- 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.
Garage Doors for Every Taste
May 26, 2010
Vacation Tips for your Garage Doors
May 14, 2010
Steel Garage Doors
With energy costs continuing to rise, more and more homeowners are opting for garage doors that are manufactured out of steel. Depending on the specific type of door that you choose, many of them do provide a great deal of insulation. Steel garage doors are available with the single, double or triple layer construction method. These particular doors are stronger and longer lasting than almost any of the other materials; warping or denting is usually not a problem with them. They may require painting once in a while, but not as often as wood doors do.
Many look only at price when selecting a door, which leads them to a single layer door. Unfortunately, the single layer garage door does not have a layer of insulation included in it. This door is composed of a single sheet of galvanized steel. Needless to say, metal can be very cold and also very hot. Even though they are the least expensive of all of the models, think twice before selecting this kind; unless you garage is not connected to your home.
The double layer style has two layers - One layer of galvanized steel and the other layer is polyurethane. This material both insulates and limits outside traffic noise. Finally, there is also the three layer door. This is really a duplicate of the double layer except it has a second sheet of galvanized steel over the insulation. Consequently, the three layer door is a much better insulator and is able to provide a greater degree of security. However, it is also more expensive.
The choice is up the individual homeowner. Everyone, without saying, would prefer the best that is available. Consider your individual situation, and budget then carefully consider the future energy savings that are possible before making your final decision.
Many look only at price when selecting a door, which leads them to a single layer door. Unfortunately, the single layer garage door does not have a layer of insulation included in it. This door is composed of a single sheet of galvanized steel. Needless to say, metal can be very cold and also very hot. Even though they are the least expensive of all of the models, think twice before selecting this kind; unless you garage is not connected to your home.
The double layer style has two layers - One layer of galvanized steel and the other layer is polyurethane. This material both insulates and limits outside traffic noise. Finally, there is also the three layer door. This is really a duplicate of the double layer except it has a second sheet of galvanized steel over the insulation. Consequently, the three layer door is a much better insulator and is able to provide a greater degree of security. However, it is also more expensive.
The choice is up the individual homeowner. Everyone, without saying, would prefer the best that is available. Consider your individual situation, and budget then carefully consider the future energy savings that are possible before making your final decision.
May 7, 2010
Photoelectric Eyes – Key to Garage Door Safety
Photoelectric "eyes" or sensors are a critical part of your garage door safety system and a key to your personal safety as well. Here are two simple tests to determine if the electronic eyes are installed and functioning properly.
The non contact reversal test:
Begin with your door fully open. Standing just outside the path of the door and using the transmitter, push the button to close the door. Wave an object across the path of the photoelectric eye beam as the door is closing. The door MUST reverse and return to the fully open position to pass this test.
Proper Location test:
Checking for proper location of the photoelectric eyes is perhaps the simplest test. If present, photoelectric “eyes” must be mounted at a maximum of 6 inches above the floor to detect an obstruction in the path of the door. Using a tape measure, confirm the device is no higher than 6 inches above the floor or make adjustments if needed. Additionally, the wall mounted control should be positioned at a minimum height of 5 feet.
A properly maintained garage will not only provide you with years of service, but will also ensure your safety. Schedule your annual maintenance with a professional garage door technician.
The non contact reversal test:
Begin with your door fully open. Standing just outside the path of the door and using the transmitter, push the button to close the door. Wave an object across the path of the photoelectric eye beam as the door is closing. The door MUST reverse and return to the fully open position to pass this test.
Proper Location test:
Checking for proper location of the photoelectric eyes is perhaps the simplest test. If present, photoelectric “eyes” must be mounted at a maximum of 6 inches above the floor to detect an obstruction in the path of the door. Using a tape measure, confirm the device is no higher than 6 inches above the floor or make adjustments if needed. Additionally, the wall mounted control should be positioned at a minimum height of 5 feet.
A properly maintained garage will not only provide you with years of service, but will also ensure your safety. Schedule your annual maintenance with a professional garage door technician.
April 30, 2010
3 Steps to Garage Door Safety
30,000 people annually are injured by faulty garage door systems
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. Reports from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate 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.
The proper installation, maintenance and testing of these two pieces of equipment are necessary to provide you with safe, trouble-free operation. An improperly adjusted garage door or automatic opener can exert deadly force when the door closes. This could lead to serious injury or death from being hit by a closing garage door or from being trapped under the door.
Take a few minutes to inspect and test your garage door system and make that inspection and testing a part of your regular routine. Garage Door Safety is everyone's business. If anything is suspected to be unsafe or in need of attention, contact a garage door professional ASAP.
Testing and maintaining your garage door.
Review your garage door owner's manual. It will provide you with important information on your doors’ specific needs. If you do not have a manual, look for the manufacturer's name and model number on the back of the door or the lock handle. Request a manual from the manufacturer. You should perform routine maintenance steps once a month.
Visual Inspection
Look at the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware for signs of wear. If you suspect any problems contact your garage door service professional.
Garage door springs and cables are under very high tension. If handled improperly, they can cause serious injury and death. Only a certified technician should adjust them. Do not attempt to repair or adjust springs yourself.
A safety cable should be installed on all extension springs (the springs mounted above the track) to help contain a spring if it breaks.
Never remove, adjust or loosen the screws on the bottom brackets of the door. These brackets are connected to the spring system by the lift cable and are under extreme tension.
Lubrication
· Like all mechanical systems, garage doors need regular lubrication. Lubricate the moving parts of the door with a silicon based spray only. However, do not lubricate plastic rollers and plastic bearings. Consult the garage door owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations
Door Balance
· Periodically test the balance of your garage door.
o Start with the door closed
o If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand when doing this test.
o 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. Have it adjusted by a certified technician.
Precision Garage Door Service is proud to serve you in western Washington, Salt Lake, Tucson, Spokane and Albuquerque. Contact us at 888-822-4691
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. Reports from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate 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.
The proper installation, maintenance and testing of these two pieces of equipment are necessary to provide you with safe, trouble-free operation. An improperly adjusted garage door or automatic opener can exert deadly force when the door closes. This could lead to serious injury or death from being hit by a closing garage door or from being trapped under the door.
Take a few minutes to inspect and test your garage door system and make that inspection and testing a part of your regular routine. Garage Door Safety is everyone's business. If anything is suspected to be unsafe or in need of attention, contact a garage door professional ASAP.
Testing and maintaining your garage door.
Review your garage door owner's manual. It will provide you with important information on your doors’ specific needs. If you do not have a manual, look for the manufacturer's name and model number on the back of the door or the lock handle. Request a manual from the manufacturer. You should perform routine maintenance steps once a month.
Visual Inspection
Look at the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware for signs of wear. If you suspect any problems contact your garage door service professional.
Garage door springs and cables are under very high tension. If handled improperly, they can cause serious injury and death. Only a certified technician should adjust them. Do not attempt to repair or adjust springs yourself.
A safety cable should be installed on all extension springs (the springs mounted above the track) to help contain a spring if it breaks.
Never remove, adjust or loosen the screws on the bottom brackets of the door. These brackets are connected to the spring system by the lift cable and are under extreme tension.
Lubrication
· Like all mechanical systems, garage doors need regular lubrication. Lubricate the moving parts of the door with a silicon based spray only. However, do not lubricate plastic rollers and plastic bearings. Consult the garage door owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations
Door Balance
· Periodically test the balance of your garage door.
o Start with the door closed
o If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand when doing this test.
o 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. Have it adjusted by a certified technician.
Precision Garage Door Service is proud to serve you in western Washington, Salt Lake, Tucson, Spokane and Albuquerque. Contact us at 888-822-4691
April 21, 2010
Garage Doors: The Crown Jewel of Curb Appeal
All garage doors open and close. Yours should do more than that. In addition to protection and insulation, it should add style and beauty to your home.
A garage door provides you with much more than just functionality. It is often one of the most prominent street-facing sections of a home, and gives homeowners the change to enhance their curb appeal with a few simple style choices. In many homes the Garage Doors represent 30% or more of what people see from the street and how it looks spells "curb appeal".
As a Homeowner you have a lot more choices these days when it comes to garage doors. They are now automated, designed to exacting industry standards, and come in a range of styles, strength and durability options. The internal structure of most garage doors is made from steel panels, and their exteriors from polyurethane and wooden finishes. Some are solid wood or composite.
These exterior finishes are essential to the overall appearance of your home. Garage doors come in a variety of materials and colors, from country to contemporary, and should blend with a home's overall style. Windows and tiles can add elegance to a garage door, while crossbeams and oak or pine slats can give it a homey, country look. Leaving exterior woods can make a garage door rustic, and choosing classic white with a simple pattern can give a door a minimalist, clean style. Start by thinking about your homes' architectural style.
Most garage doors use automatic openers, too, adding convenience to function. Most come with remote controls, making driving home a pleasure instead of a hassle. In fact, garage doors are now the most commonly used entrance into the typical home, surpassing even your front door.
As you search for the right garage door for your home, remember that style matters, and have fun choosing from the many door designs available today. One way to test ideas is through garage door design software.
A garage door provides you with much more than just functionality. It is often one of the most prominent street-facing sections of a home, and gives homeowners the change to enhance their curb appeal with a few simple style choices. In many homes the Garage Doors represent 30% or more of what people see from the street and how it looks spells "curb appeal".
As a Homeowner you have a lot more choices these days when it comes to garage doors. They are now automated, designed to exacting industry standards, and come in a range of styles, strength and durability options. The internal structure of most garage doors is made from steel panels, and their exteriors from polyurethane and wooden finishes. Some are solid wood or composite.
These exterior finishes are essential to the overall appearance of your home. Garage doors come in a variety of materials and colors, from country to contemporary, and should blend with a home's overall style. Windows and tiles can add elegance to a garage door, while crossbeams and oak or pine slats can give it a homey, country look. Leaving exterior woods can make a garage door rustic, and choosing classic white with a simple pattern can give a door a minimalist, clean style. Start by thinking about your homes' architectural style.
Most garage doors use automatic openers, too, adding convenience to function. Most come with remote controls, making driving home a pleasure instead of a hassle. In fact, garage doors are now the most commonly used entrance into the typical home, surpassing even your front door.
As you search for the right garage door for your home, remember that style matters, and have fun choosing from the many door designs available today. One way to test ideas is through garage door design software.
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