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Want to save on garage door repair this season? Learn from a garage door company how to safeguard your machine’s vulnerable parts.

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

According to one survey, six out of 10 American homes have a garage. When garage doors are in working condition, they can be an added convenience. But some faults can lead to accidents and even fatalities. Approximately 30,000 injuries per year happen due to garage door malfunctions. Here are some tips you ought to consider for your family’s safety.

Take Time to Learn Garage Door Features

Your garage door will come with safety features to prevent accidents. They may vary according to the model and manufacturer. But some features such as the photo-eye have been standard for garage openers for decades.

But to use safety features, you have to learn how to utilize them when there is an emergency. One of the most critical functions is mechanical release. It disengages the door when the photo eye and auto-reverse malfunction.

By learning the safety features, you won’t have to rush for the manufacturer’s manual in an emergency. And you will need to find out how it operates for routine testing of different mechanisms.

Be Cautious When the Door Is in Motion

Be cautious when the opener is closing or opening. Pay attention to pets and children running around the garage door. You ought to talk to your children about the dangers of playing when the door is in motion.

Also, avoid leaving the door open or partially closed. It can not only compromise your home’s security, but it could also be a hazard. Someone can get crushed under it when you reactive the opener.

You should watch your fingers when using the opener. As the panels are closing, your fingers can be pinched by the folds at the hinges. However, the most recent models have pinch-resistant hinges which prevent accidents.

It would help if you didn’t fiddle with the door’s mechanism. There are many parts of its mechanism that can lead to severe injuries. Consider calling Garage Door Doctor for quality repair and maintenance solutions in Indianapolis.

Keep an Eye on the Garage Door Opener

The opener to your automatic garage door can be dangerous in the hands of children. Kids can be curious, and they may pick up the remote and play with it. Always keep the remote where the little ones cannot get hold of it.

According to Pediatrics, the garage door opener is one of the devices responsible for 50,000 injuries of children. Don’t let small children play with the remote, even under supervision. The little ones can harm themselves or damage parts of the garage door mechanism.

Consider keeping the opener safe in the car away from the children’s reach. If you let them play with it, they may be tempted to use it when you are not around.

Change the Opener’s Codes

The latest models of garage door openers come with a feature that can automatically change the code. Every time you use the remote, it resets the code to prevent burglars from getting access to your home.

Unfortunately, some older models do not have the rolling code feature. You may want to change the code from time to time to keep your home safe. The changes are critical, especially if your neighbor’s garage was built around the same time. In such cases, your code may be similar to the garage opener next door.

You can check your manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to change the code. Consider using alphanumeric characters and numbers, as you would with a regular password. Professionals from Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis recommend changing the code at least twice a year.

If you find changing codes a chore, consider upgrading to a newer model with more convenient features. The most recent openers have Wi-Fi connectivity, vacation mode, and a guest password feature.

A garage door can last between 15 and 20 years. If your garage door is more than a decade old and showing signs of deterioration, consider getting a replacement. A newer model has fewer faults and better safety features for your home protection.

Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse function has been a safety feature on garage door models for more than two decades. It prevents the door from crashing anyone or anything caught in between. If it detects even the slightest resistance, it will automatically reverse.

At Garage Door Doctor, we recommend our Indianapolis clients test the auto-reverse feature periodically. Fortunately, the process is as easy as placing a towel or paper rolls on the ground under the door. The door should reverse when it touches the object.

If your garage door doesn’t pass the test, you may want to call our professional team for troubleshooting. A faulty auto-reverse can be a hazard. It is also advisable to disconnect the door until the repairs are complete.

Perform Routine Garage Door Visual Checks

Make a point of visually inspecting your garage door every month to maintain safety. Check the fasteners, hinges, and brackets for loose connections. You can also look for signs of wear and tear, such as rusting and damage.

Inspect the door panels and handles. Are the handles away from the pinch points? If not, the door can injure your fingers. Make sure the door opens without any glitches. Check if the rollers remain within the track during its operation. Also, ensure the door opens fully and does not get stuck halfway through.

Torsion springs are amongst the most dangerous parts of the garage door. They carry the door’s weight, which could be anywhere between 130 and 400 pounds. You can visually inspect its mechanism, but don’t be tempted to fix it yourself. If the spring snaps, it can be deadly.

The torsion spring mechanism has a containment system that prevents broken components from flying dangerously into the air. You can check if the containment system is in place. The springs should be on a shaft and a cable passing through the center of the spring. If unsure, call a professional for inspections.

Schedule Routine Garage Door Maintenance

Your garage door has many intricate components that must work seamlessly for optimum efficiency and safety. But as with any other system, it can succumb to deterioration or malfunctioning parts.

Modern garage door models have multiple features to maximize safety and convenience. But these features make it even more complicated to fix. A routine visual inspection is recommended. However, always leave the repairs to an experienced technician.

It is also wise to observe routine maintenance at least once a year. You may be tempted to extend it to two years, but you risk voiding your warranty. You can confirm the terms of your warranty from the manufacturer. The conditions may vary according to the model or brand.

Routine maintenance by a technician is the best way to prevent accidents in your home. A professional can detect problems that could injure someone in your residence later. With routine maintenance, you can have peace of mind when using the garage door.

Garage Door Doctor is a family-owned and -operated company with years of experience serving residents of Indianapolis. Our team is BBB accredited, and we are also members of the International Door Association. We repair door springs, openers, and provide replacement and maintenance services for commercial and residential clients. Call us today for a 24-7 emergency service.

The post Top Tips for Keeping Your Garage Door Safe appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Will you need garage door repair? How do you cope until you can get things working again? A garage door company has the answers.

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

Do you need the help of a garage door company when it comes to enticing buyers? The garage door repair and installation pros weigh in.

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

Curb appeal is a term tossed around a ton, but what does it mean—and what does your garage door installation have to do with it?

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

All garage door installations need to get ready for the cold weather ahead. Luckily, with advice from a garage door repair company, it’s an easy job.

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

Whether you’re looking to invest in new garage doors or you need a reliable company to call for repairs, it can be challenging with so many companies in your area. Fortunately, by understanding the key qualities to look for in a great garage door company, you can choose one that will be trustworthy and experienced to assist you.

Specialty Area

In the garage door industry, there are a few specializations that you need to be aware of. The most common specialties are residential and commercial. Some companies will solely specialize in residential services while others will specialize in commercial garage door services. Additionally, some companies may focus solely on luxury residential doors. You’ll want to select a garage door company that specializes in the specific sub-set that you’re looking for.

Punctuality

A great way to help ensure that a potential company is the right choice is to see if they’re punctual. This means that they call you back in a reasonable amount of time and that they show up on time for your appointment. Most garage door companies will come out to your home to evaluate the state of your current garage door hardware and size up the space for your new door.

If they show up late for your initial consultation and they don’t call, it’s a likely indication that you may want to switch to a more reputable company. A business should be customer-focused and value your time as much as its own.

Warranty Coverage

Your new garage door should come with a warranty. Most warranties will last anywhere between one and five years, depending on the specific product that you purchase. Any reputable garage door company should provide you with physical warranty information so that you can review the coverage policy at your leisure.

Adequate Insurance

What happens if the garage door installer accidentally drops the door on your car? What happens if one of their employees gets injured while working at your house? It’s necessary to speak with any garage door installer about their insurance coverage.

You want to make sure that they’re adequately insured in the event that anything goes wrong during the installation process. Make sure that you’re verifying their limits as you want to ensure that their insurance policy is enough to cover the actual damages that may occur.

Proper Training

Your garage door installer should have technicians that are properly trained to do the job. Each garage door brand typically offers its own factory certification course that technicians can take to ensure they have the proper installation knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask any garage door company how they train their technicians as you want to ensure they have adequate knowledge to get the job done right.

Notable Awards

Any good garage door company will have picked up awards and accommodations over their years in business. For example, the Expertise award for the Best Garage Door Repair Companies in Fishers points out that a company provides quality service that residents throughout the region trust. You’ll want to check for local, state, and even national awards.

Available 24/7

A good garage door company stands behind their work, and it meets the needs of their clients. Any company that you consider hiring should be available for all of your repair needs. This includes the overnight hours as we all know that when we’re having trouble with our garage, we don’t have time to waste. Whether it’s the inability to get your car out or the inability to close your door, you need an expert that is available 24/7 to respond to your service needs.

Years of Experience

One good way to determine whether or not a garage door company is worthy of your service is to look at their years of expertise. While supporting new companies is a great deed, it could come along with unwanted service mistakes that plague you.

Instead, select a garage door company that has years of experience, which shows that they know what they’re doing. It also ensures that they provide quality service. Companies that don’t provide great service aren’t likely to stay around for long in today’s online review environment.

Good Reviews

In this day and age, it’s so simple to jump online and find companies that have good reviews to their name. With the ability to review a company so easily, many people have jumped to these online platforms, like Yelp and Google Reviews, to provide their opinion about companies they love and hate.

Take a little bit of time and evaluate a company’s online reputation before contacting them. Ensure that they have good reviews from multiple people. If you notice multiple bad reviews that have similar stories, it’s a sign that you should avoid doing business with that garage door company.

They Answer Your Questions

As a consumer, it’s likely that you have various questions about your garage door installation process. Whether it’s determining the benefits of a wood door or understanding how the door functions, any good garage door company will take the time to fully answer your questions. If any company tries to speed through the process or skip over answering your questions, it’s time to consider contacting another garage door company.

They Showcase Prior Work

With pretty much every company having an online website and social media profiles, it’s easy to get the information you need about a company before you ever pick up the phone. Garage door companies that are proud of the jobs that they do will likely showcase their prior jobs. You can typically find these on their website or on social media pages. By reviewing a company’s prior jobs, you can ensure that they match what you’re looking for.

BBB Accreditation

Checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a way to help determine which garage door companies operate with integrity and ethics in a world with many potential options out there. When a company is accredited by the BBB, it shows that it has been properly vetted and is a trustworthy business to work with.

Additionally, when a business is BBB accredited, it means that they will work with the BBB to solve any complaints that you may have about the company. Businesses that have an A+ rating from the BBB are known to work with great integrity and ethics to ensure that all customer concerns and complaints are addressed quickly.

Transparency

Any good garage door company will operate with a high level of transparency. This means that they will be clear about any repair and installation costs from the start. You should never have to worry about hidden fees that get tacked on after a service is completed.

Professional Garage Door Installation

Garage Door Doctor is your professional garage door installer servicing the Indianapolis region. We’re here for all of your residential and commercial garage door installation and emergency repair needs. Our experts strive to provide excellent service and because of this, we’ve been featured in the top eight garage door repair companies in Fisher, IN. Call us today to get assistance with your garage doors!

The post Must-have Qualities for a Garage Door Company in Indianapolis appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Garage door cables are the strongmen of your garage door installation, but even they need a little TLC from time to time.

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

If you want to use your garage throughout the year for DIY projects, wood working, auto work, or any other task, keeping your garage door warm during the winter is a top priority. There are several different methods to keep your garage door warm during colder months of the year. 

Before starting the process of properly winterizing your garage, give it a thorough cleaning to prepare your space. Using a stiff broom to thoroughly sweep the floor, remove dirt, debris, mulch, leaves, and insects that have found their way into your garage during the warm months of the year. Clear walls of any cobwebs and dirt or dust. 

Insulating Your Garage Door and Garage

In areas where temperatures are milder, simply adding insulation to your garage door can help keep the garage more temperate. Adding weather-stripping to your garage door will help keep out cold air in any areas of your garage door that lets air drafts from outside through to your garage. Garage doors do not fit tightly in the framing around them–small gaps run all the way around the door. You can easily address these spots with an integrated weather-strip seal. The self-adhesive strips will help close the gaps in the door so that cold drafts don’t enter. 

Before investing in a garage heating system, make sure your garage has plenty of insulation. Insulate garage doors where possible, as well as walls and ceilings. You can easily add clear plastic shrink over windows for added protection against the cold. Once you get a heating system, you don’t want all of your warm air seeping out through cracks. 

Many garage doors are thin metal, which does nothing to keep the warm air inside the garage and the cold air out of it. If your garage door is not well-insulated, it will defeat the purpose of other heating efforts. To keep your garage toasty during the winter, you’ll want to insulate the garage door well. There are a variety of specialized kits on the market you can purchase, with options such as foam boards, fiberglass, and reflective barriers. 

A lot of garages have uninsulated walls. Although insulation itself won’t warm the garage, it does slow the transfer of heat to keep the warmth from escaping. Be sure to choose insulation that’s the proper thickness for your garage walls, and read the instructions to ensure it is a secure fit. 

Add a Heating Source to Your Garage

There are several different ways to heat your garage, as stated before you will want to clean and insulate your garage and garage door before adding any heat sources to your garage. Electric space heaters are great for supplemental heating during cold weather, if a space heater is the only source of heat in a garage, it should be a robust model. Radiant heaters emit heat via infrared energy without the risk of actual flames. Instead of blowing air like a forced-air unit, a tube heater radiates heat throughout your space. 

Wood-burning stoves are an economical way to heat your garage space in the winter. Just like you take steps to make your indoor wood-burning fireplace safe, you’ll want to do the same with your garage stove. Check for permits that may be required, and if they are allowed in your area. Check with your insurance company to make sure installation of a wood stove in the garage for cheap heat will not void your homeowner’s policy.

A propane heater is a great option for heating a garage because it offers a lot of warmth, it is mobile, and it is an affordable way to add heat. Make sure, however, to set the heater on a flat surface, far away from flammable materials, and that the exhaust is properly vented. 

Best Overall Steps for Keeping Your Garage Warm

Depending on the condition of your garage door overall, your best option may be to replace it with a new, insulated one. Replacing an old, uninsulated garage door with a new door is a good investment. It will help keep heat in your garage all winter long, and it will help reduce cooling costs in the summer. High-quality insulated garage doors will save you money in the long run. 

Adding weather-stripping to your garage door helps keep out cold air, other forms of weather, and even dirt. You can install weather-stripping yourself, or you can hire a professional. 

If you are interested in getting a new insulated garage door or adding insulation or weather-stripping to your garage door, message us for a free estimate. 

The post Garage Door Blog first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

For whatever reason, you enjoy spending time in your garage, keeping your garage warm during winter months is very important. You will need to know the size of your garage and how much heat you need to stay warm during the winter months. 

To determine the right choice for your garage door, calculate the square footage of your garage, and choose a heater that would be suitable. 

Insulating Your Garage

The first step in ensuring your garage is ready for a heater is insulating your garage. Your garage door, if it is just a metal door with no insulation, will need insulating, as this is the surest way to lose any heat brought by a heater into your garage. You will want to ensure that any openings, whether around your garage door or windows, are sealed with weather-stripping. 

One of the times when garage heaters can be dangerous is when people try to make them do more than they should. If your garage is insulated, the heater won’t have to work as hard. Ensuring that your garage is insulated enough helps to hold the heat in, and keep your utility bills down. 

Before you invest in any kind of garage heating system, ensure that your garage has enough insulation. Insulate garage doors where possible, as well as walls and ceilings. Although insulation itself doesn’t warm the garage, it does slow the transfer of heat, keeping the warmth from escaping. 

Propane Heaters vs Other Heaters

With an indoor propane heater, you can work on your car in the garage, do projects in a workshop, turn your backyard shed into a man-cave or she-shed, or enjoy the view from your porch year-round. Propane heaters warm a space faster and more efficiently with lower energy costs than an electric heater. Your indoor propane heater should have features such as a low oxygen sensor, a high-temperature coated safety guard on the front, overheat protection, and automatic shutoff in case of it tipping over. 

Make sure the propane heater is installed on a non-combustible surface away from where people walk and is positioned safely away from combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, doors, bedding, and towels. If you use a wall-mounted room heater, make sure your wall material is non-combustible. 

Never leave a propane heater unattended. Turn the heater off when you leave the room, or are not around. If the propane heater has a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one, stop using it immediately because the heat is not burning properly, and the heater can become dangerous. Vacuum up any dust on the outside of the propane indoor space heater and on the grills of the heater. 

If you use a natural gas heater, leave the garage door wide open to convert your space into a semi-open area. The ventilation in the working area should facilitate sufficient air circulation, proper ventilation in working areas help with avoiding excess carbon dioxide inhalation. A mounted electric heater is normally larger than a space heater and it will heat the garage easier. They are normally easier to install as well, and you may be able to install it yourself. A ductless heating system is great when you want to heat a single room, like a garage. With a ductless heater, you can warm your garage when you are using it, but will not waste money heating it when you aren’t in it. 

Warnings About Propane Heaters

Propane heaters are versatile and they come in many different sizes. This is overall a great way to heat your garage, but there are several safety precautions that need to be taken. 

• Keep the propane heater away from furniture and other combustible items
• Never leave anything on top of the heater itself
• Make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your garage
• Do not leave the propane heater on or unattended when you leave the garage
• Keep area around propane heater free of dust and other debris
• Do not spray aerosols near the propane heater
• Make sure that you are able to get out of the garage safely if necessary

The best protection is to ensure that your propane heater is placed near a window or outdoor vent, install a carbon monoxide monitor in the garage. The propane heater you use should include low oxygen sensors, overheat protection, and automatic shutoff. 

The post Garage Door Blog first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net