Door Industry Journal - Summer 2017

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 46 THE door industry journal summer 2017 domestic garage doors feature The future is now for sectional garage doors says Hörmann When it comes to garage doors, priorities are changing for homeowners. With rising crime rates and energy bills increasing, consumers are looking for ways to ensure their garages are secure, as well as energy efficient. David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at the UK’s leading door manufacturer Hörmann, looks at the evolution of the market, how it has shifted to accommodate the ever-changing needs of homeowners and the growing popularity of sectional garage doors. The garage door market has, up until now, been largely geared towards and dominated by the traditional up and over. Driven by both manufacturers and consumers, this style is often seen as the door of choice for national housebuilder. However, sectional garage doors are becoming increasingly popular due to their high levels of security and thermal efficiency. Both of these considerations have become progressively more important for consumers in recent years and this is partially as a result of the varying ways in which we now use our garages. Gone are the days of it merely being a storage room, garages are now utilised as gyms, offices and all manner of vital extensions to the family home. Many homeowners are subsequently placing the same importance on the security and efficiency of their garage as they do on their home. As a result in advances in both of these fields, there has been an increase in the number of people buying sectional garage doors. The versatility of this style also means that they can be used in virtually any scenario, regardless of size or shape, to suit the needs of the customer. Due to the vertical opening, there is more space inside and in front of the garage meaning that homeowners intending on using their garage for something other than the traditional use, have the means to do so. Sectional garage doors are fitted behind the opening and add a stylish finish to any façade. As they come with seals around all four sides, they offer optimal levels of thermal efficiency and weather resistance. Hörmann’s latest sectional garage door, the LPU 67 Thermo, has been designed using 67mm thick filled polyurethane panels and double-lip seals on all four sides. These features help the range achieve U-values as low as 0.91 W/(m 2 .K), 50% better thermal insulation when compared to the LPU 42. For a thermal break between frame and brickwork for up to 15% better energy efficiency, the LPU 67 Thermo sectional garage door is available with Hörmann’s specifically designed ThermoFrame technology. As well as its thermal benefits, this range comes with Hörmann’s proven finger trap protection to help eliminate potential trap zones both internally and externally. For that extra peace of mind, Hörmann’s range of 42mm insulated and timber sectional garage doors are available with the police approved Secured by Design accreditation. This accreditation means that products have been put through their paces by experts, in order to prove that they can withstand common methods of forced entry. When the door is closed, the anti-lift kit automatically engages in the operator boom’s stop then locks immediately to ensure that it is secured against forced opening. As this function is purely mechanical, it continues to secure even when the power fails. Increased importance on security and energy conservation is driving the market towards secure, insulated garage doors with innovative technology enabling Hörmann to create doors that are safer than ever before and offer the highest levels of insulation. To find out more about the range of products available from Hörmann, visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 51688.