What colors are available for your doors?
Steel door colors are available in white, sandtone, almond, brown, hunter green and gray
(some colors may not be available on all doors). For the basic Coachman Collection door
the colors are white, almond and sandtone.  The overlays are only available in white.


Can I paint my door?
Steel doors can be painted with any high quality exterior latex paint. Note: when painting a
Coachman Collection door do not use paint with LRV readings less than 38. The overlay
(vinyl) should not be painted with an LlRV of less than 56.  Wood doors must be
painted/stained prior to installation. Most models are available primed from our factory.
We recommend wood doors be re-painted every 1 to 2 years (more frequent refinishing
may be required in high moisture areas).  Contact paint manufacturers for LRV readings.


What type of spring system comes with my new door?
Doors purchased are generally provided with standard extension springs on single doors
(10' wide and under).


I do not have a standard size door. Can you make a door to fit my needs?
Standard door widths are 8', 9', 10', 12', 14', 15', 15'6", 16', and 18'. Some models can be
custom ordered in 2" increments (8'2", 8'4", 8'6", etc.). Call us at 770-652-1375 for
custom width/model availability. Standard door heights are from 6' to 8' in 3" increments,
except for 7'3". Most residential models are now available in extended heights up to 12".


I am building a new garage.  What size should I make the opening for my door?
The finished opening should be the same size as the door you wish to purchase. The
door fits against the opening from the inside. If you need more information on finished
opening, please call us at 770-592-6217.


I hear a lot about R-value. What is it and is it important?
R-value is a measurement of thermal efficiency of a door, or how well it insulates.
Insulation is an important factor to consider when purchasing a garage door. If you plan to
spend a lot of time in your garage, or if you have a room directly above or adjacent to
your garage, you will want to purchase a door that offers a high R-value. If your garage is
not attached to your home, or you are not concerned with insulation, you can purchase a
door with a lower R-value or no insulation at all.  


When referring to the gauge of the steel skin, does a lower number mean
thicker steel?
Yes! The lower the gauge, the thicker (and stronger) the steel. For example, 24-gauge
steel is thicker than 27-gauge steel. However, a "sandwich" constructed door with two
27-gauge steel skins and a bonded insulated core is stronger than a "steel frame" door
with a single 24-gauge steel skin.  


How much does a garage door cost?
The price you pay for a garage door depends on a number of factors. The model, size,
options and site conditions all influence the price of your door. If you order a door from
us, we will install the door for you and will provide you with an installed price.


I am getting ready to remove my old garage door. It has standard torsion
springs. How can I get the tension off the springs?
Torsion springs are under high tension. Unwinding standard torsion springs requires
specific tools and training. Due to the dangerous nature of this process, we recommend
you contact us or any trained professional to remove the tension from the springs.


Can I replace only the sections, and not use the new track and springs?
To avoid installation problems which could result in personal injury or property damage,
use only the track and springs specified and supplied with the door. Do not attempt to
reuse the old track, springs, or hardware. Failure to use all supplied hardware will void the
factory warranty.  


Do I need to reinforce my garage door if I am installing an automatic opener?
Yes! Failure to properly install opener reinforcement will result in damage to the door and
will void the warranty. The reinforcement configuration differs depending on the model
number and size of the garage door. Please refer to the installation manual supplied with
the garage door for specific instructions.


I have a window section in my door. Do I have a choice on the placement of that
section?
The window section can be placed in either the third (2nd from top) or the fourth (top)
section.  


My door "hangs" in the opening - is that normal? Can I fix it?
Normally a door will hang about 4 - 6 inches into the opening. This helps keep tension on
the cable so it does not fall off the cable drum or pulley. If you have a door with an electric
opener, it can be adjusted so the door is pulled completely even with the opening, if
necessary, to provide additional clearance for a vehicle.  


Does my garage door require maintenance?
Your garage door is the largest moving object on your home.  We recommend annual
maintenance to insure smooth operation and prevent damage and higher cost repairs.


Can I fix my door myself?
We recommend that all repairs and service be performed by a trained garage door
specialist.


What horsepower garage door opener do I need with my door?
Generally a 1/3 horsepower opener is sufficient for any single car doors and a 1/2
horsepower for some of the heavier double doors. Remember, the door must be
reinforced prior to the attachment of a garage door opener. A minimum 1/2 horsepower is
required for all Reserve Collection wood doors, although a 3/4 horsepower garage door
opener is recommended.


Are replacement sections available for my door?
For all our steel and wood doors, yes! If the model number door you have is still
manufactured replacement sections are available. If your door was manufactured in the
last 10 years, we can identify the model number for your door by the 15 to 16 digit serial
number in the interior bottom section of the door. Exposure to the elements over time will
alter the color of the section; therefore it may not be a perfect match. Due to the custom
assembly of the Coachman Doors, certain restrictions apply for replacing sections.


Can I install my old garage door opener on my new door?
We recommend you check with the opener manufacturer or us to ensure that the unit is
equipped with all of the safety features required by law today to ensure the safety of your
family. Upon verification that the unit meets the current government requirements, just
about any opener can be installed. It is important to remember to reinforce the door
before you attach the automatic opener.  
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Garage Door Basics