A Quick Lesson in Painting Garage Doors

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Garage doors, like other exterior features, bear the brunt of our weather extremes, from scorching heat to frost with hailstorms and torrential rain thrown in for good measure. Regardless of the quality of the paint finish, garage doors will eventually need repainting to protect the raw surface. Choosing the right paint is essential for a lasting finish, as a metal door will need a different type of paint from a wooden door.

How do we know that? Well, we know a lot about garage doors because we supply and install industrial, commercial and domestic roller and shutter doors. Direct Door Services has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and over that time, we have answered thousands of questions and helped our clients choose the most appropriate garage doors for their needs.

Start Right with the Right Primer

Whether the door is metal or timber, it may need a primer as part of the preparation. A primer suitable for a timber surface may not produce long-lasting results on a metal surface. An old metal garage door may also be harbouring rust under the faded paint, so a primer containing a rust inhibitor should be selected for this work. Choosing the right primer is easy as there are many reliable brands on the market that are suitable for either surface.

Epoxy Enlivens Metal Doors

For metal garage doors, with or without primer, epoxy enamel paint is a better choice than plain enamel. It is far more durable, it is easy to clean and binds completely to the metal, provided the surface has been properly prepared. In our harsh environment the finish will look great for many years.

Exterior Enamel Spruces up a Timber Door

Exterior enamel paint is the best choice for a timber garage door. When properly applied, it has a hard, glossy finish that washes easily, resists heat, retains colour and provides excellent coverage. Cleaning up afterwards is easy as the brushes and rollers just wash clean in water.

Good Advice, Quality Paint and Preparation – Can’t Go Wrong

When choosing garage door paint, discuss the project with the sales assistant who usually can answer most questions and very often will offer alternative solutions based on their experience. Always choose the best quality paint you can afford. Painting takes time and effort, and this is all wasted if poor quality paint is used and that hard-won finish does not last.

It is worth stating again that, even with the right type of paint, preparation is the key to a long-lasting, professional result that adds value to the main structure. This is our approach at Direct Door Services when we custom build doors for our clients. We work with them to prepare a brief, finalise the design and choose the finish. When this is all agreed, we begin work and finally, install the doors. This is how we consistently achieve excellent results.

Worried About Safety and Security? Automate Your Garage Doors

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Although we are fortunate to live in a mostly safe society, there are always opportunists around ready to take advantage of any lapse in security. In times past it was common for people to leave their windows and doors open in summer, but those days are long gone. Every country now has their share of law breakers and violent offenders, most of whom are strangers to their victims.

Direct Door Services is a company that sells, services and repairs roller doors. We understand the concerns our clients have about getting a product that will not only be functional, but will protect their properties from unwanted intrusion. Automating your garage doors is an extra precaution that would be beneficial for commercial, industrial and residential situations.

Protecting the Public Essential in a Commercial Situation

Commercial environments include such premises as supermarkets, shopping centres and service providers among many others. With members of the public occupying these spaces in large numbers, their safety and security is a major concern to the business operators. The garage doors we supply to underground carparks, for example, are made specifically for the purpose and as such, are already strong and robust. Automating the doors allows the operators of a car park to control the access and egress if necessary.

OHS a Major Issue on Industrial Sites

Many industrial situations require doors that span large openings, and need to be strong enough to withstand rough treatment. Such doors are usually heavy, and are a lifting hazard for workers who have to open and close them. These repetitive lifting actions could result in back injuries, or crush injuries should the doors close unexpectedly. Automated doors solve this problem as they require no manual lifting. They also stop and reverse when they detect obstacles. This prevents personal injury or property damage.

Keeping us Safe at Home

Automated garage doors in a residential situation are ideal for security. A person coming home late at night does not have to get out of the vehicle to open the door, drive in then go back outside again to close the door. The remote operation allows the driver to enter the garage as the door automatically opens, and while still in the car, can watch the door close in the rear vision mirror. Should an intruder enter during this process, the driver can lock the car doors and contact the police.

Automated doors can be installed with features such as courtesy lights, automatic force sensors, safety beams and wireless PIN keypads. At Direct Door Services we have experienced sales staff who can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate product to keep you and your property safe and secure.

Help! Which Roller Shutter Is Best For My Situation?

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With so many different varieties of roller shutters available on the market these days, there is no such thing as an ordinary, standard-type roller product. This is great for the consumer who is now spoilt for choice, but for people unfamiliar with the shutter industry, it can also cause confusion. By the time they sort through brochures and websites trying to make a decision, they are often not confident that they have made the right choice.

As a company with over 20 years’ experience in this industry, Direct Door Services are well placed to advise clients who are confused about which type of shutter would suit their needs. For example, security may be a priority for some clients, while fire protection may be the most important issue for others. To help them out we offer some information about roller shutters and the various functions they perform.

Need to Keep Sound and Temperature Under Control?

Insulated roller shutters are the perfect product for industrial situations where there are thermal or sound issues that may impact on neighbouring properties. Lightweight yet strong, these shutters use foam of a specified thickness to reduce noise and control temperatures.

Shutters Available for both Light and Heavy Industry

Industrial roller shutters are available in a comprehensive range of sizes, strengths and colours. In light industrial situations such as counters, kiosks, sheds and supermarket entrances, they are an economical and versatile way to protect property from theft and damage. They may not be suitable for heavy industrial applications where large door openings and the constant movement of machinery such as forklifts and mobile cranes require a more robust and secure door system. However, there are roller shutters that are made to suit this challenging environment.

When Protection from Fire is a Priority

There are situations where roller shutters are required to stop a fire spreading from one area to another. In these cases, we can supply fire shutters that are activated from a fire control panel or via a fusible link that will automatically close the shutter when the temperature reaches 72 degrees Celsius. Most of the time they operate like any other normal shutter, but in an emergency situation these other features activate to protect people and property.

Intruders on Alert

Another product from our range is the security roller shutter. With determined property invaders an ever-present threat in our society in both the home and business environment, these specially reinforced shutters are designed to prevent unauthorised entry to premises.

These are just a few of the choices available, so it is not surprising that our clients are grateful for our assistance in helping them decide the best option for their circumstances. Once that decision is made, they can then focus on colours, finishes and other product enhancements. We supply, install, service and repair such a wide range of roller shutters that it is little wonder that they come to Direct Door Services for guidance.

Solid Curtain Car Park Roller Shutter

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Last week our technicians installed a solid curtain roller shutter for a car park. This particular type of garage door was chosen because of the customer’s location. It was near the sea and so they didn’t want the salt air reaching the cars and causing corrosion and paint damage.

Direct Door Services roller shutters are built to last, even in the face of the harshest conditions. Made from quality materials, our products are very effective in safeguarding a premises’ assets and inventory. Aside from car parks, our roller shutters are suitable in factories and other applications where the norm is long hours of business or operations.

Direct Door Services have been in business for over 20 years. We install and fabricate a large range of domestic garage doors, as well as commercial and industrial roll shutters. We also offer repairs and insurance work for all commercial and industrial roller shutters and doors. Ask for a free quote from us by calling 0433 683 347 or sending us an online enquiry.

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Fully Perforated Steel Car Park Roller Shutter

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We recently installed a fully perforated steel car park roller shutter for a customer. Being fully perforated allows air to flow, letting in fresh air and letting out the fumes from car exhaust.

It is effective in securing premises, allowing security staff to easily determine if the premises are secured with just a glance. This type of roller shutter is ideal in many commercial and industrial settings.

If you want to double up on security for your commercial or industrial premises, consider installing a fully perforated roller shutter. Direct Door Services has been supplying and installing industrial roller shutters and roller doors for more than 20 years. Our products are guaranteed to be durable, able to withstand the toughest of conditions. Our highly trained and experienced technicians can install and fabricate all types of garage doors. If you need a quote, dial 0433 683 347 or send us an online enquiry.

 

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Need Help Choosing The Right Type Of Door For Your Situation?

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As suppliers and installers of domestic, commercial and industrial roller doors, we understand how hard it is to choose the best type of door for your needs. It is never as simple as looking at a vacant door opening and making a snap decision. There are questions that need answers first; such as what is the key function of the door or what type of door would suit the space available.

In an industrial environment, for example, fire proofing may be essential in certain circumstances, but it is never requested for a domestic situation. However, for commercial properties where there may be large quantities of stock or electronic equipment, security could be a major characteristic needed by the owners.

At Direct Door Services our many years of experience enables us to help our clients choose the correct types of roller doors and shutters for their specific needs. Because we source our products from a range of different suppliers, we are able to offer any type or brand of door at a competitive price.

Some Features of Domestic Doors

Most garage doors are situated at the front of a dwelling, so the appearance of the door is just as important as its functionality. It must blend with and enhance the existing structure, so having a wide colour choice is essential. A poor choice here could reduce the value of the home by thousands of dollars.

The type of door is usually influenced by the space available. A panel lift door is excellent for tight spaces because it glides along the ceiling, saving ceiling space and not needing room outside to open and close. A tilt-a-door is perfect when there is plenty of space in front of the garage as it needs to open outward before it slips up into the ceiling space, roller doors are easy to operate as it just rolls onto a drum leaving you ceiling area clear but does require 350mm head room clearance.

For the Industrial Environment

This is usually a very active, no-frills scene, with fork-lifts and heavy machinery moving around quickly to meet deadlines. It needs a robust door that does not have to be completely removed if it is damaged. A roller shutter is the best option for this environment, as it is made from heavier materials giving that added security and are comprised of individual slats interlocked together, requiring only the damaged part of the door to be replaced, should the shutter ever be impacted.

Considerations for Commercial Applications

Many of the characteristics of industrial doors are applicable to a commercial situation, but sites like underground parking areas, shopping centres and office buildings, also require protection from fire. These are usually premises for use by the general public as well as staff. Therefore, the well being of large numbers of people is of major concern. This type of shutter closes automatically when the fire alarm is activated, and keeps the fire contained.

These are just a few issues to consider, so identifying the right type of door for a particular purpose is best left to experts like Direct Door Services. We have a solution to your roller door or shutter problem.

Roller Doors Also Need Cleaning and Care

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Roller Doors spend their lifetime with half of them outside in the weather, be it sunny, raining or howling storm or snow. The other side—the inside, is left to contend with the flotsam and jetsam that blows in when they are opened. Then, depending on your situation, be it domestic, commercial or industrial, these mechanisms may need to contend with smoke, steam, settling dust and grease particles, among others.

This does not mean that they don’t have their fair share of issues to contend with anyway. The simple operation of them contributes to wear and tear.

Factors That Could Impede Optimal Operation

Usually, the working mechanisms of such doors are placed inside to protect them from the elements. Even after being placed inside out of harm’s way, these operating mechanisms can still be obstructed or hampered in many ways.

Simple use alone will create a demand for regular cleaning, lubricating and general maintenance. For example – How often do you open and close your roller door?

Domestic Roller Doors

If you have a domestic roller door and work a normal week you could expect that you would open and close your roller door twice a day. This means on average that you door is being operated 730 times per year. That’s 730 openings and 730 closings.

This is just to get to and from work. Once you throw in the fact that there might be two of you opening that door twice a day you can see how quickly this number increases.

Commercial & Industrial Roller Doors

Depending on what your industry is, your roller door may also be opened and closed twice a day. If there is ever any downtime for meal breaks or rules about when your door is in use during the day, this number could double or even triple.

Different Maintenance Agreements For Different Doors

You can see why it is imperative that your roller door should be included in a cleaning and maintenance schedule. Just as you may routinely check a pool filter, clean out your gutters or dust your blinds you must also have your roller doors checked.

Direct Door Services maintain and service all doors in the Brisbane and Gold Coast Areas. We offer a range of service agreements to ensure you get the best out of your door and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Our experienced team can attend to motorizations, forming openings, re-springs, impact damage and more.

Carpark 19mm Aluminium Roller Grille Installation

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Direct Door Services recently installed a 19 mm aluminium grille for a carpark.

Aside from carparks, aluminium grilles can also be installed in shops windows, offices, cafes and restaurants to protect valuables inside.

There are numerous benefits forinstalling this type of door solution:

installing this type of door solution:

  • It is lightweight
  • It is quiet when being closed or opened
  • It provides good ventilation
  • It is perfect for low head room.
  • Unlike steel grilles, it is highly resistant to corrosion, as well as precipitation and UV rays.

Direct Doors Services is committed to keeping its customers satisfied by providing good service, high quality

products with warranties at competitive prices, and accurate information.

We have highly trained and skilled technicians who carry out the installation and fabrication of our various door solutions, which include roller shutters, aluminium grilles and fire shutters, as well as service and repairs.

For enquiries about our products, services and equipment, please call 0433 683 347, or email us.

 

Carpark 19mm aluminium grille installation

Carpark 19mm aluminium grille installation

 

Getting It Right In Commercial Premises Is Essential

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When most people think about selecting and installing any sort of shutter they can be forgiven for automatically assuming it is for a domestic situation. Selecting the right shutter is essential as it can make or break the mood of a room.

For Direct Door Services when we talk shutters we think about large and small commercial applications. Our vast range of commercial shutters, doors and fire shutters are constructed with quality materials. They can be made from perforated or slotted slats.

Each slat on our shutters and doors are fitted with windlocks. This design allows for greater strength, preventing the slats from popping out of their guides during high winds or sudden gusts.

Fire Shutters

A fire shutter is recommended to impede the spread of a fire. Indeed they are essential items in most commercial premises.

Whilst some of our doors can be hand operated a fire control panel can be used to activate the 240v or 3-phase motors on these shutters. They are also designed to activate should an installed fusible link detect temperatures of higher than 72 degrees Celsius.

Size is No Issue

Our experienced design, installation, and maintenance crew have worked on some very interesting projects.

We have been involved with the construction and installation of shutters, doors and fire shutters as small as a large door all the way up to loading dock shutters that measure 10 metres high and 17 metres wide, or more.

Security and Safety

At the end of a long working day you can relax when conducting your end-of-day procedures such as counting cash and balancing up the day’s takings without fear of exposure or theft.

Each business will work in a different way and require something different to help with this. Our team are able to give advice on design improvements and implement them, thus affording you and your staff the greatest convenience and safety.

Maintenance and Repairs

As previously mentioned, our roller shutters are made up of individual slats. These slats range from 50mm to 75mm all the way through to 100mm.

Should your door incur any damage our trained technicians are able to attend your premises to assess the level of damage. The extent of the damage will control their next steps.

They may be able to get the door working well whilst there, but more often than not, they will get the door as operational as possible whilst new slats can be organised in the colour required.

Correct Shutter Installation Vital To Fire Safety

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In recent months, we have seen a number of media reports of large fires that have destroyed a number of industrial buildings and businesses around the country. The cost of fighting the fires, and the resulting damage to the lives and incomes of hundreds of people runs into the millions. Sadly, some of them have caused the loss of human life.
In some cases, especially when the buildings involved are in out-of-the-way places like industrial estates, the fires are not noticed until they have already taken a hold. By the time the fire services arrive, it is too late to save the building and the operation then becomes one of preventing the spread to adjoining buildings.

Fire Resistant Shutters Delay the Spread of Fire

Our fire resistant shutters, had they been installed, could have delayed the spread of the fire giving the authorities valuable time to stop further damage. At Direct Door Services we supply and install shutters that close automatically when the fire alarm is activated, or by a fusible link that closes the shutters when the temperature in the area reaches 72° Celsius. This automatic action contains the fire to a specific area and reduces the likelihood that it will spread.
We supply both two and four hour shutters, depending on the degree of the fire risk. The difference between the two options is the amount of time that can elapse before the doors automatically activate. The doors are manufactured from fire resistant materials to exacting Australian standards and recommended specifications.

Exacting Engineering Standards Guarantee Top Quality

Although our fire resistant shutters may look like a standard roller door, they are complex and involve a number of different components, all of which must meet the same stringent standards. For example, a standard roller door is made from a single sheet, whereas our fire shutters are made from individual slats interlocked together.
As you can imagine, these exacting standards require a degree of specialisation and technical competence. There are multiple mechanisms, electrical wiring, cabling and motors involved that make it vital to have the installation performed by specialists. There are also restrictions regarding the size of the opening to be covered that may require special engineering permissions.

Correct Installation Needs Experienced Operators

Our Direct Door Services operators are highly trained and qualified to perform these installations. Fire resistant shutters that are not properly installed could fail during the very event they are designed to contain – a major fire. We have already seen the results of these fires. It could mean viable businesses driven to bankruptcy, employees suddenly without jobs and other adjoining buildings destroyed in the process. Don’t leave such important work to amateurs. Contact Direct Door Services and listen to the voice of experience.