Technology is constantly changing the ways our home works. Decor is no exception to this trend. Your home lighting can be hooked up to an app and feature a rainbow of colors and intensity to set various moods. Music and tv can be voice-controlled. Now, that technology is moving outside as well. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Dallas, TX can show you how to add some flair to your home by installing a garage door projection system.
This new trend has been popping up all over the country for a few years now. It began with laser lighting on homes at Christmas. Window projections at Halloween have started to show up. Now, you can consider a year round option to liven up your exterior decor.
The Projector
The process will begin by finding a projector. You’ll want to get one that has speed control, and a timer. The speed control will allow you to adjust the rate of movement or change in your holiday scenes to suit your preferences.
The timer is as much for your neighbors as it is for you. You’ll want your projector to automatically shut down at a certain point in the evening so it doesn’t become a nuisance to the neighborhood.
The Screen
Your projector has to have something to project onto. You have a few options here. You can project directly onto your garage door itself. Keep in mind that most garage doors are not flat surfaces. This can cause distortion in the images. It may not be a problem if your projections are not very detailed and feature larger elements. If you have complex images or movement, you should consider a screen.
Screens provide the preferred viewing experience, but have their own drawbacks. First, there is the added cost involved. This could be very little if you go with a simple sheet. It could be very high if you opt for an actual projector screen of some kind. In addition, you have to consider placement. If you want to project onto your garage door with a screen, this would mean blocking the door and preventing its use. So, you either have to go without a functioning garage door while your projector is in use, or take the screen down each time you want to open it.
Weatherproofing
Obviously, you need to consider weather when installing your garage door projecting system. Is the projector you’re purchasing designed to withstand extreme heat and cold? Is it waterproof? If it’s not waterproof, you need to buy or build a housing unit. If doing a DIY housing, be sure it has proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
You’ll also have to consider things like wind and rain for the screen. This is where a sheet or screen can become problematic, as neither will hold up well to rain and snow. You also have to make sure it is totally secure to prevent it blowing away in high winds.
Seasonal updates
If you’re going with a year-round set up, you’ll want to change out what’s being projected to match the season. In the winter, feature falling snow, or holiday images like Santa, gingerbread men, presents, etc. Halloween can be fun with pumpkins and scarecrows or scary like zombies and vampires. You can match holidays throughout the year, or simply follow the four seasons. Decide how much time you want to give it throughout the year.
Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Dallas, Texas has seen a lot of advancements in exterior design and decoration in our 20 years. If you decide to upgrade your overhead door as part of your garage door projection system, give us a call! Our courteous customer service representatives will quickly get a technician on site for a consultation.
