The Precision Garage Door Guy

The Beauty of Wood in a Aluminum Door

2012-01-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes technology really scores!

Check out these pictures from a recent garage door install in the Seattle area.

It's really hard to believe that these "wood" doors are really aluminum.

Yep, all the looks of wood with all the low maintenance and advantages of metal. Technology is getting better and better... BTW - these are from Northwest Door's new series.

Saving Energy with Garage Door Insulation

2012-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Garage Door Insulation

In today’s economy people are looking at ways to save money and cut costs. One of the biggest costs homeowners face during the winter months is heating. It’s a delicate balance between keeping the thermostat high enough to be comfortable but low enough so you can still afford to pay the bills. Properly insulating your home goes a long way in reducing your energy bill and keeping your house warmer, but often the biggest cause of a cold home, the garage, is overlooked.

An improperly insulated garage will become cold in the winter as temperatures drop. The cold garage siphons heat away from the adjacent rooms, causing those rooms to become colder and forcing your heating system to work harder and expend more energy. Don’t worry, you don’t need to rip apart your garage to fix this.

Weather Stripping and Bottom Seal

The first thing you want to do is check the weather stripping and bottom seal around the perimeter of the garage door. From the inside of your garage, run your hand along the perimeter of the garage door and feel for drafts. Is the weather stripping and bottom seal cracked, or aging? Is there even any weather stripping or stop molding in place?

Replacing or adding good weather stripping and bottom seal is one of the biggest improvements you can make to your garage door to keep the cold out. Just like an insulated window, it doesn’t matter how good it is if you leave it open.

You can pick up weather strip and bottom seal at your local hardware store. Or you can call Precision and our certified technicians will winterize your garage door for you.

Insulating Your Garage Door

Having taken care of the weather stripping and bottom seal around the garage door, you can take the next step of adding insulation onto the garage door itself. You can purchase a garage door insulation kit from your local hardware store. They sell for $50 – $150 depending upon the size and type of the door.

We don’t recommend insulating the garage door itself as it adds weight to the door. Garage doors are designed to be lifted with a counter balance spring system. The springs render the door weight neutral which allows the garage door opener to lift the door. If you add extra weight to the door we recommend changing the springs to maintain balance. The change in insulation is minimal for all this extra work though. If you really need to add extra insulation you should consider buying a new insulated garage door.

Buy A New Insulated Garage Door

These suggestions will only go so far, especially if you have an older door. If you want to make the biggest impact on stopping the cold consider buying a new insulated garage door. With the government still offering a 30% Energy Tax Credit on new energy efficient garage doors it’s never been a better time. A new insulated garage door can make a huge difference in your heating bill. To find our what the best insulated garage door is call your local Precision Door.

One Last Tip

Now that your garage door is sealed and insulated, it might be a good idea to look at the door that leads into the house from the garage. Check to make sure that door is also properly sealed and insulated.

In the end, anything you do to reduce the inflow of cold air to your garage will help reduce your heating bill each month. It’s hard to tell just how much money you’ll save, but as time goes on those savings will add up. You’ll appreciate the difference, in both your wallet and being in a warmer, more comfortable house.

The Internet, Garage Doors and Curb Appeal

2012-01-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

Want to add long-term value and attract buyers? Could consider a facelift for your garage.

Statistics show that more than 90 percent of home buyers turn to the Internet first in their home searches, often basing their decisions to learn more about a property from the photos they see of a home's exterior. With large portions of a home's facade often comprised of a street-facing garage door, it's no surprise that garage door replacement is, for the second year in a row, rated among the best home renovation projects for returning value at resale.

The 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value survey determined that garage door replacement was a top-five value-returning project after evaluating a typical $1,500 cost to replace a basic garage door with a mid-range garage model. The survey determined the value of that replacement at home sale to be nearly $1,100. This equates to a 71.9 percent ROI and is the fourth-highest rated project a homeowner can undertake, according to the study. Meanwhile, the roughly $3,000 cost to replace a mid-range model with an upscale one had an estimated value at sale of about $2,130, equating to a 71.1 percent return.

The Cost vs. Value Report is conducted in partnership with the National Association of Realtors and Hanley Wood, publisher of Remodeling magazine.

Should I change both garage door springs, or just the one spring that is broken?

2012-01-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Most double car garage doors have two springs across the top of the door and often only one will be broken. It's a question we get all the time.. "Should I change both springs, or just the one spring that is broken?"

We highly recommend that you change both springs at the same time. since both springs have been under the same amount of stress each time the door has been opened and closed. Torsion springs have definate lifespans and if one has broken there's a good chance the other is just ast fatigued. Yes, it's makes your garage door repair more expensive today... but in many cases it will cost less to have both springs changed at the same time than changing one spring today and the other next week or next month. In addition, if you have extension springs on your door, the door may not balance properly with one new spring and one fatigued spring.

If you have, or suspect, a broken spring - contact a garage door professional today to have both springs replaced and get your door back in proper working order!

Beautiful New Carriage Style Garage Doors

2012-01-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

Georgeous New Carriage Doors really make this garage special!

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

Merry Christmas

From

Precision Door Service

Sometimes, who you do business with says a lot about your company.

2011-12-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed superior quality does mean superior value.

At Precision Door Service we are proud to feature some of 2011’s “top 5” best products as voted by the industry leading Professional Door Dealer magazine.

Best Custom Doors: Amarr Garage Doors
Best Customer Service: Amarr Garage Doors
Best Residential Operators: Marantec Garage Door Openers
Best Access Controls: Marantec, LiftMaster
Best Garage Door Security: Marantec
Best Garage Door Hardware: Arrow Tru-Line
Best Commercial Operators: LiftMaster
Best Gate Operators: LiftMaster
Best Green Products: LiftMaster, Amarr Garage Doors
Best Innovative Products: Arrow Tru-Line, LiftMaster
Best Website: Amarr Garage Doors

Congratulations to all the award winners! We look forward to another great year of providing our customers the very best products and services available!

Give your garage a gift this New Year!

2011-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's winter and homeowners are spending more time in their garages these days. If you want to make it a more comfortable space; consider an insulated garage door. Purchasing an energy-efficient, insulated garage door will help keep the warmth in the garage and help keep energy costs down in the new year.

Second, we find customers appreciate a quick open and close of the garage door, without having to get out of the car, even more in the winter months than they usually do. Adding a new garage door opener can be a priceless time- and hassle-saver. With many new technologies being introduced, you can even operate many garage doors with your smartphone.

So consider giving your garage a gift this Holiday season and ring in the new year!

Dealing with Common Garage Door Problems

2011-12-08T11:45:00.001-08:00

There are many reasons for keeping garage doors in good working condition. Garage doors that are in poor working condition or garage doors that are not secure enough often serve as an easy entry point for the burglars. Many break-in incidents could have been easily avoided by home owners if only they had paid attention to their garage door repair problems promptly.

The most important rule: Don’t ignore your garage door repair problems. Address the problems at their first sign and by doing so you will be able to save a lot of time and money on expensive garage door repairs. Garage doors have many moving parts that are subjected to daily wear and tear; you should expect regular maintenance (at least once per year). Regardless of the brand of garage door you have it will have limitations on life span. Don’t think just because you have installed the best brand garage doors, your garage doors don’t need any maintenance. That’s like never changing the oil in your car.

Just like your car; the majority of problems common to your garage door start with lubrication problems. Keeping your garage doors well lubricated means you will not run in to unnecessary garage door repair problems. Well lubricated garage doors will give you better life. Regular use of a silicone base lubricant will help. You should also call your garage door repair company for regular lubrication and annual maintenance. They will be able to identify any problems early and avoid any bigger problems.

Electric garage door openers are very common today. Do not attempt to repair them by yourself because it requires a skilled technician to assess the problem and address any issues. Many attempted DIY repairs end up aggravating the problem. So it is best to call for professional help from your local garage door repair company.

Garage doors are, physically, very heavy. The weight of the door is offset by its’ spring system. If your garage door does not remain open but continues to fall/close; it is most likely a spring problem. Garage door springs have very defined lifecycles and yours may need replacement. Do not attempt spring repairs or replacements on your own! 30,000 people a year end up in emergency rooms attempting it… Call your garage door professional immediately.

When you do call your local garage door repair company for assistance, make sure that you are dealing with the most trusted service provider. Your garage door repair company should possess adequate experience in dealing with different types of garage doors and the associated problems. This will help you get the most cost effective and lasting solutions. Choosing professional service providers you will be able to get dependable and timely assistance in addressing your garage door repair problems. Ensure that your garage door is always fully functional and secure for your own convenience and security reasons.

If you more questions about your garage door, there are many answers available here.

Yes, It's Cold - Don't Warm-up Your Car in the Garage

2011-11-30T16:21:00.001-08:00

Yes, we know - it's getting cold out and on those frosty mornings it's really tempting to start the car up in the garage.

DON'T DO IT!!!
You're literally playing Russian Roulette with your life. It takes less than two minutes for gas fumes to reach lethal concentrations in a garage where a car is being warmed up—even if the garage door is open.

Don’t ever warm up a car in an enclosed space. Having a warm car on a cold winter morning just isn’t worth the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Always open the garage door before starting your car. Once it’s started, immediately drive out and away from the garage, and close the garage door. According to a study from Iowa State University, large concentrations of gas still remain trapped inside a garage even after the car is driven out. If, like mine, your garage is attached to the garage, fumes can quickly spread into the house and remain for hours.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in illness and even death. Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen supply to the brain and is particularly dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, flu-type symptoms, nausea and loss of consciousness. Poisoning can happen to anyone, but children, the elderly and those with health concerns are especially susceptible.

Precision Door features a great Carbon Monoxide Alarm that will trigger your garage door and open it when harmful levels of CO are detected.

Batteries are Important When Using Garage Remotes

2011-11-18T15:20:00.001-08:00

We get many calls about problems with a garage door remote control. Often the problem is a simple one... an old or weak battery. Yes, batteries are important when it comes to garage door remotes.
Here's a check list for solving many problems:

Replace the battery first!
• Old batteries cause a large percentage of the problems experienced with garage door remotes. Many remotes use standard 9-volt batteries or round watch-style batteries that can often be found around the house or at the local drug store/camera department.

• Even if the remote is relatively new, it is still important to try replacing the battery. Some remotes sit on warehouse shelves for a long time.

• To access the battery on some remotes, you may have to split the case in half. This is typically the case if you notice a small round indentation on the edges of the remote. The attached visor clip can usually be removed and works great for this. If the clip is not available, or the remote is not a visor-style remote, a dime or a penny usually works fine. Place the end of the visor clip or the coin into the indentation and twist. The case should snap apart. Other remotes have a small sliding door to access the battery, similar to a TV remote control.

Reprogram the Remote
If replacing the battery does not solve the problem consider reprogramming it.

• If the remote has a row of small switches inside, make sure the position of the switches match the position of the switches on the back of the garage door opener.

• If the remote is programmable, follow the programming steps found in the owner’s manual for the garage door opener.

• If you cannot locate your owner’s manual, check the manufacturer’s website. Most garage door openers manufactured in the last five to 10 years have manuals that can be found online.

Replace the Remote Control
• If the above steps did not resolve your problem, you may need a new remote control.

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

2011-11-14T16:51:00.001-08:00

It seems like everyday we read another story about someone going to the hospital or worse from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Just today in the Seattle are two men died - sitting in their car in the garage.

The vast majority of these accidents are just that - accidents and can be avoided with a little care.
1) Don't run your car inside the garage. I know it can be cold but open the door and back it out!
2) Shut the car off before closing the garage door. CO builds up quickly and it doesn't take much to make you sick.
3) Consider a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Note: Precision Door offers a unique CO Alarm that also opens the garage door automatically.

Please Please Please - be safe out there!!

Simple Change Dramatically Improves Curb Appeal

2011-11-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we get caught up in trying to improve our homes' curb appeal by focusing on the wrong things. For example, recent research suggests that a major Kitchen remodel (perhaps the most common and most expensive option) returns only about 53% of the investment.

Here's a question. What part of the home makes up the most curb appeal real estate? The garage door!

In many homes the garage door represents as much as one-third of what people see from the curb. That is the definition of curb appeal and, a new garage door returns over 86% of the investment.

Before and After - Great New Curb Appeal

Take a look at this picture - it's the same home same neighborhood - just a new dramatic look with garage doors.

It's a simple change that dramatically improves the curb appeal.

JELD-WEN Garage Doors Discontinued

2011-10-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

JELD-WEN announces that they are are no longer producing Garage Doors.
On the company website JELD-WEN says:

"Thank you for your interest in JELD-WEN garage doors. We have discontinued producing our garage door product lines as of October 6, 2011. If your inquiry is warranty related, please see the links below. If you have other questions, please call 800-JELD-WEN".

Contact information is available at: http://www.jeld-wen.com/pro-centerwarranty-information/384

Garage Door Openers and the Military

2011-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yes... as this story from the Everett Herald points out - when military (ships, planes etc.) are actively using their radio frequencies - garage door openers and remote controls tend to not work properly.

Not too much that a garage door company can do for now... so if you live near a base, make sure you know how to operate your door manually.

Jeld-Wen exits garage-door business

2011-10-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

Jeld-Wen exits garage-door business, focusing on core products after Onex deal

Published: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 4:35 PM Updated: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 5:56 PM

By Richard Read, The Oregonian The Oregonian

The Oregonian’s continuing coverage of the developments at Jeld-Wen and its plan to sell a majority stake to Onex Corp.Jeld-Wen Inc., the Klamath Falls company recently acquired by a Canadian firm, still makes windows and doors -- just no longer garage doors.

A Jeld-Wen spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday the company was leaving the garage-door business, saying managers decided to focus attention on primary products. Garage doors accounted for about 1/10th of 1 percent of Jeld-Wen sales, said Teri Cline, company communications director.

"Although we are phasing out one product offering, Jeld-Wen has averaged 350 new products or enhancements annually over the last three years," Cline said. "We are constantly researching new materials, features and production techniques."

Exiting garage doors will reduce Jeld-Wen's work force in Iowa by five. The company, which once employed more than 24,000 worldwide, has about 19,700 workers, including 2,500 in Oregon, Cline said.

Onex Corp., a Toronto-based private-equity firm, recently invested $871 million for a 58 percent stake in Jeld-Wen, Oregon's largest privately held company.

Curb Appeal!!

2011-10-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Whether you're looking to sell your home or just "spruce" it up... you're thinking about Curb Appeal.

The crown jewel of curb appeal is that often forgotten - Garage Door!

Before and After a New Garage Door!

All garage doors open and close. But yours should do more than that. In addition to protection and insulation, it should add style and beauty to your home. After all, it's often the most visible part of your home.

Take a look at what a new door does for this home...

Watch Your Fingers

2011-10-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Watch Your Fingers! If your garage door lacks pinch-resistant joints, adding lift handles or gripping points on the inside & outside of the door can save a painful pinch! Even if your door has automatic opener, there are times (power outages etc.) when the door must occasionally be operated manually. Never place your fingers between the door sections. If you manually open or close the door, use the lift handles or gripping points!

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Now Available in Seattle Area

2011-10-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Protecting your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning just got easier in the Seattle area.

Every year hundreds of family members suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning - most often from a car left running in or near the garage. Now available in Seattle the Precision Door Service Carbon Monoxide Detector is the only alarm that “reacts” by opening your garage door to immediately provide ventilation and decrease deadly CO levels!

What makes this detector so unique? Most carbon Monoxide detectors are designed to operate inside the home. These detectors are not built to withstand the extreme temperature variances and the high humidity levels found in garages. Even if the were, they do not do anything other than sound an alarm if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected. The PDS branded detector is designed for the harsh conditions found in garages and is tied into the electric operator. (In fact, it is tested and approved under UL2034 which is the rating used as the standard for recreational boats!)

If unsafe levels are detected, a signal is sent to the electric operator and the door is automatically raised to allow for proper ventilation. It can also be tied into the home security system for extra peace of mind protection!

Available in Seattle at www.GarageDoorSeattle.com

How do I release the door from my opener so I can open the door by hand?

2011-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how many people are unsure how to open they're garage door by hand. We're so used to pushing that button and having the door open... but when the power is out or there are mechanical issues you need to get the door open. Here are simple instructions:
With the garage door fully closed, pull the red release cord down toward the floor. Always take special caution whenever you release the garage door opener if the door is not in the fully closed position, since the door may want to slam closed when released. If at all possible do not release the garage door when open, except for emergency or security purposes and close the door with caution. Some older openers may not have a red release cord and may need to be released by pulling down a handle or a spring loaded clip. If you do have an older door that is difficult to disconnect you may want to replace the opener with a new garage door opener that has an easy pull red release cord.

Got Squeeky Garage Door Springs?

2011-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Garage Door Springs can squeak and be noisy. This is caused by normal use and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. Before calling a garage door systems professional, coat the springs with a spray-on (silicone based) lubricant recommended especially for garage doors. This will often solve the "squeek". If the noise persists, call a certified door technician for service.

The easiest and most ignored advice for extending the life of your garage door.

2011-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

What is the easiest and most ignored advice for extending the life of your garage door?
Get Professional Service.

Just once year, have a professional come to perform some simple maintenance on your system. It should cost about $100 to have a garage door company inspect the system and adjust both the opener and spring system if needed. In addition to any work done on the springs and opener, this type of service will typically include a check for wear and tear, as well. Some companies provide the option of a service plan, which can also help reduce the cost. The springs are the heart of the counter balance system, and can relax over time. An improperly balanced spring system can damage the opener, and pose a safety hazard.
Yep, it's that simple - had you garage door maintenance yet?

3 Common Garage Door Problems You can Test

2011-08-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Garage doors are the most heavily used entries to your home or business. So much so, that they have been called "The Other Front Door", so it’s understandable that they require repair or maintenance every once in a while. While some common issues can be fixed by yourself, others require the expertise of a garage door professional. Here are three of the most common garage door issues you’ll run into, and how to solve them.

1) Door will not close and Automatically Reverses.

Perhaps more than any other issue with garage doors occurs when the door starts to close and almost immediately reverses itself. 95% of the time this is caused by damage or misalignment of the photo electric sensors. These "safety eyes" are mounted on both sides of the door frame toward the bottom. The sensors are designed to reverse the closing door if there is something or somone in the doorway. To function properly; the sensors must be aligned with each other. When the sensors are not aligned properly or there is something in the way, the lights will be flashing. Slowly adjust the sensors until they are aligned and the lights are no longer flashing. If this does not solve the problem contact your garage door professional.

2) Difficulty Opening or Closing the Door

A common problem with residential garage doors is difficulty operating the garage door properly. This is sometimes caused by a poorly lubricated door. Use a silicone based lubricant never WE40 etc. Then, try unhinging the door from your garage door opener by pulling the emergency release cord. If the door moves more freely with the opener disengaged, then the problem is related to the opener and will require professional repair.

3) Noisy or Jammed Door Springs

Garage doors are opened by high-tension door springs that help the door open or close easily. However, these springs need to be properly maintained to ensure proper tension. If the spring is jamming or makes excessive noise, then call a garage door repair professional to service it. Never work on garage door springs yourself—they are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury.

Garage Door Panel Repair

2011-08-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

You are not alone! Yes... other have bumped their garage door with their car...

What many garage door repair customers do not know that a damaged or broken garage door panel doesn’t always mean they need a whole new garage door!

There are many different reasons to need a new garage door panel including hitting it with your car, wind or hail damage and even multiple hits with a basketball. If you have a newer garage door and there is only damage to one or two panels, repairs can be very successful. Your Precision door professional can generally order your replacement panels from the manufacturer in order to make sure that the whole door looks great when repairs are complete.

However, if your garage door panels have extensive damage or have warped over time, it may be time to replace your old garage door with a new one. Older garage doors (and openers) may not be as safe for your family or pets and, especially if they are damaged, may need to be replaced.

Ask your Precision Door Professional for a Free estimate.

One home improvement project that nearly pays for itself

2011-08-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Did you ever think that a new garage door could almost pay for itself?

Garage door replacement ranked No. 2 in "cost recouped" on a list of 35 common home remodeling projects in Remodeling Magazine's 24th annual Cost vs. Value Report. Only steel entry door replacement ranked higher.

The average midrange garage door replacement cost was estimated at $1,291. Resale value of the project averaged $1,083 - an 83.9 percent return on investment (ROI) at resale. In some cities, such as Charleston, W. Va., Honolulu, Providence, R.I., and San Francisco, the ROI for a new garage door was more than 100 percent.

Upscale garage door replacements were estimated to provide a 69.8 percent ROI - No. 4 among the upscale projects listed in the survey.

What does that mean to homeowners? You can have your cake and eat it, too. A new garage door can add to the beauty of your home as you live in it and enjoy it today, while also providing a high level of payback - nearly 84 cents of every dollar spent on the garage door replacement - when it's time to sell.

What's more, garage door replacement was one of the least expensive projects listed in the survey. That means a new garage door may be the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to enhance your home's appearance and get a great return on your investment.

Fast fix for the facade

In addition to providing a great ROI, a stylish new garage door can add to the beauty of your home. If you have a front-facing attached garage, a new door adds instant curb appeal. An attached garage can make up a third or more of the front of the home. Replacing a garage door can be the difference between a "plain vanilla" home and a stylish, attractive home.
Visit GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial home improvement website dedicated to garage doors and garage door openers. There you will find dozens of photos of the latest in new garage door styles. Those include carriage house doors - one of the most popular styles on the market today. Modern homes can benefit from a new range of contemporary door styles with a range of bright colors, metallic finishes and opaque glass. Even the classic raised panel garage door style offers new looks and finishes that add elegance.

But the real proof comes in viewing GarageWowNow.com's before and after photos. Did you ever drive down a street you've driven down hundreds of times before and notice something "different" about a house that has enhanced its look? Could it have been a new garage door? That's what you'll see in these images of real homes from across the United States.

GarageWowNow.com also includes details about the latest in garage door openers. If your opener was installed prior to 1993, you're missing out on some important safety features that provide protection from entrapment. You're also missing out on some "wow" features such as battery backup (when a storm or blackout knocks out the power, you still have access to your home via the garage door), surge protectors to guard against voltage spikes or fingerprint-activated keyless entry pads.
Not a handyman special

If you're seriously thinking about a new garage door, here's something else to think about: once you've picked the model and style that's right for you, sit back and leave the installation to the professionals. This isn't a job for the weekend warrior.

A garage door is the heaviest moving object in your home. It is actually a system that includes springs, cables, rollers, tracks and other hardware. Some of the elements of this system are under high tension. If improperly installed, this system can cause injury or even death.

Proper installation and even repair projects are best left to experienced professionals.

What is the Life Expectancy of My Garage Door Springs?

2011-08-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

How long a garage door spring will last depends on how often the door is used and the cycle rating of the springs. In todays' modern garage doors Torsion springs provide over 90% of the lift needed to raise a garage door so they are critical to your doors' operation and broken springs are one of the most common garage door repairs needed.

Most garage doors open and close 3-5 times a day, 300+ days a year. Multiply that by by 10 years. The reason they use 10 years is because that’s the average life of a garage door. The standard non-coated springs are rated at 10,000 cycles meaning they should last between 7 and 10 years.

Precision Garage Door Springs are heavy-duty, powder-coated to resist rust, and rated at a minimum 33,000 cycles to ensure a longer life expectancy for the entire garage door system. That means they will last two to three times as long before you'll need to worry about them.

It's Back to School Time... Have you checked your Garage Door?

2011-08-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know your kids are more likely to use the garage door when coming and going to school than any other door in the house? That’s right, the garage door has officially become the most used door in the house.

That also means “Back to school” is a great time to make sure your “other front door” is working properly. If you're not sure yours is working properly – Schedule your annual Back to School Garage Door Maintenance now - your kids will thank you!

Garage Doors Need Tune-ups too!

2011-07-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've said it before - Garage Doors need tune-ups just like your car. I recommend a garage door tune-up every year. Why? Garage doors are big and have lots of moving parts that can gradually work themselves out of alignment over time. That can mean getting stuck at home some cold morning. The technician will balance the door and its lifting spring system, center it in the opening if needed, tighten all the hardware, adjust the opener and lubricate everything. This is not a DIY project! Garage doors are dangerous, and they can injure you without any notice.

Watch Your Fingers!

2011-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Many older garage doors lack pinch-resistant joints and that can end in a very painful accident for your or your children. The easy fix here is to add lift handles or gripping points on the inside & outside of the door. Even if your door has a automatic garage door opener, the door must occasionally be operated manually.

So quick tips: 1) Never place your fingers between the door sections. 2) If you manually open or close the door, use the lift handles or gripping points! If this becomes a constant issue.... consider a new garage door.

Here's to pinch free future!

Enjoy a Happy and Safe 4th of July Weekend

2011-06-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America!!! from Precision Door

Don't Be the Victim of a Preventable Crime

2011-06-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

If you're like me.. or many of your friends and neighbors... you have a lot of "stuff" in your garage.
Usually there's enough that you can't get a car inside. If this sounds familiar, please pay close attention and answer this question. Where do you keep the remote control for your garage door opener?

I can tell you that most people keep it in their car parked in front of that very full garage and that is exactly where a growing number of thieves are looking for them. A quickly broken car window and your garage door is open.

OK so not everything in the garage is super valuable - but... very few of us lock the door between the house and the garage and once in the garage thieves have free range of your home.

The solution? get a key fob style garage door remote that goes inside with your keys or get a keyless entry pad installed outside your garage door. These are simple, quick and not very expensive options available from your garage door professional that will insure you won't be the victim of a very preventable crime.

Springtime in Your Garage - Starting to notice things?

2011-06-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting better and you're in and out of the garage a bit more now. So, here's the question.... Did you happen to notice some little things you hadn't noticed before or that (not you) you've been ignoring?

Notice how the garage door track is beginning to sag ever so slightly or how the door doesn’t seem to make it all the way to the ground now? Maybe you’ve had the garage door just stop half way down sometimes when you’ve hit the close button so you’ve had to open it all the way again and try a second time to get it to close? Hint... those are not going to get better on their own.

Whatever garage door problems you’ve encountered, just give Precision Garage Door Service a call and let their service and repair professionals come and take a look for you.

Vacation Tips for your Garage Doors

2011-06-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

OK - you're ready for the family get-away. But have you thought about your garage door?
Here are a few tips that can save you a lot of aggravation.
• 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 an optional accessory to most openers.

• Never leave the remote control in the car or with a parking attendant. It should be treated like a house key.

• Always lock the door from the garage to the inside of your home. It’s a small inconvenience for safety and security.

• 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. By using the standard factory settings, your garage is vulnerable to break-ins by anyone with the same brand of remote control.

• Consider purchasing a garage door opener with rolling-code technology, which changes the access codes each time the transmitter is used to prevent code-grabbing.

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

• Never disclose the PIN or leave it written down. Any mounting location for a keypad or wall button must be in direct line of sight with the door.

If you're unsure, give your professional a call - they're happy to answer your questions.
Now, go enjoy your vacation.

June is Garage Door Safety Month

2011-06-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

At Precision Door Service safety is job #1 - We hope the following safety tips will help protect you and your family from any potential harm.

Do not stand or walk under a moving door!
Garage Doors & Openers are NOT Toys. Do not let children play with remote controls, always placing them out of the reach.
Teach Your Children About Garage Door and Opener Safety. Discuss garage door safety with your children and explain the danger of being trapped under the door.
Teach children never to play under or near an open garage door and to keep their hands & fingers clear of section joints, hinges & other door parts.
Do not play "beat the door" (ducking under a closing door) - It can result in serious injury.
Know how to use the emergency release,(read cord/handle) in case someone is pinned by the door.
When using the push button or transmitter, keep the door in sight until it completely stops moving.

We hope these few simple precautions prove helpful . If you have additional questions, refer to your garage door & opener's manual for details specific to the model you own or contact us.

2011-06-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

June is Garage Door Safety Month - Let's teach our Children well!

More Safety Information

Garage Door Safety - Don't Let this Happen to You!

2011-06-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a graphic picture - and ample evidence that garage doors and garage door springs in particular can be VERY dangerous. Since June is garage door safety month, let's get real for a minute. This accident was caused by an ambitious DIY repair on a torsion spring and he is lucky he didn't lose the hand!

Injury from DIY Garage Door Spring Repair

Reports from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that over 30,000 people are injured by faulty garage door systems every year!

Here are a few safety tips to pass on to your friends and family.

Remember: Safety is Everyone's Business

A few simple precautions can protect your family & friends from potential harm. Refer to your garage door & opener's manual for details specific to the model you own. Then check the operation of your garage door & automatic opener.

•Garage Doors & Openers are NOT Toys. Do not let children play with remote controls, always placing them out of the reach.
•Teach Your Children About Garage Door and Opener Safety. Discuss garage door safety with your children and explain the danger of being trapped under the door.
•Teach children never to play under or near an open garage door and to keep their hands & fingers clear of section joints, hinges & other door parts.
•Do not stand or walk under a moving door!
•Do not play "beat the door". It can result in serious injury.
•Know how to use the emergency release, in case someone is pinned by the door.
•When using the push button or transmitter, keep the door in sight until it completely stops moving.

So take a moment - realize that they are dangerous and call a professional!

Want to Extend the Life of your Garage Door? - Lubricate!

2011-05-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Your garage doors are something you rarely think about... until something goes wrong. One simple, inexpensive and easy step to extend the life of your doors is lubrication. Yes, just like your car needs lubrication so do the moving parts of your garage doors. Some aerosol silicone type spray on the moving parts should do the trick. Not only will regular sprays reduce wear and tear, but it can make everything a little quieter, as well. Pay attention to the tracks, rollers, hinges, etc.

Note: Do Not use oils like WD40 these will create problems in the long run.

While you’re at it, give everything a quick once over to check for wear, making sure nothing is loose, no cables are frayed, etc. If there are any concerns, call your garage door professional for help.

Why should I use a professional garage door installer?

2011-05-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

I believe that installing a garage door is not a do-it-yourself job. While installation might look simple and straight forward, a garage door is the largest moving object in your home and proper installation is highly technical. Connecting and "winding" the torsion springs can be particularly dangerous and proper installation is critical to the performance of your door. In addition, incorrect installation can void some warranties. A professional garage door technician should be able to install a door in a few hours and both haul away and recycle your old door. Don't mess with DIY installation - get a professional.

7 Questions to Ask: When Hiring Your Garage Door Company

2011-05-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

You have a wide range of choices when it comes to purchasing or repairing a garage door. Choices range from huge home supply stores to the local handyman. Consider the following when selecting your company:

Selection: Do they have a wide selection of products to fit your needs?
Experience: Are they specialists? Is Garage door installation and repair is all they do?
Professionalism: Who will do the work? Are they trained/certified? Are they employees or subcontractors?
Flexibility: Do they offer 24/7 emergency service and by appointments to meet your schedule.
Warranty: What warranties are available? Do they stand behind their work?
Reputation: What is their BBB Rating? What do others say about them?
Quality: What is the quality of products and Service?

While these may seem like "obvious" questions - far too few people ask them or even compare garage door companies. You may be surprised at how much companies vary on these basic questions.

3 Things You Should Not Try to Fix on Your Garage Door

2011-05-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Unless you’re a trained garage door service technician, please do NOT attempt to fix any of the following problems. Being able to identify the problem however may end up saving you money by being able to communicate the problem in advance to a service technician.

• Broken Spring – Most springs now contain safety measures in the event one of them breaks. Because of this, it may not be easy to identify the problem. If you notice a broken spring, it’s always best to have it replaced by a qualified technician. The springs are under a tremendous amount of pressure and can seriously injure anyone not familiar with the replacement process.

• The Door Isn’t Properly Balanced – First, disconnect the door from the garage door opener (This is typically a red handle on a rope that hangs down from the opener). The door may start to move up at this point, so it is a good idea to stay clear of the door until you see how the door reacts. Then partially open the door by hand. A properly balanced door should be relatively easy to open, and should stay in place when released. If you find it extremely difficult to open the door, or it falls when released, you should call a service technician to have it properly balanced.

• Roller Off Track – Depending on condition of the door track, this may require that entire sections of the door be removed. Not only is this dangerous for someone who isn’t properly trained, but an untrained person may also do irreversible damage to the door trying to attempt this.

In trying economic times, people often attempt to fix things that they would have otherwise paid someone to fix. If garage doors are maintained properly, they should provide home owners with years of trouble-free operation. Although it’s tempting to fix problems yourself when they arise, consider calling a qualified garage door service company, you’ll be glad you spent the money in the long run.

Why does my garage door reverse or open back up instead of closing?

2011-05-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most frequently asked questions garage door companies get - and, in most cases does not require a service technician to troubleshoot or repair.

When a garage door reverses it is, most likely, the result of your safety eyes being out of alignment, or something may be blocking the path of the garage door. The safety sensors need a clear line of sight between each other in order for the opener to close completely. These small units are usually black, and attached at the base of the tracks on either side of your door opening. Each should have a small LED light that remains lit when both sensors are properly aligned. If bumped out of place, one or both lights will be blinking. The sensors can easily be adjusted by hand so that they are pointing at each other again. It’s also fairly common for the lenses on the safety eyes to become obscured by dirt or other debris, as well. Just make sure the "eyes" can see each other for smooth operations.

If this simple adjustment does not solve the problem... contact your local service professional.

Why Garage Doors Improve Your Homes' Curb Appeal?

2011-04-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Curb appeal is an important consideration for your home - regardless of whether you're selling or simply upgrading.

First, most people’s homes face the street. That often means their garage door is also facing the street and that the garage doors can claim as much as a third of what people see from the street.

Secondly, first impressions are as important for homes as they are for people. What does your garage door say about your home when someone gives it the once-over from the street or comes up the driveway?

So, if you’re trying to increase the value or saleability of your home or simply impress your neighbors and your garage doors don’t look the part, it will be an uphill battle to turn around a negative first impression.

Finally, according to recent studies - garage doors have one of the highest return-on-investments of any home improvement project.

So, think first impressions and curb appeal - then upgrade both with an updated garage door!

Victorian house's facade converted to a folding garage-door

2011-04-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

This is so cool - I had to share it!!

By Cory Doctorow
Here's a clever architectural solution to a San Francisco homeowner's desire to add a garage to an old Victorian home without falling afoul of rules requiring the maintenance of the original facade. The homeowner, architects and engineers figured out how to turn the original bay window into a set of fold-away garage-doors.
Toronto's original city plan called for coach-houses and alleys behind dwellings, rather than garages in the front of the house. In the older parts of the city, these are an institution. Nevertheless, it can be very difficult to get planning approval to replace one of these back-alley garages today. Canny residents and contractors have found a way around this obstacle: it's much easier to get a permit to maintain a coach-house than to tear down a falling-down house and build a new one, so some contractors specialize in building a new coach-house without tearing down the old one, keeping various pieces of the old one intact throughout the building process so that they can credibly claim to be repairing, rather than replacing it.

Corey, a mechanical engineer by education and a problem solver by nature, conceived the idea of converting the walls of the bay window into door panels that would fold into the garage space to allow cars to enter, and then fold back into place, keeping the historic appearance intact. The planning department agreed that this concept was provisionally acceptable. To help him realize this concept, Corey hired fellow problem solver Robert Boles of Beausoleil Architects to devise the details and keep the project in-line with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. One of the goals of the standards is to keep not only the historical appearance, but to keep the 'historic fabric' - the original wood and glass building materials - intact wherever possible.

VIDEO OF THIS UNIQUE DOOR HERE

The Balancing Act - Garage Door Safety

2011-04-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

James Migani from Precision Door Service, takes “The Balancing Act” on a tour of the garage to look at smart solutions for a safer home garage door. Learn what you can do to make your home safer and more secure by addressing a few issues surrounding that wall that goes up and down, your garage door! Everything from protecting from thieves, key less entry & carbon monoxide detector protection.
http://www.thebalancingact.com/story/?id=2496

Precision Door Featured on TV's The Balancing Act

2011-04-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Precision Door Service, the nation’s leading garage door service company, will be featured during the hit morning TV show “The Balancing Act.” The segment will air as part of the April 21st show at 7:00 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television. Discussion will include garage door safety and how routine maintenance can prevent mishaps and injuries. For repair or service in Seattle, Salt Lake, Spokane, Tucson and Albuquerque

For more information about The Balancing Act

If You Don't Believe Garage Door Springs are Dangerous - Check this out!

2011-04-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

From KXLY.com

MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. -- Spring is officially here in the Inland Northwest and with the warmer weather comes a list of home improvement projects to complete.

Before you start on your projects, a Medical Lake man warns people to be extra cautious when working on garage doors.
"I had no idea, I had no idea that it was dangerous," said Christian Best, who was taken by ambulance Saturday after attempting to repair his garage door.

For full story and video
http://www.kxly.com/news/27303956/detail.html

Struggling With Your Garage Door?

2011-03-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

If your garage door does not go up and down smoothly and easily, you may have a potentially unsafe condition. Even older garage door systems should operate smoothly and easily. If you're struggling to open your door even when the door is manually operated, you may have a spring system that is out of balance. When a garage door is out of balance it can cause premature wear and tear on other important door parts. We've talked before about the dangers of repairing or replacing garage door spring systems (they can be hazardous) so please have the door looked at by a trained garage door technician.

Garage Door Repair: Thinking about Doing-It-Yourself?

2011-03-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about trying garage door repairs your yourself? Here's something to consider - The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that over 30,000 people are injured by faulty garage door systems every year. It’s also important to note that these statistics count only those injuries that required medical attention while many other injuries go unreported.

Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, and can be potentially lethal. Your garage door is essentially a movable wall and when combined with an automatic garage door opener, it is the largest and perhaps the most dangerous moving object in your home.

Most consumers choose to have their doors repaired by trained & certified door technicians. These professionals are trained in the challenging and time consuming task of door repair, and have the tools and background to repair your door properly.

If you're thinking about doing-it-yourself - think again.. and contact a professional!

Check Your Garage Door Cables!

2011-03-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

One critically important part of your garage door system are the garage door cables that attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door. Visually inspect these cables at least once a year. If they are frayed or worn, they are at risk of breaking, which can create a potentially hazardous situation. Due to the hazards associated with high spring tension, these cables should be replaced only by a trained door systems technician. Call Precision Door for a full safety inspection.

What Are Eco-Friendly Garage Doors?

2011-03-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Chris Keenan is a writer for Precision Garage Door.

Most people are becoming more conscious of the effects human activity is having on the environment. So, many of us are attempting to live a ‘greener’ life and the truth of the matter is, small changes really can make a big difference. One such change is to choose an eco-friendly garage door, but what are eco-friendly garage doors?

What is an Eco-Friendly Garage Door?

Eco-friendly garage doors are often made from recycled or recyclable materials, which are resistant to weather damage and aging. In addition, the goal of a ‘green’ garage door is to help insulate your home. As you may already know, the garage door is likely to be the largest opening to your house and, if not properly insulated, can lead to increased energy use.

The doors are made from a variety of materials, so homeowners do not have to compromise the style of their home. For example, some eco-friendly garage doors are made from recycled wood fibres. On the other hand, there are many doors made from steel, which is considered ‘green’, because it has longevity and is recyclable.

Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Garage Door?

The most obvious reason to choose an environmentally friendly garage door is to do your bit to save the planet. However, if you need more of an incentive, there are many other reasons. For example, as mentioned above, the improved insulation of a ‘green’ garage door will dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home, thereby reducing fuel costs.

Moreover, if you select a garage door that is made from composite materials, which will not warp or rot, it will not require the annual garage door repair or maintenance, such as painting or staining, that some older ones do.

In addition, it is worth mentioning the curb appeal of an attractive garage door. In these uncertain financial times, the housing market is a tough nut to crack, so if you want to ensure that your home stands out from the crowd, it is wise to consider the external appeal of your home.

How to Find an Eco-Friendly Garage Door

As with any purchase, it is essential to do some research and shop around for your new garage door. The internet is a great resource for this, as most all manufacturers list the details of their eco-friendly garage door and instructions on how to purchase. Which manufacturer to choose really depends on your location and your own personal preference.

Disposal of Your Old Door

One last thing to keep in mind when making your eco-friendly garage door purchase is what will happen to your old door. While many installers will take your old garage door away for recycling, some will just end up in a landfill, so be sure to ask them what they will do with it. Or, if you are feeling creative, there are a number of clever ways you can recycle and reuse your old garage door.

The Garage Door Parts Most Likely to Fail

2011-03-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Garage door systems have many moving parts and all are susceptible to wear, tear and failure. However, three of these components are the most common to experience a problem.

Springs
Springs, especially torsion springs, frequently fail and are also the most expensive. Many manufacturers and service companies use un-coated springs rated at about 10,000 cycles. (A cycle is one Open/Close). This type of spring is expected to fail 3-5 years. Precision Door uses powder-coated commercial grade springs that resist rust and have cycle ratings of 30,000 or higher, meaning a much longer lifecycle. Always ask about the cycle ratings on all springs when considering replacement.

Rollers
Rollers help guide the door up and down the track. Most companies use a plastic or nylon tire on a steel shaft. These will generally show significant wear within 18 months of normal use. Rollers with bearings are typically better; Ask about the cycle and weight ratings on the rollers your technician recommends.

BearingsBearings are the third most frequent component to fail. A typical garage door should have three sets situated in the middle and both ends of the door. Many doors come with only two bearing sets and one plastic bushing.

Being aware of the garage door components most likely to fail will enable you to make a more informed decision when buying, maintaining or repairing your door system. The result is a longer lasting and smoother operating door.

Precision Garage Door Service is proud to serve you in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico

The 5 Features Of A Garage Door Opener iPhone App You Simply Can’t Live Without

2011-03-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

OK, there's so much you can do with your smartphone... why not control the garage door too...

1. Open and Close Your Garage Door

I bet you saw this one coming… sort of obvious I know, but having an app on your phone would let you get in and out of the garage whenever you please. For all you powers walking/bike riding enthusiasts, you no longer have to worry about bringing your keys along! What if I said you even have the ability to open your garage door from China? You got it, read on…

Having the opener ability on your phone will also let you take the remote out of your car permanently. I know it’s tough to imagine, but that garage door opener remote is a big security risk. It’s true, even the worst of thieves know that access to your home is attached to your driver-side visor…

2. Be Alerted When The Door Opens

Okay so you’re on vacation (a really awesome one, let’s say China) and your garage door opens. You find it weird that your door is being used, well, because no one is supposed to be home… “Houston, we have a problem.” Good info to have, eh?

If the garage is used as an entrance, this would also let you know when your spouse or kids gets home from a late night, which is pretty cool. Especially for all of parents out there, to know when your kids get home from a night of “partying” is good information to have.

3. Receive Alerts If You Forget To Close The Door

This one is both surprising and really useful. The app will use GPS and signal If you get a few blocks from the house and the door is still open. How many times have you driven a couple minutes down the road and turn to your spouse and say “Honey, did you close the garage?” Well, now those conversations that almost always lead to classic marital arguments are completely avoidable. Now that you know the garage door is always closed when leaving the house, that only leaves the oven, stove, iron, fireplace, and…well, I suppose a rather lengthy list still remains.

4. Check To See If The Garage Door Is In The Open or Closed Position From Anywhere

Have you ever gotten snuggled into bed, and you’re really comfortable (I mean REALLY comfortable), and then thought, “Shoot, did I close the garage door?” At this point you really don’t want to get out of your bed which has finally reached the perfect temperature after tossing and turning for the past 20 minutes. Wouldn’t it be nice just to reach over and check your iPhone which is right on the night table? I think we can all relate to that one.

5. You Can Now Open & Close The Garage Door From Anywhere

Your kid calls and he’s locked out of the house. Assuming you genuinely like your child and want him to get in the house, all you have to do is open the app… and voila! You no longer have to leave work and open the door for him/her or need to leave a house key with a neighbor. More importantly and all kidding aside, entry in an emergency situation is easily granted no matter where you are…

6. Hardware option: Webcam

Now that you can essentially open/close your door from anywhere, check the status of your door, and be alerted when you leave the door open, you can see who or what is outside your garage door. It allows you to check and make sure the cat is not under the garage door when you close it from who knows where. It would also be nice to get a wave from the kids when they get home from school along with the alert.

By Chris Copyright Precision Door Service

How to Open Your Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

2011-03-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

When wind storms cause big power outages, we get a number of call about doors not opening. While you may not want to go outside, you certainly don’t want to be locked in. Here’s how to open your garage door manually.

First, disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener. Just pull the emergency cord to disconnect. The cord usually has a red handle and will hang down from the center rail of the garage door system. Note it will make a loud click when it disconnects. Remember to disconnect the door when the door is in the closed position, not when it’s open.

With the door disconnected from the opener lift the garage door straight up until the door is fully open. Make sure the door will remain fully open before leaving it unattended. If the springs are properly balanced, the door will open easilyand stay in place. If it is difficult to open, have a professional garage door service technician check the door as soon as possible as this is a sign of poor spring tension and can lead to damage or safety risks.

Once your car is out of the garage, you can manually close the door. If your door is equipped with a manual slide lock engage it now to fully secure the door.

When the power comes back on remember to reconnect the opener and make sure the door is unlocked. Trying to open a locked door has damaged many a garage door opener.
If you are replacing your opener, you may want to consider one of the many models that includes a battery backup feature. That way, when the power goes out, the garage door will still function using the opener, as will the safety sensors and remotes, plus the garage door will be locked and secured.

Contact Precision Door if you have questions.

Things to do around your home this spring

2011-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a "honey do" list - here are a few more to consider.
• Organize garage or shed; clean, sharpen and lubricate yard tools.
• Dispose of old paint properly. Add waste paint hardener, available at hardware stores and home centers, to partial cans of latex paint. Cat litter works,
• Clean lint from dryer exhaust ducts and vents.
• Early spring is a good time for interior painting.
• Check the operation of your garage door opener. Consult owner's manual.
• Add a garage door keypad outside for convenience — but be sure to keep it out of reach of young children.
• Consider a surge protector for your electric garage door opener.

Why is My Garage Door so Heavy?

2011-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Garage doors are usually the the largest moving piece of machinery in your home, with an average size of a two car door being 16′ wide and 7′ high. So it should be no surprise that; regardless of the type of material used, they will be heavy.

That’s why there are springs and a counter balance system to take all that weight, and make it easy for you or your Garage Door Openers to handle easily. However, springs do break and/or relax over time, making the doors feel heavier. The second problem with "heavy" doors involves your opener. Stripped gears are often caused by this type of problem.

If your springs are broken or nearing the end of their useful life; consider replacing them. Springs are rated on "cycles" (open & close) and most "Builders Grade" springs are rated at 10,000 cycles and will last (depending on use) about 3-5 years. Precision springs are powder coated spring rated at 33,000 cycles.

If your door is starting to feel heavy, it’s a good idea to have maintenance done about once a year. Have a professional check for proper spring tension, the condition of your entire system, and replace or adjust them if needed.

Best and Worst Home Improvements

2011-02-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Excellent article on what Home Improvements to spend on... and what not to...
From Forbes...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41624719/ns/business-personal_finance/?gt1=43001

A Little Care will Keep Your Garage Doors Working

2011-02-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

Most of us have garage doors. But we usually do not think about them much until they need repairing. That is the time that you normally start looking for a garage door repair professional.

The truth is, you will be a lot better off if you do not wait until the doors stop working to call a service company. There is regular maintenance that the company can do to help keep your doors from breaking down. At these appointments, the service technician will inspect the doors thoroughly and look for any possible problems.

Garage doors are pretty simple devices. They operate through the use of springs and a low power motor to guide the open and closing of the door. Simple as they seem, it is still best to call in a professional when they are not working.

Door springs hold a lot of tension. For this reason, it is best and safer to have a professional do the replacement. These are the parts that most frequently wear out. If you are noticing that your doors are beginning to open and close more slowly, chances are the spring replacement will be needed soon.

If you cannot get the door open at all, it is possible that the remote control is the problem. If you cannot see any other problems, try replacing the remote batteries before you call in professional help.

Another potential problem is misalignment of the doors on their tracks. During regular maintenance appointments, your service person will inspect the tracks, as well as ensuring they are properly lubricated. He will look for any loose screws as well as areas that seem like they could cause trouble. An example of this is an area of the track that is becoming misshapen due to constant scraping while vehicles are backed out.

Go ahead and schedule an appointment for maintenance before the door actually breaks down. Precision Garage Door Service specializes in garage door repair, service, sales and installation of garage doors and openers.

Winter means: Prepare Your Home for Power Outages

2011-02-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

A recent study found that 93 percent of homeowners reported having experienced a power outage this year alone, with some outages lasting hours or even days. Everyone knows the family should prepare an emergency kit for storms and power outages and keep it in a central location - with items like flashlights, First Aid, Water etc....

But... How many remember the Garage??

Today, more than half of homeowners (55 percent) use the garage door as their front door, relying on an automatic garage door opener to gain access. However, during a power outage, you'll be faced with having to manually lift the garage door, creating security, safety and convenience concerns. Make sure you have backup options when the power goes out.

First - Know how to manually open and close your garage door during a power failure. Test your (and your families) ability to physically lift your garage door, your home’s heaviest and largest moving object. (Note: If the door seems excessively heavy it may need an adjustment from your Precision Professional).

To avoid being blocked from entering and exiting your garage during a power outage, check out a garage door opener with a battery backup system that continues to supply power to open and close your garage door for up to two days when the power has failed. These are available on number of garage door openers.

Finally, If snow is a problem... keep it brushed away from the base of the door prior to opening... that will insure smoother opening and less mess in the garage.

Why an Insulated Garage Door?

2011-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

How you use your garage impacts the garage door you need. If you have a workshop or do projects in the garage, consider an insulated garage door that protects against both heat and cold, and insulates against sound too.

Garage Door Remote now Working? - Check These Things First

2011-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

We've all had the experience... you're in a hurry (either coming or going) and you push that magic little button to open/close your garage door and nothing happens....

It's frustrating, but there are a couple of quick things you can do
1. Make sure the power is on! Many people quickly blame the garage door opener as the cause of the problem without realizing that the power is out at their home or neighborhood. If you experience power outages often, it may be worth looking into a garage door opener that has a built-in battery backup. Certain Liftmaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman branded garage door openers have this feature.

2. If you have another remote control, try it next. If neither one of them work, the problem may not be related to the remote control.
3. Try the wall switch. If the garage door opener works properly when you use the wall switch in your garage, the problem is most likely with the remote. These can be reprogrammed by following the manufacturers instructions.
4. If the wall switch also fails to open the garage door, consider calling your local service technician. The problem may be related to a defective control board in the opener, or it could be related to radio interference. Both of these problems require special tools to troubleshoot.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Signals Garage Doors to Open Automatically

2011-01-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

A Florida man has developed a carbon monoxide detector that signals garage doors to open if CO toxins trapped inside the garage reach dangerous levels. John Vole spent more than 20 years developing the alarm after a news story about an accidental death inspired him to build a preventive device.

If CO levels inside the garage reach 150 parts per million, the carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm within 20 minutes. The alarm prompts the electric garage door opener to open the door to help reduce toxin levels. Units also can be linked to an alarm panel to notify police and fire departments of a possible emergency.

Vole said placing an automatic door opening response system is important because a carbon monoxide detector placed inside a well-sealed home likely will not detect dangerous levels occurring inside the garage.

According to a three-year study released in 2000 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,376 deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning in stationary vehicles from 1995-1997. Of those deaths, 665 were ruled accidental. Sixty percent of those accidental deaths occurred at home.

Vole’s company, Second Chance, sells the carbon monoxide alarm for $99 on eBay.

Why is My Garage Door so Heavy?

2011-01-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

Garage doors are generally the largest moving piece of machinery in your home, with an average size of 8′ wide and 7′ high for a single car door and 16" by 7' high for a double car door. Regardless of the type of material used, they will be heavy. That’s why there are springs and a counter balance system to take all that weight, and make it easy for you or your Garage Door Openers to handle easily. Over time, springs do break and/or relax, making the doors feel heavier. Stripped openers gears are often caused by this type of problem. To check this - occasionally disconnect your door from the opener. Pull down on the Red cord to accomplish this... If the door is "heavy" and/or will not stay half open on it's own... it’s a good idea to have some maintenance done. (Note: Annual Maintenance is recommended). Springs are dangerous - have a professional check for proper spring tension, and adjust them if needed.

Want Wood Looks at a Steel Price?

2011-01-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Many homeowners favor the high-end look of wood carriage-house style doors, but they don't want the upkeep or the price tag that comes with them. Manufacturers now have less-expensive, low-maintenance versions in steel with layered, wood-grain composite overlays or embossed patterns. Unlike wood, a steel carriage house door is easier to maintain and resists both fading and rot due to exposure.

Maintain Your Garage Door

2011-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Garage Doors are something we use often and tend to not really think about… until they stop working. Your garage door is very important and like any part of the house it should be regularly maintained as well. A properly maintained garage door will not only look good, but help you avoid accidents and mishaps that can harm your car or risk your health (and life) too! Garage overhead doors related accidents account for thousands of injuries every year (average of 30000 per year).

Don’t ignore your garage door any longer. In an average household a garage door is typically opened and closed around six – ten times per day. Relative to how often your garage is being used, a garage owner may have to replace his or her garage door at least once in its lifetime. If you have an electric door, its maintenance is obviously going to be different from that of a manual garage door. But some things are same for all kinds of garage door.

For most people, garage door installation is something they consider on two occasions- when they don’t already have an electric garage door or when their current garage door is broken. Remember that a single part of your garage door that is installed wrongly can cause serious malfunction. So it is better to let professionals change springs, hinges, rollers, etc. Also use light lubricants to grease your garage door. Heavy oils can cause build-ups so using them for maintaining your garage door is duly discouraged.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hope you've all had a wonderful year... now on to an even better 2011!!!

I KNOW ITS WINTER: But Don't Warm up Your Car inside the Garage!!

2010-12-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

It sounds harmless doesn't it... a couple of minutes and you've got a warm car....

But, did you know... that it takes less than two minutes for gas fumes to reach lethal concentrations in a garage where a car is being warmed up—even if the garage door is open.

Just don't do it!!! - A warm car on a cold winter morning just isn’t worth the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Always open the garage door before starting the car. Once it’s started, immediately drive out and away from the garage, and close the garage door.

According to Iowa State University study - large concentrations of gas still remain trapped inside a garage even after the car is driven out. In an attached garage, fumes can quickly spread into the house and remain for hours.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in illness and even death. Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen supply to the brain and is particularly dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, flu-type symptoms, nausea and loss of consciousness. Poisoning can happen to anyone, but children, the elderly and those with health concerns are especially susceptible.

Solution? Don't warm up your car in the Garage!!!

Merry Christmas to All

2010-12-21T16:54:00.001-08:00

Enjoy a VERY Merry Christmas!!!

Garage Door ROI

2010-12-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Homeowners who upgrade their basic garage doors can realize an astounding 84 percent return on investment (ROI) on average, a national study on remodeling costs and value has found.

At a time when homeowners are looking to reap the most bang for their buck, a study released in November by Remodeling magazine confirms that replacement of a basic garage door with a mid-range or upscale model is one of the best-value buys that can be made. At 84 percent on average, the improvement ranks higher than a kitchen or bath remodel.

Fire Door Drop Testing

2010-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

If you own or manage a company/facility with commercial fire doors: Fire door drop testing is an annual fire door inspection requirement that is often overlooked. Fire Door manufacturers, fire door engineers and fire door technicians wanted to show the world just how critical fire doors are for fire safety. Check it out!

Your Garage Door is alot like your Car

2010-12-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, your garage door, is alot like your. It is driven by a garage door opener and moving parts such as rollers, hinges, cables and torsion springs. All these components go through some very heavy-duty use - often opening and closing (one "cycle") over 2000 times a year. Over time these parts begin to wear out just like the parts on your car and either they fail to work or become very noisy and affect the performance of other parts. Just like your car needs an oil change - the solution is keep your garage door maintained by doing periodical lubrication on your own and having the entire system professionally maintained at least once a year to keep it top condition and prevent expensive repairs. No matter what your need is, a repair , maintenance or even a new door or opener Precision Garage Door Service is here to help 24/7.

Garage Doors One of Few Home Improvements Worth Investing In!

2010-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

In a recent article from The Philadelphia Inquirer, homeowners looking to invest in home improvements – especially those who plan to renovate in an effort to make their home attractive to buyers – are warned against renovations that don’t return on investment. Amenities and high-price additions are warned against, as potential buyers may or may not “get it.” Improvements that get the OK include new paint, new floors and an updated garage or entry door.

According to the real estate agents interviewed, small, inexpensive changes that make a big impact – like updated garage doors – bring more reliable returns. In fact, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Values report, spending $1,500 on a garage door can yield a $1,168 ROI – nearly 80 percent.

Entry doors also made the “worth the money” cut, as the report showed spending $1,440 on a steel entry door could yield a 74 percent return.

In fact, garage door and entry door replacement top the list of home improvements that create a good ROI – netting the No. 1 and number 3 spots, respectively. These improvements come above roof repair (56 percent ROI), major kitchen remodel (64 percent) or a bathroom addition (48 percent) -- all much higher-cost projects.

These numbers make for a powerful case for the value of homeowners replacing their garage door, especially those owners looking to sell in a volatile market.

Check Your Garage Door Cables.

2010-11-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's a good time of the year to check to condition of your Garage Door Cables. Visually inspect the cables that attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door. If these cables are frayed or worn, they are at risk of breaking, which can create a potentially hazardous situation. Due to the hazards associated with high spring tension, these cables should only be replaced by a professional door systems technician. Hospitals are no fun during the holidays!

Garage Doors as Condo Wall Windows..

2010-11-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

Creative Use of Glass Garage Doors in Condo Building
http://www.contemporist.com/2007/12/12/condo-building-with-garage-door-windows/

The Keyless Entry Pad

2010-11-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

A keyless entry pad is mounted just outside the garage door. Enter the proper code and the door will open. A handy feature if you lock yourself out or if you appreciate the ability to let yourself in without having to carry a key. Newer units can also be activated by reading your fingerprint.

How to Do General Maintenance On Your Garage Door

2010-11-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

If Life is like a box of chocolates... Your garage door is like a toaster. Every time you make toast on it, crumbs and oils fall to the bottom of the machine and onto the wires as well. The more you use the toaster without cleaning it the more the crumbs pile up. As time passes, these crumbs and the oil react with the metal and cause rusting. To avoid rust and prolong the life of your toaster you need to clean it regularly.

Just like your toaster; your garage door needs regular maintenance. Daily use can wear out the springs, loosen screws, cause misalignments or dents on the tracks, and cause the paint to chip. Here are a few maintenance tips you can do to make sure your garage door works perfectly and lasts for a good many years.

Check the tracks for dents and if there are any, pound them back into place (gently) with a hammer.Realign misaligned tracks both sides should be level with each other and slanting slightly towards the back of your garage. Clean the tracks and remove any debris. You can use a paintbrush to brush away the debris and a mild detergent to remove dirt and grease. Check and tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Use a screwdriver to screw them back into place. Lubricate the tracks, pulleys, and rollers. A lubricant spray specially formulated for garage doors will help to make sure that they operate smoothly.

Check the door’s spring tension by opening and closing it manually. Make sure it does so fully. If it feels too heavy to lift, or if you bring it to a halfway open position and it opens or closes, you may have a problem with the springs. The springs will probably have to be adjusted. This is dangerous and many people get hurt each year trying this.. so.... call a garage door professional to do it for you.

Do a safety reverse test by placing a piece of 2x4 tall side up below the door and see if the door reverses on sensing it. Adjust the force limits if necessary. (not sure how.. call us).
Give your garage door a fresh coat of paint every few years. Chipped off paint will expose the door to the elements so it is necessary to make sure that the paint on your door isn’t cracked or chipping off. If the wear and tear is only on a few small spots, you can do spot painting on those areas. Before you do a complete paint job, check your door’s manual for the correct materials to use on your door.

If you need garage door repairs Precision Garage Door of Seattle provides 24-hour emergency service and our certified technicians know their profession.

What Should I use to Lubricate my Garage Door

2010-11-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

To maintain your warranty, lubricate your garage door at least once a year with Precision Door Lube. This specially formulated lubricant can be purchased from the Precision Door Service in your area. Apply the Door Lube to each of the following areas of the door: hinges, rollers (bearings and shafts), springs and end bearings (located at each end of the spring shaft). Once the application is completed, open and close the door to distribute the lubricant.

How to Program a Universal Garage Door Opener

2010-10-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

The universal garage door opener is a modern miracle that has saved the fortunes of countless families who have lost the remote control that came with their garage door opener. It also comes in handy when you need to get a new garage door opener but prefer to customize the shape of the buttons and, in some cases, their function. Universal garage door openers also come in handy when you have to manage multiple garage doors, like the one at your home and the one at your beach chateau.

Programming a universal garage door opener is simple. When you buy the device, there will be a list of codes associated with the brands and models of common garage door openers. Some brands claim to open and close 80 percent of garage door openers on the market. That means that you shouldn't waste time hunting for the one that handles your garage door or garage doors-unless you bought your model from Eastern Europe or on the grey market.

Find the code that corresponds to the brand and model of your garage door opener or openers. Program that code into the universal garage door opener, press enter and test. Your garage door should open and close with ease.

You aren't done yet. Never throw away the code manual for your universal garage door opener. Without it, you will not be able to reprogram the device when you have to replace the batteries. Keeping the manual will also come in handy if you need to add a new garage door opener to your remote.

By: Jackson Tremont

Got New Garage Doors? Here's the Most Important Thing to Remember

2010-10-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

So, you have beautiful new garage doors. Congratulations!! Now, here the MOST important thing to remember..Do yourself a hug favor and mark your calendar for an annual maintenance, tune-up - 1 year from now.

Go ahead, I'll wait... You see.. that garage door is the largest moving part in your home and it needs a little TLC - just like your car needs oil. Remember, in many cases; your warranty may depend on this detail.

Now relax and enjoy the smooth quite operation of that new door. Your technician will see you in a year for a quick check-up.

Replace your old garage door springs

2010-10-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

The springs on your garage door are the most important part of your door. They can also be the most dangerous. Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. If you do the math, you probably open and close your garage door about 4-5 times a day. This means your springs will typically last about 5-7 years under normal use. If your door has two springs, replace both, even if one is not broken. Why? Both springs were originally rated for the same number of cycles, when one breaks it puts more pressure on the other and, because they were rated similarly, it is due to break soon. Replacing both springs during your garage door repair will not only prevent any damage caused by the breaking of the second spring, but also keep your door working efficiently.

When replacing your springs look for high cycle rating springs Precision springs are rated at 33,000 + cycles and therefore will last about 3-4 times as long as "standard" springs. It is always a good idea to have your garage door spring system inspected at least once a year by a professional overhead garage door technician.

Slide Show of Over 40 Different Garage Doors

2010-10-13T16:14:00.001-07:00

This great Slide Show of Over 40 Different Garage Doors provides you a chance to see many different garage door styles and designs quickly and easily. Slides can be forwarded manually or as a slide show. Enjoy!

Amarr Launches Garage Door Design Contest

2010-10-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Repost from Professioanl Door Dealer - Winston-Salem, N.C.

Whether you are a seasoned designer or just like to doodle on the back of napkin, Amarr Garage Doors has a contest for you. Amarr, one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and distributors of garage doors, is seeking ideas for the next generation of garage doors in its Great Garage Door Design Competition.
Amarr welcomes exterior garage door designs from architects, draftsmen, graphic artists and other professionals, but you don’t have to be a pro to enter the contest. Entries can be detailed sketches or simple drawings but must be submitted in a pdf format via e-mail to DoorDesign@Amarr.com in order to be considered in the competition. Students 18 and over also are encouraged to enter the contest.
“This is an opportunity for both professionals and budding designers to let their minds run free as they come up with garage door designs,” Amarr Chief Executive Officer Richard Brenner says. “Those who enter the contest should feel free to include details about materials or construction along with their design but it is not a requirement of the contest.”
Brenner added that entries do not have to be designed to reflect a particular type of architecture or home style. “The doors also do not necessarily have to be for a garage,” he adds. “There are lots of other uses for garage doors besides garages. Think out of the box and outside the garage!”
Amarr will accept contest entries until December 31, 2010. Each contestant may submit up to three door designs. A panel of judges from Amarr will evaluate the entries and announce the winner(s) on February 28, 2011. Amarr may select multiple winners. The winner(s) will receive a $500 cash prize, a certificate of achievement and will earn royalties based on sales if Amarr decides to manufacture and sell the winning design. Amarr is under no obligation to manufacture any winning design. More information and contest rules for the Great Garage Door Design Competition are available at http://www.amarr.com/content/doordesign.html.

4 Things to Know about Your Garage Door Springs

2010-10-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

The safety of a garage door is directly attributed to the system components working together.

1) Torsion Springs (located above the door) are now the most common type of garage door springs.

2) Most doors require two springs that work in tandum to make your door system work smoothly. Spring pairs should be replaced together, since the mate is likely to fail soon after the first, and any possible savings in parts isn’t worth the extra effort to repeat the work later.

3) Correct spring size is determined by factors such as the weight and height of the door. For example, garage door springs are designed to accommodate the original intended weight of the door. If additional weight is added to the door sections after the original door installation, the door could become unbalanced such that operation is not smooth, possibly even resulting in damaged or broken springs.

4. If your garage door is out of balance or has a broken spring it will adversely affect your garage door opener motor as it could become overworked or cease functioning.

Your garage door's smooth operation depends on having the right springs working properly. These are NOT good DIY projects. If you have an out of balance door or broken spring - Call a Professional.

How to Check the Balance of your Garage Door

2010-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Door Balance is an important indicator of the condition and safety of your garage door system.
With that in mind, it's a good idea to test the balance of your garage door a couple of times a year.
It's quick and it's easy. In fact you've probably done it without even realizing it.

Start with the garage door closed. If you have an automatic garage door opener, use the release mechanism (usually a red cord and handle). This will allow you to operate the door by hand.

With the opener released; you should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment and you should have it adjusted by a certified technician.

LAST CHANCE TO EARN TAX CREDITS ON A NEW GARAGE DOOR

2010-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Now is your last chance to save 30 percent off the price of an energy-saving curb-appeal-inspiring garage door, courtesy of the U.S. government. The tax credit eligibility for qualified garage doors will expire on Dec. 31, 2010.

The savings come from a federal income tax credit, which is more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction, because a tax credit reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income that is taxed. Through the end of this year, the U.S. government is offering up to a $1,500 tax credit for homeowners who buy and install qualifying insulated garage doors.

The government is encouraging everyone to save energy, and the tax credit is an incentive for homeowners. If your home has an attached garage, you’ve probably noticed that the room next to the garage is typically the coldest room in the winter and hottest in the summer. That’s because the winter’s cold and summer’s heat can enter the house through the garage, which increases the amount of energy your home needs for heating and cooling. That’s why insulated garage doors can make a difference in reducing your heating and cooling bills, and saving our valuable energy resources. Tax credits are available for qualifying garage door purchases placed in service by Dec. 31, 2010. A taxpayer may claim a maximum of 30 percent of qualifying home improvement products, and a maximum of $1,500 for qualifying purchases in 2009 and 2010. For example, if you replace two garage doors with two new qualifying insulated doors that cost $1,000 each, you may claim a tax credit of $300 per door, or a total of $600, provided you have not exceeded the $1,500 total over the two years of the tax credit period.To be eligible for the tax credit:

The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage.
The door must have a U-factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains windows.
The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration.
The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
The garage must be part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence.
Qualifying doors specs here.

DON’T DO IT YOURSELF. Garage door installation is best left to the pros. Why? Your garage door is more than just a door – it’s a system that includes springs, cables, rollers, tracks and other hardware. This system is under high tension that can cause severe injury or even death if improperly installed. In short, it’s not a job for the weekend warrior. To properly install, or even repair, a garage door system, an experienced professional is always your best bet.

Simple way to prevent a Garage Door Break-in

2010-09-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

All across the country police are experiencing an increase in home burglaries via the garage door.
And in most cases the homeowners seem to have done everything right with one glaring exception.

Homeowners have installed security systems, they've locked their garage doors and still getting robbed.. how? The burglars are using the homeowners own remote control.... In many of these cases the car was parked in front of the home.. with the garage door opener in the car.
One quick broken window and they have access.

So what's the simple solution? First, don't leave the garage door remote in an obviously visible location in the car... better yet.. get a key fob style remote. These small remotes stay with your keys and not your car. Call your local professional to order the right type for your opener.

Garage Doors – Know the Benefits of a Steel Garage Door

2010-09-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

The garage door is an important and well used moving component of a house. It is used to open and close the garage repeatedly throughout the average day, protects the family vehicles, yard tools and a majority of a home’s storage. It is exposed to the elements and generally has a pretty rough and tumble existence. Let’s face it; this piece of a house must be durable, sturdy, and downright tough.

Garage doors come in a variety of materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive and fairly lightweight. Although it is metallic, it is thinner and therefore dents more easily.

A wood door is lovely and rich looking, but in order to keep it that way, there is regular maintenance that needs to take place. Annual repainting or re-staining is required in order to keep the wood from rotting or warping. A vinyl door is basically made of a hard plastic. It won’t dent like a metal, but it certainly isn’t as durable in terms of its brute strength.

Some benefits of a steel garage door include:
- Strength: steel is an exceedingly strong metal made from iron. The harder the metal, the less denting that there will be.
- Durability: this hardy material enables a long life for your door, at times calling for a lifetime warranty. It can handle the weather with ease.
- Low Cost: it is relatively inexpensive to purchase, especially in comparison to some of the fancier doors such as those made from wood.
- Low Maintenance: often arriving from the factory pre-painted and ready to hang. Will not warp or rot.
- Energy Savvy: this type may be insulated, providing the homeowner a way to reduce the use of high amounts of energy and the expensive bills that accompany the energy consumption. More than anything it is environmentally friendly.
- Attractive: a good looking product! They even come in wood grained surface patterns in order to provide the rich look of wood without the corresponding outlay of maintenance time.

The garage door is not only an important functional item that needs to be able to withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. It also plays an integral part in the visual scheme of a home’s exterior. It is often at the front of a house and therefore highly noticeable. A high quality door made of an appealing and durable material is a smart investment in that most important asset of the family home.
For more info please visit our site @ www.garagedoorsaltlake.com

Top 10 Secrets about Today’s Garage Doors

2010-09-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - In the last few years, garage doors have experienced a major transformation in their role on the American home. Today’s garage doors do a lot more than go up and down.

They deliver style. They can help sell your home in a difficult market. They can save energy and protect your house from powerful winds. They don’t need to be affected by power outages anymore. They can even tell you when you’ve forgotten to close them. Does your garage door do any of that? If your door is 10 years old or older, it probably doesn’t. Want a reason to replace your garage door?

There are plenty of reasons listed on GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial Web site devoted to the new role of today’s garage doors. The site includes dozens of before and after photos that really tell the story.

Here are 10 little-known facts about today’s new garage doors. They can …
1. Add a unique style to your home’s appearance. Does every home on your street have the same garage door? A new carriage house garage door can differentiate your home and greatly increase its curb appeal. Today’s trendy looks range from hundreds of different styles of carriage house doors, contemporary doors and even raised panel doors in unique finishes and colors.
2. Help sell your home. Replacing your garage door could increase your home’s asking price anywhere from one to four percent, according to a 2006 nationwide study of real estate agents by Stratamark Research. In a tough housing market, you can differentiate your home by upgrading the one item that can comprise up to a third of your home’s front facade.
3. Save energy. Today’s garage doors offer insulation options that can save energy in both winter and summer. The federal government agrees. In 2006 and 2007, the IRS granted a tax credit to homeowners who replaced their garage door with a qualified insulated door.
4. Protect your home from powerful winds. Hurricanes, tornadoes and strong wind storms can reduce your home to rubble. Wind experts now recognize the critical role played by the garage door in protecting your home from high winds. Code-approved, wind-resistant garage doors are now widely available. In many wind-prone areas, these doors are not just helpful; they’re mandated by the building code.
5. Withstand power outages. The garage door is now used more than the front entry door, according to the 2007 Perfect Home Survey. Since most doors are now automated, how will you get in your home during a power outage? Thanks to garage door opener battery backup systems, your door can keep operating even when power is gone.
6. Tell you when you’ve left it open. An open garage, especially at night, is an invitation to thieves and vandals. Today’s garage door openers offer in-house monitors that alert you when you’ve left your door open – a security tool that provides peace-of-mind.
7. Operate at the touch of a fingertip. Exterior keypads are rapidly growing in popularity. The latest keypad models offer fingerprint-recognition technology that eliminates the need to remember codes and offers fast and easy secure access.
8. Replace your front door. A recent nationwide survey of consumers reveals that 71 percent of homeowners use their garage door to enter and exit their home every day. In today’s fast-paced society, the garage door is the new front door for the American home. The garage door is more convenient, and it commands more attention than the front entry door.
9. Reflect your personal style. Are you into a sleek modern look or the quaint charm of yesteryear? Today’s manufacturers are producing hundreds of distinct varieties that were not available 10 years ago. Why settle for a door that looks like every other door on your street?
10. Be installed by a pro. This isn’t a job for the weekend DIYer. It’s a complex and potentially dangerous task. It’s best done by a pro, who can do the job in a few short hours, haul your old door away and make sure your new door and opener are operating properly.

The content of this article was provided courtesy of ARAcontent

Simple Garage Door Repair Tips that Will Save Time & Money

2010-09-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

If you own or rent a home, and have a garage door you have probably had, or will have a problem with it. Garage doors can be problematic. Sometimes they won't go up, other times they refuse to go down. It is possible, however, to fix some of the minor issues that are preventing your garage door from working well, and the best part is for some things, you can do it yourself.

These simple tips will help you determine if you need to hire a garage door repair professional to do the work .

Many garage door problems are related to automatic garage door openers. If your door will not open start by checking to see if the batteries in your remote are bad. Replace them and try the remote again. If that doesn't solve the problem, it's time to move on to the next possibility.

Modern garage door systems are required by law to have "safety eyes". This safety feature makes sure a door doesn't come down on your car or on you. Safety eyes are required to be placed down near the base of the door. You should see a small box on each side with a small light. These are small laser's and, if aligned properly, the lights will be "on". This insures that if something is in the way the door will not shut and will reverse itself. Check to see if anything is obstructing the path between the "eyes". Then check to see if the sides are lined up. If they are not aligned properly one or both of the lights will be flashing. Line them up and try opening the door again.

If this still does not solve the problem there are still some things to check before calling a professional. Is the door locked? Is the "Lock" switch on at the wall button? These need to be unlocked for your door to work. Sometimes doors are disconnected from their openers. Try opening the door by hand. If it slides right up it is disconnected from the opener. Open the door and push it back as far as it can go, walk over to the rope that hangs down in the middle of the garage and pull it back until you here a click. The door is locked in place now and should work. If none of these things are your problem than you should probably consult a Precision Door professional.

Free Whitepaper - How to Buy a Garage Door

2010-08-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Buying a garage door can be overwhelming... What material, what style, How do I know what will work for me... what do I ask... Answers are here... Download your Free Whitepaper from Precision Door - 14 pages of information and questions to ask whether you're buying a door or looking for a professional garage door repair professional!

The Precision Garage Door Guy: What is the Most Complicated Part of your Garage Door?

2010-08-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Precision Garage Door Guy: What is the Most Complicated Part of your Garage Door?

What is the Most Complicated Part of your Garage Door?

2010-08-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

The most complicated part of a garage door is the opener and its hardware. That includes the opener (motor), the springs, the tracks and brackets. All these parts combine to make your garage door work smoothly over and over and over again.

One of the most important parts are the actual springs themselves. These powerful springs are under very high tension and that’s what gives them the strength to lift the weight of the door. If you look at your garage door, you’ll most often see a spring running across the top above the door.
The springs mounted to the header, just above the top of the door are called Torsion springs. Torsion springs are a wound spring, which means it winds up into a coil, and they can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. Torsion springs wind up as the door closes, creating a great deal tension. Working on this type of spring is for professionals only. This is not a DIY project.

The remaining hardware of your opening system includes bottom brackets, cable drums, the door tracks with their hangers, plus various hingles plates and rollers. All this hardware is designed to work together to create the smooth operation of your garage door. So make sure you keep it maintained. Just like your car, this system needs at least annual maintenance to insure it works smoothly and lasts longer.

The "opener" is a motor that guides the door up and down. These typically will be one of three types – chain drive, screw drive or belt drive. The most popular today is the belt drive. While these are more expensive, it’s smooth and quiet operation is a big benefit. The most affordable option is the chain drive system, while the screw drive is powerful but slow-moving. When you schedule your annual garage door maintenance, make sure to have the opener serviced as well.

Garage Doors Are the Your Home's Front Door

2010-08-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Your garage door is much more than it's function

For most, the main function of the garage is the shelter for your car and the household items so many of us store there. With that in mind, it's not hard to understand that many people think about their garage doors as strictly functional. Now, more and more people care about how they look. Garage doors make a huge personal statement about one's taste and style. The garage doors have to look good and welcoming due in part to the garage now being considered the most used door of a home. It's your "other" front door and the first thing that we face when we enter a house. Garage doors have become a major design element. It is only fitting that the garages must be as impressive and attractive, as it is durable and secure.

Non Reversing Garage Door Openers: A Hazard

2010-08-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

From: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Homeowners with automatic garage door openers that do not automatically reverse should repair or replace them with new openers which do reverse to prevent young children from being trapped and killed under closing garage doors.

According to reports received by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 60 children between the ages of 2 and 14 have been trapped and killed under automatic garage doors since March 1982. This is approximately 4 such deaths per year. Other children have suffered brain damage or serious injuries when the closing door contacted them, and failed to stop and reverse its direction.

CPSC urges consumers to check the condition and operation of their garage door and the opener. A properly operating garage door will be "balanced." This means that the door will stay in place when stopped in any partially opened position. A severely unbalanced garage door could unexpectedly crash to the floor possibly striking someone under the open door.

To check the garage door, the garage door opener must be detached from the door while in the closed position.On most openers manufactured since 1982, a "quick-release" mechanism is provided which permits the opener to be detached from the door.

To avoid amputation or crushing injuries, homeowners should be careful when manually operating the door not to place hands or fin-gers between door sections or near pulleys, hinges, or springs. The door should not stick or bind when opened or closed. If doors are not "balanced," or if they bind or stick, they should be serviced by a professional.

Once the garage door is operating properly, homeowners should check to see that the garage door opener's force and limit settings are adjusted according to manufacturer's instructions. Check the garage door operator owners manual for any instructions on testing the safety features. One quick test is to place a 2x4 on the floor of the garage in the door's path. If the door does not properly reverse on striking the 2x4 then the garage door opener should be disengaged until the unit is either adjusted according to the instructions in the owners manual, repaired, or replaced with a new garage door opener. A professional garage door service should be contacted if the homeowner is not comfortable with performing these tests, repairs and adjustments.
All homeowners should disconnect all garage door openers that have not been certified as meeting the requirements of the voluntary ANSI/UL standard 325-1982.The standard calls for a number of safety features not found on earlier openers, and also subjects new openers to more stringent safety tests.
CPSC cautions consumers that not all devices that open and close the garage door are necessarily safe. Some old openers are equipped with a mechanism that only stops the closing door when it strikes an object, not reversing the door in the process. Other pre-1982 openers have a device intended to reverse the closing door when it strikes an object, but for reasons related to age, installation and maintenance, these products may not be safe enough to pre-vent entrapment of a child. These openers cannot be adjusted or repaired to provide the automatic reversing feature found on later devices.
The CPSC requires that all garage door operators manufactured or imported after January 1, 1993, for sale in the United States be outfitted with an external entrapment protection system.This system can be an electric eye, a door edge sensor, or any other device that provides equivalent protection. If an electric eye is used, it should be installed at a height of 4 to 6 inches above the floor.
Consumers should inspect garage doors and operation of the door opener every 30 days to verify that the system is functioning properly. Hardware and fittings should be checked to keep the door on track at all times. Should a hazard exist, homeowners should disconnect the automatic opener from the door as specified in the owner's manual, and manually open and close the garage door until needed repair/ replacement is completed.
Lastly, homeowners should relocate the wall switch in the garage as high as practical above the floor in an effort to restrict children's use of the automatic garage door. Remote control door operating devices should be kept locked in the car and away from children. Parents should also tell their children about the potential hazard. Article by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov)

Avoid a Home Break In

2010-08-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Attention!! All across the country there are increased reports of burglars using garage doors to enter homes. Some are simply left standing open... many more are not locked!!

Want to avoid a possible break in? Close and Lock your garage door - especially when going on vacation!

Why Replace Old Springs?

2010-08-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

We hear this all the time... Your garage door springs are easily the most important and most dangerous part of your door. The springs are what open your door.. the opener is simply the guide. Springs do wear out over time and when they break, injury can result. If you have an older garage door, have your springs inspected by a trained and certified technician and replaced if needed. If your door has two springs, have both replaced even if one is not broken. Why? Remember that the second spring has been operating the same length of time as the broken one. Replacing both springs will not only prevent any damage caused by the breaking of the second spring, but also keep your door working efficiently. Ask your door professional for high cycle, commercial quality springs (30,000 cycles or more). They'll last much longer and have a much longer warranty. Have additional questions? Get answers.

The Precision Garage Door Guy: Federal Energy Tax Credit Available

2010-08-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Precision Garage Door Guy: Federal Energy Tax Credit Available

Federal Energy Tax Credit Available

2010-08-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Saving Energy is good for everyone. and you can get a Federal Energy Tax Credit – receiving a 30% Tax Credit (up to $1500) when you install an approved, insulated garage door.

The key is "approved" door. This can be verified through the door manufacturer as meeting the federal requirements for this credit.

Is Your Door Eligible? To be eligible for the tax credit, the purchased garage door must meet all of the following criteria:

The door must be an insulated residential garage door.
It must be installed on an insulated garage.
The door must have a U-factor equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains glazing.
The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration.
The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
The garage must be part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence.

Check out additional information via Energy Star

Back to School and "Your Other Front Door"

2010-07-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year - kids are heading back to school and that means new clothes, backpacks, shoes, early mornings and kids coming home from school…

Here’s the question: Did you know your kids are more likely to use the garage door when coming and going to school than any other door in the house? That’s right, the garage door has officially become the most used door in the house – meaning “Back to school” is a great time to make sure your “other front door” is working properly.

Like your furnace, and smoke detectors - garage doors require some attention - at least on an annual basis. If you're not sure your door system is working properly take the time to schedule your annual Garage Door Maintenance now. It just may prevent your student from being "locked-out".

PS. While you’re at it, you might consider adding an extra remote or keypad to make it even easier for your student to use the "other front door" when they come home.

Pay me now or Pay me Later

2010-07-22T11:39:00.001-07:00

Every year, over 30,000 people are injured by garage doors. Sad, because it doesn't have to be that way. You get your annual physical once a year, right?! - You change your car's oil regularly, right?! So... When was the last time your garage door system had it's annual maintenance and checkup?
It's quick, it's easy and doesn't cost much - maybe $50 or so - and it can and will prevent more expensive problems that could also result in one of the above mentioned hospital visits. So, pay me now or pay me later.

How to Select a Garage Door Company

2010-07-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

You have a wide range of choices when it comes to selecting a garage door company to work with. Choices range from huge home supply stores to the local handyman and each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Consider the following questions when selecting your Garage door company

Selection:
• Do they have a wide selection of door styles and openers to fit your needs?
Experience:
• Are they specialists? Are Garage door installations and repair all they do?
Professionalism:
• Who will do the work? Are the technicians trained and certified? Are they Company employees or do they hire sub-contractors? Are they members of industry associations like IDA?
Scheduling:
• Are they available when you need them or do you adjust to their schedule? Do they work evening and weekends? Do they offer 24/7 emergency services? Will they need multiple trips or just one visit?
Pricing:
• Do they charge extra for emergencies or for evening or weekends appointments? Do they provide multiple options?
Warranties:
• What is the warranty on the Door? Do they offer warranties on parts and labor too? For how long?
Reputation:
• Are they local, licensed, bonded and insured? What is their rating with the BBB?
Quality:
• Do they offer a variety of brand name products? How environmentally sensitive are they?
Parts:
• What is the quality of the parts they use?
– What is the “cycle rating” of their springs (quality springs should last 30,000 cycles or more)
– Are Springs powder coated to eliminate rust?
– Are rollers made with ball-bearings or are they plastic?