Picking out the right awning to complement your home or business is more involved than just saying you want an awning. There are different types of awnings, materials, colors, etc. that need to be considered. Choosing the right awnings Pittsburgh can help to minimize heating and cooling cost by protecting windows from outside elements. Below is a list of things that you need to consider to ensure that you get the right awning to meet your needs.

• Size: The right size will keep the appearance of your home or business looking balanced, and pleasing to look at.

• Style: With different styles to choose from, it is important to select the style that will complement or work with the existing style of your home or office.

• Material: Awnings come in various materials—canvas, vinyl, aluminum or plastic. Some materials are better able to protect your windows than others. The same goes for the amount of sunlight that is allowed to enter your home. This will be dependent on the material that your awning is made of.

• Pre-Assembled: Retractable awnings come pre-assembled and are ready to be installed. When you purchase a retractable awning, all of the necessary mechanisms will be included and will be in good working order.

• Customizable: Awnings can be customized by color, style, and material. Awnings can be customized to the specific size of your window to provide maximum coverage. The awning that you design should complement your home or office and provide you with added curb appeal.

To find the perfect awnings Pittsburgh, check out Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors . At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we’ve been providing Pittsburgh homeowners and business owners with beautiful, quality awnings that enhance their property and provide protection from the elements. Come in and talk to us today and learn how we can help you find the perfect awning for your home or office!

Having a garage door is convenient, yet at the same time a garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. Because Pittsburgh garage doors can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins, we’ve compiled a list of safety tips to secure your garage door and protect your home from potential break-ins.

1. Be sure to know your neighbors. Nosy neighbors can be a huge deterrent for wannabe burglars. When you leave town for the weekend, or for an extended vacation, will your neighbors be wary of suspicious vehicles in your driveway or your garage door being open? If you don’t know your neighbors, will they even notice that you are out of town? If not, be sure to get to know your neighbors long before you’ll need them to keep an eye on things.

2. Be sure to keep your garage door closed at all times. While this might seem like an obvious safety measure to take, many homeowners leave their garage doors open frequently. This not only leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins, but it also advertises what you have stored in your garage. Potential thieves love it when you leave your garage door open, making their job easier.

3. Hide your garage door remote. Many homeowners who have a garage door remote have it clipped to the visor in their car. While having it clipped to your visor is convenient for you, it is time to move the remote where it isn’t so easily seen. When your remote is in plain sight, like on your visor, this makes it easier for a potential thief to steal it out of your car, especially if your car is sitting in the driveway unlocked.

4. Lock the door to your house. All homes have a door that leads from the garage into the living part of the house. Many homeowners leave this door unlocked, due to the false security that they feel when their garage door is closed. This makes it easy for thieves who make it into your garage to walk right into your house without any deterrent from your locked door. Not only are you making it easy for someone to break into your home by leaving the door open, but they will also be concealed inside your garage, shielding them from people driving passed your home.

If you feel as though it is time to update your Pittsburgh garage doors to enhance your home’s security, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today. With a wide selection of doors, operators, and accessories available, you are guaranteed to not only find a door that will add some curb appeal to your home, but you will enhance the security of your home as well. Don’t put off securing your home and garage door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!

Investing in a new garage door is a big purchase that homeowners have to make when their current garage door stops working. In some cases, you might be able to save some money by just repairing your existing door, in other cases a new door is necessary. Because homeowners don’t have to purchase new residential garage doors often, we’ve compiled a list of 5 questions that you should ask before you commit to purchasing a new garage door.

1. What is the architecture of your home?

Is your home a Victorian style? Bungalow? Ranch/rambler? Or more modern? Despite the architecture of your home, there is a garage door design that can complement your home including: classic, rustic, all glass, wood or metal. Each style and material have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration prior to making a final decision. It is important to remember that because a garage door comprises a vast majority of the exterior of your home, your home’s design will be the most important aspect to consider.

2. How much insulation are you going to need or want in your door?

Will your garage be used for other activities besides parking your car (i.e., game room, additional living space, craft space, storage, etc.)? If you plan on utilizing the space in your garage for anything other than parking your car, you are going to want the best insulation possible. You’ll also want to ensure that you are getting the best seals for your garage door and its components.

3. What is your budget to replace your garage door?

Aside from the house design, budget is another important aspect to consider when selecting a new garage door. In some instances, it is possible to replace a garage door for less than $1,000. But adding insulation, design or windows in your garage door, or a new opener & other parts will increase the cost.

4. Are you going to want a door opener?

Most homeowners desire to have a door opener, especially on days with inclement weather. In fact, due to modern technology, garage door openers are keeping up with the evolving technology. Some openers can now be operated with a smart phone.

5. What size is your garage door?

If you are building a new construction, you’ll be able to choose the style and size of door that you prefer and will work best for your unique situation. If you are replacing a door, be sure to get accurate measurements before purchasing your door. Most manufactures produce garage doors in uniform sizes and one-inch increments to accommodate custom size door openings.

If you are ready to replace your residential garage doors, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today. With a wide selection of garage doors to choose from, you are sure to find the right door that will complement your style. We guarantee that you’ll be glad that you got your new doors from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!