When it comes to commercial garage door installation, precision, coordination, and expertise make all the difference between a good project and a great one. Our recent work at the new Bend Public Works facility represents everything we love about complex commercial installations—technical challenges, collaborative problem-solving, and a final result that exceeds expectations.
We’re excited to share the story of this project, which showcases not just beautiful full-view glass garage doors, but the meticulous planning and execution that goes into every commercial garage door installation we complete.
The Project: A New Fleet and Maintenance Facility for Bend
Bend Public Works recently completed construction on a state-of-the-art facility that includes a fleet building, maintenance shop, and storage facility. Since this was a new construction project, it required us to be involved from the very beginning, working alongside the general contractor to ensure every detail was perfect.
What made this commercial garage door installation particularly special was the early involvement of the project architect, who reached out to us during the design phase. This collaborative approach allowed us to address potential challenges before construction even began, ultimately saving time and ensuring a seamless integration of our door systems with the building’s other critical components.
The Doors: Full-View Glass Meets Heavy-Duty Performance
For this project, we installed Wayne Dalton’s premium sectional doors that combine aesthetic appeal with robust commercial performance:
Main Bay Doors:
- Wayne Dalton Model 452 Full-View Sectional Doors
- Clear anodized aluminum frames
- Clear Low-E tempered glass panels
- Genie H-75 side-mounted jackshaft commercial operators
Rolling Steel Door:
- Wayne Dalton Model 500 countertop rolling steel door
- Genie side-mounted motor
The full-view glass doors were specifically chosen to complement the facility’s modern architectural design. The clear anodized finish matches the building’s exterior aesthetic, while the Low-E tempered glass provides energy efficiency—an important consideration for a facility that’s being recognized for leading the way in energy-efficient design in Central Oregon.
The Challenge: Where Precision Meets Problem-Solving
Every commercial garage door installation comes with its own unique set of challenges, but the Bend Public Works project took technical complexity to another level. Our doors needed to fit around and work in harmony with several critical building systems, including:
Crane System Integration
One of the most significant challenges was coordinating our door installation with the facility’s crane and crane rail system. Our track and hardware had to be positioned with absolute precision—we’re talking about inches of clearance—to fit between the building’s structural columns and above the crane system.
This wasn’t something we could eyeball or adjust on the fly. Every measurement had to be exact, every component had to be in the right position, or the entire system wouldn’t function properly.
Sloped Ceilings and Custom Hardware
In one section of the building, we encountered a ceiling that sloped from left to right, with kickers holding the roof system in place exactly where our door hardware needed to go. To make the doors work in this space, we had to install dual spring lines with duplex springs, along with dual cables and drums. This custom configuration allowed the doors to operate smoothly despite the challenging ceiling geometry.
Working Around Vehicle Maintenance Pits
The facility includes two large pits designed for working under vehicles—essential for a fleet maintenance operation, but they created additional complications for our installation team. Our technicians had to carefully maneuver telehandlers and scissor lifts to position the heavy door tracks and hardware without compromising safety or precision.
Coordination: The Key to Complex Commercial Installations
What separates a successful commercial garage door installation from a problematic one often comes down to communication and coordination. For the Bend Public Works project, we worked closely with multiple trades to ensure everything came together seamlessly:
- Electrical contractors to integrate door operators with the facility’s power systems and install red/green indicator lights that notify personnel when doors are fully open or closed
- Security systems specialists to incorporate RFID card readers that allow authorized vehicles to trigger door opening as they approach
- Mechanical trades to ensure HVAC and other systems didn’t interfere with door operation
- Crane installers to coordinate timing and ensure our door systems were fully installed before crane installation began
We also collaborated directly with Wayne Dalton to obtain detailed drawings and work through technical specifications during the design phase. This upfront coordination proved invaluable when it came time for actual installation.
Custom Control Systems for Operational Efficiency
Beyond the doors themselves, we installed sophisticated control systems tailored to the facility’s operational needs:
- Toggle switches with hold-open capability allowing operators to keep doors open during extended loading/unloading operations
- Exit loops inside the building for convenient door operation
- RFID card readers for hands-free, secure access as vehicles approach
- Visual indicators (red/green lights) to clearly communicate door status
- Integration with facility security systems for comprehensive access control
These features transform the doors from simple barriers into intelligent components of the facility’s operational workflow, improving both efficiency and safety for Bend Public Works staff.
Timing: Racing Against the Clock
Like many construction projects, timing was critical. The doors we specified—large-format full-view sectional doors with custom configurations—took longer to manufacture and deliver than initially expected. This pushed our installation timeline uncomfortably close to the scheduled crane installation.
Our team worked diligently to complete the installation at the beginning of the week, and the crane arrived at the end of that same week. The margin was tight, but through focused effort and expert execution, we completed our portion of the work just in time. It was a testament to our team’s dedication and technical skill.
What Makes Central Oregon Garage Door Different
This project exemplifies the approach we bring to every commercial garage door installation:
Early Involvement
We believe the best results come from being part of the conversation early. By working with architects and contractors during the design phase, we can identify potential issues, suggest solutions, and ensure door systems integrate seamlessly with other building components.
Technical Expertise
Our technicians aren’t just installers—they’re skilled craftspeople who understand the engineering behind every component. When doors need to fit within inches of clearance around crane systems and structural elements, that expertise becomes essential.
Collaborative Approach
We view every project as a team effort. Whether we’re coordinating with electricians, security specialists, or crane installers, we communicate proactively to keep the project moving forward smoothly.
Attention to Detail
When we say our measurements and installations need to be precise, we mean it. The difference between a door system that works flawlessly and one that causes ongoing problems often comes down to millimeters of accuracy during installation.
Problem-Solving Mindset
Challenges are inevitable in complex commercial projects. What matters is having a team that can analyze problems, develop solutions, and execute them effectively under pressure.
The Results: Form, Function, and Recognition
The new Bend Public Works facility is now operational, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Multiple people have complimented both the appearance and functionality of the door systems. The full-view glass doors create an impressive visual impact while allowing natural light into the work areas, and all systems are operating exactly as planned.
Perhaps most notably, the project is being considered for recognition as one of the best projects in Central Oregon and is being discussed as a leader in energy-efficient design. While many factors contribute to the facility’s success, we’re proud that our commercial garage door installation played a role in creating a facility that sets a new standard for the region.
Why Commercial Projects Require Commercial Expertise
The Bend Public Works project illustrates why commercial garage door installation requires a different level of expertise than residential work. Commercial projects often involve:
- Larger, heavier doors requiring specialized equipment and installation techniques
- Integration with complex building systems and multiple trades
- Stricter safety and performance requirements
- Custom automation and control systems
- Coordination with architects, engineers, and contractors
- Precise timing within larger construction schedules
At Central Oregon Garage Door, we handle both residential and commercial projects, but we never underestimate the unique demands of commercial installations. Our team has the training, experience, and equipment necessary to handle even the most complex projects.
Whether you’re planning a new commercial facility, upgrading an existing building, or need expert installation for a challenging application, we’d love to talk with you about how we can help. Our experience ranges from small commercial upgrades to large-scale new construction projects like Bend Public Works.
If you have a commercial garage door project in Central Oregon, give us a call. We’ll bring the same attention to detail, technical expertise, and collaborative approach that made the Bend Public Works installation a success.
