Garage Door sound like a "Beast"?

Do you hear horrible sounds coming from your garage every time someone uses the garage door? Does your garage door wake you up when used?

Whatever is causing your garage door to sound like a beast, it’s best to figure out the cause and put a stop to it before you end up the least popular house on the block – or before something goes wrong and someone gets hurt.

What’s making all that noise?

No garage door or opener runs absolutely silently, but there is a difference between normal function and a beast. As with any machine with gears and moving parts, there are a number of things that can be causing a particular type of noise or malfunction. Depending on the model and how it’s installed, even some brand-new garage doors and garage door openers can make a surprising amount of noise.

One of the most common causes of garage door noise is friction. As garage door opener mechanisms age, their parts can lose their lubrication and noisily grind against each other. Bolts and screws can loosen, and parts may wear out and need replacement. Any of these normal elements of wear and tear will cause your garage door opener to get a little louder. Same with the hinges and rollers on the garage door itself. While this doesn’t necessarily signal a particular problem, it can be annoying and inconvenience. But some causes of garage door noise, especially in older models or those that have sustained damage, will need attention quickly before they become a safety concern.

Can I fix it myself?

In many cases you can simply apply a lubricant to the moving parts. Lubricants specially made for garage door openers are available, but any good silicone based lubricant will work. (Note: Please don’t use WD-40! While it will help silence the beast – it tends to attract additional dirt and can drip on your car). Then, double check that all the nuts and bolts are secure and tighten any in need.

When should I call a professional?

You should contact a professional garage door company if you’re in doubt about proceeding, or if the parts to your garage door or opener need replacement. If your garage door opener is older than 1993 and is starting to act up, it’s best to have it replaced. Modern garage door openers run quieter, and are built to higher standards than those constructed before that time.

Contact us in Seattle, Salt Lake, San Diego and Spokane

How to Test Garage Door Reversal Function

Garage door safety has come a long way over the years, and one key feature of all modern garage doors is the automatic reversing feature.     

First, make sure your garage door opener has a reversing feature. It's easy to know... from the inside of the garage with the door closed you should notice two sensor "eyes" located about 6 inches above the ground on each side of the door jamb. (note: these usually have a visable red or green light)  Those sensors detect objects under the door and MUST be there and MUST be in working order.

Any garage door opener without this feature needs to be replaced. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to have advanced safety features which comply with the latest U.I. 325 standards.

Here's how to test the Reversal feature. (note - it's a good idea to do this every month or so).

1. With the door fully open, place a full roll of paper towels on the floor in the center of the door.
2. Push the remote control or wall button to close the door. The door must reverse when it strikes the roll of paper towels. (Note that the bottom part of 'one piece doors' must be rigid so that the door will not close without reversing).
3. If the door does not reverse, have a certified technician adjust, repair or replace the sensors, the opener or the door.

Contact us for additional information. Seattle, Salt Lake, San Diego, Spokane

Safety Tips for the largest moving object in your home/

By: Jonathan Zalkin/Krull & Associates

The garage door’s role in the home has changed dramatically over the last 30 years and most people don’t realize it. Consider this: garage door openers have been installed in 35 million homes across the United States, making them one of the most widely used appliances. In fact, more than 70 percent of today’s homeowners use their attached garage as their main entrance to their home. Making it "Your other Front Door".

While the garage door is one of the most convenient aspects of your home, it is also the largest, heaviest moving object in your home. This means homeowners need to ensure it is working safely. Industry professionals estimate that one out of 15 garage door openers lack the latest safety features.

Here are some safety tips you can follow to make sure your garage door is safe.

• Safety checks. In 1993, Congress passed legislation that required all new garage door openers sold in the U.S. to come with a set of photo-eyes. These sensors, located near the floor along the sides of the garage door opening, alert the system if anything crosses their path and stops the door from descending further. It’s easy to determine if your system is operating properly with a quick 3-Step Safety Check.

1. First, make sure the photo-eyes have been installed no higher than 6 inches above the garage floor.
2. Second, block one of the eyes with an object over 6 inches tall and try to close the door. The garage door should not close.
3. Third, lay an object at least 1.5 inches in height across the door’s path and press the button to close the door. The door should reverse upon sensing the object.

If your garage door opener fails these safety tests, it may be an ideal time to reach out to a Garage door professional.

• Keep your garage door in tip-top shape. Garage doors, much like cars and other machines, require maintenance in order to run their best. You can keep your garage door running safely and smoothly by making sure all the moving parts are clean and lubricated especially hinges and rollers.

• Find the right balance. Ensuring your garage door is properly balanced will lead to safer use. To check the balance, close the door and pull the opener release mechanism, allowing you to maneuver the door by hand. A properly balanced door should lift with minimal effort and stay open 3 to 4 feet above the floor.

Give your garage a gift this New Year!

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


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

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

Watch Your Fingers!

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

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

Here's to pinch free future!

Don't Be the Victim of a Preventable Crime

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

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

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

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

Vacation Tips for your Garage Doors

OK - you're ready for the family get-away. But have you thought about your garage door?
Here are a few tips that can save you a lot of aggravation.
• While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which is an optional accessory to most openers.

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

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

• If your opener doesn’t have a rolling-code technology system, be sure to change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the operator and remote control. By using the standard factory settings, your garage is vulnerable to break-ins by anyone with the same brand of remote control.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Open and Close Your Garage Door

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

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

2. Be Alerted When The Door Opens

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

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

3. Receive Alerts If You Forget To Close The Door

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

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

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

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

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

6. Hardware option: Webcam

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

By Chris Copyright Precision Door Service

How to Open Your Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Precision Door if you have questions.

Things to do around your home this spring

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

Why is My Garage Door so Heavy?

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

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

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

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

Winter means: Prepare Your Home for Power Outages

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

But... How many remember the Garage??

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.