• 3 Signs That Your Garage Door Needs to be Serviced

    Garage Door

    Man installing a garage door

    Like other home appliances, garage doors endure wear and tear as they are used. Over the course of a year, many garage doors are opened and closed about 1,500 times. This much usage may, in time, create a need for Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. professional services. Regular maintenance (such as tightening bolts and keeping lubrication on the necessary components) may improve the longevity of the system. Inevitably, though, the garage door will need to be serviced. Listed are some indicators that it may be time to contact your service provider.

    Your Garage Door is Noisy

    A garage door will naturally produce some level of noise. The noise it creates is a relatively consistent sound, so if it begins to make different types of sounds or if the volume is distinctly different from the regular hum, a professional evaluation may be in order. Listen for creaking, popping, rumbling, grating, grinding, and other unusual sounds. Such noises may indicate abnormalities such as misalignment or worn springs.

    Your Door Won’t Open or Close

    Garage doors, naturally, are designed to open and close. Many homeowners open and close the door using a remote device, particularly while driving a vehicle. If the door does not open in these instances, first examine the remote before servicing the garage door (see our blog about changing your garage door remote batteries). The functionality of the door may also be tested using the keypad or interior opener. Once it has been established that the garage door simply will not open or close, the next step is to contact a professional to evaluate the situation.

    There is a Visible Imbalance

    Some serviceable issues are visible. Schedule a service if the door is off the tracks. Another indicator is the sagging of individual sections, which may result from a door imbalance. Test balance by disconnecting the garage door from the door opener then manually opening the door to about half-way. Let go, and, if it moves either up or down, the door is likely off balance. If the door does not move, it is properly balanced. For sagging panels, a balanced door will need closer inspection in order to work its best. Unbalanced doors may also benefit from a professional balancing.

    Garage doors are a common feature in most American homes. In order for homeowners or renters to access the garage, the door must function properly. The Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. team of professionals are able to evaluate such situations and provide effective, reliable services. By watching for visible abnormalities, listening for unusual noises, and noting when the door does not open or close, residents may prevent further complications by contacting a professional service provider as soon as possible.

  • 6 Clever Ways to Organize Your Garage

    Mess and tools in disorder in a workroom. Equipment, home, interior, rope, dirty, house, messy, objects, stuff, box, chaos, clutter, cluttered

    Mess and tools in disorder in a workroom. Equipment, home, interior, rope, dirty, house, messy, objects, stuff, box, chaos, clutter, cluttered

    Decluttering a home and yard often results in several items needing to be disposed of or stored for later use. Many homeowners utilize garages for storage, but quickly run out of space. Below are a few clever tips for getting or staying organized and maximizing garage storage space.

    Utilize Vertical Space

    One of the most efficient ways to maximize available storage is to utilize space above the floor. 

    Shelves And Cabinets

    Shelving and cabinets allow items or bins to effectively be stacked without limiting access or causing damage to items at the bottom of the pile. Free-standing shelves can be used where permanent shelves and cabinets are not an option.

    Peg Boards

    Peg boards utilize vertical space for items that do not have much depth, or are awkwardly shaped, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms. A key advantage of peg boards is that they do not take up much lateral space and can therefore be placed in tight places, such as next to a vehicle.

    Overhead Space

    Many organizers recognize the availability of overhead space, which includes space directly above vehicles. This can be utilized by shelves running across the width of the garage. Considerations for overhead shelves include adequate gapping between shelves (for adding and removing items), distance from ceiling to shelf, distance from shelf bottom to tallest vehicle, and structural integrity/weight limit.

    Bins and Bags

    Organization begins with grouping. Similar items can be stored together by use of bins, which come in sizes to accommodate most items. Subgroups can also be established (e.g. different sizes of nails or screws) and placed in plastic bags within the bins. These, of course, can be labeled for ease of use.

    Accessibility

    Storage is most effective when items can be accessed as needed. Seasonal storage can be stored far from reach when not in use. Frequently used or emergency items will be most accessible near a door and stored between 3-6 feet high. Additionally, items can be stored together near places where they are likely to be used. For example, tools can be stored near a workbench, garden equipment near the appropriate door, and deep freezers near the door to the house.

    An organized garage allows the home and yard to have less clutter. The organization process can be achieved with minimal worry when considering these simple guidelines. For more tips and tricks to a more functional garage, follow our blog at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.