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5 Ways to Weather-Seal a Garage Door

5 Ways to Weather-Seal a Garage Door

Sealing your garage door against the weather helps protect the space and keeps your belongings safe. Learn how to seal garage doors and weatherproof your garage with these five tips.

1. Bottom Weatherstripping

Also known as a door sweep, bottom weatherstripping is a common way to seal a garage door. This rubber seal attaches to the bottom of your garage door and compresses to fill gaps between the door and the floor. Garage door weatherstripping is available in rolls from most home improvement stores.

Bottom-seal weatherstripping generally comes in a standard shape that fits in the channels on the bottoms of most garage doors. If you have a wooden garage door, you may need to screw or nail in the weatherstripping. Be sure to choose aluminum or galvanized fasteners to prevent rusting. You can also install a metal channel to make your wood door compatible with standard seals.

Replacing bottom weatherstripping is relatively easy. First, remove the old seal. Most kinds pull out of the channels on the bottom of the door. However, some seals may have screws or nails, even on metal or fiberglass doors. Once you’ve removed the old seal, clean the bottom of the door. Push the new seal into the channels in one continuous piece, and trim it to fit your door. If the old weatherstripping had nails or screws, replace these fasteners as appropriate.

2. Threshold Seal

A threshold seal also fills gaps between the door and the floor, but this garage door seal attaches to the floor instead of the door. It can stand alone, but is more effective when combined with a bottom seal. Since it’s durable enough to drive over, a threshold seal typically consists of harder rubber and is longer-lasting than weatherstripping.

This seal can help keep water out of your garage if the driveway slopes toward the garage, but it can also make it more challenging to hose out or sweep your garage. It can also be a good option if your door meets the ground asymmetrically. However, if your door is significantly irregular or suddenly becomes uneven, it’s best to call a professional to repair and adjust it.

To install a threshold seal, mark the floor where you want it to be with chalk or a permanent marker. Clean the floor and wipe down the bottom of the seal. Apply construction adhesive to the floor in two lines along the edges of the seal and in a zigzag down the middle. Place the seal and gently press it into the adhesive. Most adhesives need 24 hours to cure before you can drive over them.

3. Top and Side Weatherstripping

Rubber weatherstripping is also available in a slightly different configuration for the tops and sides of the door. However, this seal attaches to the door frame rather than the door. Garage weatherstripping is available in rolls at most home improvement stores and cuts easily with a utility knife. It should sit flush against the trim, so you may need to remove raised strips from the frame or sand it for a smooth finish.

Measure and cut three pieces — one for the top and one for each side. Cut the ends of the top piece at an angle to accommodate the side pieces. Attach the weatherstripping with aluminum or galvanized nails or screws to avoid rust. Install the side pieces first, then the top overlapping the side pieces. The outside flange should touch the door along the top and sides when the door is closed. Caulk where the seal meets the frame. Be sure to use a caulk for garage doors or exteriors.

Brush Seals

4. Brush Seals

Rather than being solid rubber, these seals use brushes, which are more flexible and durable than standard weatherstripping. Brush seals are more common along the top frame, but you can also install them on the sides. They cover the gap created when the door bends into the garage. Because brush seals aren’t a solid barrier, air, debris and small bugs may still get through. These come in multiple pieces and secure with adhesive tape. The brush should touch the door when it’s closed to be most effective.

Once you’re ready to install, clean the frame for better adhesion. On the first piece, pull the brush out of the track and cut it about 2 inches short. Attach adhesive tape to the track and press it onto the frame. After attaching the second piece, feed the brush from that piece into the track on the first piece. This overlap helps ensure no gaps between pieces. To account for this overlap on the last piece, pull the brush out 2 inches before cutting the track to fit with a hacksaw.

5. V-Type Seals Between Panels

This product seals gaps between garage door panels for enhanced weatherproofing. Many newer doors won’t need V-type seals since their panels have interlocking edges to block air when the door is closed. These seals are best for older or wooden doors with flat panel edges. Be sure to count the number of panels in addition to measuring the door’s width. Because V-seals cover moving parts, they can wear out faster than other weatherstripping types. It’s best to check them every three months.

To install V-seals, clean the inside of the panels where the seals will stick. Cut the seals to fit between the panels in one continuous piece. Pull back part of the adhesive backing, but don’t remove all of it at once. Fit the seal between two panels and press firmly into place. Continue peeling off the backing and placing the seal as you move along the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you aren’t sure whether sealing your garage is worth it or have more questions about replacing weatherstripping, you can find the answers to frequently asked questions here.

Why Should I Weatherproof My Garage?

Weatherproofing and weatherstripping are essential for keeping out water, debris, bugs and other pests, which can get into your home if you have an attached garage. Other benefits of weatherproofing your garage include reduced cleaning and improved energy efficiency. If you heat or cool the space, weatherproofing can help save you money on energy use.

How Do I Know if I Need Weatherproofing?

If you don’t currently have weatherproofing, you could likely benefit from adding some. Garage door weatherproofing provides several advantages and is relatively easy to do. To determine where you need weatherproofing, stand in your garage with the door closed and the lights off. If you see light coming in around the garage door, you want to seal those gaps.

How Long Should Garage Door Weatherstripping Last?

Weatherstripping lasts two to three years, but it’s best to check annually to see if it needs replacing. Weatherstripping may wear out faster on doors that experience heavy use.

How Do I Know When to Replace the Weatherstripping?

Good weatherstripping is pliable and soft to conform to the door’s shape and compress into any gaps. It’s time to replace your weatherstripping if it’s hard and brittle. You also need new weatherstripping if you notice cracks, tears or rips. Even if the weatherstripping seems to be in good condition, it might need replacing if you feel a draft, see light around the door or find more dirt near the frame.

Can I Install Weatherstripping Myself?

Yes! Adding or replacing weatherstripping is a manageable do-it-yourself task for most homeowners. Caulking and other weatherproofing methods are also suitable for DIY.

However, you can also hire a professional if you don’t feel confident in your skills, need other garage door repairs or don’t have time to do it yourself. AAA Garage Door can install, repair and replace your weatherstripping.

Contact AAA Garage Door

Contact AAA Garage Door

Since 1994, AAA Garage Door has provided prompt, reliable service to homeowners in the greater Omaha area. Whether you need a new garage door and opener system, regular maintenance or repairs, our trained technicians will get your garage door working and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to request service.

The post 5 Ways to Weather-Seal a Garage Door appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

Why You Need Your Garage Door Cable Replaced

Your garage door is a complex mechanism made up of several functioning components, each essential to the seamless movement of the door. Part of the mechanism includes a cable and spring that allows the door to open and close in a controlled manner. The springs are under a high amount of tension. For this reason, a spring break could cause the door to slam down and cause injury to a person or damage to an object. The garage door cable, is responsible for catching the door in the event that the spring breaks.

Types of Garage Door Cables

There are a few different types of garage door cables that we can install. This depends on the type of spring system you have.

●        Torsion Springs. These types of cables lock at one end and stop at the other end. Torsion springs must be secured by the cable.

●        Extension Springs. Extension springs run alongside the door on both sides. Because they are so long, they need extended spring cables.

●        Safety Cables. To prevent damage or injury, we are able to install safety cables to all extension springs.

What can go wrong with your garage door cables?

A few different things can go wrong with garage door cables:

●        Cables can wind around the drum incorrectly. The door can become jammed. We can tell if there is a jam because the door droops to one side. We’ve also noticed that it can droop to one side.

●        Garage door cables can also become unwound. We’ll need to replace them with new cables.

●        The pulleys are worn out. Worn out pulleys cannot be repaired because they’ll go bad over and again.

●        The cables can break due to normal wear and tear over time. When this happens, you won’t be able to use the garage door at all. Our professionals will need to remove the old cables and implement new cables.

●        Fraying is also common among garage door cables. A cable is actually smaller cables wound together like a rope. As such, they can also become frayed like a rope. Frayed cables can cause a wide range of problems.

Get Your Garage Door Cable Replace with Door Power

If you need your garage door cable replaced, then contact Door Power. We can come to your home, remove the garage door cable and install a new cable that will fit onto your current door. Call us today at 952-467-3199 and schedule a repair. We provide garage door products and services for both home and business owners in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area.

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

How We Can Make Your Garage Door Childproof

Do you have small children in your home? Like any other area around the house, you need to safeguard your garage door to make it safe for the toddlers. Below are some ways that Door Power can help you childproof your garage door.

Garage Door Auto-Reverse

Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse feature that keeps the door from closing if something or someone gets in the way. We can inspect your current garage door or implement sensors in key places for your child. The sensors will be placed in low sections of the door frame to pick up on small children.

Garage Door Photo-Eye Sensors

If you have an older garage door made before 1993, we can upgrade it by adding photo-eye sensors. The sensors will monitor any type of movement that goes on below the door and stop or reverse door instantly. These sensors are intelligent enough to capture even the slightest movement and respond accordingly.

Door Locks

Door locks reinforce sensors by prohibiting a door from opening. This way if your young toddler pushes a door opener, it will stay shut no matter what. We can install the door lock on either the outside or the inside of the door depending on the both the model of the door and your personal needs.

Reposition the Door Opener

Your children can reach up to push a door opener if it’s placed too low. Our technicians can come out to your home and reposition the door opener so that it’s placed higher on the wall or door frame. Since your child may perceive this as a game, you need to encourage your child to stay away from the opener. We can also install a cover over it so that they cannot touch it.

Seal the Door Panel Gaps with Rubber

It’s easy to lodge fingers between door panel gaps. This is especially true for children with tiny fingers. A practical solution for this is to have rubber seals professionally installed. We can custom cut the seals to your door to remove access to the gaps. Your children will not be able to put their little fingers in the gaps.

Door Power Can Childproof Your Garage Door

If you are concerned about your child’s safety around your garage door, then contact Door Power today. We can inspect your door and identify crucial areas that might compromise your kid’s safety. Call us today at 952-467-3199 and let us help you make your garage a safer place for your entire household. We provide garage door repair and installation for home and business owners in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.

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

Tips for Choosing the Right Garage Door Style

In Indianapolis, your garage door does so much more than protect your garage from the elements. It also helps to protect your home against burglars and offers an additional level of security. Choosing the right style is important because it helps to add curb appeal and the overall appearance of your home. When you are in the market for a new garage door, there are several decisions to make to ensure that you make the best choice. Learning about your options and how to best coordinate them with your home makes this choice a lot easier.

Overhead Garage Doors

This is the most common style for garage doors and there are different types available. These are the type that either lift or roll up when you open them.

The swing type looks like it has two panels. When you open the door, they separate and swing open. They can have decorative hardware and windows to add some more personality. You can also have them look similar to a barn door.

The bifold type has at least four panels. Each of the panels hinge together so that they function similar to a bifold closet door. There are numerous panel options so that you can best match the door to the rest of your home’s exterior.

The trifold type has at least three sections. Each of the sections hinge together. You can opt to have more than three panels to customize the look, but each of these has to be in multiples of three.

The first type of overhead garage door that hit the market was the traditional stile and rail type. There are panel inserts and mortise and tenon joinery to create this type of garage door. You will notice different horizontal rails and vertical stiles to create the overall design of this option.

Non-Overhead Garage Doors

If you prefer a door that opens out or sideways, these types of garage doors are an option. They do not go overhead, so there can be some additional flexibility in the overall style.

The side rolling type opens to one side. This leaves most of the opening free from obstructions, but it takes up a bit more wall space compared to other styles. While they share a lot of similarities with bifold styles, you can automate them more easily.

Barn-style doors either use a slider style or a swing style. There are usually few to no windows and no horizontal rail, and the top section is solid. You can have some windows in this style if you want, but they have to be at the top section and usually have to be rather small.

The true bifold style folds off to either side of the opening after parting in the center. This type is a good choice if you are replacing a wall with a garage door or your existing door is particularly large. You can also customize this door type with decorative hardware and windows.

The gliding and sliding type of garage door works like a traditional barn door. The doors slide to the side on a track. Compared to the opening, the doors will be larger to ensure complete coverage of the opening. The track is twice the door width to ensure they can open fully.

The true swing type use heavy-duty hinges to swing open and then close. There will be one door on either side of the garage opening. You open them outward, so you have to ensure adequate space in the driveway to do this.

Consider the Style of Your Home

The style of your home plays a major role in the garage door style that will look and function the best. Learning more about the most common home styles and which garage doors are the best fit help to narrow down your options.

If you have a colonial home, you might consider wooden garage doors since they fit the classic style. Look at the doors that swing and have two tones for a sophisticated look.

Cape Cod homes tend to work best with composite or wood carriage-style options. Look at garage doors with raised rectangular panels that are symmetrical.

Barn-style doors can work well with a craftsman-style home. You should look for styles that can accommodate windows and recessed panels. You can also get away with garage doors made from glass if your home’s style is modern.

A contemporary home combines well with more minimalist garage door styles. Consider designs that have neutral colors, sleek lines and windows that are a bit off center and vertical. You might also think about glass doors or wooden doors that do not have trim boards.

The mid-century modern home looks good with a garage door that has sleek lines utilizing negative and positive space. Use only a few decorative elements and consider prairie-style windows with no trim on the door panels.

A farmhouse home can benefit from the rustic appearance of barn-style doors. Divided window grilles and buck overlays are also good style elements for this type of home.

A ranch home benefits from a garage door that is elegant and classic. Consider dark finishes and a door with a streamlined design to complement the home.

No trim and vertical panels work well with a Tudor-style home. You can also take advantage of composite and real wood with decorative hardware and small windows.

If your home has a Spanish style, you should look at recessed panels and dark woods. Consider designs that have clean lines and decorative iron elements.

A Victorian home looks good with a real wood door to play to the historical accuracy. You can also get creative with decorative hardware and windows.

Maintaining Your Garage Door

The general recommendation is to have a professional come and perform an inspection on your garage door about once a year. They will examine the door itself and any related components, such as a motor for a power door. If they notice a problem, they can make any repair or replacement recommendations so that you can keep your door operating smoothly.

Whether your garage door is brand new or not, you want to ensure regular maintenance to keep it looking great and working right. There are several tasks that a professional can tackle during a maintenance session. It is important to have a professional do this to ensure proper completion of the maintenance.

There are multiple things they will do to keep your garage door in good condition:

  • Tighten the hardware
  • Test the door balance
  • Clear the tracks
  • Replace the weatherstripping
  • Lubricate the moving components
  • Test the auto reverse
  • Clean around the door

Professionals usually suggest that you should only use your garage door when necessary. The more you open and close it, the more wear and tear you are putting on the different components.

In Indianapolis, it is important to keep your garage door in good working order. We can help you keep it looking good, as well as functioning properly. Our company focuses on garage doors, so you can rest assured that we keep our focus on this industry. We are family-owned, so we offer the family experience to all of our customers. Whether you need a quick repair or you are ready for a completely new design, we can help.

Contact Garage Door Doctor today to schedule your next inspection and maintenance service.

The post Tips for Choosing the Right Garage Door Style appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

What Safety Features Should Your Garage Door Include?

Garage doors definitely make our lives a little more convenient. The ability to automatically open and close streamlines the process of pulling our cars into the garage. However, even though we take this convenience for granted, garage doors can be a serious threat to your health. As such, you want to make sure that your garage door has all the right safety features before you purchase your next garage door.

Garage Doors Should Stop for Objects

If you have children or pets, then you know that it’s difficult to keep up with them at all times. Children may run away from you while you are unloading your car and pets may run towards you. All of this can happen while your garage door is closing, which could injure them. Fortunately, many garage doors come equipped with an all-see-eye that prevents the door from closing if something is in the door’s path. As of the early 90s, garage door manufacturers were mandated to include this feature.

Emergency Stops Can Prevent Injuries

An emergency stop feature allows you to override your garage door. Whether it’s closing or opening, you can use the emergency stop to control the door. The emergency stop works well if your car happens to roll out the garage because the brake isn’t up. Emergency releases are also great during electrical failures. If the power shorts while your garage door is in operation, you don’t have to worry about being injured due to the door crashing down. By choosing a garage door that has an emergency stop button, you could thwart a lot of close calls.

Garage Doors Should Reverse for Safety

Another great feature that helps prevent injuries is the auto-reverse feature. Your auto-reverse feature allows your door to reverse if it encounters an object. Much like the motion detector mentioned earlier that completely stops your door from operating, the auto-reverse feature reverses the direction of your door to prevent collisions.

Maintaining Your Garage Door

With all the safety features included in your garage door, it is critical that you maintain your garage door to ensure your features work as they should. You can perform monthly tests to ensure your garage door safety features check out, and you can hire our team to assess and maintain your door throughout the year.

At Door Power, we are your one-stop-shop for all of your garage needs. If you want a new garage, need a repair, or you simply want your garage door maintained, we can help. We have specialists who have years of experience within the industry, and they are ready, willing, and able to help you with all of your garage door needs.

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

Get Help with These Five Garage Door Repairs

Garage door repairs aren’t too complicated, but they can be dangerous. Your door’s springs have high tension, and the rails need to be checked repeatedly. If you’re dealing with faulty seals, you’ll need a professional’s touch to assure complete repair. Here at Door Power, we love helping our Minnesota homeowners. Before turning to do-it-yourself methods, consider calling our team to handle the following:

Spring Replacement

Garage door springs balance a door’s weight, making it open and close easily. They also act as a counterweight, giving a door balance as it’s pulled upward. Springs which stretch or provide a particular amount of torque are needed to ensure a door’s sustainability and effectiveness. Unfortunately, springs are incredibly tight. Removing them yourself can be dangerous, and we suggest letting a professional step in.

Seal Replacement

Top and side seals block out moisture, reducing mold growth. Plus, they keep bad weather out. Sometimes, these seals wear out. If they do, you might face door jamb issues. It’s a good idea to discuss seal replacement with your provider, as installing PVC to stop molding is a surface-level solution.

Bracket Replacement

Your garage door’s brackets, meanwhile, make sure your door’s top section is fully maneuverable. These brackets can wear down and become rusted. A faulty bracket is incredibly dangerous, as it can result in a collapsing garage door. To make sure your door’s brackets are entirely efficient, make sure they undergo yearly inspection.

Door Opener Repair

Garage door openers use circuit boards to operate efficiently. Replacing a circuit board for popular brands can be done, but it shouldn’t be done alone. Because a garage door opener is essential to your garage’s privacy and security, handling a circuit board alone can put your home at risk. Fortunately, garage door repair professionals understand the ins and out of circuit board repair.

Chain Drive Opener Gear Replacement

Openers which use sprockets and chains deserve check-ups, too. Handling these yourself can prove to be dangerous nonetheless. A professional garage door repair-person can handle gears on popular openers, like Liftmaster, Chamberlain, and Sears. They can also make sure any chain driver’s gear replacement is a long-lasting solution.

Contact Door Power today with any questions. Also, understand the many inconveniences and frustrations associated with being unable to access your garage. Available seven days a week, Door Power is your one-stop-shop for any garage door repair. Let us service your garage door in the same day, and make sure your home is protected from the inside out.

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

How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take?

Scheduling garage door installation in Indianapolis, IN takes just minutes, but you may be wondering how long these projects take to complete. After all, for many homeowners, the garage serves as the preferred home entrance. If you park indoors and drive to the majority of your destinations, you might rarely use the building’s front door at all. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait days to see the results you want. Read on to learn which factors will determine the length of this project from start to finish.

Garage Door Installations in Brand-New Construction

If you’re having your home custom built and are eager to have your new garage door put in, you can look forward to a project that takes just two to three hours. In most instances, these jobs are straightforward and easy. There’s no old door to remove, no signs of stress-related wear on the surrounding building materials, and few items in the garage to work around, if any at all.

Unfortunately, most garage door installations aren’t this simple. When there are existing doors to remove, stored items in the space, and framing problems, installers usually need several more hours to get everything done.

Replacing a Simple Garage Door With the Exact Same Model

You might have a garage door that you really like, but it’s nearing or at the end of its expected lifespan. Replacing this unit with an identical model could shorten the duration of your project by eliminating the need to make refinements to the tracks or surrounding materials. This might be the best choice for your home if you want a basic and economical door design or if the door that you already have has all of the features you want. Identical door installations can take between two and four hours. However, it’s important to note that it might be better to explore your options in doors at the same price point or a similar price point before committing to the exact same door design.

Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years. If it’s been nearly three decades since your current garage door was installed, you might be surprised by the wealth of innovations that have been made in these products. There are garage doors with side-mount systems, significantly higher levels of insulation, higher-than-average fire ratings, and more. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint by tightening your home’s envelope, increase the curbside and overall aesthetic appeal of your property, or limit your risk of indoor fire damage, there are a lot of worthwhile options to consider.

Upgrading to a More Modern and Feature-Rich Door Design

Upgrading to a more modern and feature-rich door design will likely increase your installation time by about two to three hours. In general, more complex installation projects take about six hours to complete. The mounting pads, surrounding wood, and back jambs will probably need to be modified or replaced in this case. If your old door has caused any structural damage or noticeable wear to these features, replacement is the most likely choice.

When garage doors and their openers come with advanced features, homeowners should be on hand to learn how to use them after they’ve been put in. When we complete these installations, we take the time to give our clients in-depth tutorials of their new equipment. Our technicians don’t leave until homeowners understand how to use their new doors and openers, how to maintain them, and how to identify small or developing issues.

Choosing and Sourcing Your Garage Door

Although even fairly complex installations rarely take more than six hours to complete, you could find yourself waiting weeks for the garage door that you really want. This is especially true if you choose the wrong company to handle your project. At Garage Door Doctor we’ve been installing garage doors for residents of Indianapolis for quite some time. This has allowed us to establish a solid network of reputable door suppliers. As a result, we can source a wide variety of in-demand door designs in a timely fashion and at reasonable prices. Our industry experience and our long-standing supplier relationships additionally allow us to source materials at impressive discounts and then pass the savings on to our clients.

If you want a unique door design or have very specific ideas about the door features you want, you’ll get the best results by working with a licensed garage door company like ours. Hiring a general handyman or attempting to tackle this project on your own can result in extended delays, functional problems just after installation, and the loss of your door manufacturer’s warranty.

What to Expect During the Garage Door Installation Process

For all garage door replacement projects, we start by assessing the condition of the existing door and the surrounding materials. These assessments allow us to determine which options in replacement doors will work best and which structural repairs must be made before any new door is put in. After this inspection is done, you can work with our in-house design consultants to choose an option that offers the level of insulation, fire protection, and convenience you want and need. We’ll explain your choices in door openers, and we’ll help you find one that optimally suits your schedule, budget, and lifestyle.

On the day of installation, we’ll take your current door down and disassemble it. If you’ll be replacing your opener as well, we’ll take this out too. Next, we’ll take out all wood sections that have been improperly installed or that are rotted or damaged in any other way. After all, even a well-made door won’t fit or function as it should if it’s attached to warped, soft, or bowed boards. All back jambs and mounting pads will also be replaced as needed.

To suit the dimensions and design of your new door, we’ll install new tracks on each side of the door frame. These will guide your door into and back out of the open position. Once these tracks are securely in place, we’ll install the actual garage door and opener. To optimize the connection between your garage door opener and your garage door, we can additionally install an operator reinforcement bracket (ORB).

Your new garage door will be wired into your home’s electrical system. This is done by running a wire from the ceiling to a nearby sensor and wall switch. Without this connection, an automate garage door won’t work. Finally, we’ll finish your project by testing your garage door and showing you how to use it.

When you hire us to install your garage door, you can look forward to the timely completion of your project. We’re staffed by a talented team of highly trained professionals who understand the complexities of this work and the nuances of individual garage door models. We use diligent dust control and noise control measures to minimize disruption during the installation process. We also remove all project waste materials when leaving.

We know just how important it is to have a secure and high-performing garage door for your home. Proudly serving residents of Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas, we offer an impressive selection of garage door openers and innovative garage door designs. We also provide spring repair services and general garage door repair services. To schedule an appointment, contact us at Garage Door Doctor today.

The post How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

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

The Anatomy of a Garage Door: Breaking it Down

There are at least 200 industry terms that garage door specialists use when installing or repairing a garage door. Although we take the lingo for granted, we can’t expect our clients to know all about garage doors. Therefore, we’ve assembled a list of common and practical garage door components and their function. Having a layman’s knowledge of these terms will help you communicate with your garage door contractor when you begin your next project.

How Do Garage Doors Open?

●      Swing Outward.
Hinged to one side and swings outward like a door on a barn.

●      Swing Upward.
When activated the door tilts up, swings out, and slides in.

●      Roll-upward.
Common in warehouses, factories, and storage units, the door coils when pushed upward.

●      Slide Horizontally.
The door slides horizontally on a track to one side of the garage opening

●      Opens in Sections.
The door is made up of horizontal sections that bend as the door opens and straighten as it closes.

Different Types of Panels

●      Flush Panels.
Clean panels with a smooth surface and no design.

●      Long & Short Panels.
Can be used on single or double doors. Two panels can be stacked on a single door, four panels are symmetrically arranged on a double door.

●      Raised Panels.
Are located along the top of your garage door frame. Although they are generally rectangular, other shapes can be designed.

●      Recessed Panels.
The panels are slightly buried into the door.

●      Beadboard Panels.
Intricate designs made up of a combination of rectangles and squares that can be recessed.

Garage Door Openers

There are essentially three main types of garage door openers:

●      Chain Drive.
Uses a heavy grade metal chain to open the door. They are the most cost-effective type of opener, but they are also loud.

●      Belt Drive.
Uses a heavy grade rubber belt to open the door. They are a bit pricier than chain drives, but they are super quiet and durable.

●      Screw Drive.
Rotates a steel rod, which, in turn, activates the trolley that lowers or raises the door. Screw drive openers have less parts; thus, they require less maintenance.

If you are looking for garage door installation or repair service, then contact Door Power Sales & Services. We provide a broad spectrum of products and services for residential and commercial properties in the Minneapolis metro area. Call us today at 952-467-3199 and schedule a free estimate!

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

A New Garage Door is a Smart Investment

Did You Know That a New Garage Door is a Smart Investment?

Read any article on best home improvement investments, and a garage door replacement consistently makes the list. According to a recent report released by RISMedia, the real estate industry’s definitive source, the average garage door installation or replacement gives a homeowner a 76% ROI. For upscale houses, the ROI is even greater at 85% putting garage doors at the top spot for 2017. Other reports have projected that garage door replacements can have up to a 91% ROI. This is impressive considering that the national average ROI for all home improvement projects is 64%.

Don’t Buy Cheap

Like anything else, with garage doors, you get what you pay for. Considering that this home component is valued more for its function than fashion, going the cheap route can reduce your ROI by as much as 50%. It can also lead to irritating repair costs and ongoing needles maintenance – something that would turn a prospective home buyer down the road.

Your best bet is to go as upscale as possible on your garage door. When looking at the cost vs. value, an ‘upscale’ door has the following qualities:

●      16’ x 7’ Dimensions

●      Contains opener tracks

●      4-section roll-up door

●      Preferred material: high tensile grade steel.

●      R-12 insulation

●      Pinch-resistant panels

●      Insulated glass windows

Key Elements of a Successful Garage Door Remodel

Style cohesion. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that their garage door should ‘stand out’. Thus, the result is a door that stands out, but not in the way it was intended. When creating a conceptual design for the garage door, consider how it will match the rest of the home exterior. The goal should be to achieve a cohesive design that is seamless. This includes all the fine details.

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

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