Why You Should Invest in an Energy-Efficient Garage Door this Winter

Old fasion two car wooden garage

During winter, entrances such as front doors, side doors, and Pittsburgh garage doors are more likely to be infiltrated by the cold air. It’s essential for homeowners to prevent the chilly air from entering the house, especially through the garage, to keep bills manageable. Thankfully, garage door technology has evolved throughout the years and garage doors have become more energy-efficient with proper insulation. These garage doors are often deemed energy-efficient because they maintain a comfortable temperature and can help decrease the utility bill. Below are four reasons to consider investing in an insulated garage door this winter.

1. Your car stays warm during winter

Cold temperatures can be hard on your car. Low temperatures make your battery work harder and can cause motor oil to thicken, making the engine harder to turn over and putting added stress on the moving parts. Keeping your car in a warm space may help extend its lifespan. In order to maintain a moderate temperature in your garage, it is best to choose an insulated door. 

2. You’re trying to lower your energy bills

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for the energy bills to soar. Unfortunately, your garage door can add to this rise. A garage door that is uninsulated allows cold air to easily pass through the adjoining entryways, vents, and walls. This causes your heating system to work harder to generate adequate heat and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. By replacing your uninsulated door with an insulated one, you will save energy and regulate the proper temperature inside the garage.

3. You want a high-quality, durable door

Energy-efficient garage doors are often made from sturdy building materials, which means they will have a longer lifespan than non eco-friendly doors. They are a great investment, as over time an owner of an eco-friendly door will save funds and resources.

4. You want to improve your home’s curb appeal

Energy-efficient garage doors come in a wide variety of materials and styles. They can be made of steel, wood, vinyl etc. Due to the many benefits of these garage doors, they draw eco-friendly buyers and may boost the resale value of your home. 

Replacing your old uninsulated garage door with a new, properly insulated one this winter is a great investment. An energy efficient garage door is the best choice is you wish to decrease your utility bill this winter, keep your car warm, and improve your curb appeal. When you’re ready to replace your garage door, call the Pittsburgh garage specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to request a quote. 

Why is My Garage Door Leaking?

A straw-bristled push broom sweeps water and debris off a concrete garage floor after an oil leak

The modern garage is more than just a safe space for our cars. It is a place to fix, create, and store our personal possessions. Therefore, it is important to keep it dry. But, does water always seem to find its way into your garage after a storm? That is likely because your garage door has developed a leak. A leaking garage door can become frustrating because you’ll constantly have to dry out and clean the garage. Additionally, leaks can lead to unwanted problems like mold and mildew that can make it smell and become unsafe.

Here are some possible causes and remedies for water in your garage:

1. Poor door seals

A broken seal is one of the most common causes of water leaking under the garage door. The moment rainwater hits your garage door, it will start to seep into your garage. You can stop this by replacing your old, worn out seal with a new, reliable one. By doing so, you’ll also keeps leaves, pests, dust, insects and other unwanted debris out of your garage. Call an expert in garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA for help replacing the seal and making your garage door water-tight.

2. Clogged or broken gutters

Does it look like the garage door leak is coming from the roof? It might be the gutter. Your gutter might be clogged with moss, pine needles or other debris. This will cause the water to drip directly off the garage roof instead of being drained away properly. You can resolve this by cleaning or repairing the gutter. If needed, install new gutters and downspouts that will divert the water away from the garage door. Functioning gutters and downspouts will protect the garage floor and the foundation.

3. Downward sloping driveway

A downward sloping driveway can cause water to easily drain into the garage. In this instance, it is best to have the soil grade adjusted on your property. The best option is to dig a drain trench in the concrete in front of the door and install a steel or PVC pipe. Place an iron grate on top so water can drain into the trench instead of flowing into your garage.

A water-free garage will save you money and time, and prevent the forming of mold, rot, and other foundation issues. Remember to replace worn-out garage bottom seals, clean clogged and broken gutters, and make sure the soil on your property is even. If you think a worn out seal is your problem, get a quote for expert garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA services from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Home Improvement Projects for Winter

photo of suburban home with snow on drive way, lawn, plants, trees and roof

Winter is upon us and if you’re like most people, you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately. Winter is the best time of year to sit on the couch, watch a movie or read a book, and cuddle up in a blanket for hours. But it is also a great time to work on your house and make some home improvements. 

Here are some easy projects you might want to tackle during this winter:

1. Paint interior walls

Winter is great to embark on a new painting project. The best part about this is that you don’t need a professional painter for this, as it can be a fun DIY project. You can repaint all the rooms in your house or focus on one area to give your home a burst of life during this icy period. Make sure to use an eco-friendly, low-VOC paint that does not release toxic fumes.

2. Replace flooring

Replacing flooring is a great winter project because it can increase the comfort of your home dramatically. You can install new carpet, tile, or wood flooring. You can have it professionally installed or simply make it a DIY project. But remember to open windows to allow fumes to escape during the process. 

3. Replace your non-insulated garage door with an insulated one

The garage door is part of your home and is the largest entrance point. While it has many benefits, the garage can also be a source of heat loss. How insulated your garage door is can greatly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Insulated garage doors are energy-efficient, quieter, stronger, more durable, decrease the utility bills, and make your home more eco-friendly. But keep in mind this is one project you can’t DIY. Contact a certified garage door installation Pittsburgh specialist to complete this project for you.

4. Declutter

Winter is the best time to declutter and organize the stuff you wish to keep. Decluttering a house is a strenuous task, hence it would be wise not to attempt to tackle the entire home at once, but rather devote time on one part or space in your home at a time. Decluttering is all about starting small and going slow.

5. Give your bathroom some love

When it comes to deep cleaning, we often overlook the bathroom. Winter offers a great opportunity to do a thorough bathroom inspection and make the needed changes. Updates such as repainting the bathroom, swapping out that dated shower curtain, or replacing a faucet are fun and relatively easy projects. 

Winter is a great time to relax, but it can also be the perfect time to work on home projects that not only beautify your home, but also add value. If you’re considering replacing your garage door or simply need some maintenance, call the garage door installation Pittsburgh specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. at 724.502.2394