Garage Door Troubleshooting: 4 Reasons Behind Door Failure

Is your garage door on the fritz? Have you recently noticed strange noises or abnormal movement patterns? When you have an automatic garage door, a variety of issues can cause your door to function improperly. And while a non-functional garage door may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can be a serious safety issue for the untrained homeowner. At Bluff Country Garage Doors, we take safety seriously, which is why we offer dependable, on-call service. Today, we’d like to discuss the most common reasons behind garage door failure, and why you should always hire a professional to perform your repairs.

Improper Track Alignment

The metal tracks that houses your garage door’s rollers must be in perfect alignment for the door to open and close properly. If they become slightly misaligned, you may notice the following telltale signs:

●        Grinding noises

●        Gaps between the rollers and the track

●        Bent tracks

●        Abnormally slow movement in isolated areas

Continual opening and closing of an improperly aligned garage door can exacerbate the problem. Because the average garage door is heavy—weighing between 130 and 400 pounds—it may cause the rails to bend even farther out of alignment as it moves through the track. If you observe any of the symptoms noted above, it’s best to call a garage door repair technician before the misalignment gets out of hand.

Broken Torsion or Extension Springs

If your garage door suddenly fails to move up or down, you may be dealing with broken torsion or extension springs. Springs control the movement of your garage door by regulating the tension required to move the door—but they don’t last forever. Depending on the type of springs you have, you’ll typically need to replace them every seven to nine years if you open your door an average of four times per day. And if you open your door more often, you’ll need to be diligent about having replacement springs installed. A word of caution: if you observe a broken spring, do not try to open the door yourself. Springs are highly dangerous and should only be handled by a trained professional.

Broken Cables or Tension Springs

Just as the door’s torsion and extension springs have a limited life, so do its cables and tension springs. If you’ve noticed your garage door closing unusually fast, or if it slams loudly to the ground as it reaches the last foot or two, it’s probably time to replace the tension springs or cables. Like torsion springs, cables and tension springs can be very dangerous to handle if you are not properly trained. Most components of your garage door hold an enormous amount of tension as a high level of force is required to open the door. Rather than risk harm, it’s best to let the professionals repair any broken garage door components.

Objects Inhibit the Door’s Movement

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it still stumps people every day. If your garage door is equipped with a sensor mechanism, it will fail to close fully if there is an object blocking its path to the ground. If your door moves downward, but suddenly stops and reverses, an object is likely tripping the sensor.

A less common occurrence is debris buildup within the door’s track. For the door to close properly, the track must be unobstructed for the roller wheels to move freely along their path. Even the smallest object—gum, a ping pong ball, your child’s action figure—can stop the door in its tracks (literally). You’ll need to examine the length of the track to determine if debris is causing the problem.

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

Just like your car needs routine oil changes, your garage door needs routine tune-ups. As one of the most used appliances in your home, it is best to service your garage door annually. Proper care and maintenance of your garage door are essential in ensuring smooth daily operations and preventing major breakdowns in the future. 

As a leading overhead garage door repair company in Davis County, Affordable Garage Door Repair has the best technicians available for your annual garage door maintenance. We will make sure your garage door is functioning efficiently and safely for the whole family to enjoy. During the service, we will check:

• Springs
• Cables
• Rollers
• Operator
• Sensors

Why Regular Maintenance is Important

Garage doors should be serviced regularly to maintain efficiency and security measures. If left unserviced, your garage door could malfunction and lock you out when you least expect it. Even worse, it could become a safety hazard for your family. The best way to avoid a disaster is to call Affordable Garage Door Repair for a maintenance service. 

Avoid Expensive Repairs

A garage door that has been denied maintenance for too long will require expensive repairs to continue functioning. This machinery is so heavy that it puts a lot of pressure on small components like springs and bolts. Therefore, internal units will experience significant wear and tear that will cause your entire door to malfunction without proper care. An annual tune-up can help you avoid expensive repairs by replacing only the parts that have deteriorated. Which do you think is cheaper? A spring or a whole new garage door? 

Keep Valuables Safe

Your house contains a lot of invaluable items such as personal electronics, expensive appliances, and most importantly, your family. To protect the things that are most important to you, you need functioning doors. A damaged garage door could easily be tampered with to allow foreign dangers into your house. Make sure your garage door is not only maintained but also equipped with the latest security measure so you can have peace of mind that your home is the safe sanctuary it is supposed to be. 

Protection from Bad Weather

When the weather gets nasty, the first thing we do is close our doors and windows to create a barrier that will protect us from outside dangers. If your garage door hasn’t been serviced in years, it could easily break at the next sight of a natural disaster. Maintenance is the key to ensuring your garage door can survive dangerous weather all year long. 

Signs of Wear and Tear 

We know it’s time for your next garage door service, so don’t hesitate to call us today. Our expertly trained technicians can repair all garage door problems big and small. Whether you’re looking for a state-of-the-art garage door installation or professional garage door spring repair, we service all clients from Murray to Salt Lake City, UT. 

The post How Often Should You Tune-Up Your Garage Door? appeared first on Affordable Garage Door Repair | affordablegaragedoorfix.com.

Oh, the unquestioned convenience of a fully functional garage door. Until one day, that’s no longer the case. Often, we take our garage doors for granted, assuming they’ll forever and flawlessly open and close at the touch of a button. And then reality hits. If you’ve ever been caught in the midst of garage door malfunction, you know just how frustrating, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous attempting to locate and fix the issue can be. The garage door experts at Door Power, in Norwood, MN discuss how routine garage door maintenance can help you avoid unexpected garage door failure.

Tighten Up the Hardware

The average household opens and closes their garage door approximately 1500 times per year! That’s a hefty dose of potential wear and tear over time. With all of that opening and closing and the associated vibrations, various components can loosen, potentially resulting in damage to your garage door if you’ve neglected proper maintenance. Fortunately, keeping those components in top working condition requires just a few minutes and a socket wrench. Simply examine your garage door’s brackets, fasteners, and bolts to locate any loose parts. If you find any, tighten them until secure using your socket wrench.

Examine the Rollers

With all of that opening and closing each year, your garage door’s rollers can also undergo extensive wear and tear. Rollers, which guide your garage door through its tracks, typically have a life of about seven years, but experts recommend inspecting them twice annually. If you observe any cracking, chipping, or extensive wear, it’s time to install replacements. Because the replacement process can be quite involved, its best suited to a trained garage door repair technician.

Put the Safety Features to the Test

If you have a manual garage door manufactured after the early 1990s, chances are it came equipped with several safety features. These might include safety sensors, auto-reverse, and manual override. These critical features were installed with the safety of you and your family in mind, so keeping them in top working condition is paramount. Pro tip: If your door does not contain any safety features, it’s time for a garage door replacement.

To test the auto-reverse features, place a solid object on the ground directly in the path of the garage door. Using the opener, close the garage door. When the door comes into contact with the object, it should automatically reverse. If it doesn’t, call a garage door repair technician. To test the safety sensors, first, measure their height. Then, find an object that reaches higher than the height of the sensors. Place the object in the path of the safety sensors and attempt to close the door using the opener. If the sensors work properly, they will detect the object and immediately stop the door from closing. Again, if this feature malfunctions, it’s time to call your local repair technician.

To test the manual override, obtain a ladder and place it beneath the chain that controls your garage door. Here, you should find a red, manual override cord hanging from the chain. Give the cord a forceful pull to lock it in the appropriate position. You’ve just activated manual override mode. To test it, attempt to open the door using the garage door opener. If it fails to open with the electronic opener, but you can lift it using your hands, your manual override is fully functional. Pull the cord once more to unlock the mechanism and restore automatic opening.

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

Your garage door is an important part of your home. They not only keep your vehicles inside your garage safe and secure, but they also are typically the first thing guests and neighbors see when visiting or passing by. Unfortunately, garage doors experience a lot of wear and tear over time. And perhaps there is nothing more frustrating than having something as expensive as your garage door system get dinged up. 

Dents are one of the most common issues that can happen to your garage door. When your garage door is dinged up, the curb appeal of your home suffers to some extent. Even if the dents are minor, they can cause an issue down the road if you are planning to sell your house in the future. Additionally, more dents can occur or worsen with continued use, which can potentially cause your garage door to malfunction and hinder your daily routine. 

How Do Garage Door Dents Happen?

A garage door may suffer a dent for many reasons, some causing more serious damage than others. For example, something as simple as a basketball bouncing into your garage door can leave behind a small imprint, while something like running your vehicle into your garage door is likely to cause the entire panel to bend. Because there are a variety of ways that garage door dents can occur, our garage door contractors always recommend high-quality garage doors that offer incredible durability and are able to withstand minor dents and dings. 

How To Repair Garage Door Dents

If you find that your garage door has been dented, it is best to address the problem sooner rather than later. Of course, we always suggest contacting a professional for garage door repair jobs so you can ensure the work is done right, but issues like garage door dents are something that many homeowners have fixed on their own. Not all garage door materials are easy to repair, though. Generally, only homeowners that have garage doors made of stainless steel or aluminum can repair small dents with the right tools. Continue reading to learn how to easily repair steel or aluminum garage door dents.

Aluminum Garage Door Dent Repair

Lucky for you, aluminum is the easiest type of garage door material to fix. However, in order to properly get dents out of your garage door, you’re going to need a few things. First, grab a bucket of lukewarm water and add a drop of dish soap, stirring evenly. Apply the soapy water to the dented area(s), scrubbing it with a sponge to remove any grime or debris. Let the area air dry while you go find aluminum foil, a lighter, and a can of compressed air. 

Once the dented area is dry, cut a section of tin foil to place it over the dent. To make things easier, tape the foil over the dented area. Next, apply the flame from your lighter over the tin foil until the heat is transmitted to the dented area. The aluminum foil protects your garage door from any scorch marks during the heating process, which should only take about a minute. Once the heat is transmitted to the dented area, immediately remove the foil and spray the condensed air across the area evenly. Due to the molecular structure of aluminum, the abrupt change in temperature causes the dent to reverse as the surface moves back into its original position.

Steel Garage Door Dent Repair

Steel garage doors are a little trickier to fix and require a different approach to repairing dents. Steel garage doors will likely require a steel door or auto body filling compound. You’ll need to start the same way you would with an aluminum garage door — a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt. Once the dented area is clean and dry, you’ll need to sand the dent with the suggested grit level of sandpaper and wipe the dust away. Next, you will need to use a putty knife to apply the compound material to the dented area. Once the compound dries, use a finer grit of sandpaper to smooth the area and then apply primer and paint to the area to match the original color of your garage door. 

Contact Garage Door Doctor For Garage Door Repair

If you have a steel or aluminum garage door, fixing dents shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. But if you have a different type of garage door or can’t seem to get the dent out yourself, you can rely on the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor for garage door dent repair! Our team will be able to help you restore your garage door and transform the blemished surface or offer many affordable garage door replacement options.

If you are interested in learning more about our garage door services or receiving a free estimate, contact us today!

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

When you see a glass garage door, it’s hard to see regular garage doors the same way.

We don’t have anything against more traditional garage doors… in fact, we recommend and install them all the time. But just look at a few of the ones we’ve done for our customers here in Utah:

Although we use the term “glass garage doors” frequently, it is a bit of a misnomer. These doors aren’t just made of glass–they’re usually an aluminum frame with glass inserts, though some options may be available for steel. Most suppliers have a specific product line for the style and use that in their terminology, such as Vista by Amarr, Athena by Martin Door, Avante by Clopay, and Modern Classic by Northwest Door.

If you’re considering a glass garage door for your home, there are some advantages and disadvantages to carefully consider.

Pros of Glass Garage Doors

1. Natural light. Dark spaces are more difficult to work in, and garages often don’t have enough natural or artificial light. Having a floor-to-ceiling series of windows really helps to let in more light, and frosted, tinted, or mirror glass can allow light in while still maintaining privacy.
2. Design choices. Although glass garage doors might seem like the sort of thing that can only be pulled off with a modern home, they are more versatile than you might think. Door manufacturers provide a range of colors, finishes, and patterns to choose from that look great with other styles of homes as well.
3. Curb appeal and resale value. Front-facing garage doors are one of the more prominent, noticeable features of a home, taking up as much as 40% of the facade. Glass garage doors really give a “wow” factor to a home’s overall aesthetic, especially when indoor lighting is used to highlight the feature. It also helps that a new garage door is one of the best cost/value remodel projects you can make to improve the value of your home.
4. Versatility. Overhead glass doors aren’t just popular in garages–they can also be used in clever ways to enhance a mixed-use space. At our headquarters in Sandy, Utah, we use a glass door to divide our conference space from our call center to keep the noise levels down for everyone and still allow natural light.

Cons of Glass Garage Doors

1. Cost. Although the exact amount varies depending on what you’re comparing it to, the bottom line is that you can expect a glass garage door to cost roughly twice as much as a regular steel garage door. This is mostly due to the materials and manufacturing processes used to create the doors, plus the extra care in delivery and installation.
2. Insulation. Even with insulated glass, windows are less energy efficient than traditional materials. And although windows allow heat via solar radiation (light) to enter in, this may or may not be desirable depending on your climate. This can be minimized by using a mirror or tint finish on the glass.
3. Care and cleaning. Every garage door needs a good cleaning every now and again, but large glass windows can collect dust and dirt on the outside and look very dirty very quickly, especially with a mirror or tint finish. In most cases, a quick rinse with soap and water will do the trick.
4. Impact resistance. Where steel and other metals tend to dent or bend, glass is more likely to break. While the tempered glass does not pose an additional safety hazard (it breaks without shattering into pieces, like a windshield), it may be more susceptible to physical collisions such as small animals, baseballs or basketballs, and so on.

Alternatives to Full Glass Garage Doors

Although glass garage doors may be prohibitively pricey depending on your budget, there are several alternatives that are more affordable and offer many of the benefits without some of the disadvantages.

Single Panel Windows

One of the more practical ways to allow more light into a garage without breaking the bank is to have a row of windows on a single panel. This allows a good amount of daytime light without all of the extra cost of full glass. Plus, the options for color, shape, and window finish offer a lot of choices for just about any type of home. Windows are most commonly placed on the top panel, but can also be positioned lower for practical or aesthetic purposes, such as when an archway would partially cover up the top panel.

Flush Panels with Side Windows

While perhaps not as modern as full glass doors, a flush (flat) panel with side windows can really update the look of a home quickly. We love the way these look and recommend them highly to our customers.

Mixed Windows

For a look with more variety, some manufacturers also will do a mixed window arrangement. This typically works best with short panels along with a window style and door color that complement the home well. When implemented properly, this style really stands out.

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

Those who have experienced the pain of a broken operator know that it is imperative to get a garage door fixed right away. There are tons of different systems and brand names to choose from, depending on your preferences. Those looking at newer systems will have better energy efficiency, quieter operation, and more tech connectivity available. Older models might not have all the advanced technology, but are most likely cheaper and perfectly capable of handling their designed function. 

While there is a lot of thought that goes into replacing a garage door operator, one thing you should think about is what motor will run the system. There are two types of motors available: AC and DC. Read below to find out which motor you would prefer for your operator and call Affordable Garage Door Repair, the leading garage door installation company serving Midvale, when you’re ready to upgrade your system. 

AC

The most currently used garage door motor is AC, which stands for alternating current. If you own a heavy and loud operator, you most likely have an AC motor installed. The alternating current in these motors can change direction and travel further distances. Although these types of motors operate on stronger currents, the currents cannot be stored, meaning there is no backup power if the electricity goes out. AC motors generally cannot accept newer technology due to their large size. If you’re looking into buying an AC motor, you don’t have to worry about much maintenance but keep in mind that repairs can be costly.

DC

While not really the industry standard yet, DC motors are up and coming. DC stands for direct current, meaning the power can only flow one way. Their voltage is constant and cannot travel far distances without losing some power. However, DC motors have the advantage of being smaller, lighter, and quieter. A big advantage of having a DC motor is that it allows for soft opening and closing of garage doors. They are much more energy-efficient and contain technology capable of connecting to smartphones and tablets. 

What Else Should You Keep in Mind?

Now that you know a little bit about garage door motors, take a look at other features you should keep in mind when shopping for a new operating system. If you need any more information or you’re ready to get your new door installed, call Affordable Garage Door Repair for the best garage door installation services in Holladay and surrounding areas. 

The material for your new garage door can be wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl. Which one do you choose? Depends on your location and preferences. Like Affordable Garage Door Repair, most garage door installation companies recommend insulation because it provides an extra layer of protection. If you are getting your garage door replaced or installed, make sure you take a look at the spring that allows the door to open and close. It should be high-quality, durable material that will last for years. Finally, think about extra safety features that you could have installed. When you’re ready to install your new garage door, contact Affordable Garage Door Repair, the leading garage door installation service in Holladay and Midvale. 

The post Which Garage Door Motor is Best for Your Home? appeared first on Affordable Garage Door Repair | affordablegaragedoorfix.com.

Maybe you’ve noticed the signs that indicate you need a garage door replacement or maybe you just want to enhance the look and curb appeal of your home with a new, modern garage door — whatever your reasoning for garage door installation your new door will ready for installation before you know it!

Garage door installation requires a lot of planning. Our technicians need a safe working environment to ensure proper installation and to avoid any setbacks. If we can’t access the garage, objects are in the way, or we have no electrical access, the installation may be delayed. 

Preparing For Your Upcoming Garage Door Installation

What can you do to help ensure a smooth professional installation? There are a few simple steps you can take that will make the garage door installation process easier for you and our crew of garage door technicians. 

1. Clear Your Garage

The first thing you will want to do to prepare for garage door installation is to clear your garage. In order to properly install a new garage door system, there cannot be any vehicles or obstructions in your garage. It is helpful if you move vehicles out of the garage and to a spot far enough away that still allows us to park our work vehicle near the garage door opening and work around that area without risking any damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, you’ll want to clear any other equipment or objects in your garage that may get in the way. Lawnmowers, sporting equipment, garbage bins, and other items that are near the garage door or the garage door tracks should be moved outside of or to the rear of the garage. As a safety measure, have at least one foot on each side of the garage door track and fourteen feet back into the garage clear. This will ensure there is plenty of room for our technicians to set up a ladder, remove your existing door and opener, and set up and assemble the new door and opener system.

2. Make Sure We Have Access

In order to replace your existing garage door system with a new one, our team will need access to your garage. Therefore, it is important to be present, at least for the beginning of the installation process. Once we have access to your garage, you are free to go about your normal routine, just make sure that you remain reachable in case any questions arise. 

3. Keep Your Pets Inside

If you have pets, make sure they have a safe place to stay while the installation is going on. While our garage door contractors enjoy seeing your friendly furry companions, far too often customers let their pets roam free during the installation process. This is dangerous for both your pet and the installation team. It is easy to trip over a pet or drop large objects. Your pet may even find something interesting to chew on that may in fact be dangerous. To avoid these risks, simply make sure you keep your pets inside or in a safe area away from the garage door. 

4. Watch Your Kids

Children are often curious about what goes on during a garage door installation, but they need to remain a safe distance away from the garage area. It is not safe for children to be playing or hanging around the garage area during the installation process. Removal of your existing door and the installation of your new garage door includes items under spring tension, heavy items, overhead items, and power tools. This being the case, the only people that should be in the garage or the area of the installation are the trained and experienced garage door contractors. 

5. Choose A Spot For Your Wall Console

Typically, wall consoles or keyless entry pads are placed next to the personnel door that enters the garage, on the garage side of the wall. Exterior keyless entry pads are normally installed on the left side exterior jamb of the garage door that is closest to the personnel door into the garage. If you would like a special location for the wall console or keyless entry pad for your garage door system, be sure the garage door contractors are aware of your preferred location

By doing your part to prepare for garage door installation service will make the process go that much more smoothly and efficiently. The garage door contractors on the job will truly appreciate that you took a few moments to follow these simple suggestions. 

Request An Estimate For Garage Door Installation

If you are in need of a garage door installation service, you can count on the team at Garage Door Doctor. Our trained and experienced technicians will work promptly and efficiently to replace your existing door and opener system will a new one that will last for years to come. If you would like to receive an estimate, contact us!

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s design, a new garage door is a smart place to start. Not only will a new garage door enhance the curb appeal of your property, but it can also give a new look and feel to your exterior design. Door technology and design have come a long way in more recent years, offering advancements in energy efficiency, safety, and ease of use. If you’re searching for a new garage door but don’t want to settle for a standard design, here are the latest trends to consider in 2019.

Eco-Friendly Garage Doors

If you’re like many environmentally conscious Americans, you know that including energy-efficient additions in your home is a smart choice. Not only do you get a little tax break for your eco-friendly efforts, but you also save on yearly energy costs. Sounds like a win-win, right? But did you know that one of the best places to implement energy-efficient design is your garage? It’s true, both your home value and your wallet can stand to benefit from a newer, eco-friendly door. So what makes a garage door eco-friendly? Here a few characteristics:

●        Quality materials. Eco-friendly garage doors are constructed from high-quality materials, making them more durable, prolonging their life, and lowering your repair and maintenance costs.

●        Better insulation. Modern, energy-efficient garage doors offer better insulation and weatherproofing, lowering your heating and cooling costs.

●        Recycled materials. Increasingly, eco-friendly garage doors make use of recycled materials such as steel and wood, making them a more environmentally-conscious choice.

As the ever-growing global impact on our environment increases, an eco-friendly garage door is a smart choice for the environmentally-conscious consumer.

Improved Technology

Nowadays, we like our smart tech, and garage door manufacturers are jumping on the tech bandwagon, too. Today’s garage door openers are worlds away from the tried-and-true, hefty handles that were a staple in the garage door industry for decades. Increasingly, modern garage doors come equipped with smart technology that integrates with your home’s wifi, your cell phone, and even Amazon’s Alexa! With smart technology, you can open and close your garage door remotely, receive notifications when other people use the door, and even get an alert if you forgot to shut the door on your way to work.

Improved Materials

While the tried-and-true steel, aluminum, and wood doors are still popular choices, newer materials are making their way onto the market. Materials like fiberglass and vinyl are both easier to maintain, and more lightweight than their traditional counterparts. Not to mention, newer materials are more affordable, making them a solid choice for the budget-conscious consumer. Many modern garage doors now implement more effective insulation materials as well, helping you shell out fewer dollars for heating and cooling costs.

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

Just like thousands of homeowners across the country, your garage door is probably used almost as much – if not more – than the front door, making it all the more frustrating when the garage door opener or door mechanisms malfunction. Inconvenience aside, if something happens to your garage door, it could turn the items you have stored in the garage into prime targets for theft, and it could leave your home vulnerable to break-ins as well as drafts and leaks. But, most of the time, garage door opener problems can be solved as long as you know what to look for!

Below, we at Affordable Garage Door Repair have a few of the top garage door and opener issues you may run into after installation and some ways to troubleshoot them. Of course, sometimes you may experience a major problem that requires professional assistance, and as a leading overhead garage door repair service in and around Salt Lake City, UT, our technicians have the skills and equipment to fix the problem efficiently and at minimal cost to you!

A few other issues you may have to deal with include: broken wall switches, unresponsive keypads, continuously-running door motors, and doors reversing after hitting the ground. Fixing these problems can be relatively easy with many of the same suggestions we listed above; however, not all problems can be easily remedied by DIY solutions and require the attention of an expert.

If you have tried our suggestions, but you are still having trouble with your garage door or your garage door opener, it might be time to bring in the professionals to inspect your door and solve the issue. At Affordable Garage Door Repair, we proudly offer a wide range of services including automatic garage door installation services in and around Murray, UT. For more information about our garage door repairs, replacements, and installations, or to schedule an appointment with an Affordable Garage Door Repair specialist, call us or fill out a service request form here today!

The post How to Solve Common Garage Door Issues appeared first on Affordable Garage Door Repair | affordablegaragedoorfix.com.

Summer has officially moved on. Schools in session, Halloween decor is everywhere and a few trees are starting to show their fall colors. Although we hate to say goodbye to the warm weather, many of us look forward to cooler temps, football games and cozy sweaters. What we don’t look forward to is putting away all that summer gear that has crept up all over the yard and house…..and the eventual sleet and snow that will make its way to our area. If you follow these tips to get your garage space ready for winter, you’ll be back to sipping that pumpkin spice latte in no time!

Start with a Clean Slate

Start by giving your garage floor a good sweeping. Look for any oil or gas spills that may have happened. If you find one, treat them right away by covering the area with cat litter, cornstarch or baking powder. Let this sit on the stain for a few hours and then collect it with a brush and pan. Scrub the area with a small amount of dish soap and water, then rinse and let dry.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down around window and door frames. Now is a perfect time to examine any weather stripping and replace it. Examine caulked areas too. If you notice cracking, scrap away the affected area and apply a new strip of caulk. Clean seals will ensure a tight closure so moisture and cold air don’t creep in over winter.

Replace any light bulbs that may have burned out over the summer so your area is well lit when we turn those clocks back.

Store Items the Right Way

As you gather your summer gear together for storage, check items for breakage and general wear and tear. Clear up space by donating items you no longer use or throw them it away. As you put items away, make sure they are secure, especially if they are hanging or being stored on a shelf. Make sure they do not interfere with the opening and closing of your garage door. Use a peg board or employ various holders to hang smaller items.

Don’t bury your shovels and winter items under your patio furniture! You may not be thinking of snow just yet, but you’ll be thankful the shovel is not buried under a mountain of pool noodles come that first dusting. Put all your snow gear, shovels and ice melting products in an accessible area. Make a note if you need to buy any products or finally replace that shovel with the broken handle.

Make sure your cars are equipped with ice scrapers and brushes for snow removal. Store an extra pair of gloves with these items too.

Garage Door Check-Up

Examine all areas of your garage door opener and track. Make sure the tracks are clear of objects and debris. Open and close the door and look for any hesitation or unevenness when it is in motion. If the springs or any other part of the track seem to be faltering, call a professional to look things over and make any repairs. Many homeowners suffer unnecessary injuries because they try and tackle these repairs on their own.

We hope that you are ready for cooler temps and the beauty that fall brings. Please call us with any garage door concerns or repairs.

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