The Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

Here at A Plus Garage Door, we’re big fans of insulated garage doors. Not only do they help keep Utah’s extreme weather at bay during the hottest and coldest months, but they offer many other benefits as well.

Insulation is a key part of comfort in any home, starting with the foundation, walls, roof, windows, and other components of a home. Insulation determines how resistant the structure is to thermal transfer and external noise, so it’s important that the garage door is not a weak point in that system.

How Insulated Garage Doors Are Made

Insulated garage door panels are made by several manufacturers, either using a pre-made foam panel or by injecting expandable foam insulation into a hollow panel.

For example, Amarr’s garage doors, as shown in the image above, are available with no insulation (left), polystyrene insulation with vinyl backing (center), or polyurethane insulation with steel backing (right).

Insulated Garage Door Cost

Insulated garage doors cost more than their non-insulated counterparts due to the additional materials and labor required to manufacture them. Depending on the make, model, and other specifics, the cost for an insulated garage door would be anywhere from 20 to 60% higher than a non-insulated one.

While that may seem like a steep markup, there are many benefits of having an insulated garage door installed on your home.

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

1. Improved Energy Efficiency (Thermal Insulation)

Insulated materials help reduce heat transfer between two different environments. In this case, the space inside and outside your garage. Here in Utah, we can see temperatures range from 3 degrees in the winter to 110 degrees in the summer. A garage door with a higher insulation value will help to keep out the heat and the cold better.

Garage door manufacturers include details about their products, including the R-value, which refers to the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power and the more efficient the garage door is.

In addition to having an insulated garage door, we highly recommend using weather stripping (also referred to as perimeter seal) to bridge the gap between the door and the building frame. Since it can be difficult or impossible to have the garage door close snug right up against the frame, this flexible material will help keep extreme weather at bay.

2. Durability

Steel-backed garage doors (ones made with steel on the back as well as the front) are much more sturdy than ones made with steel only on the front of the door. Under normal operating conditions, a steel-backed door will last many years longer than other doors due to the added structural strength.

3. Lower Noise Levels (Acoustic Insulation)

Insulated garage doors can help reduce noise levels. While the door is standing still, the insulation acts as a sound barrier, blocking loud noises from outside. While in operation, doors without insulation will often sound more hollow and clangy.

4. Protection

Garage doors are known for being heavy and strong, but their construction also makes them susceptible to damage in extreme cases. There have been reported instances of homes being broken into from top panels being pushed in to access the lever pull with a hanger and opening the garage door.

A steel-backed garage door will not be completely impervious to such an attack, but will definitely put up more of a fight than an uninsulated panel. Combine this with removing the cord or using a commercial product or the DIY approach, and your home will be that much more secure.

Insulated Garage Doors Are a Wise Investment

While it can be viewed as an upsell, we’re all-in on insulated garage doors given the extreme weather we face here in Utah and the many benefits they provide. Most of the garage doors we install are insulated (check out our new garage door photo gallery), and we have found that the advantages almost always outweigh the costs.

Are you looking for an insulated garage door and live in one of our service areas? Contact us today for a free estimate!

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

All garage door companies are different, but knowing generally how garage door installation will go certainly soothes the nerves.

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

Designing custom garage doors gives you the flexibility to create the look and feel you want for your home. Get the most of your customization by ensuring that you understand all the options available to you. Ask your custom garage door company about all the options they offer and the recommendations they have.

What’s the Right Material?

The first decision to make is the material of your garage door. Depending on your needs, climate, and overall look, you’ll want to choose between wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel, or composite material. By working with your custom-made garage door company, you’ll be able to look at all the options available. Depending on the type of material you select, you’ll have various options to choose from to customize the garage door to meet your needs.

What’s Your Style?

The overall look of the garage door may be the most important decision to make. You want your custom garage door to match the overall look of your house, which will help boost your home’s curb appeal. You’ll want to consider the number of panels you want on your garage door. Do you want any windows or insulation? The style of the garage door defines the overall look and will help you as you select the other finishes in the process. Are you looking for a modern garage door or something a bit more traditional like a carriage door? 

Finishes and Hardware

The final piece of the puzzle is the finish and the hardware of your new, custom garage door. Depending on the garage door material you select, you’ll have different stain and paint options to compliment your garage door. You will also be able to select various hardware combinations that will give your new garage door a fully customized look with incredible curb appeal.

A custom garage door is a great way to boost your curb appeal and make your house stand out. Customizing your door gives you the flexibility to make design decisions for a unique look. If you’re looking for a custom garage door, contact us for a complete guide to your options

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

Garage door installation pros like us go above and beyond to provide advanced garage door security; learn what that entails here.

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

It is important to find the garage door that works best for you. The type of material that your garage is constructed from makes a big difference in how the garage performs, how long it lasts, and the maintenance that will be required. An aluminum garage door is one of the options that will give you peace of mind as you upgrade your garage.

Durable & Easy to Clean

One of the biggest reasons to purchase an aluminum garage door to replace your current garage door is how durable and clean they are. Aluminum garage doors are sturdy and reliable just like their steel counterparts, but have a cleaner finish to them. An aluminum garage door is also easy to clean and usually only requires a quick spray with the hose.

Lightweight & Rust-free

The weight of your garage door plays a critical role in the lifespan of your garage door opener and the life of the door. An aluminum garage door is lightweight which allows your garage door to operate more efficiently. The aluminum material is also rust-resistant to help your garage door last through the seasons. Both the lightweight and rust-free characteristics help the garage door require less maintenance.

Customized for Curb Appeal

Aluminum garage doors are also great for curb appeal and can be easily customized to match the look of your house. These garage doors are great to add windows to bring in additional light and improve your curb appeal. You can also add insulation panels to the garage doors to help stave off the heat of the summer and the woes of the winter. Aluminum garage doors are great for when you would like a custom or modern garage door style.

In the market for a new aluminum garage door? Click the button below to contact us and set an appointment!

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

Does the entire neighborhood know when you’re coming home or going out? A noisy garage door can be inconvenient and annoying. The good news is that most times, a noisy garage is something that can be easily fixed and you can say goodbye to the anxiety of opening your garage late at night. If you have a noisy garage door, check these 3 things first to repair your garage door. 

Tighten Loose Parts

One of the first things to do if you have a noisy garage door is to tighten any loose parts. Normal wear and tear on your garage door can loosen parts and create unnecessary noise. Go through all the parts of your garage door and make sure that everything is tight and in place. While doing this, look for any worn down or broken parts that may need replacing.

Replace Worn or Broken Parts

If you find any worn down or broken parts, it’s a good idea to have those repaired or replaced. A worn-down hinge or roller can create a lot of noise. These parts are easily replaced and can make a big difference in the amount of noise from your garage door. Some parts of your garage can be replaced on your own, but it’s always best to have a qualified garage door repairman fix any issues. 

Decrease Friction

Once you’re confident that all the components of your garage are in great working order, it’s also important to make sure that there’s no resistance to your garage door. First, grease the track of the garage door to decrease friction as the door opens and closes. Secondly, use a garage door lube to lubricate all the pieces that move when the garage door is in motion.

After completing these three things, if your garage door is still too noisy, it may be time to look into replacing your garage door with a quieter option. If the noise of the garage door is coming from the opener, you can install anti-vibration pads to decrease the noise. A new and more efficient garage door opener may also be a way to decrease the overall noise of operation.

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

A high-quality garage door can be the difference between meeting your efficiency goals or falling short of the mark. One of the best options available to commercial customers is a high-speed roll-up garage door. These doors include features to open faster than other models so that your vehicles can hit the road with less downtime. 

While most regular garage doors move at a rate of around seven inches per second, high-speed garage doors cycle at up to 100 inches per second. That speed comes from a combination of lightweight yet durable materials and a powerful mechanical operator. Businesses in multiple industries can see vast improvements by outfitting their facilities with high-speed roll-up garage doors. These doors are great for: 

• Food processing facilities
• Pharmecuetical centers
• Automotive manufacturers
• Supermarkets
• Shipping centers
• Storage facilities
• And more

Nine Advantages of High-Speed Roll-Up Garage Doors

High-speed roll-up garage doors are a versatile option that can lead to various improvements for any commercial business. When you choose a high-speed overhead door for your facility, you’ll experience benefits in a range of areas.

1. Productivity

Speed and productivity go hand in hand in commercial settings, and high-speed garage doors are a great efficiency tool. High-speed doors open and close far faster than regular garage doors, meaning your vehicles will get in and out of the shop in less time. A high-speed door will help your business meet increased demand with a head of steam.

2. Dependability

Speed and efficiency are essential at commercial facilities, and your efficiency resources are only as good as they are dependable. A high-speed garage door from a reputable manufacturer will feature the strength and craftsmanship to work when you need it year after year. 

3. Security

Your commercial facility’s garage door is on the front lines, protecting your property from weather damage and theft. High-speed garage doors open and close quickly, reducing the window for unauthorized entry. They also feature strong materials that hold up against intrusion and adverse weather conditions. 

4. Safety

A high-speed garage door can ensure your employees’ safety in various ways. These doors seal tightly, preventing unwanted transmission of dust, debris, noxious gasses, sparks or extremely hot or cold air between rooms. Manufacturers also design high-speed overhead door panels with enough flexibility to minimize injury resulting from a collision. 

5. Durability

High-speed garage doors are different from normal doors in that they feature a direct drive motor as opposed to typical spring systems. Direct drive motors avoid many of the problems associated with spring systems. Drive motors also have the power to handle multiple consecutive cycles without damage. 

6. Energy Efficiency

High-speed garage doors improve energy efficiency in two key ways. First, these doors close in seconds, allowing businesses to seal buildings from extreme temperatures before the HVAC system goes into overdrive. Faster operation also means your other vehicles will spend less time idling as the door opens, so you’ll make better use of your fuel. 

7. Air Control

Many businesses require precise air quality control to prevent equipment damage, ensure hygiene or avoid wasting products. A high-speed garage door is fast and seals tightly, locking air in place to greater effect than standard overhead doors. 

8. Ease of Ownership

One of the best perks of a high-speed garage door is that they require very little maintenance. Any necessary procedures are easy to perform. You’ll be able to clean your door quickly using standard disinfectants and cleaning agents. These doors feature self-reinserting curtains that put your door back on track immediately after a collision. High-speed door maintenance is fast and easy, especially with the help of a certified technician. 

9. Cost Savings

Ultimately, choosing a high-speed garage door will save your business money. These doors are durable, require little maintenance and open in an instant. You’ll make the most of your resources over the door’s entire extended lifespan while spending less than what other doors require overtime.

Find High-Speed Roll-Up Garage Doors in Your Area

If you want to experience the benefits that a high-speed garage door can bring to your commercial facility, look for a trusted sales and installation team in your area. For Nebraska businesses located in Omaha, Elkhorn, Lincoln and beyond, that’s AAA Garage Door. 

In our 25-plus years in the industry, we’ve fostered our professional and personal skills to ensure the highest quality customer experience. We’ll work with you closely to find the best overhead door for your business and help maintain it in the years to come. Count on the certified technicians at AAA Garage Door for all your high-speed overhead door needs. 

Contact AAA Garage Door

High-speed overhead garage doors can make a real difference for your business, and AAA Garage Door is here to help you find the perfect model for your facility. To learn more about our commercial garage door services or to receive a free estimate, contact AAA Garage Door today!

The post Advantages of High-Speed Roll-Up Doors appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

Have you ever considered how much you rely on your garage door? You count on your garage door to open on a dime day in and day out. When you’re away from home, your garage door is on the front lines protecting your property. 

Many homeowners recognize the importance of a high-quality garage door, so they invest a lot of money in their initial purchase. That brand new door brings many benefits, but how long do garage doors last? Most last for 15 to 30 years before you’ll need to buy a new one. The trick to getting the most value for your purchase is extending your garage door’s lifespan with proper care. 

Getting your garage door to last requires careful use and occasional maintenance. In this post, we’ll discuss how to maintain a garage door so it lasts as long as possible. 

Eight Tips to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

Maximizing your garage door’s lifespan is worth the effort. Any homeowner can do a few things to get the most out of their garage door. Here are eight garage door use and maintenance tips you can begin implementing today: 

1. Use Old Doors Sparingly

This is especially important for older garage doors. The more you open and close your door, the more likely your door will experience wear and tear. While you should continue operating your door as needed, try your best to avoid opening and closing repeatedly. Keeping children away from the garage door opener can prevent unnecessary motion. 

2. Examine Safety Features

Your garage door has safety features such as an emergency release rope, photocell motion sensors and reverses functionality to avoid injury or property damage. You can test your sensors by placing a wooden block in the door’s path before closing or quickly putting the block in the way during a cycle. The door should reverse when it detects something in the way. For the emergency cord, pull the cord, ensure that you can move the door along the track manually and then plug it back into place.

3. Inspect the Hardware

Your garage door has various screws, nuts and bolts holding it together. These components can loosen over time. It’s smart to check and tighten your hardware every few weeks so that every component is secure. 

4. Test the Door’s Balance

Testing a garage door’s balance involves detaching it from its opener and manually moving it along its tracks. A well-balanced door should stay in place at the track’s halfway point, even without its opener. You can test your door’s balance on your own, but fixing it will require professional assistance. 

5. Audit the Weather Stripping

Your garage door features rubber lining around its outer edges to prevent water and debris from getting through or damaging the panel. These strips can rip or crack over time, so occasionally inspect them to catch issues before they worsen. Scheduling stripping replacement as soon as you notice the problem can save you a lot of money down the line. 

6. Clean and Lubricate the Tracks

A garage door’s tracks are essential to its smooth operation, so it’s important to keep the path clear. Frequently cleaning the tracks to remove dust and debris will prevent any obstruction from interfering with the door’s function. Lubrication can further improve the door’s cycles so it experiences even less strain over time. 

7. Wash Your Panel

Keeping your garage door panel clean is another way to maximize its lifespan. A dirty garage door can corrode and lose its pristine look. Washing your door with an all-purpose cleaner will ensure your home’s most prominent feature looks beautiful and lasts.

8. Monitor the Cables

A garage door’s cables connect to the opener to lift the door when you click your button. These cables must be strong to lift the door without breaking, so inspect for signs of damage. If a cable breaks, the door could fall, potentially injuring someone or damaging property.  

 

Schedule Regular Maintenance With AAA Garage Door

While you can follow the above tips to take control over your garage door’s longevity, scheduling annual maintenance from a trustworthy professional crew is the best way to maximize its lifespan. 

AAA Garage Door offers preventive maintenance services in Nebraska to spot problems before they escalate and extend your door’s life. Our crew will pay attention to the fine details so you can trust that your door is in good health until your next appointment. If we see a problem, we’ll fix your garage door on the spot or schedule a time to return with the necessary equipment. 

For more on our garage door maintenance services, contact AAA Garage Door today! 

The post 8 Tips to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

It can be difficult to find time to clean your garage door and maintain your home. Keeping your garage door looking great, however, is important for a number of reasons. Proper cleaning not only makes the surface of the door look good but it can prevent more serious structural issues from occurring. Additionally, curb appeal, warranty, and other things that you may not even consider can also provide tremendous benefits. Here are some things you can do to keep your garage door in the best shape possible.

What You’ll Need to Give It a Thorough Wash

Over time, your garage door will collect dirt, dust, and other debris. Giving it a proper wash with the right cleaning supplies is crucial for best results. Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done the right way.

Cleaning Solution

Even for an excellent clean, fancy soaps aren’t necessary. In fact, dishwasher soap or another mild detergent is usually perfect for the job. Once you get your hands on the soap, combine one cup of it with two gallons of warm water in a bucket for an ideal solution.

Non-Abrasive Sponges and Cloths

Your garage door can be sensitive to abrasive tools, so it’s imperative that you use a more gentle cleaning utensil like a soft sponge or bath cloth. You want to avoid accidentally scratching or damaging the door at all costs. You’ll also need some dry cloths to dry the door with after the cleaning process.

Step Ladder

Finally, you’ll need a step ladder so you can reach the highest parts of the door. Being at that height will also help you thoroughly inspect the job you’ve done before drying.

Get Scrubbing!

Once your supplies are in order, you’re ready to get to work. Although the scrubbing process is fairly self-explanatory, there are some things you should keep in mind to do the best job possible.

First, since you’re using a non-abrasive cleaning utensil, don’t be afraid to scrub the surface hard. If this is the first time you’re cleaning your garage door in several years, there’s probably a good amount of grime stuck on it. It’s worth taking some extra time and doing a good job.

You might encounter a spot with dirt that’s extremely caked on the door. When some extra elbow grease can’t get the job done, you can resort to a bleach and water mixture instead. For the optimal solution, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Bleach solutions should be used sparingly and carefully, as overdoing it can cause damage to the garage.

The weatherstripping and trim around the door are important to touch upon, too. In order for the door to look and function at its best, clean weatherstripping and trim are vital. Additionally, both the interior and exterior of the door should be scrubbed for the best results.

If you have a wood garage door, a thorough cleaning may result in minor erosions in your finish. If this happens, it may be necessary to give it a fresh coat of paint or stain to your existing finish or even refinish the door completely.

Things to Strictly Avoid While Washing Your Garage Door

You may be tempted to experiment with different methods of washing your garage door that is more convenient and take less time. While it’s great to think creatively, here are some practices that should be avoided.

Don’t Mix a Cleaning Solution With Bleach

As stated previously, bleach should be used solely for the toughest stains. When bleach mixes with your cleaning solution, either in the bucket or on the door itself, it can ruin the effectiveness of the solution and even diminish your door’s quality. The cleaning solution should be wiped off before bleach is applied. Furthermore, mixing bleach with other chemicals can be unsafe.

Pressure Washers Should Never Be Used

Even though grime could be stuck to the door, using a pressure washer to apply more power should never be considered. The integrity of your door should be of the utmost importance, and the process of washing it should never pose any risk of harming it. It is safe to use a hose with relatively gentle water pressure to wash off your garage door.

Don’t Call it a Day Until You’re Satisfied With the Result

When the cleaning process is complete, you should be happy with what you see. Making sure all parts of the garage door are clean, especially the bottom, is worth the necessary time. Also, take the time to use cloths to dry off the door to prevent water spots.

Waxing Your Garage Door

If your garage door is made of steel, it’s necessary to wax it as the last step in the cleaning process. A layer of wax to finish it off won’t only prevent wear and tear but will promote resistance to dirt and grime. If you live in an area that frequently experiences harsh weather, this is particularly important. You should aim to wax your steel garage door twice a year. It’s best to wax immediately after cleaning.

Only liquid waxes should be used on your door. A typical automotive wax is usually sufficient, and paste wax should never be applied. If you’re not sure how to properly apply wax, it’s worth doing some research before attempting to apply wax.

Restoring an Oxidized Garage Door

Oxidation of your garage door, which can make it rust, is caused by the build-up of dirt, salt, and moisture. Here’s how you can restore your door if oxidation has seized control.

Start by washing and drying the door by using the process described above. Dealing with oxidized parts of the door can only work when the door is free of grime and completely dried off.

Next, pour white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the rusted areas and use steel wool to scrub the area. Since steel wool is a somewhat abrasive cleaning utensil, be extra careful while scrubbing, making sure to only remove the rust without damaging the door.

You’ll now want to roughen the entire door with medium-grit sandpaper. This will prepare the door for a coat of primer.

Once the entire door is thoroughly sanded, paint it with a coat of primer that contains zinc chromate. This will help stop oxidation from happening in the future. A paint roller works well for flat parts of the door, but a paintbrush may be needed as well.

Finally, to ensure your door’s protection from future oxidation, you’ll want to apply a coat or two of rust-resistant paint. This will also help to hide the primer.

When your garage door needs cleaning, you can count on us at Garage Door Doctor to offer top-notch service in Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding areas. We also offer garage door repair, garage door spring repair and replacement, and commercial garage door services. As members of the International Door Association, we offer 24/7 emergency services for whatever issues you may be dealing with. Being upfront with our customers about every aspect of what we do is at the heart of who we are. Give us a call today and we’ll give your garage door the makeover it’s been needing.

The post How to Clean Garage Door appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

An energy-efficient garage helps reduce the burden on your house during extreme temperatures, as well as lowering your heating and cooling costs overall. By addressing the four questions listed below, you can rest assured that your garage door is conserving energy and helping reduce the energy consumption of your home.

Is Your Garage Weatherproof? 

One of the simplest ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home and garage is to install weather trim anywhere on your garage that is not airtight. Oftentimes, a garage door may not close completely throughout the length of the garage due to uneven flooring, a weather seal is a great solution to help create a barrier between the outside climate and your garage. A quality weather seal around all the entrances of the garage will make a big difference in energy efficiency.

Do You Have a Smart Garage Door Opener?

A smart opener allows you to more accurately manage the opening and closing of your garage. If you’re not sure if the garage door is closed or you need to open the door remotely, a smart opener gives you that flexibility. In most cases, you can set alarms to ensure your garage door is closed at night and during the highest temperatures of the summer. 

Is Your Garage Insulated? 

Another simple and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your garage is to install insulation on your garage door and other areas of the garage. Garages may be unfinished or partially finished but can oftentimes not have insulation. The garage door itself may not be insulated as well. By adding insulation, you’re adding an extra layer of protection from the outside.

How Efficient is the Rest of Your Garage?

While your garage door is the largest entrance to your garage, other factors play a role in the energy efficiency of the space. Does your garage have windows? If so, how energy efficient are they? If the windows are older and do an insufficient job at managing temperature, replacing them may help reduce the overall temperature and increase efficiency. Do a thorough inspection of your entire garage for air leaks and other inefficiencies that may be leading to higher temperatures in your space. If you find any issues, repairing those or mitigating them will help increase the efficiency of your space.

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