How Important Are Garage Door Safety Checks?

There must be no debate that durable, sturdy, and properly functioning garage doors are essential for any home. But homeowners often install a new residential garage door and then quickly forget about it unless it breaks down or has other problems. As long as the door is able to close and open while making minimal to bearable noise, the owners are satisfied. If the door is finally behaving intermittently and erratically, only then they decide to look into the situation.

But does your garage doors need routine inspection and safety checks? The answer is yes and the reasons are below.

Prevention of Accidents

It is vital to keep a check and balance on the complete operation of your garage door. Most people who experience a garage door accident don’t realize their mistake until after damage has been done. But sometimes mistakes can be serious, even life-threatening. This is why it is important to schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your garage door to avoid later catastrophes.

Keeping You Safe and Secure

The majority of today’s garage doors are automatic and not manual. Once the door detects the vehicle is inside, they close automatically. But what if the sensor is not working properly and it delays in closing the door on time? In the United States, 9% of burglars enter the house from the garage door. This is why it is especially important to conduct a safety check and ensure the working conditions of your garage door. Keep your family and yourself safe from accidents that can cost you.

Keep a Check on Loose Hardware of the Door

Your garage door is composed of numerous small and big pieces of hardware. Each and every piece of hardware must be in working position. Even if a tiny nut is malfunctioning or a hinge collapses, an accident could occur.

It is recommended to keep a check on the tension springs of the door and replace them when needed. If the spring is rusting, be sure to change it instantly. If you observe any loose brackets, inspect the door and make the necessary adjustments. Look for fray cables before they cause disastrous accidents.

Never wait for a mishap before you decide to inspect your residential garage door. It is recommended to schedule monthly maintenance and inspection to avoid fiascoes later on. Never forget to lubricate the hinges of the door to ensure their smooth working and running. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. ensures satisfactory inspection and maintenance services at reasonable rates. Stop worrying and call us today to avoid problems down the road.

Are Steel Garage Doors Worth the Investment?

Garage entrance with sectional doors. 3d illustration

When you visit a Pittsburgh garage door installation company to choose a garage door for your home, you will come across multiple options. These options range from style, color, durability, and material. Many garage doors today are made from steel. Steel garage doors require little maintenance, while adding plenty of aesthetic appeal to your home.

We are a reputable garage door repair company operating since 1950. We have worked with every type of garage door, made with every type of material.

But is investing in a steel garage door really a wise investment option?Let’s review the pros and cons of choosing a steel garage door.

The Factors of Affordability and Durability

Steel is one of the most affordable and durable materials available on the market. It is made from sturdy material and lasts longer than any other material type. Steel won’t bend or break easily.

Materials such as wood and aluminum are more expensive than steel when all costs are considered. In the past steel was prone to rust, but today they can be coated to make them rust-proof.

Colors, Style, and Warranty

The most appealing reason for choosing a steel garage door is that it comes in countless colors and styles. So if you are looking for something to raise the value of your home, then steel garage doors are a great option for you.

The steel doors come in various styles that can suit your personality and the style of your home. Give your home a touch of elegance and sophistication with a hint of modernism. Steel doors also offer a warranty for long-lasting and sustainability. Especially if you have new drivers in your home, steel may be your best bet for protecting your investment..

Steel garage doors are undoubtedly a wise option. The durability and consistency ensured by steel is unmatched. Other materials such as vinyl and wood are not as durable and affordable. It is surely an investment that can also raise the valuation of your property.

The incredible security and peace of mind offered by steel garage doors are also an added bonus. If you are looking for options and styles of steel garage doors then we recommend you to check out Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information.

6 FAQs About Garage Doors

Garage entrance with open sectional doors. 3d illustration

Ever-changing garage door technology has made commercial and residential garage doors in Pittsburgh more complicated. For this reason, we have comprised an FAQ page with answers to your most commonly asked questions. 

Q. Which garage door is best for me, as a homeowner?

A: When it comes to garage doors, there is no single best option. The best garage door is fully dependent on the homeowner’s unique needs, style, energy-efficiency, and location. Based on these factors, a homeowner can choose a garage door that is made from steel, wood, or aluminum and choose a design and color that best complements his/her home.

Q. Should I choose a steel door or a wood door?

A: The type of door you choose is completely up to you. Both steel garage doors and wood garage doors are beneficial and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. The benefits of steel doors are that they offer better strength, security, energy-efficiency, affordability, and require less maintenance. Wood doors, on the other hand, provide both security and insulation, but tend to be higher priced due to its customization in manufacturing. Wood doors are often pricier and tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Nevertheless, wood garage doors exude natural warmth and beauty and you can easily paint it to match the color of your entry door and home.

Q. How important is insulation in a garage door?

A: There are numerous reasons to have an insulated garage door, but the more obvious ones are that an insulated garage door allows less heat to escape in the winter and less heat to get in the summer. This helps save money on your utility bill. Also, an insulated garage door dampens incoming noise and adds strength to your door. 

Q. How much does a garage door cost?

A: The cost of residential garage doors in Pittsburgh vary. The cost is calculated according to strength, size, amount of customized design required, insulation, and much more. 

Q. Is there a warranty?

A: New doors and openers should be covered by a warranty. Most garage door companies will offer a minimum two-year warranty on material. Several doors and openers have extended material warranties beyond the first year. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. also provides service and repair work warranties.

Q. Do I need a lock on my garage door?

A: If you already have an electric garage door opener installed on your door, a lock is no longer required. In this day and age, a door opener is the best option, as it can make lifting your door from the outside almost impossible. There are several pieces of information you’ll need to know (such as size, material the garage is made of, insulated or not, etc.) before you can install a door opener. However, a door opener is highly beneficial and a great option for the protection of your garage.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered above? Feel free to reach out to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about garage door installation, repairs, maintenance, and more. 

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.

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

Contemporary Home + Modern Garage Door

Contemporary and stylish, yet minimally designed homes are gaining a new prominence. At the same time, modern garage doors in Pittsburg, PA are also on the rise. More and more people are noticing how nicely modern garage doors complement the contemporary home exterior. Homeowners can easily capitalize on this trend and upgrade their garage doors to a modern, sophisticated design. 

Fortunately, modern garage doors in Pittsburgh, PA comes in different magnificent designs. To help you decide which is the best modern garage door for your contemporary house, here are our top picks:

1. Steel Garage Doors

These modern doors are sleek and stylish and are built for performance. Steel garage doors also come in a variety of styles and are cost-effective. These doors feature a combination of steel and sprayed-in foam insulation, providing with better insulation than glass or wood doors.

The thermal efficiency of steel doors not only helps to ensure your garage is properly insulated, but it also reduces noise. Steel garage doors also have tamper-resistant bottom brackets, pinch-resistant panels for safety, and reinforced steel and struts to strengthen the framework.

2. Wood Garage Doors

The elegance of a wooden garage door is perfect for balancing the structured, geometric look of a contemporary home. Wood garage doors create warmth, exude luxury and rustic beauty, and add a natural touch. This garage door model creates a natural appeal, equipped with modern technology. Wood garage doors have shiplap style connections between sections, steel-pinned wood lock mechanisms and zinc-coated steel for unparalleled strength that will help lengthen the lifespan of your garage door.

3. Glass Garage Doors 

Enhance the classy look of your contemporary home with a dramatic, stylish and unique glass garage door. Glass garage doors look sophisticated and stand out. These garage doors are exceptionally luxurious and come with flexible bottom seals to protect your garage from dirt and debris. Glass garage doors have a lower insulation value than steel doors, but they feature frames and panels filled with foam-in-place insulation to provide thermal efficiency.

Modern garage doors in Pittsburgh are the new trend to enhance your contemporary home. Steel, wooden and glass garage doors are the most prominent. All of these emanate a unique style and provide, a picturesque appeal but, most importantly, they offer the safety and efficiency necessary.

How to Secure Your Home and Garage

In matters of home security, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true. Homeowners often assume surveillance cameras are the best way to secure their homes. But burglars who have perfected their craft do not care for surveillance and will easily prey on weak entrance and garage doors. Thus, sturdy door installation in Pittsburgh is of utmost importance. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your home and garage. Let’s look at how professional door installation in Pittsburgh will help secure your home:

The Front Doors

Most intruders will try to enter a home through the front door first. Therefore, it is important to make front doors as secure as possible. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your Pittsburgh home. Additionally, upgrading from conventional locks to smart locks is also a smart idea worth considering. However, keep in mind that all these safety upgrades mean nothing if your door installation in Pittsburgh wasn’t completed by a professional.

 The Garage

The garage is becoming the most sought after entry point for criminals. Therefore, garage door installation must also be completed professionally to offer the utmost security. People usually don’t lock garage doors when they’re connected to a garage door opener. Also, the door from the garage to the house is usually not as secure as the front door to the house and often even left unlocked. To prevent burglars from entering your home through your garage door, make sure your garage door is installed properly and the connecting door installation was also done with security in mind. 

Also, it is best to keep the garage door opener in the house rather than keeping it in the garage. For extra security, keep the garage door window adequately covered and consider securing garage doors with the help of extra locks and zip ties if possible.

Professional door installation in Pittsburgh is the first step to keep your home safe and secure. Today, a proficient surveillance system is no longer sufficient. Remember, your front door and garage door are usually the first entry points intruders will try. It is, therefore, best to make these doors as secure as possible, which starts with proper installation.