Your garage door opener has reached its final stages and you are now shopping for a new system. But, where should you start? The best and highest quality garage door opener is quick, quiet, comes with modern features, and is compatible with your existing home network.

Modern garage doors are keeping up with the standard home features through adopting state of the art technology. Since light bulbs and even home thermostats are already equipped with smart technology, there is no reason why your garage door shouldn’t, either. Here are the top garage door openers of 2018 that will look perfect in all smart homes.

1. Chamberlain WD832KEV

This is a type of steel-reinforced belt-drive opener for garage doors featuring a ½ HP motor, Motor Vibration Isolation System of Chamberlain, and a quick install rail system. It is not just an ultra quiet opener as this device also uses MyQ enabled technology. It means you can use your smartphone to control this opener. Safety features include the protector system safety sensor and a time to close feature which can automatically close the door in a matter of 1/5/10 minutes in the event you forget to do so.

2. LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series

This jackshaft garage door opener has a keyless entry keypad which is useful for opening and closing several doors. Safety features include the safety system beam, power lock, and rolling code technology. If power suddenly goes out, there is a backup battery to let you out and in your garage. It is an extremely quiet opener with a very fast and smooth operation.

3. Sommer Direct Drive 1042V001

This is the ideal option for heavy garage doors as it can lift as much as 550 pounds. This comes with a rail which can fit doors of 7 to 8 feet and a ¾ HP motor. There is a full installation kit included making things easier for DIYers. You will also get two 2-button transmitters and interior wall station.

4. Genie SilentMax 1200

It is by far among the most budget-friendly garage door openers of belt-drive style that you can find in the market. This features a steel-reinforced belt, soft start and stop ¾ HP DC motor, and with dual frequency. It is a useful feature if you are living in an area with many garages. You don’t have to worry that the remote of your neighbor interferes with your garage door.

5. Genie 2042-TKC QuietLift 800

This has a ½+ HP DC motor complete with belt-driven mechanism which opens sectional garage doors reaching as much as 500 pounds. This makes use of Safe-T-Beam system which triggers automatic reverse when the beam is obstructed. This has a wall console, two 3-button remotes, and wireless keypad.

6. Chamberlain PD510

It is a popular option for many consumers as this is very effective and affordable. This has industrial strength chain, ½ HP motor, wall control, and 1-button remote. This remote is among the highlights of the device since this comes with tri-band frequency and a long range. The unit’s safety features include a patented security + 2.0 rolling code tech, PosiLock anti-theft protection, and invisible beam.

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

 You, Me, & Insulation: Part I

Head to Head: Polystyrene versus Polyurethane

Now that winter is on its way, it’s time to talk shop. There are two important questions you need to ask yourself. First, what is the relationship between your garage door and your home? Second, what is your relationship with insulation?

If your garage and your home have a close relationship i.e. they share a wall, you should seriously consider getting an insulated garage door. Insulating your garage door will keep your garage warmer in the winter. It will make your door more rigid and strong. The insulation can also quiet your door during the opening and closing process. There really is no down side.

Now, let’s talk about insulation and you. Garage door insulation is measured in R-Value. The higher the number, the better the insulation factor. The most common insulation materials are polystyrene and polyurethane.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance broad, polystyrene’s ease of manufacturing makes it the less expensive option. However, the thickness of the polystyrene will directly affect the insulation value in your door. You can usually expect to see an R-value of 10 on a two-inch-thick garage door. If your budget is a limiting factor, polystyrene can be a good choice at its price point.

When it comes to being a lady, polyurethane comes at a higher density and a higher price point, but its worth every penny. Since polyurethane bonds directly to your garage door, it increases the door’s stiffness and makes it much more resistant. Since it fills all the cracks and crevices like Botox, it also works to quiet the metal-on-metal rattling of the door. Comparatively, on a two-inch-thick polyurethane door, you can expect to see an R-value of 18 which is an 80% percent increase.

No matter what kind of relationship you’re looking to have with your garage door, A.B.E. Doors and Windows has got you covered.

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

When it comes to storage space, your garage can be a hidden gem. There’s often underutilized space that is just gathering dust, that could be used to store seasonal items and yard equipment. There’s a lot of speculation on what is appropriate to be stored in a garage, and if a shed is a better place for storage items.

Shed vs Garage

There are definitely benefits to having a separate shed, but a lot of properties just don’t have the room for a shed. If your home doesn’t have room for a shed, then your garage is going to be your best bet for additional storage space!

If you have a shed, or the space to add a modular/pre-made shed, it could be a great spot for storage! Shed’s are best for items that don’t need accessed as often or as easily as items that could be stored in the garage. Seasonal items are great for a shed, as well as yard equipment that you used once and don’t know when you’ll need it again, like a bulky saw or a till. A shed is also the perfect place to store your lawn mower and other lawn equipment during the winter. During the summer months, the garage may be a more accessible storage option.

Storage space in your garage

There is a lot of unutilized space in a garage that is often wasted. You have high ceiling and spacious walls just sitting there, not even serving a purpose. If your garage is kind of a mess, with things just stacked and piled willy nilly around the room, you would probably benefit from a bit of storage organization. Add a few industrial shelving units, and even add hooks to the ceiling to hang things like your bike from the ceiling. Using this space is a great way to make more room on the floor of your garage for things like gym equipment. Or if your garage has been such a mess that you haven’t been able to park in it, this is a great motivator to move a few things off the floor and onto the wall.

A great storage tip for either your garage or a shed, is to purchase plastic bins and label them clearly on the outside, so you know what the contents of each box is without having to open them. This way you can store them on shelves or stack them on top of each other, and not have to worry about making a mess every time you need to find something or are looking for those christmas lights.

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

How Secure is Your Garage?  Tips to Prevent a Break-In 

When thinking about the security of your home don’t forget your garage.  An often, overlooked area, your garage is just as susceptible to theft as your home is.  Whether your garage is attached or a separate structure, follow these guidelines to protect its contents and deter break-ins. 

Seems like a simple tip: but keep your garage door closed at all times.  Even the safest neighborhoods can be targets for criminal activity.  Don’t allow anyone walking or driving by get a glimpse at the contents or easy access to any entry door to your home. 

Keep all access doors in your garage locked.   All doors should have deadbolts and should always be locked during the day.  If you have a service door that is not frequently used, consider adding a security bar or door jammer for added protection.  

Don’t let crooks get a peek at all your tools and toys.  Cover up windows with a curtain or translucent film that allows light in but obscures the view.  Statistics show that there is less motivation to break into an area that you can’t see into.  

If your emergency release pull can be accessed through a window take some measures to make sure the cord is not dangling.  Some criminals use a method called “fishing” by inserting a wire and hooking it around the cord.  A simple pull and the door is released.  Just make sure the cord is still accessible to you in case of an emergency. 

A well-lit area is probably the best deterrent for mischief.  Motion detector lighting is a smart choice.  It attracts attention when it goes off and saves you on energy when not activated.  Spotlights are another great option if you have a detached garage.   Position them to illuminate the door and the walkway into your home.   If there is an area that you can’t see before exiting the garage, consider installing an effective mirror so you can see if anyone is lurking about. 

Make the most of technology available to you.   The MyQ accessories and app lets its users monitor the status of their garage door.   If coupled with security system cameras you would be able to view areas of your garage and see who is coming and going.  It can also notify you when the door has been activated or tell you if the door has been left open accidentally. 

Additional safety garage tips. 

*Install a smoke detector in your garage & keep a fire extinguisher handy. 

*Install additional lighting in the garage to prevent tripping and accidents. 

*Never store chemicals or propane in your garage. 

Take some time this week to look for and address weak areas of security in and around your garage.

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

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

 Garage Door Safety

June is Garage Door Safety Month.   Each year over 7000 people in the U.S. will suffer from minor accidents, like getting pinched, via the garage door.  Around 2200 people will be injured from the door falling onto their car or themselves.  We don’t want to see you fall into these statistics.  Please make some time this week to check your garage door for potential hazards.   Follow our advice to make sure you and your home are safe. 

Keep yourself and others safe: 

*The summer months mean more activity in and around your home.  Make sure children know the dangers of placing fingers in or near the garage door.  Teach them not to go too close to a door that is rising or closing….no games to see who can get in last.  Children should not have access to remote controls or the panel inside the garage. 

*Everyone who does use the garage door should know how to operate the emergency release lever.  Hold a brief drill session and let everyone take turns releasing and then reattaching the lever. 

*Every month or after any adjustments to the door or operator are made, the safety reversal system should be tested.  The door should reverse on contact with any object that gets in the way of it’s path.  There are two ways to test this function:

         ~ With the door fully open, place an object that can give under pressure in case the system should fail. A roll of paper towels is a smart choice.  Place this object in the center of the doors descending path.  Press the control push button to close the door.  The door should reverse when it makes contact with the paper towels.  If the door does not reverse, adjustments are required.

          ~ Open the door and then place a cardboard box large enough to block the path of the safety reversing sensors in the path of the garage door.  Press the control push button to close the door.  The door should not move more than an inch and the garage door opener lights will flash.  Again, if the door fails this test, your sensors need to be adjusted. 

Now is also a good time to clean the sensors with a damp cloth and remove any surrounding debris that may get in the beams line.  Hopefully your garage door passes both tests successfully.  If not, our skilled technicians are on call to make any repairs for you. 

*Always open your garage door before starting your car.  Carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate very quickly in an enclosed space.   If your garage is used for other things like a workshop or exercise area you may want to consider adding an exhaust fan to help circulate the air.  

*Mark your calendar to inspect your garage doors cables, springs and track as least once every three months.  If you find an area that needs repair, call a professional to fix the problem.  Do not try and make the repair yourself.  Many people have sustained injuries from cables and springs that have flown off unexpectedly. 

Keep Your Home Safe: 

*Don’t be tempted to leave the garage door partially opened.  This is an open invite to critters or potential thieves to enter your home.  Even a brief summer shower can penetrate a small opening, soaking items that may be stored on the floor. 

*Don’t leave your car remote in a visible place in your vehicle.  Stow it in a safe place or consider getting a key fob remote.

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

I hope I’ve told you something that can help you get to work on time or allowed you to head out for the weekend. Now, go forth with your new knowledge and new bodyguards. Remember, safety is smart and hurting yourself is not.

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

 Industrial equipment. Heavy machinery. 

When I hear those words, it’s a callback to a bygone era—a time when people worked in terrible conditions and safety measures were lax. I also think of contruction—oil rigs, bulldozers, combine harvesters, and steam rollers. I don’t think my day to day life involves heavy machinery or industrial equipment.

I leave for work or school or head out to run some errans just like every other day. I get in my car, push the button to open my garage door, back out, and push the button to close it. It’s at that moment, watching it rumble down and settle against the concrete, that I realize what I use every single day that I leave my home—a steel door weighing on average two-hundred pounts and driven by a 1/2 horsepower motor. 

The garage door is the largest moving object in the home and the average household opens and closes it four times every single day. If you’re anything like me, you didn’t really think about that until just now either. Now, if you oversaw the use of a bulldozer or combine harvester or worked in a place that used industrial equipment to build skyscrapers, you would want every precaution to be taken to ensure no one got hurt, right? However, when was the last time you thought about your garage door? 

Service is smart. 

The garage door is made up of a lot of parts. Heavy springs are used to counter balance the door, hinges hold all the sections together, the track supports the door, the rollers keep the door in the track. Any of those parts can wear out and break down, just like the brakes on a bulldozer. Your garage door should be serviced at least once each year to keep everything in working order and—most of all—to keep it safe. 

Here at A.B.E. Doors and Windows, we offer a discount on service in the form of a 20 Point Service Inspection all year round to keep your garage door in tip top shape. Give us a call and set something up.

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

Although garage doors have only one job to do, their single job is one of the most important, when it comes to garages. After all they’re the doorways of a garage. When they’re working properly, all goes well until they stop working due to any malfunction. If you’re bothering about why is my garage door not closing? There can be a few reasons that may impact the working condition of a garage door opener. Here are a few things that can impact the working of a garage door opener:

• The most common reason behind your garage door not opening is, probably something could be blocking your garage door completely closing.
• If the safety sensor of your garage door opener is not working properly, it can be the reason why your garage door is not closing. Make sure you get them checked by a professional.
• If the sensors of your garage door are not in the perfect alignment, your garage door won’t be closing properly.
• In case of broken springs, which your garage door heavily relies on for the operation, the garage door opener couldn’t close.
• One more reason for your garage door not closing properly is the damaged cables.
• Tracks comprise of one of the most important components of a garage door. Any damage of these tracks can simply make your garage door unable to close completely.

Above are only a few aspects that can make a garage door not to close properly. If your garage door is not closing, it’s better to contact a professional and repair it. Triple B Garage Doors is one such professional company with right amounts of expertise and experience.

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

When your garage door looks worse than it actually is, it can destroy the total aesthetics of your house. A fresh batch of paint needs to be used in order to bring the garage door, and by extension, your house, to its former glory. However, there are numerous caveats and precautions that you need to take in order to ensure that the painting job goes smoothly, without any hiccups. So, this is a comprehensive list of steps which need to be taken when you are painting your garage door.

Any metal surface needs to be cleaned first
Residue or any other sort of mold or bacteria can really harm the metal surface of the garage door. It can also cause serious problems to the main metal frame of the garage door. So, you would need to scrub the entirety of the metal surfaces so that there does not remain any sort of impediment. After the scrubbing, the application of soap, with sugar content is recommended.

Preparation is key
When you are painting a metal door, which has been previously painted on, you must use sandpaper to remove the old paint and the flakes. Right after the de-greasing process has been completed, the metal door and its frame are exposed. After this, you need to apply a primer on the door to prepare it for a fresh batch of paint.

Priming the metal door for the paint
Priming is one of the most important parts of the painting process. This is because of the fact that primers allow the paint to settle on the door properly, and leaves a fresh and proper look at the door. When you use the primer, make sure to follow the instructions which are provided by the manufacturer. The instructions should be a part of the primer container. Once the primer has dried (this process can take up to eight hours), paint the door as per your requirements.

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