Month: April 2023

Each time that you come and go from your home, you press your garage door button to move your door. Homeowners rely on their garage door opener to function each and every time they need access. However, issues can arise with this area of your home. In order to experience a quiet and smooth transition from open to closed, your garage door chain should be lubricated regularly. This is something that a garage door professional can take care of for you as part of a routine maintenance appointment. You can also take care of this maintenance yourself. Let’s talk more about the lubrication of your garage door chain and how often this process should be done.

The Benefits of Regular Garage Door Chain Lubrication

In order to fully understand why it’s important to regularly lubricate your garage door chain, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this process.

Smooth Transition From Open to Closed

A garage door chain that is in need of lubrication can be very loud. It can also experience some resistance, making the transition from open to closed rattle. Instead of tolerating your garage door shaking and rattling while it’s in the process of moving, you can lubricate the chain to maintain a smooth movement.

Preventing a Malfunction of Your Garage Door Chain

Have you ever pressed the button for your garage door to open or close, and nothing happened? There are a few reasons why this can occur, including a broken or jammed chain. When the chain mechanism is very dry and in need of lubrication, it’s more likely to snap. You’ll need to call in a professional to replace the chain, which is far more time-consuming and expensive than a quick lubrication.

Garage Door Chain Lubrication Frequency

You should routinely lubricate your garage door chain at least twice per year. Depending on how often you open and close your garage door, the frequency may increase. The area where you live can also impact this maintenance schedule. For example, living near the beach or in another harsh environment can put a lot of wear and tear on the chain. This is because of exposure to different kinds of materials like sand, high levels of humidity, etc. Some homeowners will lubricate their garage door chain every couple of months. Ideally, you want to keep up with this maintenance rather than just waiting for your garage door to sound noisy or rattle.

Try to avoid using a product that is overly greasy or oily when lubricating your garage door chain. This type of product will end up attracting a lot of dust and particulates to the chain. If those particles accumulate in all of the cracks and crevices of the chain, it can become more prone to breaking. If you apply too much product, you can wipe the excess away. Avoid spraying lubricant on other areas of your garage door, such as the rollers or the garage door opener.

If you live somewhere that experiences very cold temperatures during certain points of the year, you should choose an all-weather lubricant. Otherwise, certain products will become very thick and gel-like when temperatures outside fall below freezing. Also, avoid anything that can be corrosive to metal.

Steps for Lubricating Your Garage Door Chain

You can ask a garage door professional to lubricate your chain as part of an upcoming maintenance or repair appointment, but this is also something you can easily do on your own. Let’s take a look at the steps you should follow to lubricate your garage door chain.

Make sure that your garage door is completely closed. Unplug the garage door opener from its power outlet. When lubricating the chain, you want to avoid having the door move.

Use an old rag to remove any dirt, residue, or grease from the garage door chain. You can also use a vacuum to remove any debris that has accumulated.

Apply a product designed specifically for lubricating a garage door chain. These products are generally silicone-based for longevity and durability. You can also use WD-40 in a pinch. Spray the top, bottom, and sides of your chain. Spray lightly, as you don’t want the product to drip off the chain and all over your garage floor.

Plug your garage door opener back into the power outlet. Open and close your garage door a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant. You may need to repeat the process if you notice the chain is shaky or loud.

Other Related Maintenance

In addition to lubricating your garage door chain, there are some other related maintenance tasks to consider completing at the same time.

Inspect the Rollers

A thorough inspection of your garage door rollers will determine if there’s a repair or replacement that needs to be made. You want to make sure that the roller doesn’t shift or wiggle at all when you touch it. You can lubricate your rollers with lithium- or silicone-based grease for optimal protection.

Inspect the Hinges

Check your garage door hinges to make sure the attached hardware is secure. You also want to inspect for rust or signs of wear and tear. Hinges can be quickly replaced, if need be, which helps secure your garage door and protect its longevity. Hinges can also be lubricated if they are squeaking when in motion.

Tighten Your Garage Door Chain

Your garage door chain can have a little bit of a sag to it, but it shouldn’t come anywhere near your garage door. You also want to prevent the chain from being tightened too much, which increases the chance of the chain snapping.
If you need to tighten the chain, loosen the nut that is closest to the garage door. The chain should drop slightly. Loosening the inner nut at this point will allow you to tighten the chain using the outer nut. Make sure both are secure when you are finished.

Listen for Odd Noises

Aside from visually inspecting your garage door chain and lubricating it, there are some other issues to listen for. The sound of your garage door chain hitting your garage door indicates that the chain needs to be tightened. A vibrating sound may mean that the bolts holding the chain in place are loose or damaged. Many people mistake roller issues for a damaged chain, so look closely at both of these areas if there are odd noises when your door is in motion.

There may be a problem with your garage door that requires the attention of a garage door professional even though you have routinely lubricated your garage door chain. Reach out to Garage Door Doctor if you live in Bloomington or the surrounding areas to schedule an appointment for garage door maintenance or repair. In addition to emergency repairs and services, Garage Door Doctor will address residential and commercial garage door maintenance, spring repair, and total garage door replacement.

The post How Often Should You Lubricate a Garage Door Chain? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Your garage door says a lot about your home and creates a lasting impression on guests and passers-by. The type, color and design of your garage door reveal your style preferences and provide a sneak peek into your home. When choosing a garage door, think about how you want people to perceive your home from your driveway or a nearby street. 

A customized or traditional wooden garage door can help you achieve a beautiful and sophisticated design that makes your home more inviting to guests. There are various wooden garage door types, styles, colors and accessories that can make your door unique and memorable. 

You can choose between a wide range of natural hardwood or wood composite garage doors to match your budget and personal preference. Wooden garage doors are easy to customize, so you can make your home stand out from all the rest. 

What Are Wooden Garage Doors?

Wooden garage doors are timeless and enhance the curbside appeal of homes. Many people choose wooden garage doors because they are easily customizable and come in various wood types. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose between natural wood doors and wood composite doors. There are also multiple styles of garage doors that can enhance your home. 

Types of Wooden Garage Doors 

When choosing a wooden garage door, consider your budget, home layout and design. Here are some common types of wooden garages:

• Solid panel garage door: Many people choose the solid panel garage door as it is economical and offers a simple design. A solid wood panel garage door is flat and consists of a single slab of wood that provides a polished and elegant finish.
• Raised panel garage door: Unlike the simple solid panel design, raised panels offer more detail. A thick raised wood panel garage door has customized elements that provide a unique and modern finish. 
• Carriage house-style garage door: A carriage house-style garage door is known for its rustic feel and has doors that swing open and closed like stable doors. Carriage house wood doors are versatile and a classic addition to any modern or rustic-style home. Many people install windows in their carriage house garage doors, which add more charm to the contemporary design of the carriage-style garage door. 

Are Wooden Garage Doors Made of Solid Wood? 

Wooden garage doors are usually made from layers of hardwood or wood composite rather than solid wood.

Manufacturers use hardwood sheets like cedar, redwood and plywood to make wooden garage doors. Sheets of hardwood are popular in wooden garage doors as they help reinforce the door and can be resistant to moisture and rotting.

Manufacturers make composite wooden garage doors from a non-wood core and attach recycled materials like plastic and softwood to the exterior of the non-wood body. A popular type of wood composite is faux wood. A faux wood garage door is perfect if you want a garage door that resembles a hardwood garage door but is cheaper and requires less maintenance.

Best Types of Wood for Garage Doors

The following types of wood are popular choices for wooden garage doors. 

Cedar

Many people choose cedar for garage doors because of the quality and durability of cedarwood. Cedarwood is a porous softwood that causes less strain on your garage door opener. Although cedar is a softwood, it is solid and resistant to insect and moisture damage, making it a perfect choice for homeowners. Cedarwood has various beautiful designs and does not crack or wrap in hot weather. You can paint your cedar garage door or leave it in its beautiful natural state. 

Mahogany

For those who aim for overall quality in garage doors, mahogany garage doors set the bar extremely high. Mahogany is a robust hardwood that is naturally moisture-resistant, making it a popular choice for wooden garage doors. Mahogany garage doors offer unique color tones, rigidness and custom designs to coordinate with the layout of homes. 

Redwood

Redwood garage doors are known for their superior quality and sophistication. Spending a little extra on a redwood garage door gives homeowners a durable softwood garage door that can withstand most weather conditions. Redwood garage doors offer a variety of designs, natural, rich color tones and various customization options. 

Reclaimed Wood

Making your home more eco-friendly is easy with a reclaimed wood garage door. Reclaimed wood is solid hardwood made from repurposed lumber from previous wood structures. Reclaimed wood garages are solid and can withstand hot weather and heating systems because of the reclaimed wood’s preexposure to various weather conditions. 

Plywood

You can make your garage door economical and appealing with plywood. Plywood combines soft and hardwood materials manufacturers use to create affordable wooden garage door panels. Manufacturers offer the option of adding a hardwood coat to plywood garage doors to make them more attractive. 

Pros and Cons of Wooden Garage Doors

Wooden garage doors have many excellent features that make them the perfect choice for homeowners. Weighing the pros and cons of wooden garage doors can help you decide if a wooden garage door is right for your home. 

Pros of Wooden Garage Doors

Pros of wooden garage doors include: 

• Increased curb appeal: The rich colors, classic designs and beautiful textures of wooden garages stand out on any street or driveway. 
• Diverse customization: Wooden garages are easily customizable, so you can choose the color, size, wood panels and windows to match your home design and personal preferences.
• Eco-friendly material: Wood is a sustainable building material, making it a great choice if you are concerned about protecting the environment. 
• Strong and durable garage doors: Many wood materials are naturally strong and durable, so your garage door will likely withstand most weather conditions and last a long time. 
•  Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, which will help keep your home warm on cool days. Plus, you can save money on energy bills as you may not need extra heating.
• Affordable options: Many wooden garage doors can be affordable if you use wood composite materials. 
• Increased home value: A wooden garage’s beautiful design and style can make your home more appealing to buyers.

Cons of Wooden Garage Doors

Cons of wooden garage doors include:

• Maintenance needs: Regular maintenance is the best option to keep your wooden garage door in shape for an extended time. Regular maintenance tasks like checking for cracks and chips and applying waterproof paint to your wooden garage door can prevent it from rotting or cracking but may be a time-consuming task. 
• Price: Customizing your wooden garage door can make it a more costly investment than standard wooden garage doors. 
• Life span: While regular maintenance can help your garage door last longer, wooden garages may still have a shorter life span than other garages. 
• Weight: Wood materials are solid and may be heavy, adding more weight to your garage door opener. 

Cost of Wooden Garage Doors

Different types of wooden garages vary in cost. How much you pay for your wooden garage door depends on factors like the type of wood, labor, size of your garage door and customizations. 

Hardwood garage doors like redwood, oak and mahogany are heavier woods that can cost you more to install. Plus, you have to consider the size of your garage — garage doors for a two- to three-car garage can cost more to manufacture and install. 

Custom wooden garage doors and panels may cost more to manufacture. Other customizations like painting, staining or adding windows to your wooden garage door can also increase the cost of your garage door. Consider the price of garage door handles and the type that will match and be sturdy enough for your garage door. 

You also must consider the type of garage door opener you’ll need for your wooden garage door. Particular hardwood garage doors may require door openers that are strong enough to hold the weight of a heavy wooden garage door.

Lastly, you need to consider the costs of a professional garage door company to help you install and customize your wooden garage door. Professionals can install your door and make sure everything works properly. 

How Long Do Wooden Garage Doors Last?

The longevity of wooden garage doors can depend on the maintenance, weather conditions, the quality of your wood material and the overall age of your wooden garage door. 

The type of wood you use for your wooden garage door can also help determine the life span of your garage door. Thick hardwood garage doors may last longer than thinner softwood garage doors. 

Regular and preventive maintenance can extend the life span of your wooden garage door and the time before a garage door replacement becomes necessary. Many quality wood types are insect-resistant and able to withstand hot and wet weather conditions. You might not have to consider replacing your wooden garage door for a long time if your garage door is well-maintained. 

Best Windows for Wooden Garage Doors

Installing garage door windows can provide natural light and warmth to your garage and complete the classic, elegant or rustic look of your wooden garage door. 

You need to consider your type of wooden garage when installing windows. Windows can add extra weight to a heavy wooden garage door, so consider a lighter option like faux glass. You can choose between customizations like clear, frosted or obscure fake or real glass windows to help you achieve the desired look and feel or enhance the privacy and safety of your garage. 

You can pick the shape, size and window type that best suits your carriage house or single and raised panel garage doors. Many professional garage door companies can customize your wood door to fit various window shapes and sizes. 

Best Openers for Wooden Garage Doors

Many wooden garage doors require garage openers with adequate functionality to support the weight of the hardwood doors. Choose a garage door opener that can lift and lower heavy wooden garage doors safely. There are a variety of heavy-lifting garage openers — such as the LiftMaster® Elite Series® — that are strong and durable to support the weight of your standard or custom wooden garage door. You can also choose between different types of garage door openers to match the design and style of your wooden garage door. 

Wooden Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance lets you keep your wooden garage door in great shape for longer. Here are some simple wooden garage door maintenance tips: 

• Clean your wooden garage doors: Wiping down and washing your wooden garage door with water and mild soap is a simple way to get rid of dirt and dust and prevent stains. 
• Inspect your wooden garage for rot: Wooden garage doors may be prone to fungus and rot from wet weather and excessive moisture in the air. Rot is not always visible, so regularly inspect for signs of rot, like worn stains or soft areas in your wooden garage door. Look out for water that soaks into stained wood door areas or test the firmness of weak wood areas with a screwdriver to help identify rot. 
• Inspect your wooden garage for pests: Many wooden garage doors are resistant to insects, but it is still essential to watch for insects like termites, snails or beetles to ensure they are not creeping into any cracks on your garage door. 
• Seal cracks and chips: Seal any cracks or chips by sanding down your wood doors and applying a mold repellent before painting or staining your doors. 
• Pant and stain your wooden garage door: Regularly painting and staining your door with protective waterproof paint or stain can help protect the surface of your wood door from rot, warping and scratches. 

What Are the Most Popular Accessories for Wooden Garage Doors?

Customizing your wooden garage door goes beyond door panel styles and windows. Here are some popular accessories to help help you enhance the aesthetics of your wooden garage door:

• Decorative wooden garage door handles: You can customize your wooden garage door with various door handles and knob designs of different colors and styles to accentuate your wooden garage door design. 
• Decorative wooden garage hinges: Installing custom hinges and latches to your carriage house-style garage can help complete your classic or rustic garage door design. 
• Decorative wooden garage hardware kits: You can purchase unique hardware garage door kits that include nails, door handles and hinges to help enhance your wooden garage door’s unique look and feel. 
• Customized windows grille patterns: Choose between various window shapes and grille patterns to improve the space and design of your wooden garage doors. 

Install Your Wooden Garage Door With Help From AAA Garage Door

Wooden garage doors are a timeless addition to any home and help you enhance the aesthetics of your home. 

AAA Garage Door provides all the garage door repair and replacement services you need and can help you install and maintain your wooden garage door. We have been in the garage door business for decades and are committed to providing efficient and quality services to homes and businesses in Nebraska. We offer a broad range of Clopay® wooden garage products and have a team of trained professionals who can help install your wooden garage door and opener. 

Request an estimate for your wooden garage door today. 

The post Everything You Need to Know About Wooden Garage Doors appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

When it comes to things that are valuable, we tend to handle them with extra care. We put expensive jewelry in a safe at home. We also make sure to get our car’s oil changed to ensure it works as it should. In most cases, the extra steps we take help us keep our valuables longer.

The same premise holds true for garage doors. These doors are a considerable investment. The value of garage doors increases once it’s working to protect your family. As such, you should do everything possible to ensure that your new garage door lasts for years.

Make Timely Repairs

Owning a home requires you to maintain every aspect of your home. Sometimes it can seem as if you have too many repairs, so you may feel the need to procrastinate when it comes to something like getting your garage door fixed. Unfortunately, even though it may seem as if you are saving money doing this, you are making matters worse.

When you are in need of a garage repair, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. In fact, in most situations it makes it worse, requiring you to spend more money once you get it fixed. Delaying repairs can also reduce the useful life of your garage door by damaging other components. If you notice a repair, get it fixed immediately to ensure that your garage door works for years.

Get a Custom Garage Door

Manufacturers of garage doors are like most businesses they look ways to produce their product at the lowest costs. As such, many manufacturers rely on garage door springs that are only useful for about 10,000 uses; your springs may stop working due to opening and closing your door often, about 10,000 times. With frequent use, your garage door could stop functioning long before it approaches its useful life.

By getting a custom-made garage door, you can avoid the tendency for garage door springs to stop working. A custom made garage door is put together using excellent craftsmanship and high-quality parts. Both of these factors ensure that your garage door will last longer than its expected useful life.

At Door Power, we understand that you invest a lot in your garage door. As such, we want to make sure that you have it for years. If you need a garage door repair, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation.

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