• 4 Things You Need To Know About Smart Garages

    residential garage doors

    Modern smiling salesman using tablet and waiting customers

    By now, we’ve heard of smart security for your home, phone, credit cards, etc. But did you know you can get smart security for your garage? New technology has reached out to make even your residential garage doors safer with the ability to control when it’s opened, closed, and locked up, all with a touch of a button from your smartphone.

    Smarter Security

    Through the use of Wifi and a phone application, you now have the power to control when your garage door opens, closes, and locks up. This adds smarter security for your family, as the app can alert you when the garage door opens and closes. You can also set up for multiple users so you can know who is home.

    Control From Anywhere

    As long as you have your phone on you with the phone application available, you can virtually control who gets in your garage. This solves the problems of forgetting your keys, locked outside your home, or if you forgot to close your garage door. Virtual accessibility can help you solve those problems easier and with less hassle. Now they have hands-free opening and closing which can be a great option for motorcycle riders or for individuals who don’t want to worry about typing in a code to get into your garage door every day.

    Automatic Customization

    Having a smart garage allows for customization to your specific needs. If you tend to forget to turn the light off in your garage or close the door at night or when you leave for work, you now have the ability to set up a timer so it automatically closes or opens for you when you need it. This can help be one less thing that you have to worry about and can help you put your time and energy into other things.

    Available Now

    Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors partners with Linear and Liftmaster to provide you with top-quality smart garage doors and garage door openers. Not only do we want to provide you with aesthetic appeal for your home, but also the ability to protect your home and those who live in it. For a free sales estimate on our variety of residential garage doors systems and accessories, call our office today at (724) 502-2471. We would be delighted to speak to you about our smart products and services!

  • Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors: Which Is Better For Your Home?

    Pittsburgh garage doors

    A garage is a multifunctional space. Some prefer to use the space as an activity room, while others simply use it to park their cars. How you choose to use your garage will affect your decision between insulated and non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors.

    The Difference Between Insulated and Non-Insulated

    It all boils down to one factor: Insulation. Insulated garage doors will have multiple layers depending on the type of door and associated thermal resistance. Generally speaking, the more layers the door has, the higher the thermal resistance. Non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors are much more simple, and therefore cheaper than their insulated garage door counterparts.

    The Benefits Of An Insulated Garage Door

    The insulated garage door’s primary function is to provide some thermal insulation to the garage space so they are best used when or if space is frequently occupied. If you use your garage for gatherings or as a game room, you will definitely want a higher rated thermally insulated garage door. A thermal insulation value of 16 is recommended. If you use the garage more infrequently or to do the occasional project, you can lower the insulation rating to be able to use that saved money elsewhere. It’s worth noting that you should check the garage door seals to make sure the garage door seals properly to the frame. If your seals are worn or allow in the heat or cold, an insulated garage will be a waste of time and money. Before you make your purchase, look into the different types of insulation and what best suits your needs.

    Where and When To Use a Non-Insulated Garage Door

    There are cases where an insulated garage door is not needed, like if you have a detached garage that simply stores your vehicle or tools. If your space doesn’t require you to spend any length of time in it, it may make more sense financially to use a non-insulated door. One other factor to consider is the inherent strength differences between the two door types. If you feel a need to opt for more protection, an insulated door will be a better option. If you have a garage space that does not need the additional protection then, by all means, use a cheaper non-insulated option.

    Call a Professional For Your Garage Door Needs

    If you’re still unsure about what type of insulation you need for your garage door, talk to one of our experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We have over 65 years of experience and expert professionals ready to be of service to you. Call our office today at (724) 502-2471, we would be happy to speak to you about our products and services!

  • Do Awnings Increase Your Home’s Value?

    Pittsburgh awnings

    There are several reasons why a new awning may be a good choice for you personally, but homeowners often make large decisions based on more than personal preference. They want to make decisions that will help increase their home’s value and maximize their investment. If you’re considering installing Pittsburgh awnings but aren’t sure if it will pay off in the end, consider the following.

    Improved Aesthetics

    As a stylish fixture on your home, an awning will add value because it creates additional living space to both the outside and inside of your home. Realtors may tell you that it also adds curb appeal, which will also factor into your home’s overall value. This can be true if you pick the right awning. When looking at fabrics, consider sun-resistant fabrics. If you install an awning that easily fades, it can become more of an eye-sore than an asset.

    More Functionality

    Awnings are installed against your house and add a shaded, comfy, easily-accessible outdoor living space for guests to enjoy themselves and relax. Sturdy Pittsburgh awnings with    permanent steel frames are incredibly durable and can stand up to the elements. It’s one of the more cost-efficient and easy ways of increasing your home’s value before you place it on the market. It’s a great alternative to renovating and redecorating.

    A new awning will also help save money and energy. It helps to keep the temperature down in your home, which reduces air conditioner usage. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has estimated that awnings can save homeowners as much as $200 yearly. It can also be a great addition to a home that doesn’t have air conditioning. Some studies have shown that an awning can help save up to 69 perfect of electricity in your home.

    Conclusively, installing an awning is both an efficient and costly investment that’ll help increase the value of your home. It is also a comfortable and stylish way of doing so. Find your perfect awning today!