What to Look For in Your Commercial Garage Door

Commercial garage door installations share many requirements with their residential counterparts—and a few unique requirements, too.

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

Maintaining your garage door springs ensures that your garage door, the largest entry into your home, performs properly for years to come. Just like water heaters or refrigerators, garage doors are one of the things in your home that you forget about until something isn’t working properly. It is important to get annual maintenance on your garage door, to ensure everything is running smoothly and properly to make sure your garage door lasts for as long as possible. The purpose of the garage door spring is to make the garage door light enough so that the garage door opener can easily move. 

Gravity wants to pull the garage door down but with a well-maintained spring, your garage door will spring up quickly, quietly, and easily. It is extremely common for homeowners to go years without lubricating the door’s springs or providing any kind of maintenance to the door at all before it breaks down.

Recommended Lubricant for Garage Door Springs

Most garage door experts recommend using white lithium or silicone spray on your garage door springs. Both of these products leave a thicker coat of grease that will stick to your springs. Although it may be tempting to use something you have on hand already, some common products — such as the classic formula of WD-40 Unlike WD-40, which many customers mistakenly believe would be a good lubricant, actually dries out the garage door springs, causing friction in the springs, making them break earlier than expected. 

While WD-40 has many valuable applications, you should not use it on your garage door’s springs. The best way to keep your garage door springs lasting throughout the years is to lubricate them 1-2 times annually with either white lithium or silicone-based spray. These can easily be found at a local hardware store. 

Other Ways to Extend the Life of Garage Door Springs

Extending the life of garage door springs depends on the maintenance of the rest of your garage door parts as well. Be sure to keep the rollers, hinges, and other moving parts well lubricated. This helps limit stress on the garage door and the garage door opener. 

Often, we encounter doors that have the wrong size garage door springs installed, which also affects the lifespan of the garage door springs. When a garage door company is willing to give you specific pricing over the phone of what a garage door spring costs, they either are not giving you the full cost or are going to install the wrong garage door springs. Determining the proper spring size requires weighing the garage door with all components installed like struts, rollers, and hinges. 

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

Checking that your garage door’s seal is tight is incredibly important, especially during the winter months when the goal is to keep the extreme cold out and utility bills low. You may be surprised to know how much warm air escapes through your residential garage door, especially if you haven’t regularly maintained it. There are ways to resolve this issue, and it starts by making time to weatherproof your garage space well before the flurries start flying.

There are ways to resolve this issue, and it starts by making time to winterize your garage space well before the flurries start flying.

It’s never too late to make necessary repairs or to invest in proper winterizing solutions to help keep the warmth inside where it belongs. The garage door service experts at AAA Garage Door, Inc. have some garage door weatherproofing tips for Omaha homeowners looking to tackle some of the things that can cause garage spaces to become a drain on heating costs during the colder months.

Contact Us To Winterize Your Garage Door!

7 Tips to Weatherproof Your Garage Door & Keep It Warm

It doesn’t matter if you want to get ahead of the game this winter or you’re trying to seal your garage door with snow already on the ground. These seven garage weatherproofing tips will help!

1. Inspect and Replace Garage Insulation

Homeowners sometimes forget that an insulated garage door can make a big difference in containing the warm air that your HVAC system generates. Insulate the walls and the garage door to save money on your energy bills and keep your garage warm in the winter.

Fiberglass batt insulation is a relatively inexpensive solution for the walls, but does require some skill to install correctly. Many of the worn-out wood, aluminum or metal garage doors aren’t conducive to adding insulation. Instead, look for new overhead doors that feature integrated polystyrene or polyurethane insulation. You can also get home insulation kits to add insulation to your existing garage door if it’s not that old.

2. Replace Weatherstripping and Seal Cracks and Holes

The weatherstripping seal around your garage door takes the brunt of harsh weather and repeated opening and closing, which can cause them to become brittle and crack or break. During winter, the rubber stripping on your garage door can freeze to the ground or threshold, causing it to rip, tear or cause the lifting mechanism to work harder to do its job. If you find that your garage door weatherstripping has any visible damage, it’s best to replace your garage door seals before the winter comes.

You’ll also want to remove any snow or ice from the area where your door seals. Ice chunks or snow clinging to the door can interfere with the photo-eye sensors, which could cause the door to come partially down, then go right back up without closing. If you choose to remove the old seal and apply a new weatherstrip, use a high-quality product designed to remain pliable at any temperature.

After installing new weatherstripping, take a moment to inspect the garage walls and the areas around windows and doors where small cracks or openings are creating cold drafts. Caulk and seal those areas to minimize heat loss and seal any gaps that might’ve formed.

3. Check the Moving Parts of Your Garage Door

Overhead garage doors rely on several metal pieces to operate, such as the rollers, hinges and tracks. Metal contracts and could break when the temperature gets cold. As a result, your Omaha garage door could start to perform poorly or even stop working altogether. Rollers in particular can become brittle in cold air, causing them to crack. If the door doesn’t open or close correctly, it could let in cold drafts in the winter.

Explore your garage door and look at the various moving parts to make it last longer. If you see anything that appears broken or out of place, it’s time to repair those pieces before the cold weather starts.

4. Inspect Weatherstripping Between Garage Door Panels

This tip only applies to some garage door designs. If your garage door has room to install weatherstrippings between the individual door panels, we recommend you use v-shaped garage door weatherstripping. This protective seal will significantly increase your garage door’s energy efficiency to maintain heat in your living space. V-shaped garage door weatherstripping isn’t the same as bottom weatherstripping and side weatherstripping. This seal is located between each door panel and provides the door and your garage with extra insulation.

5. Install an Automatic Wi-Fi-Enabled Garage Door Opener

Sometimes cold drafts may enter your home because you forgot to close the garage door. An open garage door leaves your home exposed to the elements. One simple yet effective way to keep your garage warm in the winter is to replace your outdated garage door opener with an automatic one. Most modern models allow you to create a recurring schedule so your garage door will close automatically after a certain amount of time.

By connecting your opener to your smartphone or mobile device, you can check that you closed your garage door and receive alerts when it opens. You can also use the app on your smartphone to check whether your garage door is out of alignment or needs maintenance that you’ll have to address.

6. Replace Your Garage Door

You may need to replace your old, worn-out garage door with a new, energy-efficient one. If your garage door is several decades old or has severe damage from a storm or other forms of wear and tear, a new garage door can help keep you warm in the winter. Even though a new door may be a significant investment, it’ll allow you to save money on your energy bills over time, so it’s well worth the investment.

If you’re going to get a new garage door, make sure you find one with excellent thermal insulation. Look for a garage door with a high R-value that demonstrates the effectiveness of reducing heat transfer. Depending on your local area, you should find garage door insulation of at least 10 to keep out the cold weather in the winter. A highly insulated door can protect your vehicles as well as your maintenance fluids and paints. You may also want a new garage door if you use your garage as a workspace.

Consider a material that can keep the cool air out and the warm air inside. Wooden garage doors are naturally insulative, while steel garage doors are compatible with the polystyrene or polyurethane insulation sheets available on the market today. Consult a garage door technician for the options available to you in your local area.

7. Call a Professional 

If you want a professional opinion on garage weatherproofing, look no further than AAA Garage Door in Omaha, NE. We specialize in weatherstrip replacement, garage door efficiency and overall preventative maintenance that will save you money this winter. If any of these garage weatherproofing tips seem too hard to fix on your own, let us do the hard work for you!

Learn About Our Garage Door Sealing Services

AAA Garage Door, Inc. is always available to help take care of the chore of garage door repair, maintenance and winterization. Call us at (402) 727-0789 or fill out a contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you.

Last Reviewed By Felipe Pinales on October 21st, 2021

The post 7 Weatherproofing Tips to Keep Your Garage Warm appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

Your garage door opens and closes approximately 1,500 times a year. With a weight exceeding 150 pounds, it can put a lot of pressure on the underlying mechanism. In this article, you’ll find tips on how to troubleshoot and fix your garage door.

Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

When the garage door does not open or close, troubleshoot the opener first. You can start by checking the condition of the batteries and replace them if they are dead. You can locate the batteries at the back of the transmitter.

It may also not be a fault from your transmitter but simply that you are merely out of range. The range for most transmitters is about four or five car lengths, or 50 feet, from the opener. Moving closer should get the door to open.

There could be barriers preventing the transmitter on the garage door from receiving the signal. When looking for obstructions, also make a point of checking for any signs of damage and schedule repairs if necessary.

It is also possible that the motor is defective. In that case, you should consult a repair technician to diagnose the garage door. Consider talking to Garage Door Doctor’s team for prompt garage door repairs in anywhere in or around Indianapolis.

Garage Door Opens but Does Not Close

If the garage door opens but does not close completely, the most probable cause is a faulty safety sensor. The photo eye sensors are usually on either side of the door. These devices prevent it from closing when there is an obstruction.

Start by examining the photo-eye sensors and ensure their alignment is correct. The easiest way to check for problems is to measure the height of the sensors. The distance from the floor should be the same for both if the alignment is correct.

Besides misalignment, another issue is dust on the lens. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the grime and dust while taking care not to scratch the surface.

After cleaning and aligning the photo-eye sensors, test the door. If the door does not close, it may be a fault in another part of your system. You can call a garage door technician to troubleshoot and fix the opener.

Door Closes but Immediately Opens

If the door closes and then opens, it is probably an issue with the limit switch settings. It can happen when you have a new garage door installation or an old model that needs a reboot to work correctly.

The limit switch settings signal the door how far to move when closing. If the range is set too high, it will close and open again. The opener will conclude that something is obstructing the door and will initiate the safety mechanism.

The dials for the limit switch settings can vary depending on the model of your opener. You can adjust the limit switch gradually by turning the dial in small increments. Keep turning the dial until the door stops after it closes. You can consult the opener’s manual for the location of the switch for your model.

Garage Door Opens Partially

If there is a problem with the limit switch adjustment, your garage door may fail to open completely. The door may rise before stopping halfway. Incorrect limit switch settings may signal the opener to stop before the door ascends to the top.

If adjusting the limit switch does not solve the problem, the rollers could be a cause. The rollers might need lubrication, or they may be defective and require a replacement.

Another source of the problem might be a warped metal track. For the door to open and close properly, the alignment must be precise. Otherwise, it will open and close unevenly. With time, the problem will become worse as the heavy garage door moves along the defective tracks.

You will need a level to check if the alignment is correct. Typically, there will be rubbing sounds as the door moves past the point where the tracks have warped. You can unscrew the tracks and use a rubber mallet to push them back into position gently.

If it gets to the point where the door does not open at all, the damage may be too severe to fix. In such situations, you should consult a garage door professional. Garage Door Doctor has the knowledge and expertise to repair your garage door for you.

The Motor Is Running, but the Door Does Not Move

Sometimes, the motor will continue running, but the door does not move at all. In such instances, it could either be an issue with the limit switch or the belt.

If the issue is with the limit settings, the door may close while the motor keeps running. Most often, this is an installation problem. An adjustment of the switch should fix it.

If the motor is still running, it could also be an issue with the trolley. It often happens when someone pulls the emergency release rope. Pulling it upwards and towards the opener should re-engage the motor. You can consult the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions for your model.

If none of the solutions work, it could be a fault with the system. It is possible that the gears are worn out and cannot engage the motor properly. The emergency release rope may have gotten stuck. In either case, a professional should diagnose and repair your system.

Troubleshooting Unusual Sounds

If you have a noisy garage door, it is often an indication of a fault in the system. A vibrating sound when opening or closing indicates the nuts and bolts are loose. A high-pitched squealing noise is a sign of defective hinges. Squeaking can also indicate friction due to a lack of lubrication.

Banging and rattling noises are usually an issue with the door’s balance. You may also notice that it takes time for the door to open and close or that the movement is irregular. Ignoring the problem may damage the spring and cable assembly.

One of the sounds you should never overlook is a loud banging noise. You may hear this when the torsion springs break while you are at home. The springs have a lifespan of 10,000 cycles and may give in when they exceed their limit.

A broken spring can be dangerous to occupants of your home. Torsion springs also support the door’s cables. If you don’t address the issue in a timely fashion, these will also break. That’s why a prompt repair is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Tips for Preventing Garage Door Problems

Whenever you detect a technical problem, you should schedule repairs as soon as possible. You can troubleshoot and fix issues with the settings or alignment of the sensors. If components of the system are defective, however, you risk serious injury.

Approximately 30,000 people each year report sustaining injuries when trying to fix a garage door. You can prevent faults in the future by scheduling maintenance services at least every 18 months. Maintenance helps you save on repair costs while reducing the risk of accidents in your home.

For trusted and prompt garage door solutions in Indianapolis, you can rely on Garage Door Doctor. We have the experience to handle projects of any size or scope, and we’re accredited by the BBB. Our crew has earned top ratings on Google Reviews and Yelp thanks to our outstanding customer service. Contact us today for more information or an appointment.

The post How to Spot and Troubleshoot Common Garage Door Problems appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Steel garage doors are the most common of all garage doors. It is easier to make a custom steel garage door versus any other garage door material. There are several overall benefits to steel garage doors, which bring a higher return on your investment versus that of other garage doors such as value, safety, durability, and the level of maintenance steel garage doors require versus that of other higher-end garage doors.

Value of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are the most cost-effective of all garage door replacement options. Steel garage doors last longer than garage doors made of synthetic materials. Steel requires less annual maintenance, compared to doors like wooden garage doors, to continue to look attractive throughout the years. 

Safety and Durability

Steel garage doors are strong and do not warp from weather compared to other garage doors like wooden ones. It is highly recommended that they should be bought insulated with a steel backing. Steel back insulated garage doors are the highest level of insulation a garage door can have. 

Insulated garage doors paired with weather trim help to prevent air leaks and provide a comfortable environment inside of the garage. The combination helps with energy bills during extreme weather months, helping to acclimatize the garage and the home from the outside weather. Steel back insulated garage doors are better resistant to dents, which helps the steel garage doors last longer. There are different levels of insulation, the highest being the steel back insulated, providing more durability. Steel back insulated garage doors reduce outside noise and are also quieter while operating. 

Less Maintenance

Steel garage doors are lighter, taking less toll on the garage door opener, helping the opener to last longer. To ensure your garage door lasts for as long as possible, we recommend an annual cleaning to spray off any dirt making sure it is cleaned out of any cracks or crevices in the garage door.

Looking for a new garage door? Set up a free estimate with one of our door designers!

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

Garage door openers are designed with safety in mind, but sometimes their safety mechanisms warrant simple repairs.

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

Garage door repair is generally next, but what do you do until help arrives? How can you tell if the problem is dangerous, like a broken garage door cable?

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

Custom garage doors bring you the type of garage door that you and your home need, with durability, style, insulation options, and adding value to your home. Getting a new garage door brings a 98% return on investment, increasing the value of your home. With increased aesthetic appeal to your home, and improved durability and strength, these factors will add to the resale value of your home in the long run. 

Durability

Selecting a custom garage door allows you to choose the materials for your door. You can choose great quality materials like wood, glass, and aluminum. On top of choosing the main materials for your door, we provide options for high-quality parts such as high-cycle springs, heavy-duty hinges, and sealed rollers to ensure that your door lasts as long as possible and runs smoothly. 

Finding a Perfect Match for Your Home

Whether you are trying to create a more modern feel or preserve the historic or rustic look of your home, finding the perfect door to fit your home is our top priority. With hundreds of options from several different vendors, we are able to provide you with the perfect garage door for your home. 

Insulation

If you live here in Utah, your home is exposed to just about every extreme in weather. Being able to choose the amount of insulation offer your door the ability to help maintain an even temperature in your garage during the extreme months of winter and summer. You might be able to save money on heating and cooling bills during those months while also protecting your possessions in your garage from the dramatic changes in weather each year.

Choosing Your Custom Garage Door

Selecting a custom garage door allows you to choose exactly what you would like your garage door to look like, upgrading the look of your home making the overall look of your home nicer. In some cases, a custom garage door is much more affordable than you might think. You can choose a higher quality material for your garage door, making your door more durable, and find the perfect look to match your own home.

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

Your garage door acts as a barrier between weather elements and the interior. In the colder months, it will be subject to moisture, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Regular maintenance is essential to keep you and your home safe. Here are the top maintenance tasks to do in the fall.

Inspect Garage Door Mechanisms

You may start maintenance with an inspection of the door’s track mechanism. Inspect the tracks on either side of the door and ensure that there is no debris blocking its movement. You can test it by switching to manual mode. Try opening and closing the door. It should open smoothly without glitches.

Also, check that the photosensors are working. The photosensors are installed on either side of the door at no more than six inches above the ground. The safety device prevents the door from closing when there is an obstacle in between. You should ensure the sensor is secure on the side of the door.

You can check if the sensors are working by placing an object at its height. If you press the close button, the door should not close. If it does, it could be a safety hazard. In such instances, you can consult Garage Door Doctor, a top-rated service provider in Indianapolis.

Test the Garage Door Spring

Your garage door spring can continue to function efficiently for up to 10,000 cycles of closing and opening. During the summer months, the door can take a beating from all the activity in your home. Therefore, you should test the spring to ensure that it has not sustained any damage during this time.

You can start the evaluation by visually examining the condition of the spring. However, sometimes a faulty spring stretches instead of snapping. In either case, you may notice the door has an imbalance. The top half may appear to be out of alignment with the rest of the frame.

Another sign of a broken spring is when the motor is working and the door is not moving. You may also hear a sharp screeching sound as it struggles to open. It indicates that the spring is not moving with the motor, and therefore, it is faulty.

If the spring is faulty, using the opener may lead to further damage. At Garage Door Doctor, we recommend calling a technician immediately. Otherwise, the rails may bend, or gears may strip off from the opener’s mechanism.

The cables and pulley system should also be in good condition to support the weight. Look out for cords with worn-out or fraying strands. Consult a professional if you suspect an issue with the pulley mechanism. Such complications can lead to higher repair costs in the future.

Observe a Regular Cleaning and Lubrication Routine

By autumn, your garage door may have accumulated debris and dust. Before cleaning it, visually inspect the exterior of a metallic door for rusting. Wood is prone to warping because it is exposed to excess moisture. If the surface has rust or peeling paint, you should sand it and repaint it for maximum protection.

You can clean a wooden garage door with a dry cloth. For plastic, metal, or other synthetic surfaces, use a soft cloth and an appropriate cleaner.

When cleaning, make a point of lubricating every moving part. Friction on rollers and the tracks can cut down the lifespan of your garage opener. You can apply a high-quality lubricant twice a year to keep it efficient.

You can apply oil on rusty parts of the torsion springs to stop further corrosion. If the opener has a drive chain, you can also spray lubricant on it. However, you should not lubricate the belt drive.

Garage door professionals recommend lubricating with silicone or lithium-based grease. Oil products like WD-40 are degreasers, which can increase friction. Use a grease spray for an accurate application. After lubricating parts, wipe up any spills to prevent staining the opener or the garage floor.

Inspect the Weather Stripping

In the winter, the garage door’s surface will be subject to extreme cold, snow, and ice. Therefore, the door must have adequate weather-stripping at the bottom. Replace the entire stripping if it has broken down.

For wooden openers, the weather-stripping is secured in place by a nail. Metal doors will have an aluminum stripping holding up a u-shaped rubber gasket. The rubber gasket is much easier to replace than other types of weather-stripping.

The door may also have vinyl and rubber on its sides to stop rain or wind. Vinyl can warp when exposed to moisture, rain, or snow. If old or worn out, replace it and ensure that the flange is firm against the door for a perfect seal.

Test Your Garage Door Balance

During your inspection, you should also be sure that the garage door is level. When the weight balances evenly across the springs and pulleys, it exerts less stress on the system. If you continue opening an unbalanced door, it will eventually cause the spring to break prematurely.

A visual examination can tell you if it is level. A slanting door indicates that the force is not being exerted equally on the springs. In such instances, you must call a garage door technician before the door breaks.

Another balancing test is to lift the door until it is halfway open. When you release it, it should remain in place. But if it slams shut, it means that the door is out of balance.

You may also notice that it takes longer than usual to shut or close the garage. Unbalanced doors are noisy, producing strange sounds when you open or close them. After lubricating moving parts, if it still makes noises, you may want to schedule repairs.

It is also worth noting that a professional should fix defective parts such as the spring. The internal components of the opener can be dangerous for an inexperienced person. Also, do not attempt to open the door if the spring breaks. According to statistics, more than 20,000 people sustain injuries annually from garage door accidents.

Organize Your Garage and Schedule Maintenance Service

Organizing your garage can help increase the lifespan of the door. In the cold season, ventilation is essential for preventing moisture accumulation that could cause water damage. Therefore, rearranging and clearing areas of your garage prevents rust and warping.

Your maintenance routine will depend on the type and number of layers on the door. A triple-layered door offers additional protection and is quieter than a single-layered one. However, the multiple layers make it heavier and more expensive.

Ideally, you should schedule maintenance service at least once every 18 months. For busy homes or commercial establishments, once a year or more is recommended. The garage door is one of the heaviest items in your home. Ensuring that it is in working condition will prevent accidents and keep your home safe.

As a family-owned and -operated company, Garage Door Doctor has been offering unbeatable solutions since 2009 for commercial and residential garage door sales, service, and installation. We provide customized services to meet your home or business’s needs. Our team has a reputation for our honesty and professionalism. Call the Garage Door Doctor’s help desk today for an estimate of our services in Indianapolis.

The post Fall Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Efficient appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

Garage door installation is never something to be undertaken lightly—so go big with an insulated garage door for your next renovation. 

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