Caring for the garage is an important yet often neglected aspect of home maintenance. While most people care for and maintain the rest of the house, they usually fail to think of caring for and maintaining the garage, and all of the benefits doing so brings. In addition to increasing your home’s curb appeal, a well-maintained garage can help make your home more energy efficient and provide a valuable space for out-of-the-ordinary projects, like woodworking, music making or other creative endeavors.

Garage care isn’t complicated, expensive or much of a hassle, especially when done regularly. If you make time for some light garage maintenance, you will thank yourself later when you catch small issues like a crack in the foundation or a failing garage door before they become serious and turn into a costly inconvenience. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your garage in tip-top shape.

Keep It Clean

Great in theory, difficult in practice, keeping your garage organized and clean is the first step to garage maintenance. If your garage is tidy, fixing other problems becomes a breeze, because you will have plenty of room to work on the issues. Everybody has their own methods of organization, but it’s important that you pick one and stick to it. Once you get into the habit of neglecting your garage’s cleanliness, it won’t be long before you realize you have so much stuff lying around that you can hardly walk from one side to the other, let alone park your car in it or use the space for a creative project.

Fix Deep Floor Cracks

Because garage floors are usually made of large concrete slabs and the temperature inside garages fluctuates greatly depending on the season, the floors are likely to crack as they expand and contract with the weather. Cracked garage floors are easiest to fix as soon as they happen because the cracks are small and shallow. If left unchecked, they will get bigger, which brings with it a variety of problems.

Stop the Drafts

All this step entails is to seal all of the small cracks in your doors and windows so that less cold air blows into the garage. This will help regulate the temperature inside the garage, which will make it more comfortable to be in, help prevent the floor from cracking, and reduce the chances of pests getting inside. Replacing the gasket on the bottom of the garage door, placing weatherstripping around any other doors and adding some extra caulking around the windows is all it will take to fix this problem.

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

Did the recent snowfall catch you off guard?   Don’t worry, there is still time to get your garage prepped and ready before old man winter really comes to town.  After you shovel out from this storm, keep up the momentum and make the simple changes listed here so you are ready for the next one.

Prep and Organize

Once you have cleared your cars and any other large items out, give your garage a good sweeping.   You’d be shocked at the amount of debris you track in over the summer months.  Check the exterior for any holes or areas that critters could come in and find a warm home over the winter.   Plug them up so you don’t find any chewed cords or items come Spring.  Examine windows or doors for air leakage and consider applying some weather stripping to keep those seals tight.  This is important if you have a door that connects from the garage to your home to keep those pesky drafts out.

This is a great time to examine the track, springs and mechanics of your garage door opener.  Make sure nothing is in the way of the beam that stops the door in case of an emergency.  We don’t suggest you attempt to fix the springs yourself.   The tension on this item is high and accidents can occur in seconds.  Seek out a professional if you think an area needs adjusting.

 Now you can organize the items you need to store.  If something can be hung to utilize wall space, go in that direction.  Sports gear, gardening items and hoses can all hang securely, freeing up floor space.  Swap out your summer gear and have your winter items at the ready.   Put your shovels, ice scrapers, sleds and any snow sports equipment where you can access it easily without having to climb over a patio chair.  Be sure to check over your snow-blower, start the engine and make sure you have the proper gas to last all winter.

Beat the rush and stock up on salt or washer fluid (which is safe for garage storage) for the winter.

If you have the room, set up a snow station that has hooks for snow covered coats and hats, a tray for wet boots and a non-slip mat to ensure you don’t fall into a slushy mess.

A Word on Liquids 

If your summer to-do list had you painting or staining, any of those leftovers should be kept in a more stable climate.  Same for any weed killers or other liquid lawn products.  The cold weather and possible freezing of these items can cause them to separate or become ineffective.  Find a safe area in your basement or a little-used closet to store these items.

All done! 

Now that your garage is all prepped you can relax inside with a hot chocolate and cross your fingers for a mild winter!

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

If you have children, you want to protect your little ones from accidents and injuries. The home can have plenty of risks that you wouldn’t even think about, so childproofing your house will significantly improve their safety.

One critical step in making a safer home for your family is childproofing a garage. Discover what you can do to keep your children safe from garage-related injuries.

Is My Garage Safe for My Children?

Most garages pose inherent risks to children, such as vehicles, concrete floors, and outdoor supplies. You want to keep your child away from these dangers as much as you can. Before you change anything in your garage, look at its current state. Evaluate your garage’s safety by asking yourself these questions:

• Can my children reach the chemicals and tools I keep in my garage?
• What about less obvious risks like garbage, pet food, and gardening materials?
• How often do I maintain my garage door?
• Do I keep my garage as clutter-free as possible?
• How easily can my child get into and out of my garage?
• Do I lock my vehicles whenever I’m not using them?

How Do You Childproof a Garage?

Now that you have an idea of where to start making your garage safer, you can take the steps to childproof it. Consider strategies like:

• Storing chemicals and other dangerous substances out of reach. Remember that some children will try to use stools and counters to reach these items. Put them up as high as possible or lock them in a cabinet. If you use a locked cabinet, keep the key far away from your children.
• Adding a Dutch door to your garage exit. Close the bottom half of the door and leave the top half open to let fresh air in or transfer groceries.
• Getting rid of clutter. Many of us use our garages to store tools and supplies, but these items often end up all over the garage space. Use storage to keep your clutter away from places where children can trip over them.

What Can I Do to Practice Garage Door Safety?

Automatic garage doors can cause injury if you don’t take the utmost care. If you have a garage door opener, keep it secure at all times. Many kids get excited to open and close the door like a toy. When they try to do this, they can get caught in the door itself or in moving parts. Test your automatic door’s sensitivity to objects as small as two inches high so little fingers and toes don’t get hurt.

Install a New Garage Door to Protect Your Child

Garage door technology always finds new ways to make your garage more secure. Check out our inventory of residential garage doors today.

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

We’ve all been there—it’s Thanksgiving and the dining room table is positively packed with boisterous family and friends. It never seems to matter how big your table is or how many extra chairs you bring in from the garage. Between the delicious food and the visiting bodies, there is just never enough space.

While we’re talking about space, let’s talk about what to expect when you get a new garage door. Now, garage door installation is actually done from the inside. The garage door is put together like a puzzle, starting from the bottom and working up one section at a time as each panel is fit into the track. As a result, our technicians need enough space to rotate and lift the length of the door. They also need access along the sides to install the track. If your track is not accessible due to clutter, our technicians are forced to try to install your door on an angle, which isn’t a great idea for a myriad of reasons.

We all use our garage for storage, be it extra chairs for the holidays or tools for lawn care. However, before you have your new door installed, you might need to take a look at your garage and remove some things that will be in the way. If your garage is stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, if you can’t fit your car in your garage, then our technicians won’t have room to install the new door either. Before you get ready for the holiday or a new install, make sure everyone has the room they need.

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

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