How to Modernize Your Garage

Garage entrance with sectional doors. 3d illustration

Modernizing your garage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase its functionality, improve the aesthetics of your entire house and add to your house’s curb appeal. If you are not sure how to kick off this process, here are 5 things you can do to modernize your garage and create the space you’ve always wanted.

1. Upgrade the garage door

The garage door is often the first part of your house that people notice. So, why not use it to make a great first impression? Let your home stand out with a custom-made garage door. Custom garage doors can be designed to match your driveway gates, front door, or just the overall style of your home. This will immediately increase the curb appeal of your home.

2. Transform your garage into a smart garage

Garage door technology has rapidly improved in the last couple of years. The trend for garage doors over the last couple of years is ease and convenience. One way to modernize your garage door and have it stand out from the crowd is by installing a Smart Wi-Fi Controller. This fully automates the garage door and allows you to open, close, and monitor it from anywhere at any time.

3. Upgrade the floor

Your garage floor has suffered extreme wear and tear over the years, therefore it is a good idea to also focus on the floor. You can give the floor a good pressure washing and repair noticeable cracks. You can also cover the concrete floor with Rhino Linings polyaspartic coating for a durable, clean and attractive surface. 

4. Add a smart security camera.

The garage has always been a target for burglars and intruders. One surefire way to protect your home from intruders is to add a motion-activated smart security camera in front of your garage. 

Often these cameras have built-in lights and can be a great deterrent for intruders who view your home as an easy target. For even better security, install a model you can operate with your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your house regardless of your location. 

5. Consider ceiling storage 

Your garage has a finite amount of space, but its potential to be used as storage space can be expanded. If you’ve reached your limits with floor space and wall space, just lookup. The ceiling can be a great place for long-term storage of seasonal items such as holiday decorations. 

The home of your dreams deserves an equally aesthetically and modern garage. Modernize your garage using the above-mentioned tips to not only make it more attractive, but also more enjoyable. If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door or just want to better understand our process for creating custom garage doors, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for more information.

How to Make Your Garage More Functional

The garage is a multi-functional space as it provides room for parking, storage, functions as an access point in and out of the home, and can be used as a hobby space. However, the garage can only be this useful if it is well organized. Excess clutter in your garage may limit its functionality and make it unappealing. If you currently don’t have an insulated garage door, your garage may be too cold and noisy to enjoy.

Therefore, transforming your garage’s interior may be a great goal for the new year. Here are some simple changes you can make today to enhance your garage.

1. Eliminate floor clutter

If there seems to be clutter in every corner of your garage, you may be using your garage as a junkyard. In this instance, your only option is to eliminate the clutter. You may need to channel your inner Marie Kondo and eliminate everything that doesn’t “spark joy.” While this might seem like an intimidating task, it is the first step to having a clutter-free garage.

2. Use the garage wall as storage space

Another way to establish and maintain a nicer garage interior is to use the garage’s wall as a storage space. Use wall organizers to get your seldom used, but necessary, items off the floor and onto the walls for easy access and storage. Place items that you use often at eye level or below.

3. Repaint for a nicer garage interior

Since you are in the process of improving your garage, why not spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. But be careful, if you’re going for a lighter shade, know that it will reflect light better and thus brighten the room, but it will also make dirt and grime more evident. 

You can also opt for more natural colors such as grey or beige. These will be easier to maintain and clean. 

4. Convertible work table

The great thing about a garage is it provides a free workspace. If you feel like your garage doesn’t have enough room for a full-length worktable, try a convertible worktable. When it comes to convertible worktables, you have two options, you can either purchase one or build one on your own as a DIY project. 

5. Install an insulated garage door

If you’re interested in turning some of your garage space into a multi-use space, you may want to consider an insulated garage door. Insulated door trap in heat, keep the space warmer. They also are better at keeping outside… well, outside. If your current garage door isn’t very good at keeping cold air and water out, an insulated garage door will make all the difference. Also, as an added perk, it will minimize noise and create a quieter area to meet your other goals for the new year!

Your garage has the potential to be a storage area, automotive shop, workspace, hobby space, and more. If your new year’s resolutions include improving your garage then the tips on this list will help you make better use of your space. If you’re in the market for an insulated garage door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information.

5 Tips for a “Green” Garage

Reducing our “carbon footprint” is a topic of growing concern, and many eco-conscious families are focusing more effort into protecting the environment. Many facets of daily living can become more environmentally friendly, including the home itself. Here are a few tips for a “greener” garage.

Install Insulation

As an alternative to electric heating/cooling, try installing eco-friendly insulation in garage walls. Insulation allows the garage to maintain a more moderate temperature. By preventing the garage from becoming extremely hot or extremely cold, you significantly reduce the amount of electricity needed to make the garage comfortable.

Weatherproof the Interior Door

Air transfers between the garage and the home each time the interior door is opened. This movement will bring garage-temperature air into the home. Heating and air conditioning have to work harder to adjust for the garage’s air. Heat transfer can also occur if a closed door isn’t properly weatherproofed. To reduce air flow, ensure the weather-stripping and caulk are present and in good condition.

Update the Garage Door

As with the interior door, a weatherproof garage door can help a garage stay clean and comfortable. Weatherstripping should be intact, and there should be no major gaps between the door and the walls. You can minimize heat transfer by installing a triple-layer garage door. Many retailers offer eco-friendly garage doors.

Install a Window

A well-placed window provides natural light, reducing electrical usage during the day. Whether installing a new window or upgrading an existing one, make sure it has multiple panes and is filled with a non-toxic gas. Ensure the seals on a window are tight, and add caulk around the frame if needed. An existing window may benefit from new weather stipping if needed.

Use Better Lighting

When it’s dark outside, a window cannot provide enough light for the garage. LED lights work well and are energy efficient. Remember to turn the lights off when they’re not being used. For localized lighting (such as at a workbench,) try a lamp or lantern instead of several overhead lights. Natural light can be utilized during the day, and solar panels can be used on the roof to harvest sunlight.

For those who want to help the environment, even small changes can have an impact. Many people become conscious of recycling and energy consumption. Home updates, including the garage, can help reduce “carbon footprints.” Consider these ideas to make your garage a little bit more “green.” For more helpful information about garage doors, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

Why You Should Invest in an Energy-Efficient Garage Door this Winter

Old fasion two car wooden garage

During winter, entrances such as front doors, side doors, and Pittsburgh garage doors are more likely to be infiltrated by the cold air. It’s essential for homeowners to prevent the chilly air from entering the house, especially through the garage, to keep bills manageable. Thankfully, garage door technology has evolved throughout the years and garage doors have become more energy-efficient with proper insulation. These garage doors are often deemed energy-efficient because they maintain a comfortable temperature and can help decrease the utility bill. Below are four reasons to consider investing in an insulated garage door this winter.

1. Your car stays warm during winter

Cold temperatures can be hard on your car. Low temperatures make your battery work harder and can cause motor oil to thicken, making the engine harder to turn over and putting added stress on the moving parts. Keeping your car in a warm space may help extend its lifespan. In order to maintain a moderate temperature in your garage, it is best to choose an insulated door. 

2. You’re trying to lower your energy bills

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for the energy bills to soar. Unfortunately, your garage door can add to this rise. A garage door that is uninsulated allows cold air to easily pass through the adjoining entryways, vents, and walls. This causes your heating system to work harder to generate adequate heat and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. By replacing your uninsulated door with an insulated one, you will save energy and regulate the proper temperature inside the garage.

3. You want a high-quality, durable door

Energy-efficient garage doors are often made from sturdy building materials, which means they will have a longer lifespan than non eco-friendly doors. They are a great investment, as over time an owner of an eco-friendly door will save funds and resources.

4. You want to improve your home’s curb appeal

Energy-efficient garage doors come in a wide variety of materials and styles. They can be made of steel, wood, vinyl etc. Due to the many benefits of these garage doors, they draw eco-friendly buyers and may boost the resale value of your home. 

Replacing your old uninsulated garage door with a new, properly insulated one this winter is a great investment. An energy efficient garage door is the best choice is you wish to decrease your utility bill this winter, keep your car warm, and improve your curb appeal. When you’re ready to replace your garage door, call the Pittsburgh garage specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to request a quote. 

Why is My Garage Door Leaking?

A straw-bristled push broom sweeps water and debris off a concrete garage floor after an oil leak

The modern garage is more than just a safe space for our cars. It is a place to fix, create, and store our personal possessions. Therefore, it is important to keep it dry. But, does water always seem to find its way into your garage after a storm? That is likely because your garage door has developed a leak. A leaking garage door can become frustrating because you’ll constantly have to dry out and clean the garage. Additionally, leaks can lead to unwanted problems like mold and mildew that can make it smell and become unsafe.

Here are some possible causes and remedies for water in your garage:

1. Poor door seals

A broken seal is one of the most common causes of water leaking under the garage door. The moment rainwater hits your garage door, it will start to seep into your garage. You can stop this by replacing your old, worn out seal with a new, reliable one. By doing so, you’ll also keeps leaves, pests, dust, insects and other unwanted debris out of your garage. Call an expert in garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA for help replacing the seal and making your garage door water-tight.

2. Clogged or broken gutters

Does it look like the garage door leak is coming from the roof? It might be the gutter. Your gutter might be clogged with moss, pine needles or other debris. This will cause the water to drip directly off the garage roof instead of being drained away properly. You can resolve this by cleaning or repairing the gutter. If needed, install new gutters and downspouts that will divert the water away from the garage door. Functioning gutters and downspouts will protect the garage floor and the foundation.

3. Downward sloping driveway

A downward sloping driveway can cause water to easily drain into the garage. In this instance, it is best to have the soil grade adjusted on your property. The best option is to dig a drain trench in the concrete in front of the door and install a steel or PVC pipe. Place an iron grate on top so water can drain into the trench instead of flowing into your garage.

A water-free garage will save you money and time, and prevent the forming of mold, rot, and other foundation issues. Remember to replace worn-out garage bottom seals, clean clogged and broken gutters, and make sure the soil on your property is even. If you think a worn out seal is your problem, get a quote for expert garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA services from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Home Improvement Projects for Winter

photo of suburban home with snow on drive way, lawn, plants, trees and roof

Winter is upon us and if you’re like most people, you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately. Winter is the best time of year to sit on the couch, watch a movie or read a book, and cuddle up in a blanket for hours. But it is also a great time to work on your house and make some home improvements. 

Here are some easy projects you might want to tackle during this winter:

1. Paint interior walls

Winter is great to embark on a new painting project. The best part about this is that you don’t need a professional painter for this, as it can be a fun DIY project. You can repaint all the rooms in your house or focus on one area to give your home a burst of life during this icy period. Make sure to use an eco-friendly, low-VOC paint that does not release toxic fumes.

2. Replace flooring

Replacing flooring is a great winter project because it can increase the comfort of your home dramatically. You can install new carpet, tile, or wood flooring. You can have it professionally installed or simply make it a DIY project. But remember to open windows to allow fumes to escape during the process. 

3. Replace your non-insulated garage door with an insulated one

The garage door is part of your home and is the largest entrance point. While it has many benefits, the garage can also be a source of heat loss. How insulated your garage door is can greatly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Insulated garage doors are energy-efficient, quieter, stronger, more durable, decrease the utility bills, and make your home more eco-friendly. But keep in mind this is one project you can’t DIY. Contact a certified garage door installation Pittsburgh specialist to complete this project for you.

4. Declutter

Winter is the best time to declutter and organize the stuff you wish to keep. Decluttering a house is a strenuous task, hence it would be wise not to attempt to tackle the entire home at once, but rather devote time on one part or space in your home at a time. Decluttering is all about starting small and going slow.

5. Give your bathroom some love

When it comes to deep cleaning, we often overlook the bathroom. Winter offers a great opportunity to do a thorough bathroom inspection and make the needed changes. Updates such as repainting the bathroom, swapping out that dated shower curtain, or replacing a faucet are fun and relatively easy projects. 

Winter is a great time to relax, but it can also be the perfect time to work on home projects that not only beautify your home, but also add value. If you’re considering replacing your garage door or simply need some maintenance, call the garage door installation Pittsburgh specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. at 724.502.2394

4 Things You Need To Know About Smart Garages

Modern smiling salesman using tablet and waiting customers

By now, we’ve heard of smart security for your home, phone, credit cards, etc. But did you know you can get smart security for your garage? New technology has reached out to make even your residential garage doors safer with the ability to control when it’s opened, closed, and locked up, all with a touch of a button from your smartphone.

Smarter Security

Through the use of Wifi and a phone application, you now have the power to control when your garage door opens, closes, and locks up. This adds smarter security for your family, as the app can alert you when the garage door opens and closes. You can also set up for multiple users so you can know who is home.

Control From Anywhere

As long as you have your phone on you with the phone application available, you can virtually control who gets in your garage. This solves the problems of forgetting your keys, locked outside your home, or if you forgot to close your garage door. Virtual accessibility can help you solve those problems easier and with less hassle. Now they have hands-free opening and closing which can be a great option for motorcycle riders or for individuals who don’t want to worry about typing in a code to get into your garage door every day.

Automatic Customization

Having a smart garage allows for customization to your specific needs. If you tend to forget to turn the light off in your garage or close the door at night or when you leave for work, you now have the ability to set up a timer so it automatically closes or opens for you when you need it. This can help be one less thing that you have to worry about and can help you put your time and energy into other things.

Available Now

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors partners with Linear and Liftmaster to provide you with top-quality smart garage doors and garage door openers. Not only do we want to provide you with aesthetic appeal for your home, but also the ability to protect your home and those who live in it. For a free sales estimate on our variety of residential garage doors systems and accessories, call our office today at (724) 502-2471. We would be delighted to speak to you about our smart products and services!

Do Awnings Increase Your Home’s Value?

There are several reasons why a new awning may be a good choice for you personally, but homeowners often make large decisions based on more than personal preference. They want to make decisions that will help increase their home’s value and maximize their investment. If you’re considering installing Pittsburgh awnings but aren’t sure if it will pay off in the end, consider the following.

Improved Aesthetics

As a stylish fixture on your home, an awning will add value because it creates additional living space to both the outside and inside of your home. Realtors may tell you that it also adds curb appeal, which will also factor into your home’s overall value. This can be true if you pick the right awning. When looking at fabrics, consider sun-resistant fabrics. If you install an awning that easily fades, it can become more of an eye-sore than an asset.

More Functionality

Awnings are installed against your house and add a shaded, comfy, easily-accessible outdoor living space for guests to enjoy themselves and relax. Sturdy Pittsburgh awnings with    permanent steel frames are incredibly durable and can stand up to the elements. It’s one of the more cost-efficient and easy ways of increasing your home’s value before you place it on the market. It’s a great alternative to renovating and redecorating.

A new awning will also help save money and energy. It helps to keep the temperature down in your home, which reduces air conditioner usage. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has estimated that awnings can save homeowners as much as $200 yearly. It can also be a great addition to a home that doesn’t have air conditioning. Some studies have shown that an awning can help save up to 69 perfect of electricity in your home.

Conclusively, installing an awning is both an efficient and costly investment that’ll help increase the value of your home. It is also a comfortable and stylish way of doing so. Find your perfect awning today!

4 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pittsburgh Garage Door Dealer

Having a Pittsburgh garage door that opens and closes on command is a luxury that many people take for granted. It isn’t until your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced that many begin to look into finding a reputable garage door dealer. But how do you ensure the dealer you are considering hiring is reputable and professional? Here are a few things to help you ensure that you entrust your garage door needs to a reputable dealer.

Experience

One of the easiest ways to determine if a dealer knows what they are doing and can help you with your garage door needs is to look at how much experience they have. Garage door dealers that have been in the business for decades will have all of the technical knowledge and experience necessary to install your garage door properly. If you’re considering a new company, find out if the owners and/or management have experience in the door and operator industry. How much experience do they have?

Workmanship

Another aspect to consider that is equally as important and easily verifiable is the satisfaction of previous customers. Can they provide letters of recommendation from other customers? What do online reviews have to say about the company? If possible, try to talk to multiple previous customers to hear about their experience firsthand. Find out if they were satisfied with the workmanship and overall quality of work that was completed. You should be cautious when a dealer is unable to put you in touch with any satisfied customers—take that as an indication that you should look at other options.

Code and Regulatory Compliance

When it comes to installing garage door systems, there are numerous requirements in place that pertain to the safety and installation of garage doors. As a result, all federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be strictly followed. When interviewing potential dealers, ask how they comply with codes for your location. If they cannot adequately explain how they adhere to codes, be wary, this may be a major warning sign. All federal, state, and local codes and regulations are in place for the safety and protection of homeowners. Therefore, they should be followed at all times. If a potential dealer cannot demonstrate that they are aware of regulations and are in compliance at all times, you should immediately walk away and continue to search for a dealer that is.

Insurance Coverage

Another important feature to consider is that a dealer should carry the proper insurance, not only for their business but for their employees as well. Start by asking for a copy of the company’s certificate of insurance to verify that they do in fact have insurance. This will also help you to know when their coverage is up to guarantee that they will be covered for the duration of your installation. Be wary of companies that hesitate to provide you with a copy of their insurance, as it can be a warning sign. In the event that a dealer attempts to explain that they do not need to carry insurance, it will be in your best interest to walk away and continue to search for a dealer who is more than happy to provide proof of insurance. As a general rule, you can expect that a reputable garage door dealer will carry the proper insurance and won’t hesitate to provide you with proof of insurance per your request.

Being able to find a reputable garage door dealer for your Pittsburgh garage door repairs and replacement needs don’t have to be a daunting or a seemingly impossible task. In fact, by asking a few important questions you can find a trustworthy and safety-conscious dealer, such as Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has been in business since 1950. We’ve been able to provide quality garage door services that our customers have come to know and expect from us. Don’t trust your garage door needs to just anyone, trust them to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, a licensed and insured garage door dealer with years of experience.

How to Clean Your Retractable Awning

Now that spring is in full swing, many homeowners are elbow deep in their spring cleaning. While many focus primarily on the inside of their home, it is just as important to prepare the exterior for summer. Homes with Pittsburgh awnings will need to take special care to clean and care for their retractable canvas awnings. Over time, canvas awnings can become stained. The elements can weaken the fabric’s sewing threads, resulting in the fabric eventually beginning to disintegrate. Once the fabric begins to disintegrate, the appearance and structural integrity can be jeopardized. Regularly cleaning your canvas awning can help minimize these risks and give your awning a longer lifespan.

Here is how to best clean your awning, as part of your spring home cleaning.

• Start by getting a bucket filled with cool or lukewarm water. Add three ounces of mild laundry soap, such as baby laundry soap, per gallon of water. Do not use detergent. Mix the soap and water solution until foamy.
• Before you use the soap and water mixture, take a household broom to remove all cobwebs, leaves, and debris taking up space on the underside of your awning.
• With all the foreign debris removed, you are now ready to begin washing your awning. Start by wetting down a manageable portion of the awning with a garden hose, with your soap and water bucket within reach.
• Scrub the awning with a stiff brush saturated with the mixed soap and water mixture. Work in a circular motion to effectively work the solution into the awning fabric. Try to limit the area you clean at a time to prevent the soap from drying on the awning.
• Use a garden hose, to rinse off the soap solution and dirt and allow the awning to air-dry.
• Continue to scrub your awning in small sections until the entire awning is cleaned.

Regular cleaning of your Pittsburgh awnings can help to prolong their lifespan, causing it to last for years to come. If you are looking to add retractable awnings to your home, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today.