How Often Should My Garage Door Be Serviced?

Most people in Pittsburgh will only service their garage door when it shows signs of weakness or when something breaks. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous approach that can end up costing more money in the long run. Garage doors just like other mechanical devices can experience wear and tear, therefore it is pertinent to regularly check and/or service your garage door. 

How often does my garage door require professional service?

The Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. professional Pittsburgh garage door technicians say it is best to service your garage door at least twice a year. However, you can also incorporate your own simple preventive maintenance routine that includes lubricating areas of the door, and tightening bolts and screws. Still, it is imperative to have a Pittsburgh garage professional check your garage door semi-annually. When servicing your garage door, consider the following:

 When to Service

For complete assurance, service your garage door system at least twice a year. Ensure that one of those services occur in the fall season to prepare for the cold winter temperatures and snow. Check the door again in early spring when temperatures and moisture levels have changed. 

Rollers & Hinges

Rollers and hinges must always be in perfect condition. These parts are prone to splitting and cracking, therefore they should be checked, and repaired regularly to ensure they are secure. 

Balance the Door

If your garage door is halfway open and you notice it moving up and down, it is a clear sign that the torsion needs to be adjusted. Springs tend to break when they are old or in the winter during cold temperatures. Request the help of a professional repair technician to fix this as soon as possible. 

Lubricate

Hearing an unusual squeaking sound when you open or close your garage door? This means that it needs to be lubricated. Lubricate all metallic moving parts with a non-greasy, non-silicone-based garage door lubricant. Don’t forget to open up the motor and lubricate all of the nylon parts with grease – especially the drive gear. Pay special attention to hinges, rollers, and springs, especially during the wintertime as these objects require more lubrication during cold months. 

Bottom Seal & Weatherseal

Depending on the condition of the weather seal and bottom seal, it might need to be replaced. The garage door should not have gaps that allow air and light to enter. If you notice these occurrences, it might mean the bottom seal is experiencing wear from animals or shrinkage from moisture, or both. 

It is of utmost importance to have your garage door serviced by a professional twice a year. Yet it is also great if you routinely do your own check-up. By doing this, you’ll immediately become aware of the problems your garage door may have and if the help of one of Thomas V. Giel Garage Door’s Pittsburgh garage repair professionals is needed immediately.

How Can a New Entry Door Save You Money?

The front doors in Pittsburgh are quite often the first element of a home that people notice. This means that your front door shapes the first impression of neighbors and visitors to your home. It can add or detract from your home’s overall curb appeal. Front doors that are ugly and old are often not attractive, but they can also end up costing you. Most old front doors will show signs of wear, small warping, chirping, and may even be damaged. And because the damage may be so small, it is easy to pay little to no attention to it since the door is still functional. However, this can cause financial problems in the long run. In contrast, a good front door can be financially beneficial. Here are some ways a good front door can save you money. 

A new front door improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Front doors in Pittsburgh are exposed to the elements all day, everyday. Unfortunately, many old worn out front doors aren’t airtight, thus allowing your heating or cooling system to become less effective. Also, the rain that enters your home through the bottom of an old door can cause the growth of mold and/or mildew. To avoid this, it is crucial to replace your old front door with a new and efficient one that keeps your home comfortable and reduces your utility bills. A new fully sealed and energy-efficient front door will keep the warm air in during the winter, and the cool comfort of your home stable in the summer. A custom sweep at the bottom of your new door creates a thermal barrier that protects your home against the outside temperatures and weather in Pittsburgh. 

A new door is a long-term investment.

A new door can be expensive, hence some homeowners don’t see the value of investing in one. The truth is, a new front door is one of the most affordable investments you can make — one that will pay for itself many times over the life of the door. Besides, a front door with glass in the middle allows for light to enter your home which, in turn, reduces your electricity bill and also increases your home’s property value.

Investing in a new front door for your Pittsburgh home is not only a wise investment, but it is also one that will save you money. Make sure that your front door is not only appealing but that it can withstand Pittsburgh’s weather.

Safety Tips for Your Garage Door

Garages are great for a plethora of reasons. Not only do they protect our vehicles, but they are also suitable as a storage space, a room for home projects, and space for kids to play. But they can also pose safety and security challenges. Even with the automatic reverse function installed on most garage doors, injury can still occur.

 Every year, garage doors cause injuries and that is because garage doors are still the largest, heaviest moving object in most homes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), hospital emergency departments treat more than 15,000 injuries from garage doors nationwide. The only way to decrease these numbers is to get your garage door inspected by a garage door repair service in Pittsburg, periodically. 

Additionally, following the tips below will help decrease the possibility of injury and keep your family safe.

 1. Routinely test the safety sensors

All garage doors made after 1991 have built-in safety sensors. This feature reverses the direction of the closing door immediately as it touches something so the door cannot cause injury to a person or animal walking under it. Make sure to frequently inspect to ensure this feature is working properly. It is important to know if the safety sensors or working or not so you can take proper action. If you notice the sensors are no longer working, get help from a professional garage door repair service in Pittsburgh immediately. Until the door is fixed, make sure to keep your family away from the door. 

2. Teach your kids garage safety

It is pertinent to teach your children how to use the garage door properly and safely. Let them know that the garage door is not a toy so they should use it only when necessary.   

3. Watch your fingers

Whenever you are touching or inspecting your garage door, refrain from excessive touching and fiddling with the mechanisms of the door as your fingers can get pinched. It is best to leave any type of repair work to a professional.

Garage door safety should never be underestimated. Garage doors cause many accidents annually, therefore always treat your garage door with caution. If you notice that your garage door needs fixing, call a professional repair service immediately.