Halloween Garage Door Decorating Ideas

Halloween – the spooky time of the year – is almost upon us and it is time to think of creative ways to make your home look frightening and fabulous. Most people focus on decorating the home and yard and completely forget the garage doors. Decorating your garage doors can be a great way to put a big smile on the face of those trick-or-treaters or scare them half to death, depending on what you’re going for. The best thing about this is that creative decorations for garage doors can be easily made. Most often, paper or cloth, tape, and paint are all you need. Below are five ideas to decorate your garage doors and help you increase the fear factor of your curb appeal.

1. A Giant Spider Web

Spiders are scary no matter what, but when they’re giant?! They become spooktacular! Garage doors can easily be turned into a spider web with giant spiders for easy scares! This is sure to scare the soul out of everyone who simply gazes upon these garage doors. This look is easily created with some streamers and construction paper. 

2. A Witchy Landscape

Garage doors with witches, a burning fire, and a bubbling cauldron is always a delightful scene for trick-or-treaters and passersby. This creepy cut-out silhouette is made even scarier by backlighting. Creating this scene is simple, all you need is black craft foam and some scissors. 

3. Jack Skellington

This naughty character is often seen on many garage doors and is willing to scare anyone who cares to look at it. This one is also quite easy to make, all you need are a few magnets, some trash bags, black vinyl or construction paper, and a little bit of tape.

4. Bats & Cats

Black cats and bats are the perfect tools for scares and giggles! This Halloween, adorn your garage door with eerie silhouettes of these spooky creatures. The best part is that these silhouettes are easy to create, all you need is some cloth tape and cut-out foam. 

5. Monster Mouth

Spook the kids with a huge, house-size monster with a mouth the size of a garage door! Give this monster mouth its sharp scary teeth by using a painted tarp. 

Halloween is right around the corner! This year garage doors must not be left out of all the holiday fun. Transform your home from friendly to downright spooky with these easy to create Halloween ideas.

How Often Should My Garage Door Be Serviced?

Most people in Pittsburgh will only service their garage door when it shows signs of weakness or when something breaks. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous approach that can end up costing more money in the long run. Garage doors just like other mechanical devices can experience wear and tear, therefore it is pertinent to regularly check and/or service your garage door. 

How often does my garage door require professional service?

The Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. professional Pittsburgh garage door technicians say it is best to service your garage door at least twice a year. However, you can also incorporate your own simple preventive maintenance routine that includes lubricating areas of the door, and tightening bolts and screws. Still, it is imperative to have a Pittsburgh garage professional check your garage door semi-annually. When servicing your garage door, consider the following:

 When to Service

For complete assurance, service your garage door system at least twice a year. Ensure that one of those services occur in the fall season to prepare for the cold winter temperatures and snow. Check the door again in early spring when temperatures and moisture levels have changed. 

Rollers & Hinges

Rollers and hinges must always be in perfect condition. These parts are prone to splitting and cracking, therefore they should be checked, and repaired regularly to ensure they are secure. 

Balance the Door

If your garage door is halfway open and you notice it moving up and down, it is a clear sign that the torsion needs to be adjusted. Springs tend to break when they are old or in the winter during cold temperatures. Request the help of a professional repair technician to fix this as soon as possible. 

Lubricate

Hearing an unusual squeaking sound when you open or close your garage door? This means that it needs to be lubricated. Lubricate all metallic moving parts with a non-greasy, non-silicone-based garage door lubricant. Don’t forget to open up the motor and lubricate all of the nylon parts with grease – especially the drive gear. Pay special attention to hinges, rollers, and springs, especially during the wintertime as these objects require more lubrication during cold months. 

Bottom Seal & Weatherseal

Depending on the condition of the weather seal and bottom seal, it might need to be replaced. The garage door should not have gaps that allow air and light to enter. If you notice these occurrences, it might mean the bottom seal is experiencing wear from animals or shrinkage from moisture, or both. 

It is of utmost importance to have your garage door serviced by a professional twice a year. Yet it is also great if you routinely do your own check-up. By doing this, you’ll immediately become aware of the problems your garage door may have and if the help of one of Thomas V. Giel Garage Door’s Pittsburgh garage repair professionals is needed immediately.

Safety Tips for Your Garage Door

Garages are great for a plethora of reasons. Not only do they protect our vehicles, but they are also suitable as a storage space, a room for home projects, and space for kids to play. But they can also pose safety and security challenges. Even with the automatic reverse function installed on most garage doors, injury can still occur.

 Every year, garage doors cause injuries and that is because garage doors are still the largest, heaviest moving object in most homes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), hospital emergency departments treat more than 15,000 injuries from garage doors nationwide. The only way to decrease these numbers is to get your garage door inspected by a garage door repair service in Pittsburg, periodically. 

Additionally, following the tips below will help decrease the possibility of injury and keep your family safe.

 1. Routinely test the safety sensors

All garage doors made after 1991 have built-in safety sensors. This feature reverses the direction of the closing door immediately as it touches something so the door cannot cause injury to a person or animal walking under it. Make sure to frequently inspect to ensure this feature is working properly. It is important to know if the safety sensors or working or not so you can take proper action. If you notice the sensors are no longer working, get help from a professional garage door repair service in Pittsburgh immediately. Until the door is fixed, make sure to keep your family away from the door. 

2. Teach your kids garage safety

It is pertinent to teach your children how to use the garage door properly and safely. Let them know that the garage door is not a toy so they should use it only when necessary.   

3. Watch your fingers

Whenever you are touching or inspecting your garage door, refrain from excessive touching and fiddling with the mechanisms of the door as your fingers can get pinched. It is best to leave any type of repair work to a professional.

Garage door safety should never be underestimated. Garage doors cause many accidents annually, therefore always treat your garage door with caution. If you notice that your garage door needs fixing, call a professional repair service immediately. 

How To Measure For A Commercial Garage Door

Most homes have a standard-size one or two-car garage door. But your warehouse, factory,  loading dock, or garage is likely to need a custom-sized door. Here is how to measure to install or replace your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors.

Measurement 1: Width And Height

Grab a ladder and an extra-long tape measure. Measure the width and height of the door opening, down to the exact feet and inches.

Measurement 2: Sideroom

Now it’s time to calculate the sideroom measurements. You will need at least 3.75 inches for standard vertical tracts, and 5.5 inches for specialty spring systems. If you have multiple garage doors side to side, you need at least 10 inches between each door 

Measurement 3: Headroom

Next up, you need to measure the headroom between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling. Standard spring systems need at least 10 feet and specialty spring systems will need at least 5.5 inches.

Measurement 4: Backroom

Last but not least, you need to measure the distance between the garage door opening and the back of the garage wall. You will need at least the door height plus 18 inches if you want an automatic garage door. 

Additional Tips For Measuring Commercial Garage Doors

In addition to the measurements above, be mindful of anything that might hinder your new garage door. In some cases, you may need to have a bit of work done before you can install the new garage door you’d like. Things to consider include:

•     Electrical outlets
•     Lighting
•     Damaged jambs
•     Uneven flooring
•     Pipes
•     Ductwork
•     And more!

Not to worry if you aren’t confident in measuring your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors yourself. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is happy to come out and do the measurements for you!

4 Tips For A Quieter Garage Door

As much as you love having a garage, you may not love the disruptive sound of your door opening and closing. Even with a quiet garage door design, overtime your door may get louder. Here are a few tips for quieter garage doors Pittsburgh, PA.

Lubricate

Most homeowners forget to lubricate the moving metal parts on their garage door, which should be done every 6 months. Check the manufacturer’s guide for directions on where to lubricate. A standard lubricant spray found in any home store, such as WD-40, will get the job done.

Tighten And Replace Parts

Everything from rollers to hinges and the bottom rubber seal needs to be periodically replaced, while nuts, screws, hinges, and the opener chain need to be tightened. Not to worry as this isn’t something you have to go alone. Simply reach out to the garage door experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your routine garage door maintenance and repairs.

Add Soundproofing

There is often a room or two in the home where the opening and closing of the garage door is more disruptive. This is often a bedroom or room above or adjacent to your garage. Adding a bit of soundproofing to the garage can work wonders in minimizing noise and vibrations. Consider vibration isolators for the motor and wall and ceiling acoustic sheets or blankets for the garage walls or ceilings.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

Last but not least, it may simply be time to upgrade your garage door to a quieter model. Newer models may also have higher security features as well as improved energy efficiency.

 If the sound of opening and closing your garage door is too much to bear, reach out to Thomas V. Giel today and we will come out and take a look.

5 Garage Door Design Trends You’ll Want to Steal

If you’re looking to take your home’s curb appeal up a notch this summer, you may want to consider replacing your Pittsburgh garage door. Looking for the perfect door will help to increase your home’s curb appeal. Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are five different styles of garage door design trends you want to steal. 

Custom-Made Designs

2019 has proven to be quite the year for custom-designed garage doors. This is particularly good for those who aren’t fond of the “one size fits all” method. It gives you the freedom to have a say in how your garage door is designed from beginning to end. You’ll be in charge of choosing the material and selecting the final touches such as decorative hardware and windows. This is the ultimate way to tailor your door to fit your personality and personal taste.

 Old-Fashioned Accents

This year we’ve also seen the comeback of the classic-style garage door. The wooden doors used to be costly, but now they’ve become more durable and affordable. The great thing is that for those who want the looking but are worried about the upkeep, there are designer fiberglass doors available which are lower maintenance. The only person who will notice the difference is you!

Cutting-Edge Technology

In the last decade we’ve seen the rise of smart technology incorporated into virtually everything in our lives. One example is the newer Wi-Fi connected garage door openers and the fact that people can now operate their garage doors from an app on their smartphones. These spiffy little apps allow you to close and open your garage door from surprising distances, making it helpful for opening it when you’re just down the street and want to just slip your vehicle inside. It also allows you to have control over it while you’re out of town. You can give people like the babysitter or house sitter access at certain times. 

Choosing Bold Colors

Nowadays, white garage doors aren’t as sought out as they once were. Many families prefer to go for darker, bolder colors. Adding a colorful garage door to your home makes a statement. We suggest choosing a color that blends well with the exterior colors of your home. In 2019, it seems one of the most popular colors is black. 

Now it’s time to go and check out a door installation company near you. If you’re in the area, consider Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your Pittsburgh garage door installation needs.

A Buying Guide for Contemporary Garage Doors

Garage doors are a great way to improve the curb appeal and value of your home. They cover roughly between 25 to 35 percent of your home’s exterior. They make a statement and tell passersby your style. Many people like the modern and sleek look. It may be difficult to decide which style of garage door you should pick since there are so many different types. We can help with that. Here’s a buying guide to contemporary models prior to garage door installation Pittsburgh.

What are “Contemporary” Garage Doors?

The term “contemporary” refers to present trends. The sleeker looking garage doors you see driving down the road, that’s what we’re referring to here. They have a simple, minimalist architectural look and feel to them. Think clean lines. They’re commonly made of wood, steel, aluminum, or a combination of these materials. Each of these styles have distinct features and characteristics that will fit your needs. 

Glass and Aluminum

Glass and aluminum garage doors will give your house a modern look and also provide natural light in the daytime and a warm glow at nighttime. Many companies feature a variety of door panel options, which give you the chance to choose the level of natural light and privacy you desire. Tempered and acrylic glass panels come in tinted, obscure, frosted, and clear styles. For those who want to increase their home’s energy efficiency, there are insulated glass panels to pick from. Solid aluminum panels are for those who want the maximum amount of privacy but want to keep the look modern. 

Steel 

The beauty of the steel style is that it gives your home a contemporary feel but also gives you the durability of steel. This material stands up against the elements and is resistant to breaking apart, warping, cracking, and rusting. Some companies provide them in one to three-layer constructions. They’re also made with a combination of steel and either insulation or polystyrene. These doors are usually available in flush or grooved panel options and glass window panels that come in a variety of design options.  

Classic

The classic look keeps the aesthetics of yesteryear and combines them with today’s modern garage materials. They come with traditional raised panel construction with a variety of window and steel panel options in many different colors. This style comes in a wide range of construction and design options that give you the freedom to customize your garage door to fit your specific taste. 

Wood

Some people still love the look and feel of natural wood. Many companies have a variety of wood style garage doors available in different designs and a variety of finish and stain color options. They’re particularly beautiful with homes that have an earthy tone and style to them, especially those that go for the southwestern style. 

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we partner with several garage door manufacturers that carry amazing contemporary looks or can even custom design a garage door with you. When you’re ready to install your new door, call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for experienced garage door installation Pittsburgh.

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!

Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors: Which Is Better For Your Home?

A garage is a multifunctional space. Some prefer to use the space as an activity room, while others simply use it to park their cars. How you choose to use your garage will affect your decision between insulated and non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors.

The Difference Between Insulated and Non-Insulated

It all boils down to one factor: Insulation. Insulated garage doors will have multiple layers depending on the type of door and associated thermal resistance. Generally speaking, the more layers the door has, the higher the thermal resistance. Non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors are much more simple, and therefore cheaper than their insulated garage door counterparts.

The Benefits Of An Insulated Garage Door

The insulated garage door’s primary function is to provide some thermal insulation to the garage space so they are best used when or if space is frequently occupied. If you use your garage for gatherings or as a game room, you will definitely want a higher rated thermally insulated garage door. A thermal insulation value of 16 is recommended. If you use the garage more infrequently or to do the occasional project, you can lower the insulation rating to be able to use that saved money elsewhere. It’s worth noting that you should check the garage door seals to make sure the garage door seals properly to the frame. If your seals are worn or allow in the heat or cold, an insulated garage will be a waste of time and money. Before you make your purchase, look into the different types of insulation and what best suits your needs.

Where and When To Use a Non-Insulated Garage Door

There are cases where an insulated garage door is not needed, like if you have a detached garage that simply stores your vehicle or tools. If your space doesn’t require you to spend any length of time in it, it may make more sense financially to use a non-insulated door. One other factor to consider is the inherent strength differences between the two door types. If you feel a need to opt for more protection, an insulated door will be a better option. If you have a garage space that does not need the additional protection then, by all means, use a cheaper non-insulated option.

Call a Professional For Your Garage Door Needs

If you’re still unsure about what type of insulation you need for your garage door, talk to one of our experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We have over 65 years of experience and expert professionals ready to be of service to you. Call our office today at (724) 502-2471, we would be happy to speak to you about our products and services!

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.