5 Trending Garage Door Colors

Your front door should not be the only part of your home that captures the attention of your visitors, your garage door should also make a great first impression and improve your home’s value. The garage door should be the perfect complement to the front door and not compete for attention. When selecting a color for your garage door, be sure to consider the colors of the other parts of your home, such as your roof and the front door. 

White. White is by far the most popular color for garage doors. If you were to drive around and look at garage doors you would find that they are both crisp and bright. One of the few downsides of a white garage door is that they get dirty easily. Every little splatter of dirt will be easily shown upon the white surface. 

Light Grey. This color is growing in popularity because of its ability to blend in and match with all other colors. It is a neutral color that keeps the attention on other parts of the home. 

Black. Black is yet another example of an extremely popular color for a garage door. In the newer neighborhoods that are being built, you can find this darker color becoming more prevalent. To complement the black color, consider painting the window panes the same black color. Not only does the darker color help hide dirt and grime but is both elegant and trendy. 

Beige or Taupe. This is a color that is not for everyone and will only work if you take into consideration the various colors around the home. If your home is made from beige bricks or other materials, then be sure to match the garage doors with it. 

Walnut Brown. Some homeowners prefer colors that are warmer, but also enjoy the idea of a darker color. If this is you, a walnut brown may be the perfect choice. This can be a relatively inexpensive option, that looks like it has a higher price tag than it really does. 

Whichever color you choose, be sure to avoid painting your garage door an off color or two separate colors. For more helpful hints and ideas, be sure to scroll though the rest of the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blogs. We pride ourselves in assisting homeowners everyday to create the peace of mind that comes from the perfect home. 

How to Clean Your Garage Door

Like other home components, garage doors function best with regular cleaning and maintenance. In order to preserve beauty and functionality, homeowners are encouraged to wash their garage doors twice a year. In addition to better appearance and functionality, many warranties require doors to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Below are some strategies to safely and effectively clean your garage door.

Preparing for a Wash

Begin the process by removing dirt chunks with a dry cloth. This will minimize the amount of work required when the door is wet. Once visible dirt is removed, wet the inside and outside of the door with a hose. Using a gentle sprayer on the door will ensure the finish remains undisturbed. Prepare for the next step by gathering soft rags or a sponge. As with the gentle sprayer, non-abrasive rags will help maintain the beauty of the door for the maximum number of years.

Washing the Door

Using a cleaning bucket, mix water and a gentle cleaner. Car wash soap and dish soap are commonly used. Many homeowners clean the interior of the door then move to the outside. With a soft rag or sponge, begin washing the door with the soapy water, including the weatherstripping. Once dirt and grime are removed from all areas, gently rinse off the soapy water using a hose. Bleach water can be used on non-wood doors to treat problem areas. Rinse the bucket, rags, and door thoroughly before using bleach water.

Finishing the Process

After the door is satisfactorily clean, allow it to dry completely. Similar to the car washing process, the cleaning of garage doors should end with a wax finish. For wood doors, a wood finish is to be used in place of wax. If there are any places on the wood door where the existing finish is worn or absent, correct this (often with primer) before applying the new coat of finish. For non-wood doors, a liquid car wax is commonly used. As the wood finish or wax dries, cover all exposed parts of the door, which includes the interior and exterior of the bottom piece.

Maintaining a clean garage door can amplify the beauty of a home. Performing a twice-yearly washing and waxing will, in many cases, fulfill the warranty requirements set by the manufacturer. For the owner, regular cleaning will save money by minimizing repairs, lengthening the door’s lifespan, and, often, maintaining the manufacturer warranty. The steps above outline an effective approach to augment the appearance and functionality of garage doors. 

For more information about maintaining your garage door, visit the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

3 Signs That Your Garage Door Needs to be Serviced

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.

Why Your Garage Door Needs an Annual Tune-Up

Fittings on the end of a garage door spring are twisted

Like automobiles, garage door systems are machines with working parts. What homeowners should know is that, like automobiles, garage doors and their openers require regular maintenance. Many experts recommend maintenance every 12 months. Annual tune-ups can help keep the machine working properly. This can save money and add to peace of mind.

Save Money

Any system made of moving parts is subject to wear and tear. Trained professionals know what areas to focus on to ensure all bolts are tightened, belts are not worn, tracks are balanced, et cetera.  The cost of replacing a belt is much lower than replacing all the parts that may have been damaged by a belt breaking during operation.

Peace of Mind

Homeowners rely on their garage doors to provide both access for the family and a barrier against unwanted entrance. Maintaining garage door dependability through tune-ups is an easy way to keep the garage door open when it’s supposed to be open and closed when it’s supposed to be closed, without any surprises. Additionally, most garage-door-related injuries are the result of some sort of malfunction. These are less likely to occur when the system is properly maintained.

The majority of homeowners rely on garage doors just as they would their automobile. A well-functioning garage door provides peace of mind for the person using it. Annual tune-ups will keep the system in its best working order, which will save money on serious repairs as well as lower the overall risk of injury. If your garage door is ready for regular maintenance, schedule an appointment with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Is My Garage Door Sensor Damaged?

Is your garage door no longer opening and closing properly? Then you may need to do some troubleshooting to discover what’s causing your garage door to malfunction. Sometimes it is not clear whether your garage door sensor is simply broken, but there are some things to look for that might indicate that it is having issues. It is essential that as a homeowner you are aware of the signs that your garage door sensor needs to be replaced. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors offers some simple steps that could help you determine the issue.

1. Check for power

One of the more common reasons that the sensors for garage doors seem to malfunction is a result of an insufficient power supply. Search for small lights that appear on the sensors. If all the lights seem to be glowing, then this is not the problem and you can cross it off your list of possible problems.

2. Be sure the path is clear of objects

The purpose of a garage door sensor is to restrain the door from closing if there is something in its path. This function is valuable because it keeps your car and loved ones safe from falling garage doors. If there is something in its path, it is programmed not to close, so make sure nothing is obstructing the sensor beam.

3. Check for dirty sensors

At times, dirt or grime can become plastered on the lenses of your garage sensor. This could be the culprit that is preventing your garage sensors from performing properly. To avoid this from occurring, be sure to clean the lenses regularly.

4. Sensor alignment

There is a possibility that the problem you have encountered with your garage sensors has to do with their alignment. Be sure to check thoroughly that both of your sensors are properly aligned. The way to check this is to examine both LED lights on the sensors and see if they are green. If you discover that these lights have turned red or are flashing continuously then you have found your problem and you will need to realign your sensors.

5. Simple wear and tear

Like with most things, time will surely catch up to anything, including your garage sensors. This is certainly accurate if you haven’t changed your sensors for more than ten years at a time. If you have conducted the tests that were previously outlined and you still cannot determine what is causing your faulty sensors, perhaps a replacement is needed. Consult Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for repairs or to learn more about what may be hindering your garage doors.

5 Types of Mounted Garage Door Openers

Spring is an ideal time to replace worn-out or outdated garage components. While painting walls and installing shelving may be more exciting updates, it’s important to be proactive about the maintenance of the most functional feature of your garage: the mechanism that operates your garage door. The following is a user-friendly guide to select the right garage door opener for both your budget and lifestyle.

General Considerations

Lightweight aluminum doors are a good match for ½ horsepower openers at home, while larger, heavier, or single-piece doors may require ¾ – 1 ¼ horsepower openers. Larger motors last longer, although they may have a higher initial cost compared to smaller motors.  In addition, consider how much noise is acceptable.  For example, will the opener be used in an attached garage next to a bedroom? Lastly, decide how much maintenance you’re willing to put into its upkeep.

Wall Mount (Jackshaft)

For garages with vaulted ceilings or for homeowners seeking additional overhead space, a wall mount (or “jackshaft”) opener is a good option. One benefit is that no overhead electrical sockets are required because it is mounted on the wall at eye level and can reach standard outlets nearby. These garage door openers require professional installation, and the use of belts means they will require regular maintenance, similar to a belt drive.

Screw Drive

This low-maintenance design is a good choice for heavy or large doors. The lift mechanism is attached to the door and slides up and down a threaded rod.  Due to the small number of working parts, screw drive garage door openers require less maintenance than other styles, such as the belt drive. Since this style has more horsepower than belt drive or direct drive openers expect it to create more noise due to the larger motor which typically runs on AC power. 

Chain Drive

These are budget-friendly openers that use a system similar to a large bicycle chain.  These generally run on AC power and are a good choice for consumers who don’t mind a little added noise and understand that some regular maintenance will be required.

Belt Drive

Belt-drive openers are known to be the quietest type of garage door opener. This belt-drive opener generally runs on DC instead of AC power, making it quieter than other varieties. It uses a steel and rubber belt. The pliability of the rubber helps it to run smoothly. The rubber, however, means it will require some regular maintenance.

Direct Drive

Comparable to the belt drive, the direct drive is an alternative that produces slightly more noise while requiring less maintenance. The direct drive may use AC or DC power, rendering some models quieter than others.  Employing a stationary chain in a steel rail, the direct drive requires less maintenance than the belt drive.

There are several types of garage door openers, many of which have specific applications for many types of doors. After considering noise, horsepower, and maintenance, this list should give a general idea of which type of opener will be most appropriate for your home. Selecting the most appropriate garage door opener will ensure the garage continues to function optimally. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Spring Cleaning Your Garage Like a Professional

garage interior; 3d illustration

As spring is approaching, you’re probably gearing up to deep clean your home. But while you’re at it, don’t forget to include the garage in your spring cleaning plans. If your garage is like most garages, then may be a bit disorganized and cluttered. A good spring cleaning will declutter, clean, and free space in your garage. If you’re not quite sure about the cleaning process, here are some steps to help you clean your garage like a professional.

1. Empty out the garage

The first step is to completely empty your garage before you can start cleaning. Decluttering is probably the most time-consuming aspect of the cleaning process so it is best to do it on a day when you know the weather will be clear and you can move everything outside.

2. Air the garage out

Once you’ve completely emptied out your garage, give it a good airing out before you continue with the cleaning part. Open the windows and door to let some fresh air in. This will improve the airflow and help to clear any moldy, musty scents. You can also keep the doors, and windows open while cleaning your garage.

3. Wipe down and sweep the garage

Now it is time to properly clean the garage. Start by cleaning all flat surfaces such as shelvings, walls, and windows with a damp rag. If the garage has rough surfaces such as a brick or drywall, use a broom to sweep them. This process can get really messy so use a dust mask and protective goggles.

4. Hose your garage floor

Cleaning the floor does not require much, all you need is a hose, a light cleaning solution, and a broom to scrub the floor and work the solution into the surface. Once the floor is thoroughly cleaned, use the hose to rinse the floor and the walls and allow it to air dry.

5. Inspect and clean your garage door

Now you need to focus on your garage door. Start by conducting a visual inspection of all the moving parts for rust and damage, and make sure everything is well-oiled and working properly. If necessary, call a Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. specialist for seasonal garage door maintenance. Next, clean the inside and outside of your garage door with a mixture of soap and warm water and rinse it down with the hose.

6. Sort through the mess

While the garage is drying, it’s time to sort through all the items outside. Separate the items in categories to differentiate which ones you’ll keep, which ones have to go, and which one you’ll donate. Take some tips from Marie Kondo and only keep what “sparks joy.”

Springtime is great to deep clean your house and garage. With a little planning and the above-mentioned tips, you can transform your garage into a calming space. For more information and resources about garage door maintenance and garages in general, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.

7 Reasons to Always Park Your Vehicle in a Garage

It is said that preventive measures are always worth the investment, especially when you are protecting a valued possession such as your vehicle. Most people understand how important it is to protect their cars. Although we understand that not everyone has a garage, if you have one, it may be time to rethink using it exclusively for storage or as a workshop.

Parking your car outside exposes it to many dangers including theft and nature. Let’s look at 7 reasons why you may want to make space for your car in the garage.

1. Safety

Parking the car on the street exposes it to all types of safety threats such as theft and vandalism. When you park your car in a garage, you eliminate these problems. Also, depending on the garage, you may want to invest in high-tech security cameras and an alarm system to keep your vehicle safe. 

2. Protection from the elements

The elements can also do great damage to your car if left outside for extended periods of time. Rain, mud, slush, wind, extreme heat from the sun, can all damage the exteriors of a car for life. Parking your car inside a garage protects it from the elements. 

3. Protection of rubber components

Your vehicle has many rubber components that can wear out if they get exposed to the harsh weather and fluctuating temperatures for an extended period. This can cause problems such as rattling and squeaking.

4. Preserves car coating

Most cars today come with a Teflon and wax coat to protect the vehicle’s paint. However, if these coatings get exposed to harsh conditions for a long period, the vehicle’s paint can start to get chalky, fade or peel. 

5. Protection against birds and their business

Bird feces on your car can ruin your day. Also, if this happens often, the acidity in bird feces can irreversibly damage the paint job of your car. 

6. Longer engine life

The temperature inside a garage stays fairly consistent. As a result, the engine stays lubricated and the engine oil remains at its optimal viscosity for engine start-up.

7. Increased effectiveness of air-conditioning and heating

When you park your vehicle in a garage, the air conditioner and heating system will maintain a more moderate temperature and when you start up your car, because it hasn’t been exposed to the outdoors, they will work faster and more efficiently.

If you regularly park your vehicle outside, you expose it to many dangers. To limit these dangers and extend your vehicle’s lifespan, it is best to park it in a working garage. For more information and resources about garage doors and garages in general, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.

How to Fix a Garage Door That’s Off Track

Professional automatic garage door opener repair service technician man working on a ladder at a home residential location making adjustments and fixing it while installing it.

An off-track garage door is a major inconvenience and can cause enormous frustration. In addition, it can cause property damage and serious injuries. Fortunately, fixing off-track rollers is a simple DIY project. Here is our 5 step guide to fixing your off-track garage roller.

Steps to Get Your Garage Door Back on Track

Step 1: Disconnect the opener

To start the process, find the string hanging from the console that controls the door opener. Pull-on this string to disengage the opener. This will allow you to manually open and close the garage door.

Step 2: Open and secure the garage door

Check that the door is completely released from the opener, then lift it until the track is lined up with one of the rollers. This step requires caution so use a pair of vice grips or locking pliers to hold the garage door in place or ask someone to help you. 

Step 3: Bring wheels back to track

Use a pair of pliers and open the track precisely at the spot where the roller has jumped out of the track. Put the rollers back inside the track and close the opening in the track. Finally, use a rubber or wooden mallet to bring the track back into the correct shape.

Step 4: Manually check for proper alignment

Now that all the rollers are fixed, the next step is to manually check if the rollers are operating smoothly and if the door is opening correctly. You can do this by manually opening and closing the door a few times. While you’re at it, you can test its balance as well. 

If the track is still misaligned, repeat the steps above until the entire track is correctly aligned.

Step 5: Check the automatic operation

Now that you’ve made sure that the door is back on track, hanging straight and operating well manually, it is time to check the automatic operation. Use the remote control to activate the opener and allow the door to automatically open and close a few types. If this final test is successful, then consider your garage door as good as new. If you are still having trouble getting your garage door back on track, there may be more issues with your garage door system than you originally anticipated. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to schedule an expert garage door repair service.

Fixing your off-track garage door is a breeze if you have the right skills and tools. Follow the above-mentioned steps to quickly fix your garage door and make sure to hire a garage door repair company to perform regular maintenance of the garage door opener system. By doing so, your doors will stay reliable and functional for years to come.

A Guide to Garage Door Insulation

Workers are installing lifting gates of the garage.

If you live in an area where it’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the efficiency of your garage door depends on insulation. For this reason, it is vital to choose the right garage door insulation to protect your garage itself as well as the items inside. An insulated garage door can also increase the overall energy efficiency and durability of your home.

Types of Garage Door Insulation

There are many garage door insulation products available on the market and it is often difficult to decide which is the correct fit for your home without professional expertise. We guarantee our clients genuine solutions that are suitable for their homes and don’t compromise quality.

Each insulation material has its unique pros and cons, including cost, shape, and durability. Here is a quick guide for types of garage door insulation solutions for you:

Reflective Foil: It is typically sold in rolls and thickness may vary.

Polystyrene Foam: It is sold in a large sheet and they need to be cut down to the size of the garage door.

Panel Kits: These are the easiest to install and are made from plastic laminated polystyrene or fiberglass.

The Crucial Steps to Install Garage Door Insulation

Handy homeowners may choose to embark on this garage door insulation journey on their own. But it always makes the job a little less cumbersome to hire some help. Hiring a reputable garage door specialist makes the job a breeze. But if you do decide to go it alone, here is are the necessary steps to install your new garage door insulation:

• Using a quality degreaser, clean the surface of the garage door to eliminate any residual oils.
• Apply the adhesive, even if you choose Velcro strips or the double-sided tape.
• Make sure to test a few panels before to be confident they match the correct size of your door.
• Always trim the excess from the panels and install the barrier panels as well.

With the right garage door insulation, you would be able to not just control your energy bills, but it can also provide you with essential protection from harsh weather conditions. Garage door insulation is the perfect investment that will provide durability to your door and keep your belongings inside safe and protected. With unpredictable weather changes, find the time to secure your home with easy and convenient garage door insulation. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. has been providing garage door installation and repair services since 1950. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about insulating your garage door.