Garage Door: Style and Function

Typically, a homeowner buys a house and doesn't put much thought into the garage door. As long as it goes up and down as needed and generally matches the style of the house, it seems as if there is little else to think about. However, garage doors can add style and function to the home through the use of different designs and features.

New Garage Door, New House

An older home may obviously need a new garage door because of damage or wear over time, and the purchaser would consider such an aspect of the house when making an offer. With a new house, the contractor who built the house likely only installed a generic door with meets the basic needs of the garage. You may want to replace the door with one that has windows for light, or you might decide you prefer a different contour for the rails, stiles, and panels. There are also different materials to choose from, whether traditional wood, metal, or vinyl, and each provides their own benefits.

Maintenance Over Time

Even if you are happy with the current garage door style, it will need maintenance over time. Motors can burn out, springs and chains break, and the rails can come out of alignment. If the door starts making too much noise, or simply doesn't seem to be raising or lowering properly, it's a good idea to go ahead and have repairs conducted before it gets worse and stops working altogether at which point the repairs are likely to be more expensive or a complete replacement might be needed.

Upgrades

Other than the actual door style, the most common upgrade is to add additional points from which you can open or close the door. A numbered keypad outside of the door is a nice feature because it allows you to close it from outside and prevents you from getting locked out of your house. It also comes in handy if you need to allow friends or workers temporary access to your house as you can reprogram it with a number for them to use.

If you need repairs and service, upgrades, or a new garage door be sure to contact the specialist garage door contractor Door Power in the Minneapolis metro area, we'll be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss the available options for your home.

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

Your garage door motor is an essential component as it is what drives the carriage and opens or closes the door whenever you press the button on your remote or type your code into the keypad. When working correctly, the motor should turn on immediately when you signal the door to open or close, and the motor should fully open or close the door within a few seconds. As with any other motor, a garage door opener only has a limited lifespan and can experience various issues that prevent it from working properly. This means that there will always eventually be a time when you need to have your garage door motor replaced, and here are some of the signs that can indicate you need a new garage door motor.

Motor Makes Excessive Noise

A garage door motor will always make some noise, but it shouldn’t be excessively loud or make unusual sounds. If your garage door opener is excessively loud, it usually indicates that the motor is beginning to wear out and is struggling to open and close the door. Grinding, scraping and squealing noises coming from the opener are almost always a sign that the motor is failing and needs to be replaced or possibly repaired. If your garage door motor is much louder than normal or makes any unusual sounds, we would recommend having it inspected as soon as possible.

Garage Door Opens and Closes Slowly

As a garage door motor ages, it will often start to have more difficulties pulling the door open and closed. When the motor is in good condition and working properly, your garage door should fully open or close in around 10 to 15 seconds. If you notice that it starts to take more than 20 to 30 seconds for your garage door to open or close, it’s a fairly good indicator that the motor is wearing out and will need to be replaced.

Garage Door Suddenly Won’t Open or Close

Garage door motors typically fail over time, but there are issues that can cause them to suddenly stop working altogether. If your garage door suddenly won’t open or close, you should first go inside and make sure that the trolley carriage is still connected to the motor and that none of the rollers have come off the rails. You’ll also want to inspect the torsion springs and lift cables for any obvious issues and make sure that nothing is blocking the door. If everything looks as it should and the door still won’t open and close, you’ll want to have the motor inspected. This problem could be related to an electrical in the outlet that the opener is plugged into or it could be that the motor has burnt out and needs to be replaced.

Garage Door Stalls When Opening or Closing

A garage door opener that stalls or only opens or closes the door part of the way before stopping is a fairly common issue. This problem most commonly occurs because the tracks are bent or the rollers are broken. If the rollers and tracks are in good shape and look normal, it may be that the motor is defective and needs to be replaced. In either case, this is a problem that you’ll want to have a professional look at immediately as a garage door that gets stuck can be extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury.

Garage Door Opener Isn’t Always Responsive

Again, your garage door motor should always kick on immediately when you push the button on the remote or use the keypad. If you find that you sometimes have to push the button on your remote several times before the motor responds, the first thing you should do is replace the batteries in the remote. If this doesn’t fix the issue or the motor also sometimes doesn’t respond to the keypad, you will want to have your opener inspected. In most cases, this problem indicates that the motor has some electrical issues and may need to be either repaired or replaced.

Garage Door Opens and Closes on Its Own

A garage door that randomly opens or closes on its own is obviously a serious issue since it could allow anyone to get inside if the door opened while you were away or at night when you’re asleep. The buttons on the keypad or a remote can sometimes get stuck and cause the motor to open or close on its own. However, this problem more commonly indicates that there is an issue with the motor’s circuit board, such as a short circuit. A short circuit can signal the motor to run and cause the door to open or close on its own. If you do ever find that your garage door opens and closes on its own, you should have the motor replaced immediately both for the safety of your family and your home security.

Garage Door Reverses and Reopens After Closing

Another common issue is when a garage door closes and then the motor immediately reverses and reopens the door. This problem most commonly occurs due to some issue with the safety sensors, which work to prevent the door from closing if there is anything in its path. The first thing to do if you ever notice this issue is to make sure that the two sensors are aligned, and then clean the lenses on each sensor. You’ll also want to make sure that nothing is blocking the path between the sensors.

The safety sensors work by sending a beam of light back and forth. If the sensors are misaligned or the lenses are dirty, the beam of light won’t pass between them. This will usually result in the door never fully closing or reopening as soon as it’s closed.

If the sensors are clean and properly aligned and the problem persists, it usually indicates that the motor has electrical issues or worn-out components. In this case, you’ll need to have the motor inspected and repaired or replaced.

Garage Door Opener Is Old and Outdated

On average, a garage door motor will be able to complete around 10,000 open and close cycles before wearing out. This means that the motor will typically last for around 10 to 15 years at the very most depending on how many times you open and close your garage door every day. If your motor is 10 or more years old, we would definitely recommend replacing it as soon as possible even if it is still working correctly.

Older garage door openers aren’t all that secure as many units are programmed with the same access code and this code never changes. This means that thieves can potentially open your garage by using a remote from a different door that has the same model of opener. Newer garage door openers use a rolling access code that changes every time, and this type of opener will only ever work with your remote. By replacing your outdated garage door opener, you can both ensure your garage door works correctly and make your home much more secure.

If you need to have your garage door motor replaced or your garage door needs any repairs, you can trust Garage Door Doctor for help. We specialize in garage door installation and repairs, and we work on both residential and commercial garage doors for customers throughout the Bloomington and Indianapolis areas. For more information or to schedule a garage door inspection, contact us today.

The post Signs That Your Garage Door Motor Needs Replaced appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

If you ask yourself your garage is so loud, then chances are, it’s not normal. Loud and unusual garage door noises typically indicate an underlying issue. Problems with the door or opener cause these strange noises. That’s why it’s crucial to investigate a noisy garage door to determine the cause before it becomes a bigger problem.

Before You Get Started

When troubleshooting a loud garage door, take the necessary safety precautions. One is to disconnect the power to the opener, so no one can open or close the door while you work on it. You’ll also want to contact a garage door professional to repair serious issues that could put you at risk of injury.

Noises That Indicate a Problem

As an overhead door ages, it’s more likely to make noises. Older garage doors make noises because their worn parts must work harder. You can extend your garage door’s life span by maintaining and inspecting it at least twice a year. If you notice any of these noises, you’ll want to investigate and find the source: 

• Squealing: Squealing sounds often indicate poorly lubricated parts.
• Squeaking: A simple way to fix a squeaky garage door is to inspect the weather stripping. If the weather strip is dry, it can cause the door to squeak when you open or close it. It can also indicate a problem with the rollers. 
• Grinding: Poorly lubricated or worn-out rollers, hinges and door opener’s chain or belt can all produce a grinding noise. 
• Rattling: Rattling noises can signify loose nuts, bolts or a chain, poor lubrication and misalignment. 
• Vibrating: Loose nuts and bolts or poorly lubricated rollers cause vibrating. 
• Slapping: Slapping sounds occur when a loose chain hits your opener.

On the other hand, if your garage door makes any of these noises, contact a professional right away and do not try to fix the issue yourself: 

• Popping: Popping can signify a broken torsion spring.
• Banging: When you hear a banging noise, it means a professional needs to replace or realign your door.
• Clinking: Springs and coils that rub together or a defective roller can cause clinking sounds.
• Clunking: Thumping or clunking can indicate a malfunction with the opener or a broken torsion spring.
• Straining: If your door strains upon opening and closing, your garage may need more power. The other cause of straining is a faulty motor.
• Rumbling: Coil tension or a loosened spring often causes rumbling.
• Rubbing: Tight or bent tracks can produce a rubbing sound.
• Scraping: The door could be rubbing against your home because its placement is misaligned.

Common Causes of Garage Door Noises

When your garage door makes loud noises, one of your primary questions is why. Here are some of the common reasons garage doors make noises: 

• Age: An older door makes more noise. Usually, these noises result from old rollers.
• Misalignment: A misaligned door makes a noise when you open or close it.
• Opener: When the belt or chain of your opener is loose, it can create a rattling noise.
• Rollers: Metal garage openers rust as they age.
• Loose nuts and bolts: Screeching sounds indicate loose nuts and bolts.
• Poor lubrication: If your rollers and hinges need lubrication, your door may squeal, grind, rattle or vibrate.

How to Fix Garage Door Noises

Some garage door noises stem from minor issues that you can address yourself. Here are some maintenance tips that may stop the noises:

Tighten the Nuts and Bolts

Loose or missing nuts and bolts on the door or track supports could cause your door to rattle. You can use a wrench and socket set to tighten these nuts and bolts, but be careful you don’t overtighten them.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

Lubricating the moving parts could solve the problem if they are dry. These moving parts include the chain or belt drive, springs, lift cables, rollers or hinges. As long as these parts are in good condition, they may only require some lubrication. However, you must contact a repair professional if they are in poor condition. Only lubricate the metal parts, not the nylon or plastic ones.

Create Buffers With Rubber Pieces

You can use rubber buffers on your door and opener to reduce the noise. To install the rubber pieces you: 

1. Unplug the motor to your door opener.
2. Rest your door on a ladder.
3. Remove the bolts that hold your tracks to your garage door.
4. Slide a rubber piece between the bolts and the door.
5. Replace and tighten the bolts.

The rubber will help absorb vibrations that can cause the support frame to shake. Test your opener and garage door when done to confirm they work correctly.

Readjust the Locks

Inspect your locking bars to ensure they’re properly aligned. If your lock bar makes noises, doesn’t catch or hits the track, it’s misaligned. You can try to realign the lock bar by: 

1. Finding the leader brackets or the L-shaped plates with screws. 
2. Removing the screws and tap your guide up or down.
3. Tightening the screws.
4. Repeating on the other side.

Replace the Weather Strip

The insulation strip under your door could be damaged, missing or worn out. If the weather strip is the problem, your garage’s air will be humid and cold, and the door may bang when it closes. You can hire a professional to replace your weather strip and save time, or you can purchase a weather strip from a garage dealer and replace it yourself.

Hire a Professional to Repair the Springs

If your overhead door hits the floor too hard, it causes noise. Your door can hit the floor too hard if your springs need maintenance. Since working on the springs is complicated and dangerous, contact a professional to repair or replace them. 

Hire a Professional to Repair the Opener

Sometimes, the noise can come from your opener. A noise close to your garage’s roof or from the opener requires professional repair services. Addressing issues with your opener is crucial so your door continues to open and close safely and correctly.

Schedule Maintenance With AAA Garage Door

Routine maintenance inspections are the best way to address minor issues before they become problems. It also ensures your overhead door lasts as long as possible. For over 25 years, AAA Garage Door’s professionals have provided high-quality, prompt and reliable garage door repair and maintenance services in the greater Omaha area.

Our caring, highly-skilled professionals perform all of our garage door repair and maintenance services. We offer fair pricing models and easy scheduling. When you choose AAA Garage Door — the most reliable and trustworthy garage door repair specialists in Omaha — you receive quality services performed with extreme care and precision to ensure your garage door’s long-term safety, reliability and performance.

The post Troubleshooting a Noisy Garage Door appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

A garage door not only adds to the overall curb appeal of your home, but it also provides you with a method of securing it. Your garage door must be attractive and match the exterior style of your home to protect the integrity and value of your property. There are unique styles of garage doors available if you need a replacement. The style you choose will depend on what the exterior of your home looks like, in addition to the specific features you are interested in (windows, handles, or a particular color). Let’s look at some traditional garage door styles and non-traditional options.

Traditional Style Garage Door Style

A more traditional garage door style will usually be made from a material such as wood or steel. Raised panels are commonly used, adding a bit of tone and definition. They are often square or rectangular, positioned specifically to create an even pattern across the door. A traditional door is ideal if you want a clean and simple look. You can also choose different details to add customization, such as color, material type, panel design, and hardware.

Modern Garage Doors

A modern garage door style is often used in a home with a very sophisticated and contemporary look. There is a large emphasis on details like clean lines, and the color may be dark or metallic. The material of a modern garage door may be wood, glass, aluminum, or steel. A modern garage door is easy to spot, as it looks very artistic.

Traditional: Carriage House Garage Door

A carriage house garage door looks like it can open and close by swinging in and out of its garage door opening. It opens up and closes down like other garage doors though. You get the traditional look of this style while having a more modern function. Its design is from a conventional carriage-style home, created with a large garage that would open and close widely enough to allow a horse-drawn carriage to emerge.

Many carriage house garage doors allow you to customize the look with things like windows and hardware. However, you can also choose an amazingly simple garage door that is void of anything but some simple beadboard panels.

Modern: Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors are common in more modern home designs. They have clean lines and are usually free of additional details or features. Made from aluminum, steel, or wood, sectional garage doors are typically made from four or five horizontal panels that have been joined together with hinges. As the garage door opens and closes, those panels will bend. The benefit of this garage door style is that you don’t need much space in front of the garage door. The folding action keeps everything very compact and close to home. If you’re prone to parking your vehicles in the driveway right up against the garage door’s exterior, this is a style you want to consider using.

Modern: Slide-to-Side Garage Door

The slide-to-side garage door isn’t something you see often, and it’s a more modern concept. It works similarly to how a sectional garage door functions, but it rolls to the side instead of up and down. A lot of people like this option because it’s safe. You don’t have to worry about the garage door coming off the tracks or hitting anything on its way down. In addition, new slide-to-side garage doors have an app that allows you to control them using your smart device.

The only downfall of this garage door style is that you’ll need to keep one side of your garage clear so that the door can move freely in open and closed positions. Also, if you use your garage for storage or don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, you might not like this concept.

Traditional: Side-Hinged Garage Door

This is a very commonly used garage door that has traditionally been used for single-car garages. Split in the middle, the door will open and close by way of hinges attached to the sides of your garage door opening. If your traditional side-hinged garage door were installed many years ago, you would have to open the door manually. Newer models can be equipped with an opener and remote.

Popular in mid-century homes, there are different details that you’ll find on a side-hinged door. For example, some doors have a simple lever handle that looks like something you would find on a regular commercial door. A lock is also a common feature. The building material for these doors is usually metal, and the construction is sturdy overall.

Traditional: Tilting Garage Doors

A tilt-up garage door is a one-piece door that opens and closes by way of pivoting arms at each side of the door. It’s a more traditional door style but can look more modern using various materials, colors, and types. Unfortunately, for several reasons, a tilting garage door isn’t a preferred option anymore. First, when you open and close it, it takes up a lot of space in front of your garage. Part of the door will hide away in the ceiling of your garage, but a substantial portion sticks out of the garage. You will have to leave quite a bit of space in your driveway in front of your vehicles, which might not be possible if you have a short driveway.

Tilting garage doors can be unsafe if they’re not installed properly or are getting older. Because it’s a one-piece design, it’s very heavy. If any of the hardware comes loose or breaks, opening or closing the door could cause the whole door to come down.

Traditional and Commercial: Roll-Up Garage Doors

You won’t typically see a roll-up garage door in a home, but it’s a common fixture in a commercial building. It’s a simple concept: rolling upwards into a large coil at the top and interior sides of the garage. These doors are made of metal and usually don’t have a lot of frills. However, they’re affordable and lightweight, making them ideal for businesses of all types. The only downside is that roll-up garage doors usually make quite a bit of noise when in motion.

Customizing a Garage Door

If you have a uniquely sized garage or a specific style of home that you want to match with your new door, you can work with a garage door company to create a customized garage door. In addition to achieving a specific look, you can have your customized door open and close however you would like, with various features and hardware included.

If you want to learn more about the different modern and traditional garage door styles available, contact Garage Door Doctor. In addition to new garage door installations, we offer emergency repair services, routine maintenance, spring repair, and garage door opener installation. If you live in Bloomington or the surrounding areas, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The post Considering a Traditional or Non-Traditional Garage Door Style appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Your automatic garage door is a huge convenience for you each day. It saves you the time and hassle of having to get out of your vehicle every time you want to leave or enter your garage. As convenient as it is, there are some safety features that you should know about to ensure the longevity of your garage door.

1. Keep the Garage Door Opener Controls Away From Children
   Small children shouldn’t be allowed to play with either the garage door remote control that you keep in your car to activate the garage door or the control button in the garage. The continuous pressing of the button can wear on the controls over time.

2. Make a Monthly Visual Inspection
   Every month, you should make a visual inspection of the pulleys, rollers, springs, and cables that make up your garage door. Be on the lookout for broken items or things that don't seem to look as they should. Don't attempt to fix or adjust anything on your own as all of these components are under a great deal of tension. You could get hurt if you do so. Instead, contact a professional garage door repair service.

3. Test Your Garage Door Monthly
   At the same time that you are inspecting your garage door, get into the habit of also testing its reversing mechanism. Place a roll of paper towels or a stout board beneath it and watch to be sure that the door reverses upon contact. If it does not do so, call a professional garage door company right away for service.

4. Update Your Garage Door
   Even if your garage door seems to be working perfectly, if it is older than a model made in 1993, you should strongly consider getting it replaced. Not only have there been significant upgrades in technology since then, there are also key safety features that are built into newer garage doors.

5. Don't Leave the Garage Door Open Partly
   It can be tempting to leave the garage door open part of the way when you need some ventilation or if you are relaxing and need some protection from the sun. Doing so can be hazardous as the door can travel in a downward motion unexpectedly when you activate it again. This can cause injury to anything in its path.

Door Power has been providing services to the Minneapolis area since 1967. Contact them today for a free estimate if you need garage door services.

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

Although many homeowners don't spend much time thinking about their garage doors when something goes wrong, and it doesn't work properly, you realize that similar to other aspects of your home; the garage door needs regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Assuming there is no obvious physical damage to the door, the motor is the part people think to check if the door isn't working properly. However, there are also springs, cables, chains, and rails which can wear out over time or become out of alignment.

Springs: How They Work

Springs work instead of counterweights to help balance out the weight of the door so a lighter motor can lift it. If the springs come out of adjustment, they won't provide the proper tension to lift the door, and on occasion, they can break. They don't typically require much maintenance, but they do need to be oiled periodically, which is best left to a professional, so they don't get over oiled or too greasy.

Cables: Performance and Function

One problem misaligned springs can cause for a cable or chain to snap. If the door is inspected and properly maintained, the cables will generally last a lifetime. Although, sometimes they can get a nick or damage which the owner is unaware of which can then cause them to break at some point in the future. Fortunately, the system was designed knowing they may need to be replaced, so the replacement process is a fairly straightforward job to conduct. Again, it’s important to remember this should be conducted by a garage door specialist to assure the right gauge is used, and tensions are properly adjusted to increase your garage doors daily function.

Rails: Alignment and Continued Usage

Rails, like the other components of the garage door system, are designed to be tough and sturdy when subjected to the ordinary use expected of a garage door. However, they can also come out of alignment as everything has a breaking point. Whether heavy winds constantly rattle the door over the years, a car taps the door, or even children playing in the driveway and bumping against it, can over time lead the rails to come out of proper alignment. When such a thing happens, they need to be readjusted to allow them to properly guide the door up their tracks as it was designed and intended to work.

If you are looking for any garage door repairs, look no farther than Door Power. We have the expertise and tools you need to get the job done. Give us a call for a free estimate at 952-467-3199.

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

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

Most automatic garage door openers are chain driven. The chain is connected to two sprockets that work to drive the carriage or trolley so the door opens and closes. One sprocket is located at the motor and the other is at the end of the rail just next to the garage door itself. Garage door chains require a bit of slack in order for the motor to smoothly open and close the door. The issue is that the constant vibration that occurs whenever the motor runs can start to loosen the chain to where it starts to drag on the rail or disconnect entirely.

If the chain ever does come off, the opener won’t work and you’ll need to manually open and close the door. This is one reason why it’s always a good idea to have your garage door professionally maintained every year as the technician will always check and tighten the chain. Fixing a chain that has come loose may seem like a simple job; however, attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous. One wrong move, and you can cause injury or even death. If the chain on your garage door comes off, a call to a repair technician is warranted. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being curious about how the technician will repair your garage door. Below are the steps the technician will take to reattach your garage door chain.

Disconnecting the Door From the Opener

The first thing the technician will do is disconnect the door from the opener. There will be a cord with a red handle hanging from the carriage, which is the part that moves the door along the trolley or rail.

If the chain comes off when the door is fully open, the technician will not worry much as the door will normally stay up even after he or she disconnects the carriage from the trolley. However, there is always a chance that the door can come slamming down upon disconnecting the chain. Technicians are aware of these risks, and they have the training and the tools to mitigate them.
After disconnecting the carriage, the technician will then need to close the door by hand so he or she can access the chain. To do this, the technician will pull down on the rope that is connected to the door.

Unplugging the Motor

Once the door is disconnected and closed, the technician will climb on a ladder to unplug the motor from the outlet. This is essential as the technician will not want the motor to suddenly come on while working as it can lead to injury or even death.

Putting the Chain Back on and Then Adjust for Tightness

Depending on how loose the chain is, the technician may simply be able to slip it straight back onto the sprockets. They will make sure that the chain is fully on the sprocket at the motor. Depending on the specific model, the technician may need to use a screwdriver to pry off the cover to access the sprocket.

The technician will then need to take a ladder and climb up to the end of the trolley next to the door. He or she will see a second sprocket at the end of the trolley. If the technician can’t get the chain to easily slide back on the sprocket, he or she will first need to loosen it to secure and retighten it.

The technician will see a bolt that goes through the carriage and attaches to the chain with two nuts threaded on one side of it. The nut that is closest to the opener is the locking nut, and the nut closest to the door is the tension or adjustment nut.

The technician will first need to slightly loosen the locking nut with pliers or a wrench and then loosen the adjustment nut until the chain sags enough that he or she can enable it to slip back onto the sprocket. Once the chain is back in place, the technician will then start to turn the adjustment nut in the opposite direction to tighten the chain. The technician has the experience to know that tightening the chain too much can cause it to break or the opener to not work correctly. He or she will test if the chain is too tight or too loose by pushing down on it with one finger. The chain should only give by about an inch. Any more give and the chain is still too loose, and any less give means it is too tight.

Once the chain is properly tightened, the technician will retighten the locking nut to ensure it stays in place. The technician knows that forgetting this step will cause the chain to quickly come loose and eventually fall off again.

Plugging the Motor in and Testing That Your Door Works Correctly

The last steps are to plug the opener motor back in and then test that everything works as it should. After plugging the opener in, the technician will reconnect the carriage to the trolley. This is done by pulling the red emergency cord back in the direction of the opener until the carriage clicks back in place. When the carriage re-engages, the technician will usually notice that the chain suddenly has a bit more slack. This is normal and the chain will tighten back up as soon as he or she opens the door.

Once everything is reconnected, the technician will test your garage door to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. If the technician notices the chain slightly dragging on the rail when the door opens and closes, he or she will disconnect the carriage again and tighten the chain a bit more.

If the door opens and closes as it should and the chain doesn’t drag, then the technician’s job is done. If the motor doesn’t work for any reason or the chain immediately falls off again, then the technician will inspect the opener further to determine what is causing this problem.

Depending on the specific cause, you may need to have the chain replaced, or you will potentially need to replace the opener. If the chain constantly falls off, it usually means that the teeth on the sprockets have worn down to the point where they can’t properly grip the chain. As such, you may need to have the sprocket, motor or both replaced.

If you need to have your garage door chain put back on or you need your garage door or opener serviced in any way, the expert team at Garage Door Doctor is always here to help. We specialize in all types of garage door repairs, and we can also help if you need a new door or opener installed. We service both residential and commercial clients, so give us a call today if you need any garage door service in the Indianapolis or Bloomington areas.

The post What To Do When the Chain on a Garage Door Opener Comes Off appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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