6 FAQs About Garage Doors

Garage entrance with open sectional doors. 3d illustration

Ever-changing garage door technology has made commercial and residential garage doors in Pittsburgh more complicated. For this reason, we have comprised an FAQ page with answers to your most commonly asked questions. 

Q. Which garage door is best for me, as a homeowner?

A: When it comes to garage doors, there is no single best option. The best garage door is fully dependent on the homeowner’s unique needs, style, energy-efficiency, and location. Based on these factors, a homeowner can choose a garage door that is made from steel, wood, or aluminum and choose a design and color that best complements his/her home.

Q. Should I choose a steel door or a wood door?

A: The type of door you choose is completely up to you. Both steel garage doors and wood garage doors are beneficial and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. The benefits of steel doors are that they offer better strength, security, energy-efficiency, affordability, and require less maintenance. Wood doors, on the other hand, provide both security and insulation, but tend to be higher priced due to its customization in manufacturing. Wood doors are often pricier and tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Nevertheless, wood garage doors exude natural warmth and beauty and you can easily paint it to match the color of your entry door and home.

Q. How important is insulation in a garage door?

A: There are numerous reasons to have an insulated garage door, but the more obvious ones are that an insulated garage door allows less heat to escape in the winter and less heat to get in the summer. This helps save money on your utility bill. Also, an insulated garage door dampens incoming noise and adds strength to your door. 

Q. How much does a garage door cost?

A: The cost of residential garage doors in Pittsburgh vary. The cost is calculated according to strength, size, amount of customized design required, insulation, and much more. 

Q. Is there a warranty?

A: New doors and openers should be covered by a warranty. Most garage door companies will offer a minimum two-year warranty on material. Several doors and openers have extended material warranties beyond the first year. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. also provides service and repair work warranties.

Q. Do I need a lock on my garage door?

A: If you already have an electric garage door opener installed on your door, a lock is no longer required. In this day and age, a door opener is the best option, as it can make lifting your door from the outside almost impossible. There are several pieces of information you’ll need to know (such as size, material the garage is made of, insulated or not, etc.) before you can install a door opener. However, a door opener is highly beneficial and a great option for the protection of your garage.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered above? Feel free to reach out to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about garage door installation, repairs, maintenance, and more. 

How to Modernize Your Garage

Garage entrance with sectional doors. 3d illustration

Modernizing your garage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase its functionality, improve the aesthetics of your entire house and add to your house’s curb appeal. If you are not sure how to kick off this process, here are 5 things you can do to modernize your garage and create the space you’ve always wanted.

1. Upgrade the garage door

The garage door is often the first part of your house that people notice. So, why not use it to make a great first impression? Let your home stand out with a custom-made garage door. Custom garage doors can be designed to match your driveway gates, front door, or just the overall style of your home. This will immediately increase the curb appeal of your home.

2. Transform your garage into a smart garage

Garage door technology has rapidly improved in the last couple of years. The trend for garage doors over the last couple of years is ease and convenience. One way to modernize your garage door and have it stand out from the crowd is by installing a Smart Wi-Fi Controller. This fully automates the garage door and allows you to open, close, and monitor it from anywhere at any time.

3. Upgrade the floor

Your garage floor has suffered extreme wear and tear over the years, therefore it is a good idea to also focus on the floor. You can give the floor a good pressure washing and repair noticeable cracks. You can also cover the concrete floor with Rhino Linings polyaspartic coating for a durable, clean and attractive surface. 

4. Add a smart security camera.

The garage has always been a target for burglars and intruders. One surefire way to protect your home from intruders is to add a motion-activated smart security camera in front of your garage. 

Often these cameras have built-in lights and can be a great deterrent for intruders who view your home as an easy target. For even better security, install a model you can operate with your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your house regardless of your location. 

5. Consider ceiling storage 

Your garage has a finite amount of space, but its potential to be used as storage space can be expanded. If you’ve reached your limits with floor space and wall space, just lookup. The ceiling can be a great place for long-term storage of seasonal items such as holiday decorations. 

The home of your dreams deserves an equally aesthetically and modern garage. Modernize your garage using the above-mentioned tips to not only make it more attractive, but also more enjoyable. If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door or just want to better understand our process for creating custom garage doors, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for more information.

How to Make Your Garage More Functional

The garage is a multi-functional space as it provides room for parking, storage, functions as an access point in and out of the home, and can be used as a hobby space. However, the garage can only be this useful if it is well organized. Excess clutter in your garage may limit its functionality and make it unappealing. If you currently don’t have an insulated garage door, your garage may be too cold and noisy to enjoy.

Therefore, transforming your garage’s interior may be a great goal for the new year. Here are some simple changes you can make today to enhance your garage.

1. Eliminate floor clutter

If there seems to be clutter in every corner of your garage, you may be using your garage as a junkyard. In this instance, your only option is to eliminate the clutter. You may need to channel your inner Marie Kondo and eliminate everything that doesn’t “spark joy.” While this might seem like an intimidating task, it is the first step to having a clutter-free garage.

2. Use the garage wall as storage space

Another way to establish and maintain a nicer garage interior is to use the garage’s wall as a storage space. Use wall organizers to get your seldom used, but necessary, items off the floor and onto the walls for easy access and storage. Place items that you use often at eye level or below.

3. Repaint for a nicer garage interior

Since you are in the process of improving your garage, why not spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. But be careful, if you’re going for a lighter shade, know that it will reflect light better and thus brighten the room, but it will also make dirt and grime more evident. 

You can also opt for more natural colors such as grey or beige. These will be easier to maintain and clean. 

4. Convertible work table

The great thing about a garage is it provides a free workspace. If you feel like your garage doesn’t have enough room for a full-length worktable, try a convertible worktable. When it comes to convertible worktables, you have two options, you can either purchase one or build one on your own as a DIY project. 

5. Install an insulated garage door

If you’re interested in turning some of your garage space into a multi-use space, you may want to consider an insulated garage door. Insulated door trap in heat, keep the space warmer. They also are better at keeping outside… well, outside. If your current garage door isn’t very good at keeping cold air and water out, an insulated garage door will make all the difference. Also, as an added perk, it will minimize noise and create a quieter area to meet your other goals for the new year!

Your garage has the potential to be a storage area, automotive shop, workspace, hobby space, and more. If your new year’s resolutions include improving your garage then the tips on this list will help you make better use of your space. If you’re in the market for an insulated garage door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information.

5 Tips for a “Green” Garage

Reducing our “carbon footprint” is a topic of growing concern, and many eco-conscious families are focusing more effort into protecting the environment. Many facets of daily living can become more environmentally friendly, including the home itself. Here are a few tips for a “greener” garage.

Install Insulation

As an alternative to electric heating/cooling, try installing eco-friendly insulation in garage walls. Insulation allows the garage to maintain a more moderate temperature. By preventing the garage from becoming extremely hot or extremely cold, you significantly reduce the amount of electricity needed to make the garage comfortable.

Weatherproof the Interior Door

Air transfers between the garage and the home each time the interior door is opened. This movement will bring garage-temperature air into the home. Heating and air conditioning have to work harder to adjust for the garage’s air. Heat transfer can also occur if a closed door isn’t properly weatherproofed. To reduce air flow, ensure the weather-stripping and caulk are present and in good condition.

Update the Garage Door

As with the interior door, a weatherproof garage door can help a garage stay clean and comfortable. Weatherstripping should be intact, and there should be no major gaps between the door and the walls. You can minimize heat transfer by installing a triple-layer garage door. Many retailers offer eco-friendly garage doors.

Install a Window

A well-placed window provides natural light, reducing electrical usage during the day. Whether installing a new window or upgrading an existing one, make sure it has multiple panes and is filled with a non-toxic gas. Ensure the seals on a window are tight, and add caulk around the frame if needed. An existing window may benefit from new weather stipping if needed.

Use Better Lighting

When it’s dark outside, a window cannot provide enough light for the garage. LED lights work well and are energy efficient. Remember to turn the lights off when they’re not being used. For localized lighting (such as at a workbench,) try a lamp or lantern instead of several overhead lights. Natural light can be utilized during the day, and solar panels can be used on the roof to harvest sunlight.

For those who want to help the environment, even small changes can have an impact. Many people become conscious of recycling and energy consumption. Home updates, including the garage, can help reduce “carbon footprints.” Consider these ideas to make your garage a little bit more “green.” For more helpful information about garage doors, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.