Garage doors come in two primary types: single panel and sectional. While sectional garage doors have separate panels, single panel garage doors come in one large piece.

Most people use sectional garage doors because suppliers sell more of them than they do single panel doors. However, single panel garage doors also have plenty to offer homeowners. Learn the difference between sectional and single panel doors to choose which type of garage door to buy.

Sectional and Single Panel Garage Door Prices

Many homeowners consider price the deciding factor when it comes to a type of garage door. While scarcity drives up the prices of single panel garage doors a little, they tend to cost less than sectional doors. A single panel door usually has a much lower price than a sectional door created with the same materials.

If you plan on installing your garage door yourself, a single panel door has fewer parts to manage. You can save money with a DIY single panel garage door installation.

Differences in Appearance Between Single Panel and Sectional Doors

Both types of garage door come in a variety of attractive materials and designs. However, sectional doors must have a layout that includes the segments required to make the door work. Meanwhile, single panel garage doors have one section with many aesthetic options.

People with old homes often use single panel garage doors to make their buildings look historically accurate. Some homeowners with modern homes simply enjoy the vintage appearance.

The Functionality of Sectional and Single Panel Garage Doors

Single panel doors often have better cost and appearance options than sectional doors. However, sectional doors often have more modern features than single panel doors. They provide more safety than single panel doors because of their lack of extension springs. If you don’t maintain extension springs, they can break and cause injury or let in intruders.

Also, a sectional door has a smaller opening clearance than a single panel door, making it suitable for small-space scenarios. It also stands up better to intense weather.

Should I Buy a Single Panel or Sectional Garage Door?

The two main varieties of garage door each have their own strengths and weaknesses. In summary, you might prefer a sectional garage door if you:

• Want a bigger selection to buy from
• Have small space requirements
• Need superior durability
• Prefer less frequent maintenance

A single panel door could suit you better if you:

• Plan to “DIY” your installation
• Want to enhance an older home
• Have a tight garage door budget

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

A garage door being one of the most used, and hardest working components in a home requires maintenance, and check ups every now and then. Opening and closing a garage door several times a day requires a considerable amount of force which eventually causes garage door components to undergo a general check up, leading most homeowners to realize that their garage door springs is the component that requires immediate replacement.

It’s extremely important to understand that a broken garage door spring is just flat-out dangerous once it is broken. This is because stress is placed upon a garage door spring once it is opened and closed causing an overused garage door spring to become a projectile that can either harm a homeowner’s property, or even threaten the life of anyone found in the vicinity if such an event occurs. It is obvious that this is something to be avoided at all cost and in order to accomplish this, we will talk about the different kinds of garage door springs available, and will tell you how to recognize one that requires an immediate replacement.

Kinds of Garage Door Springs

The 2 main kinds of Garage Door Springs are Torque Springs and Extension Springs. Each works in a specific way so a basic understanding of their mechanisms is necessary to determine if a garage door spring needs to be replaced or not.

Torsion Garage Door Springs

Torque Springs which are tightly wound coils of metal are the most common kind of Garage Door Springs. These generate the torque needed to lift a garage door once it is opened and they springs come in sets from one to four depending on the weight and size of the door. These springs require a lesser amount of parts and are more durable and less dangerous when compared to extension springs.

Torquemaster Torsion Spring: The safest garage door spring based on a two spring system. Springs are located inside of the shaft making safety optimal.

Steel Rolling Door Torsion Spring: Most often used in Commercial Construction, this kind of spring supports rolling doors and contains multiple springs inside the torsion barrel.

Standard Garage Door Torsion Springs: Normally found to be mounted above the garage door opening with a metal shaft across the middle which supports the spring. These are amongst the most affordable types of springs, often used in residential garage doors containing one spring only, while heavier doors require 2.

Early Set Torsion Spring:  Often used in residential garage doors. This spring rests in the center of the torsion shaft.

Identify a Damaged Torsion Spring

So, how can someone identify if they’ll need to repair their torsion spring? There are two simple ways to help a homeowner identify the repair they’ll need. The first way is to deactivate the automatic door opener and lift the door manually. The door should automatically stay up with little, to no movement without it needing to be held up.

Another way to hold the door midway. Again the door should stay up on its own, but if it feels heavy, it means that the springs may be pretty close to breaking. A door that feels too light may have improperly sized springs installed.

Extension Garage Door Springs

Garage doors generally have 2 extension garage door springs attached to the garage door tracks that run across the ceiling on each side of the door. They expand and contract when the when a garage door is lowered or raised by a motor or by hand. These kind of springs are used with safety cables because these can be dangerous if they break. These springs are mainly used in residential garage doors because they are very affordable making them the most common type of garage door spring for residential use.

The three types of extension garage door springs are:

Open Looped: Very easy to change because of the looped wire it has at the end although a bit more expensive to replace.

Double Looped: Much stronger than an open looped string because it it contains 2 coils. Only a little more challenging to replace if it one breaks.

Clipped Ends: Less stress is placed on this kind of spring because it has clips on the end. This makes a Clipped Ends spring the most durable kind of extension garage door spring.

Identify a Damaged Extension Garage Door Spring

Extension springs often display the same signs of damage as torsion springs with some additional signs that show an extorsion spring has already failed. FIrst, check a spring for any gaps in the coils. Gaps show that the steel the springs are made from have given out, and the door will no longer receive the required tension to move the door.

Also check for signs of wear and tear on the springs, clips and loops. If these give out, the spring will not function any more. This will keep a door from closing or opening.

Finally, check to see if the left and right side of the garage door doesn’t appear to be appropriately aligned. This usually means that one of the springs have given out and the door wont be able to open or close.

Repair Your Garage Door ASAP!

Beware, replacing a broken garage door spring is not a “do it yourself issue”. The springs can be harmful to you or your loved ones if it is broken, and especially if one does not know what they are doing. Reach out to us for a service call that is refundable with a purchase of a new garage door spring.

The post The Different Kinds of Garage Door Springs and How to Identify Damages appeared first on Welcome.

Day to day, especially in the wintertime, garage doors can malfunction or flat out break due to severe weather conditions. While it may be evident that a broken garage door needs to be fixed right away, it can be tough to pick out the correct service you may need. The ordeal usually lies in deciding to either buy a brand new door to replace the old one or have the broken door fixed. For this reason, we provide a few reasons detailing why we believe you should install a brand new door, and upgrade instead of wasting money on continuous reparations.

Is Your Garage Door Old and Outdated?

If so, you may already be thinking of purchasing a new garage door. Many have found that old garage doors do not rely on the safety features that the newer models enjoy. Older doors make it easy for thieves as well, making a more modern state of the art garage door an absolute necessity. Not only is an outdated garage door a home security risk, but it’s also something unpleasant to look at from the outside when compared to newer available models.

Has your garage door become a nuance due to multiple repairs being necessary for a short period?

A malfunctioning garage door is not only a headache, but it can also be highly dangerous and costly. Stop spending money trying to fix something that’ll break again. If your garage door makes strange noises, will not close appropriately, or seem to be set, it is time to consider a new door.

A new Garage door installation can save you money in the long run

An old garage door that constantly breaks may continually cost you a pretty penny in repairs year after year. A new garage door not only saves you money on those continued repairs, but it also allows you to save money on your energy bills. An old door may not be properly insulated, making your heater work double-time to keep your home warm. A new garage door has proven to increase the energy efficiency of a home.

A new garage door makes a significant impact on how your home looks from the outside

A garage door is one of the features that stands out the most in a house and is seen by all who pass by. A new and thought out design will make your home look more beautiful to all who come near. A variety of styles and colors to choose from guarantees that you’ll find the perfect new garage door that you have been looking for.

If an old and outdated garage door is continually giving you trouble and is not safe and secure as you would like it to be, then it’s time to consider purchasing a new one.  A new garage door will be more reliable, more energy efficient and will even add to the overall beauty of your home. When the time comes, and you can no longer deny that you need a new garage door. Call us to provide the various options that are available to you.

The post New Garage Door Installation Vs. Garage Door Repair appeared first on Welcome.

Let’s Face it, whether you’ve owned a home for years, or are just purchasing a new home; common sense dictates that your home’s garage door will require maintenance, and reparations now and then, especially in the wintertime. The winter season is famous for causing broken door springs, it can freeze your door to the ground, and it can cause your door opener to malfunction.

Besides the general winter damages, other common damages can inflict your garage door such as a noisy door, broken glass, broken door springs, rust,  an unresponsive operator, a halfway opening door, even a door that opens and closes right away on its own. Damages can often occur depending on what kind of door you have if it is metal or wooden, and the weather. In this article, we’ll take a look at some common garage door damages, that can occur in the winter and some simple repairs that may keep the door working for a couple of months more.

Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken garage door springs are a very common reparation that is needed, especially in the wintertime. Studies show that garage door springs last around 10,000 cycles making it very easy to forget to perform maintenance checks during the winter season.

A simple way to test if the springs are working correctly is to lift the door about halfway up and let it go. If the door begins to move down little by little, it means that it’s time to get the springs checked out, if it stays in place, then the springs are still good. Installing a safety cable is also an excellent way to protect against broken springs in the winter. The safety cable acts as a weight counter by exerting enough force to keep it in place. Having the safety cable installed is not a spring replacement, and an expert should be contacted when a spring breaks even if the safety cable is connected.

Opener Problems

Issues with lubrication caused by the winter can be a nuance. It is not uncommon for lubricants to change consistency due to the cold temperatures, Proper lubrication is necessary to keep the moving parts running smoothly. What’s worse is that openers are generally programmed to stop and reverse if an object is obstructing its path, making thickened lubrication count as an obstacle to its sensors. It’s possible for the motor to interpret changed lubricant consistency as the door running into something which will cause the door to come to a stop. These issues most likely require an expert to resolve.

Water Damage Can Easily Cause Garage Door Problems

Commonly found in wooden doors, precipitation that occurs in the winter time may cause a wooden door to swell up. This causes the space between the door and the frame to close, causing them to rub against each other. This can even cause the door to get stuck where it is which will keep it from opening. Keep rain gutters clear so that water runoff doesn’t splash onto the floor causing additional swelling to your garage door.

Top of the Line Garage Doors is the Best Way to Combat These Winter Damages
It is no secret that a broken door is a haphazard to you and your family, especially if you try to handle the repairs on your own. Leave it to the pros! Call us right away to help you with any of your garage door needs!

The post A Few Common Winter Repairs for Garage Doors appeared first on Welcome.

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

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

1. Chamberlain WD832KEV

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

2. LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series

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

3. Sommer Direct Drive 1042V001

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

4. Genie SilentMax 1200

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

5. Genie 2042-TKC QuietLift 800

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

6. Chamberlain PD510

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

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

 You, Me, & Insulation: Part I

Head to Head: Polystyrene versus Polyurethane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shed vs Garage

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

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

Storage space in your garage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional safety garage tips. 

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

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

*Never store chemicals or propane in your garage. 

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

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

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

 Garage Door Safety

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

Keep yourself and others safe: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep Your Home Safe: 

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

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

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