Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between steel, aluminum, and wood doors?

Choosing the right material for your garage door is essential for enhancing your home’s appearance, durability, and overall value. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between steel, aluminum, and wood garage doors:

  • Steel doors are the go-to choice for many homeowners due to their unmatched durability, versatile design options, and low maintenance requirements. Consolidated offers a wide range of high-quality steel doors that are built to last, providing excellent security and insulation. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style, steel doors deliver the perfect combination of strength and elegance.

  • Ideal for modern homes, aluminum garage doors are lightweight and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a fantastic option for coastal areas like Santa Barbara. These doors often feature sleek designs with large glass panels, adding a contemporary touch to your home. Aluminum doors are also low-maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep to keep them looking their best.

  • For those seeking timeless beauty and unmatched craftsmanship, wood garage doors are the pinnacle of luxury. Crafted from premium hardwoods or high-quality composite materials, these doors can be customized with intricate designs and finishes to perfectly complement your home’s architecture. It is important to note that wood doors are heavier and require regular maintenance, such as painting or staining, to protect the finish and maintain the door’s integrity. The investment in a wood door is one that enhances both the aesthetic and value of your home.

Each material offers unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize durability, modern aesthetics, or classic charm, Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate has the perfect garage door to elevate your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

What are the pro’s and cons of each material & type of door?

STEEL

Pros:

  • Durability

  • Resistant to damage

  • Economical due to low-maintenance requirements

Cons:

  • Provide less insulation

  • Prone to rust & corrosion

  • Low-quality steel is prone to damage

ALUMINUM

Pros:

  • Resistant to corrosion

  • Low maintenance

Cons:

  • Has less durability & can dent easily

  • Sensitive to extreme heat

WOOD

Pros:

  • Provide a beautiful, classic appearance

  • Naturally superior insulation

  • Many high-quality overlay designs

  • Field-staining capabilities

Cons:

  • Increased weight

  • More difficult to operate in manual operation

  • Requires regular maintenance

  • Sensitive to moisture & extreme temperatures

WHAT OPTIONS are there FOR INSULATED DOORS?

When choosing an insulated garage door, you typically have two main options: Polystyrene and Polyurethane.

Our team at Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate can help you determine which insulation option best suits your specific needs, budget, and climate considerations.

  • provides a solid layer of insulation within the channels of a sectional garage door, helping to maintain a consistent temperature in your garage. It's a good choice for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency in a cost-effective way.

  • offers a higher insulation value, delivering superior thermal performance. This material fills the entire door cavity, creating a stronger, more durable door with excellent insulation properties. It's ideal for those who prioritize energy efficiency and enhanced structural integrity.

DOES MY DOOR NEED TO BE FIRE RATED?

Given that much of Santa Barbara is considered to be located in a high fire zone, it’s essential to consider fire-rated doors for your property.

Fire-rated garage doors are designed to resist flames and heat, providing additional protection for your home or commercial building in the event of a fire.

For all permitted remodels and new construction projects, local building codes and inspectors often require fire-rated doors to meet safety standards.

At Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate, we offer a range of fire-rated options that not only comply with these regulations but also enhance the safety and resilience of your property. Choosing a fire-rated door ensures you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your investment and meet the stringent safety requirements of Santa Barbara’s unique environment.

If you have further concerns regarding any code requirements in your area, our Garage Door Consultants will be happy to answer your questions.

How often should my garage door or automated gates be serviced?

It’s recommended to have your garage door(s) and gate systems serviced at least once a year.

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance, extends the life of your door, and addresses potential safety hazards.

Our comprehensive service includes lubrication, inspection of all components, and necessary adjustments of Springs, Hinges, Rollers and all moving parts.

does consolidated overhead door & gate provide emergency garage door or gate repair service?

Yes, we prioritize emergency repairs during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Our team is committed to addressing urgent issues promptly, ensuring your garage door is safe and functional as quickly as possible.

can i replace a single panel oN my garage door?

In many cases, a single panel can be replaced if it matches the door’s make, model, and color.

Our Highly-Trained Consultants can assess your door and determine if a panel replacement is feasible or if a full door replacement would be more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.

why should i hire a professional for garage door or gate service and repair?

Garage doors and electronic gates are complex systems with heavy components, high-tension springs, and intricate mechanisms.

Maintaining these intricate systems require specialized knowledge to service safely. Attempting DIY repairs can pose serious safety risks, including injury from malfunctioning springs or improper handling of the door.

Our trained technicians have the training and expertise to handle all maintenance and repairs, ensuring your garage door and gate system operates smoothly and safely.

Trust the professionals at Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate to keep these systems in top working order.

What type of motor Operator is best for each type of door?

Our sales team will work closely with you to determine your door's correct and most effective operator option.

Often, we suggest the following motorized operators:

Chain Drive (Ceiling Mounted) — These openers are cost-effective and great for heavy or wooden doors.

Belt Drive (Ceiling Mounted) — Belt drive operators are quieter and often paired with steel doors.

Jackshaft (wall mounted) — Our most versatile motorized operator option. Jackshaft motors, are ideal for all types of doors ranging from light to medium-heavy applications.

*It's important to note:

All motorized garage door operators sold and installed in California must have a battery backup.

CAN GARAGE DOORS BE CUSTOMIZED?

Yes, we offer extensive customization options for your garage doors, including color, material, window placement, and decorative hardware.

Our team works with you to design a door that enhances your home's curb appeal while meeting your functional needs.

how long does it take to install a new garage door?

A standard garage door installation with a motor operator, typically takes 3-5 hours.

Depending on the door type and any additional features, the length of the installation can be longer.

We strive to complete the installation efficiently while ensuring all safety and operational checks are thoroughly conducted.

what options are available for windows in my garage door?

Our Manufacturing Partners offer a premier selection of unique options and glass designs.

When choosing the perfect window or glass for your door, you'll be selecting from:

  • Clear

  • Frosted

  • Rain Glass

  • Tinted

  • White Laminate

  • Opaque Black

  • Translucent Black

  • Mirrored Bronze

  • Mirrored Gray

  • Opaque White

Customized windows and glass can also be provided, depending on your project and the manufacturer. 

what is the best way to protect my garage door from the elements?

Regular maintenance, including cleaning, painting or sealing wood doors, and ensuring weather seals are intact, helps protect your garage door from the elements.

For coastal areas, selecting corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or wood can offer added protection.

how Do i know it is time to replace my garage door

Signs that it may be time to replace your garage door include frequent breakdowns, excessive noise, sagging sections, and outdated safety features.

If repairs are becoming costly or the door lacks modern safety elements, a replacement could be the more cost-effective choice.

what type of commercial doors do you offer?

At Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate, we offer a variety of commercial doors, including rolling steel, sectional, high-speed, and fire-rated doors.

Each type is designed to meet specific operational needs, whether it's for security, insulation, safety or any other type of commercial setting, we have the door for you.

WHAT safety features should my garage door or driveway Gate have?

Modern garage doors and automated gate systems come with a variety of essential safety features.

Such features include: Auto reverse, which prevents the door from closing if an object is detected, and photoelectric sensors that stop the door if something interrupts the beam.

Regular testing and maintenance of these features are crucial for safety.