Summary: Restaurant garage doors are a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more establishments opting for them over traditional storefronts. This article explores various aspects of restaurant garage doors, including their benefits, types, installation, maintenance, and considerations when choosing one.
1. Benefits of restaurant garage doors
Restaurant garage doors offer multiple benefits, including their ability to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. They provide an airy and open feel, allowing customers to enjoy the ambiance and view. On warm days, garage doors can be lifted to let fresh air in, while during harsh weather, they can be closed to protect patrons from the elements. Garage doors also offer versatility in terms of design and customization, giving restaurants the flexibility to create a unique space that reflects their brand image. Lastly, garage doors are durable and secure, which ensures safety and reliability.
The second significant benefit of restaurant garage doors is improved traffic flow. Unlike traditional storefronts where door openings may be limited, garage doors offer wide openings, providing a smoother movement of customers. This eliminates the traffic bottleneck caused by mingling patrons outside the entryway. Additionally, garage doors can be opened or closed quickly depending on immediate needs such as accommodating large groups or changing weather situations.
Last but not least, installing restaurant garage doors can increase the overall property value of the establishment. Garage doors show that the property owner has made a significant investment in the space, which can attract potential buyers and increase the value of the property. They add visual appeal to the building’s exterior and highlight the establishment, making it stand out from others in the surrounding area.
2. Types of restaurant garage doors
There are mainly two types of restaurant garage doors; overhead and bi-fold. Overhead garage doors work like traditional residential garage doors, with the door lifting into the top of the structure when opened. Overhead garage doors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. The other type is bi-fold garage doors. These doors fold in half, opening upwards. Bi-fold doors offer a more polished look and more efficient use of available space. Compared to overhead doors, bi-fold doors are costlier and require more maintenance, and may occasionally need replacement parts that are harder to find.
In addition to these two types, some restaurants also use customized garage doors for their space. Customized or bespoke garage doors provide the most flexibility in terms of size and design. However, they can be expensive and require skilled craftsmen to install.
Another option is to install glass garage doors. Glass garage doors are perfect for establishments that want to display the interior or marketing efforts. Glass garage doors are fully transparent, letting customers see right into the establishment but may not offer enough privacy for most restaurants.
3. Installation of restaurant garage doors
The installation process for restaurant garage doors varies depending on the type of door chosen. If a business chooses to install an overhead garage door, the process will likely be quicker and less involved than other types of doors. Once the door is delivered, the salon or installation team will begin by measuring the space’s dimensions to ensure that the door properly fits. Next, they will remove any existing doors or frames to prepare the opening for the new door. After ensuring everything is cleared, the door will be installed using the correct mounting methods and hardware.
If the restaurant garage door is a bi-fold style, it requires more effort to install. Bi-fold doors must be measured accurately as the door contractor makes up the door to precise specifications. When the door arrives, a professional installation technician will start by building the support brackets and tracks for the door. The door system has rollers that sit on these trained tracks, enabling the door to fold open and closed simultaneously. The installation experts at the site will ensure that the bi-fold doors are set up and working correctly.
Custom and bespoke garage doors are more complex to install, requiring more time and effort than standard garage doors. They need a skilled technician or craftsman to ensure precision in all detail, from measuring to crafting to installing. A custom garage door supplier will have a team of professionals who will work with the business owner to develop a design that meets their specifications, schedule a meeting, and install their creation using appropriate tools and hardware.
4. Maintenance of restaurant garage doors
For any business, regular maintenance helps extend the life of equipment and ensures it operates safely and efficiently. Garage doors need maintenance just like any other piece of equipment. Regular inspection of the door’s key mechanisms and parts keeps the system functioning correctly and minimizes the risk of sudden breakdowns or accidents. Some restaurant garage doors come with instruction manuals for maintenance and cleaning. It is important to read and follow these instructions when attempting to perform the maintenance yourself.
On the other hand, it is best to leave some repair jobs to the professionals since garages have intricate mechanisms and power systems. Professional technicians can provide periodic maintenance, deep cleaning, lubrication, and overall safety checks to ensure that the system is operating safely and adheres with local building codes. In any case of malfunction, contacting a qualified technician is the recommended option to ensure that the issue is handled competently and safely.
Lastly, garage doors require seasonal maintenance since they experience different weather conditions throughout the year. Seasonal maintenance routines focus on examining the weather seals, cleaning dirt, checking the pulleys and hinges, among other tasks.
5. Considerations when choosing a restaurant garage door
Choosing the perfect restaurant garage door can be an overwhelming task. First, it’s essential to consider the business’s needs and available space carefully. The right choice would maximize the area and provide superior, lasting quality. For example, if your establishment has a patio that directly leads to a parking lot, you may want to consider an overhead garage door. If, on the other hand, you have limited space or want to create an eye-catchy accent wall to stand out from nearby establishments, you may have opted for a bi-fold door.
Another aspect to consider is the climate in which the restaurant is located. For instance, if your area is prone to inclement weather, going with an insulated door might be ideal. Customized doors provide a modern look but may cost a little more than the standard type of doors. It is also important to consider the level of security needed. Garage doors have high-security options that repel intruders.
Before installing your restaurant garage door, you must determine the applicable local building codes in your area. Some regulations govern how far the door must be from the street and sidewalk and the door’s size and power systems. Working with qualified professionals will ensure compliance with local codes so that your business can operate legally.
Conclusion:
As we have seen, restaurant garage doors are an excellent alternative to traditional storefronts. They offer a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, create a unique ambiance, are secure, and improve traffic flow. When it comes to installation, maintenance, and selection, the type of garage door, space availability, weather conditions, and building codes all play significant roles in determining the best option for a business. With the appropriate garage door in place, owners can enjoy the benefits of flexibility, customization, energy efficiency, and overall added value to their establishment.
