• How to Measure for a New Garage Door

    Garage Door

    How to Take Accurate Measurements for a New Garage Door

    Your choice of garage door will be greatly influenced by the specifications of your garage opening. This information focuses on the tools you’ll need to measure your garage in order to pick the right garage door in Pittsburgh, PA.

    In order to measure your garage door, you’ll need the following items:

    Measuring tape

    Step ladder

    Paper and pen

    After gathering the required materials, follow these steps to accurately measure your garage door.

    Step 1 – Height and Width

    The first step is to determine the height and width of the door space. Make sure that you are measuring the width of the garage door area at its widest point. Measure the opening from top to bottom. Take note of the highest point of the area as well.

    Step 2 – Side Room

    Measure the areas next to the door openings if you are installing vertical tracks. If you have a specific design in mind, research what the installer or manual specifies to make sure the door will work in the area you have available.

    Step 3 – Headroom

    In this step, measure the headroom of the garage door to get a complete estimate for the total size of the garage door. With a step ladder, calculate the distance from the door opening to the ceiling.

    Step 4 – Backroom

    The final step is measuring the backroom, or in other words, the depth of your garage. Again, a professional installer of your garage door will give you the required measurements for the door’s backroom.

    Other Considerations

    There are specific factors to keep in mind when measuring a new garage door. For example, if you are using a door opener, you will need to find or install a new electrical outlet. Staircases and lights around the garage should be taken into account while installing the door or the opener.

    Additionally, inspect the headers and jambs to make sure that they are stable and in proper working order. Take note of the ductwork, any pipes, and wires that may interfere with the operation of your new garage door. If you are replacing an existing door, compare the old door with the new one.

    Contact our team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for all of your garage door needs.

  • 3 Tips for Choosing the Right Storm Door for Your Home

    Storm Door

    Homeowners often look for projects to make an area more appealing or practical. A storm door can add beauty and energy efficiency to a home. Given the variety of storm doors on the market, finding the right one can require some research and deliberation. We’ve outlined some ideas for storm door selection to assist you in the decision making process. Check out these tips for choosing the right storm door for your home.

    Storm Doors for Hot and Cold Weather

    Glass panels in a storm door allow light and warmth to pass through, illuminating either the home or the second door. The heat from a glass door can be quite welcome in the winter, but the opposite may be true during the summer months. Heat may get trapped between the glass door and the entry door, causing the entry door to warp. Screens, on the other hand, allow heat to transfer freely between the outside and inside, which is more agreeable in warmer weather. 

    Determine How Much Security You Need

    A storm door can serve many functions. It can enhance the home’s appearance, allow sunshine and fresh air to enter the home, and provide added security. For people who desire extra protection against break-ins, a storm door with a high-end lock system may be a viable option. Some storm doors feature metal grilles or shatter resistant glass which will help deter any unwelcome visitors. 

    Find the Right View

    Some storm doors allow maximum visibility because they are made of glass from top to bottom. Others offer a view through the top half of the door only. A full glass panel allows a great deal of heat and light to pass through, so homeowners often choose doors with built-in blinds. Partial panels have a smaller surface area than full panels, so they are less likely to be broken by a stray ball or other object. A partial panel offers less visibility than a full panel does, but some owners prefer this type of storm door because replacement glass is more budget-friendly.

    Storm doors are welcome additions to most homes. Adding or replacing a storm door requires sifting through countless options of materials and styles. Although there are plenty of factors to consider, we have listed some of the primary determinants in figuring out which type of storm door will work best for your home entry. Call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today for complete details on all entry, storm, and patio doors. For more helpful information about improving your home, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.