The Benefits of Automated Garage Doors

Are you considering getting an automated garage door? If you don’t have one yet, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. 

But we’re going to fill you in right here and explain 3 of the top benefits of having an automated garage door. 

Convenience

Does the convenience factor need much explanation? Nope!

After all, who really likes having to jump out of their car to open the garage door when they get home? When it’s cold and raining, the last thing you want to be doing is standing outside trying to find the right key for your garage door. 

The automatic door allows you to open it with a push of a button while nestled comfortably inside your car. 

Security

Aside from just being convenient, automatic garage doors help keep your home more secure as well. They can’t be opened from the outside without a remote and you don’t have to remember to make sure they are locked all the time. 

And if you’re worried about savvy thieves who use remote control scanners, you can put your garage door in vacation mode. This disables remote controls so you can go on vacation and know your home is protected as much as possible. 

Safety

Automatic garage doors are equipped with safety features that don’t allow the door to come down if there is someone or something in its path. Regular garage doors don’t have these features.

All it takes is for the door to come too far forward and gravity will ruthlessly bring it down — regardless of if there is someone standing there. Automated doors have sensors that make the likelihood of being crushed by your garage door almost zero.

The Best Automatic Garage Door

When an automatic garage door system is installed correctly, it’s a huge benefit to your daily life. Of course, proper installation is a must so you’ll want professional help like that of the team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Reach out today to learn more!

Essential Safety Tips for Garage Doors

Can you imagine having your 150-pound garage door come down on top of you? You probably can’t and it’s better you don’t. Let’s just put it on the list of things you don’t need to try to know they are a bad idea. 

While the likelihood of your garage door falling on top of you is slim, here are a few safety tips you can follow to bring the risk down to virtually zero.

Check the Sensors

Automatic garage doors have little infrared sensors on either side of the door that send a beam of light across the bottom of the garage door. If anything is breaking this beam, the door won’t close. However, if the sensors get misaligned, this safety feature won’t work. Check them once a month or so to ensure they are working properly.

Test the Reversal System

The reversal system is a big safety feature that is mandatory on all garage door systems. Sensors are used to detect if the door touches something on its way down. If it does, the door is supposed to immediately reverse and go back up. 

Check the system by placing an object on the ground short enough that it won’t break the sensor beam so the door will close. A 2×4 piece of wood works well for this. When the door touches the object, it should reverse direction. 

Listen to Your Door

Garage doors will often complain about their problems, you just have to be paying attention. Listen for unusual screeching, knocking, rattling, or squeaking sounds while your garage door is in operation.

Concerned About Your Garage Door?

If you have any reason to be concerned about your garage door, it doesn’t hurt to call the experts. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can help you make sure that your system is running properly and safely. 

After all, garage doors can be dangerous, but keeping them safe is a piece of cake. So why not prevent problems before they start?

Factors to Consider When Buying a Garage Door

It’s time for a new garage door. There are lots of options available, but which one is right for you? It can be helpful to narrow your search by determining what factors are most important to you when choosing a garage door.

Let’s look at the top factors to consider here.

Material

The material affects everything about your garage door including its function, how it looks, and even the price tag. Choose from relatively inexpensive steel, corrosion-resistant aluminum, or the classic look of wooden doors. 

Aesthetics

No matter how you look at it, your garage door takes up a lot of space on your home’s facade. Thus, it has a huge impact on the overall look of your home. But thankfully, you can choose from hundreds of colors, styles, and glass designs to get a door that not only complements but augments the look of your home. 

Door Noise

Garage doors can be quite noisy as they roll up and down. If you have an attached garage, this racket can be a bit of a pain. Imagine having just got the baby down for a nap, only to have your spouse come home and wake them with the garage door opener!

A door with polyurethane insulation and nylon rollers can help cut down on the noise. 

Price

While the price of your new garage door shouldn’t be the principal concern, it always is a major factor. 

Decide on what type of door will best fit your needs and then try to find something in your price range. If you have to compromise on one of your factors, choose carefully. Not getting the garage door you need because of the price can end up being more expensive in the long run.

Ready to Buy a New Garage Door?

Of course, a great way to make sure you get the best door for your needs is to chat with the experts. Our team here at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is ready to help you choose the perfect garage door for your home!

The Benefits of Installing an Insulated Garage Door

Your garage door doesn’t just keep your home secure. As part of your building’s exterior envelope, it’s the front line in your fight against the weather. Here’s why it might make sense to fortify your defenses by upgrading to an insulated garage door. 

You Can Capitalize on Energy Savings

Installing an insulated garage door has an obvious benefit: The more insulation your door has, the better it stops heat transfer. In other words, you’ll lose less warmth to the exterior in winter and absorb less heat from outside when you’re trying to stay cool in summer.

These benefits don’t just impact your garage itself. Remember: Garages may seem like independent spaces, but they still connect to the rest of a building’s interior. Keeping your space temperate lets you spend less on climate control throughout your entire home or business. Upgrading can also boost your property’s value ahead of a future sale.

You Might Spend Less on Maintenance

Insulated doors tend to absorb far less heat. After your installation, your door will stop feeling like a frying pan every time you get near it on a sunny day. Nearby components, such as the springs, cables, tracks, and motors that let your garage door function properly, will also absorb less heat.

Over time, this can result in less temperature-induced expansion and contraction. In other words, it helps you minimize wear and tear. Although you’ll still need regular maintenance from a reputable provider, you may reduce your upkeep bills in the long run.

You’ll Protect Your Possessions

One of the coolest unanticipated benefits of insulated doors is that they make it easier to keep your possessions safe. Many property owners use their garages as catch-all storage spaces. Whether you’re keeping tools, summer vacation gear, memorabilia, or your favorite snacks in your garage, an insulated door is the best choice. 

Ready to change how you think about property ownership with an insulated garage door? Chat with an expert at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to get started.

Protecting Your Garage Door Springs This Winter

The freezing temperatures that can come along with winter are hard on your garage door springs. Find out how you can minimize the effects of cold on garage door springs in the winter time. 

Cold Weather and Your Garage Door Springs 

Cold winters often bring snowball fights, sledding, and cozy evenings at home. Unfortunately for a garage door, the low temperatures can cause issues with your garage door springs. The springs on a garage door maintain the doors balance, as well as offset the weight of the door itself. This allows the door to be raised with minimal effort and lowered gently to prevent damage. The main problem during the cold weather is that garage door springs become more brittle when they are very cold, leaving them vulnerable. Fortunately there are several ways to reduce the cold weather’s effect on your garage door springs.  

Rest the Garage Door Springs on Warmer Days 

Garage door springs are under the most tension when your garage door is closed. This means that during cold weather months, the springs are likely to be under tension almost 24 hours per day. If you happen to have some unseasonably warm days, consider leaving your garage door open for a couple of hours each day to allow the springs to rest. 

Proper Garage Door Maintenance 

There are several factors that can prevent the failure of a garage door spring including preventing rust, proper spring lubrication, and regular door maintenance. Repair leaks in your garage, and check your system regularly for rust damage. Garage door springs should also be properly lubricated up to 3 times per year. Professional garage door service is recommended at least annually. A qualified garage door technician will inspect and lubricate your garage door system thoroughly to ensure that everything is in peak condition.  

Keeping You Garage Door Springs Warmer

During the coldest days of the year, you can protect your garage door springs by keeping your garage warmer than the outside. The best way to do this is proper insulation, particularly on your garage door. Well insulated garage doors and walls will help maintain a reasonable temperature inside the garage and protect your garage door springs as well.   

If you are interested in more information about service for your garage door springs, call the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. at 724-443-1437. 

Ideas for Decorating Your Garage for the Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing! There is no better time than now to put up your Christmas decorations and start sprucing up your home for the holidays. At the same time, don’t limit yourself to just decorating inside your home with Christmas decorations. Take the time to decorate your garage door in a way that will make you want to jump with joy. With a few inexpensive supplies and a little imagination, anyone can turn their garage door into a fantastic postcard with a holiday theme. Here are some exciting garage door decorating ideas, perfect for making your garage door the talk of the town.

Projections For The Holidays

The market is full of affordable holiday projectors online and in-store, perfect for entertaining your entire neighborhood. Consider investing in a projector if you want to display elaborate holiday-inspired scenes or special effects on your garage door. 

A Giant Gift Box

Make your garage door a gift that keeps on giving. Turn up the festive charm by embellishing it with a grand ribbon and giant red bows. To create a giant curtain for your garage door, you can cut colorful strips from sheets, and adorn it with felt balls, plush fabric, or huge ribbons. 

Lighting and Garlands
For a classic and elegant holiday look, decorate your garage with Christmas decorations, lights, and garlands. For a wintery glow, add sparkling snowflake lights, alternating with red and green lights. Your home exterior will be adorned with holiday warmth without being overbearing.

Christmas Winter Mural

If you’re looking for ways to make your garage look cheery and festive, the winter months are a great time to get creative. This holiday season, consider painting a mural on your garage door if you want to take your decorations to the next level. Grab some exterior paint and primer and create your very own wintery masterpiece. 

Now anyone can transform their boring garage door into a vibrant holiday delight with these effortless garage door decorating ideas. Whether you need a residential or commercial garage door, look no further than Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Get in touch with us at 724-443-1437. 

Safety Tips for Garage Doors

A garage door is a convenient addition to any home, allowing safe, convenient entry and protecting your garage space and the contents from the elements. It’s important to utilize proper maintenance and operating procedures to ensure it’s safe to use your garage door. Here are a few tips to follow to make garage doors as safe as possible. 

Periodically Test the Electronic Controls

Electric sensors and control units enable modern garage doors to open and close safely. However, if these devices malfunction, your garage door may not sense that a person or animal is in its path.

When a garage door’s electronic controls sense that something is in its path, it reverses course as a safety feature. A garage door without functional electronic controls is a huge safety hazard and can cause serious injury. 

Test the sensors by passing an object in front of them when your garage door is closing; it should immediately stop closing. Your sensors are mounted to the side rails a few inches from the ground. 

Regularly Examine Your Garage Door for Signs of Wear or Damage

Each month, examine the components of your garage door, like the rollers, hardware, springs, and cables, to confirm that nothing is stretched or broken. If something looks broken or worn out, don’t use your garage door until a professional examines and fixes the damaged component. 

Encourage Safe Habits

Make sure that your kids and family members understand safe garage door habits. Your family should understand that the garage door remote isn’t a toy or something for kids to use. Store the remote where it isn’t easily accessible to ensure children don’t accidentally gain access to it.

Teach your kids to stay away from the springs and garage door hardware, as these components can cause injury. Tell them to wait until the garage door is completely open and finished moving before going underneath it. 

Increase the Safety of Your Garage Door

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. has the experience and knowledge to fix any issues that cause your garage door to pose a safety risk. Contact us at 724-443-1437 to get started. 

Why Fall is a Great Time to Replace Garage Doors

If your garage door is starting to show signs of wear and tear or it just doesn’t work properly, it may be time to replace it. While it might seem inconvenient to replace your garage door, fall is a terrific time for garage door replacement for a few different reasons.

You’ll Better Insulate Your Home Against Chilly Winter Temperatures

Your garage door plays an important role in insulating your commercial or residential space. A door with poor insulating properties or damaged areas will make it harder and more expensive to keep your garage at a comfortable temperature. This will also cause rooms beside or above the garage to be less energy efficient. 

It’s Easier to Install a Garage Door in the Fall

Replacing a garage door exposes the garage to outside temperatures during the replacement period. Installing your new garage door in the fall means that you won’t be exposing your garage space to ultra-cold temperatures. 

Winter is a less-than-ideal time to install a new garage door. Unexpected precipitation and frigid weather can affect your garage space, and unfavorable travel conditions can delay the arrival of your new door.

Fall is less likely to have weather-related delays, and if delays do occur, they’ll have less disruption on your home or business. 

You’ll Have More Convenient Access to Your Home

The fall and winter months are busy times for homes and businesses. You may have a host of holiday gatherings to attend or expect high customer volume. A new garage door makes it fast and convenient for you to open, close, and access your garage.

Thanks to smart garage technology, you can even open and close your gatrage door when you’re away from your home. If out-of-town holiday guests show up early or you need to allow employees unexpected access to the space, you can do so remotely. 

Get Started on Your Garage Door Replacement

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is ready to help with your residential or commercial garage door replacement. Contact us at 724-443-1437 to get started. 

Solutions for Loud Garage Doors

When you open or close your garage door, it’s worrisome to hear a lot of noises or screeching when it’s operating. If you have a residential garage, you may worry that the noise is disruptive to your neighbors. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix a loud garage door. 

Adjust the Chain Drive

If your garage door opener uses a chain drive, you should check that the chain is properly adjusted. Though chain-drive garage door openers tend to be a bit noisier than other alternatives, tightening the chain may reduce the noise that it makes. 

Replace Worn-Out Rollers

The rollers are attached to the sides of your garage door and sit inside of the track. They help your garage door move smoothly when you open and close it.

When the rollers start to wear out, they make more noise. If worn-out rollers are the cause of your loud garage door, replacing them will solve this issue. Consider replacing your rollers with nylon rollers; nylon rollers are the quietest roller option for your residential garage door. 

Check the Placement of Your Garage Door Opener

It’s normal for a garage door opener to vibrate a little when it opens or closes your garage door. If your garage door opener isn’t installed in the correct location, these vibrations will cause your garage door opener to rattle against your ceiling.

You can solve this issue by installing anti-vibration pads that stifle the vibrations. Another option is to reinstall your garage door opener so that it doesn’t come into contact with your ceiling. 

Lubricate Your Door

Without proper lubrication, your garage door’s components will rub against each other and cause excessive noise. Regular lubrication will help the hinges, springs, and roller bearings operate smoothly and quietly. 

Get Help with Your Loud Garage Door

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is ready to help you diagnose and fix the source of noisy residential garage doors. We also offer garage replacement. Contact us at 724-443-1437. 

Decorate Your Garage Doors This Summer

A garage door isn’t uncommon to have connected to a house. However, it can be a little outdated looking just being painted. What’s the best way to spruce up your garage door? How can you make it look amazing without overdoing it? We’ll go over some ideas to get you one step closer to having an eye-catching garage door area.

First Things First 

Renting- If you rent, you may need to get the owner’s permission and make sure they’re okay with you making the changes. They may have conditions to negotiate to ensure it’ll still look nice. They may only let you make changes to the surrounding grass, or say potted plants or decorations only.

Own- If you own your home, then this isn’t an issue to update your door. Now you just have to figure out if you want to plant flowers, pot plants, paint the garage door or change it completely. 

Plants and Flowers

Ivy- You can plant ivy to grow around your garage door. It looks beautiful and elegant as it drapes around it. However, you need to make sure the ivy you decide on can handle the amount of sun and shade the area gets. 

Potted trees- A small species of tree is always a wonderful look to arrange near your garage.

Hanging baskets- A beautiful way to delicately showcase your favorite flowers. Pair colors for a homier look, or choose bright, stand out colors.

Bushes- Rose bushes are a popular choice to dress up a yard. Especially a focal point like your garage door. 

Design

You don’t have to settle on just changing the color of your garage door. You can also consider changing it all together, especially if you’ve gotten some dings in it throughout the years. There are all kinds of designs with or without windows with different styles to choose from. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc will make the changes for you if you decide to switch your door out. 

Color

There’s no limit to this unless your landlord gave you a specific color only. Matching a nice paint with the outside of your home can be tricky though.

With many ways to decorate around your garage doors, or designs you can decide on. There’s no reason to keep hating your current doors. Let’s get your garage door needs taken care of and your home looking even better.