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.

What You Need to Know About Overhead Doors

Those looking to purchase an overhead door of Pittsburgh have several options, often more than they realize. Whether you decide to purchase an overhead coiling door or an overhead sectional door, there are a few differences that you’ll want to consider between the two. Not only do you need to decide on what type of door will best fit your needs, but you’ll also need to take into consideration durability, maintenance, security, installation, and overall lifetime costs.

Roll-Up Vs. Sectional Doors

An overhead roll-up garage door is sometimes referred to as a rolling steel door or a coiling door. This type of door is fabricated using individual metal slat sections that are interlocked. When the door opens, the door coils up on itself above the door, wrapping around a drum. This allows the door to be stored in a compact area, minimizing the need for excesses space to store the door. This specific type of door is installed by mounting the guides and assembly to the wall on either side of the door.

Sectional doors are similar to roll-up doors, but they utilize larger metal sections, and can open in a variety of different configurations. These configurations include retracting up, or up and over, the floor of the garage, beyond the opening of the overhead door. If there is not enough clearance for the door to open straight up, the door tracks will curve, allowing for the door to retract horizontally over the garage space. This can result in issues if there are fire sprinklers in the ceiling of the garage, HVAC, or lighting that is already installed or will be installed.

Durability and Maintenance

The quality of the material that is used to construct the door will have a significant impact on the overall durability and lifespan of the door. Heavy-duty materials that are typically used in overhead coiling doors are designed to last for a prolonged period of time and can withstand heavy usage. On the other hand, sectional garage doors are better equipped for low volume usage.

Coiling doors eliminate the need for springs, which means they require little maintenance. In fact, some models of coiling doors are built to withstand upwards of one-million open and closed cycles without any maintenance required, compared to sectional doors that rely on numerous parts to operate smoothly. When more parts are used, there is an increased need for maintenance and repairs. Because there are more parts that require replacement more often, this increases the overall maintenance costs over the lifespan of the door.

Safety and Security

Regardless of the type of garage door, each comes with its own safety and security features. Due to its design and features, the coiling door has an advantage over sectional doors. This advantage comes from the small, multiple interlocking sections, their enclosed parts, springs and counterbalance shaft. Sectional doors rely on exposed springs and cables which leave them more susceptible to damage. Any failure that occurs with the springs or cables results in the door instantly becoming unbalanced. If cables were to break, the door would free fall to the ground, causing damage or harm to anything beneath it.

If you’re looking for installation specialists to install your overhead door of Pittsburgh, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is an authorized commercial and residential garage door dealer. With a wide selection of both roll-up and sectional over head doors available, you can get the door that will best fit your needs at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

What’s the Difference Between Torsion and Extension Springs?

A garage door is made up of many parts that all work together so the garage door can work properly. Torsion and extension springs are responsible for managing your garage door’s counterbalance system. It is the counterbalance system that uses force to offset the weight of the door, enabling it to safely and reliably open and close. There are several types of springs that can be used, but torsion and extension springs are the most common. Because both torsion and extension springs perform the same function, you might be wondering what the difference is. Garage door installation Pittsburgh PA guarantees that springs be professionally installed to help keep the door in working order for years to come.

Torsion Springs

The most common type of spring found in modern garage doors is the torsion spring. Torsion springs are available in several sizes and lengths. They are calculated based on the weight of your garage door and the height and track radius. Torsion springs are installed on the top of the garage door. When the door is operated, the spring slides into a channel where lifting cables are attached, allowing the springs to wind and unwind in a controlled motion. Some of the benefits of torsion springs include:

• Sturdy and Long Lasting: Although torsion springs are more expensive upfront, they are more durable and can last upwards of 15,000 to 20,000 cycles.
• Less Wear: When a garage door is opening or closing, the torsion springs provide steadier movement that keeps the door balanced, creating less strain on other parts. Torsion springs make it so your garage door doesn’t have to work as hard to open and close.
• Safer: If your torsion springs break, they will make a loud sound but remain encased in the shaft. But if extension springs break off, the result can include property damage or injury.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are an older technology, but they are still common because they are more affordable and ideal for smaller garages. Instead of being installed overhead, extension springs are installed on the side of the door and extend when the door is operated.

Although extension springs are a popular option, many professionals don’t tend to recommend them because they only last upwards of 10,000 cycles. Not only do they not last as long as torsion springs, but they also require more maintenance, operate with jerking motions that cause more wear and tear, and can be a safety hazard if they break.

Whether you’re looking for torsion or extension springs, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can provide you with reliable and reputable garage door Pittsburgh PA installation and services. If you need expert garage door advice, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can help you discover which garage door springs, openers, etc. are right for you.

How to Find a Reputable Garage Door Dealer

Replacing a Pittsburgh garage door is not something you have to do often. So you likely don’t have someone in mind when the situation arises. For many, the first step to hiring a garage door technician is getting recommendations for garage door dealers from friends and family members. Another great resource is to search for reviews online and learn more about prospective dealers. Ultimately, you will need to contact the company directly. When talking to a dealer, you can learn more about their skill level and trustworthiness when you ask the right questions. Here are a few things you should ask to ensure you find a reputable garage door dealer.

Learn About the Company

Researching the company should give you a good indication of their experience and qualifications. It is a good idea to learn about their history. How long have they been in business? If they are a new business, what experience and knowledge do the owners have? Are they a legal business? Do they have all the necessary licenses and permits required to perform work in your area? What kind of insurance do they have? It is going to be imperative that they be fully insured. Do they have a showroom where you can see and touch the products they offer? What brands do they carry? Knowing this type of information will help you know if you’re interested in doing business with them.

Learn About Past Customers

The most reputable companies will gladly provide a list of previous customers who were satisfied with their services. These customers will provide their feedback and opinions about their experience with the company. Ideally, these customers will be in or near your neighborhood. You can also ask companies to provide details, including pictures of past completed projects.

How Well do They Communicate?

If you are going to be working with a company, knowing how they communicate before the process will be a good indication of how they communicate throughout the process. In their correspondence with you, they should gather information to accurately advise you on how to choose a door that meets your needs.

Information that they will need to provide you with an expert opinion should include:

• Size requirements
• Budget
• Design and style of your home
• Functions, features, and traits you can’t live without
• Other unique requirements

With the answers to these questions, they will be able to provide you with different options that fit within your established budget. Additionally, knowing your budget will enable them to provide you with a detailed quote that includes labor and equipment. They can also provide a written warranty in detail that includes the opener, the labor, and all other aspects of the garage door.

You want a company that will communicate openly with you during the initial planning phases of bidding and selecting a new garage door. You also want a garage door dealer that will be there for you after the installation is complete and will continue to communicate with you if warranty issues arise.

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is the premier Pittsburgh garage door dealer, with years of experience and knowledge. Whether you are looking for a new garage door or garage door repairs, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is the best garage door expert serving the greater Pittsburgh area.  

Residential vs. Commercial Garage Doors

The easiest way to distinguish between residential and commercial garage doors is simply by the type of building it is attached to. But here, we will discuss some of the other big differences between the two types of doors.

Appearance

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential garage doors is that residential doors tend to be more focused on looks than commercial doors. This is because many homeowners tend to want a garage door that is aesthetically pleasing, whereas commercial or industrial building owners are more focused on function. This is because a residential garage door tends to have a greater effect on a home’s overall curb appeal, and eventual resale value. To improve the appearance of residential garage doors, often windows, designs, or color options are carefully selected. Because commercial doors are more concerned with functionality, they tend to be plainer and simpler. The majority of commercial doors are of the conventional white roll-up or flat designs.

Height and Width

One of the most obvious differences is that commercial doors tend to be a lot bigger than residential doors. Residential doors tend to have a standard height of seven feet and vary between eight and nine feet wide. Although these are the standard sizes, homeowners with an RV, boat, etc. can special order a garage door that can be as tall as 12 feet high. Where residential doors come in standard sizes, commercial doors do not. The size of a commercial garage door is going to be dependent on its application. Commercial buildings that use a lot of oversized machinery will need a larger door than commercial buildings that do not.

Materials

Homeowners can purchase a garage door in different materials—wood, steel, fiberglass, etc. The deciding factor on what type of material is going to be best will depend on the homeowner’s personal preference and budget. Wood doors offer better curb appeal, while steel doors are long-lasting. On the other hand, commercial doors are primarily only made of aluminum or galvanized steel. This is because both materials are extremely durable and offer the security and longevity that commercial business owners are searching for in a garage door.

Opening Capacity

Residential doors are designed to only be opened a couple of times each day, whereas commercial doors are designed to be opened and closed several times a day. As a result, a residential garage door opener is made to endure being open and closed only a few times a day. Whereas a commercial door opener is designed to open and close a door multiple times a day. Additionally, commercial doors are designed to operate more quickly and efficiently.

Value

Another major difference between residential and commercial garage doors is the cost. Commercial doors cost significantly more to install and repair than residential doors because they are designed for commercial-level security, and are often larger in size. Because commercial doors are more expensive, they are rarely used in residential applications.

On the surface, both residential and commercial garage doors appear to be the same, when in fact they do have some big differences. Whether you are looking to replace your existing garage door or need repairs, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors  can do it all. Since 1950, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has been providing new garage doors and repairs to homeowners and business owners across Pittsburgh.

5 Reasons to Install an Insulated Garage Door

There are many reasons homeowners decide to upgrade their Pittsburgh garage doors. For others, it’s not necessarily a want, but a need, as their current garage door is in disrepair. Regardless of the reason, there are a few things you should know about insulated garage doors before making a purchase.

As with most other products, you have several options when selecting the right garage door for your home. A garage door serves as more than just an entrance to your home, it is a major part of your curb appeal and can have a big impact on your resale value if you ever try to sell your home.

One of the newest garage door trends is to purchase one that offers energy efficiency options. Here are five of the top reasons you should install an insulated door on your Pittsburgh home.

Saves Energy

The majority of energy saving tips focus on the inside of the home. This makes sense because this is where the majority of heat gain and loss takes place. In fact, some people don’t even consider the garage when developing their energy savings plans. It is important, as most garages have finished rooms above them which are heated and cooled, along with having a door that connects to the main part of the house.

As a result, your uninsulated garage will transfer cold air into the rooms around it. Simply having a garage door that is insulated can cut down on the amount of energy required to heat or cool the rest of your home.

More Durable

Aside from assisting with energy cost, insulated garage doors are more durable. This is a result of the way the doors are constructed. Insulated doors are constructed using either a steel or aluminum frame that is filled with solid-core insulation. The insulation is then sandwiched between either single or dual steel panels. This style of construction creates a door that is both durable and lightweight.

A more durable door will be more resistant to dents, reducing the amount of maintenance homeowners have to perform around the house. Because there is going to be less damage done to an insulated door, the lifespan of the door will be prolonged as well.

Quieter

Garage doors are going to make noise. But insulated doors tend to be quieter than uninsulated doors. Noise isn’t an important factor in determining how a door functions, it is a nice bonus feature. Because all doors will produce noise, finding one that is quieter than others can make a huge difference. Insulated doors tend to be quieter than other doors due to their tight construction. Each panel is composed of materials tightly sandwiched together, reducing the amount of loose material that can make excess noise. Additionally, because insulated doors also weight more than uninsulated doors, they are less likely to jolt or vibrate on the track, thereby reducing the amount of noise made.

Protects Cars

When vehicles are parked inside a garage, they are protected from the extreme weather outside. This is especially important during cold weather, as the cold can have a negative impact on your car in several ways. An insulated door can have a big impact on the overall life of your car.  As a result of cold temperatures, you may experience any of the following:

• Shorter Battery Life or Dead Battery
• Thickened Transmission, Engine, and Brake Fluids
• Low Air Pressure in Tires
• Unreliable Spark Plugs and Wiring

The lower the temperature, the less likely your car is to run and function properly. Simply installing an insulated garage door can increase the temperature inside the garage enough to protect your vehicle.

More Convenient

For some, a garage is more than just a place to park your car. Some use it as a place for extra storage, for others, it is a great space to work out or participate in hobbies. Regardless of the way you use your garage, keeping it warm makes it easier and more enjoyable for you to use it. In areas with a colder climate, like here in Pittsburgh, that extra layer of warmth can make a huge difference in simple, daily tasks, such as carrying in groceries or carrying sleeping children into the house from the car.

There are many benefits to switching out an uninsulated garage door for one with insulation. If you decide an insulated garage door will make a positive impact on your home, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today. As a leader in Pittsburgh garage doors, we have a wide selection of garage doors that make it easy to find the right garage door for your home.

How to Protect Your Garage in Winter

Cold weather is fast approaching, bringing in the winter months with it. When the weather starts to turn cold, it is a good indication that it is now time for you to begin winterizing your home. One way that you can help cut down on your home’s heating costs during the winter is with a well-insulated garage. If your garage is too cold, you risk damage to your vehicles and anything else that you store inside your garage. The best way to prevent expensive repairs from accruing later on, is to winterize your garage ahead of time. Here are a few things you can do to protect your garage before winter sets in which will prevent you from needing to invest in a new garage door installation Pittsburgh come spring.

Replace Weather Stripping

One of the easiest things you can do is to start by replacing the weather stripping on your garage door. This will create a seal between the garage door and the garage door opening, keeping cold air from coming in. When cold air is allowed to find its way inside your garage, it will create cold drafts that cause the temperature inside your garage to drop dramatically.

To install new weather stripping, start by removing the old weather stripping and remaining sealant. Use a putty knife or scraper of some sort to remove as much of the old weather stripping as possible. Cleaning the surface as much as possible will make it easier for the new weather stripping to be installed. Once you have the surface cleaned and prepared for the new weather stripping, be sure to measure before you begin to install anything. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t have too much rubber sticking to the sides, where it could possibly interfere with the garage door track. Close the garage door and align the weather stripping so the rubber flap flattens slightly against the door. A good seal on your door allows the garage door to operate easier.

Insulate the Garage Walls

Another way to insulate your garage to prepare it for winter is to insulate your exterior garage walls. You can purchase fiberglass batt insulation fairly cheaply at any home improvement store. You can simply tack it into place on the walls of your garage. You’ll want to check to see that you have the right insulation thickness to ensure that you provide your garage with plenty of insulation against the cold. Failure to install the insulation securely to the wall or forgetting to provide extra support for the insulation can result in problems. In order for insulation to work properly, you’ll need to ensure that it has a snug fit and completely covers your wall.

Repair Garage Door

If your garage door is old or broken and is the source for the cold air getting into your garage, you might want to consider replacing it before the really cold weather arrives. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we provide garage door installation Pittsburgh, along with repairing and replacing broken panels and other parts. A garage door that is properly repaired or replaced can work to eliminate cold air from finding its way inside. Often, replacing an old or broken door with a new, insulated door is the best option for homeowners.

Heat the Garage

Another great way to ensure that your garage stays warm throughout the winter is to install a heater unit after you’ve completed all the other necessary precautions. Heaters will not only protect your garage from getting too cold, but they will also protect your vehicle and other belongings from the low temperatures. Keep in mind, it is important to be careful when using a heater, as heaters pose a risk of personal injury or potential house fires if not handled properly.

As you can see, your garage plays an important role in keeping your home warm during the cold winter months. If you are considering replacing or repairing your garage door before the cold sets in, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!