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.
Garage Doors for Every Taste
Showing posts with label buying garage doors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying garage doors. Show all posts
June 15, 2011
May 13, 2011
7 Questions to Ask: When Hiring Your Garage Door Company
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?
May 5, 2011
Why does my garage door reverse or open back up instead of closing?
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.
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.
March 1, 2011
Why is My Garage Door so Heavy?
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.
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.
February 8, 2011
Why an Insulated Garage Door?
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.
January 17, 2011
Want Wood Looks at a Steel Price?
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.
December 1, 2010
Garage Doors One of Few Home Improvements Worth Investing In!
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.
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.
October 25, 2010
Got New Garage Doors? Here's the Most Important Thing to Remember
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.
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.
September 30, 2010
How to Check the Balance of your Garage Door
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.
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.
September 27, 2010
LAST CHANCE TO EARN TAX CREDITS ON A NEW GARAGE DOOR
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 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.
September 15, 2010
Garage Doors – Know the Benefits of a Steel Garage Door
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
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
September 8, 2010
Top 10 Secrets about Today’s Garage Doors
(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
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
August 30, 2010
Free Whitepaper - How to Buy a Garage Door
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!
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