries and what kind of garage door best suits each one.
1. For Warehouses and Loading Docks
North Carolina’s furniture and pharmaceutical industries are globally recognized, which means they store and distribute a lot of products. A series of wide, durable doors would best fit this type of location. The doors would also have to have advanced security features and excellent moisture-proofing to protect the vast inventory these industries amass.
2. For Processing and Manufacturing Centers
Food and textile processing and manufacturing are other pride points for the Tar-Heel State. Garage doors that protect perishables must have innovative temperature-regulating technology to prevent spoilage or discoloration. A garage door lined with insulating polystyrene would do well to control temperature fluctuations inside the facility.
3. For Large Vehicle Storage
From heavy machinery to aviation, North Carolina has no shortage of sizable vehicles to shelter, being the home of Caterpillar, Bridgestone and UTC Aerospace Systems. Enormous, valuable vehicles like that need the creme of the crop — excellent climate control, top-notch security systems, thick steel exteriors and generous maximum height and width measurements.
4. For Corporate Headquarters
North Carolina is fertile ground for information technology and financial services. As such, it also houses a plethora of corporate headquarters. For these buildings to maintain a sleek, professional, modern look, their commercial garage doors should be designed with aesthetics in mind and come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
Types of Commercial Garage Doors
There are four specific types of garage doors for commercial use, each with attributes that meet the needs of different industries. Each garage door type comes in a range of steel gauges, colors and finishes and offers window options for visibility and style. Along with these garage door types, expert garage door providers offer security doors for smaller locations, including counter doors and security grilles, to protect storefronts and prevent access to secure areas with lots of foot traffic.
1. Insulated Steel Garage Doors
Commercial garage doors like the Energy Series contain insulating materials like polystyrene that regulate how heat moves through the metal, helping keep the facility cooler in summer and warmer in winter. These insulated doors are sectional, meaning they’re made of several articulating horizontal panels that run on a track that curves at the top. This lets the door rest higher than the height of the garage door when fully open.
There are also premium polyurethane-insulated steel garage doors in the Energy Series with Intellicore® technology that provides the ultimate climate control for businesses housing heat- or cold-sensitive products. They come with a generous maximum height of 40 feet, 2 inches, perfect for large manufacturing and processing facilities.
2. Industrial Garage Doors
Doors from the Industrial Series are highly durable and come in a variety of panel designs, including ribbed steel, flush and raised panels. Because of their resilience, range of customizable sizes and thick steel, they are the top choice for loading docks and warehouses.
3. Architectural Garage Doors
These stunning commercial garage doors use strategically placed windows to let in natural light, provide excellent visibility and create an aesthetically pleasing facade. The Architectural Series garage doors are the perfect choice for restaurants, firehouses, automotive dealerships and corporate headquarters. They come in several patterns with stucco embossing and can accommodate Intellicore® insulating technology for optimal temperature control.
4. Roll-Up Service Doors
These robust curtain barriers are made from pre-finished, galvanized steel or aluminum and are excellent choices for the interiors and exteriors of shopping malls, apartment blocks, big box retailers, wholesalers and factories. The roll-up service doors come in insulated and non-insulated designs, have safety reverse systems and offer a variety of upgrades, including access control and wind load upgrades.
Commercial Garage Door Buyer’s FAQ
Do you have a technical question about commercial garage doors? You can find your answer in our cheat sheet below, or check out our general garage door FAQ for a hub of helpful residential and commercial garage door information.
- How wide is a typical commercial garage door? On average, garage doors used in industrial buildings typically measure 24 feet, 2 inches wide, although they are available in a wide range of sizes to meet the customer’s needs.
- What is the widest commercial garage door? The widest commercial garage door available from North Carolina’s leading suppliers is 40 feet, 2 inches wide.
- How long does it take to install a commercial garage door? Expert garage door installation specialists typically take between two and four hours to complete a standard commercial garage door installation, although this can vary by case.
- How long does a commercial overhead door last? Commercial garage doors can last between 20 and 30 years, depending on the quality of the materials and how regularly they are maintained.
Browse RCS Garage Doors’ Best-Selling Products
At RCS Garage Doors, we provide premium, technologically innovative products for all of North Carolina’s industrial and commercial needs. We advise our customers about the perfect door for their facilities and offer a wealth of installation experience and a dedication to excellent customer service. Get your location set up with aesthetically pleasing, durable security barriers that outperform their competition and contact us online today.
Garage Door Trends in Charlotte: Popular Garages 2024
Garage Door Trends in Charlotte: Popular Garages 2024
Unlike your calendar, trends don’t change when the clock hits 12:01 on New Year’s Eve. As far as garage doors go, 2024 will see many trends from the past few years continue. That includes a leaning toward minimalist style, natural materials and other classic choices that will make your home beautiful for years to come.
If you’re planning to update your garage in 2024, don’t miss this article. We cover popular garage door styles, color options and materials so you can make the best decision for your home. Here are seven impactful trends for garage doors in North Carolina that you can expect in 2024.
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French Country
This home decor style has been popular for years, both for interior and exterior design. French country combines elements of natural wood, arches and windows for an elevated farmhouse style that many homeowners know and love.
In 2024, this style will continue to develop in new directions. Rather than leaning toward a farmhouse or cottage style, home exteriors will tend toward a more elevated, minimalist version of French country. This will impact garage doors and other exterior choices like paint color and material.
Examples might include less detailed woodwork, larger-scaled doors and design choices that blend garage doors into a home’s exterior rather than standing out. The overall effect should be a large-proportioned, elegant home that conveys a sense of history and grandeur.
Minimalism
Another trend continuing into 2024, minimalism continues to celebrate simple colors, textures and clean lines. Many minimal garage doors don’t include windows to further emphasize simplicity in design. Minimalist garage doors often appear as a single slab, without much to set the panels apart.
This works perfectly for homes that celebrate other exterior features, like the front door or porch area. Depending on the style of your home, a minimalist garage door can add a lot to your home by intentionally blending in.
Minimalist garage doors cross over into modern garage door styles when they incorporate thin, slitted glass windows as part of the design. If windows are important to you, consider opting for a minimalist design with a modern twist.
Windows
In line with the French country style, many homeowners opt for windows in their garage doors. A major part of home decor for 2024 is warm light coming inside through many large windows, creating a homey feel.
You can continue this theme through your garage doors so warm light peeps out the windows after dusk. The window shape in your garage door can vary, but the best practice is to match the style and shape with the existing windows in your home.
Alternatively, you could opt for no or few windows so the focus stays on the windows throughout the rest of your home. The most commonly used garage door is an overhead sectional, and windows can easily dress up this model.
Wood
Over the last several years, one of the design themes has been using natural materials. People want to feel connected with nature even while inside their homes — hence the large windows, natural wood finishes and abundance of house plants.
Whereas yellow- and gray-toned woods have been popular in the past, popular design is moving to mid-tones in 2024. These woods are in the middle of the color spectrum and pair well with many different paint colors and finishes.
Many exterior styles pair well with wood garage doors — from modern minimalist to farmhouse and French country. The only home design style that doesn’t work well with wood is the industrialist style, which gives more of a minimal, brutalist feel.
Lasting Finish
Although owning a home is a joy, maintaining it can be a lot of work and expense. Homeowners are opting for lasting finishes on exterior features so they can enjoy their investment long-term with as little maintenance as possible.
In 2024, another trend that will continue to develop for garage doors is an emphasis on easy-to-clean, long-lasting finishes. Whether your garage door is made of wood, steel or another material, it should stand the test of time and look like new for years.
Homeowners in the Charlotte area should look for garage doors that can handle water, snow and extreme heat during the summer. Regardless of the weather, garage doors in 2024 should withstand everything except a tornado.
Bold Colors
The color palette in 2024 for home design is changing again — but if bright colors aren’t your style, the same classic colors will continue to signal sophistication and elegance for years. Tried-and-true garage door colors include white, off-white and black.
Because of the recent trend toward warm colors, chocolate brown is having a comeback. This color is on the line between trendy and classic, making it a perfect option for updating your home. It also ties in nicely with the updated French country theme that’s becoming so popular.
Other colors we’ll see in 2024 include burgundy and navy. These hues are dark but branch out from the usual neutrals commonly used on home exteriors. If you choose a colorful route, keep in mind that your garage doors may become the focus of your home’s exterior.
Technology Integration
Over the last several years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has made managing a modern home much easier. Instant access over your smartphone allows you to adjust the thermostat, turn the lights off or open and close your garage door, all without having to get up.
With the right technology system, your garage doors can be more accessible and secure than ever before. Another garage door trend for 2024 will be continued developments in tech integration for managing this part of your home.
Many modern homeowners want to be able to check the status of their garage doors while away from home to ensure security. Safety features that prevent accidents when people are too close for comfort are also important. Your garage door tech system should seamlessly integrate with other smart technology in your home.
Choose RCS for Your New Garage Door
At RCS, we offer a wide range of garage door designs so you can update your home to suit your personal style. Our technicians are trained in installation and garage door repair, ensuring the investment you make in your home is beautiful and functional well into the future.
RCS offers a wide range of garage door styles, including steel, wood and faux wood options. Our products are at the forefront of exterior design trends, giving you the look and quality that will elevate your home well into the future. Contact us today to learn how we can support your home with a new, quality garage door!
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Table Of Contents
- How to Determine if Your Insurance Covers Garage Door Damage
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Replacement?
- What Types of Garage Door Damages Are Covered Under Insurance?
- What Is Not Covered Under Insurance?
- What if the Garage Is Detached From the Home?
- Get Garage Door Repair Services
Your home is an important investment, which is why you protect it with homeowners insurance. But what if something happens to your garage door? Does insurance cover garage door repair?
Garage doors protect a large entryway into your house and all of the possessions you store inside your garage. If a driver in training accidentally backs into your door or a tree lands on your garage during a hurricane, you’ll want to make repairs right away. It’s important to understand what’s covered by your garage insurance policy to help you make affordable repairs if disaster strikes.
How to Determine if Your Insurance Covers Garage Door Damage
Every insurance policy is different, and they are often customizable to your coverage preferences. Know what your insurance policy will cover before an accident happens. Read your policy to know what is insured, and make changes if you prefer more coverage for things like your garage door. The language used in policies can sometimes be confusing, so contact your agent to help you understand your coverage. Most garage door damage is covered by insurance.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Replacement?
In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does cover garage door repair. But what about home insurance and garage door replacement?
Sometimes damages are severe, and a brand new garage door is needed. If the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of a new garage door, insurance covers the replacement.
What Types of Garage Door Damages Are Covered Under Insurance?
The following damages are typically covered under most home insurance policies:
1. Car Damage
You can make an insurance claim to pay for the damages if someone in your family accidentally backs into the garage door. Most standard homeowners insurance plans may cover garage door damage caused by your vehicles. Note that damages to your vehicle will not be covered unless you have an auto insurance policy that will pay for the repairs.
But what do you do if someone else hits your garage door? If a neighbor or a distant relative accidentally damages your garage door with their vehicle, the repairs should be covered under their auto insurance policy. Most auto policies have limits on liability coverage. If the cost of repairs exceeds the coverage from their auto insurance policy, an average homeowners policy will likely cover the difference.
If your garage door is damaged during a hit-and-run or by an uninsured driver, your homeowners policy will likely pay for the damages.
2. Theft
Homeowners insurance usually covers any damage to your garage door caused by a break-in. It may also cover the stolen property if it is not returned, up to a certain amount, depending on your policy. If you store valuable items in your garage, you may want to increase your coverage on stolen property.
3. Vandalism
It is violating when someone intentionally damages your property. Fortunately, malicious activity is often covered by a homeowners policy. If a stranger vandalizes your garage door with spray paint or a baseball bat, insurance often pays for the repairs. You may have to file a police report before you can make a claim on your policy.
4. Fire Damage
Housefires can be devastating, but having insurance can provide comfort knowing it can cover the damages and replace most of your property. Insurance will likely cover a replacement garage door along with repairs to the rest of your home.
Wildfires are considered a natural disaster, which insurance companies may not cover under a standard policy. Check with your insurance agent if you live in a vulnerable area, and purchase additional coverage if necessary.
5. Natural Disasters
You must look over your policy carefully to determine which natural disasters are covered under your insurance. Standard homeowners insurance will protect against severe weather like extreme winds and lightning storms. However, floods, earthquakes and wildfires may require additional coverage. If you live somewhere prone to natural disasters, like tornadoes or hurricanes, note it may cost extra to add those coverages to your policy since they are more common.
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What Types of Garage Door Damages Are Not Covered Under Insurance?
Insurance can help you save a lot of money on repairs if accidents happen. However, some damages are not covered:
- Wear and tear: High-quality garage doors can last for many years, but they eventually wear out. General wear and tear are not covered by insurance. You can invest in regular maintenance to extend the life of your garage door. Leave it to the experts to keep your garage door functioning like the day you bought it.
- Intentional damage: If you intentionally damage your garage door, it will not be covered under your insurance policy. Claims often require photos or video evidence. If you get caught trying to pass intentional damage off as accidental, that is considered insurance fraud, which is punishable by fines and jail time.
- Minor damage: Most home insurance policies include a deductible. A deductible is a set amount you are responsible for paying before your insurance coverage. For example, if the damages to the garage cost $200 and your deductible is $500, then you are responsible for all of the charges. If the repairs cost $5,000, then insurance will cover $4,500, and you are only responsible for the deductible of $500. Deductibles vary depending on where you live and the policy you have.
What if the Garage Is Detached From the Home?
If your garage is detached from the home, can it be covered by your homeowners policy? In some cases, a detached garage will be covered by your home insurance under an “other structures” policy. These policies offer protection for fences, pools, sheds and even garages that are not technically part of the home. However, it is typically covered by a lower percentage compared to the rest of your house.
Check your policy carefully to find out how much coverage you have if your garage is separate from the rest of your dwelling.
Contact RCS Garage Doors for Garage Door Repairs Today
When accidents happen, it helps to have a repair service you can trust. If you need garage door maintenance, repair or replacement, RCS Garage Doors has you covered. We have over 30 years of experience providing customers with the highest quality products and repairs.
When disaster strikes, you can trust our expert technicians to make the necessary repairs quickly without disrupting your busy schedule. Your garage door will look and function beautifully when we are finished. We’ll provide a free estimate for the job that you can submit to your insurance provider. Schedule a repair today with RCS Garage Doors.
RCS Garage Door’s Second Year on the Bulldog 100 List!
RCS Garage Doors, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is included in the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s 2020 Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. More than 533 nominations were submitted for the 2020 list.
This is the second year in a row RCS has been honored on the Bulldog 100 list.
RCS Garage Doors, owned by 2006 UGA graduate Amber Signore, specializes in commercial and residential garage door sales, installation and repair. The company offers both Clopay® and LiftMaster® models and accessories.
“I’m extremely proud to be included in the 2020 Bulldog 100. For over 20 years, RCS Garage doors has been committed to serving the community through high-quality garage doors and accessories that keep families safe and homes looking beautiful,” said RCS Garage Doors Owner Amber Signore.
The 2020 Bulldog 100 includes businesses of all sizes and from industries such as technology, cosmetics, entertainment and education. Companies are based as far north as Virginia and as far west as Nevada. Of the 100 businesses, 84 are located within the state of Georgia.
Applicants were measured by their business’ compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009, verified the information submitted by each company.
The UGA Alumni Association will host the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens Feb. 8 to celebrate these alumni business leaders and count down the ranked list to ultimately reveal the No. 1 fastest-growing business.
“Hosting this year’s Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens will bring these bright entrepreneurs back to campus to experience how it has grown since their days at UGA,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of the UGA Alumni Association. “We’re excited for the opportunity for these industry leaders to connect with students and share their advice and expertise.”
To view the alphabetical list of businesses and to learn more about the Bulldog 100, see www.alumni.uga.edu/b100.