Benefits of Installing a Garage Door Monitor

Three Important Benefits of Installing a Smart Garage Door Monitor

Keeping your home safe is one of the most important tasks you have as a homeowner. With technological advances in home security, monitoring your garage door is now a reality that’ll help you stay connected to the activity surrounding your home’s garage. Here are four important benefits of installing a smart garage door opener.

24-7 Monitoring

With smart technology, your garage door can easily be monitored every minute of the day or night right from your smartphone. Reliable, real-time alert logs let you know when your garage door has been opened or closed, giving you time to call the authorities for help even when you’re not home if a breach should occur. This feature also lets you keep tabs on package deliveries and temporary access codes given to family or staff for entry.

Security Features

Smart garage door monitors often come equipped with advanced security and safety features that include battery backup and rolling door codes that generate a new code each time you use your garage door to prevent security breaches. Automatic schedules can be programmed to ensure garage door closure and opening no matter where you are so that you can let pet sitters, housekeepers or family members in. Many of these openers are also compatible with larger security smart systems that include motion-activated lights and security cameras, which can be controlled with the same application.

Ease of Use

In addition to the benefits of installing a smart garage door monitoring device, the initial setup is a fast, seamless process that enables virtually any model to easily be paired to your smartphone. Quick integration is supported for IOS and Android operating systems, and some openers offer additional features that connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

Utilizing the features of a smart garage door opener is a simple and effective way to boost the security of your home. By installing a garage door monitoring system, your entire family can enjoy its long-lasting benefits. For more information, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. offers resources and services to fit your garage door’s specific security needs.

Different Types of Awnings and the Benefits of Each

7 Awning Types and Their Advantages

Awnings are a great way to incorporate shade and protection into your outdoor living space. With so many different styles, colors, and sizes available, the first decision you’ll need to make is what awning style you want for your home. Here are some of the most common types of awnings along with the benefits each one offers.

Minimalist

A minimalist style awning provides the most stylish look with very little fluff. Since there are no side panels, minimalists are best suited for doorways and can be great space savers.

Cascades

A cascading style awning is one of the most popular because of its artistic appeal. The “cascading” effect allows these awnings to fit in virtually any setting and provides a nice change from the traditional vertical look of most fabrics today.

Butterfly

The butterfly-style awning provides light and shade in one. Other than the fact that they are a bit more expensive, butterfly styles are very similar to minimalist styles. Both come with no side panels, and some homeowners believe they provide just as much shade as those with panels.

Roman

A Roman-style awning is best suited for higher ceilings, doorways, and windows that require maximum protection or protection from the sun. Roman styles are similar to the cascade style, except Roman styles have side panels. This gives them a more traditional look and feel.

Motorized

A motorized awning allows you to control when you want to have shade, light, or both. With so many options available, you can find one that perfectly suits your home’s needs and your individual preferences.

Aluminum Awnings

Aluminum awning styles are by far the most common. They are easy to maintain, come in a variety of colors, and are very affordable. The average aluminum awning will last 10 to 15 years.

Roller

A roller-style awning does not require the use of a wall or bracket and instead attaches directly to the ceiling, rolling back when you need sun or shade. This is an excellent option for homes with vaulted ceilings and allows you to take advantage of every inch of available space. If you’re interested in retractable awnings for heat and sun protection, contact our team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Conclusion

There are many factors that you’ll need to consider when going out to purchase a new awning. Think about multiple aspects of an awning including size, colors, materials, and your desired budget to make the right choice for your home.

Choosing the Right Door for Your Business Needs

How to Choose a Door for Your Business

As a business owner, choosing the right doors for your business may not be a pressing concern. However, doors can be a huge expense down the line depending on your commercial door needs for your business.

There are many types of specialty doors that can be installed depending on what you need them for. For example, an auto shop might need to install garage doors so that cars can get in and out. Here’s a list of different kinds of specialty doors and what they might be used for.

High-Speed Doors (aka Cycle Doors)

A business that deals with enhanced security measures and fast operations might require a high-speed/cycle door. These doors are designed to open and close faster than a typical overhead door and can be upgraded with security features.

Alternatively, if security isn’t as much of an issue as speed, there are also high-speed fabric doors made from reinforced PVC or vinyl material. These open quickly but offer airtight sealing.

Cold Storage Doors

These are doors designed to house frozen goods and keep a section climate controlled. For cold storage warehouses, you can get overhead doors that are designed to stay climate controlled. You can also get side-sliding doors for ease of access. Most cold storage doors come with an airtight seal and can be upgraded with maximum isolation and high-speed features.

Sound Control Doors

These doors are designed to separate environments and keep sounds contained in interior spaces. These doors are used to maintain acoustics within a space. Sound doors are insulated in order to prevent sound from traveling. As such, there’s a wide selection of overhead, rolling steel, sliding doors, and more depending on the space.

Finding the Right Door

You might not know what add-ons make a door work for your company, but getting the perfect door for your business can be essential to saving time and money down the line. Get in touch with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to check out your options.

What Is the Purpose of a Storm Door?

Why a Storm Door Is a Great Investment

A typical entry door will develop vulnerabilities over time. This can be a problem when inclement weather arrives. If your entrance has weaknesses, a storm door can help you strengthen its defenses.

The Value of a Storm Door

A storm door will shield your front door from bugs, snow, ice, and rain. It will make your home quieter too, so it’s a great investment if you live near a highway, school, or railway. To maximize the benefits, you must pick the right door for your home.

The Design

A traditional storm door can withstand heavy wind and rain. You’ll always feel comfortable while a storm door is shut because it has good ventilation. If you want more variety, you’ll need a custom style.

Custom Options

Custom storm doors can give your home a unique feel. These are the most common styles:

A full-view door: A full-view door has two large panels. It provides a great view outdoors.

A Low-E door: This door resists fading in the summer, and it has fantastic insulation.

A bevel glass door: A bevel glass door is an elegant full-view door. Its glass panels have a designer trim.

A mid-view door: This design has two small panels. The bottom of the door is concealed.

A high-view door: A high-view door only has one upper panel. The rest of the door is made of metal.

Screens and Panels

No matter if you buy a storm door with a mesh screen or a glass panel, you will have to perform regular maintenance. The following guidelines will help you better understand the basic maintenance requirements.

Galvanized steel: Galvanized steel will never tear. However, it can rust over time, so it will need a coat of lubricant annually.

Bronze screen: This screen isn’t strong like a galvanized steel screen. Heavy smog can tarnish this screen, but you can protect it with a commercial spray.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass requires little maintenance. If you ever need a replacement for a metal screen, fiberglass is a practical choice.

A storm door serves many purposes; it saves energy, deters crime, and keeps bugs away. It also creates a strong defense against harsh weather. If you need a storm door for your home, turn to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door to Match Your Home

Choose the Right Garage Door for Your Home

Garage doors take up a large space in front of your home, so how your garage door looks matters a great deal for your home’s curb appeal. However, there are other aspects of your garage door you should also consider. Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider to choose the right garage door for your home.

Think About How You’ll Use Your Garage

You might park your cars in your garage, use it as a workspace, have family nights in your garage or use it as a living space. Regardless of how you use your garage, it’s a good idea to have adequate door insulation to avoid heat from entering your garage during the warmer months and prevent heat escaping during the colder months.

The R-value you choose for your garage door determines the amount of insulation you have. Even if you don’t spend a significant amount of time in your garage, your garage door’s insulation can affect the temperature of your home. If you spend a significant amount of time in your garage, you might want to consider getting a door that has windows.

Garage Style and Material

There are a number of styles and materials to choose from. You want to find one that matches the style of your home, but you also want a door that stands out from the rest of your home. For instance, if you have vinyl siding, you can choose a door that is made from vinyl. To make your garage door stand out, you can choose a door that is a different color from the rest of your home, which can match the trim of your house.

If you want to choose a different material on your door than the rest of your home, make sure it is painted the same color or a complimentary color. Wood, steel and faux wood are the most popular choices for garage doors. Steel garage doors typically have a higher R-value.

Get started choosing the right garage door for your home by contacting Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Everything You Need to Know About Torsion Springs

What are Torsion Springs in a Garage Door?

Torsion springs are what make it possible to open and close your garage door. Therefore, it’s essential to be familiar with what they are, how they work, and when you may need garage door repair services for a broken spring.

What Are They?

Torsion springs are placed on the pulley wheel of your garage door, and they’re designed to tighten when the garage door is raised. As the door is lowered, this tension is released. The force is transferred into the wheels of the garage door, which makes it easier for you to guide the door down the track.

There are significant differences among products in terms of the amount of tension that can be stored in the springs, the material that they are made from, and the specific system that they are designed for. That is why it is important to choose a replacement that is designed for your specific garage door system.

What Are They Made From?

Torsion springs are made from dense materials, which allow them to store more energy than conventional springs. While multiple types of materials are used in garage door openers, they all fall into one of a few main categories. In most cases, the spring will be made from stainless steel. This is considered to be one of the best materials for a garage door torsion spring. However, the springs can also be made from any of the following materials:

Non-steel Alloys

Chrome Vanadium

Chrome Silicon

Titanium

Beryllium Copper

Phosphor Bronze

How Many Times Can a Torsion Spring Be Used?

The average torsion spring will last around 10,000 uses. However, this will vary significantly from one product to another. It’s important to be familiar with the signs of torsion spring failure. These are a few things that you’ll notice if the spring is failing:

In some cases, there will be squealing or groaning sounds coming from the spring. This is a very strong sign that it could fail very soon.

The door will not open and close at the same speed each time.

The door may open only a few inches due to a safety mechanism that keeps it from going up and down more than a few inches if the weight is not distributed correctly.

If the spring has failed, you will hear a loud popping sound.

If your garage door spring has broken or is on the verge of failure, be sure to contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to get it repaired or replaced right away.

Benefits of Investing in a Pergola System for Your Deck or Patio

Advantages of Installing a Pergola in Your Yard

Pergolas are striking outdoor structures that provide numerous benefits. You can transform your home’s deck or patio by installing a pergola system that perfectly matches your existing aesthetic. If you’re interested in renovating your home, raising your property value, and increasing your comfort, check out these four benefits to a pergola system:

Protection From the Wind

Pergolas made from durable materials can generally withstand harsh weather conditions. Pergolas will also help shield your deck or patio from damages caused by rain, snow, and storms. A pergola system by Equinox or Sunair can be built as an attachment to the house, providing even greater stability and further protection.

Greater Landscaping Opportunity

If you enjoy gardening, you will be excited about all the possibilities a pergola offers your backyard. In addition to greater protection for boxed and potted plants, a pergola can support flora such as vines, ivies, and climbing followers. A trellis can add extra shade and cover one side of your pergola to create a nature-inspired design that’s both inviting and beautiful.

Shade During Summer Months

You love spending time outdoors, but it can be difficult to avoid sun exposure without adequate protection. Pergolas offer shade that encompasses your entire outdoor seating area, so you and your family can stay cool, avoid sunburns, and spend more time outdoors during the summertime.

However, if you want to enjoy some of the fresh air and sunshine, a retractable pergola system may be the solution. You can retract the canopy whenever you want sunlight and extend it when you need shade and protection.

Hundreds of Design Options

You can custom design your pergola to reflect your design. Your backyard is an extension of your home, and it should naturally flow from the aesthetic you’ve worked hard to establish indoors. You can choose from various styles, such as attached and free-standing models, louvered, and sun-only designs.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer different frameworks, canopy shapes, and fabric options that give you complete control over the final look and style of your pergola. If you would like a free estimate and more information about our residential pergola systems, contact us today.

Benefits of Roll-Up Commercial Garage Doors

Three Advantages of a Commercial Roll-Up Door

When it comes to selecting a garage door, many business owners are unsure which type to choose. Every commercial door has its distinct traits.

For many businesses, overhead roll-up doors are the best for their needs. This sort of door is easy to use and, in most instances, allows the use of a remote. Not only that, but it also guarantees a quick installation. Here are a few advantages of commercial roll-up doors:

Roll-Up Doors Provide Excellent Insulation

Because rolling steel doors are made of metal and Styrofoam, the doors have more than adequate insulation. So whether your area is incredibly hot or cold, your company will be well-insulated thanks to the roll-up door. This is great for your energy bills, as they will stay low because of the extra insulation. Insulated doors are a popular choice among business owners because of their energy efficiency. Roll-up doors can be used as garage doors or window coverings.

Roll-Up Doors Require Less Space

Whenever it comes to warehousing, there is no substitute for space. When a roll-up garage door opens, it rolls upward and stores in a barrel above the opening. Other door alternatives, such as those that open inward or slide along grooves, frequently take up more room.

Overhead Roll-Up Doors Involve Minimal Upkeep

Rolling steel doors are designed to withstand a great deal of stress. Hail, snow and wind aren’t a problem for this type of door. These types of doors also defy rust fairly well. Roll-up garage doors are frequently equipped with features that protect them from various types of harm when opened and closed. Furthermore, these doors are resistant to cracking, buckling and shattering.

You can count on a roll-up shutter door to meet your needs, save space, keep the workplace secure, and save you money on energy bills. To learn more about roll-up garage doors, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Pedestrian Doors

All You Need to Know About Commercial Pedestrian Doors

No discussion of commercial building design is complete without addressing pedestrian doors. The doors available on the market today are built with safety, security, and privacy in mind. They are able to withstand climate conditions and tough use in office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, schools, warehouses, and manufacturing industries. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. offers a wide selection.

Steel Pedestrian Doors

These commercial doors are made of steel, which means they offer high durability and security. Manufactured with metal sheets that are wrapped around insulation, they are sturdy, thick, and come with locking systems embedded inside.

Wood Pedestrian Doors

Front-end commercial doors made from wood may not be the most viable choice, but they are apt for interior applications. These doors are made from thin wood veneer sheets with a composite core interior. They may be sensitive to extreme weather conditions, so they should be placed accordingly.

Aluminum with Glass Pedestrian Doors

These doors are used extensively in commercial establishments due to their sleek, clean, and sophisticated appearance. They are also low maintenance, durable, and sturdy.

Fiberglass Pedestrian Doors

Fiberglass doors are very durable and a great option if you are looking for long-lasting and affordable commercial doors.

Automatic vs. Manual Pedestrian Doors

These door types differ in how they operate. While manual doors offer simplicity in terms of design, automatic doors are energy-efficient, provide better security features and greater accessibility, and have a modern appeal.

Other Pedestrian Door Types

Other commercial pedestrian door types include full glass doors and overhead doors. While the former is utilized mainly for decorative reasons, the latter is preferred in warehouses, docks, and storage facilities. Additional commercial doors, categorized based on their functionality, include roll-up doors, fire-rated doors, commercial man door varieties, and scissor gates.

A commercial pedestrian door has a life expectancy as mentioned in its manufacturer’s warranty, so if yours is approaching that noted mark, it’s wise to replace the door as soon as possible. Today’s doors are designed with energy-efficiency factors. Not only will a new door save energy, but it will also offer much-needed convenience and security.

To learn more about the pedestrian doors available at Giel Garage doors, browse our selection here.

How to Choose Garage Door Windows

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Garage Door Windows

As with every window and door you select for your home, garage door windows play a crucial role in establishing a style. But they also add an element of functionality and purpose. Here’s a list of factors to help you choose the right window for your residential garage door.

Natural Light

One of the benefits of garage door windows is that they allow natural light to flow into the garage. This means you won’t have to rely on light fixtures to light up your garage except during nighttime. This can be convenient during the day when you just need to quickly grab or store something in the garage.

Curb Appeal

If you have a front-facing garage door, having a window that matches the pattern, texture, and style of the rest of your home’s windows can go a long way toward enhancing your property’s curb appeal and value. With the selection of windows available from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., it’s easy to find an option that will match your decoration theme.

Heavy Windows

Heavy windows are generally more durable. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they will also add more weight to the entire door structure. This means you may have to upgrade the spring system to handle the extra weight.

Insulated Windows

The best way to maintain the energy efficiency and functionality of your garage door is to purchase windows that are insulated. Adding life to your garage door requires the same careful considerations dedicated to other features in your home.

Safety and Privacy

Today’s residential garage door styles incorporate elements of safety and privacy. There are many window options to choose from, such as tinted, seeded, and frosted, all of which provide privacy while you are in the garage. Then some windows are purely functional, such as impact-rated glass suitable for regions with frequent high-speed winds and high-altitude glass for homes situated in higher altitudes.

Whether you want simple elegance that defines your contemporary home or a graceful arched style that provides a focal point, you can find all types of garage windows customized and suited to your needs at Giel Garage Doors.