Door Section + Style Identification
Overview
Quick-reference for identifying residential garage door brands, styles, + section types. Critical for parts matching during replacement work - wrong section style = visible mismatch the customer will notice immediately. This is the in-truck card.
Reference Table - Major Manufacturers
| Brand | Distinguishing features |
|---|---|
| Wayne Dalton | Common residential; iDrive opener integration |
| Clopay | Often labeled inside; multiple style lines |
| C.H.I. Overhead Doors | Premium tier; insulation typically marked |
| Amarr | Mid-tier residential; classic + carriage styles |
| Garaga | Canadian-origin; very insulated |
| Liftmaster | Doors + openers (most known for openers) |
| Northwest Door | Pacific Northwest regional |
| Haas Door | Florida + Sun Belt regional |
| Raynor | Established mid-tier residential |
Identification methods:
- Inside door label: usually has brand, model, manufacture date
- Bottom section molded brand: many brands stamp inside
- Hinge stamping: brand-specific hinge styles
- Spring label: spring brand + cycle rating
Reference Table - Door Styles
| Style | Description | Common feature |
|---|---|---|
| Raised panel | Classic 4-panel-per-section look | Most common residential |
| Flush panel | Smooth surface; minimal pattern | Modern look |
| Carriage / Carriage House | Looks like swinging carriage doors | Decorative; often vinyl overlay on standard door |
| Contemporary | Glass or aluminum panels | High-end modern look |
| Insulated steel | Standard steel with foam insulation | Most common residential mid-tier |
| Wood | Real wood (cedar, redwood) | Premium tier; high maintenance |
| Aluminum + glass | Full or partial glass | Contemporary; California / Florida common |
| Fiberglass | Lightweight, won't rust | Coastal regions |
Specifications - Section dimensions
Standard residential section dimensions:
- Width: 8' to 18' (8', 9', 10', 12', 16', 18' most common)
- Height per section: 12" - 24" typical (often 21" for standard 7-ft doors)
- Total door height: 6'6" to 8'4" residential typical
- Thickness: 1-3/8" to 2" (insulated doors thicker)
Notes
- R-value (insulation): stamped on insulated doors. R-6 to R-19 typical residential range.
- Material gauge: 24-gauge steel is standard residential; 25-gauge is lighter (less durable); 27+ gauge is rare in modern doors.
- Vinyl overlay carriage doors ("Wayne Dalton 9100" style) are vinyl panels glued onto a standard steel door, NOT real carriage doors. The overlay can come loose over time; document if seen.
- Custom-color doors: many brands have proprietary paint colors; replacement sections must be matched exactly. Note color code at quote.
Customer-facing recommendations
| Customer scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Replacement needed, original door < 20 years | Match the existing brand + style if possible |
| Replacement needed, original door > 20 years | Original brand may not exist anymore; offer current equivalents |
| Customer wants "more energy-efficient" | Quote insulated doors with higher R-value |
| Customer wants modern look | Contemporary aluminum + glass; price reflects the look |
| Coastal customer | Fiberglass or aluminum to prevent rust |
| Cold-climate customer | Insulated R-13 or higher |
Document the EXACT brand + model + color of the original door BEFORE quoting replacement work. Specific section replacements can take 4 - 8 weeks if it's a discontinued model. Cross-reference compatible models early so the customer's quote is realistic on timeline.
References
- Manufacturer literature for each brand
- IDA + DASMA standards
- Manuall internal: Annual Garage Door Service, New Garage Door Installation