4 Benefits of Upgrading to an Insulated Garage Door

Garage doors serve many purposes. They secure our homes by locking out intruders, they keep animals out, and they create a protected space for our vehicles and other belongings by sheltering them from the weather. While just about any kind of a garage door can suffice, there are things that insulated garage doors do that go beyond protecting our homes and the possessions inside.

Here are some reasons to consider upgrading to an insulated garage door.

1. Insulated Garage Doors Make Less Noise – Non-insulated lightweight doors often  make the most noise. This can be an issue for people trying to sleep or work in rooms located directly over the garage or next to it. Insulated doors are heavier and the panels are made of tightly bonded materials, so they vibrate less when moving up or down along the track. They can also help to block more noise from the area surrounding your home.
2. Insulated Garage Doors Last Longer – Since the panels are constructed from layered materials, they are stronger and more durable than non-insulated doors. Older style garage door panels are made by wrapping thin sheets of steel over the panel frames, which makes them essentially hollow. They can be easily dented or damaged when hit by a car, a bicycle, or even a basketball or football. A dented garage door takes away from your home’s curb appeal and value. With an insulated garage door, you can ensure the value of that garage door for years to come.
3. Insulated Garage Doors Save You Money – An insulated garage door will hold more heat inside your garage and therefore, your home. This means that less heat is lost from your home through the garage and your furnace won’t have to work harder to compensate for it. Your insulated garage door will save you money on your heating bills each month.
4. Insulated Garage Doors Protect Your Car – Cold weather affects cars in adverse ways, such as decreasing the air pressure in tires, thickening engine and brake fluids, and causing the battery to have a harder time starting the vehicle. An insulated door can raise the temperature inside the garage to about 42° F when the temperature outside is 20°F. Car batteries work best at temperatures between 30 and 90° F. Upgrading to an insulated garage door protects some of your biggest investments, your home and your vehicle.

Choosing the right insulated garage door for your home involves knowing which materials would provide the best value and style. An experienced garage door installation company like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., can show you the available options and help you make an excellent choice.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter

Four Tips for Getting Your Garage Door Ready for Winter

Wintertime can be a rough season for your garage door. Battering winds and freezing temperatures are examples of things that can damage this important segment of your home. Here are four ways to protect and reinforce your garage door before the temperatures start to drop.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

Look for any existing damage on your door and its tracks. Stand outside and open and close the door a few times. Is it producing any abnormal sounds like clanking or screeching? Observe how smoothly the door moves up and down and if it gets caught up on the tracks at any given time. For a more comprehensive assessment, consider bringing in a garage door maintenance and installation company, like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Grease Your Door’s Moving Mechanical Parts

This is a simple maintenance tip that you can do yourself without needing to hire a professional garage door technician. Purchase a quality lubricant solution, usually in spray form, and apply a fresh coat to any of the door’s moving components. These include the rollers, springs, and hinges.

Fully Seal Your Garage Doors

At nighttime, stand outside of your garage door and close it. Check the bottom of the door to see if there is any light seeping out from inside the garage. If so, the garage door does not fully seal. And although that doesn’t cause any structural damage, a garage door that isn’t fully sealed allows hot air to escape to the outside. You may need to call a garage door specialist to help you fix this issue.

Clean the Sensors

Modern garage doors typically come with safety sensors that keep them from closing on a person or object passing below them. This is especially important for households with children, pets, and elderly tenants. Dirt and debris can accumulate and cover or damage the sensors, preventing them from doing their job. Clean these regularly to protect yourself and your loved ones.

One of the easiest ways to prepare your garage door for the cold months is to schedule regular garage door maintenance at least once a year.

Common Garage Door Repairs

Common Garage Door Problems and Their Solutions

An average garage door’s life expectancy is about 15 years. If you schedule maintenance for your door, it could stay in good shape for up to 30 years. Although regular maintenance prevents the need for repairs, a good garage door can still malfunction or break down.

There are a few very common garage door repair situations. Read below to learn more about what they are and how a trained garage door technician can help.

Broken Wheels

When a garage door has broken wheels, it will fail to roll smoothly on the horizontal and vertical tracks. If you keep your rollers properly lubricated, you’ll protect them.

The Solution

This type of repair job has phases. You’ll need to know how to disconnect the power and how to align the door. An experienced technician can perform these tasks quickly and effectively.

Broken Springs

The springs pull a garage door up. If they’re damaged, a garage door won’t open correctly. Typically, garage door springs are extremely durable. On average, they can withstand up to 10,000 cycles.

When your garage door’s springs require maintenance or repair, you’ll notice some signs. If your door isn’t balanced, the springs are probably failing. Also, listen closely as the garage door opens. If you can hear a squeaking sound, the springs may need repairs or lubricant.

The Solution

To replace a broken garage door spring, you’ll need to know how to identify specific extension or torsion springs. As knowledgeable technicians, we work with these springs every day. We can replace:

Clipped-end extension springs

Double-looped extension springs

Open-looped extension springs

Torque-master torsion springs

Steel-rolling door torsion springs

Early-set torsion springs

Standard torsion springs

Broken Automatic Opener

A garage door opener has many components that work together. If a garage door opener fails, it probably has a defective part or a wiring problem.

The Solution

You should hire a trained garage door technician for this job. This isn’t a DIY project because a garage door opener has many electrical hazards.

Garage door repairs require a certain level of expertise. If you’re not certified, it is best to turn to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. whenever your garage door needs repairs.

Benefits of Installing a New Garage Door

6 Advantages of Getting a New Garage Door

If you’re not already keeping up with the latest developments in garage door technology, then it might be time to take a look at your options. There are plenty of benefits that come with having a new garage door installed. 

Comfort and Ease

Your garage door is a source of comfort for you and your family. The features and designs that come with a new garage door today will provide you with a sense of peace that comes from knowing your home is secure.

Energy Efficiency

Mirrors, lights, and other accessories used to keep your garage door closed are very energy-intensive. Replacing them with more efficient designs will save you money on utility bills every month.

Security

A new design garage door will not only make your home more inviting, but it will also help ensure the security of the people inside. The new designs and features come with added protection against crime. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today for more information about how these new features protect your home and your family.

Convenience

Your garage door is a source of convenience for you and your family. The latest designs of this type come with state-of-the-art features that will make it easy for everyone to get inside or leave the house quickly and efficiently.

Durability and Reliability

Currently, these new designs of garage doors come with several features that make them robust and reliable in even the harshest weather conditions. The new designs will ensure the longevity of your garage door for years to come.

Color

Today’s garage doors come in a wide range of colors. You won’t have to settle for the color that was installed when you built your home. You can now choose from various colors and materials that will increase your home’s value.

There are many benefits of installing a new garage door, such as better energy efficiency, protection, durability, and more. Homeowners should consider the benefits of the upgraded features of newer models. Reach out to Giel Garage Doors to learn more about installing a new garage door.

4 Steps for When Your Garage Door Gets Stuck

When a garage door gets stuck, it creates a major annoyance as well as a safety hazard. Homeowners ought to be able to open and close the door whenever they please. On occasion, however, the garage door simply won’t cooperate. Here are some steps you can take when your garage door gets stuck.

Confirm Power

A lack of power is typically the easiest issue to fix, so start there. Ensure the garage door opener is plugged into an outlet. If it is, test the outlet by plugging in another device (such as a nightlight) and seeing whether or not the new device is receiving power. If the car remote or keypad will not open the door but the interior button will, try a new set of batteries in either the remote or keypad as needed.

Check the Lock

The locking feature may have been inadvertently activated. Check the interior panel to make sure it is not “locked.” In lock mode, the door will not respond to remotes. The interior button will usually be lit to some degree. A steady light indicates that the door is unlocked while a flashing light usually means the door is locked. To lock or unlock a door, press and hold the “lock” button until the light pattern changes.

Lubricate Moving Metal Parts

Most hardware stores sell lubricants designed specifically for garage door openers. Use this type or another silicone-based lubricant. Spray a small amount of lubricant on top of the rails, at metal hinges, and along metal springs. During this step, also ensure bolts and other fasteners are secure. Lubrication is an important step in door maintenance and should be performed at least once every six months.

Test the Alignment

When a garage door becomes misaligned,it often struggles to open or close. If the door is stuck, try using the manual release  to slide the door open or closed by hand. When properly lubricated, the door should glide easily and smoothly. If not, the door is likely misaligned, which will require professional attention.

Some home maintenance concerns can be handled without professional help. In the event of a garage door getting stuck, several steps can be taken at home before reaching out to a professional repair team. Follow these steps to diagnose and remedy the stuck garage door. 

If your garage door is causing your problems, schedule a service call with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. experts. For more helpful information about maintaining your garage door, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

How to Prevent Garage Fires

Owners and renters invest a great amount of time and money to prevent or minimize fire damage. Local building codes set a number of standards to reduce fire hazards. Fires can spread quite rapidly from one area to another, including the garage. Within the home, we take several precautions, and we should do so in the garage as well. Here are some tips on how to prevent garage fires.

Take Care of Your Chargers

Many individuals store power tools or other electronics in the garage. If a charger or other device is plugged into a garage outlet, take care to reduce the associated risk of fire. Since electronics emit warmth, allow plenty of space between devices. This will prevent too much heat from building up. Ensure that each device has adequate airflow to its ventilation fan. Proper ventilation will also reduce the risk of fire.

Store Flammables Responsibly

A garage can be home to a number of highly-flammable materials, including gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, and more. Store such items in a fireproof metal cabinet. Make sure that the cabinet door closes securely. By securing the flammables apart from other garage items, you will significantly reduce the amount of fuel for any potential fires. In the event of a fire, the closed metal door can minimize the temperature within the cabinet.

Eliminate Clutter

Garages are commonly intended for storing outdoor items such as garden tools, snow blowers, and bicycles. Over time, many unplanned items take up residence in the garage. Experts recommend that occupants maintain the garage at a “home-like” level of clutter. Each item is flammable to some degree, so clutter removal is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of fire. 

Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on home fire insurance and fire prevention methods. A number of house fires begin in the garage. The garage is usually attached to or close to the home, so it is important to prevent fires in the garage as well as the home. By limiting the potential fire hazards as listed above, an owner or renter can help prevent garage fires. For more helpful information about keeping your home safe and secure, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

Common Winter Door Problems and How to Fix Them

For people living in colder climates, winter can be harsh and destructive. Icy winters can produce a number of troubles. Car batteries are strained, walkways become slippery, and garage doors can start having problems. Many of these issues can be resolved without enlisting a professional. Check out these common winter door problems and how to fix them. 

Ineffective Lubricant

In warm temperatures, lubricants are more runny and can move around easily. During the winter, lubricants become more dense, and heavy grease may not move easily enough to properly lubricate the garage door opener. Lubrication reduces the amount of work a motor must perform in order to open the garage door. If a heavy grease has been used, apply an even coat of a silicone-based lubricant. A local hardware store will most likely carry a product designed specifically for garage doors.

Frozen Garage Door

During periods of prolonged freezing, garage doors may become frozen and refuse to budge. Frozen garage doors are highly inconvenient, and they can cause further damage to the garage door opener. An immobile door strains the motor, and pieces of the door itself can break if the door is forced open. Where the door meets the ground, remove any existing ice with hot water and a snow shovel. Once the area is clear and dry-ish, apply ice melt as needed. Regular snow removal can prevent future icing.

Fatigued Metal Parts

Metal parts (such as springs) often face additional strain during winter months. More force is often required to open the door in the cold, due to less lubrication and other issues. The increased work can advance a metal part from being strained to outright fatigued. Cold temperatures often render moving parts brittle, and more likely to snap. To avoid potential damages, replace worn parts before they have a chance to break.

Winter can be a festive time for visits and winter sports. The cold season, however, is a time when extra precautions must be taken. Preventative measures can improve the lifespan of the door opener while preventing lockouts. If you run into any of these common garage door problems this winter, the solution may be rather simple.

If your garage door is causing your problems, schedule a service call with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. experts.  For more helpful information about maintaining your garage door, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

How to Make Your Garage Door More Secure

Home security is a top priority for homeowners and renters alike. Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on home security systems. Doors and windows can be secured by locks and even iron bars, but homeowners often puzzle over what to do with the garage. Below are some tips for making your garage door more secure.

Lock Doors

It may seem like a given, but many homeowners (and renters) do not possess garage door locks. These simple devices can be purchased for around $10 and are relatively easy to install. Like other types of locks, a garage door lock requires a key for entry. For additional security, lock the door between the garage and the home. This simple task can further deter anyone who managed to gain entry to the garage.

Frost Windows

Garage windows serve to let in natural light as well as adding a little style to any structure. Clear garage windows, however, cannot prevent peeping eyes from discovering what treasures lie within. Homes are less likely to be targeted if belongings are easy to view. Keep your items hidden (more or less) by frosting the windows in the garage and garage door. 

Motion-Detecting Lights

Would-be burglars go to great lengths to remain unseen. A motion-detecting light can help thwart criminal activity in two ways. First, it illuminates the area so that their activity can be seen more easily. Second, and perhaps more importantly, when an exterior light is turned on, it sends a message along the lines of, “I see you.” Criminals often walk away if they think someone is watching them. Install a motion-sensitive flood light over any area that could use added security.

Monitor Activity

Home surveillance can include much more than a video recording. Many systems are viewable remotely, meaning that a garage door can be monitored from the office or vacation destination. Most of these will notify you when movement is detected. Some systems have microphones and speakers, allowing the residents to communicate with visitors. 

Garages provide a way for residents to both store a vehicle and access the home. While a garage door is highly convenient for the home’s occupants, it may also be seen as a convenient access point for intruders. Consider the points above to help make your garage door more secure. For more helpful information about keeping your home secure, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

3 Tips for Preventing Injuries Caused By Garage Doors

Many American families enjoy a wide array of conveniences such as power tools, televisions, and toasters. Each device, however, has inherent risks. Homeowners take necessary precautions, both indoors and outdoors, to avoid floods, fires, and other mishaps. Home safety should also include the garage. Here are some tips for preventing injuries caused by garage doors. 

Safety Mechanisms

Garage door companies aim to minimize the risk of injury to homeowners. One way such businesses achieve this is to offer various safety mechanisms for the garage door. A key safety feature is known as “auto reverse.” This feature means that the door will stop closing (or opening) if it encounters a physical obstacle. Motion detection sensors will cause the door to open if a potential obstacle crosses the path of the garage door. Garage doors should come equipped with a manual release, which allows the homeowner to open and close the door by hand if necessary.

Monthly Inspection

Every month, take inventory of which garage door components seem to need extra attention. Look for rust on any metal parts. Commonly worn areas include the rollers, springs, and cables. A garage door should always run smoothly, even if it is old. Check for unsteady movement or unusual sounds. Wipe clean any very dirty areas, and ensure that metal joints are well-lubricated. If you notice something suspicious, contact a professional for an evaluation. Even if the issue proves minimal, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Professional Maintenance

Garage door manufacturers recommend that a door be serviced every six months. Doing this will allow potential problems to be corrected before they become a safety issue. The professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can determine when belts and bolts have become “too worn.” Our experts often check areas where a homeowner may not have considered. Preventative maintenance should only be performed by a professional. The garage door opener is a delicate, powerful system. Avoid mishaps by leaving maintenance and repairs to the experts. 

We want our homes and property to be functional, beautiful, and safe. Homeowners vigilantly monitor home security, fire hazards, and other safety concerns. A garage door is generally used several times a day. Like a home entry door, a garage door must be maintained, and repaired when necessary, to maximize safety for the family. The process above will help prevent injuries caused by garage doors. 

Maintenance to Get Your Garage Door Ready for Cold Weather

As the weather cools, many homeowners find themselves preparing for winter. Homes are cleaned, and vehicles are serviced. Include the garage door in your home maintenance this year. Below are some ideas for fall maintenance to get your garage door ready for cold weather.

Lubricate

Somewhere in the back of our minds, most of us are aware that garage doors have moving parts and should be lubricated. The reason why doors need lubricant is because moving parts (especially the metal ones) create friction when rubbing together. Increased friction means increased strain on the garage door opener and can lead to mechanical issues. Moving metal parts should be greased every six months with a lubricant designed specially for garage door openers.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is a key feature on garage doors. It serves both to protect the garage from drafts and to cushion the door itself. Each year, weather stripping is exposed to harsh conditions such as heat, cold, wind, sun, and rain. Everyday use can also cause wear. Check for areas that are cracked, chipped, or are detached from the door. Repair or replace damaged weather stripping in order to better protect your garage from the elements.

Clean

During the winter, salt and dirt can build up on a garage door, eating away at the finish. Before that can happen, be sure to wash off any existing residue from the garage door. Touch up any areas where the door could use refinishing. Also check the garage door opener and clean any dirty parts, such as the tracks. The onset of winter is also a good time for ensuring the garage itself is clean and organized.

Whether it’s the cooler weather or simply the change of seasons, something motivates people to perform home cleaning and maintenance. Each home feature is important, including the garage door. Avoid costly repairs by maintaining a properly cared-for garage door. Your wallet will thank you. For more helpful information about garage doors, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.