Terminology – Two Step Garage Doors

Group: Terminology

Woodruff Key

A steel key with the shape of a half-moon.

* Anchor Pad- Padding secured above the door, on the header, to support a bearing bracket in the center. It can also be installed in other locations. * Casing- A vertical piece of wood that creates one side of an opening. * End Block- These are installed at the end of each panel and are […]

Wireless

* Commercial Keypad-A sturdy keypad that can be mounted onto a pedestal. Uses a PIN that must be typed in, in order for the door to open. Multiple PIN’s can be programed into the keypad. * Control Panel-A small panel mounted within the garage that can open and close the door, turn on the lights, […]

Wired Keypad and Cards

Allows for a code to be entered or a card to be read to control the opening or closing of a door or gate.

Wire Size

The width of a wire contained in a spring.

Wire Rope

Rope that has been braided and contains multiple strands of wire that has been galvanized.

Wire Glass

This glass contains woven wire netting that keeps it from shattering when impacted or heated.

Winds on Spring

On a torsion spring, these are the number of winding turns.

Window Lite

Glazing that is placed in a door.

Winding

* Bar-A sturdy rod inserted into a winding plug socket for torsion springs tension. * Cone-This part allows the torsion and winding to be adjusted. It fits in the torsion spring. * Cone Set Screw-A fastener that bolts a winding plug to a torsion shaft. * Cone Socket Head Set Screw-Allows the winding plug to […]

Wind Load

Takes building height, speed, wind, and horizontal location into account for the horizontal design load.

Wicket Door

A swinging door constructed within a sectional door. It is specifically for pedestrians, but is not considered an exit door.

Wheel and Axle

Directs the sections of the door along the track.

West Coast Lumber

Lumber used in producing wooden, sectional garage doors. It is manufactured on the west coast.

Wedge Connection

Comprised of a clip and steel wedge that supports and protects the vertical and horizontal track section joints.

Weatherstrip

A material located at the bottom of the garage door, or in between joints. It protects the garage from wind, weather, and heat.

Weatherseal

A component placed between joints or around the edge of the garage door that protects against the infiltration of heat, air, and poor weather.

Water Stop

Prevents water from entering underneath the door by providing a ridge located where the floor and bottom rail touch. This ridge also directs the water onto the driveway.

Water Seal

A layer of some material that prevents water from seeping in.

Warning Tag

Safe use instructions and/or warnings contained on a tag.

Wall Control Panels

Typically mounted within the garage and primarily controls the opening and closing of the door, as well as, the opener light. Some control panels contain additional features.

Vision Lite

Glazing anchored onto a door.

Vertical :

* Grain-Rings in wood that create a 45 degree angle or greater with surface pieces. * Lift-When a door lifts vertically without the use of horizontal tracks. * Lift Drum-A type of cable drum that can neutralize spring tension by changing the radius of its grooves. * Post-Additional vertical support that aids against episodes of […]

Vent

Allows ventilation by providing an opening, most commonly located on a lower portion of a garage door.

Varnish

A top coat traditionally used on wood that has been finished. It is glossy in appearance and not appropriate for use on outdoor equipment as it’s not porous.

Upper Vertical Track

On a vertical lift door, this is the accumulation of the upper track.

Upper Trajectory

When a door is lifted, this is the curve along which it travels when reaching the top portion of the track.

U-Value

A unit of measurement by which heat is transferred from one side of the door to the other. The measurement is calculated in BTU’s and is the amount of heat transferred in one hour with a one degree temperature difference across one square foot of the door.

U – Strut

Supports the horizontal sections and increases the wind load capacity of a garage door.

Urethane- Insulation

An insulation made of foam typically used in garage door sections. The material is “foamed” into place within the section.

Urethane- Finish

A top coat that is clear and used as a finish. It is most frequently used on wood.

U-Shaped Bottom Weather Stripping

Weatherstrip that is made of vinyl or neoprene and is secured to the bottom of the door. It has a “U” shape, is flexible, even in cold temperatures, and protects against wind and rain.

U-Bar Truss

Provides additional support to prevent displacement of horizontal sections on a sectional door. It also improves the wind load capacity of the door.

Twist

Warping created by the winding of rail edges.

Turns On Spring

The amount of turns found on a torsion spring.

Turn

A complete revolution of 360 degrees around an axis.

Tubular Shaft

A shaft that is hollow in the middle.

Truss Bar

See Strut.

Truss

See Strut.

True Divided Lite

A group of windows assembled together but separated by mullions to create a larger window.

Trolley Type Opener

See Drawbar Operator.

Trolley Opener

See Drawbar Operator.

Triplex Spring

A set of three springs inserted inside each other.

Trim

Finishing pieces, such as handles and door locks.

Transom Section

Additional sections installed above the garage door to provide extra lift for the operator.

Transom Bar

A horizontal bar or beam that separates a door from the window above it.

Translucent Door

A door that permits light to enter but is not see-through.

Trajectory

Motion direction of the top of the door as it opens.

Track:

Channeled rails that house and guide the rollers on which a garage door operates. * Bracket: Secures the track to the jamb. * Clip: Fastens a track to a wall angle. * Graduation: Measurement of the differential distance from the bottom to the top of the vertical track where it meets the jamb. * Guard: […]

Torsion:

The use of force to twist or turn one end while the opposite end remains stationary. * Bar: Long, made of metal, and used to shift torque from a spring to a winding plug * Shaft: Shifts torque to a load from the springs * Spring: A spring which is twisted in one direction on […]

Torque

Force caused by a twisting motion.

Top Seal

Stripping placed along the top of the door to protect against the weather.

Top Roller Fixture

See Top Fixture.

Top Roller Bracket

See Top Fixture.

Top Rail

The rail that runs horizontally across the top of the door.

Top Fixture

Also called Top Carrier, Top Roller Bracket, or Top Roller Fixture, this is a bracket used at the top of the door for placement of the guide roller.

Top Carrier

See Top Fixture.

Tongue and Groove Board

Vertical boards assembled by the tongue and groove section joint method.

Tongue and Groove Section Joint

Attachment in which one panel contains a protruding edge that is interlocked into the grooved edge of the adjoining panel.

Tog-L-Loc

The process of cold-forming pieces of metal together using a punch and die method.

Tin-Canning

Also called oil-canning, this describes the presence of waviness in sheet metal caused by warping.

Thermo-pane Window

A window made up of two pieces of glass that contain a gap in between. This gap traps air and provides insulation.

Thermal Seal

Also called a bottom weatherseal, this is a strip fixed to the bottom of the door to secure it to the floor.

Thermal Barrier/Break

The space between the inner and outer parts of a door in which there is low thermal conductivity, preventing the transfer of heat and cold.

Test Load/Wind Load

Measurement of exerted wind pressure against the structural load.

Tension Bridges

Used as reinforcements against excessive winds or extensive use in the open position.

Template

A piece of material specifically shaped to be used as a pattern or a guide. A plate or piece of wood used as additional support in a wall.

TC

Indicates a door opening size specific for two cars.

Tapered Vertical Track

Also called an Inclined Track, the vertical track narrows away from the jamb, alleviating friction of the door release and providing a weatherproof seal.

T Lock Handle

See T Handle.

T Handle

Also called a T Lock Handle, this is a handle that is shaped like the letter “T”.

Swing-up Post

See Swing-Away Post

Swing-Away Post

A removable post that is attached at the top and can be pivoted out of the way

Sweep

See Trajectory

Sway Strap

See Angle Brace

Sway Brace

See Angle Brace

Strut

A support stiffener that reduces the deflection of the door sections when in the open position

Striker Plate

A plate that is used with a locking system to secure a lock mechanism

Striker

See Striker Plate

Stop Moulding

See Stop Mould

Stop Mould

This serves to seal the perimeter of a door so weather and light doesn’t enter the garage

Stop

See Stop Mould

Stock Door

A standard size door that is typically kept in the inventory at either a distributor or factory warehouse

Stile-and-Rail Garage Door

A garage door that has sections each made up of horizontal rails and a vertical stile structure framing member

Stile

A vertical reinforcement member that is a part of a section

Sicker

See Decal

Step/Lift Plate

A part that can be used as a step down plate or a lift handle that manually operates a sectional door

Step Down Plate

A way to close a sectional door during its last few inches of closing

Steel Jamb Mounted

A tracking system that is created to mount a steel jamb

Steel Jamb

A door frame that is created by a channel or angle iron

Steel End Caps

Caps that are installed on the end of the panels that can be used with single or double hinges

Stationary Spring Cone

See Stationary Cone

Stationary Sleeve

See Stationary Cone

Stationary Plug

See Stationary Cone

Stationary Bearing Retainer

See Stationary Cone

Standard Headroom/Sideroom

See Headroom/Sideroom

Square Key

See Key

Spring:

* Anchor – See Center Bearing Bracket * Anchor Bracket – See Center Bearing Bracket * Anchor Cone – See Stationary Cone * Anchor Plate – See Center Bearing Bracket * Assembly – See Torsion Spring Assembly * Assembly Closed Wound – A torsion spring that has no gaps between the coils * Assembly Open […]

Splice Plate

Plate that is used for the attachment of track at the junction

Specifications

The quantity and types of material that is to be used in the construction of a garage door

Special Door

A door that must be custom manufactured or specified

Solid Shaft

A steel rod that supports the torsion springs. It is attached to the wall and when a chain hoist is used it is attached to the steel shaft

Solenoid Brake

A heavy-duty actuated brake

Solid Rail

A rail that is made with a continuous piece of lumber that doesn’t have finger joints

Solar Glass

Tinted glass

Snap Latch

See Automatic glass

Smile

See Bow

Slant

The slope of a roof

Single Strength Glass/Thick Glass

A type of sheet glass that is commonly used in glazing sashes

Single-Button Remote Control

A remote that can close or open your garage door or operate the lights from the safety of your vehicle

Single Door

Commonly used to refer to smaller width doors

Sideroom

The measurement from one side of a door opening to the nearest obstruction

Side Seal

See Stop Mould

Side Bearing Plate

See End Bearing Plate

Shop Drawings

Drawings of the plans, section, size and details of a garage door that is created by the manufacturer and given to architect-engineers

S-Hook

A device that connects an extension spring to a pulley that can also be used with other door related hardware

Shoe Molding

See Quarter Round

Shiplap Section Joint

A joint interface that moves from one level to another level from the front of the door to the back

Sheave Fork

A device that attaches the sheave to extension springs

Shaft Bearing

A bearing that maintains the torsion shaft alignment to reduce the amount of friction

SG

Is an acronym for “single glazed”

Sensing Edge

A 2-wire electric edge that may be used as ancillary protection devices

Servicing

See Maintenance

Sectional Door Switch

A switch that can disable the operating of the door to prevent damage to the door and operator

Section Meeting Rail Seal

A weather seal that is located between door sections

Section

A component that increases the width of a garage doors opening that is usually joined together by hinges

Scutcheon

See Escutcheon

Scribing

Cutting the bottom door rail so it matches the style and color of the floor

Screw Joint

A cap that hides the screw and increases the doors appearance

Scarf Joint

The combining of lumber and joining pieces using glue or pinning

SC

A door size, SC means “single car”

Sash/Sash Muntin

A framework that is used to hold glass panels in glass windowed garage doors

Safety Spring Containment/Kit

See Safety Cable

Safety Cable

A cable that retains the springs if they break

Safety Bottom Fixture

See Broken Cable Device

Safety Bottom and Corner Bracket

See Broken Cable Device

R-Value

Material used to slow down the transmission of heat, the higher the value the better the insulation performance

Rounded Off

See Eased Edge

Rollers

Used for guiding the door along the tracks

Remote Light Control

A control that can turn on or off lights in your home with a device

Remote Light Switch

A light switch that allows you to to turn off and on lights in your home remotely using a remote control

Retro-Reflective Photo Eye

This device makes installation easier with wire being on one side of the door and a reflector being on the other

Reinforcement Struts/Bridge Struts

These struts are used to support the garage door when it is in the open position

Regular Angle Mount

See Angle Mounted Track

Red/Green LED Traffic Light

A light that indicated whether or not the door is open. Red means closed while green means open. The light allows safe entering and exiting of the facility

Rear Track Hanger

See Back Hang

Rear-Mounted Torsion

See Rear Mount

Rear Mount

A counterbalance system that is attached to the rear of the horizontal tracks

Rate of Rise

The measurement of change per a regular revolution

Raised Panel

See Panel

Rain Stop

A ledge located where the rail meets the ground to prevent water from entering the garage

Rain Ledge

See Rain Stop

Rail

The horizontal piece of a section

Radius Track

See Horizontal Radius

Radius

See Horizontal Radius

Radio Transmitter

A device that can operate a large number of doors but has become invaluable with recent technological advancements

Radial Force

The force generated in the center of an object that moves toward the outside

Quick Turn Bracket

See Low Lift Hardware

Quarter Turn

A unit of measurement when winding tensions into a torsion spring

Quarter Round

A round molding with a quarter circle located in its cross section

Quarter Grain

See Edge Grain

Push Nut

A metal fastener that is designed to be pushed onto a shaft for secure assembly

Pusher Bumper

A leaf spring that can replace a rod

Push Down Spring

Push rods that are spring-activated and mounted on horizontal tracks that start the closing process of the garage door cycle

Punched Angle/Brace/Iron/Track Hanger

See Angle Iron, See Angle Brace, See Angle Iron, See Back Hang

Pulley Clevis

See Sheave Fork

Pulley

A wheel that turns around an axis that runs a cable, chain or rope to open and close the door

Pull Type Spring

See Extension Spring

Pull Rope

See Pull Down Rope

Pull Down Rope

This rope is connected to the bottom bracket and can be used by the operator to manually open and close the garage door

Prime/Prime-Painted

Laying on a coat of primer paint at the beginning of the painting process

Pre-Painted

Steel panels painted with a primer then given an oven-baked top coat to finish the outside of the door

Power Unit

A unit consisting of springs, shafts, winding plugs as well as stationary cones, drums and cables. This unit allows your garage door to open and close on command

Pounds Pull

The unit of force that can be found by dividing the torque by the moment arm of the drum

Pop Rivet

See Blind Rivet

Polyurethane

Foam insulation that are foamed in place on garage door sections by manufacturers

Pocket Wheel

A wheel or drum that receives individual links that is used to transmit power

Plastic Muntin

See Muntin

Pinch Resistant

Doors that have been designed to keep the operator safe from finger injuries such as entrapping, crushing, breaking and severing

Perimeter Seal

Weatherstrips installed on the outside of doors to prevent the elements from entering the garage

Perforated Angle

Metal with multiple punched holes used to hang garage doors and the garage doors operating systems

Pedestrian Door

An access door that is used to avoid the use of a sectional door

Pass Door

A swinging pedestrian door that is built into a sectional door that is not recognized by most model codes

Panel

A section on the outside of the garage door that is raised and decorative in design

Pan Door

A garage door made out of sheet metal sections

Overlay

Wood or hardboard used to create decorations for the outside of garage door sections

Outside Pull

A counterbalance cable on the outside of the tracks that causes a connection

Outside Hook Up/Bottom Bracket

A bottom bracket that features a cable that is routed outside of the tracks

Other Kinds of Weather Seal

Weather seals that are specifically designed for certain climates or for certain garage doors

Operator

An electronic device that can open or close the garage door

Opening Size/Width

The distance between the jambs of the door opening

Operation Cycle

A complete cycle of the garage door which is the garage door starting in the closed position, moving to the opening position, then moving back to the closed position.

Opener Height

The distance from the ground to the bottom of the header.

Opener

See Operator

Oil-canning

Waviness or unevenness in the garage door caused by a buckling in sheet metal

Nylon Center Bearing

Lining that acts to limit, maneuver, or stop friction. It can be permanent or removable.

Numbered Section

On a sectional door, this is one segment of the door.

Numbered Roller Bracket

A hinge attached to the end of door sections that allow pivoting as the door closes and opens. These hinges grasp the track roller and are numbered and sequential for proper placement and to allow the door to lie flat against the jambs when the door closes.

Numbered Panel

These panels are between stiles on the inside of the door. They are numbered starting from the left and moving right.

Numbered Hinge

A hinge secured at the end of a door section. This hinge enables door sections to swivel as the door is brought up and down. Hinges also secure the track roller. They recieve numbers and are graded to make sure that, when closed, the door is flat against the jambs.

MyQ Control

* For Smartphone- This device allows one to open, close, and oversee a garage door from anywhere using a smartphone. It also alerts when the garage door has been left open. * Home Bridge- By using an app or Siri, this device allows Apple users to monitor their garage door, open and close it, and […]

Mutt

A vertical proponent of a section within the garage door that provides support.

Mushroom Control Station

A control panel that, when pushed, will open the door fully and implement a “Timer-to-Close” function. This panel is useful in timely or emergency situations.

Munton Window

A munton that has a fake, separated lite.

Muntin

A bar that provides support and divides glass panes on a door or sash.

Multi-function Control Panel

A panel located within the garage that controls opening and closing the garage door, turning opener lights on and off, and contains an adjustable light timer. * Mullion- Garage Door/Window * Garage Door- A post that is vertical and is used to brace or support a door. * Window- Part of the framing that separates […]

Motion Detecting Control

A mechanism that will turn on the garage door opener lights once motion is detected.

Movable Post

A post that allows for two or more doors to be used within one opening. It has a center made of aluminum that can be moved once the doors are lifted.

Mounting Plate

An appliance that is attached to a wall and aids spring shaft bearings, chain hoists, spring supports, and mountings for users. It is typically flush and made of steel or wood.

Modular Coordination

The proportioning of building components to ensure they will come together correctly when installed.

Monitored Optical Edge

This monitored system works to provides protection against entrapment, particularly for commercial operations.

MIP

This acronym stands for Maximum Inch-Pounds. This relates to the amount of torque that is necessary on a shaft to lift a door of a certain weight. It can also be used to describe the torque capacity of a given wire size to perform at a particular cycle level.

Minimum Headroom/Sideroom

Headroom Space required vertically above the opening of the door and below the lowest object on the ceiling that will allow the door to work properly. Sideroom A measurement performed horizontally from the sides of the opening of the door to the nearest object.

Mill Certification

Information provided on a particular metal from the mill that produced it. The document states what the metal is made of, as well as, heat and structure of that metal.

Mini 3-Button Remote Control

This is a smaller, keychain version of the 3-button remote control. It can control three different doors, indoor lights and appliances, and opener lights.

Microwave Motion Sensor

When objects move close or away from the door, this device recognizes the motion and signals for the door to operate accordingly, by opening or closing.

Metal Skin

The exterior of a metal.

Metallurgist Report

The record of a particular metal’s composition.

Meeting Rail

The top or bottom horizontal rail that attaches to a seal that is weatherproofed.

Master Keying

When one “Master” key can be used to lock or unlock multiple cylinder locks, despite having different keyed cylinders.

Master Keyed

When keyed cylinder locks can be locked or unlocked using one “Master” key.

Manufacturer

A company that produces goods for sale.

Maintenance

Performing upkeep on a garage door to keep it working properly.

Lubricant/Lubricate

Lubricant is a material that can be used for lubrication. When lubricating an item, it becomes glossy and can cut down on friction.

LSLO

An acronym that means “left side looking out.”

Low Moment Arm

This is the shortest distance from the axis of the shaft to the middle of the cable that is a part of the cable peel off point within the cable drums.

Low Lift Hardware

When minimal headroom is present, these low headroom parts allow a garage door to work properly.

Low Headroom Hardware

Equipment that allows a garage door to function when headroom is minimal.

Louver

An opening that allows venting through screens or slats.

Loop detectors

This device is sensitive to disruptions within its magnetic field and signals for a garage door to open or close. It can be installed inside or outside of a building within six feet.

Long Life Components

Equipment used for garage door systems that contain aluminum, Dura+ accessories, and corrosion-resistant steel. They are long-lasting and reliable.

Logic Board (circuit)

A circuit board that is the control center for the operation of the garage door. When electric equipment, like keypads and openers are not operating, there could be an issue with the logic board.

Long-Stem Roller

A roller with a length of seven inches or greater.

Lock

* Bar with Cremon- The cremone can be pivoted either outside or inside of the garage door and will cause the door to lock in place by pushing lock bars onto the path of the track. * Lock- on Bottom Roller Bracket-This bracket, located at the bottom of the garage door, holds track rollers and […]

Light Curtain

This is a safety feature that will stop the automated device from operating when a person is caught in its path.

Lite

Glazing that is installed in a door.

Lift:

* Bracket- A support system that allows the attachment of cables and installation of rollers. It is located at the bottom of the garage door. * Cables/safety cables-This allows the garage door to be lifted and lowered. Depending on the weight of the garage door, the cables could have more steel wire and/or be broader. […]

Lateral Force

Occurs when force is exerted from the side or to the side.

Latch Lock

An automated device that locks the garage door.

Lapped Joint

This joint creates a secure seal between sections of the door to protect from bad weather. It is formed by the elevated back of a section joint connecting with the lowered front portion of another section joint.

Lap Jamb

This is created when sections of the garage door overlap the openings on each door jamb.

Lag Screw

A large, sturdy screw made of wood. It has a coarse thread and square or hexagonal head.

L – Strut

Additional support on horizontal sections of the garage door. It is attached to the inside of the door and prevents bulging or caving in. It also aids in the garage doors wind load capacity.

Laser Garage Parking Assist

A mechanism that shines a laser onto the dashboard of the car entering the garage. This allows the driver to park safely and consistently within the garage.

K-Value

The thermal conductivity measurement of a material.

Keyed Shaft

A shaft designed with a built-in key way.

Keyed-Alike

To have more than one lock designed to open with one key.

Key:

* Alike: See Keyed-Alike. * Switch Control: Key-activated switch used for secure operation of the door. * Way: Grooves of varying shapes that are cut into a component, which are fitted with a key that locates and drives the parts of the shaft.

Keeper Plate

Also referred to as a striker plate, this mounts onto the track as part of the locking mechanism.

Joint:

* Rabbeted – see joint shiplap * Shiplap – creating weather tight seal between the door sections; the raised back portion and the lowered front portion of the joint work together * Tongue-and-Groove – joint in which the raised interior portion and the lowered interior portion are fitted together to make a tight weather seal […]

Jamb:

* Angle – vertical track fastened to the door jamb, uses full height continuous angle * Bracket – an L-shaped bracket that is used to connect the vertical track to the jamb * Guard – additional protection for the back of the vertical track; recommended for powered forklifts and other such equipment in an operating […]

Jackshaft-type Operator

Used only for vertical lift doors or doors which have a high lift clearance. It is the electric operator which is mounted on the ceiling or wall and works with the drive to turn the torsion shaft.

ISLO

Stands for “inside looking out”.

IPPT

A number for the garage door that every torsion spring has. The weight of the garage door is the reason for the certain number to be the correct inches-lbs-per-turn.

Interlocking Joints

To stop air from exiting and entering the garage. A barrier is made by interlocking joints that connects three times to block the air.

InterLock

Interlocking joints that tripple connect to block hot and cold air producing a barrier to keep air from coming in and out.

Industrial Door

Protects against bad weather, these doors are heavy duty and made using slates of aluminum, galvanized steel, and stainless steel.

Insulation

A product of material that makes it easier to keep the cold out during winter and will keep your garage cooler in the summer.

Insulating Glass

Energy efficient glass that helps with cooling and heating the garage.

Insulated Door

A garage doors that cut cost, provides a warmer garage, and drowns out street noise.

Installer

A company that will professionally install a garage door for you.

Installation

The process of which a tech will properly come out and put in a garage door.

Inside Lock

Sliding lock located on the interior side of the garage door.

Inside Hook Up/Bottom Bracket

This product holds the bottom roller and on the side of the bracket their is a pin that holds your torsion or extension cable.

Inclined Track

A type of garage door lift that is made for a higher roofs.

Hot Off the Floor

When your garage door lifts off the floor without you doing anything, it can be referred to as “hot off the floor”.

Horizontal:

* Track- The horizontal track is the part of the track assembly that is horizontal. * Angle- The track has an “L” shaped angle fixed to it called the horizontal Track angle. * Assembly- When the door is in a horizontal position, it relies on the horizontal track assembly to keep it in place. * […]

Horizontal Rise

The horizontal rise causes the door to start down the track and puts tension on the garage door cable.

Hoist Electric Operator

This is used in case of power failure. It works like the jackshaft-type opener, but has an emergency chain that can raise the door when the power goes out.

Hinge Tube

The hinge tube is a cylindrical part that connects two leafs together.

Hinge Support Plate

Hinges need a support plate to attach to. The support plate is screwed into the panel and then the hinge is put on top of that.

Hinge

A hinge is attached to two sections of the garage door to allow them to move when the door is raised or lowered.

High Moment Arm

The high moment arm refers to the radius around the cable drum including the cable.

High Lift Track

When you have a vertical lift door, you need the right track and hardware to door raise above the top of the door opening before it gets into the horizontal position.

High Lift Drum

This drum is designed to balance a high lift door. It is contoured to aid in the balancing.

High Arc

This is another word for trajectory. See trajectory.

Heliarc Weld

Welding using helium or argon that creates an inert gas-shielded arc.

Headplate

This is used to support the lifting drum and is located on the edge of the door.

Hinges

Hinges are used to join panels together so that they move when the door is raised or lowered.

High Lift

This is the length of space that is measured from the header to the underside of the horizontal track for high lift doors.

Headroom

This is the length of space you need between the tracks and the ceiling for the door to operate.

Hardware Systems

There are several hardware systems you need for your garage door to function. These include tracks, hinges, rollers, springs, struts, and more.

Hardware Options

There are many hardware options available to you. These include 11-gauge hinges, 12 gauge continuous angle, bridge strut, precision rollers, safety bottom brackets, and more. Talk with one of our technicians to determine what hardware you need for your garage door.

Hanging Iron

The hanging iron is the same as an angle iron. See angle iron.

Hang Down

This refers to the length of the door that is needed to cover the opening when the door is closed.

Gusset

A corner reinforcer that is either cast, stamped, rolled, or extruded aluminum. It stabilizes corners or joints when secured.

Gusset Plate

An appliance secured to the door header to provide backing for both track and spring construction.

Guard Angel

This device provides additional support for the vertical track. It is recommended when electric material handling equipment, such as fork trucks, are being used.

Grille

This gives the illusion of divided lites and is embedded in a window.

Grease Packet

A small pouch containing lubricant.

Glazing Strip

An apparatus that prevents water permeation. It is a strip typically made of rubber or plastic and rests against framed windows and glazing.

Glazed

When an item is equipped with clear plastic or glass panes.

Gears

A wheel with teeth that intertwines with another similar toothed device to transfer torque. Devices with gears can change the direction, speed, and torque from the origin of power.

Garage Door Monitor

A device that allows one to check on their garage door to ensure it is closed anywhere in a home. It can also close the garage door.

Gauge

This is a unit of measurement employed to determine sheet metal thickness. The larger the number, the thinner the steel, while the smaller the numbers, thicker the steel.

Garage Door Opener

An electric mechanism that is in control of moving the garage door up and down.

Galvanized/Galvanizing

A coating of zinc that helps protect steel from corroding.

Full View Section/Full Vision Section

A section of the door that is totally glazed with various clear plastic or glass. These sections are formed of aluminum extrusion that is put together with aluminum or steel sections above and below.

Full Vertical Lift

A door hardware design that makes doors open vertically and requires no horizontal tracks

Front-Mounted Spring

A counterbalance spring that is installed to the header at the top of the garage door

Follow-The Roof Track

Same as Contour Track

Follow Roof-Line Hardware

Same as Contour Track

Flush Door/Flush Design

A door made up of sections that are unbroken be visible rails and stiles to give the door the appearance of an even surface

Fire Station release

An opening mechanism that should be installed for garage door installations that require quick automatic door opening without the use of an electric door opener.

Finish Moulding

Also known as Stop Mould, serves as a seal around the garage door to protect against weather and light infiltration.

Finished Door Opening/Finished Opening

The opening measurements taken between the floor and header and between the face of jambs

Floor Seal

A weatherstrip seal that is attached to the bottom of a door that seals against the floor

Flipper

A device that automatically locks garage doors

Flame Spread Index

A way of measuring horizontal flame across a product under controlled laboratory conditions. It is then compared to the performances of gypsum board which is standardized to 0 and to red oak which is standardized 100.

Flag Bracket

Same as Jamb Angle

Flag Angle

Same as Jamb Angle

Flag

Same as Jamb Angle

Finger Joint

Usually nailed to the outside jamb of the garage door. It creates a seal around the door to protect against weather and keeps light out.

Ferrule

A metal cap or ring that is attached to a cable to form a loop or button at the end.

False Louver Molding

Molding with a special angular shape, when fitted together it gives the appearance of a slatted panel.

Extrusion

Shapes created by forcing hot aluminum or plastic billets in the extrusion press

Exterior Lock

A keyed lock located on the exterior of the garage door

End:

* Bearing Support – Plates that include a ball bearing to support radial movement of a torsion shaft usually located on torsion spring counterbalance units * Bracket – See Bearing Support * Hinge/Roller Hinge – Hinges located on the edge of door sections that allow sections to pivot when the garage door opens or closes […]

Embossed:

* Door Section – A door section with embossed panels * Panel – A panel with surfaces raised to relieve from flat surfaces * Rosette – A ornament designed out of weed, hardboard or aluminum that raises in relief of the surface * Section – See Embossed Door Section * Steel Door Section – See […]

Extension Springs

Typically mounted along the horizontal section of track that provides power or tension by stretching or pulling

Exhaust Traps

Used to expel exhaust from a vehicle to outside of the garage

Emergency Egress Device

A mounted faceplate with a pull handle that allows the operator to open the garage door manually or by spring tension

Electric Interlock

Prevents the use of an electric operator under certain conditions

Eave Height

The height measured from the ground to the bottom of an eave

Edge Grain

Wooden rings that form an angle of 45 degrees with the surface of the pieces

Electric Operators

A powered device that allows the operator to open or close the garage door with the press of a button

Electric Chain Hoist Operator

A garage door operator similar to a “Jack shaft” type operator which features an emergency chain house in the event of a power failure

Eased Off

See Eased Edge

Eased Edge

Meeting rail edges that are rounded and sanded

Duplex Spring

Two torsion springs of different sizes combined within spring fittings.

DSB

An acronym for Double Strength Grade B Glass.

Driveway Post

A post mounted in the driveway for key switches for automatic garage door openers.

Drip Cap/Drip Lap

Devices that are placed near the garage door opening to prevent the elements from entering the garage.

Drawbar Operator

An electric operator that opens and closes the door by pulling and pushing the top section.

Dowel

A wooden pin that can be glued between rails and stiles to strengthen the joints

Double:

* Low Headroom Track – See Double Track Low Headroom * Shaft – Double torsion spring shaft that is utilized when more space is required for counterbalance spring lengths * Strength Glass – A grade of glass that is typically ⅛” thick and lighter than most plate glasses * Top Roller Fixture – A fixture […]

Double End Stile

Two stiles that are adjacent to one another and located at the end of a section.

Door:

* Casing – Framing members that finish the garage doors opening * Check – A device that insures the self closing of a door or wicket * Closer – A device that combines a spring to close the door and a checking arrangement that prevents the door from slamming when closing * Frame/Framework – Two […]

Disconnect Chain

A chain that allows the operator to allow manual use of the emergency hand chain to open and close the garage door in case of power failure.

Design Wind Load

A horizontal design load that is installed into the garage door based on wind speed, building height and the garage doors location.

Dead Coils

Coils that are made inactive by the spring plugs.

Double Door

Larger width doors that are typically used on two car openings.

Decal

The decal attached to your garage door contains information regarding the garage door system.

Dead Load

A permanent static load that remains constant over time. It is usually the weight of the door.

Dead in the Head

A lack of counterbalancing in the open position that prevents the door from fully opening.

DC

Direct current (DC) garage door opener motors convert alternating current (AC) into DC power and are typically smaller and quieter than AC motors.

Door Movement

There are four different types of garage door movement: standard lift, high lift, full vertical lift and low head room. The type of door movement that is best for your garage door depend on the room available between the top of the door and the first obstruction.