Transform your Garage with a Bespoke Door

Find out how our customisable garage door service works

Are you looking to replace your garage door with one that is perfectly suited to your needs? Our bespoke garage door service is the ideal solution. Find out how you could be enjoying a made to measure garage door with our help in today’s blog.

The process begins with a free survey. A member of our friendly customer service team will arrange for one of our expert installers to visit your home and carry out a survey of the garage, as well as to discuss your needs and explain how your door will function. We’ll listen to exactly what it is that you’re looking for from a new garage door, before forming a plan with you for your own door that fits with what you need.

We’ll then get to work confirming these plans before sending them over to you with the exact measurements and costs for your approval. This is your chance to advise us about any changes you’d like to make to the plans, and we’ll quickly confirm with you if these are possible or not. We always strive to include the features you want where possible.  

Once we’ve made any changes and you’re happy with the plans, we’ll finalise them before sending you instructions to prepare for the installation. We’ll then book your installation in on a date that works for you.

Installation

Your very own garage door is then fitted by our expert installation team. We carry out every installation both promptly and with great care and attention to detail. This minimises the amount of time we spend disrupting your garage space with the installation, while ensuring that everything is up to our high standard of quality workmanship.

Truly bespoke designs

Although ‘bespoke’ or ‘made to order’ usually only refers to custom sizing, we offer a truly customisable door service. This means you can choose the materials, style and colour.

We’re equipped to cater for all sorts of requests, so don’t discouraged if you’re looking for an unusual garage door; we’re more than happy to help as much as we can with our range of materials and styles. Some of these styles include:

• Non-protruding doors
• Sliding doors
• Side hinged
• Overlap doors
• Roller
• Sectional
• Ceiling doors

To get started with your very own bespoke garage door, get in touch with us today and one of our customer service experts will be happy to help you get your free survey booked. We offer our services throughout the whole of East Anglia, from Suffolk and Norfolk to Cambridge and Essex. 

Transform your Garage with a Bespoke Door

A garage may well have been intended for our cars, but it’s so easy for it to become a dump for our old clothes, paint cans, gardening equipment and broken junk – basically anything that we’d rather stow away and forget about. And in fact, it’s thought that only 24% of Britons are actually using a garage to store their vehicle.

But as spring rolls around, and the weather starts to brighten up, it’s the perfect time to get stuck into the mess you’ve been pretending doesn’t exist for so long.

In this blog, we’ve put together a few tips to help you reclaim your garage and make the most of this often-underutilised space.

Planning: Prepare

Throughout winter, or perhaps even longer, a lot can happen in the garage, so the first step should be to get things back to how they should be. Think about how you’ll be using the space. Are you a keen gardener? Do you enjoy artistic or crafty endeavours? Or do you use the room as a utility area?

Make a list of things that you need to do to accomplish your goals and get to work.

Planning: Execute

Tackling such a large area can seem pretty intimidating, so it’s best to stick to your guns.

We’re all different, so it stands to sense and reason that we’ll all choose a different way. For example, perhaps you’d prefer to start with easy things first, like bagging up old clothing for the charity shop, or maybe you’d prefer to empty the garage entirely and decide which bits are worth putting back.

Alternatively, if that seems too regimented for you, then start from the front and work your way to the back.

Decide What to Keep

A common rule when clearing out is if you haven’t used it for six months, it’s time to wave it goodbye. If no one has used those tennis rackets since the London Olympics, it’s probably time to get rid of them. If you’ve just never renovated that broken down old Vespa like you thought you might, then don’t worry about it – give it away to someone who might have the time.

Be honest about what you love doing, if you enjoy painting or DIY, then the kit for those activities deserves to be front and centre. But, if you’re struggling to decide what to let go, then itemise the stuff in the garage into ‘use regularly’, ‘use annually’, ‘never used’ and ‘sentimental.’

Never used can be thrown or given away, annual and regular use can be checked for signs of wear or replaced, and when it comes to sentimental items, decide what you really want and if you actually have the room to store it.

Storage Options

If space is at a premium, then consider using a pegboard with hooks for vertical wall hanging. Things like shovels, spades and the like have handles for easy storage, which also removes the need to store stuff on the floor.

Sports equipment, like golf bags and things of that nature are also easy to hang.

If you are using the garage to store gardening equipment, why not consider a potting shelf or bench, or even a wheelbarrow to make the transportation of tools much easier?

Think About Usability

Garage storage should be as thoughtful as it is inside the home, so think of the areas that are used often and plan your room around that.

If you use the area for your washing, then store all of your washing powder and dryer sheets in storage near the washer and dryer.

It’s small details like this that can help to make the process a bit easier, particularly when you’ve got a clear vision of how you want things to look and feel.

Labelling System

A great way to get the whole family behind your organisational splurge is through labelling everything. Label everything from hooks and pegboards and storage bins – this helps to maintain the order and keep everything where it should be.

It may seem like a lot, but it sure makes things easier to find, especially when in a rush and looking for the golf bag.

It will go a long way towards preventing garage clutter and keeping your doorways and floor clear of junk all year round.

Spring cleaning is not a mere one and done activity. It’s a little bit like going on a diet: you must maintain your healthy lifestyle in order to see results.

If you have any questions about garage storage, garage door conversions and alterations, or any of our other products or services, then contact us today.

For a free, no obligation survey give us a call in your local area, and our team will be happy to advise you on which products would be right for your home and garage.

How to Clean Out Your Garage This Spring

It doesn’t matter if your garage is attached to your home or whether it’s an entirely separate entity, it’s of the utmost importance that all possible security measures are undertaken in order to shield your belongings and the rest of your home. It’s vital that your garage is structurally sound, and your garage door is up to the task of operating as your first line of defence. Your current solution may appear adequate, but if the door is ten years or older, a thorough inspection is essential to access whether you need a new door or a repair.

These days, thieves are far savvier than ever before. And while you may think it difficult to break into a garage, these thieves can spot a vulnerability from a mile away, and doors which have not been professionally installed or those with dents and broken frames are prime targets for opportunistic thieves.

How Do Garage Doors Get Broken Into?

There are numerous ways in which a potential thief can gain access to your garage. Older garages are mostly targeted due to their obvious vulnerabilities. However, don’t make the mistake of assuming that new garage doors are completely exempt from break-in attempts (although they are way more secure) it’s still imperative to cover every possible angle.

Older doors normally have only one lock and thieves have been known to drill through them or cut them out altogether – fortunately, advances on newer doors means that this is far more difficult.

The gap where the top portion of the door meets the frame is also a common area of susceptibility. Newer doors are fitted with a bar which protects the area behind the gap, where a crowbar would be all that’s needed to operate the locking system to gain hassle, and noise-free entry.

Roller and sectional garage doors have more protection than most other types of door simply because of their design. One of the only ways to break into a garage with a roller or sectional door is to cut through it, which would obviously be hard-work and very noisy. This is why opportunists are unlikely to target these kinds of garages, so long as they are in good working condition.

Some criminals have been known to use power tools to cut through the panel with the promise of a pay-day on the other side. It is an extreme example, but they’ll always be someone looking to take advantage if you’ve let it be known what you there’s something particularly valuable within the garage.

Security Features

Ageing garage doors pose a severe security risk to your valuables and your home in general, which is why garage doors are now built with security at the forefront. At Eastern Garage Doors, we have been providing high-quality garage doors in various styles, colours and designs for many years now. We use only tested manufacturers, who have been making, testing and improving garage door security for decades.

Over the years, as methods of garage door break-ins have been reported, our garage doors have evolved significantly to stay in-step with emerging trends.

You’ll find the following security features on any new manual garage door purchased from a reputable dealer:

• Two locks – one of each side of the door.
• The ability to upgrade with two additional locks.
• Strong bars which prevent the locks from being compromised from the outside.
• A strong anti-snap primary lock, which prevents access even if drilled or snapped.

Automatic garage doors have exceedingly secure locking systems which are powered by the door’s motor, which continually keeps the door pushed down until it receives a signal from the remote to open.

Additional Security Measures

Garage Door Defenders – For up-and-over garage doors, a garage door defender is an excellent way to provide substantial, durable and visible security. These are becoming more popular. However, they should be anchored into the ground securely for them to work effectively.

It prevents intruders by halting the outward swing of the door when someone tries to gain access, which means that, even if someone breaks the lock, the door will remain closed. Garage door defenders work in the same way as a steering lock on a vehicle.

When you buy a garage door defender, ensure it can be fixed effectively into the substrate outside the garage door – whether that be concrete, paving or tarmac.

The defender should be fitted just in front of the centre of the door. If you have a double garage door, you may need more than one defender.

Solid Timber Garage Doors – If you are concerned about increasing criminal activity in your area, or there’s an increase in steel garage doors being cut open, then a timber garage door may present the security upgrade you’re looking for.

Motion Lights & CCTV – Garages attached to the main home are the most prevalent, and can be seen on houses up and down the country. If this is the case, then security does need to be a priority as anyone that gains entry to your garage is literally only a door away from yourself, your family and your belongings.

Motion sensor lights and CCTV systems, are a very effective deterrent, particularly to opportunistic thieves and are ideal whether your garage is attached to your home or not.

Alarm Systems – Big advancements have been made with alarm systems over the past few years, and most new kits are wireless, so it’s ideal even if your garage is set a little way from the house. Dummy alarm boxes are commonplace in packs now, so you can affix these to your garage building, which essentially informs potential burglars that an alarm system secures the home.

In most cases, the best security solutions for home and garage will differ from person-to-person, as no two home are exactly alike. If you have any questions about security or any of our other products, then contact us today.

For a free, no obligation survey give us a call on 0800 048 0741, and our team will be happy to advise you on which security considerations would be right for your home and garage.

How Secure Are Your Garage Doors?

A carefully planned garage conversion, when approached with proper consideration, could add as much as 10% to the value of your home. Garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ways to add such a sum to your home’s resale value while creating additional living space.

In this blog, we’re going to consider the various technical and design considerations you’ll need to thoroughly understand before you even take on the challenge.

Planning & Spatial Considerations 

At 3 meters wide by 6 metres deep, the average internal space of most single garages is likely to be longer and thinner than most rooms within the home itself.

To create a more natural shape, you might consider a stud wall or partition to convert the space into two room rather than one – a bedroom and an ensuite for example.

Seriously consider how you’d like to use the space before you start hiring contractors or putting up walls.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission isn’t necessary if you aren’t altering the architecture of the property.

You won’t need planning permission, unless:

• You live in a listed building or an area of conservation, in which case planning permission will, in most cases, needs to be sought for even the most minor of adaptations.
• You live in a new build. Some newer builds were built with the proviso that a garage remained as a parking space, an application will need to put forth to remove it.
• You have a standalone garage, in which case you could be required to apply for ‘change of use’ planning permission in order to turn it into a living space or a business premises, such as an office.

Should I Consider Insurance? 

If you’re carrying out a garage conversion and you’re handling the project yourself, it’s a good idea to take out conversion insurance to cover the renovation and the preexisting structure.

Most home insurers won’t consider your claim if you attempt to make any claims on your existing home insurance policy for loss or damage during renovations.

Site insurance will cover both the current structure and any new additions. Should any damage occur during the work, you have the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered.

Not only this, but the insurance will also cover materials, tools and equipment, as well as public and employer’s liability.

Building Regulations: An In-Depth Guide

Changing the use of your garage into a habitable space requires adherence to all UK building regulations. Which means delivering a ‘building notice’ to your local council.

These regulations include complete compliance with:

• Damp and moisture proofing
• Ventilation
• Fireproofing
• Escape routes
• Insulation
• Structural integrity

Taking this into account means that all design considerations must take into account the following:

• If you decide to divide the garage into separate sections, this means you’re creating a new room. Each new room is required to observe escape routes and ventilation regulations.
• Alterations, such as the necessary infill wall replacement will be required to pass structural and foundation regulations.

Damp-Proofing & Insulation

Insulation:

For a Pitched Roof – Use two layers of 150mm fibreglass quilt. One between the joists, another over the top.

For a Flat Roof – Will probably require a further layer of rigid insulation board in between and another below. This space cannot be totally filled; a 50mm air pocket must exist in between for ventilation.

Damp-Proofing: 

If your garage has been built in the last few decades, there’s a good chance the concrete has been cast over a damp-proof membrane. Finishing your concrete floor with polythene or paint-on DPM will ensure that damp won’t be a problem.

Flooring

Floor insulation is not something that is usually present in a garage. But including some is quite necessary – mainly if the room is being turned into a living space. Of course, it’s not practical nor reasonable for the bank balance to break up the concrete to merely recast.

Garage floors are typically lower than the floor inside the house, so installing a layer of insulation below a chipboard deck, for example, can help bring the two levels on par.

Walls

External walls are covered extensively by the building regulations and are an essential factor when it comes to meeting moisture and insulation requirements.

If the walls are an extension of the house, then these should meet regulations with minimal fuss. Otherwise, you may need to erect a stud wall, inside the current exterior wall in order to run power and water lines, as well as install a layer of insulation.

If you’ve created multiple rooms within the space, you must ensure sure they meet fireproofing regulations. This will mean a few layers of fireproof plasterboard for stud walls, but blocks walls usually aren’t applicable.

Any door that joins rooms must have an FD30 rated fire door and regulations will sometimes require a step in the floor to prevent flames running along the floorboards.

Plumbing & Wiring

It’s vital that you, or a trained professional, create a detailed plan of the plumbing and wiring systems in the house and garage. Find the outflows for water, and the soil outflow if you’re building an ensuite.

Insulated Garage Doors

Insulated garage doors, a specialty of ours here at Eastern Garage Doors, are another consideration you might wish to contemplate. Replacing current doors, rather than converting the wall altogether, means that you aren’t changing the exterior of the garage; reducing any external wall building regulations you’d need to adhere to, whilst adding another layer of insulation.

It also means that should your circumstances change and you need to revert the space back to a garage, that option is still available to you.

If this is something you’d learn more about, our team of surveyors would be happy to oblige.

Why Should I Convert My Garage?

Freedom: Converting a garage is unlike converting any other area of the home. You’ve got a virtual blank canvas (subject to legal and technical restrictions).

You’re often restricted in other areas of the home, concerning space and structural elements.

Adding Value: Converting a garage into a habitable room is a more cost-effective way of adding to your home value, than converting a loft or adding an extension for example.

No Need to Move: Adding space to your home often requires a home move. However, moving your family takes an expensive toll on your bank balance and your emotional and physical wellbeing.

Converting your garage means more space, without resorting to searching for a new property.

Council Tax: Upgrading from a three to a four-bed property can put you council a council tax band, which will cost more. Garage conversions do not affect tax bands.

Of course, any kind of significant home renovation is going to cost time and money. But, it’s important to remember that, despite the interruptions to daily life, the results are more than worth it.

At Eastern Garage Doors, we’ve been operating for many years, and we know that turning a garage into a living space is a great way to increase space without the hassle of turning to a home extension or even moving into a new home.

If you’re looking for any advice or would like to discuss your garage requirements, then drop us a line, and one of our expert customer service consultants will be happy to help you out.

How & Why You Should Convert Your Garage into A Living Space

Wondered about how you can increase the value of your home without too much hassle? This month Eastern Garage Doors are here to share with you exactly how you can do just that. Increase your home’s energy efficiency, security and kerb appeal by following our expert advice.

How Can I Help Improve the Value & Saleability of My Home?

A fresh, secure and updated property is certainly a great way to increase your home’s value and appeal. The last thing people look for in a home is broken, insecure and unfinished fittings or facilities.

It’s well known that a fresh lick of paint and a quick clean can really make the difference to the overall look of your home, but leaving larger jobs such as repairing broken paving slabs, old inefficient windows and dilapidated doors can be a red flag to buyers and a green flag for break ins. Improve your home with a perfectly fitted new garage door; not only will it make the face of your home look uniform but it will offer you maximum security and increase your home’s value. For further benefits, please read on.

Energy Efficiency

A home that is energy efficient is a very attractive investment. Having a brand new garage door can help to insulate your home better and therefore reduce the need to turn on your heating. Not only is this good news for your bills at the end of the month but also better for the planet. A modern garage door is built to keep your home warmer and securer.

Security & Safety

A garage is a massive bonus to anyone buying a home and if you have one yourself, then you will be aware of the benefits. Many of us store our tools, furniture and even vehicles in there, so it’s basically a free storage facility. If you were to hire a storage unit the first thing you would want to ensure is the security and safety before leaving your belongings there, so why would your home be any different?

To ensure you have a good garage door that protects your home and belongings, as well as something that provides a deterrent to criminals, you will want to invest in a modern garage door. As we all know, technology has advanced massively in the last few years, so as you can imagine newer garage doors are more secure than older versions because they have new seals, security locks and measures put in place to keep you and your possessions safe.

Kerb Appeal & First Impressions

Regardless of whether you’re trying to sell or simply enjoy the home you live in, the overall appearance of your home can affect its first impression and even your own morale. It goes without saying that kerb appeal is a must when attracting new buyers as it reinforces the quality of your property. Most garages are situated at the front of a house and therefore, it’s one of the first things the eye will be drawn to. To increase your visual appeal, a clean and attractive garage door, and front door for that matter, has the ability to make a great first impression and encourage buyers to pay more for it.

When installing a new garage door, it might also be worthwhile to invest in a new front door; this is a great way to update and secure your property. If you would like to know more about the selection of both garage doors and front doors we have to offer, please get in contact with our friendly team today. 

Can a New Garage Door Add Value to Your Home?

Whether you are looking to replace your existing garage door, or fancy an upgrade, it can be helpful to know the average sizes of single and double garage doors here in the UK, along with the average size of the garages they are attached to. Take a look at our handy guide below to find out more about these average sizes, so you can maximise the potential of your garage space.

Average Single Garage Door Size

• 7ft width x 7ft high

The above measurements for a single garage door are typical of a standard residence in the UK. It’s worth noting that some types of door require a sub frame to be fixed (e.g. up and over and side hinged garage doors) so this will need to be taken into account if you are having a new door fitted.   

Average Single Garage Size

• 3m width x 6m depth

An average single garage is perfect for parking your car, however it’s important to take into consideration your everyday schedule to ensure it caters to your basic routine. For example, if you’re living with someone who has a disability, you will need to consider the space you’ll have around you in a single garage, so that you can maneuver a wheelchair with ease.

Average Double Garage Door Size

• 16ft wide x 7ft high

These measurements allow enough room for two vehicles to be parked together alongside one another. If you find that the size of your vehicles means that there isn’t much room left to open and close the garage door, the most suitable option would be a roller door as it takes up the least amount of space during operation.

Average Double Garage Size

• 6m width x 6m depth

These measurements would easily fit two cars beside one another, so for a large family – an average double garage should offer enough space to cater to your needs. A double garage with one large single door offers homeowners seamless convenience. Should you need to pop out, you needn’t worry about awkwardly steering your way out of a narrow gap. It can all be done in one swift movement instead when you have a large enough garage.

Talk to an honest and dedicated team who can enhance and alter the size of your garage or raise the height of your double garage doors. You can then choose a brand new door that’ll not only look great but provide you with effortless accessibility that you’ve been needing.  

Eastern Garage Doors have a wealth of experience supplying and installing a range of garage doors including sectional and automatic garage doors. We also provide garage conversions and alterations, servicing, repairs, front entrance doors, awnings, carports, canopies and verandas. All of our services are brought to you by our fully trained professionals, offering nothing but unrivalled quality. Based in Norfolk, we work throughout a variety of locations – simply find your nearest office today and give us a call.

Average Garage and Garage Doors Sizes in the UK

Whether you’re storing a classic car or sports car, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that you prepare your cherished automobile correctly, before placing it into long-term storage. Save yourself time and money by following the top tips below to ensure that your car is ready to drive when the time comes to take it back out – without the hassle of easily avoidable maintenance and repairs.

Preparation Procedure for Your Car

• Smart charger – this will keep your battery full and stop it from going flat. You will still have to run your engine every few weeks but this beats doing it every week instead.
• Clean and polish – before storing your car remove any dirt that will over time corrode the body of the car.
• Ventilate – open your windows marginally, this will stop moisture from accumulating inside the vehicle.
• Top up your fuel and antifreeze – this can stop a build up of condensation. You may also like to add fuel preservative to keep the fuel lines in check.
• WD-40 – reduce the chances of rust by applying a little WD-40 the underside parts of the car that aren’t painted. This being said, do not use on belts, hoses or braking surfaces.
• Inflate tyres – keeping your tyres at their correct pressure will avoid flat spots.
• Keep the handbrake off – use tyre stoppers, this will relieve the brakes.
• Cover the car – doing this will keep any dust and dirt off your car and you may even wish to stuff the tailpipe with clean rags to stop any small creatures from exploring.
• Change the oil and filters – old oil can damage an engine if it’s left for too long.

Things You Can Do In Your Garage

• Safe – keeping your car in a locked garage is a must if you want to reduce the chances of theft.

• Well insulated – having a warm garage will keep your car efficient and working to its utmost potential.

• Dry – whilst your car is in storage it’s important to keep it as dry as possible. It’s a good idea to sweep the floors and place a plastic sheet on the floor to stop any moisture rising and thus, causing rust to the underside of the car.

If you cherish your car and are looking for a long-term storage solution, come to Eastern Garage Doors for a flawless garage renovation. Ensure a safe place for your prized possessions and trust our highly trained experts to get the job done right, the first time around. Give us a call today for a free, no obligation survey.

How to Prepare Your Classic Car or Sports Car for Long-Term Storage

The team at Eastern Garage Doors have put together a guide to help you choose between the best manufacturer brands in the world to best suit your needs.

Cardale

Providing innovative designs for the British market for over five decades, Cardale were the first company to introduce the ‘panel door’, which can be found in the majority of homes today. They also pioneered impact and indent resistant doors (ABS) made to match the rest of the home, complementing homes for a flawless finish. The company was inspired by the conventional side hinged door too, which is where the Bedford up-and-over door came from. With so many reasons as to why you should invest in a high quality garage door manufactured by Cardale, you may also like to know that their timber doors are second-to-none.

Garador

This company builds each and every one of their doors with safety and durability in mind. They were initially part of Westland’s Engineers in 1948 and later became the only suppliers of up-and-over doors during the 1950’s. Garador focused their attention towards production and development, investing £14 million within the past decade to enhance their technology. Their persistence in reaching perfection has led them to receive the ‘Secured by Design’ approval for their innovation and sheer reliability of design.

Hormann

Hormann are a family run company from Germany with a large manufacturing plant in Leicestershire. They are known for their sectional garage doors which help homeowners to maximise the space in their garages and free up space on either side of the door. Their doors are ideal for both single and double garages and they offer both manual and electric variants to suit their customer’s needs. Their garage doors offer high quality security measures including anti-lift mechanisms that lock as soon as any pressure is applied to ensure security against forced entry. If the power were to fail, there is a manual backup that provides an equal amount of security and further peace of mind.

Novoferm

Established in 1955, Novoferm is now a well-known competitor within the European door industry. The company produces high-quality doors throughout Western Europe and Asia, providing products to various countries the world over. Their doors meet all required regulations and undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality, not quantity, and at affordable prices. Their doors cater to all customers from domestic to commercial, supplying stock to big brands such as Ikea and Lidl.

Woodrite

Established in early 2010, this company is lead by an experienced door expert with over three decades of experience, leading a team that settles for nothing less than impeccable products. Woodrite has become a company of their own with impressive state of the art technology including dipping tanks, tenoning machines, staining and finishing booths, amongst other products. Combined with their expert knowledge and incredible craftsmanship, you can guarantee that when you order a Woodrite door you’ve invested in a door made with the utmost care.

 AlluGuard

AlluGuard have a huge wealth of experience and a first-rate reputation to go with it. They produce built to last products that are constructed from high quality materials. They also hold a Secured By Design (SBD) award which means that their doors cater to a police preferred specification. AlluGuard’s roller door is designed to prevent crime thanks to their seamless properties used to make homes safe and secure, helping lower crime rate in areas across the country.

SWS

SWS is a British manufacturer takes pride in their ability to give personal attention to each and every order. They have been established since 1985 and since then have formed their very own in house research and development team, ensuring their products are tailored to perfection. SWS’s products are recognised by the Loss Prevention Certification Board and approved by Secured By Design which means that you’re guaranteed the utmost security and design.

SOMMER

One of the leading manufacturers of garage doors and specialists in mechanical door operation, SOMMER’s range includes swing, sliding and roller. Their flawless service allows them to work internationally, and the help from their very own test centre allows them to enhance their products through thorough research and development. SOMMER has been awarded the “Innovation through Research” award for their dedication to manufacturing high-quality doors with faultless operation.

Teckentrup

With over two decades of experience in the garage door industry, Teckentrup understand their customers and manufacture for both industrial to domestic customers, to ensure they meet all necessary requirements. This family run company has been passed down through  generations, with their pride, passion and experience shining through to their innovative garage door designs and features.

Ryterna

Ryterna was brought to Kaunas Lithuania in 1993 and now, with multiple branches spanning across Europe, they produce more garage doors than ever before, with a total of 80,000 a year. All Ryterna’s doors are certified and follow a strict quality control system to ensure that the made-to-measure designs always reach a high level of perfection. All of their doors are made in-house along with all prototypes and components, so they can be fully tested and pre-assembled to make for a quick, pristine installation.

Cedar Door

Over the last 25 years, Cedar Door have been manufacturing beautiful timber garage doors for both small and large projects. Their state-of-the-art machinery enables them to produce countless products that meet all specifications to ensure a strong, sturdy, well-fitting door. Cedar Door specialise in tongue and grooved doors to add design and personality to your garage door.

Silvelox

Over the last 5 decades Silvelox has been enhancing various types of properties with first-rate garage doors, providing nothing but high security and an impressive level of craftsmanship. Their creations are ground-breaking, combining the old with the new to enhance all elements including the wood used and the use of mechanical components for a smooth operation.

Eastern Garage Doors provide only the best manufactured products from brands that we trust. We’re your professional and honest local garage door supplier working across the East of England and North London areas. We pride ourselves in our high quality products and exemplary installation services – we always ensure you reap the benefits of an attractive and secure garage door at an affordable price. Should you wish for advice or want to book and installation, please call us today – we’d love to hear from you.

Best Garage Door Manufacturers in the World

Wooden garage doors really are aesthetically pleasing, and here at Eastern Garage Doors we’re happy to advise you on the best ways to maintain them, as it is relatively simple. Like everything doors must also be maintained, and this month we’re here to share our top tips to ensure your wooden doors stay looking great for longer.

Keep Your Door Clean

Using a cloth with hot water and soap will do the trick on both the front and back of your wooden garage door. This will remove any dust or dirt that can make the wood look dull and worn, spruce it up with a quick wipe down. By cleaning your door, re-staining the wood will become a less regular task.

Lubrication

Every other month you will want to check the mechanisms on the door, to ensure that they’re adequately oiled. You will know when your doors need oiling also because they will become stiff and usually make a screeching noise when you open or close them. It’s also important not to over-oil as this can attract the dirt and can affect the performance of the mechanisms.

Re-Sand & Refinish

Re-sanding only needs to be done every 3-5 years, this is a way to get your doors looking just like the first day that they were installed. Enhance its beauty once again, specifically after harsh seasons of beaming sun to heavy snow.

Repaint or Re-Stain

Before doing this job, it requires doing all of the above first to ensure you have a smooth finish.

Repainting or re-staining your wooden garage door will keep it looking fabulous and will shield it from damage. There is nothing wrong with doing this regularly, however if you clean it on a regular basis, this process need not be a scheduled task. Repainting or re-staining can be done every year, or every 2-3 years.

• When you do repaint your wooden garage doors you will want to remove any dust, dirt or peeling paint
• Apply a wood filler to any cracks or blemishes and leave to dry
• Sand down the door
• You will then want to degrease the door with a special cleaning spray and touch up areas of mildew, with a mildew cleaning solution
• Raise the door and let it dry
• Use masking tape to cover handles, walls surrounding the door, windows etc…
• Apply wood primer to the whole of the door and allow to dry
• Apply the paint and overlap the strokes for an even finish
  (You may want to apply a few light coats for the best coverage.)

Maintain Regularly

Keep the longer tasks to a minimum when you maintain your wooden garage door regularly. If you see any mildew starting to grow, give it a quick spray and a wipe. If you see that there’s dirt lingering around the mechanisms wipe this away too, and reapply the oil. Check all parts of the door to see that they’re in full working order.

Should your garage door not open or close, or tracking alignment/mechanisms aren’t quite right or you notice extensive repairs that you need help with, then consult a professional.

Simple Maintenance Advice for Your Wooden Garage Door

For this month’s article with Eastern Garage Doors, we will be covering the benefits of converting a garage with two single doors, to one with a double door. If you’ve recently purchased a new car that just won’t fit into your garage or you already spend too much time trying to park your car – it might be time you thought about making a change. You could widen your doors, extend your garage or have a conversion. Go on, it’s time to make things easier!

New Car

It happens, we buy cars and they’re either too long or too wide for our garages. Garage specialists, such as Eastern Garage Doors, can provide garage conversions and extension services, ensuring your vehicle has no problem fitting into your garage and eliminating any stress when parking.

Garage Conversions

It’s what everyone wants! Turn your garage into a bespoke gym or place of relaxation, maybe you could have that games room you’ve always wanted or a special space just for parties.

Garage Extensions

Some of us need the extra room to ensure we can fit all of our treasured belongings into one safe space, ready to hand.

Stress-Free Parking

Give yourself the confidence to get in and out of the garage without scraping the car or knocking off a wing mirror. With a wider entrance you can manoeuvre the car into a better position that’ll suit you.

Saves on Expense

Installing one door is less expensive than installing two. You will find yourself having to do less repairs on one single door, and it goes without saying it’ll require less general maintenance than two.

Wheelchair Friendly

A double door gives you the ability to park first, then bring out a wheelchair. Ideal for making life that little bit easier and creates much less fuss, providing you the freedom to take your time. No one wants to get soaked in the rain whilst trying to park in a tight space. Also useful for elderly people, offering them more room will ensure they’re comfortable when getting in and out of a vehicle.

Appealing to Buyers

A large area for storage is a huge plus, everyone needs storage and a garage with one large door, is a benefit to all.

Increased Height

Use your storage to its full potential, it’s possible to add extra height to your doors, to guarantee all necessary belongings can be stored with ease. Ideal for keeping tall pieces of furniture, mounting bikes on walls and general room for possessions.

Increased Width

Knocking out a centre pillar will increase the light in your garage and make your garage feel spacious. Often useful for summer BBQs, lending a place not only to store your BBQ but a shelter when it gets darker.

Modern Remodel

Large single doors are becoming more popular because of the sleek finish and modern style. A single door gives a luxurious, stress-free feel and can make your life as easy as the push of a button on your automatic door.

Improve your entryway to your garage with a double door, that’ll bring natural light to the room, provide you with easier, more versatile storage and a modern fit-out. It’s easier than you probably think to convert two singles into one double. Even if you have a centre pillar, this is not an issue – building work can be provided to ensure you get that maximised space you’ve been looking for. If you still want more, why not take a look at what’s involved when you have an extension or conversion? Get the best out of your garage, don’t settle – simply get the solution you deserve by contacting the experts here at Eastern Garage Doors!