3 Interesting Facts About Garage Door Openers

Nearly every new home has a garage door opener Pittsburgh and many older homes have been remodeled to include one. This seemingly simple piece of technology is actually a device that is equipped with several different abilities, all designed to make your life easier. Garage door openers are capable of handling different sizes and weights of garage doors. Newer models are equipped with safety features that provide optimal safety and convenience. Here are three interesting facts about garage door openers that you might not know about.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to adding value to your home, many don’t think about installing a garage door opener. When homes are equipped with the right garage door and garage door opener, it can make a huge difference to the value of your home. One of the biggest reasons why this is true is that they provide your home with added security. Automatic garage door openers not only keep your family, home, and belongings safe; some models are even equipped with built-in safety features, such as rolling codes and vacation mode protecting your home while you’re away. Along with built-in security features, many garage door openers are quiet, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and affordable.

Garage Door Openers Have Improved

Over time, garage door openers become outdated, worn down, or misaligned. As a result, the vast majority of garage door accidents result from faulty openers. The garage door industry is working hard at constantly improving the technology found in garage door openers and sensors. When considering a new garage door opener, it is important to get the opinion of a garage door expert. While openers that are equipped with all the bells and whistles might be attractive, it isn’t necessarily the right fit for your garage door.

New Openers are Safer Than Ever Before

To prevent children, vehicles, and pets from getting trapped beneath a garage door, safety sensors should be built into every garage door opener. If your sensors are damaged, broken, or not working properly, you don’t necessarily need to invest in a whole new unit. Often, this type of damage can be repaired or replaced. But, if you live in a home with an older model it might be in your best interest to invest in a newer one. Especially if your unit is missing any safety sensors, it could potentially be putting your family, pets, and vehicles in unnecessary danger. Even if your model is in working condition, it still might be worth looking into an upgrade for the safety features.

Whether you are looking for a new garage door opener Pittsburgh, or are in need of some repairs on your current model, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today. With years of experience, trained technicians, and professional knowledge, you won’t find a better garage door supplier than those at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

How to Prepare for a Garage Door Installation

Congratulations, you have ordered a new garage door to be installed. But there are a few things that you can do to help ensure your door installation Pittsburgh goes as smoothly as possible. Many of these steps are simple and can make the experience easier for you and the professionals who you’ve hired to install your new door. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your garage door installation.

Clear Out Garage

The first thing you can do before having a new garage door installed is to make sure your garage is clear. This means parking all vehicles outside before installation. As a courtesy, try to park your vehicles in such a way that allows the installation professionals to park their vehicle with the necessary tools and materials as close as possible to the garage.

In addition to removing vehicles from the garage, be aware of any yard equipment, sports equipment, garbage cans, and any other items that might be located near the garage door and tracks. Any items that are located near the opening should be moved to the back of the garage prior to the installer’s arrival. A good rule of thumb is to have a minimum of one-foot on each side of the track and fourteen-feet back into the garage; this will allow the installer to set up ladders, removing the existing door, and set up a new door system easily.

Keep Track of Pets and Kids

If you have pets at home, be sure that your pet is kept in a safe place away from the garage throughout the duration of the installation. Far too often, homeowners allow their pets to roam freely during an installation, which is dangerous not only for your pet but for the installer as well. Even if pets are friendly, it is best to keep them away, as it is easy for installers to trip over pets and drop something. Pets may even end up chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Along with pets, children should be kept away from the garage while installers are working. It is natural for children to be curious and want to watch, but children need to be kept away for their own safety as well as the safety of the installer. The installation process requires working with heavy items, overhead items, and items that are under spring tension. Because of this, only those who are trained to work on garage doors should be allowed in the garage during installation.

Consider Location of Wall Consoles or Keyless Entry Pads

Spend some time thinking about where you want to have your wall console or keyless entry pad located. As a general rule, most wall consoles are located next to the personnel door that enters the garage from the house, on the garage side of the wall. Most keyless entry pads are located on the left side exterior jamb of the garage door, roughly five feet off the ground. If you would like either one to be located somewhere different, be sure to talk to your installer before they begin working.

If you need residential or commercial door installation Pittsburgh, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can meet and exceed all your garage door needs. Whether it be repairs or a new installation, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can do it all!

What You Need to Know Before Speaking with a Commercial Garage Door Salesman

As a business owner, you are probably looking for ways to make your business run more efficiently. The more efficient your business runs, the more your business profits. Whether you are looking to purchase your first set of Pittsburgh commercial garage doors or are looking to replace your existing ones, here are a few things you should know before you start talking to a garage door salesman.

Application

Before deciding on a new commercial garage door, you’ll want to think about how the doors will be used. While this might seem like a no-brainer, commercial doors can be used to fulfill a wide variety of applications. Also, commercial doors need to be able to stand up to the rigors of businesses that rely on them to open and close with no problems for an extended period of time. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll be using your door and what features are going to be important for you and your situation. Knowing how you’ll be using your door should play an important role in the type of door and system you choose.

Material

Once you have determined the application in which your door will be best utilized, you’ll want to consider what type of door material is going to work best for your needs. Commercial garage doors are available in different materials, the most common being steel or aluminum. Steel is a durable and low-maintenance option for business owners. Aluminum is also a low-maintenance, as well as resist to corrosion. Steel doors are ideal for businesses needing a door that can withstand high-volume cycles. On the other hand, aluminum doors work great in areas where there is high humidity.

Size

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential garage doors is that commercial doors are available in nearly any size, while residential doors generally come in either one- or two-car options. When you first talk to a commercial garage door salesman, one of the first things they’ll need to know is what size of door you’re looking for. So, you’ll want to measure your openings before you start talking with them.

Features

There are numerous commercial garage door features available. A few of the most common features include:

• Insulation
• Automation
• Safety
• Motor
• Cycle Speed
• Aesthetics
• Price
• Maintenance
• Security

When you are ready to talk to someone about which Pittsburgh commercial garage doors are right for your business, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!  

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead Doors

For many homeowners, the garage door is not only a place to park your car, but also the main access point for your home. Because a garage door is so important to the daily functioning around your home, it is imperative that you know and understand how it works and the do’s and don’ts. Read on to learn the answer to nine of the most frequently asked questions your overhead door of Pittsburgh professionals receive.

What are the standard sizes available for residential garage doors?

As a general rule, most standard residential garage door widths are 8’, 9’, 10’, 12’, 15’, 16’, 18’, and even 20’. Depending on the specific door type and brand, there may be some exceptions to this rule. You’ll want to check with your garage door supplier to learn about the specific sizes that are available to you, or to learn about custom door widths.

Can I paint my garage door?

Aluminum garage doors can be painted any color. Be sure you use latex paint when painting your garage door.

Can I replace a section of my door or do I need to replace the entire door?

There are a few variables that will need to be taken into consideration before you can accurately answer this question. The amount of damage that your door sustained is going to be one of the biggest contributing factors. In most cases, minor damage can be rectified by simply replacing the damaged sections of your garage door. Extensive damage to more than just the panels will generally require the whole door system to be replaced. Your garage door professionals will be able to assess the damage and provide you with recommendations on how best to repair or replace your garage door system.

What is R-Value and how does it benefit me?

R-Value is a standardized unit of measuring thermal efficiency. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating properties of the product. Different garage doors are equipped with a wide range of R-Values, designed to meet your specific needs.

How much does a new garage door system cost?

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of a new garage door system. These factors will include the style and type of door you select, color, size, motor and assembly, and more. We recommend you have one of our trained professionals come to your home and provide you with an estimate prior to installing a new garage door system.

What maintenance will my garage door require?

Once again, the amount of maintenance required for your garage door to continue to operate at optimal efficiency will be dependent upon a few factors. How often does your door get used? Is there any damage to the door, tracks, motor, or springs? Because each door is different, we recommend that you have your garage door inspected annually by a trained professional. A trained garage door professional will be able to thoroughly check your garage door system and perform any routine maintenance that may be needed. Investing in preventative maintenance now can save you money down the road.

Will a garage door opener work in my space if I have low ceilings in my garage?

In most cases, yes. Residential doors require a minimum of 4½-inches of headroom. In these situations, garage door systems will generally implement a low headroom extension track or a low headroom torsion rear track. For your garage door opener, you’ll need a minimum of 6 ½-inches of headroom.

How can I get a new remote control for my garage door opener?

If you need a new garage door remote control, your overhead door of Pittsburgh dealer can provide you with a wide range of remote controls or wireless keypads. In order to get a new remote control, you’ll need to know if your opener is a newer or older model. If you are not sure, a trained technician can come out and take a look at your opener and help you get the right remote control for your opener. In most cases, trained technicians can also help you program your new remote control or keyless entry keypad as well.  

Can a non-insulated garage door be insulated?

Yes, you can turn a non-insulated garage door into an insulated one by simply installing an insulation kit on your current garage door. These kits are available from your local garage door supplier.

We hope you found these answers to be helpful and informative. If you have any more questions regarding your garage door, or would like to have a trained technician come to your home, please contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors at 724-502-2394 today! We guarantee you’ll not only get superior service, but you will also get the best deal in Pittsburgh!

Why Shouldn’t Homeowners Attempt Garage Door Repairs Themselves?

As a homeowner, and self-proclaimed handyman, you may want to save money by attempting to complete all the home repairs yourself. This is great for many necessary home repairs, but there is one repair that you should not attempt on your own—the garage door. Garage doors can pose a serious threat to your own safety as well as the safety of family members, pets, or vehicles. There are numerous dangers that are associated with garage door repairs that should be left to garage door installation Pittsburgh professionals. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t attempt garage door repairs yourself.

Experience

When it comes to working on or repairing garage doors, knowledge and experience are crucial. One of the most common problems that arise when homeowners attempt to repair garage door problems themselves, is that they inadvertently make the problem worse. As with most things, when the problem is worse it requires more time and money to correct.

Save yourself some time, money, and hassle by hiring a professional and knowledgeable garage door repair technician to fix the problem from the get-go. Not only will they be able to quickly diagnose the issue, but they will also be able to provide you with options on repairs to ensure you get the repair that is right for you and your budget.

Right Tools

It is also important that you have the right tools. Most garage door repairs require the use of unique tools that most homeowners do not have lying around. This is because most homeowners won’t have the need for garage door specific tools to complete other projects around the home. Therefore, purchasing the tools probably won’t be worth the investment.

A professional garage door technician will have all the necessary tools needed to repair any garage door-related issues you might encounter. Not only will they have all the tools necessary, but they will also know how to use them correctly.

Avoid Accidents

You can’t predict everything that is going to happen while performing garage door repairs, but there are three accidents that are the most common during DIY repairs. The three most common accidents include:

• Falls: Garage door repairs require you to work on stools or a ladder. While it is essential to be high up in order to perform the repairs, you are at an increased risk of falling as well. Falling means that you could injure yourself or someone else. You also run the risk of damaging any equipment that you are using during the time of the fall or any that happens to be nearby.
• Springs: Springs pose the greatest danger to homeowners who attempt to repair garage doors on their own. This is because torsion springs are under extreme amounts of tension and pressure. It is this tension and pressure that carries your garage door up and down. When they work properly, they are safe to be around. But when they aren’t working properly, they can be extremely dangerous. Professionals are trained to safely handle torsion springs and know how to prevent them from turning into projectile objects that could cause serious damage and danger.
• Collapses: Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds. Because of their weight, inexperienced homeowners are at greater risk of having their garage door, and its hundreds of pounds, come crashing down.

Now that you know how dangerous it can be to work on a garage door yourself, hire professional garage door installation Pittsburgh technicians to do the work for you. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we not only install new commercial and residential garage doors, but we also know how to effectively and safely perform garage door repairs! Call us for all your garage door needs.

How to Open Your Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to open your garage doors Pittsburgh, PA with the push of a button. Once you have gotten used to the convenience of having an automatic garage door opener, it is hard to ever go back to a manually operated door. Unfortunately, there are times when you’ll have no choice but to operate your door manually. This can be the result of dead batteries in your remote, a broken motor, or because your home is experiencing a power outage. While no one plans on these events happening, they do occur. These factors are why it’s important to know how to manually open and close a garage door in Pennsylvania.

Pull the Trigger

Nearly every garage door comes equipped with a bypass switch for just such occasions. Located on the garage opener there is a rope, generally red, with a handle on the end. This rope is the manual release that disengages the garage door from the motor, allowing it to be operated manually. Because the door can then be operated manually, it is recommended that you pull the release while the door is down, otherwise it could come slamming down causing damage and possible injury.

Staying in Manual Mode

The red rope you pulled to manually operate your door also controls the spring attachment in the trolley. If you are going to be experiencing an extended power outage or if your operator is malfunctioning, you’ll need to keep your door in manual mode. When using the door in manual mode, it is important to remember that you should pull the release rope down and toward the back of the garage to prevent it from getting caught on the tracks.

Reattaching the Door When the Power Returns

Once your home has its power restored or your door operator has been repaired or replaced, you’ll want to reattach your door in order to take full advantage of the automatic capability. To re-engage your door, you will need to simply pull down on the release cord again, this time toward the garage door opening. This will prevent the lever from engaging. At the same time, pull up on your garage door until it snaps back into place and you’re back in automatic mode. If you need assistance, simply push the button on your remote and the door track will force the spring attachment back into place.

Important Things to Remember About the Door Release Cord

It is important to remember that even if parts of your garage door are corrupted, the automatic system will keep the door operating as a single functioning unit. Springs or cables that are weak or broken will be supported by the track. But as soon as you disengage the track, this is no longer true.

• If at all possible, only use the release cord to enter manual mode when the door is closed. While this isn’t always possible, remember that the door can come slamming down if the release cord is pulled while the door is open.
• If the door must be disengaged from the track while in the open position, use 2X4s to prop the door open to safely close it.
• When releasing the door while open, be sure to clear away all people and objects prior to pulling the release cord.
• If the cord doesn’t release, don’t hang on it. While it does require some force to disengage the door, hanging on the cord when it won’t disengage, can result in damage to the rope or lever.

If you find that you have to disengage your door and operate it manually because it isn’t working properly, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has extensive knowledge in repairing and replacing garage doors Pittsburgh, PA.

3 Popular Residential Garage Door Styles

Your home is not only the place where your raise your family, but it also reflects your style. Your residential garage doors Pittsburgh are the largest entrance to your home, and a major factor when it comes to “curb appeal.”  That being the case, it is good to personalize your door to reflect your style by selecting a door that is unique to your home.

Traditional Raised-Panel Garage Doors

While traditional, the raised-panel garage doors are still a clean and classic look. This particular style of door is identifiable due to its iconic symmetrical, raised-rectangular panels. Traditional doors are available in different sizes and colors, with or without glass, to help you achieve the exact look you are searching for.

Contemporary Garage Doors

Homes that are newer and more contemporary, can be greatly enhanced by a contemporary garage door. These types of doors provide homes with a clean and functional design that enhances curb appeal. Contemporary doors are available in aluminum, glass, steel or wood. If you are looking for a truly unique yet beautifully contemporary door, a combination of metal, glass, and wood can create a fresh look for your home’s exterior.

Carriage-House Garage Doors

Carriage-house style garage doors are sometimes referred to as barn style garage doors. These doors have a distinct rustic style, making them stand out from all the other garage doors on the block. Carriage-house garage doors are the perfect complement to a craftsman or mission style home. If you’re a homeowner looking for a distinct door with an aesthetically pleasing look that can complement your home’s existing décor, the carriage-house door is the perfect style for you!

When you are looking for the right door for your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your residential garage doors expert in Western Pennsylvania. With years of experience and a wide selection of residential garage doors Pittsburgh to choose from, you can’t go wrong purchasing your next garage door from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!

6 Signs You Need a New Garage Door

As a homeowner, spending money on costly repairs and upgrades to your home with little to no return on your investment is anything but satisfying. One repair that can be made to your home that won’t break the bank, while offering an immediate return on your investment, replacing an overhead door Pittsburgh PA. Not only are garage doors one of the first things that people see when they come to your home, they are also a feature that you use multiple times a day. Because it is such a vital part of your home, it is important that it is in good working condition.

Because garage doors can be a huge investment, you’ll want to make sure that your door can’t be repaired and needs to be replaced. There are a few factors that will indicate that it is time to invest in a new door, some of which include:

1. Speed: When you push your garage door button, you should start to notice some sort of movement right away. If your door isn’t responding to your remote as fast as it used to, you might need to look into getting it replaced.
2. Noise: Noise is a good indication that either a part needs to be repaired or replaced on your garage door. Don’t just ignore the noise, thinking that it is just part of the garage door. It could potentially be an indication of something serious that needs to be addressed. If your garage door starts to make a lot of noise in the form of grinding, crunching, grating, squeaking, or banging, you’ll want to look into a replacement door.
3. Safety and Security: Due to the excessive weight, garage doors can pose a huge safety risk if they come slamming down too fast or unexpectedly. As soon as you notice a potential safety risk, such as your door not shutting all the way, or your sensors not working properly, it is time to get your door replaced. These are all issues that can harm you, your family, or your pets.
4. Appearance: The way your garage door looks will have a tremendous impact on the overall curb appeal and value of your home. Over time, doors will go out of style, leaving your home looking older and less stylish. Investing in a new garage door not only improves your home’s curb appeal but can also make your home look more modern and attractive. It is an investment that is money well spent.
5. Functionality: Over time, wear and tear will accumulate on your garage door. Dings and dents are inevitable, while debris can build up over time. Garage door springs generally only last around 10,000 cycles before they need to be replaced. Most issues with an older garage door can be repaired, but if you are worried about your garage door not working properly or failing, it might be time to consider investing in a replacement.
6. Price: Because garage doors are made up of several parts, you will generally be making a huge investment up front or over time as you continually pay for repairs on an older door. If you find that you are continually forking out money for repairs or breakdowns, you might want to consider investing your money in a new door and not repairs. Maintenance costs for your overhead door Pittsburgh PA should not be a constant expense.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we have experienced technicians that can diagnose garage door problems and provide you with cost-effective solutions. Whether it is a simple repair job or a complete, new door install, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your Pittsburgh garage door expert!

The 4 Most Common Garage Door Repairs For Homeowners

Many homeowners consider their garage door’s creaking and groaning to all be part of owning a garage door and don’t consider the possibility that it could be an indication of something more serious. If your garage door has visible damage to the panels, is making loud noises, or simply doesn’t open or close, it might be time to hire garage door repair Pittsburgh PA professionals. Here are 4 common garage door repairs to be aware of.

• Broken Garage Door Springs

For manual garage doors, it is easy to notice when your springs are broken, as the door will be difficult to lift and will slam down when trying to close it. For automatic doors, the door won’t open at all. In order for you to manually open your door, you’ll have to disengage the emergency release and operate it manually.

• Misaligned Sensor

Automatic doors are equipped with two laser sensors located at the bottom of your garage door to prevent damage and injuries. If there is an object that disrupts the laser from beaming directly into the other laser, the door will not shut. If these sensors get bumped or become misaligned, the door will not be able to shut, reversing immediately or not operating at all. Sensors can be adjusted and realigned until they are lined up again, allowing the door to operate properly.

• Dead Garage Door Remote

For most, garage door remotes can last for a long time before the batteries need to be replaced. If your remote no longer operates your garage door, try replacing the batteries. If new batteries don’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire remote. If remotes get dropped, they are more susceptible to breaking. Try using the wall switch to see if your door will operate to determine if you need to replace your remote or if you have other, more serious problems.

• Door Off Track

If a door gets hit with an object or slams down too hard it is easy for your door to get off track. When this happens, you’ll need to hire professional garage door repair Pittsburgh PA to repair and perform maintenance to the door and track. In most cases, your door will need to be reattached to the rail, which you should not do yourself.

The best way to prevent garage door problems is to perform regular maintenance. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we have experienced technicians who are trained in inspecting and repairing garage doors to ensure that your door continues to work time after time. If you find that your garage door isn’t working or needs maintenance, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!

Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors: What’s the Difference?