The Ins & Outs of the Garage Door Manufacturing Process

To say that garage doors are immensely useful devices would be a giant understatement. Not only do many people use them as the main entry point into their homes, these doors also have a huge impact on a property’s security and curb appeal.

Whether you’re happy with a standard model or planning to invest in custom wood garage door installation in San Diego, learning how garage doors are made can help you make a better buying decision and give you a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into making these doors.

We previously took a deep dive into the cons and pros of double and single garage doors, explained the main advantages of getting a custom garage door, and answered some frequently asked questions about custom door solutions. Now we’ll expand on this topic by taking a close look at the garage door manufacturing process. Read on to learn more.

How do you manufacture a garage door?

Although some garage door panels are handcrafted or made by small teams who work in local shops, the majority are made and assembled in factories with the help of large-scale industrial equipment.

The same goes for garage door openers, springs, cables, rails, and other components. These are built by specialized manufacturers and then sold to distributors. Verifying that your garage door installation company of choice works with reputable component manufacturers is key to making sure your new door is made to the highest standard.

The garage door panel manufacturing process usually includes 5 steps:

Step #1: Getting the panels ready

First, the raw panels need to be prepped for printing. After removing the protective folio, the panels are placed on a table and cleaned and abraded using rotary brush sanders. Heavy-duty vacuums then remove all traces of particles and dust, and the panel proceeds to the next step.

Step #2: Printing

The panels are laid flat on a vacuum table and optically checked by a printhead carriage system. An industrial printer then gives them multiple printing passes to ensure an even spread. Special lights within the printer are engaged to help the ink cure quickly and effectively.

Step #3: Lacquering

In order to retain its appearance and not be damaged by exposure, digital ink needs to be protected with a special lacquer coating. After printing is done, the panels are loaded into a lacquer application box and thoroughly sprayed with lacquer. They’re then transferred into the drying room.

Step #4: Drying

The panels are placed on special racks in a separate chamber and left to dry for anywhere between half an hour and six hours. How long it takes for the lacquer to dry mostly depends on its chemical properties, how thick it is, and the current temperature in the drying room.

Step #5: Packing

Once the panels have dried, they’re taken out of the drying room and packaged. From this point on, the panels are ready for distribution and installation.

Where can I book an expert custom wood garage door installation in San Diego & the area?

Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego has been supplying the good people of California with expert-grade garage door repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation services since 1945. We’re committed to providing our clients with state-of-the-art solutions that will stand the test of time and take the aesthetics and functionality of their properties to the next level.

Whether your building is situated in Kensington or in the middle of downtown, our experts are just a short phone call away. Schedule our services today or reach out to us if you’d like to ask further questions.