Air or electric doors/Vinyl or poly doors

[outdoorzchik]

Hello all, my front overhead door motor for my touchless automatic has decided to retire. The prior owner had air before but converted to electric motors because he has nothing but problems. I am trying to debate on weather I will stick with mechanical or go to air. Any feedback on what works best.
The panels and door assembly is close to being due to be replaced as well. I am in a very cold climate (North Northern Michigan) and right across from a lake that gives me those wonderful northern winds. I am trying to debate on weather vinyl or Alaska airlift doors would be the best replacement...anyone have feedback on the vinyl doors?

 

[srr5008]

Almost every door manufacturer that I spoke with recommended against vinyl doors if we had windy conditions (we are on a flat area in the middle of an oxbow in the river - so we get lots of wind). We have polycarbonate doors now, with air. We absolutely hate the air setup - it's a constant maintenance headache. We plan on replacing our doors, and sticking with polycarbonate and looking for an electric motor setup.

 

[outdoorzchik]

Almost every door manufacturer that I spoke with recommended against vinyl doors if we had windy conditions (we are on a flat area in the middle of an oxbow in the river - so we get lots of wind). We have polycarbonate doors now, with air. We absolutely hate the air setup - it's a constant maintenance headache. We plan on replacing our doors, and sticking with polycarbonate and looking for an electric motor setup.

Great feedback, I appreciate it.

 

[DiamondWash]

Jesus Lord Protector of all that is Good and Holy I hate air-operated doors because of cylinder leaks, moisture in the lines, leaks in general, frozen lines in the winter if you have any moisture. Since ripping out our old Ryko Bi-Folds that run off the air and replaced them with XRS Airlift vinyl doors we have absolutely no issues with them and would purchase electric over air all day every day even twice on Sunday.

 

[outdoorzchik]

Jesus Lord Protector of all that is Good and Holy I hate air-operated doors because of cylinder leaks, moisture in the lines, leaks in general, frozen lines in the winter if you have any moisture. Since ripping out our old Ryko Bi-Folds that run off the air and replaced them with XRS Airlift vinyl doors we have absolutely no issues with them and would purchase electric over air all day every day even twice on Sunday.

Ha that's great! More good information....I think my mind is made up to go with electric.

 

[washnvac]

DiamondWash--- I am not really sure here, but are you saying you prefer the electric???.....

 

[DiamondWash]

DiamondWash--- I am not really sure here, but are you saying you prefer the electric???.....

Nah I say just use a curtain from Home Depot they can just drive through it.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

In total we have 9 vinyl doors and 5 poly doors. Both have their place. Vinyl has treated us very well but I will absolutely agree that if you have a location with strong winds you will have issues with the vinyl doors. We installed vinyl doors at one location's entrance and had to move them to the exit because the constant wind pressure on the door caused us nothing but headaches. We then installed poly doors at the entrance and all is good. Poly doors are also much better at heat retention in my opinion.

 

[outdoorzchik]

In total we have 9 vinyl doors and 5 poly doors. Both have their place. Vinyl has treated us very well but I will absolutely agree that if you have a location with strong winds you will have issues with the vinyl doors. We installed vinyl doors at one location's entrance and had to move them to the exit because the constant wind pressure on the door caused us nothing but headaches. We then installed poly doors at the entrance and all is good. Poly doors are also much better at heat retention in my opinion.

Yes heat retention, that's a big concern since we have about 1 week of summer here and the rest winter. Thank you for your feedback!

 

[washnshine]

Jesus Lord Protector of all that is Good and Holy I hate air-operated doors because of cylinder leaks, moisture in the lines, leaks in general, frozen lines in the winter if you have any moisture. Since ripping out our old Ryko Bi-Folds that run off the air and replaced them with XRS Airlift vinyl doors we have absolutely no issues with them and would purchase electric over air all day every day even twice on Sunday.

Diamond- I know you ripped out the bifolds and didn’t like air, but did you like the bifold design- with the exception they were air operated? Can you get electric bifolds?

Always seemed they could eliminate the drip on exiting cars but I have never had them - only saw a few on other installations.

 

[DiamondWash]

It's funny you mentioned electric driven bi-folds because it can be done if Ryko engineers would of tried it. Same operating concept the lock on a garage door has with the handle in the middle.