A Garage-Door Spring Maintenance Checkup

Regardless of what a groundhog in western Pennsylvania might think, the calendar shows that winter will be with us until late March. It’s really not that long until spring – so it’s not too soon to think about what kinds of garage-door maintenance are appropriate with warmer weather on the way. Here are some tips.

1. Inspect. It’s surprising how many garage-door problems are obvious at a glance. Just give the door (inside and out) and the operating mechanism a careful once-over. If something appears to be loose, broken or somehow just not right, have it taken care of right away.

2. Lubricate. A good lube spray should be applied periodically to the moving parts of the garage door. Make this part of your spring maintenance routine. Remember, though – don’t spray it on plastic parts of the door. It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual first.

3. Balance. Making sure the door’s properly balanced can avoid serious mechanical problems later on. Start with the door closed. If it has an automatic opener, use the release mechanism so you can move it by hand for this test. You should be able to lift it smoothly, with little resistance, and it should stay open by itself three or four feet above the floor. If not, it’s improperly adjusted – something ABE Doors & Windows can fix for you.

4. Check force setting. To make sure the operating force of your door is properly set, hold on to the bottom of the door while it’s closing. It should reverse direction easily. If not, see the owner’s manual for how to change the setting. You can usually take care of this one yourself.

5. Reversal. This test should really be done monthly, but you can start now if you haven’t been doing it. (Be sure that you’ve taken care of step 4 above before you do this. Trying this test if the force setting is wrong could damage the door.) Open the door all the way, put a length of 2X4 on the floor below it, and lower the door onto the wood. If it’s working properly, the door will change directions when it makes contact. If not, you’ll want to have a qualified technician service it immediately.

6. Check additional safety devices. Take just a minute more to examine safety devices such as photo eyes or edge sensors. If they’re not working, it should be clear after even a quick check.

If your maintenance checkup reveals anything that needs attention, the first call to make is to ABE Doors & Windows: (610) 398-2430. Our expert techs will put things right for you in short order.

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

“You can have any color you want as long as it is black,” announced Henry Ford in 1909 of his Model T Ford, the first affordable automobile and world’s most influential car of the 20^th century. 104 years later, and look at how far we have come! It is ludicrous for us to even imagine that, at one time, a product was only available in one color or style. Every aspect of our world has dramatically changed through the passing of time, and we currently live in an age where both creative innovation and technological advances allows us to have more options to choose from than we could have ever possibly imagined in years past. 

Until recently, Raynor garage doors were only available in a variety of popular colors: white, claytone, almond, bronzetone, graytone, and brown. On October 30, 2012, Raynor announced that they have developed a new Opticolor™ factory painting program.  The Opticolor™ process applies a third layer of durable Sherwin Williams BP Enamel paint to the already pre-painted and galvanized steel sections, adding an extra layer of protection to the garage door. This finish is available on any style garage door in their Innovations™ and Traditions™ series.

This feature is groundbreaking for both Raynor and homeowners alike, and yet another reason why Raynor is the leading garage door manufacturer in the country and most trusted to put consumers’ needs first. Homeowners now have the option to freely think outside of the box and design a garage door that will more perfectly accent the style and beauty of their home. Whether you have been thinking of investing in a new garage door for your residence, or you are only curious to gather more information at this time, we happily welcome any inquiries and are thrilled to share this wonderful new advantage with you.

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

When superstorm Sandy landed on the Northeast a few weeks ago, many people learned that they weren’t as well prepared as they had thought. Some had stockpiled food, fuel, candles and batteries; some had even bought crank radios or gasoline-powered generators to help them if power was interrupted.

But there was one problem that few people had even considered. What do you do about your garage door if your electrical service is knocked out? Not everyone knows how to open an automatic door in that situation – or how to lock the door afterward. And let’s face it, during emergencies you need that door to be functional and secure.

During Sandy, we had many calls about disconnecting or reconnecting operators because the power was out. Remember, when you disconnect the operator from the door so you can use it in that situation, the door can only be secured with a manual lock. Often homeowners don’t have a secondary lock for the door, or don’t know how to use it if they do have one. The secondary lock may be disabled so that it can’t be accidentally engaged and damage the opener.

The best advice is to review your owner’s manual to learn what to do when the power’s down. Keep that manual handy near the garage door so you can find it easily in an emergency.

If you don’t have the manual or can’t find it, call us today at 610-398-2430 – we may be able to get one for you or help you search online for a copy. We can also let you know about the right procedures to follow for your specific garage door make and model. We can even tell you about a Liftmaster operator that includes battery backup. That’s an emergency feature, though; if the power’s out for a long time, the backup will eventually run down and you’ll still need to know the correct manual procedures. We’re glad to share the information you need.

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

As we grow older, most of us develop a mellower feeling about the holiday season. We may no longer have the same eager excitement that animates children as Christmas morning approachs. But however we mark the holidays, chances are that we are still warmed by memories and still enjoy the presence of those we care for most.

A businessperson’s view of the holidays has another dimension. This season brings, to folks like us, a time to reflect on our many blessings – and the proper gratitude that we feel for them. That gratitude extends in many directions. And here at our company, it reaches out powerfully to the people we serve.

Every associate here understands how imporant the trust and loyalty of our customers are. We see ourselves as belonging to a community of service – with our valued customers at the center. Without their understanding that we will always do our best for them, there would be no company.

The holidays come just at the moment when days are shortest, bringing the promise of a gradual return to warmer sunshine and renewed growth. So it’s only appropriate that we should look ahead with a wish to all our customers and associates for the best of times, now and in a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

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

In a recovering economy, some homeowners put off household improvements they want and need, thinking that trends will make next year a little better. Fortunately, an option is available for many customers at ABE Doors and Windows to enable purchases now that will improve the appearance, function and value of their homes for years to come.

Financing is available for many homeowners though the Keystone Help Home Energy Loan Program. Since 2006, Keystone Help, a program made possible in part by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and AFC First Financial Corp., has been backing energy-saving home improvements.

Keystone Help is an attractive program. It makes special low-interest loans available to Pa. homeowners who purchase home improvements through approved contractor-dealers – like ABE Doors and Windows. It applies to ENERGY STAR and other qualifying home improvements – like almost all of the doors and windows we sell.

Among the other conditions:

– Fast action on loans with unsecured financing, in amounts between $1,000 and $10,000.
– Low fixed rates and fixed monthly payments.
– No lien is filed on the home in connection with the loan.
– No home equity is needed, and the program is open to new homeowners.
– The loan involves no points, fees or closing costs.
– Homeowners can take up to 10 years to repay. There’s no penalty for prepayment.

You do need good credit and a demonstrated ability to repay, and the loans are offered only for work on primary residences. Conditions are compliant with current Keystone Help Program. Terms and conditions are subject to change. If you’re one of the tens of thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners who qualify, it can be a fast, simple way to finance beautiful new doors and windows for your house. To learn more, visit www.keystonehelp.com or phone us today at 610-398-2430.

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

Remote garage door controls are such familiar contributors to home convenience, safety and security that we scarcely give them a thought. The same is true of access keypads. Still, these highly reliable products do fail once in a while – and when that happens, it’s important to know where you can find help.

Problems with these devices generally come from one of three causes. One is the item simply wearing out. Another is battery failure. The third is an issue with the device’s coding.

Fortunately, ABE Doors and Windows is geared up to meet any such difficulties. We stock or can quickly order any needed hardware items – batteries and actual remotes, keypads or other system components. If the problem is related to control coding, our staff people have the know-how to help.

Often our skilled associates can troubleshoot problems over the phone – just call us at 610-398-2430. We also have reprogramming instructions for most of these products. Check in with us first, and we may be able to give you the answers you need directly, or send you directions via e-mail or regular mail. If you prefer, bring your remote to our showroom at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard in Allentown, and we’ll work with you on the spot. We understand that you rely on these products – and we make it our business to get them working again as quickly as possible.

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

Garage doors – they are a fundamental necessity and welcoming comfort to any residence.  Garage doors allow every homeowner to experience a level of convenience, functionality, security, and self-expression.  Not only is your garage door one of the most hardworking and frequently used entranceways into your residence, but it is oftentimes the most overlooked household appliance in your daily life.  Because your garage door is certainly the largest and heaviest moving entity of your home, it can cause serious injury, or even death, if misused or left unattended.  This is why it is crucial that adults and children alike should be educated on garage door safety.  Fully understanding the importance and benefit of spreading knowledge and safety awareness, the IDA (International Door Association) has created a website dedicated to all this and more:  GarageDoorCare.com.

"Garage Door Care’s main intent is to make sure that you and your family knows how to properly operate and maintain your garage door system safely at all times."  And this site offers truly insightful facts and educational information on what exactly it takes for a homeowner to respect and properly care for their garage door.  Garage Door Care has a variety of simple and easy-to-understand guides and media content that touch on subjects such as:

• The components of a garage door system and what should be done to best maintain any garage door to ensure reliable and excellent operation.

• How to perform simple safety and maintenance tasks yourself, and when NOT to!  It is always best to use extreme caution when working on or near a garage door, and sometimes you absolutely should leave it for a trained professional to service.

• IDA’s Garage Door Safety Challenge, which quizzes your general knowledge of garage doors and offers enlightenment as to whether or not yours meets safety standards.  This section also includes wonderfully efficient "kid safe" tips to use when teaching children about garage door risks and how to avoid them.

• Finding a qualified professional in your immediate area to service all of your garage door needs, and what you should look for in any reputable and reliable garage door technician.  These qualifications include Experience, Workmanship, Code and Regulatory Compliance, Insurance Coverage, and Financial Integrity.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to become more informed about one of the most significant pieces of equipment in your household, or you are a trained and certified garage door service technician looking to review what you already know, I recommend that you visit http://garagedoorcare.com.  Absolutely everyone who visits this site will gain something of value.  The benefits you will gain from educating yourself and consistently using safety-conscious practices will last you a lifetime!

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

 There are garage doors … and then there are garage doors. Anyone seeking something that really adds to the design quality and beauty of a home should consider the Distinctions Series from Raynor.

Distinctions Series garage doors utilize select, high-quality materials. They’re built to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Just as important, they offer many choices in color, finish, style and detail – so much so that a door can be tailored to perfectly complement your home design and landscaping.

Among the outstanding choices in the series:

– Arbor Shore. This collection features stainable, vertical grain cut lumber, true-divided built-in windows (known in architectural terms as lites), and a consistent wood tone throughout – at prices that are competitive with any comparable doors on the market.

– American Rivers. These solid-wood carriage-house doors include hand-forged hardware and architectural glass options for a custom handcrafted look.

– Timber Bay. In swing-up, swing-out, accordion and bi-fold styles, these doors deliver the beauty of Western Red Cedar and African Mahogany – ideally suited for older and newer homes.

– River Pointe Carriage House Doors. This carriage door line makes outstanding features and quality available at an affordable price level. Also available at modest cost are Raynor’s StreamWood, RockCreeke and StyleView collections, each providing exceptional appearance, durability and overall value.

In wood, steel or aluminum, a Raynor Distinctions Series custom model is not just another garage door. This series delivers the finest features the industry has to offer, along with the widest range of design options available. See for yourself – the ABE Doors & Windows showroom at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard features a full-size Distinctions Series ArborShore door in beautiful natural wood.

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

There are a few things that everyone thinks of to secure the safety of their home when leaving on vacation:

• leave some of your lights on
• stop the mail or newspapers
• activate any alarms
• lock all windows and doors
• etc.

However, there are a few garage door tips and everyday habits that can help you protect your family and your home. 

• Keep your garage door down even when you are home.  This prevents burglars from scoping out the contents or any entrance ways to inside the house.

• Keep the door that leads from your garage to your house locked. 

• Avoid leaving your garage door openers in cars parked outside the garage.

• Consider replacing your old remote with one featuring rolling-code technology. Even if a burglar uses a scanner to try obtain your remote signal, the rolling random code can  make it impossible to get your code.  
  • If your opener doesn’t have a rolling-code technology system, be sure to change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the operator and remote control.  Using the standard factory settings can leave your garage vulnerable to break-ins.

• Wireless keypads which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number  or PIN are available for most garage door openers. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote.

• While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which is usually an optional accessory on some openers.

No matter what, always remember to give your A.B.E. Doors & Windows professional a call 610-398-2430 – they’re happy to answer your questions.

Have a safe vacation!

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

Recent storms and tornadoes throughout the country have experts reminding everyone that garage doors, doors, and windows can play a significant role in protecting homes during severe storms.  

The most budget-friendly ways to keep a home or business safe is by protecting openings like garage doors, windows, and doors.  Doors and windows are often the weakest link during a storm.  Having a new and sturdy garage door can protect a home or business from bad weather and natural disasters. A strong garage door will help protect your home from generating internal pressure during a storm with heavy winds.  If your garage door is not strong enough and fails to hold up during a storm, pressure can increase and knock out walls and ceilings in the home.

Make sure that you’re protected by contacting A.B.E. Doors & Windows for some cost effective ways to stormproof your home or business.  A few upgrades can prevent dangerous weather from having disastrous consequences.  Allow us to help put your mind at ease, prevent costly damages and help you confidently weather any storm.

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