Specifying Your New Door
Car Wash Doors: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

You've been waiting for this moment; your grand opening, every thing has turned out great so far. The location you have is perfect, traffic counts have confirmed that your location has all of the potential that you've known it had all along. Although you've had some challenges along the way, Your architect contractor and equipment people have finally completed all phases of design and construction. Your long hours of hard work, sweat and months of planning are bringing your dream into a reality full of promise. You look back to the breakdown of your total investment of $ 325,000: Land $ 75,000.00 Equipment $ 100,000, Building $ 150,000.

The big day comes, the execution of your marketing plan has the customers lined up and you're ready to go. The excitement is almost more than you can bear. You say to yourself. This is going to be the ticket to a better life for my company's' stakeholders, my family and myself. You can almost taste the success. One vehicle goes through, then another, then another and yet another. CHAA-CHING, CHAA-CHING you can hear the register and coin ops bringing you closer to the your goal. Profit! The sensation of doing a great job for your customers with your new investment puts you on top of the world.

Some time later it happens. Who would have known? You look back to your door investment of
$ 4,000 It looked like a good product. The manufacturer had claims that sounded fantastic. They gave you a great discount! The contractor had used the same doors for other projects and had recommended it for your building. The price was right. They were real bargain. They even had a best buy guarantee! As you look at the door, it hangs jammed and slumped to one side of the opening of your business's entrance about two feet from the floor. Your heart sinks. Vehicles are pulling out of the line and driving down the street to the "other" car wash. You call the people responsible for the doors. Sorry, we are too busy to get to you today. Is tomorrow a problem? One week and 500 passing customers later, they get back to you with the run-around, some time later the door gets fixed and after looking at the bill. You ask yourself, "why didn't I invest just a little more in my doors?"

Sound like a familiar story? Over the last decade of serving the car wash industry with door products, I have heard this story in many variations from car wash owner around the country. Many have made the wrong choices due to claims made by inexperienced car wash door people or have either overlooked the importance of their door systems and many times have inherited the problems from a previous owner. This article is intended to help you sort through the mayhem and select a good door system that will not only keep your customers in the wash line, but will help you build and make that dream of a successful business a reality.

Relative to your investments for equipment, building and land, your door system is a small percentage of your overall investment for a successful car wash operation. Although a small part of the overall equation, a good looking, dependable and reliable door system can make the difference on whether your customers decide to do business with you or go somewhere else to wash their vehicle. Investing some time up front to research and specify the right door system for your wash can mean the difference of your $ 325,000 of land, building, equipment investment sitting idle or producing you a profit.

Systems Available
There are so many types, designs and models of doors in the construction industry that are offered for use in car washes that it may seem dizzying. Many seem to be a great bargain up front, but end up being an obstacle to your success and happiness later. Most door and operator products on the market are designed and manufactured for standard commercial applications and not for rigorous car wash use. An uninformed or misinformed decision in this area will inevitably turn that hard-earned profit into additional door repair expenses and additional advertising costs to get those unimpressed customers back.

Only a few door systems on the market today, really offer car wash operations with the reliability, good looks and the durability that car wash bays require. Polycarbonate sectional doors with air-powered or electric operators and Bi-parting or Roll-up PVC strip doors are by far the most popular and most successful. Other products rarely have what it takes to really survive and thrive in car wash conditions, especially automatics or conveyors where conditions vary in temperature, pH and where levels of direct spray and corrosion are at their highest.

Polycarbonate Doors
Polycarbonate sectional door systems are an excellent choice for car wash applications and are terrific for use in wet and corrosive conditions. They combine a tough, translucent door panel that has high appeal and comfortable for customers when in the wash. Constructed with a strong aluminum frame, these products are strong, corrosion resistant and durable. Polycarbonate doors are an excellent choice for almost all car wash conditions and climates and are very reliable. Although somewhat low in R-value, polycarbonate doors actually will increase bay temperature by allowing sunlight to warm the bay during the day and will illuminate the bay at night. Powered by air-powered operators or modified electric operators, this type of door will help you achieve several things. First, positive imagery of your building to your customers and second a product that is reliable, good-looking and durable in tough car wash conditions.

When purchasing polycarbonate doors, invest in the best material options available. Stainless steel: track, hinges, face hardware and sealed bearing magnum rollers should always be specified to ensure long life of the product. These options should never be passed up as they play a monumental role in the future reliability and durability of your system. The extra cost up front for these options may sometimes seem somewhat intimidating at first, but will keep you running on those busy days when other products have you running for the phone to call for service or repair.

Counter-balance Options
Counterbalance systems such as galvanized torsion springs, weights with cable assemblies, straps, belts and the like are all acceptable products for use in car washes and each have their benefits. Galvanized torsion springs have excellent corrosion resistant properties and are good for self-serve and most automatic applications as they have a better chance of keeping a door balanced properly and are safe for public use. Doors with galvanized torsion springs do not slam and jar the whole door system when suddenly reversed in mid-cycle as with any type of counter-weight type system. Counterweight systems in self-serve applications can cause you an unsafe situation and should be avoided. Use galvanized torsion springs in these situations.

Bi-parting orRoll-up strip-type doors
Bi-parting or roll-up strip doors can also be a good choice for some car washes. Designed with corrosion resistant materials, these types of products generally work well in mild climates. Car washes in areas with medium to severe winter conditions should highly consider using a polycarbonate sectional door as a back up for cold weather protection during the winter season.

Commercial steel insulated doors may be appealing for cost reasons. But are a bad choice, because insulation soaks up moisture, adds additional weight to the door and causes delamination of the sections. They normally will create an ugly eyesore after time that will turn your most loyal customers the other direction. The standard steel materials used for hardware on these types of products will rust, freeze-up and streak to the outside face of the door and other equipment. This will create an ugly appearance on the outside of the doors, drip down on your customers' vehicles and cause you downtime for repair and cleaning.

As mentioned previously, there is many other door systems available in the market, but a word of caution. If they have been modified for car wash use and not designed for the car wash environment by people experienced in car wash applications. You may be asking for problems that will develop down the road. These problems of course always follow "Murphy's law" and have a tendency to rear their ugly heads during your busy periods.

Operating Systems
Not only is the construction and design of your door itself important, but equally important is the opening /closing mechanism that is used to operate the door. Either air-powered or electric openers can be used to reliably open and close the door. Depending on where they are mounted and how, can make the difference on whether that door will operate when needed or not.

Air-powered Operators
Air-powered operators are excellent selections for in-bay use and even mechanical room applications. The twin cylinder design has been around quite a while and although some significant changes have been made, they are not for every situation. New air-operator designs are now on the market where the product is mounted above the door in a drawbar fashion or mounted vertically along the door. I predict these new band-type air operators will be an excellent solution to standard lift and high lift door applications. These products can be mounted above the door where it is warmer and out of the direct spray and cold weather exposure. Invest in these designs, but look at the internal and external design of the product to make sure they have all the properties that will ensure low maintenance and durability. Review these new designs carefully and look for products fewer, corrosive resistant internal working parts.

Electric Openers
Electric openers should be applied in drier areas such as prep areas, mounted above the rafters or mounted in equipment rooms. Some of the newer electric designs do offer in-bay use, but are still somewhat inexperienced and do not have the experience of in-bay use to prove favorable mention. Electric operators will produce positive results if the bay is spacious and well cared for. Proper installation and design is key in using an electric operators in carwash situations.

Like the doors themselves, material use and design is monumentally important when selecting the right door operator system. Your new system must be able that will take the punishment of direct and in-direct moisture spray all season long. If people experienced in car wash environment design and manufacture the operating mechanism, you are on the right track. Look for a simple design, stainless steel and anodized aluminum construction and other corrosion resistant materials and fewer working parts. Always look for products, which have replacement parts readily available. Products that are manufactured offshore or built too unique can hang you out to dry when you do have a breakdown. Waiting for parts during your peak times can be really taxing on your bottom line and patience. Always look for products that have reduced maintenance built into the design and ease of serviceability.

Operator Accessories
There is are many accessories that can be applied to car wash use for timing your door with your equipment and creating smooth and productive customer flow and also for safety. Again, the use of products that were intended for standard commercial use will not produce consistent, positive results in this environment. For maximum durability and reliability you can only expect the highest quality products to perform favorably over time. Specify products that are designed for high moisture environments or ones that can be sealed or located in a dry room.

Selecting the Right System for your Location
When specifying any door and operating system for your car wash bay look for products designed with as much stainless steel and other corrosion/rust resistant materials possible. Insist on tough, durable components that will take the continuous abuse of constant use. Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, polyethylene (UHMW), PVC and assemblies that are sealed for moisture protection are excellent choices, but look for a good design as well. Plastics, rubber and other soft materials will wear easily when matched with metal components and will increase repair costs.

Not only are the materials on the exterior of the product important. The interior of the product also needs to be evaluated. Ask yourself. "Does the exterior and interior of the door and operator components also have the corrosive resistant properties that are important in my bay?" In time you will find that the both the exterior and internal components will be exposed to some degree of moisture and corrosion. Keep a keen eye out for internal components that will survive the punishing moisture and corrosion that will eventually seep into the product.

To select the right door for your application, look at other car wash operations, ask questions, what makes this door a good product for my area. Ask the owners: What do you like about the product? What problems have you faced? Does the product meet the climatic demands in your area? Is the door reliable and dependable? Are they easily serviced? What kind of service did they get when the problem did arise. Did they get prompt attention to their needs? Did the manufacturer stand behind their product without a hassle? If all else fails ask your car wash equipment distributor for the experiences they have had. Asking questions and investing time reviewing possibilities will bring you closer to a better choice.

When choosing a door system, material and operational qualities of the system of course are very important, but also the manufacturer. Spend some time up-front researching the manufacturers' background, experience, and reputation with door systems made for car washes. Although cost is always important to your business, remember you get what you pay for. Be careful when faced with the bargain. Car wash doors are not a commodity like microwaves or brooms. Each door system should be evaluated and tailored for your business for long term reliability. To do develop a door system that works for your individual wash requires effort and therefore cost. Although some car wash door products appear like a bargain at first. Some manufacturers will leave out what will be important when that door system eventually malfunctions: After the sale Service.

Climate Considerations
Internal and external climate plays a major factor in selecting the right door system for your wash. Geographic areas with high humidity, rain, snow and cold temperatures multiply the number of things a door system must endure and still stay reliable and operable. It is of the utmost importance to use products that have taken these environments into account. Use products with the most durable, corrosive resistant properties. Internal car wash climates range from semi-dry to monsoon level. Depending on the mix of soap and chemicals, the concentration of damaging chemicals can expose a door to high levels of corrosion and therefore more susceptible to malfunction. Your internal bay dimensions play a key part in what your internal climate will be like. When designing a new car wash, build to optimum size. The larger the bay, the drier it will be and the less concentrated the chemical exposure to your door system. If you follow this advice, not only will your door system work better, but also you will find your bay much more manageable and your customers more comfortable.

Installation & Maintenance
As with any product, proper installation and maintenance is a key to continued durability and reliability of your door system. Your door system should always be installed by professionals or individuals experienced with installing these types of door products. A properly installed product is the main ingredient to good functionality, dependability, reduced service costs and will ensure the safe operation of your door system day in and day out.

Maintenance is very important in keeping a door system dependable and operable year round. Always set up a maintenance schedule congruent to the door manufacturers' recommendations. If the manufacturer does not provide a proper maintenance schedule, check with the people who installed the product to give you recommendations. Follow the schedule or the money you invested in the system will not yield you a fair return. Do not believe the fallacy of a totally maintenance free door. There is no such thing. Door systems are a mechanical system and require service and routine maintenance, just like a vehicle or other machine. If someone claims they have a totally maintenance free door, they are not being truthful.
Taking extreme care when selecting doors for your new, renovation or repair project is extremely important to your success as a car wash. Your time spent on this commonly overlooked part of the equation can be the key to your success or your failure. Research your door system critically and in detail and check for manufacturers that are honest, reputable and are experienced in car wash applications. Make sure the suppliers stand behind their product without question. Anyone can band aid a door product and call it a car wash door, but it is up to you to keep informed and ensure that the door system is fit for long term use in this tough environment. Treat your door system like any other part of your equipment package and research, research, research. Look for and insist on only the most durable options. This is not an area to look for bargains. Spending the time and energy will make the difference between your $ 325,000 investment putting out a profit or becoming a liability. Keep the things we mentioned in mind and you will find you customers staying in line and the sound of those registers and coin ops singing. Good luck and happy washing!
Kevin Baumgartner, a founder of American Garage Door Supply Inc. has committed his career to providing door solutions for the Car Wash Industry. He can be reached at 1-800-233-1487 for further help and solutions to your door needs.