• Is My Garage Door Sensor Damaged?

    Is your garage door no longer opening and closing properly? Then you may need to do some troubleshooting to discover what’s causing your garage door to malfunction. Sometimes it is not clear whether your garage door sensor is simply broken, but there are some things to look for that might indicate that it is having issues. It is essential that as a homeowner you are aware of the signs that your garage door sensor needs to be replaced. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors offers some simple steps that could help you determine the issue.

    1. Check for power

    One of the more common reasons that the sensors for garage doors seem to malfunction is a result of an insufficient power supply. Search for small lights that appear on the sensors. If all the lights seem to be glowing, then this is not the problem and you can cross it off your list of possible problems.

    2. Be sure the path is clear of objects

    The purpose of a garage door sensor is to restrain the door from closing if there is something in its path. This function is valuable because it keeps your car and loved ones safe from falling garage doors. If there is something in its path, it is programmed not to close, so make sure nothing is obstructing the sensor beam.

    3. Check for dirty sensors

    At times, dirt or grime can become plastered on the lenses of your garage sensor. This could be the culprit that is preventing your garage sensors from performing properly. To avoid this from occurring, be sure to clean the lenses regularly.

    4. Sensor alignment

    There is a possibility that the problem you have encountered with your garage sensors has to do with their alignment. Be sure to check thoroughly that both of your sensors are properly aligned. The way to check this is to examine both LED lights on the sensors and see if they are green. If you discover that these lights have turned red or are flashing continuously then you have found your problem and you will need to realign your sensors.

    5. Simple wear and tear

    Like with most things, time will surely catch up to anything, including your garage sensors. This is certainly accurate if you haven’t changed your sensors for more than ten years at a time. If you have conducted the tests that were previously outlined and you still cannot determine what is causing your faulty sensors, perhaps a replacement is needed. Consult Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for repairs or to learn more about what may be hindering your garage doors.

  • 6 Steps to Get Your Patio Ready for Summer

    It seems insane that spring is already upon us. But it is important that spring cleaning and prepping projects are finished before the brutal heat of summer sneaks in. The days of pool parties, cookouts, and other outdoor activities are on the horizon and it is time to make your backyard and patio look pristine for entertaining. Preparing your patio for the summer is no easy task, so you’ll need all the help you can get. So here are some steps that will assist you when you decide it’s time to get to work. Start Fresh. The surface of your patio is the best place to start the prepping process. If you have a patio that is made of concrete, then you might want to opt for a pressure washer to clean the surface. If your patio’s surface is made of another material, then you might choose a mop and broom to clean the surface of your patio.

    1. Clean the Furniture. After a long winter, there is most likely going to be some mildew and dirt that has found a home on your patio furniture. It may be a good idea to pressure wash your furniture as well, then follow with a sponge.

    2. Tidy Up the Flower Beds. This could mean simply trimming and pruning your flowers to help them complement your beautiful patio. You must also make sure that you weed the area and make it look neat and presentable.

    3. Update Older Pieces. There are many reasons why your patio may be in need of an update. But the weather can play a part in damaging your patio and is the most common culprit. Animals can also take a toll during the colder months. Either way, it is vital that you replace or repair these damaged or worn pieces to give your patio a facelift. Furniture cushions are an item that frequently needs to be replaced.

    4. Add a Little Flare. This part of the preparation can be fun and allows you to show your personality and creativity. Small and simple changes can make a big difference in the appearance of your patio. Add extra accessories to give your patio a little added flair.

    5. Install a Patio Screen. When you install a solar shade or retractable screen for your patio it adds value to your property and can be seen when you need it and hidden when you don’t. These retractable screens have the ability to take out any glare from the sun as well as control the amount of light that enters your home, so the sun isn’t in anyone’s eyes. There are many variations of models available for purchase. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors carries both Phantom Screens and Sunair varieties and can provide a consult upon request. Contact our team today to schedule a free estimate.

     

     

  • 5 Types of Mounted Garage Door Openers

    Spring is an ideal time to replace worn-out or outdated garage components. While painting walls and installing shelving may be more exciting updates, it’s important to be proactive about the maintenance of the most functional feature of your garage: the mechanism that operates your garage door. The following is a user-friendly guide to select the right garage door opener for both your budget and lifestyle.

     

    General Considerations

    Lightweight aluminum doors are a good match for ½ horsepower openers at home, while larger, heavier, or single-piece doors may require ¾ – 1 ¼ horsepower openers. Larger motors last longer, although they may have a higher initial cost compared to smaller motors.  In addition, consider how much noise is acceptable.  For example, will the opener be used in an attached garage next to a bedroom? Lastly, decide how much maintenance you’re willing to put into its upkeep.

     

    Wall Mount (Jackshaft)

    For garages with vaulted ceilings or for homeowners seeking additional overhead space, a wall mount (or “jackshaft”) opener is a good option. One benefit is that no overhead electrical sockets are required because it is mounted on the wall at eye level and can reach standard outlets nearby. These garage door openers require professional installation, and the use of belts means they will require regular maintenance, similar to a belt drive.

     

    Screw Drive

    This low-maintenance design is a good choice for heavy or large doors. The lift mechanism is attached to the door and slides up and down a threaded rod.  Due to the small number of working parts, screw drive garage door openers require less maintenance than other styles, such as the belt drive. Since this style has more horsepower than belt drive or direct drive openers expect it to create more noise due to the larger motor which typically runs on AC power. 

     

    Chain Drive

    These are budget-friendly openers that use a system similar to a large bicycle chain.  These generally run on AC power and are a good choice for consumers who don’t mind a little added noise and understand that some regular maintenance will be required.

     

    Belt Drive

    Belt-drive openers are known to be the quietest type of garage door opener. This belt-drive opener generally runs on DC instead of AC power, making it quieter than other varieties. It uses a steel and rubber belt. The pliability of the rubber helps it to run smoothly. The rubber, however, means it will require some regular maintenance.

     

    Direct Drive

    Comparable to the belt drive, the direct drive is an alternative that produces slightly more noise while requiring less maintenance. The direct drive may use AC or DC power, rendering some models quieter than others.  Employing a stationary chain in a steel rail, the direct drive requires less maintenance than the belt drive.

     

    There are several types of garage door openers, many of which have specific applications for many types of doors. After considering noise, horsepower, and maintenance, this list should give a general idea of which type of opener will be most appropriate for your home. Selecting the most appropriate garage door opener will ensure the garage continues to function optimally. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information or to schedule an appointment.