“The details are not the details. They make the design,” said American architect and designer Charles Eames. At CornellCookson, we couldn’t agree more. The details really do make the design when selecting the best high performance door for your application.

We know that specifying a high performance door may not be considered the most fascinating aspect of your process, but specifications are vital to a building’s overall design. Making sure the specifications are clear and detailed can help you avoid installing an incorrect door and save you time and money. We’ve put together this guide to help you when specifying a high performance precision garage door.  

Tip #1: Make sure you specify a high performance door that's "just right."

The Door and Access Systems Manufacturing Association (DASMA) defines a high performance door as one that can meet the minimum requirement of 20” per second opening speed and 100 plus cycles per day.

Be aware that specifying a door with high performance attributes when they aren’t needed can result in a lackluster choice that doesn’t work well, or one that exceeds what you need and your budget.

If you choose a door that operates at 20” per second and you need one at 24” per second, it will obviously be too slow. If you choose a 32” per second door, it will be way too fast. Specifying the door at exactly 24” per second will be just right. Always put the precision garage door opening speed you need in your specification as the best course of action – over- or underestimating here won’t do you any favors.

Tip #2: Don't assume that a faster high performance door is better for your application.

While faster is better in races and sports cars, it isn’t always as invigorating in high performance doors. Figuring out the minimum speed required combined with your activation device will help your specs be as accurate as possible. Specify a door that suits your needs, not one that is too slow or too fast for your application. Choosing a door speed that is below or above what you need will cost you more up front. The operating costs of a faster door when it is not needed could also be more expensive.

Tip #3: Remember that cycle springs are not instant high performance door creators.

If you stick a high-end bumper sticker or emblem on a cheap car, the car is still cheap. The same holds true for high performance doors or high performance items. Taking a standard rolling door and adding 100K cycle springs does not make the door a high performance one.

Consider the entire construction of the closure before choosing your high performance door. Do you need a more durable or a springless design for your precision garage door? All items in your high performance door should be durable and ease your mind in regards to their longevity. Springless doors often last longer because there aren’t additional components that can be worn out or snapped off.

Tip #4: Know your door's peak cycle times.

Knowing the lifetime cycles of your high performance door is important. Knowing the peak cycle times of your door is even more important. Knowing the cycles per hour and peak times the door will be used is beneficial when specifying. Detailing information such as the peak period of cycling is 85 cycles per hour from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. is more helpful than stating the required door should have 300,000 cycles.

Tip #5: Keep up with your high performance door maintenance.

When you’re specifying a high performance door, you may not be thinking of what happens after installation, but your facility manager or building owner is. Maintenance of any door is a vital aspect that can be overlooked. With high performance rolling doors, you’re in the clear because they require almost no maintenance outside of daily once-overs. Think of all the down time that can be avoided with a door that requires almost no maintenance! You’ll be happy and so will your facility managers because you don’t have to add yet another task to the list of facility upkeep. The upfront cost of a high performance door is probably more expensive, but the advantages of a high performance door compared to a standard roll up door are many, including more money saved in the long run and less overall down time.

Keep these tips in mind when specifying a high performance garage door and let us know if we can help you choose the right precision garage door for your application.  

 

 
Cornell is the industry leading rolling door, security grille and closure product experts since 1828. To inquire how Cornell's long history of innovation and customer service can help you with your next rolling door project, call 1-800-233-8366 or contact us online today!

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