Month: March 2021

When you think of fraud, you probably imagine identity theft or hackers. Unfortunately, many scams still occur offline, and one type you may not know of is garage door scams. While most people in the garage door industry are honest, some of them aren’t. 

Scammers prey on people’s desire to take care of garage door problems quickly. Having a broken garage door is a hassle, and homeowners understandably want to clear up the issue as soon as possible. Garage door repair scams try to trick the homeowner into paying for services they don’t receive or the technician can’t perform. 

How can you tell when someone is trying to scam you? What telltale signs of a scam should you watch out for? Keep an eye out for these common garage door scams. 

The Rebuild Package Scam

Asking people to overpay for something or making promises that aren’t delivered on are both common scams in any industry. In the garage door business, rebuild package scams occur when a repair company says you need a “hardware overhaul,” which involves replacing everything from your torsion springs to the bearing brackets. 

In reality, nothing is wrong with your equipment — most garage door hardware lasts 10 to 15 years. However, you might not initially realize that. You will get a rude awakening when you receive the bill because dishonest technicians mark up the hardware and the installation costs. Then, you pay an arm and a leg for new hardware you don’t need. 

The Lifetime Guarantee Scam

When you hear someone talk about a lifetime guarantee, you probably think you’re set for as long as you own your house. However, that’s rarely the case. A lifetime guarantee often covers parts but not labor. Your technician can charge an exorbitant fee for labor for the simplest task, such as changing a light bulb. 

By installing cheap parts, the technician ensures your hardware will break down. Then, you’ll call them to fix it again, enabling them to charge an astronomical labor fee. The cycle repeats when the broken hardware is replaced with another shoddy item, setting you up to need more help shortly down the road. If you consider a lifetime guarantee, ask the technician several essential questions: 

• What does the guarantee cover? 
• Can you walk me through the contract? 
• What brands do you source your parts from? 

Your contract only guarantees coverage for the hardware it mentions. Even if you speak to a technician about adding extra coverage, it will only apply if it’s in the contract.

The Unidentified Technician Scam

You only want experienced, certified professionals working on your garage door. While a company may present the impression that its technicians know what they’re doing, they can pull a last-minute switcheroo by contracting the work to a subcontractor. The person may not live up to the high standards set by a legitimate business. 

The company you contracted with will pay the subcontractor a low rate, and the original technicians will have no investment in the outcome because you are not their customer. They aren’t counting on you using their services again for a job well done. You have no way of knowing if the person who comes to your door is certified or what their garage door repair history looks like. You also have no one to call if the repair is mishandled. Here are some things to look for to avoid this situation: 

• The technician arrives in an unmarked car.
• The technician avoids introducing themselves or saying who they work for.
• The technician shows no signs of direct employment by the company you contracted with.

How to Avoid Garage Door Repair Scams 

When you know what to look for, you can avoid garage door repair scams. Here are some questions to ask during the vetting process:

• How do you identify your company?​
• What company am I speaking with?
• Can you provide me your business’s address?
• Do you have any recent customers I could talk to about your services?

If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, play it safe and avoid hiring the contractor. Always trust your gut. If something seems fishy or “off” with the company, it’s better to err on the side of caution than get caught up in a scam. 

Instead of relying on a business with shady practices, ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations for garage door repair companies they have used and liked. Getting a testimonial from a trusted source is always better than trying a company you aren’t sure about.

How to Report Garage Door Scams

If a suspected garage door scammer has approached you, or you have fallen victim to a scam, you can report it. Contact the International Door Association (IDA) by emailing [email protected]. You can explain the details and include any documentation from your case. The organization may follow up with you for more information.

Scammers may also face criminal charges depending on what they did. You can contact your local police station to report the interaction. At the least, the police may warn others in the neighborhood that a suspicious person is making false claims. 

Enjoy Quality Garage Door Service With AAA Garage Door

For reputable garage door repairs, contact AAA Garage Door. We have provided many people in the Fremont, Nebraska, area with dependable service at affordable prices. 

The post Common Garage Door Scams  appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

A properly insulated garage door prevents warm air from escaping your garage during the cooler months and hot air from entering during the warmer months. The increased insulation helps decrease your energy usage and provides many other benefits for your garage, home and wallet. Since your garage door is the largest opening to your home, it must have sufficient insulation, or you’ll experience drafts, extreme temperatures and energy loss. 

You have a few options available if you’re looking to insulate your garage door. You can choose to go the DIY route with an insulation kit, contact a professional garage service to upgrade your current door or replace your old door with an energy-efficient replacement. If you opt to get a brand-new door, you can compare many options to add insulation and style to your home. Modern garage doors add significant curb appeal and value to your home. 

Older or poorly insulated garage doors can lead to various problems in the home. For example, water can build up in your garage after a rainstorm or high-humidity days. The water trapped inside your garage struggles to evaporate, and it can cause mold to develop throughout your home and your possessions. A buildup of water in your garage can also lead to condensation forming in your vehicles’ crevices and electrical circuits, leading to faster deterioration over time.

Are insulated garage doors worth it? Keep reading to learn more.

6 Benefits of Insulating Your Garage Doors

Why insulate your garage door? Doing so brings many advantages and allows you to recoup your initial investment through increased energy savings and protecting your home and belongings. Here are six of the most significant reasons to insulate your garage door. 

1. Increase Energy Efficiency 

Is your garage cold in the winter and hot in the summer? Even if you have insulated your garage’s walls, your garage door may be causing a significant energy drain. An insulated garage door will help seal your garage off from the outside temperatures that sneak into your home through your garage. You should notice a decrease in your heating and cooling costs when you insulate your garage doors. Hot or cold air can enter the rest of your home when your garage is at a higher or lower temperature, which results in your A/C and heating units having to overcompensate and operate more often. 

Insulating your garage door will help keep your garage at a moderate and comfortable temperature — not too hot and not too cold. Another benefit is that you can work in your garage year-round, due to the more comfortable temperature.

2. Notice Quieter Operation

Older and uninsulated garage doors can make loud noises when you operate them, while insulated garage doors are much quieter. You can resolve the abrasive creaking and rattling by insulating or replacing your garage door. For many uninsulated garage doors, the sounds you’re hearing may be from the panels on the door vibrating and creating noise. Panel vibration can be worse for more lightweight garage doors. Solve this problem by insulating your current door or replacing it with a new, high-quality one. The insulation prevents the tiles from rattling and will cut down on the noises you hear when operating the door.

3. Boost Door Strength and Durability 

Is insulating a garage worth it? Insulated garage doors consist of more durable materials than uninsulated ones, making them suitable for long-term investment in your home. Insulated doors should require less frequent maintenance and repairs. The materials’ strength also makes the doors more resistant to damage like dents or warping. The constant opening and closing of garage doors can wear them down over time, but an insulated garage door will long outlast an uninsulated one. Many insulated garage doors have a steel or aluminum frame with solid insulation on the interior, making them sturdy, lightweight and durable enough to withstand the elements.

4. Protect Your Car and Belongings 

Installing an insulated garage door is vital if you want to protect your car and other belongings you keep in your garage. Extreme heat, cold and humidity can damage your possessions, leading to costly repair bills or permanent damage. Your garage will stay at a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year if you have an insulated garage door. Keeping your car in a controlled environment will help prevent wear and tear from temperature fluctuations. 

Insulated garage doors are also helpful in keeping water from coming into your garage. Water struggles to evaporate once it enters your garage because it has nowhere to go, and the lingering water increases the humidity levels. High humidity and condensation can make your tools rusty, damage your vehicles’ electrical components and cause mold to develop in your walls or on items you store in the garage. An insulated garage door will form a tight seal with the garage floor, which will prevent water from entering. 

5. Reduce Noise

Insulating a garage door helps keep external sounds out and internal ones in. The thick insulation will do wonders for noise reduction if you live in an area with nearby neighbors or a busy street. Working in your garage can be noisy, and an uninsulated garage door doesn’t do much to prevent loud noises from leaking out. You can avoid irritating neighbors with loud power tools because the insulation will keep the noise contained. 

6. Increase Curb Appeal 

You can replace your garage door with a modern, insulated door that will elevate the appearance of your garage. Your garage is one of the most visible aspects of your home, and a high-quality garage door can elevate the curb appeal. An appealing garage door will also boost your home’s value, and you’ll see a return on your investment, whether you’re planning on living in your house for years to come or are considering selling soon.

Does Insulating a Garage Door Help You Save Money? 

Installing an insulated garage door will generate immediate savings due to the increased energy efficiency of insulated vs. non-insulated garage doors. Insulating a garage door makes the most difference for your savings if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures and have an attached garage. Attached garages pose the most significant energy drain because your home probably shares at least one wall with the garage. 

Freezing and scorching temperatures that enter your garage through uninsulated garage doors will leak into the rest of your home through the walls and house doors, which causes your home’s internal temperature to fluctuate. Your cooling and heating systems will have to compensate to restore the correct temperature, causing higher energy usage and mechanical strain.

Ultimately, the amount of money you save on your energy bills will depend on where you live and how much heat loss occurs from your garage door. Living in an extremely hot or cold climate makes insulated garage doors worth it.

Types of Insulated and Energy-Efficient Garage Doors 

The type of insulated garage door you choose depends mainly on your climate, aesthetics and how much you’re looking to spend. If the garage door has the necessary amount of insulation for your environment, any insulated door should suit your needs. Most insulated garage doors are multilayered and have a thick layer of insulation within the frame. Here are the most common types of insulated and energy-efficient garage doors. 

• Steel insulated garage doors: Steel insulated garage doors have an insulating layer inside the steel frame. The steel results in a very durable door that is dent-resistant, long-lasting and able to withstand the effect of the elements. Steel doors can corrode and rust in coastal climates due to the high salt content in the air, so it’s vital to treat them properly and have the paint refinished if any chips occur.
• Aluminum insulated garage doors: An aluminum garage door is a great, lightweight option that requires little maintenance. Aluminum will hold up against weather and won’t rust in coastal climates as steel doors may. Aluminum’s lightweight nature makes it particularly helpful for older adults who may struggle to lift a manual garage door.
• Fiberglass insulated garage doors: Fiberglass garage doors are another reliable and lightweight option with low maintenance requirements. The finish on most fiberglass doors looks like natural wood, so it’s an excellent option if wood fits your home’s aesthetic. 
• Wood insulated garage doors: Wooden garage doors tend to be the most expensive, but they offer a luxurious look and add value to a home. Wood requires more upkeep than other options because you need to reseal it to prevent mildew, mold and pests. However, you’ll enjoy wood doors’ durable, long-lasting nature if you follow the maintenance schedule. 

Other Factors Affecting a Garage Door’s Energy Efficiency

The type of door you choose is less of a factor than garage door insulation ratings, windows and the door’s size. Let’s dig into what this means.

R-Value

An R-value is a measurement of how effective insulation is at preventing heat loss. The “R” stands for the resistance a material has against heat flow. A higher R-value means the material limits more heat than one with a lower R-value. A lower insulation R-value will result in more garage door heat loss than a higher-value one. 

Some garage door manufacturers measure the R-value in different areas than other companies, making it challenging to accurately compare the insulation value of different branded garage doors. When a manufacturer provides an R-value based on the entire door, the values will be lower than those measured from the center panel. 

Because the R-value doesn’t have a consistent measurement method, it’s not a reliable indicator of the insulation’s thermal efficiency. 

U-Value 

The U-value — sometimes referred to as U-factor — is a helpful alternative to the R-value because it measures the entire garage door’s insulation. This form of measurement is much more reliable because some parts of the door, such as the frame and seals, can’t have the same degree of insulation as the panels. Insulated garage door U-factors account for this and provide a consistent figure across all manufacturers. 

U-values range from zero to one, and lower numbers indicate better insulation than higher ones. 

Garage Door Insulation: Polystyrene vs. Polyurethane

There are two main insulation types found in garage doors.

• Polystyrene: Polystyrene is similar to Styrofoam, but it’s more condensed, so it offers superior insulation properties. Garage door manufacturers typically glue sheets of polystyrene to the garage door panels. Gluing the insulation causes some areas like the panels’ corners to have air pockets, which reduces the insulation. Polystyrene can deteriorate if exposed to chemicals such as bug spray or gasoline.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane, another form of garage door thermal insulation, gets sprayed directly inside the garage door frame, resulting in a much more thorough application of the insulation and higher U-value. Polyurethane is very fire-retardant and won’t melt if exposed to fire. It can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit before it begins to char. It’s also resistant to all chemicals, oxidation and sun damage. 

Both materials will age well and not deteriorate over time if the door remains in good external condition, but polyurethane will hold up better when exposed to stressors. While polyurethane offers better insulation, it also costs more on average than polystyrene. 

Windows

Windows in a garage door can add visual appeal, but glass is a poor insulator. If you’re in a climate that gets very hot or cold, you should consider getting a garage door without windows. Garage doors will have energy-efficient windows, but they’re still not as insulated as a standard insulated garage door will be, and heat will transfer through the glass. 

Correct Garage Door Size

It’s vital that the garage door fits correctly and forms a tight seal against the ground and the sides of the garage to prevent wind and cold air from entering. If there are any gaps, your insulated garage door will be much less effective because the air will still have a place to escape. 

Contact AAA Garage Door for Replacement and Repair

Does an insulated garage door make a difference? After reading this post, we think you’ll agree it does. At AAA Garage Door, we’ve been in this business for over 25 years. Count on us to provide you with garage door repair, inspections, regular maintenance and even replace your current garage door with a fully insulated one to increase your energy savings and keep your home comfortable. 

We have a range of garage doors for you to choose from that look modern and provide insulation against our harsh Nebraska winters. 

Fill out our online form to schedule garage door services or request a free estimate for your garage door opener today!

The post The Importance of Insulating Your Garage Door appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

Whether you’ve recently installed a new garage door or want to make an existing model last, here are some tips to extend the life of your garage door.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

We all have long lists of home improvements we want to get accomplished. Replacing your garage door opener is probably not on the top of that list, but at some point, it will need to be replaced. Look for these tell-tale signs it may be time to swap this model for one that has more power, better reliability and smart home features.

 

The overall unit seems sluggish.

Your opener works hard to raise your garage door every day. The average opener is lifting and closing that heavy door about 1500 times a year. While garage doors, with proper maintenance, can last 20 to 30 years, the life expectancy of an opener is around 10 years. All that wear and tear will start to catch up eventually. If you see that the door is opening slower than usual or seems to be catching and jerking slightly, it is probably time to replace your unit.

 

Safety is an Issue

In 1993 all models of garage door openers were required to have an auto-reverse mechanism. This feature consists of two sensors that sit on either side of the door and can tell if an object is in the way of the door opening or closing. Now, you may not have an opener that is over 28 years old, but you may have sensors that no longer work. This important safety feature should not be overlooked. Over 20,000 people are victim to garage door accidents, many of them children. If you are unable to fix broke sensors, make the choice to replace your unit.

 

A Little Peace and Quiet

Picture this. You’re coming home from a long day, baby or toddler asleep in the back seat. You just want to park and transfer the sleepy child into bed..until, the screech and squealing of your garage door opener awakens said child and that glorious silence is broken. If your opener is waking up or disturbing family members inside the home, it may be time to enjoy the quieter operation of a belt drive. Not to knock chain models, many models are much quieter that of their predecessors.

 

You Desire More Features

We live in an age where we can control many items in our homes (lights, thermostat settings, starting our ovens) from our phones. Newer models of garage door openers offer smart features that can be done via an app on your phone or tablet. Alerts of your door being left open, the ability to turn on lights or opening the door to receive a package, can make your life a bit easier.

Battery backups systems are another newer feature that ensure your garage door can still open and close should a power outage occur. A plus if you hate wrestling with the door in the bitter cold or snowy weather.

 

If a garage door opener upgrade is in your future, please feel free to talk to our knowledgeable sales staff. They can help you choose the right unit and features to fit your needs.

This post first appeared on https://www.abedoors.com

Manually opening a garage door can be inconvenient and dangerous. That’s why automatic garage door openers are such great tools to have. No automatic garage door opener would be complete, though, without a garage door opener remote. Whether it’s mounted in your vehicle or in your Indianapolis home, a garage door opener remote allows you to gain access to your garage with just the touch of a button. Before you can use your garage door opener remote, though, it needs to be programmed. To help simplify this process, here is a basic guide from Garage Door Doctor on everything you’ll need to know to ensure that your garage door opener remote works correctly.

Different Types of Garage Door Openers

There are two main types of garage door opener remotes from Garage Door Doctor: wired and wireless. Wired opener remotes are often installed in the garage itself or next to a service door that leads from the house to the garage. These types of remotes make it easy to open and close your garage door when you’re not in your vehicle.

In many cases, these types of remotes are illuminated with a low-power nightlight so that you can find the remote when it’s dark. Wireless remotes, on the other hand, are almost exclusively for use in a vehicle. In most cases, a garage door opener kit will come with one or more wireless remotes that you can move from vehicle to vehicle. In addition, most newer vehicles come with a wireless transmitter built in so that you won’t need a separate remote.

How Does a Garage Door Opener Work?

Wireless garage door remotes utilize a radio transmitter built into the remote that is paired with a receiver that’s built into the garage door opening mechanism. When you push a button on the remote, the transmitter sends a signal that the receiver can decode. When the receiver detects that the correct signal has been sent, it activates the motor to begin opening or closing your garage door.

A wired garage door opener remote sends an electrical signal to the garage door opener when you push the corresponding button. A wireless remote is powered using long-lasting lithium batteries while a wired opener receives its power from the electrical supply that powers the opener motor.

How to Program Your Garage Door Openers

To prevent your garage door from opening with remotes other than yours, you must program the receiver on your door’s opening mechanism to recognize your wireless remotes. You’ll need to access the opening mechanism, which means you’ll need a ladder or step stool. On the opening mechanism, you’ll find a button called the “learn button.” This button is located in different places on different openers.

Once you find the button, press it once, then press the “open” button on one of your wireless remotes. The light on the opening mechanism will flash to let you know the system has been programmed. Then, you’ll want to test your remote to make sure that it works. You’ll need to repeat this procedure for each of your wireless remotes.

Proper Garage Door Opener Maintenance

Since you use your garage door opener remotes fairly often, they are likely to begin to form a buildup of body oils that can affect the performance of the remote. That’s why it’s good to wipe down all of your remotes with an alcohol-based cleaner that will both clean and sanitize the remote without damaging it.

For wireless remotes, you’ll also need to make sure to replace the battery. Under normal usage, you can expect to replace the battery approximately every two years. Every year or so, it’s a good idea to open the remote to check and make sure that there’s no corrosion in the battery compartment. Finally, make sure to keep all of your opener remotes out of direct sunlight to prevent damage to the remotes from high temperatures.

Garage Door Opener Safety Considerations

A moving garage door can cause serious injuries if it’s misused. That’s why Garage Door Doctor urges you to put safety first whenever you’re using your garage door opener remote. Before closing your garage door, make sure that the path of the garage door is free from any obstructions. You’ll also need to consistently maintain the electronic eye that will stop the garage door if it senses anything in its path.

When pulling into your garage, make sure to turn off your vehicle before closing your garage door. If you don’t, carbon monoxide contained in the tailpipe emissions of your vehicle could cause serious injury or death after just a few minutes of exposure.

What Happens if Your Garage Door Opener Is Stolen?

One of the few drawbacks of an automatic garage door opener is that the thieves have easy access to your garage if your vehicle is stolen. Therefore, if your remote or vehicle is stolen, it’s important to de-program the receiver as quickly as possible. Most modern receivers have a single button that will cause the system to forget all programmed remotes. For extra protection, you may want to turn off the power to your automatic opener until you can get new remotes.

Common Garage Door Opener Problems and How to Fix Them

For all the convenience that a garage door opener provides, it can be quite frustrating when this staple of modern life quits working. Fortunately, most problems with a garage door opener remote are fairly easy to fix. If your remote won’t work, the first thing to check is the battery. Even a newer battery can become depleted sooner than expected. If a fresh battery doesn’t help, make sure that the receiver isn’t dirty to the extent that it can’t pick up the radio signal. Also, make sure that the opener isn’t in the “locked” position on the indoor keypad. If none of these solutions fix the problem, be sure to call Garage Door Doctor for further assistance.

What Happens If the Power Is Out?

Since automatic openers use electricity, it presents a problem if the electrical supply to your home is interrupted. Fortunately, most openers from Garage Door Doctor have a battery backup that will allow you to open and close your garage door at least once. You can also use the manual lift mechanism that allows you to open and close the door without the need for an electric motor. If you experience frequent power outages in your area, you may want to invest in a backup generator for your home so that you can power your opener for longer periods without interruption.

Taking Care of All of Your Garage Door Needs

At Garage Door Doctor, we’ve been taking care of garage door needs in Indianapolis for over a decade. We can take care of garage door installation, repair, and maintenance. Plus, we can install commercial garage doors, extra control interfaces, and various types of loading dock equipment. We even offer emergency service if you should ever find yourself stuck in your garage with no way to open the door. To learn more about garage door remotes, contact us at Garage Door Doctor today.

The post How to Program Garage Door Opener appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Prudent garage door repair can go a long way when it comes to protecting your kids—but what can you do at home to keep them safe?

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com