Category: Garage Services

Adding a garage door is one of the best returns on investment when it comes to home improvement. It boosts curb appeal and can add value to your home, plus it’s a functional barrier that protects your valuables.

Avondale Garage Doors are available in a wide variety of materials and styles. Learn about the benefits of each type to choose the right option for your home.

A garage door needs to be durable enough to protect a home from break-ins and extreme weather, while still looking good for years to come. When choosing a new garage door, consider your climate, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs. For example, if you live near the coast, you may want to consider fiberglass or vinyl doors that resist corrosion from salt air. Insulation options can also help regulate temperatures and reduce noise.

The typical life span of a garage door is between 15 and 30 years, depending on its materials and usage. If your door has reached the end of its life span, it’s time to replace it with a more durable model. Investing in a durable garage door will protect your investment and save you money on future repairs or replacements.

Typically, steel garage doors are the most durable type on the market. They are rust-resistant and provide a solid barrier against wind, rain and snow. For enhanced durability, choose a higher gauge steel, such as 24 gauge. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the strength of a steel garage door doesn’t solely depend on the gauge size; it’s also a matter of how the steel is constructed and layered with other components, such as insulation and cladding.

Another option for durability is aluminum, which is lighter than steel but just as strong. It is a great choice for garage doors that need to be able to withstand high winds or heavy snowfall. Aluminum garage doors can be customized with a wide variety of design applications to match your exact vision.

Plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) garage doors are a durable alternative to steel and offer a stylish, low-maintenance appearance. They’re often molded to create unique shapes and can be finished in a wide range of colors. Many PVC garage doors also have UV-resistant additives that help them resist fading from exposure to sunlight.

For homeowners who prefer the look of wood, a composite or engineered hardwood garage door is an excellent option. These doors are designed to last and can be customized with a variety of decorative hardware and window treatments to match your home’s architectural style.

Security

One of the most commonly overlooked garage door security tips is to install a deadbolt on the door that leads from your garage into your home. This simple, inexpensive upgrade greatly increases your home’s security and can also make it more difficult for a burglar to enter through the garage.

Another important garage door security tip is to ensure that all the latches on the interior of your garage are tight and latched securely. This is especially important if you often park your car in the driveway and leave the garage door open for a few minutes while running errands. It can be tempting to clip your garage door remote to your sun visor or glove box, but those are the first places a criminal will look for easy access. Make sure to stow it in the house or use a lockbox that keeps it out of sight and reach.

Some burglars are impulsive and break into the garage to grab an item that they see sitting out, but others carefully plan their crimes, targeting a particular property or home. The best way to prevent a break-in is to take additional precautions, such as installing extra locks and security cameras.

An alarm system that goes off when the garage door opens and closes is an excellent deterrent to would-be thieves, as it sounds like a police siren and can scare them away. Another great garage security addition is a floodlight security camera that can detect motion and even recognize people. These cameras, such as the easily-installed NETVUE outdoor cam available at Amazon, sync with your smart home and even alert you to activity when you’re not home.

The emergency release cord on your garage door is an entry point for thieves who can use a wire hook to fish the cord, which could unlock the door. Protecting this cord with a specially designed cover or simply using a zip tie to secure it will deter thieves and still allow you to operate your garage door when needed. Also, consider upgrading your opener to one that uses a rolling code system, which automatically changes the code every time it’s used, making it much harder for criminals to eavesdrop on and hack into this technology.

Energy Efficiency

Garage doors aren’t just functional barriers, but can also serve as energy-efficient extensions of your home. When properly insulated, they prevent warm air from escaping in the winter, reducing your heating costs and helping your home stay comfortable all year round. An insulated garage door also stops hot air from entering your home in warmer seasons, saving you money on cooling costs.

Insulation is measured by a value known as R-value, with higher numbers representing greater insulation properties. When choosing a new garage door, choose a model with an R-value that matches your climate and maintenance preferences.

Steel is not a natural insulator, so it’s important to look for a model layered with polyurethane insulation for maximum efficiency. For example, Clopay’s Thermacore insulated steel doors feature triple-layer construction with polyurethane and offer an R-value up to 20.4.

Wood is another great option for insulating garage doors, but it requires regular treatment to protect against moisture damage. For an eco-friendly solution, consider a wood door with polyurethane or aluminum insulation tucked inside. For example, the CANYON RIDGE collection offers a wood composite with durable polyurethane and aluminum inlays for a contemporary style that combines durability and efficiency.

Sectional garage doors are the most popular in the United States, and they can be highly efficient. Their thick insulation prevents heat loss and reduces noise, ensuring your garage stays comfortable and quiet when you’re working or relaxing.

Insulated sectional garage doors are available in a variety of colors, materials and finishes, so you can find one that perfectly matches your home’s architectural aesthetic. They also feature windows and patterns to add light and visual interest.

It’s important to check your garage door for a number of things, including proper insulation and tight fitting seals to ensure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Regular inspections and minor repairs can keep your garage door looking like new for years to come. If you notice significant damage or are in need of a major repair, it’s always best to consult professional technicians. Attempting DIY repairs may lead to more costly damage or compromise the safety and function of your garage door.

Curb Appeal

Whether your home is traditional or modern, a garage door upgrade can boost its curb appeal. A new, energy-efficient door with windows and stylish hardware will stand out in a neighborhood. It’s also a great opportunity to personalize the look with a color or design element that complements your home.

If your garage door looks dingy or worn, it can make the rest of your home appear run-down and neglected. A fresh coat of paint and new garage door hardware can dramatically improve curb appeal. These small changes also require a minimal investment. Moreover, they’ll likely increase your home’s perceived value.

Upgrading your garage door also enhances your property’s security. Unlike older doors, newer models often come with keyless entry systems that don’t require a remote control to open and close. They’re usually quieter as well, which helps reduce noise pollution. In addition, many of these garage doors are now insulated. This helps ensure a comfortable indoor temperature during cold months and lowers your utility bills.

Garage doors are the most visible component of your home’s front facade, so they have a major impact on your home’s curb appeal. When it comes to selecting a paint color, choose one that stands out but doesn’t compete with your home’s siding. Neutral tones are especially appealing because they’re versatile and can be easily updated to suit changing trends.

Another way to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to add decorative elements. Whether you choose to hang a wreath from the front door, plant flowers along your sidewalk or garden beds, or place containers on your porch, these budget friendly high-impact tools can quickly improve your home’s aesthetics.

Adding windows to your garage door may seem like a bold choice, but it can be a game-changer in terms of your home’s curb appeal. It can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency, especially in the winter when you use the garage more frequently. Window options range from simple grid patterns that evoke classic, timeless style to sleek designs that complement contemporary architecture. The same goes for hardware options, which can vary from ornate to minimalist styles to accentuate your unique design sense.

Garage Door Repair Goodyear AZ is a physically demanding job that requires the ability to work in challenging environments. It also involves technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and diagnostic skills.

Visible but minor cosmetic damage, such as faded decorative hardware or scratched paint, can be easily fixed with a fresh coat of paint. However, replacing the entire door may be a better option if it has shown signs of significant wear and tear over time.

Attempting to repair or replace a garage door without the proper training and tools can lead to dangerous results. Many people attempt to DIY their garage door repairs because it is a quick way to save money. However, DIY repair is often a trial-and-error process that ends up fixing only the symptoms of the problem and not the root cause. This can result in the problem returning and costing more money down the road. In addition, trying to fix the problem yourself can also break any warranty that may have been on your garage door.

Whether it is an electrical or mechanical issue, attempting to work on any garage door component without the right training can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious injury. The most common injuries incurred during DIY garage door repair are pinching, crushing and entrapment. These problems can be caused by a variety of issues, including misaligned sensors or an unbalanced or malfunctioning closing mechanism.

It is important to have a qualified professional conduct any garage door maintenance, especially on springs. This is because springs are under significant tension and can easily snap or become dislodged if not properly handled. Injuries from this type of damage can be devastating and even deadly.

Another safety concern is the potential for shards of glass to break off from the garage door and cut someone. These shards can be particularly hazardous for children or pets and should be carefully cleared up to avoid any injuries.

Many DIY garage door repairs involve working with power tools and tinkering with moving parts. This can be dangerous for anyone who is not familiar with these tools and should never be done on your own. Professionals are highly trained in these areas and can safely repair any problem with your garage door. In addition, most companies will provide a full work guarantee and high-quality materials to ensure that the job is done right the first time. This can help to give you peace of mind when tackling any DIY home improvement projects in the future.

Damaged Parts

In many cases, garage door repair involves repairing or replacing a damaged part. For example, a damaged spring could be replaced to restore smooth movement and prevent sudden movements that might result in accidents or damage property. Alternatively, a garage door opener can be replaced to improve performance and ensure your family’s safety. In some cases, a complete replacement of the garage door itself might be necessary if it has sustained extensive or severe damage.

Minor dents and bends on your garage door may be easy to fix with a rubber mallet or a hammer. However, more significant damage can often only be repaired by a professional. This is because the mechanics of a garage door are highly complex and involve interconnected parts. As such, even a small alteration might have unexpected impacts on other components.

For instance, if you try to repair one of the rollers without realizing that another is impacted by this, the entire system might be compromised. This is why it’s best to leave these repairs to the experts.

It’s also worth noting that your garage door might need to be replaced if it is nearing the end of its lifespan. If frequent repairs are needed and the cost of repairs starts to exceed the value of the door itself, it might be more financially wise to invest in a new installation.

Trying to tackle garage door repair on your own can often be more trouble than it’s worth. For one thing, the specialised knowledge and tools required to work on these systems can be difficult to acquire. In addition, you can often inadvertently cause further damage by using the wrong tools or making mistakes when dismantling and reassembling a garage door. This is especially true if you’re dealing with high-tension springs that require specialist training and tools to replace. It’s best to always hire a professional to do the job right and ensure that your garage door meets all the safety standards required by law and code.

Slow Movement

If your garage door has begun to move slower than it used to, you should first make sure that nothing is stuck in or obstructing it. Dirt, gravel, sand, mud and other debris can easily jam rollers or catch on pulleys, slowing down operation. You should also check to see that the sensors are clean and properly aligned and that nothing is obstructing their view.

If a simple once-over doesn’t solve the issue, it may be time to call in a professional. They can examine your system to see what else could be causing it to move more slowly and then give the whole thing a thorough cleaning. This includes the tracks, springs and rollers, as well as lubricating all of them to ensure that they move smoothly and quickly.

Garage door specialists can also help you with any tangled or damaged cables, which can seriously slow your door’s movement. Regular inspections and lubrication will keep your garage door functioning at its best and prevent any sudden, catastrophic failure that could leave you with costly repairs.

Oftentimes, your garage door will move slower than it should because the up-limit switch has moved too far from the motor unit. This can cause the motor to shut down before it reaches its full height, slowing the opening process. By moving the up-limit switch closer to the motor, you can get your garage door back up and running in no time.

If you have a newer opener, your system may simply be unable to keep up with its demands because the motor has not been updated. A professional will be able to tell you whether it is time to upgrade to a more powerful model that will boost the cycling speed of your garage door. Having the right system can also make your home more energy efficient, which will reduce your utility bills. This is another reason why investing in a professionally installed system is so important. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Noisy Operation

A noisy garage door is frustrating to deal with and can reduce the value of your home. It may be caused by loose or misaligned hardware, but more often than not, it is the result of a lack of lubrication. Lubrication provides a thin barrier between moving parts, which helps to decrease friction during operation and eliminates the noise that can cause squeaks and jerks.

Whether the rollers are grinding or scraping against the tracks, the sound of metal-on-metal can be extremely annoying when you are trying to work or relax inside your home. Similarly, the track guides can develop flat spots, which can make loud banging sounds as they move along the tracks. If you hear this noise, it is important to contact a professional right away for a garage door repair service to prevent further damage to the system.

If the tracks are misaligned, the rollers can also rub against each other, which leads to loud clinking or rattling sounds during operation. A professional can fix this issue by properly aligning the tracks and adjusting them as needed.

Loose nuts, bolts, and screws are another common source of garage door noise. These can be tightened to remove the excess noise, but should never be driven beyond snug, as this could damage their integrity and impact the proper functioning of the door. A Clopay Dealer or trained door systems technician can replace any loose hardware components as needed.

Finally, a lack of lubrication can be a serious problem that affects all components of the system. Applying a light coat of silicone-based lubricant to the springs, roller bearings (on rollers that use metal wheels), and hinges can help to eliminate the squeaks and rattles that often occur during operation. It is recommended to lubricate these parts every two or three months to ensure that they remain well-oiled and quiet during operation.

Working on a large, heavy-duty system like a garage door requires the right tools and the right amount of time to get the job done correctly. This type of project should never be taken on by a homeowner without the necessary skills and experience. Moreover, there is always the risk of making a mistake that can lead to injury or property damage.