• 4 Things to Consider Before Buying a New Entry Door

    entry door pittsburgh

    There are numerous reasons why you might be looking into replacing your current entry door. Your reasoning can range from necessity, to updating your home’s exterior and curb appeal.

    Regardless of your reasoning, there are countless entry door options available that cater to nearly every style and preference. But before you head out to find the next perfect entry door for your home, read on to learn a few tips that will help make the shopping experience an enjoyable one.

    Is now the right time to replace your door?

    One of the biggest indications that your entry door needs to be replaced is signs of physical damage—cracks, warping, rotting, holes, and scratches. A simple inspection of both the interior and exterior of your door will give you a good indication of any physical damage that your door might have sustained. Once you have detected physical damage, you may want to determine if the damage is severe enough to warrant a replacement. Indications of rotting or warping can almost guarantee that you’ll need to seriously consider replacing your door in the near future.

    Another important factor that you are going to want to check isn’t as easy to see. You’ll want to check your door for drafts. One of the easiest way to do this is by performing a simple flame test. Hold either a lit candle, match, or lighter close to your door. Move your flame around, watching the flame closely. If the flame starts to flicker at any point, this is a good indication that you’ve found a draft.

    Drafts cause your home’s heating and air conditioning units to work harder to achieve a comfortable and desirable temperature. When your system is forced to work overtime, it can cost you hundreds of extra dollars every year. This is where the investment in a new door can actually save you money in the long run. New, energy efficient exterior doors will not only help to lower your home’s utility bills but you’ll also notice that your home will be comfortable year round.

    Understand Door Terminology

    Once you have determined that now is the right time to purchase a new entry door for your home, you’ll want to know and understand the basics of door terminology. Knowing the different terms will ensure that you purchase the right door. Here are a few terms that you should know and understand for when you go shopping for a new entry door.

    • Lite: glass found in the door
    • Caming: strips of metal that are used to join segmented glass
    • Casing/Trim: molding that surrounds the door frame
    • Stop: strip of wood located around the entire inside of the door that prevents the door from swinging too far
    • Panels: rectangular patterns located on the door, used for show
    • Inswing: a door that opens inward
    • Outswing: a door that opens outward
    • Left Handed: hinges that are located on the right side of the door
    • Right Handed: hinges that are located on the left side of the door

    Make a Great First Impression

    Your entry door is the first impression that people will have of your home. It is also the last thing visitors see when leaving your home. As a result, you may want to find a door that protects your home, while making a lasting impression.

    There are different styles and colors that you can choose from to make a statement, but also consider how the material your door’s made with can create an impact. Each material offers different features that you’ll need to wade through to find the perfect statement piece for your home. Whether you are looking for a door that looks elegant, has superior durability, or is energy efficient, there is a door out there for you.

    Wooden Doors Equal Elegance: Wooden exterior doors provide your home with an elegant and traditional look. These types of doors are guaranteed to improve the overall curb appeal of your home. In addition to being beautiful, wooden doors are sturdy and secure.

    But they come at a hefty price. Wooden doors are expensive to buy and costly to maintain. In order to preserve and maintain their elegant look, you’ll need to regularly stain your door. Other common  problems with wooden doors include warping and rotting.

    Steel Doors Provide Strength: Homeowners looking for an entry door with superior security and durability will want to consider a steel door. The majority of steel doors are made with 24-gauge steel, making them difficult to dent or bend. Another great feature of a steel door, is that they are resistant to fire, warping, and cracking.

    Another great feature of a steel door is its energy efficiency. Steel doors can be filled with foam, which will save you money on your utilities every month.

    Fiberglass is the Perfect Combination of Both Worlds: Homeowners who want the look of a wooden door without the expensive price tag, can purchase a fiberglass door with a wood grain option. These doors look like wood, but without the extensive maintenance. This will save you time and money on maintenance every year.

    In addition to being available in different styles, fiberglass doors are energy efficient. They’re filled with foam insulation, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round.

    Enhance Your Door with Additional Features

    Once you have found the perfect door to complement your home, you can dress it up by adding additional features. Whether you elect to add decorative glass or hardware, you can customize your entry door to complement your home’s overall style. A great way to let more natural light into your home is by adding decorative glass to your entry door. For those who don’t want to have glass installed in their door, consider installing sidelights or a transom above your door for additional light.

    As you can see, there are many decisions to be made when purchasing a new entry door Pittsburgh. Take some time to explore your options.

     

  • What You Need to Know Before Speaking with a Commercial Garage Door Salesman

    pittsburgh commercial garage doors

    As a business owner, you are probably looking for ways to make your business run more efficiently. The more efficient your business runs, the more your business profits. Whether you are looking to purchase your first set of Pittsburgh commercial garage doors or are looking to replace your existing ones, here are a few things you should know before you start talking to a garage door salesman.

    Application

    Before deciding on a new commercial garage door, you’ll want to think about how the doors will be used. While this might seem like a no-brainer, commercial doors can be used to fulfill a wide variety of applications. Also, commercial doors need to be able to stand up to the rigors of businesses that rely on them to open and close with no problems for an extended period of time. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll be using your door and what features are going to be important for you and your situation. Knowing how you’ll be using your door should play an important role in the type of door and system you choose.

    Material

    Once you have determined the application in which your door will be best utilized, you’ll want to consider what type of door material is going to work best for your needs. Commercial garage doors are available in different materials, the most common being steel or aluminum. Steel is a durable and low-maintenance option for business owners. Aluminum is also a low-maintenance, as well as resist to corrosion. Steel doors are ideal for businesses needing a door that can withstand high-volume cycles. On the other hand, aluminum doors work great in areas where there is high humidity.

    Size

    One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential garage doors is that commercial doors are available in nearly any size, while residential doors generally come in either one- or two-car options. When you first talk to a commercial garage door salesman, one of the first things they’ll need to know is what size of door you’re looking for. So, you’ll want to measure your openings before you start talking with them.

    Features

    There are numerous commercial garage door features available. A few of the most common features include:

    • Insulation
    • Automation
    • Safety
    • Motor
    • Cycle Speed
    • Aesthetics
    • Price
    • Maintenance
    • Security

    When you are ready to talk to someone about which Pittsburgh commercial garage doors are right for your business, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!  

  • 9 Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead Doors

    For many homeowners, the garage door is not only a place to park your car, but also the main access point for your home. Because a garage door is so important to the daily functioning around your home, it is imperative that you know and understand how it works and the do’s and don’ts. Read on to learn the answer to nine of the most frequently asked questions your overhead door of Pittsburgh professionals receive. What are the standard sizes available for residential garage doors? As a general rule, most standard residential garage door widths are 8’, 9’, 10’, 12’, 15’, 16’, 18’, and even 20’. Depending on the specific door type and brand, there may be some exceptions to this rule. You’ll want to check with your garage door supplier to learn about the specific sizes that are available to you, or to learn about custom door widths. Can I paint my garage door? Aluminum garage doors can be painted any color. Be sure you use latex paint when painting your garage door. Can I replace a section of my door or do I need to replace the entire door? There are a few variables that will need to be taken into consideration before you can accurately answer this question. The amount of damage that your door sustained is going to be one of the biggest contributing factors. In most cases, minor damage can be rectified by simply replacing the damaged sections of your garage door. Extensive damage to more than just the panels will generally require the whole door system to be replaced. Your garage door professionals will be able to assess the damage and provide you with recommendations on how best to repair or replace your garage door system. What is R-Value and how does it benefit me? R-Value is a standardized unit of measuring thermal efficiency. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating properties of the product. Different garage doors are equipped with a wide range of R-Values, designed to meet your specific needs. How much does a new garage door system cost? There are several factors that contribute to the cost of a new garage door system. These factors will include the style and type of door you select, color, size, motor and assembly, and more. We recommend you have one of our trained professionals come to your home and provide you with an estimate prior to installing a new garage door system. What maintenance will my garage door require? Once again, the amount of maintenance required for your garage door to continue to operate at optimal efficiency will be dependent upon a few factors. How often does your door get used? Is there any damage to the door, tracks, motor, or springs? Because each door is different, we recommend that you have your garage door inspected annually by a trained professional. A trained garage door professional will be able to thoroughly check your garage door system and perform any routine maintenance that may be needed. Investing in preventative maintenance now can save you money down the road. Will a garage door opener work in my space if I have low ceilings in my garage? In most cases, yes. Residential doors require a minimum of 4½-inches of headroom. In these situations, garage door systems will generally implement a low headroom extension track or a low headroom torsion rear track. For your garage door opener, you’ll need a minimum of 6 ½-inches of headroom. How can I get a new remote control for my garage door opener? If you need a new garage door remote control, your overhead door of Pittsburgh dealer can provide you with a wide range of remote controls or wireless keypads. In order to get a new remote control, you’ll need to know if your opener is a newer or older model. If you are not sure, a trained technician can come out and take a look at your opener and help you get the right remote control for your opener. In most cases, trained technicians can also help you program your new remote control or keyless entry keypad as well. Can a non-insulated garage door be insulated? Yes, you can turn a non-insulated garage door into an insulated one by simply installing an insulation kit on your current garage door. These kits are available from your local garage door supplier. We hope you found these answers to be helpful and informative. If you have any more questions regarding your garage door, or would like to have a trained technician come to your home, please contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors at 724-502-2394 today! We guarantee you’ll not only get superior service, but you will also get the best deal in Pittsburgh!

    For many homeowners, the garage door is not only a place to park your car, but also the main access point for your home. Because a garage door is so important to the daily functioning around your home, it is imperative that you know and understand how it works and the do’s and don’ts. Read on to learn the answer to nine of the most frequently asked questions your overhead door of Pittsburgh professionals receive.

    What are the standard sizes available for residential garage doors?

    As a general rule, most standard residential garage door widths are 8’, 9’, 10’, 12’, 15’, 16’, 18’, and even 20’. Depending on the specific door type and brand, there may be some exceptions to this rule. You’ll want to check with your garage door supplier to learn about the specific sizes that are available to you, or to learn about custom door widths.

    Can I paint my garage door?

    Aluminum garage doors can be painted any color. Be sure you use latex paint when painting your garage door.

    Can I replace a section of my door or do I need to replace the entire door?

    There are a few variables that will need to be taken into consideration before you can accurately answer this question. The amount of damage that your door sustained is going to be one of the biggest contributing factors. In most cases, minor damage can be rectified by simply replacing the damaged sections of your garage door. Extensive damage to more than just the panels will generally require the whole door system to be replaced. Your garage door professionals will be able to assess the damage and provide you with recommendations on how best to repair or replace your garage door system.

    What is R-Value and how does it benefit me?

    R-Value is a standardized unit of measuring thermal efficiency. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating properties of the product. Different garage doors are equipped with a wide range of R-Values, designed to meet your specific needs.

    How much does a new garage door system cost?

    There are several factors that contribute to the cost of a new garage door system. These factors will include the style and type of door you select, color, size, motor and assembly, and more. We recommend you have one of our trained professionals come to your home and provide you with an estimate prior to installing a new garage door system.

    What maintenance will my garage door require?

    Once again, the amount of maintenance required for your garage door to continue to operate at optimal efficiency will be dependent upon a few factors. How often does your door get used? Is there any damage to the door, tracks, motor, or springs? Because each door is different, we recommend that you have your garage door inspected annually by a trained professional. A trained garage door professional will be able to thoroughly check your garage door system and perform any routine maintenance that may be needed. Investing in preventative maintenance now can save you money down the road.

    Will a garage door opener work in my space if I have low ceilings in my garage?

    In most cases, yes. Residential doors require a minimum of 4½-inches of headroom. In these situations, garage door systems will generally implement a low headroom extension track or a low headroom torsion rear track. For your garage door opener, you’ll need a minimum of 6 ½-inches of headroom.

    How can I get a new remote control for my garage door opener?

    If you need a new garage door remote control, your overhead door of Pittsburgh dealer can provide you with a wide range of remote controls or wireless keypads. In order to get a new remote control, you’ll need to know if your opener is a newer or older model. If you are not sure, a trained technician can come out and take a look at your opener and help you get the right remote control for your opener. In most cases, trained technicians can also help you program your new remote control or keyless entry keypad as well.  

    Can a non-insulated garage door be insulated?

    Yes, you can turn a non-insulated garage door into an insulated one by simply installing an insulation kit on your current garage door. These kits are available from your local garage door supplier.

    We hope you found these answers to be helpful and informative. If you have any more questions regarding your garage door, or would like to have a trained technician come to your home, please contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors at 724-502-2394 today! We guarantee you’ll not only get superior service, but you will also get the best deal in Pittsburgh!

  • Why Shouldn’t Homeowners Attempt Garage Door Repairs Themselves?

    garage door installation pittsburgh

    As a homeowner, and self-proclaimed handyman, you may want to save money by attempting to complete all the home repairs yourself. This is great for many necessary home repairs, but there is one repair that you should not attempt on your own—the garage door. Garage doors can pose a serious threat to your own safety as well as the safety of family members, pets, or vehicles. There are numerous dangers that are associated with garage door repairs that should be left to garage door installation Pittsburgh professionals. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t attempt garage door repairs yourself.

    Experience

    When it comes to working on or repairing garage doors, knowledge and experience are crucial. One of the most common problems that arise when homeowners attempt to repair garage door problems themselves, is that they inadvertently make the problem worse. As with most things, when the problem is worse it requires more time and money to correct.

    Save yourself some time, money, and hassle by hiring a professional and knowledgeable garage door repair technician to fix the problem from the get-go. Not only will they be able to quickly diagnose the issue, but they will also be able to provide you with options on repairs to ensure you get the repair that is right for you and your budget.

    Right Tools

    It is also important that you have the right tools. Most garage door repairs require the use of unique tools that most homeowners do not have lying around. This is because most homeowners won’t have the need for garage door specific tools to complete other projects around the home. Therefore, purchasing the tools probably won’t be worth the investment.

    A professional garage door technician will have all the necessary tools needed to repair any garage door-related issues you might encounter. Not only will they have all the tools necessary, but they will also know how to use them correctly.

    Avoid Accidents

    You can’t predict everything that is going to happen while performing garage door repairs, but there are three accidents that are the most common during DIY repairs. The three most common accidents include:

    • Falls: Garage door repairs require you to work on stools or a ladder. While it is essential to be high up in order to perform the repairs, you are at an increased risk of falling as well. Falling means that you could injure yourself or someone else. You also run the risk of damaging any equipment that you are using during the time of the fall or any that happens to be nearby.
    • Springs: Springs pose the greatest danger to homeowners who attempt to repair garage doors on their own. This is because torsion springs are under extreme amounts of tension and pressure. It is this tension and pressure that carries your garage door up and down. When they work properly, they are safe to be around. But when they aren’t working properly, they can be extremely dangerous. Professionals are trained to safely handle torsion springs and know how to prevent them from turning into projectile objects that could cause serious damage and danger.
    • Collapses: Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds. Because of their weight, inexperienced homeowners are at greater risk of having their garage door, and its hundreds of pounds, come crashing down.

    Now that you know how dangerous it can be to work on a garage door yourself, hire professional garage door installation Pittsburgh technicians to do the work for you. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we not only install new commercial and residential garage doors, but we also know how to effectively and safely perform garage door repairs! Call us for all your garage door needs.

     

  • How to Open Your Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

    garage doors pittsburgh pa

    There are few things more frustrating than not being able to open your garage doors Pittsburgh, PA with the push of a button. Once you have gotten used to the convenience of having an automatic garage door opener, it is hard to ever go back to a manually operated door. Unfortunately, there are times when you’ll have no choice but to operate your door manually. This can be the result of dead batteries in your remote, a broken motor, or because your home is experiencing a power outage. While no one plans on these events happening, they do occur. These factors are why it’s important to know how to manually open and close a garage door in Pennsylvania.

    Pull the Trigger

    Nearly every garage door comes equipped with a bypass switch for just such occasions. Located on the garage opener there is a rope, generally red, with a handle on the end. This rope is the manual release that disengages the garage door from the motor, allowing it to be operated manually. Because the door can then be operated manually, it is recommended that you pull the release while the door is down, otherwise it could come slamming down causing damage and possible injury.

    Staying in Manual Mode

    The red rope you pulled to manually operate your door also controls the spring attachment in the trolley. If you are going to be experiencing an extended power outage or if your operator is malfunctioning, you’ll need to keep your door in manual mode. When using the door in manual mode, it is important to remember that you should pull the release rope down and toward the back of the garage to prevent it from getting caught on the tracks.

    Reattaching the Door When the Power Returns

    Once your home has its power restored or your door operator has been repaired or replaced, you’ll want to reattach your door in order to take full advantage of the automatic capability. To re-engage your door, you will need to simply pull down on the release cord again, this time toward the garage door opening. This will prevent the lever from engaging. At the same time, pull up on your garage door until it snaps back into place and you’re back in automatic mode. If you need assistance, simply push the button on your remote and the door track will force the spring attachment back into place.

    Important Things to Remember About the Door Release Cord

    It is important to remember that even if parts of your garage door are corrupted, the automatic system will keep the door operating as a single functioning unit. Springs or cables that are weak or broken will be supported by the track. But as soon as you disengage the track, this is no longer true.

    • If at all possible, only use the release cord to enter manual mode when the door is closed. While this isn’t always possible, remember that the door can come slamming down if the release cord is pulled while the door is open.
    • If the door must be disengaged from the track while in the open position, use 2X4s to prop the door open to safely close it.
    • When releasing the door while open, be sure to clear away all people and objects prior to pulling the release cord.
    • If the cord doesn’t release, don’t hang on it. While it does require some force to disengage the door, hanging on the cord when it won’t disengage, can result in damage to the rope or lever.

    If you find that you have to disengage your door and operate it manually because it isn’t working properly, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has extensive knowledge in repairing and replacing garage doors Pittsburgh, PA.

  • 7 Benefits of Canvas Awnings

    canvas awnings pittsburgh pa

    It is not uncommon to see canvas awnings Pittsburgh, PA  on both residential and commercial buildings, as these types of awnings have many benefits aside from protecting the building from harsh weather. Listed below are 7 benefits canvas awnings offer to both home and business owners.

    Reduction in Heat Gain and Sunlight

    Canvas awnings cut down on the amount of heat that enters your building from sunlight even more that what can be expected from curtains and blinds. By reducing the amount of sunlight that hits your windows, awnings provide lower temperatures on hot days.

    Improved Aesthetics

    Along with the functional value added by canvas awnings, you can also look to them from increased aesthetic value. Canvas awnings are generally available in different patterns of stripes, solids, and prints to completely dress up your home or business the way you envision it.

    Protects Windows from Sun and Rain

    In addition to working to keep your building cool and protected from the sun, canvas awnings also protect your windows from exposure to sun and driving rains. You have the ability to enjoy fresh air, even during a rainstorm, as canvas awnings keep your window dry.

    Keeps Your Furniture Looking New

    Furniture quickly starts to look old and worn when it starts to fade from direct sunlight. Awnings protect your furniture from harsh sun rays, keeping your furniture looking newer, longer. Similarly, awnings will also protect your paint, décor, and flooring from the sun’s rays.

    Provides Protection from Storm Damage

    In areas where storms are a common occurrence, it is typical for homeowners to be left with major loss and damage to their home and belongings. When awnings are professionally and accurately installed, homes are offered protection from storm debris.

    Reduced Energy Consumption

    More than providing your home protection and improving aesthetics, awnings help cut down on your home’s energy consumption. Awnings work to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This will save you money on your electricity bills every month.

    Protection from the Elements

    Whether it is rain, sun, heat, snow, sleet, hail or any other type of weather, your home and windows are protected with canvas awnings. Modern canvas awnings Pittsburgh, PA are made using highly durable, long-lasting, fabrics that are easy to clean, brightly colored, flame-retardant and strong.

    As you can see, there are many benefits to installing a new canvas awning. Whether you are looking for a great way to add some curb appeal  or you’re looking for ways to cut down on energy consumption, canvas awnings are the way to go. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we install canvas awnings that are not only attractive but durable, reliable and long lasting.

  • 3 Popular Residential Garage Door Styles

    residential garage doors pittsburgh

    Your home is not only the place where your raise your family, but it also reflects your style. Your residential garage doors Pittsburgh are the largest entrance to your home, and a major factor when it comes to “curb appeal.”  That being the case, it is good to personalize your door to reflect your style by selecting a door that is unique to your home.

    Traditional Raised-Panel Garage Doors

    While traditional, the raised-panel garage doors are still a clean and classic look. This particular style of door is identifiable due to its iconic symmetrical, raised-rectangular panels. Traditional doors are available in different sizes and colors, with or without glass, to help you achieve the exact look you are searching for.

    Contemporary Garage Doors

    Homes that are newer and more contemporary, can be greatly enhanced by a contemporary garage door. These types of doors provide homes with a clean and functional design that enhances curb appeal. Contemporary doors are available in aluminum, glass, steel or wood. If you are looking for a truly unique yet beautifully contemporary door, a combination of metal, glass, and wood can create a fresh look for your home’s exterior.

    Carriage-House Garage Doors

    Carriage-house style garage doors are sometimes referred to as barn style garage doors. These doors have a distinct rustic style, making them stand out from all the other garage doors on the block. Carriage-house garage doors are the perfect complement to a craftsman or mission style home. If you’re a homeowner looking for a distinct door with an aesthetically pleasing look that can complement your home’s existing décor, the carriage-house door is the perfect style for you!

    When you are looking for the right door for your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your residential garage doors expert in Western Pennsylvania. With years of experience and a wide selection of residential garage doors Pittsburgh to choose from, you can’t go wrong purchasing your next garage door from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!