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Tips and Tricks to Make Your Garage Area Stand Out

 

We are all enjoy seeing the transformation our homes undergo during spring time. The exterior comes alive with blossoms on the trees, colorful hanging baskets and perhaps a new welcome mat or wreath for the front door. Make sure this fresh look extends to your driveway and garage areas as well. A clean, continual look is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can also boost curb appeal if you are placing your home on the market this year. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

 

Your biggest upgrade or boost to this area will be your garage door. There are so many styles and options that can enhance your home’s overall look. Consider a different material like wood or steel. Many doors offer vertical or horizontal patterns, besides the traditional paneled look. If your budget allows, wood doors make a spectacular impression, offering a variety of grains and bold stains that add a rich look. Window panes are another way to add character and set your door apart from other similar doors in the neighborhood. Iron hinges or accents are also a marvelous way to spruce up your garage door.

 

If your garage door is still in great shape, perhaps a fresh coat of paint is in order. A dark brown or bronze will work well with a brick home, while a gray exterior can be enhanced with a deep burgundy or black. You could choose a color a few shades darker than your homes exterior for a sophisticated, contemporary look. A word of caution….don’t get drawn into a color that is over the top or too trendy. You don’t want to be “that” home in the neighborhood!

 

Accessorize the area leading up to and around your garage door with low growing shrubs or planters. Choose perennials that offer color in the spring and stay green throughout the summer months. If the surrounding area of your garage is flat, consider adding a trellis or portico for added texture. The adjacent walls may benefit from some stonework or decorative trim. If you seek something less permanent, try lattice with ivy or another climbing plant to add a welcoming look.

 

If your black-topped driveway is in need of repair, perhaps consider pavers instead. Brick and concrete styles can be arranged in a pleasing design & artistic pattern. They also allow you to bring a bit of color to that area as well.

 

Have a bit of fun with new lighting. A lantern style on either side of a wooden garage door will give it a charming carriage house feeling. Another popular look is those vintage, goose-necked barn fixtures. Solar, pathway lights lend a little brightness at night as well as added security. A lighted border can also show off beautiful landscaping & lend a bit of ambiance.

 

Don’t overlook the advantages of having a manicured, pleasing garage area. A consistent look makes your home’s exterior look balanced and welcoming.

 

 

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

What Makes a Quality Garage Door?

Garage doors are vital to the functionality of a home or business. If your garage door doesn’t function properly or is damaged, your home or business is more prone to break-ins. While just having a normal-functioning garage door is important enough, installing a high-quality one can pose many great benefits. But have you ever thought about what makes a great garage door? In this article, we’ll discuss what qualities make up a great garage door, including what company is perfect for all of your residential and commercial garage door service needs.

Qualities to Look For

The truth of the matter is, not all garage doors are created equal. For a highly effective garage door, it’s best to choose one with the following qualities:

●      Solid Construction

An effective garage door is only as good as the materials it’s made of. When deciding which garage door is right for you, first consider the construction. Is it made with strong materials, or are the parts cheap? Garage doors are typically made of steel, aluminum, wood, copper, glass, or vinyl. If you’re looking for the strongest material for your garage door, steel is a great option. This will make it very difficult to break into, and it’s likely this material will last for many years to come. Wood is another material that is long-lasting and very effective.

●      Quiet Operation

Another indication of a high-quality garage door has to do with the noise during operation. While it’s common to have a garage door that’s loud when it operates, it might mean that your garage door is old or isn’t constructed with high-quality materials. If you’re thinking about a new garage door installation, you should consider choosing a model that operates quietly.

●      Made By a Reputable Brand

Another sign you’ve chosen a high-quality garage door has to do with the brand of the door. If you’re considering buying a new residential or commercial garage door, you should first do your research on the best brands in the industry. You might try asking your friends for their opinions, and be sure to check with our professionals for the best brands our customers are most happy with.

This post first appeared on http://www.bluffcountrygaragedoor.com

Ways a Garage Door Specialist Can Boost Your Home’s Security

Like many people, you probably see your home as a place you need to protect. Any point of entry can act as a potential weak spot for thieves, which is why you need to strengthen your property’s security accordingly. At Streamline Garage Doors, we install garage doors throughout the Thousand Oaks, CA area. We’re here to show you how the right garage door specialist will boost your home’s security.

They’ll find the right materials for your door

The first step toward creating a secure garage door is choosing the right material. All excellent garage door specialists know this, which is why experienced technicians will recommend the best materials for the region they install garage doors in. For example, we install steel garage doors throughout Ventura County. In addition to being a tough material that would-be thieves struggle to penetrate, steel is weather-resistant. This means it’s less likely to weaken over time, resulting in security benefits that last.

They reduce vulnerability with high-tech features

If you want to take your home’s security to the next level, consider asking your garage door specialist for electronic doors. Although manual garage doors are still popular, they’re not difficult for thieves to target. As such, some may see them as a weakness. In contrast, electronic doors are incredibly challenging to manipulate. This deters opportunistic burglars.

They’ll advise you on the best doors for detached garages

Many people assume a detached garage is more secure than an attached one. However, depending on the approach a thief wants to take, they can use a detached garage to their advantage. Most of these buildings feature a garage door that faces the street and an additional door that leads into your yard. If someone can enter through your garage and make their way into your yard, they then have a broader selection of windows and doors to manipulate. Fortunately, your garage door specialist can assess your building and advise you on the toughest door type and lock strength for protecting your property and your family.

Garage door specialists guard you against adverse events

If you live in an area that’s at risk of natural fires, you need to do what you can to guard your property against them. Like many people, you may partially dedicate your garage to storing old items that are flammable. For example, documents, books, and old furniture. If this is the case, finding a fire-safe door for your garage is essential. The right garage door specialist can help to ensure your door is appropriate for your locale’s fire risk.
Enhancing your door’s aesthetic also makes it secure

Although many thieves will target a property on the basis that it has valuable contents, others may take a different approach. When a door looks old and brow-beaten, it may signal to an opportunistic thief that the person who owns the property takes a lacklustre approach to security, too. In contrast, if a door looks new and well taken care of, they may feel less inclined to try gaining entry to your property. Your garage door specialist can also update your existing installation to ensure it looks like less of an easy prospect to potential thieves.

If you’re looking for garage door specialists in Thousand Oaks come to us. At Streamline Garage Doors, our installations come in different sizes and materials. We can provide a custom fitting for your property that allows you to rest easily at night. To learn more, call us at 805-203-9995.

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

A Guide to Garage Doors

A Guide to Garage Doors

The perfect garage doors are the key to enhancing the entire look of your home and adding curb appeal to your property. The impact is everything in upping the appearance and value to your home. Garage doors are a stable return on your investment and an excellent summer project that will give your garage an immediate face-lift.

Whether you use your garage as a second entry to your home, as a storage unit, a place for your vehicles, or as a workspace, your garage door should operate smoothly and look like a cohesive part of your home. There’s a lot to look for as you search for a garage door replacement. Here’s a guide to the styles and materials you’ll come across in your search.

Garage Door Types

There are four basic types of garage doors, several with different opening mechanisms.

  • Swing out
  • Swing up
  • Roll up
  • Side to side
  1. Roll-up

You may already have or are at least familiar with the popular roll-up garage door. It’s a popular option in most modern designs.

  1. Swing Up & Swing Out

Both are a great choice for homeowners looking to keep the ceiling of their garage open, or those looking for a classic and distinguished look.

What Style is Right for You?

As you shop for your new garage door, make sure to settle on a style that suits your house. For example, if your house is of a traditional style, pick a style of door that is cohesive with that. Going for a classic look doesn’t mean compromising modern conveniences. You can still purchase modern roll-up top doors, for instance, that mimic the look and feel of more traditional doors.

Whether the styles are keeping with the traditional or bordering contemporary, there will be plenty of trim, panel, and detailing options. If you’re looking for a sturdier design, choose doors with true paneling or framed construction. Doors that utilize the decorative elements of a paneled door, but only use nails or glue at the face of the facade won’t have the same lasting power.

If you’re looking to add a touch of warmth or an inviting nature to your doors, choose a design that uses glass windowing. This will bring light into your garage and is an excellent choice if you use your garage as a work or living space.

Materials

How long will your door last? What kind of weather will it need to withstand? How much maintenance will it need annually? Your answer to any of these questions will greatly determine what material you should seek for your new doors.

  1. Steel

Steel is a very popular material choice for doors at the moment. Sturdy, hard wearing, and low maintenance, steel provides durability at an affordable cost to the homeowner.

  1. Wood

As a material, wood offers the appeal of a traditional look that other materials can only mimic. Although wood doors sport beauty and craftsmanship, this material needs extra care. Every few years you’ll need to repaint or restain the facade to keep the material intact. More frequent refinishing will be required if you live in states with harsher climates. Wood is almost always the most expensive material option, depending on insulation factors, decorative elements, and quality of the wood.

  1. Fiberglass

If you like the look of wood, but want a material that requires less care, look to fiberglass. Wood grain fiberglass designs will give your garage doors a natural-looking finish without the potential of rot and warp. It’s as durable as steel and only requires surface maintenance every few years depending on how much sun exposure they receive.

      4. Aluminum

Cheaper aluminum doors are relatively uncommon to see at present, although the material itself is loved for its unique look and rust-proof nature. Expensive, heavy-duty aluminum doors will last a long time with general maintenance, but the price tag is high. Lesser expensive doors sporting aluminum frames are a great choice if you’re in need of a light-weight garage door option, or long side-to-side doors.

This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

Your Guide to Installing and Maintaining a Wrought Iron Gate

Your Guide to Installing and Maintaining a Wrought Iron Gate

Want to add a touch of elegance to the entrance of your home, but without compromising on security?

Think of a wrought iron gate. It has that classy, yet foreboding element that you need to protect your home without impinging on its aesthetics.

There’s a reason iron has been in use since the early 2000 BC. It epitomizes strength and classical appeal like no other.

But What About the Steep Price Tag?

It’s true that wrought iron gates are among the most expensive options out there. This is because wrought iron is a sturdy material and producing it is a labor-intensive process. This ends up making it pricier than wood and aluminum.

But think of the value you will be adding to your property. Not to mention, you want the main gate of your home to last. If properly maintained, a wrought iron gate could last you a lifetime.

Which brings us to the maintenance.

How to Properly Maintain a Wrought Iron Gate

Of course, you’ll have to take extra special care of your gate once it has been installed. What does that entail?

Preventing Damage

One of the first things you must do is apply a protective coat over the gate. This could be in the form of a rust-resistant powder or a water-repellant spray.

Next, make sure your gate stays clean. Make a habit of washing it regularly as part of your morning routine. Use water and soap to keep the surface clean.

Make sure that no plants or weeds are encroaching on the land around the gate. If the surface gets scratched, rust will soon follow.

You Noticed Rust Spots. Now What?

Don’t panic. This doesn’t mean that your lovely new gate is getting destroyed. But you do need to act immediately. Scrub out the spots with a toothbrush. Or better yet, use sandpaper and a steel wool wire to sand it off. Remember to repaint the surface afterwards.

Painting a Wrought Iron Gate 

It’s up to you whether you want a professional to paint your gate or you wish to do the job yourself. Either way you need to remember a few basics:

  • Start the work on a day when it’s cool outside
  • Begin with the application of a primer
  • A primer takes around two to three hours to dry
  • The exterior should be coated with rust-preventing paint

Installing Your Gate

Now that you’re convinced wrought iron is the option for you, you can begin your research on gate installing services. For Arizona homeowners, your go-to choice should be Triple B Garage Doors and Gates.

Experts in their field, they provide gate installing (and repair!) services to homeowners in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Chandler, Arizona. Their staff will help you to pick your design, take measurements and provide service on the same day.

This post first appeared on https://triplebgaragedoors.com/

Create a Summer Garage Workshop

Garages are well suited to become the home base for an excessive amount of your belongings, but what if, after a bit of spring cleaning, you notice that you finally have that extra floor and wall room to create the workshop you’ve always wanted. Garages are the perfect place to set up your messier hobbies. They’re relatively easy to clean, can be wired for adequate electrical power, and give provide your projects with shelter. So why not turn your garage into a simple, fully functioning workshop this summer?

What Will You Need?

The ideal workshop can be created on a relatively tight budget, and although each individual will have their own ideas for that workspace would include, at the bare minimum, you’ll likely need:

  • A workbench
  • Shelving
  • Cabinets
  • Amble lighting

All of which can be assembled for less than $600 if you plan to upcycle and build fixtures on your own. You can, of course, amp up your space if need be. After all, if you don’t find the space suited to your needs, you probably won’t use it. You should enjoy your workshop, and we’ll show you how!

Creating a Workbench

First things first, you’ll need a solid surface to work from. This surface or “workbench” should be as rock-solid, steady, and heavy topped as they come. Ask yourself, are you wanting to purchase a bench that’s premade, or are you willing to build it yourself?

1. Buying a premade workbench.
On the low-end, you can easily find a workbench for as little as $100, with prices increasing to about $500. Benches come in various lengths but are usually about 24 inches deep. Although the typical height of a workbench is 38 inches, figure out what will be most comfortable for you and your projects. You might want something as short as 35 inches, or as tall as 42 inches.

Pre-fabricated benches often include their own drawers and shelving, but if you’re on a budget, look for something barebones. Check out local online marketplaces to see if established workshops are looking to get rid of their old workbenches. If you don’t mind a used bench, you can find one of high quality for a reasonable price.

2. Building a workbench yourself.
If you’d rather build a workbench on your own, there are readily available plans on the internet as well as at home improvement stores. Simply put, a workbench doesn’t have to be physically fancy, but it does have to be sturdy and functional. Materials shouldn’t cost you more than $150. Check out handyman magazines and websites for detailed instructions on building simple benches.

Before you begin your build, figure out what is essential for its ease of use. Will you be building drawers as well? Will your bench need specific stands, or space for a miter saw? If your bench build requires a fair amount of complexity, the cost of materials will be significantly more and the build will take you more than a few days to build.

Building Storage

Planning out a workshop means saying farewell to lost bolts around the garage and coffee tins filled with random screws. There’s no need to rummage through unkempt storage when there are endless possibilities for usable storage.

1. Get trendy with it.
Go for wall mounted storage units, or modular systems for a modern look that allows for ultimate customization. With shelving and cabinetry that can be configured to your needs, you can add more modules as you see fit.

2. Upcycle old cabinets.
Old kitchen or bathroom cabinets are an excellent way to upcycle otherwise unusable cabinets. Search around for businesses that specialize in repurposing or salvaging old building materials. Get creative! If you find several sturdy cabinets, you can add plywood to their tops to create another durable work surface.

Lighting

No workshop is complete without adequate lighting. Bright, ambient light can make or break your space but doesn’t require an arm or a leg to get right. Whatever lighting fixtures you choose, remember to think about lighting brightness (lumens) rather than power (watts).

1. High-Intensity Lights
These lights are perfect for overhead lighting or for task lighting on your workbench. Even better, most high-intensity lights can be put on resilient goose-neck fixtures to make it even easier to control where your light source is aiming. Go for:

  • LED
  • Halogen

2. Recessed Lighting

If you’re looking for softer overhead lighting and your garage has a finished ceiling, try inexpensive recessed lighting fixtures. Recessed lighting is excellent to create an ambient atmosphere.

This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

What You Get from Working with Streamline Garage Doors

Now that we’ve introduced ourselves in our last blog post, let’s take a closer look at the services we offer. We take great pride in offering the best garage door services possible, and all of our technicians go through ongoing training to help them stay on top of the latest developments in the industry. We will be more than happy to help you with all your garage door needs. Here’s what we can do for you.

New Garage Door Installation 

Whether you are building an entirely new home or wish to replace the garage door on your existing home, the Streamline Garage Doors team is here to help. We recognize that you have a lot of options available to you in terms of garage door styles, and we’ll help you narrow down your choices to find the perfect garage door for your taste and budget. We can also assist you in selecting an appropriate opener to power your door.

When we come to your home to complete the installation, we’ll take great care to protect any belongings inside your garage before we get to work. We don’t want you to have to worry about any potential damage while we complete the job. After we have installed your new garage door and tested everything thoroughly, we’ll tidy up after ourselves, leaving your garage cleaner than we found it. Now, how’s that for customer service?

Garage Door Maintenance 

The best way to keep your garage door performing at its best over the years is to keep up with regular maintenance and tune-ups. Our team is highly experienced in working on garage doors and openers from all of the top brands, and we can identify any potential trouble areas quickly and efficiently.

The sooner we can catch any issues, the easier they will be to repair, and the less those repairs will likely cost you. We do everything we can to keep our rates as affordable as possible, but it is still in your best interest to have your garage door checked out every six months or so. During your checkup, we’ll oil the tracks and chains, inspect the motor and perform any minor tweaks needed to keep your garage door running smoothly for many years to come.

Garage Door Repair 

In the event that something does go wrong with your garage door or opener, you can count on Streamline Garage Doors to get things back up and running. We are equipped to handle a variety of common garage door problems, including:

  • Broken torsion springs
  • Bent door panels
  • Bent tracks
  • Balance issues
  • Door jams
  • Broken cables
  • Opener programming problems
  • And many more.

We can help you out with uncommon problems as well. Our team has been in this business for many years so it’s very likely that we have seen your specific garage door problem before.

We strive to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible. That means we’ll be using parts specifically designed for your particular garage door or opener model, minimizing the risk of complications due to incompatibility. In the event that we realize we will need to order specialized parts to complete the repairs, we’ll only charge you for the visit during which we actually finish the job; there will be no charge for the initial appointment.

Give Your Garage Door a Tune-Up 

We invite you to reach out to us today for more information about our garage door services. Our friendly team members are always glad to answer all of your questions. Contact Streamline Garage Doors today for a free consultation to discuss your garage door needs.

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

How To Properly Lubricate A Garage Door

If you ever notice an awful screeching noise coming from your garage door, it’s a sign your door needs a health check-up.

Clopay Coachman Series garage door

Since the screws, springs, hinges, and tracks are all made of metal, they need to stay lubricated. Knowing how to lubricate a garage door will help increase its longevity and give your ears a break.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door

The proper way to lubricate your garage door starts with using the right solution. We recommend using a non-silicone lubricant such as LPS 2.

Always avoid spraying WD-40 on any part of your garage door. People often mistake this product, which contains anti-rust and degreasing properties, with a lubricant because the bottle states it helps parts move more smoothly. But WD-40 is a cleaning solvent, not a lubricant. It’s also important to avoid using grease at all costs. Grease will create a stickiness that’s hard to clean, so it can lead to a faster buildup of damaging debris.

Parts of Garage Door to Lubricate

Many parts of a garage door require frequent lubrication for smooth opening and closing operation, which should be part of your self-designed garage door preventive maintenance. Before lubricating, be sure to clean all parts with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. As you begin the lubrication process, use another dry cloth to clean as you go, avoiding excessive dripping on the garage floor.

Once you’re all set, you can begin to lubricate the following parts:

    • Hinges: Lubricate the hinges at their pivot points. Only do this for metal hinges, though. Avoid applying anything to plastic parts. Some lubricants can cause the plastic to break down over time.
    • Rollers: Metal rollers are how your garage door travels up and down. If your rollers feature nylon wheels, be sure to lubricate the rollers without getting any lubricant on the nylon material. While metal rollers require less precision, it’s a good idea to protect your floor and your car from any drips along the way.
    • Springs: Locate the torsion springs that lift and lower your garage door. This is one of the most important parts of a garage door to lubricate because lubricating the springs can increase their efficiency as well as their lifespan. Apply just enough to make them move better.

It’s crucial that you do not apply any solution to the bearings or tracks of your door. You can clean them to ensure they are functioning at their best, but lubricant will not help these parts perform better.

Get in Touch With Us at Custom Door & Gate for Your Garage Door Needs

If your garage door isn’t working as it should or you have any questions about how to lubricate your garage door, contact us today. We’re here to help.

This post first appeared on https://customoverheaddoors.net

4 Reasons You Need a New Garage Door Opener

Is your garage door opener worn out? If you keep experiencing problems but don’t know how to fix them, it may be time to invest in a new garage door opener. Below, we look at five common reasons why a garage door opener replacement is necessary. If you have any further questions, please contact us today.

1. A Broken Garage Door Opener is Unsafe

Your family probably enters and exits the house through the garage every day. If so, a garage door opener that doesn’t work can present a safety hazard if left unchecked. A garage door opener malfunction could cause the garage to close or open without warning. This could especially be dangerous if you are trying to pull your car out of the garage.

2. New Garage Door Openers Are Burglar-Proof

Old garage door openers are programmed using DIP switches. The switches are set to a -, +, or 0 in most cases. This makes it easy for intruders to figure out the code and trigger the outside garage door opener. A smart intruder can also program a garage door remote to trigger the opener. For this reason, you should consider upgrading your new opener so that it doesn’t follow under the same coding as the old models.

3. You Can Now Purchase ‘Smart’ Garage Door Openers

Like many other devices today, you can now purchase smart garage door openers with fully automated features. These features allow you to program the opener and even control it with an app. Some openers can be integrated into other devices so your smart system works together. Bluff County Garage Doors can go over the options that are now available so you can upgrade to a smart garage door opener.

4. New Garage Door Openers Are Quiet

If you still have an old garage door opener, you may notice how noisy it has become through the years. Why? Because older models run on metal chains. As the unit gets older, the chain and other parts start to wear down. However, even newer models with chains can still make some noise. Manufacturers now make garage door openers with rubber belts and nylon rollers to reduce the noise that occurs when you open or close the garage door. You’ll notice a huge difference when you don’t hear the opener at all.

This post first appeared on http://www.bluffcountrygaragedoor.com

5 Risks Associated with Damaged Garage Doors

5 Risks Associated with Damaged Garage Doors

Garage doors have made life easier and convenient. They add value to your home. They are an essential part of homes which do not get enough focus as long as they are functioning properly. A faulty garage door, however, is something that should be addressed immediately. Faulty garage doors pose a serious danger for everyone in the house.

What Causes Garage Door Damage?

The most common cause of garage door damage is damage to one or more of its parts. The following are the things that can go wrong with a garage door:

  • Springs break
  • Cables break
  • Rollers wear out
  • Hinges wear out
  • Garage door opener wears out

Risks Associated with Damaged Garage Doors

If any of the parts of a garage door need repair, garage door repair should not be delayed. Even though a garage door provides a lot of utility, it can cause some gruesome accidents.

1. Car Damage

If a garage door is damaged due to the breakage of cable, the garage door can shut suddenly. It can come crashing down on the car while it is on its way in or out of the garage. Garage doors are extremely heavy. The impact that a garage door will have when it comes crashing down on the car will cause major damage. Car damage can cost you a fortune so it is best to get the garage door repaired before any such incident occurs.

2. Personal Injury

If the cable or torsion springs break or become weak, they can cause serious injuries and even death. If any of the two components of the garage door are faulty, the garage door may close with too much force suddenly, causing bone fractures and even death. If you think the garage door is not closing slowly as it should, try not to speculate yourself. In the case of garage doors, it is always better to seek professional help to avoid any unanticipated events.

3. Garage Door Replacement

If a faulty garage door is not repaired timely, it may result in damage to the garage door itself. Sometimes, the damage caused may be beyond repair and you might need to get the door replaced.  Garage doors are extremely costly. Hiring a professional to repair the door timely can save you from incurring such a heavy cost.

4. Cement Chipping

A faulty garage door can come down with a lot of force, as mentioned earlier. Garage doors are 500 pounds in weight on average. When it impacts the floor, it may result in damage to the floor and cement chipping which again requires costly repairs.

5. Access to Intruders

If a garage door is faulty, it may not close properly and fully. In such a case, there is a chance that an intruder might find their way into your home. If you do not get the garage door repaired on time, you are putting yourself and all your family members at risk.

Summary

Garage doors have made our lives easier but faulty garage doors can make this blessing into your worst nightmare in no time. It can cause serious injuries and even death which is something you wouldn’t want.

This post first appeared on https://triplebgaragedoors.com/

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