HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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!!

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

Enjoy a VERY Merry Christmas!!!

Garage Door ROI

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

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

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!

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.

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..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

The Precision Garage Door Guy: Federal Energy Tax Credit Available

Federal Energy Tax Credit Available

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"

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

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

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?

Garage Door Repair - Assessing the Problem

Home Improvement Expert Andrew Stratton says... It can be quite easy to take your garage door for granted. Each day, as if by magic, this massive, metal contraption opens and closes at the push of a button, providing security, storage, and peace of mind. But what happens when the magic stops? This article, outlines the steps necessary in order to assess issues of garage door repair.

If you find yourself in a situation where the door fails to work, it's worth-while to first, cover the basics.

1. Check the see that the power is one in the house. If you find that there is, in fact, power running to the opener, it's time to further evaluate the situation.
2. Establish what type of spring system your door uses. There are two types of systems: The first is the extension spring. This type can be quickly and easily identified through the location of the long extension springs which run parallel with the tracks. There are a variety of dangers to consider when it comes to handling high pressure springs, however, by following the manufacturer's instructions and paying close attention to your surroundings, home owners can successfully work on these types.
   If your door is operated through the use of a large mounted above the door, it is recommended the repair be left to a trained professional. This type of spring is called a torsion spring. This device is wound very tightly before being bolted into place. Fixing these springs through DIY methods is very dangerous and should not be attempted by inexperienced handymen.

In the event that you are unable to fix the problem, there is a method which will enable entry. If you've ever looked around your garage, chances are you've noticed that little red cord hanging from the ceiling. This is your ticket out... or in, depending on your desired use. Pulling this cable essentially disconnect the door from the opening system. With the door disconnected you should be able to open and shut the door.

If you believe that the issue lies more with a structural problem with the unit or tracks, try your best to figure out who the manufacturer is. You may simply be able to order the pieces which require replacement.

As a general rule, it is recommended to consult the advice of a professional in any cases which appear to be beyond your comprehension level.

If you are looking for garage door repair in the Seattle area, local experts can provide you with excellent and dependable service and also give a warranty on the work done. To know more, visit GarageDoorSeattle.com

Park your Car, behind a New Garage Door – But what kind of door?

Garage doors add a beautiful design element to your home’s exterior as well as provide a safe, secure and easy access to your garage. Today’s garage doors come in a variety of types and styles, and are available in different materials, depending on your needs and tastes.

Types and Styles
There are two types of garage doors commonly used in home construction. The first is the tilt up type which is a single panel that tilts out and up when opened. The second is the sectional roll up door. It is made of four or more horizontal panels that are hinged together and mounted on rollers in tracks on either side of the door so the sections can roll up and straight back. While the tilt up door can be 25% to 35% less expensive than the sectional door, the sectional one is preferred by many because it takes less headroom in the garage, a car can be parked directly in front of it, and it is more weather tight, fitting behind the opening rather than within it. Either type of garage door can be purchased in one of three styles – flush, raised-panel or recessed-panel.

Materials
When selecting a garage doors for you dream home, there are several types of materials available to you - Two are the most common.

• Wood is preferred by many for its natural look and affordability. A wood garage door can be stained or painted any color to complement the color scheme of the exterior of your home. Conversely, it will expand and contract with the weather and needs repainting or refinishing every couple of years. If you plan to stain your garage doors, be sure to purchase one made of appearance-grade wood to ensure the wood grain showing through the stain gives a beautiful look to your door.
• Steel provides a much stronger and more secure door than any of the other materials used today. They won’t warp, crack, de-laminate or fall apart due to weather. They are now available with wood grain patterns to complement your home’s appearance, and most are hot-dipped in vinyl or have a baked-on polyester finish for ease of maintenance. These finishes prevent rust and don’t require frequent repainting. Premium quality steel doors are insulated with a core of rigid polystyrene or polyurethane foam to maintain temperature control in the garage as well as making the door easier to operate and less likely to sag or warp over time. While the limited maintenance of the steel garage door is a plus, it can be dented and difficult to repair.

Garage doors are a distinctive element in the exterior design of your home. Whether you are refreshing the exterior of your current home or are designing a new one, the right garage door is available for you. For a Free Estimate contact your local Professionals.

Garage Doors and Curb Appeal

Real estate agents like to say that the three things that determine the value of a house are location, location and location. But they also talk about "curb appeal"—the impression a house gives when you first approach it. It also helps determine value and makes a house feel like home. While the garage door may not be the first item you think of improving when you're putting your house up for sale, but realtors say it's worth giving it some attention.

Your garage door is the single largest moving part on a home and, because it often faces the street, it plays a large part in your homes’ overall appearance. Curb appeal is a critical factor in selling a home. If a prospective buyer doesn't like the view from the street, chances are he won't waste time going inside.

In a recent study 300 realtors nationwide were surveyed to determine if garage door appearance made a difference in the listing price they would assign to a house. Nearly all of the agents interviewed agreed that a new garage door enhances curb appeal and 75 percent believe it adds value to a home. In fact, most realtors have recommended that a homeowner replace their garage door when listing their house for sale because of the condition of the door. Nearly half said appearance was a big reason because the age or style of the door detracted from the home's curb appeal. Check out how homes look before and after new garage doors were installed.

When it comes to adding value to a home's list price, the right garage door does make a difference. Depending on the style of the door, and how it fit in with the architectural style of the house, realtors increased the list price anywhere from one to four percent. On a $350,000 home, that's an increase of somewhere between $3,500 and $14,000 just because of the garage door. This doesn't mean that a home has to have a designer garage door but the door has to enhance the overall appearance.

The average price for a new garage door ranges from $800 to $5,000 depending on the size of the door and the material it's made from. The most popular look in garage doors right now is the carriage-house style door. The doors look like old-fashioned swing-out doors but function like modern roll-up doors with an electric garage door opener. The choices for design, color and materials are virtually endless.

Common Garage Door Opener Problems

Possible problems with your garage door opener can include:

Lack of power caused by a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker or disconnected power cord. If a fuse is blown or circuit breaker is tripped, take caution as the root cause of the problem could be an electrical short, jammed opener or jammed door.

Issue with the door opener remote or transmitter. This can be something as simple as battery replacement, a lose wire or improper programming. Refer to your door opener owner’s manual for more information.

If the opener goes up but does not close the door, the issue may be with the photoelectric safety devices located approximately one foot above the floor on each side of the door. If these devices are out of alignment, blocked or the wiring to them is broken the door will not close.

If the door opener operates, but does not close or open the door completely, the issue could be that the opener’s limit switches are out of adjustment. Refer to your door opener owner’s manual for more information or contact a professional.

Other common problems with an opener include issues with the internal parts:
Bad motor
Damaged or stripped gears
Broken belt or chain
Bad internal electronics

Even though many internal parts on a garage door opener can be repaired, it is usually easier and more economical in the end to replace it with a new garage door opener.

June is Garage Door Safety Month

Why garage door safety? Because 30,000 people are injured by faulty garage door systems annually.

Your garage door the largest, heaviest and perhaps the most dangerous moving object in your home. Proper maintenance and testing of your garage door equipment are necessary to provide you with safe, trouble-free operation.

Do your self and your family a favor and schedule your annual inspection and maintenance this June. Then put it on your calendar with a reminder for next year.. You'll be glad you did!

Vacation Tips for your Garage Doors

• 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Garage Doors – 3 Most Frequently Asked Troubleshooting Questions

Homeowners have plenty of questions about their garage doors and openers but most involve one of the following three issues.

1. Why does it reverse or open back up instead of closing?
This is, most likely, the result of your safety eyes are 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, they can 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.

2. Why is my garage door so heavy?
Garage doors are usually the generally the largest moving piece of machinery in your home, with an average size of 8′ wide and 7′ high. 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. Stripped openers gears are often caused by this type of problem. It’s a good idea to have some maintenance done about once a year. Have a professional check for proper spring tension, and adjust them if needed.

3. Why won’t it go up? / Why is it stuck in the down position?
Take a look at the springs located on the wall above the garage door. There should be no break, or separation in the coils. Springs generally last for about 3-5 years, depending on the amount of daily usage. Again, these provide the force for balancing out all that weight. When one breaks, it can make things too heavy to lift, causing it to seem stuck in place. If one of yours is broken, you’ll need to call a professional as this is not a DIY project. If the springs don't appear to be broken, try pulling the emergency release. This will allow manual operation, without the motor. It may be that your springs have relaxed to the point that the opener can’t lift the weight anymore.

Hopefully, this answers some of your questions. If you still have issues that weren’t covered here, you may want to take a look at the FAQ section of our website. We also have links to a number of manufacturers and owner’s manuals.

Energy Tax Credit Still Available in 2010

The federal government has approved garage doors as qualifying for the energy tax credit for any garage doors purchased in 2010. Now is the time to replace that old door with one that will increase your home’s curb appeal while providing lower energy costs. Call Precision Door Service today for a FREE ESTIMATE on a new energy efficient overhead garage door.

5 Things to Look for in a Garage Door Repair Company

Want to know what to look for when shopping garage door repair professionals? Read on to see why I think these are key things to look for and remember the next time your garage door goes on the fritz.

Experience: Look for a company that has been around for a while and gives you service the same day you call while offering all day and night service.

Value: While many would ask only about the best rate/lowest cost. I think it’s the one with an unbeatable value. They are specialists and do their job well. If there are parts needing to be replaced they replace them rather than getting you a whole new door and, the parts are high quality with a great warranty.

Professional technicians: The tech listens when you are telling him about what the problem is and gives you tips on how to make sure it does not happen again.

Service: Do they provide superior service? How's their local reputation? Do they work with customers to make sure that work is done right and that it stays that way. What more could you want?

24/7: Finally, when you need a place to call in the middle of the night are they there when you need them twenty four seven;. While most of companies will charge you an arm and a leg for coming out on nights or weekends, these guys have no extra cost. Now, that is top quality.
There you have them. All in a row are five reasons to select your garage door service company.

Precision Door Service hits a home run on each and every one of these. Give them a call next time your garage door is not working properly!

Routine Maintenance Keeps Your Garage Door and Opener Working

Remember the old commercial about changing oil in your car regularly? They ended with "Pay me now or pay me later". Much the same can be said for your garage door system. Monthly garage door opener maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and efficiently for years. Follow these maintenance steps for many years of trouble free operation.

Garage Door Maintenance
-Your opener won't work well unless the door is properly adjusted and maintained.
-Start with a visual inspection of all brackets, hinges, fasteners, springs and door tracks.
-If rollers are worn, they should be replaced.
-Bent brackets should be straightened or replaced.
-Make sure all bolts and screws are properly tightened.
- Oil hinges and rollers, but not the tracks. Do not oil plastic rollers. Oil on the tracks will cause dirt accumulation. Use a silicone spray oil.
- If tracks have a buildup of dirt or oil/grease, clean with disc brake cleaner.

To check spring adjustment, make sure the door is fully closed, then pull the release cord or chain to release door from opener.

If the garage door opener is released with the door open, there is the danger that the door will fall. Doors are heavy and a falling door can cause serious injury and damage.

With the operator disconnected, open door halfway. When released, the door should not move more than an inch or two. If it does, springs require adjustment or replacement.

If springs need adjustment, follow manufacturers instructions precisely. Torsion springs are mounted above the door and are very dangerous. Torsion springs should only be adjusted by a professional.

Extension springs should only be adjusted when the door is fully opened to release tension on the springs. Also keep in mind that the bottom spring brackets are under extreme tension when the door is closed, so don't attempt to tighten, or especially loosen these brackets, with the door less than fully open.

If springs need replaced, replace both. Replacing only one spring will cause an improperly operating door. The door should open and close easily and smoothly.

Garage Door Opener Maintenance
- Inspect mounting brackets, cables, fasteners, etc.
- Replace bent or broken parts
- Tighten loose bolts or screws
- Lubricate chain or screw drive
- Perform safety reversing test

• Lay a 2X4 on the floor under the door -Operate door opener - door should reverse when it comes in contact with the obstruction (the 2X4)If it does not reverse, have your door opener adjusted.If you try this yourself, follow manufacturers directions precisely.

Improperly adjusted doors can be very dangerous to small children and pets
If your garage door opener is equipped with a photoelectric beam, placing an obstruction between the sensors should prevent the door closing -Clean the lenses.

Making regular maintenance a habit will give you many years of trouble free operation.

For additional information visit Precision Door.

5 Things Every Home Owner Should Know About Repairing Garage Doors

The most common garage door repair is the Garage door springs. They are designed to do virtually all of the work necessary to lift your garage door. Garage door springs, cables, brackets, and other hardware attached to the springs, are under very high tension and, if not handled properly, can cause serious injury.

1. When dealing with garage door springs, you should take into account what type of door you have (sectional, tracked one-piece), and what type of springs you have. Garage Door Springs are available in two main types: extension and torsion.

2. Garage door springs come in different lengths to accommodate various standard size doors, from single garage doors to double doors. Garage door springs are sized or adjusted at time of initial installation to balance the weight of the garage door. It is important when handling springs to prevent any nicks or scrapes to the wire.

3. 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. You must release the tension on the garage door springs before attempting adjustment or replacement.

4. 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.

5. Also, the function of any opener on the door could be adversely affected such that a motor could become overworked or cease functioning. The safety of a garage door is directly attributed to the design of these components working together without any other added material. For example, adding weight, including hanging large objects, to any part of the door or track can obstruct the pathway of the door and can cause the horizontal track to twist, buckle or deform. This has the potential to allow the door to fall out of the horizontal track.

Because doors are large, heavy moving objects that can weigh anywhere from 90 pounds to over 500 pounds, a door falling out of its tracks is dangerous to persons, and hazardous to property, under the door or in the area. Always consult with experienced repair services like Precision Door Service.

The Three Garage Door components most likely to fail

There are many moving parts in your garage door system and all are susceptible to wear and ultimate failure. However, three of these components are the most common to experience a problem.
1. Rollers
2. Springs
3. Bearings

Rollers are one of the most frequently failing components on garage doors, Most manufacturers are using bearing-less rollers which have 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.

Springs are the second most frequently failing component and also the most expensive. Many manufacturers and service companies use springs manufactured from a lower grade of wire. Most of these are rolled cold which increases metal fatigue potential. Additionally, with few exceptions the wire is not coated and will therefore be susceptible to rust which also increases metal fatigue. On this type of spring expect replacement in 3-5 years. However, there are commercial grade springs available. These are typically coated to resist rust and have much higher cycle ratings, meaning a much longer lifecycle. Ask your garage door service company about the cycle ratings on all springs. Additionally, many entry level door systems are manufactured using a single spring. A good two car door (greater than 10 ft wide) should have two springs. Use of a single spring will have a significantly shorter life. Ask what the expected cycle rating is on springs for the door you are interested in.

Bearings are the third most frequent component to fail. A 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.

Remember to ask – 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

Let’s Imagine Something New…The First Solar Panel Garage Door?

The new plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) will revolutionize the way we think about fuel efficiency. Chevy has one called the Volt and Toyota has a new version of the Prius. Currently, neither one is available for purchase to the masses, but they are coming and sooner than we may think.

These vehicles will charge overnight and then run off the electric battery until the power is depleted, at which point, it switches to the standard Hybrid method of fuel consumption.
CalCars.org and OEMtek agree that the initial charge should last between 50 to 70 miles. That means if you drive less than 25 miles to work each day you could conceivably get there and back each day without using a drop of gasoline. Now, that’s what I call reducing dependency on foreign oil. But can we do even better? Let's try something completely new.

Rather than run up your electricity bill to save oil... what about a way that is totally clean and will produce sufficient energy to fully power the car’s battery at $0 cost… What about a solar panel garage door.

Solar panels are able to produce about 1 kWh of total energy for every square meter of surface area. A standard double-wide garage door measuring 16′x 7′ provides about 10.4 square meters of surface space. That should produce the amount of energy needed. Solar panels have advanced to the point where they can be anywhere. There are marine solar panels, solar roofing and curved solar panels. So, why not on the garage door?

Think about it… the technology exists right now – right now. That we could drive back and forth to work every day and never use a drop of gas (as long as it’s less than 25 or 30 miles from home).

Let me know if you've done this or are thinking about it!!

How Long Will Your New Garage Doors Last?

Before installing a new garage door it is worth stopping to consider likely maintenance issues and at what point repairs might become necessary.

There is more to caring for doors than just looking after the surface finish – in particular the opening mechanism will need to be maintained in good working order.
It’s easy to overlook the fact that the door panel itself, because it is the largest and most obvious part, is just one of many parts. Garage door opening mechanisms hold quite a few parts (springs, rollers, etc.) that need to all function smoothly together - otherwise the door will cease to open and close correctly.

When it comes down to it, a garage door system is only as strong as its’ weakest part and even if a small, apparently trivial, component breaks then the functioning of the whole door can be at stake. So how long then is it reasonable to expect your own garage door parts to last?

The longevity of garage door parts is rated in “cycles” where a cycle is a single opening and closing action. The number of cycles that might occur each day will clearly vary since some folk seldom use their garage door while others might use extensively, especially if it serves as an alternative main entrance.

A reasonable approximate average is 3 cycles per day which equates to about 1,100 cycles each year. Cheaper garage door components are typically rated to last 5,000 cycles which provides you an average limit of five years before repairs will be required.

Thus you can very easily figure out the length of time, depending on your own particular usage patterns, before you might need to start hunting for a reputable garage door repair company.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. By simply insisting on having only parts tested for a higher number of cycles you should expect that your new garage door will operate flawlessly for literally a lifetime. Precision Garage Door uses only commercial grade

parts

with high cycle ratings.
Find out more here.

A homeowner’s guide to the garage door and how it works

Garage Door Operation 101:

One of the most overlooked “appliances” in your home is the garage door. You press a button. It goes up. It goes down. Simple, right?

Not really. Like every other mechanical device you own – your cars, your kitchen and laundry appliances and your heating and cooling systems – your garage door and its operating system needs to be properly adjusted and regularly maintained in order to function correctly. Schedule your annual system check with your Precision Door Service Professional

You can perform some simple safety and maintenance tasks yourself. Other tasks – such as spring repair/replacement, track and roller repair/replacement and door installation – are jobs best left to trained service professionals.

Just as it is common practice to have your home’s heating and cooling systems checked annually, it’s also a good idea to have your door checked annually by a qualified service technician to ensure that it continues to work properly and effectively.

Never take a garage door system for granted; always use extreme caution when working on it or near it. Make sure that children understand that the garage door and the garage door opener are not toys. Never let children play with the door or its operating system. For more safety information, check out the Garage Door Safety section here.

How to Tell if your Garage Door Spring is Balanced

A properly balanced garage door spring insures a smooth operating door system and reduces stress (wear and tear)on the system.

Here's how to test your door:
Open the door halfway by hand (release operator first) and let go of the door. The door should pretty much stay in the same position, although some slight drifting may occur. If the door wants to drop or if it opens on its own the garage door springs should be adjusted by trained and experienced garage door service technicians. To avoid possible severe injuries do not attempt to adjust the springs yourself – Contact a professional to schedule an appointment.

How to Operate your Garage Door by Hand

Once question we hear often is: "How do I release the door from the operator so that I can open the garage door by hand?"

With the garage door fully closed, locate and 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.

Prepare Your Home and Family for Power Outages

A recent study conducted by Zoomerang found that 93 percent of homeowners reported having experienced a power outage this year alone, with some outages lasting hours or even days. Every family should prepare an emergency kit for storms and power outages and keep it in a central location. The kit should include:
• Flashlights, extra batteries, matches and candles
• A battery-operated weather radio
• A fully charged cell phone battery
• First aid supplies
• Bottled water and nonperishable packaged or canned foods and snacks
• Blankets, towels and pillows

Don’t Forget the Garage
Today, more than half of homeowners (55 percent) use the garage door as the primary entrance to their home, relying on an automatic garage door opener to gain access. However, during a power outage, homeowners are 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.
• Know how to manually open and close your garage door during a power failure. Test your ability to ensure you can physically lift your garage door, your home’s heaviest and largest moving object.
• To avoid being blocked from entering and exiting your garage during an 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 selected Chamberlain and professionally installed LiftMaster garage door openers.

Precision Garage Door Service can provide you professional guidance for all your Garage Door needs.

A Good Garage Door Needs A Good Opener

Nowadays, most people think of their garage door and opener as a single item. In reality, they are two separate pieces of equipment integrated into a smooth running door system. Most garage door companies not only sell new garage doors but provide openers as well. For example, Precision Garage Door is one of these companies- providing a complete slate of services to home owners.

Many people are careful when purchasing a garage door but fail to pay attention to the importance of the door opener. Remember, the garage door is now the most used entry door to most homes and must work smoothly and safely.

There are, fundamentally three categories of openers. The first one is the conventional chain drive opener – these are reliable and affordable – the second is reliable and much quieter Belt drive opener. Finally is the screw-drive opener – while more expensive, these require less maintenance. All automatic openers can be equipped with remote control access and locking. Now that you know the basic types of openers that are available you need to finalize the one you wish to buy for your garage door system. What are you looking for: affordability - quiet operations or low maintenance?

Precision Garage Door Service specializes in garage door repair, service, sales and installation of garage doors and openers in Western Washington.

Factors to consider when selecting a new garage door

Here are some things to consider when selecting a new garage door:
• Budget. Like everything, budget dictates options. Garage doors range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size, materials and design you choose. Even if you have a small budget you can still get a great looking door that is going to enhance the look of the house.

• Design. Think of the garage as an extension of the home's theme, not an afterthought. Let the home's architectural style, the shape and size of the windows and entry doors, and exterior design details influence the design of the garage door.
It's a good idea to review Web sites to get a sense of the options available. Many companies offer on-line door design software, which can make the selection process easier.

• Insulation. Doors can be insulated or non-insulated. If the garage is attached to the house you'll want an insulated door. This will help reduce utility bills - a popular selling point with prospective buyers. If you live in a mild climate or have a detached garage that will only be used to park the car, you can opt for a less expensive, non-insulated door.

• Upkeep. Maintenance is another consideration. Steel doors are very durable and virtually maintenance-free, but some people prefer the warmth and character of wood and the limitless design options. Depending on the climate and exposure, wood doors will need to be painted or stained every few years.

Choosing The Right Garage Doors

When you are choosing garage doors for your home remember that they are not just functional; you want them to blend in with the rest of your property and to look nice. After all, they are something that is an important addition to your home and are going to be very noticeable.

Like most things that you buy, there are different garage doors to suit every budget and taste. You can start off from a basic selection all the way up to custom made solutions. There is, in fact, a far larger range than you would ever have imagined. There are models to fit all kinds of different properties and any professional garage door company will be able to help you narrow your choices to those most suitable for you. The garage doors that you decide on having will need to be practical for the type of property that you own. For example, if your home only has a short driveway then a good choice would be a sectional door. These are very well designed because they make such good use of space. Because they open vertically you will also have the maximum amount of room to get your vehicle in and out of the garage.

If you are looking for something that will highlight your home, you should consider wood doors. They are stunning to look at and are incredibly sturdy as well. You will find that they are available in a wide variety of styles and woods.

When it comes to finding a professional garage door supplier, the best place for you to look is on the internet. There are many companies to choose from and they should all be able to offer you a great selection of designs. Many of these firms will have had many years of experience with these products and if you feel that you could use some advice on which design is the best for your property, then they will be more than happy to help you.