Home and Garage Door Security Tips

As a homeowner, you do everything you can to protect your home, family, and belongings. You also know that your residential garage doors Pittsburgh are one, if not the main point of entry into your home. If a garage door is left open or unsecured, it can be an open invitation for burglars to enter your home without opposition. Here are a few security tips for your garage door that you can implement to protect your home and discourage burglars from entering your home unwelcomed.

Set Up a Home Security System

One of the easiest and more convenient ways to secure your home is to monitor every entrance, including the garage door, by having a complete home security system installed. Homes that are equipped with a security system deter crooks from trying to enter. High-quality alarm systems are designed to not only alert you of an intrusion but also emergency personnel. Most alarms are not silent, scaring off crooks and preventing them from entering or lingering in your home. The one drawback to having a home security system is that depending on how many doors and windows you have and how comprehensive your security system is, it can be quite costly.

Cover Garage Windows

Windows in garage doors can be both good and bad. Windows allow natural light to flow into your garage, cutting down your need for lighting. On the other hand, these same windows can provide would-be burglars the ability to easily see what is stored in your garage and how easy it is to enter your home via your garage. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to cover these windows to prevent people from seeing inside. You can achieve this by placing a decorative film or tint over the glass. Both of these options allow natural light to shine in while making it more difficult for someone to see inside.

Add Movement Detector Lights

If you’re concerned about nighttime break-ins, having a well-lit home will make you less of a target. A good way to protect your home is to install motion-active lights around the exterior of your home. A good location for a motion detected light is above your garage door, so when someone walks or drives up the light kicks on. These lights serve a dual purpose, not only do they deter people from approaching your home unwanted, but they are also helpful for when you return late at night.

Close and Lock Your Garage Door

This tip might seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised to learn how many people forget to shut and lock their garage door at the end of the day. Be sure to shut your garage door every day to prevent easy access to your home. While not every residential garage door Pittsburgh is equipped with a lock, those that are should be locked daily. If your garage door doesn’t have a lock on it, you might want to consider looking into having a locking system installed on it for added protection.

If you have questions about your garage door or need a repair to provide your home with optimal security, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today! We can help you repair or replace your existing garage door to provide your home with added security and you with peace of mind. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we can help with all your residential and commercial garage door needs.

A Guide to Buying a Garage Door Opener

If you need to purchase a new garage door opener because your current one is too old or broken for garage door opener repair Pittsburgh PA, there are a few things you should know. You have many options when shopping for a new garage door opener, so how do you know you are getting the right one? Here are a few features that the best garage door openers will have:

• Low Noise Levels: Garage doors are inherently noisy, which is why if you are sensitive to sound or have living spaces located directly above or adjacent to your garage, you’re going to want to invest in either a belt-drive, direct-drive, or screw-drive model door opener.
• Remote–Control Reliability: For those who live in densely populated areas, your garage door signal can become mixed with those of your neighbors’ garage door openers. The best way to combat this is to invest in a garage door opener that offers dual-frequency. What this feature does is automatically switch between two different frequencies to minimize the chance of interference from your neighbors.
• Rolling–Code Security Technology: As an added level of security and protection, rolling-code security technology selects a new, non-repeating access code from billions of possibilities every time you use your remote control. This technology prevents would-be burglars from figuring out your access code and it also prevents your neighbor’s remote from accidentally opening your garage door.
• Keypad or Touchpad for Remote Entry: This feature is standard with some models, but not all. If your unit doesn’t come standard with a keypad or touchpad, generally you can add it on.
• Battery Backup: During power outages, you won’t be able to use your garage door opener unless it is equipped with a battery backup option. This feature, which is typically only included on a few, higher-end models, allows you to keep using your garage door opener during power outages. A battery-backup door should still be equipped with a manual release that allows you to manually open and close your garage door by hand.
• Overhead Lights: Lights are a standard feature on all garage door openers. Specifically, look for lights that you can control independently of the door’s opening and closing.

There are plenty of options available when you need to replace your garage door opener. As with most garage door opener repairs in Pittsburgh PA, you shouldn’t attempt to make the repairs yourself. Hire professionals, like those from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to make the repairs or install replacements.

3 Questions to Ask When Purchasing a New Entry Door

Entry doors are an important component of any home, not only as it pertains to curb appeal, but also when it comes to security. Sifting through the many entry doors Pittsburgh and ultimately deciding on one that best represents your style and protects your family and possessions is a big decision. Before you make the purchase, here are a few questions you should be asking to ensure you get the right door for your home.

What Kind of Door Should I Purchase?

If this is your first time purchasing a new entry door, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with all the options and decisions that go into making this purchase. An entry door is an investment that will last you for many years and is not something you exchange often. There are a few important factors that you should keep in mind throughout the decision-making process, including style, energy efficiency, and security.

• Style: There are many different styles you can select from—traditional colonial, craftsman, glass or no glass, etc. Do you want your new entry door to make a bold statement or do you prefer something subtle?
• Energy Efficiency: Purchasing a new, quality door can dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling bills. Because homes lose the majority of their air through the doors and windows, having a door that is high-quality and energy efficient can help prevent cooled or heated air from escaping your home.
• Security: Because entry doors are the main entry point into your home, it is imperative you have a door that provides optimal security to protect your home, family, and possessions.

What Type of Material Should I Chose?

You have options when it comes to the material you want your entry door to be constructed from. The material you select will set the tone for how visitors perceive your home and property. The three most common types of materials available include wood, fiberglass, and steel.

• Wood: Wood doors provide a classic look that many homeowners are drawn to because of the natural, beautiful look they offer. This classic look does, however, generally come with a higher price tag than other materials. In addition to their increased upfront cost, they also require periodic maintenance to help them retain their refined look and feel.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors generally cost less than wood doors and also do not require much maintenance. These doors are extremely durable and energy efficient, providing homeowners with security and overall lower energy bills. As an added bonus, fiberglass doors can mimic the look of a wood door, for a fraction of the price.
• Steel: Steel doors are extremely strong and durable, making them the best choice for homeowners most concerned about security and longevity. They can also be painted any color, allowing you to get a door that complements the rest of your home. Similar to fiberglass doors, steel doors also provide excellent energy efficiency.

Will the Door Swing Inward or Outward?

The most common way for exterior doors to swing is inward. This is because entry doors that swing inside provide better security. Although, climate can play a role in determining whether the exterior door swings inward or outward. For example, homes located in areas of the country that are prone to hurricanes or tropical storms may have outward swinging doors because they are less likely to be blown in by high winds. On the other hand, those who live in areas that are prone to high amounts of snowfall, are more inclined to have a door that swings inward so that don’t get trapped inside their home as a result of snowfall.

When you are ready to invest in a new entry door Pittsburgh for your home, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to help you find the right style, material, and swing of your door to complement your home. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we can help you replace your existing door with one that will provide you with optimal security, energy efficiency, and style.