Spotting the Risks of Budget Garage Doors
A high-quality garage door protects your home or business, adds to your curb appeal and helps insulate your property for energy savings and better comfort. And if you see unbelievably cheap garage doors in Whitby, it’s wise to be suspicious.
Cheap garage doors often have hidden design and manufacturing defects such as flimsy panels as well as poor weather sealing and the use of old, toxic materials. These shortcuts cost you more in the long term than purchasing a garage door from a reliable, trusted dealer like Whitby Garage Doors.
Why Buying “Cheap” Means Buying Twice
Low prices mean the manufacturer has cut costs, often by using less material and lower-quality components. As a result, you’re getting less insulation, thinner steel and a worse-quality garage door overall.
These shortcuts reduce energy efficiency, causing your home to lose heat or cool air and driving up your energy bills. The flimsy construction of these garage doors will also not last long under heavy weather conditions, possibly leaving you and your family vulnerable when you need it most.
Durable Garage Doors Prioritize Safety and Reliability
A professionally manufactured and installed garage door will have excellent safety features for components like springs, hinges and tracks. If the quality of these features is compromised, it can lead to the following issues:
- Spring Systems: Garage door springs have a lot of stored energy which, if released uncontrolled, can result in serious damage. A spring failure will cause the door to become extremely heavy, burning out the opener’s motor. It can also damage your vehicle due to the impact of a falling door.
- Track Construction: Rollers, hinges, fasteners and the tracks need precise construction. Otherwise, you’ll deal with door derailment and drops, which can cause pressure injuries, twisted panels, shattered windows and damaged drywall.
- Warranty: Most cheap doors offer little to no true warranty. We often hear from homeowners needing help with problems caused by poor installation or the use of incorrect parts. Unfortunately, the companies selling these low-cost doors are rarely available once the job is done and payment is received — they simply stop responding
Why the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Matters
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) assesses, manages and restricts toxic substances that harm people and the environment. The CEPA enforces rules through inspections, product seizures, recalls and penalties. Cheap garage doors often use non-compliant substances, especially in insulation. As a buyer, asking the right questions is essential for compliance.
For example, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), which the CEPA prohibits, is used as a flame retardant in cheap insulation foam boards. However, it’s toxic and is known to cause health and environmental impacts, so you should look for a door that is labelled HBCD-free. Another common toxin is hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used in blowing agents to create insulation foam. It usually appears in older polyurethane or polystyrene foam. HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances that harm the environment. Ensure a garage door is safe by asking if the insulation foam is water- or CO2-blown.
What to Ask Before You Buy a Garage Door
If you’re shopping for a new garage door in Whitby, use the following questions as your guide to garage door safety:
- What materials are used for this garage door, and what are the warranty conditions?
- Is this insulation compliant with CEPA regulations?
- Which flame retardant is used in the foam, and can you confirm it’s HBCD-free?
- Can you provide documentation proving CEPA compliance for all insulation and composite materials?
- What after-sales support or maintenance services do you offer?
Reputable suppliers will be happy to answer these questions and give you the information you need upon request.
Purchase Peace of Mind With Whitby Garage Doors
We are a professional, well-established company in the Whitby area that offers industry-leading brands like Clopay® to bring you the highest-quality garage doors. All our products comply with the CEPA, and our commitment to quality and compliance is shown through our consistently excellent customer reviews.
If you’re looking for a reliable garage door company for installation, repair and maintenance, contact Whitby Garage Doors for a quote and consultation today.
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