Essential Safety Tips for Garage Doors

Can you imagine having your 150-pound garage door come down on top of you? You probably can’t and it’s better you don’t. Let’s just put it on the list of things you don’t need to try to know they are a bad idea. 

While the likelihood of your garage door falling on top of you is slim, here are a few safety tips you can follow to bring the risk down to virtually zero.

Check the Sensors

Automatic garage doors have little infrared sensors on either side of the door that send a beam of light across the bottom of the garage door. If anything is breaking this beam, the door won’t close. However, if the sensors get misaligned, this safety feature won’t work. Check them once a month or so to ensure they are working properly.

Test the Reversal System

The reversal system is a big safety feature that is mandatory on all garage door systems. Sensors are used to detect if the door touches something on its way down. If it does, the door is supposed to immediately reverse and go back up. 

Check the system by placing an object on the ground short enough that it won’t break the sensor beam so the door will close. A 2×4 piece of wood works well for this. When the door touches the object, it should reverse direction. 

Listen to Your Door

Garage doors will often complain about their problems, you just have to be paying attention. Listen for unusual screeching, knocking, rattling, or squeaking sounds while your garage door is in operation.

Concerned About Your Garage Door?

If you have any reason to be concerned about your garage door, it doesn’t hurt to call the experts. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can help you make sure that your system is running properly and safely. 

After all, garage doors can be dangerous, but keeping them safe is a piece of cake. So why not prevent problems before they start?

Adding Value to Your Home with a Metal Awning

Are you looking for a home improvement project that makes your home more comfortable and adds value? Adding a metal awning is a great way to do it.

Check out just some of the reasons why here!

Add Aesthetic Appeal

An awning gives your home a welcoming look, which is great for curb appeal. And since metal awnings come in a wide variety of colors and styles, you can find something that will fit perfectly with your home’s aesthetic.

Increase Entertaining Space

Having a deck for backyard parties and barbecues is fantastic, but how often does the hot sun end up pushing your party indoors? There are some days of the year when it just isn’t comfortable to be outdoors.

That is, without some kind of cover! An awning over your outdoor space keeps the hot sun off so you can party every day of the year — and buyers love the idea of a more entertaining space!

Improve Energy Efficiency

Did you know that the hot rays of the sun beaming in through your windows are costing you money? Your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your home because those sun rays are heating it up. 

An awning blocks the sun from entering your windows, helping to keep the interior cool. You’ll enjoy savings on your energy bill and anything that offers energy efficiency is very attractive to buyers and creates added value.

Snow Protection

The sun isn’t the only thing that metal awnings can offer protection from. Light yet strong, metal awnings can stand up to snowfall, protecting your decking from all that moisture. 

Plus, you can remove shoveling snow off your deck from your to-do list. You will appreciate this benefit just as much as a potential buyer.

Expert Awning Installation

Are you ready to benefit from the added value of a new metal awning? Both you and a potential future buyer will appreciate the benefits these simple constructions can offer. 

Interested in learning more? Contact us here at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Garage Door

It’s time for a new garage door. There are lots of options available, but which one is right for you? It can be helpful to narrow your search by determining what factors are most important to you when choosing a garage door.

Let’s look at the top factors to consider here.

Material

The material affects everything about your garage door including its function, how it looks, and even the price tag. Choose from relatively inexpensive steel, corrosion-resistant aluminum, or the classic look of wooden doors. 

Aesthetics

No matter how you look at it, your garage door takes up a lot of space on your home’s facade. Thus, it has a huge impact on the overall look of your home. But thankfully, you can choose from hundreds of colors, styles, and glass designs to get a door that not only complements but augments the look of your home. 

Door Noise

Garage doors can be quite noisy as they roll up and down. If you have an attached garage, this racket can be a bit of a pain. Imagine having just got the baby down for a nap, only to have your spouse come home and wake them with the garage door opener!

A door with polyurethane insulation and nylon rollers can help cut down on the noise. 

Price

While the price of your new garage door shouldn’t be the principal concern, it always is a major factor. 

Decide on what type of door will best fit your needs and then try to find something in your price range. If you have to compromise on one of your factors, choose carefully. Not getting the garage door you need because of the price can end up being more expensive in the long run.

Ready to Buy a New Garage Door?

Of course, a great way to make sure you get the best door for your needs is to chat with the experts. Our team here at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is ready to help you choose the perfect garage door for your home!