8' tall garage doors with only 3 sections?

[Woody325]

I'm new to the forum and have searched but can't seem to find anything specific to my question.

I plan to fab my own 9'w x 8'h garage doors (3x), and for aesthetic reasons would very much like to build them with only 3 vertical folding sections rather than the customary 4 panels. With that I have a lot of questions!

Will the standard 15" radius tracks work with panels that are 32" rather than the typical 24"? I understand they will not be as smooth opening as smaller panels, but does anyone have any direct experience to offer on what to expect?
If not are there custom tracks available from somewhere?

FWIW I'll have 2.5' of headroom.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[MrSurly]

I do not have any answers, although I would *guess* that it wouldn't make a lot of difference.
I will note, though that for whatever reason, the 8' doors that I have and have had have always been *five panels and not all equal in panel heights.

 

[rsanter]

I have seen them in more industrial applications.
No reason it won’t work but if you have a large SUV parked close to the garage door then you run the risk of the swing of the door potentially hitting the vehicle

 

[Woody325]

Thanks. Good point about the swing of the panel encroaching into the space. A larger radius bend would move the panels "up" and reduce the issue, but I need to find larger radius tracks first!!

 

[Moosefire]

It might be harder on the door motor. In my mind the larger panels will still be far away from the radius that when the door is pulling back there will still be a large amount of upward travel before the next hinge hits the radius to roll backwards... I'm not sure if that makes sense....

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[The Cobbler]

I'm not sure of an educated answer, but I would be concerned with the geometry of rollers & track etc working on a 32" panel .
might want to consider heavier commercial track too,
but, just my $0.02

 

[Woody325]

Now you made me go and do geometry ... haha.

Chord length of a 15" radius is 21.2". A 24" radius would give me a chord length of 34" and result in more favorable "pulling" angles than a standard 15" radius with typical 24" panels.

However, the track will support the same amount of weight although with one less roller, which to your point could be a concern.

I guess I'll have to breakdown and ask a professional ...

Thanks!

 

[Woody325]

Upon further review it looks like 32" radius tracks is the answer.

Anyone have a good place where one can buy 32" radius tracks?!

 

[mbatarga]

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=32"+garage+door+tracks

 

[infinkc]

Upon further review it looks like 32" radius tracks is the answer.

Anyone have a good place where one can buy 32" radius tracks?!

Just make sure you have that added clearance for a larger radius track.

 

[Woody325]

Thanks. As stated I have 30" of headroom, which I believe will be enough to accommodate the 32" radius given that the curve starts below the top of the door -exactly how far is the question, but it looks like it'll work. As an alternative I could go with 24" radius, which would still be relatively as "smooth" opening as a 24" panel with a 15" radius (according to my math that is).

 

[NUTTSGT]

Word of advice since you are fairly new, telling your fellow members to STFU is poor behavior and you won't last long with that attitude.

 

[nadogail]

A lot of builders in my area use 1 piece doors. They can do this because there won't be any snow on the ground blocking the door.

 

[MrSurly]

A lot of builders in my area use 1 piece doors. They can do this because there won't be any snow on the ground blocking the door.

Wait, are you saying they *STILL* are using the old cantilever doors? I can’t believe they are still used anywhere. I’ve torn out and burned a few of them.
What sort of opener are they using?


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[Stuart in MN]

Word of advice since you are fairly new, telling your fellow members to STFU is poor behavior and you won't last long with that attitude.

Posting that google search thing is kind of a jerky thing to do as well...a good attitude goes both ways.

To the OP, having ever seen a three panel door I unfortunately can't provide any advice other than to contact some of the manufacturers and ask them.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

Amarr makes a 3 section door 8’ high. I believe it’s the classica line. You should use the largest radius you can easily install and yes upgrade to a heavier track. The track needs to be rated for the weight of the door. Some door tracks have an angle attached to the horizontals to prevent it from bowing or collapsing from the weight. All your hardware, springs, cables, need to be engineered for the weight and size. The normal style opener will work but you must follow installation instructions so the arm follows the correct arc. Don’t forget to use a shiplap or tongue and groove design between panels to prevent water intrusion. It’s a major project. Good luck.