We ran 5K for our local air ambulance and it was awesome!

A group of us from Garador took part in the 5K Twilight Shift charity run last Saturday (23rd September 2023). The event was organised all in aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, a life-saving service that provides critical care to patients across the two counties.

There were 14 of us in total taking part in the event and it was a really fun way to enjoy some downtime and do some real good for a worthwhile cause. Everything was setup to cater to all ages and abilities, which was great as it meant you could walk, jog or run around Henstridge Airfield, where the air ambulance crew hang out. Anyone could join the run and have a blast, while helping a great cause. Some people even dressed up or carried extra weight, like the crew do when they go to an emergency!

We worked hard to get ready for the run and had a lot of fun with hundreds of other supporters on the day. We also donated £500 to the charity in support of the event and were really chuffed to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, a charity that we feel close to. As a local business based in Yeovil, we know how important it is to have a quick and reliable emergency service that can get to anywhere in our region.

You can find out more about the run and the air ambulance by visiting www.dsairambulance.org.uk

We’ve just launched a new Salisbury side-hinged door

 That’s right, our product development team has been busy working to develop a new garage door design! After months of hard work, this time they’ve come up with a new Salisbury side-hinged model and it looks superb.

It’s been designed with multi-use garages in mind, where you can have the flexibility to use your garage for a range of functions but also get inside quickly and easily, especially when retrieving or storing gardening tools, bicycles or other large and cumbersome items. 

The new side hinged garage door comes with 2-point locking and concealed hinges for security and gas pistons which act as dampeners, ensuring a smooth and cushioned movement as the door is opened or closed. Weather proof sealing also helps keep wet and blustery conditions outside. Plus, there are also door stays to prevent the door blowing shut.

The opening system is designed for ease and comfort, with one fixed leaf and one leading leaf that makes it much easier to quickly get to what's being stored inside the garage. In situations where a car is being parked inside, both doors open outwards to offer maximum drive-through clearance and there aren’t any tracks or gear systems taking up valuable ceiling or wall space. So you've got full use of the space indoors.

With this new model, we've replicated the already popular Salisbury up & over garage door design in a side-hinged door format. So if you like the Salisbury design for your garage door, but you prefer a side-hinged door, you now have the option to buy one! No need to compromise on your choice of garage door model.

Browse the new Salisbury door and the rest of the side-hinged range at www.garador.co.uk

Our cycling aficionados were out in force supporting the Race from the Base charity cycling event

We do enjoy a good cycling event at Garador! We've got a fair few avid cyclists working across the company, so when the opportunity to take part in the Race from the Base cycling challenge, well we just couldn't resist. And what's more, its all in aid of a really worthwhile cause which is the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. 

We formed a team of 6 Garador cyclists and even got some cycling gear to look the part so we could really give it our best shot. With three possible courses to choose from, including a 30km short, 60km cruise and 100km climb, the guys had plenty of options to get stuck into, and in the end opted for a more balanced course with the 60km cruise. Still taxing enough, but not quite as exhausting as the long route.

Everyone headed down to Henstridge Airfield in Somerset, on the morning of Saturday 10th June, where they were greeted by glorious sunshine and blue skies, perfect weather for cycling! After a quick drink and an ice cream, as well as a chat to the chaps from the air ambulance crew they were off!

Find out more about Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and the excellent work they do for the local community. They are a vital charity that helps critically ill or injured patients across Dorset and Somerset. On average, they attend about 8-10 incidents every day, ranging from road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests, strokes, falls, industrial accidents and more. They rely on public donations to keep flying and saving lives.

Doing our bit for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

We were absolutely delighted to continue our support of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance last weekend, with their annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge! It's such a fantastic event which raises much needed funds for the air ambulance, so we were really pleased to be able to provide our lorries again to help transport cyclists from the finish back to the start of the event.
 
Money is still coming in for the charity event, but over £45,000 has already been received. Hundreds of cyclists took part, giving there all to the gruelling 55 mile ride across Somerset and Dorset
 
As in previous years, the route started from Watchet in North Somerset and finished in West Bay on the Dorset Coast. Each of the Garador lorries have a custom built storage system that makes it so bikes can be easily wheeled into our lorries and firmly secured for the journey. Our drivers also gave their time and helped to ensure all the participants could easily get back to Watchet and find their cars after the ride.
 
Check out www.dsairambulance.org.uk to find out more about the excellent work this charity does or to look at making a donation

Choosing the right material for your garage door

 

Choosing the right material for your garage door extends well beyond aesthetic considerations of simply how it will look. Garador offer a variety of materials for their garage doors, including steel, timber, GRP and aluminium, each of which have merits and can add value to your property.

In this post we will look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of the different materials on offer, and which one is likely to suit your particular circumstances. It’s not just the usage of the garage that is important to consider, but the location and other characteristics such as whether the garage is attached to the main house. So let’s dive in and find out more about the different materials on offer.

 

Aluminium

Aluminium is a light and corrosion-resistant material that can withstand impact, scratches and dents without losing its shape or quality. Aluminium is very suitable as a material for garage doors and is used in Garador's GaraRoll roller doors as part of the curtain as it is durable and lightweight, which makes it easier to install and operate. Garador's aluminium laths are foam filled, giving them structural rigidity. Aluminium is also resistant to rust and corrosion, which prolongs its lifespan especially in coastal regions. Furthermore, it is secure and can withstand impact and intrusion attempts. Finally, an aluminium GaraRoll roller door can enhance the kerb appeal of any modern home with its sleek and modern design.

 

Steel

Steel is a popular material for garage doors, due to its affordability, meaning it is cheaper than other materials and lasts well, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. It is typically used on Garador’s up & over and sectional garage doors. The steel is galvanised so it is more durable and therefore resistant to rusting and because it’s supplied with a thick powder-coated paint it will stand the test of time. In addition, it is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require an excessive amount of time to spend on cleaning and painting to maintain the material. Furthermore, it can be formed into various shapes, with swage or panel pressed styles which can add value to your home’s appearance and potentially enhance it’s resale value.

 

Timber

Garador’s timber up & over, side-hinged and personnel garage door models are constructed from natural solid red cedar, which is a durable and stable soft wood which can withstand moisture, insects, weather and general wear and tear better than most other types of wood, thus making it very suitable for an external building product like a garage door. Cedar wood is rot resistant, so it will last longer than other softwoods.Furthermore, it is relatively lightweight and will therefore put less stress on the lifting gear than some other heavier, denser types of wood.

 

GRP (Glass-Reinforced-Polyester)

GRP is a composite material that combines fiberglass strands and resin, for a lightweight, yet strong and durable garage door material. They can resist harsh weather conditions and salty sea air, making them ideal for coastal locations or areas with extreme climates. GRP garage doors do not rust, warp or rot, and require very little maintenance. Furthermore, they can also imitate the appearance of wood with realistic woodgrain textures and a variety of colourful options which look like natural timber stains. In addition, to the timber effect versions Garador also offer a silky, smooth gloss white GRP product in the form of the Arden.

 

Find out more about Garador’s comprehensive range of garage doors, in a variety of materials, by visiting www.garador.co.uk

What sort of garage door should you consider for a garage with obstructions in ceiling space?

If you have a garage with obstructions in the ceiling space, such as pipes, beams, or ducts, you might be wondering what sort of garage door you should consider. After all, you don't want to end up with a door that doesn't fit or that damages your ceiling. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the options available for garages with limited ceiling space and help you choose the best one for your needs.

One of the most common types of garage doors for garages with obstructions in the ceiling space is the side-hinged door. This is a door that opens outwards from the sides, rather than upwards from the bottom. Side-hinged garage doors are easy to install and operate, and they don't require any overhead tracks or springs. They also offer a more traditional and rustic look that can complement your home's style.

Another option for garages with limited ceiling space is the roller door. This is a door that rolls up into a compact cylinder above the opening, rather than sliding along the ceiling. Roller doors are ideal for saving space and maximizing clearance, as they only need a few inches of headroom. They also offer a sleek and modern look that can enhance your home's exterior appearance.

As you can see, there are two main types of garage doors that you can consider for a garage with obstructions in the ceiling space. The best one for you will depend on your personal preference, budget, and available space. 

Check out www.garador.co.uk  to view the full range of Garador garage doors.

Have you seen our side-hinged garage door range?

Developing a new product has its challenges and so our engineers have been exceptionally busy over the last 36 months or so working on the refinement of our new design of side-hinged garage door. The new design is a significant improvement on its predecessor, with features that enhance the security, user-experience and longevity of the product. There are 19 different door models to choose from, along with a selection of colours and options.

The main principle of the side-hinged garage door has been retained, with a simple, straight-forward design that’s easy to use and two outward-opening door leafs. The door leafs come in either a 50/50 or 70/30 setup, with the latter configuration sometimes preferred for garages where large items like bikes or gardening tools are stored.

Two new door models have been added to the range, the Windsor and the Ascot, which give homeowners the possibility of a more contemporary side-hinged garage door design. Both models come in a variety of standard sizes and a selection of 19 powder-coat paint finishes.

The new and improved design incorporates a lengthy list of features which make for an overall better door. These include:

Enhanced 2-point locking for security.
An upgraded 2-point locking system means that the door is securely closed with two shoot-bolt latches which engage at the top and bottom of the fixed leaf. The shoot-bolt latches are operated by a flip handle, positioned centrally on the outer edge of the fixed door leaf, providing a straightforward way for it to be opened and closed without problems.

Door stays to prevent the door blowing shut during heavy winds.
There are door stays positioned at the top of the garage door frame next to each door leaf, helping to keep the door open and prevent it from blowing closed in blustery conditions.

Gas pistons for a gentle closing motion.
Gas pistons are employed as dampeners, ensuring a smooth, cushioned movement as the door is pulled or pushed to a close. Overall these make for a better user experience and a more controlled, gentle closing motion when operating the door.

Improved rubber seals on the inside of the frame to prevent drafts.
Weatherproof rubber seals are built into the door frame and run along the door stop on both the fixed and leading door leaf to prevent drafts. This feature is further enhanced by the 3-way adjustable hinges, which can be fine-tuned for a smoother door action and tighter close against the rubber seal. An aluminium threshold at the foot of the door also blocks the flow of air that can pass underneath the door.

Wider 75mm frame and concealed hinges for security.
The door is supplied pre-framed for a quick installation process and can be fitted between or behind a brickwork opening. A 75mm wide galvanised steel door frame means the door is strong and stable in its construction and having the hinges concealed inside the frame, means that they are less exposed and susceptible to burglars. From an aesthetic stand point, having hidden hinges is also better as there are no hinge knuckles protruding above the surface of the door; giving a seamless appearance across the door panel and frame.

Increased drive-through width of 64mm
Whilst the side-hinged design of garage door is an excellent solution for accessing stored equipment inside the garage, it is also often used by homeowners for garages where cars are parked inside. So the new range has been engineered with this in mind, providing an increased drive-through width of 64mm to cater for larger vehicles.

The Garador side-hinged garage door continues to be supplied with a black plastic lever handle, which has the often overlooked benefit of being easy to open even when you have your hands full; perfect for garages that are being used to store more cumbersome tools or gardening equipment.

Find out more about Garador’s new side hinged garage doors by calling 01935 443722 or visiting www.garador.co.uk