Snow and Ice: Preventing Garage Door Freezing and Sticking

When winter’s frosty grip takes hold, every corner of our homes feels the chill, from frosted windows to snow-capped roofs. But of all these cold-induced inconveniences, one of the most frustrating is the stubborn refusal of a frozen garage door to budge.

Whether you’re hurrying to get your vehicle out on a chilly morning or striving to secure it safely inside during a snowstorm, a frozen garage door can throw a wrench in your plans. This article will tell you how to prevent a frozen garage door.

Apply a Silicone-Based Lubricant

Using a silicone lubricant on the bottom rubber seal of your garage door can deter it from adhering to icy surfaces. These lubricants have a low freezing point, ensuring that your garage door doesn’t stick to the ground even in extreme cold.

Sprinkle Salt Beneath the Garage Door

Rock salt acts as an inhibitor to water’s freezing process. By sprinkling it on the ground both inside and outside of the garage door, you expedite the snow’s melting process. This action ensures the melted snow doesn’t solidify again, preventing the garage door from sticking to the ground.

Add an Electric Heater in Your Garage

If you anticipate snow or frost overnight, activate the heater upon waking for a faster melting process on the door. However, it’s essential to exercise caution. Only use the heater while you’re present and vigilant, and position the heater away from combustible items to minimize the risk of fire.

Install an Insulated Garage Door

An insulated garage door enhances thermal efficiency, keeping cold air out and warmth in. This conserves energy and minimizes the likelihood of your door freezing shut in colder months.

Weatherstripping

Ensuring a tight seal between the door and the floor prevents cold air and moisture from seeping in, reducing the chances of the door freezing. Regularly checking and replacing worn-out weatherstripping can be crucial to maintaining a frost-free garage door in the winter.

What If Your Garage Door Still Freezes?

If your garage door still freezes despite your best efforts, don’t force it. Instead, you can use a hairdryer or a heat gun to melt the ice. If you’re unsure how to handle a stuck door, it’s always best to call professionals like the team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. They possess the knowledge and tools to safely and efficiently handle the situation.

Embrace Winter Without Garage Door Woes

While winter has its challenges, a frozen garage door doesn’t have to be one of them. With the right preventative measures, you can ensure your garage door operates smoothly all winter. If you’re looking to upgrade or need a reliable garage door solution, turn to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Winterizing Your Garage Door: Essential Maintenance Tips

Winter can be hard on your garage door. Ice, snow, and cold air can do a lot of damage if your garage is not properly sealed and insulated. Taking the proper steps to winterize your garage door can help protect it from the cold weather and keep it functioning correctly. Here are some essential tips for winterizing your garage door.

1. Inspect Your Garage Door

The first step to winterizing your garage is to inspect it thoroughly for any wear and tear or damage that may have occurred over the summer months. Check for cracks, dents, rust spots, and other forms of damage. If you notice any issues that need to be addressed, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.

2. Clean Your Garage Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential for keeping it in good condition throughout the winter months. Start by using a damp cloth to wipe down the door and remove any dirt or debris that has settled on it. You can also use a mild detergent to clean tougher areas.

3. Lubricate Your Garage Door

To ensure your garage door is functioning properly, remember to lubricate all of its moving parts. This includes the hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks. We recommend using either white lithium grease or silicone spray.

4. Check the Weather Stripping

Check that your weather stripping is in good condition and that there are no gaps where cold air could get in. Additional weather stripping can be added between panels for an air-tight seal. If the weather stripping is cracked or detached, now is the time to replace it. You can purchase weatherstripping specifically designed for garage doors at most hardware stores.

5. Call in the experts

If you’re not confident in your ability to winterize your garage door yourself, it’s best to call in a professional. They can inspect the door for any potential issues and make sure that it is properly insulated and sealed against the cold weather. This will save you money in the long run by preventing weather damage and extending the life of your garage door.

Choose Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your Pennsylvania Garage Doors

With 73 years of experience in the industry, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your go-to source for quality garage door products and services in Pennsylvania.

We specialize in residential and commercial garage doors, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and customization. Our team of certified professionals is dedicated to providing personalized service to meet all of your individual needs.

Contact us today for more information about our available products and services!

Warranty and Maintenance: Understanding the Aftercare of Your New Garage Door

Investing in a new garage door can be a significant home improvement project that brings considerable benefits in terms of aesthetic appeal, convenience, security, and even energy efficiency. However, it’s critical to understand the post-purchase process, including the warranty and regular maintenance, to ensure your new garage door serves you well for years to come.

Understanding Your Garage Door Warranty

A warranty is essentially a guarantee by the manufacturer that your garage door will function as promised within a specified timeframe. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that might occur during normal use. It is essential to understand the terms of your warranty, including its duration, what it covers, and any potential limitations. An effective warranty can potentially save you from incurring repair costs, highlighting its importance in your purchase decision.

The Pillars of Garage Door Maintenance

Beyond the warranty period, regular maintenance is vital to prolonging your garage door’s lifespan and maintaining its optimal operation. Here are five tips:

• Regular Inspection: Carry out a visual inspection of all the garage door parts periodically. Look out for signs of wear and tear, like rusting or fraying cables, loose or broken springs, and bent or misaligned tracks. Early detection of any problem can prevent costly repairs or replacements.
• Lubrication: Keeping the moving parts of your garage door well-lubricated reduces friction, ensuring smoother operation. Apply a high-quality, non-greasy garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs at least twice a year.
• Cleaning: Use a mild detergent to clean the exterior and interior of your door every few months to remove grime, dirt, and other contaminants. This not only enhances the door’s appearance but also prevents corrosion.
• Regular Professional Maintenance: Engage a professional garage door technician for an annual tune-up. They have the tools and knowledge to spot and fix issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
• Testing Safety Features: Modern garage doors come equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and motion detection. Regularly test these systems to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Remember, your garage door is not just an aesthetic element of your home; it’s also a functional feature that requires proper care. Following these tips, alongside leveraging the protection of your warranty, ensures your garage door continues to serve you effectively for years to come. For any queries or concerns about your garage door’s warranty or maintenance, the team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is here to help.

The Impact of Summer Weather on Your Garage Door Springs

As summer approaches, many homeowners are preparing their homes for the season. However, garage doors often go overlooked during this preparation. This is unfortunate, given the impact that the summer weather can have on garage door parts, especially the door springs. Here are some of the ways that summer weather can affect your garage door springs and what you can do to prevent potential damage.

Hot Weather Can Cause Garage Door Springs to Expand

During the summer months, temperatures soar, causing your garage door springs to expand. This expansion can put additional strain on your springs, making them more likely to break. If you notice that your garage door is moving slower or making unusual noises, it could be a sign that your springs are under stress. If this is the case, replace your garage door springs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

High Humidity Can Cause Rust on Garage Door Springs

Summer also brings high levels of humidity, which can cause rust to form on your garage door springs. Rust can weaken the springs, making them more vulnerable to breaking or snapping. If you notice rust on your garage door springs, replace them right away. Rust is a sign that your springs are no longer in good working condition and need to be replaced.

Summer Storms Can Cause Garage Door Springs to Weaken

If you live in an area that experiences frequent summer storms, check your garage door springs regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents, and replace your garage door springs if necessary.

Keep Your Garage in Good Shape at All Times

Summer weather can have a significant impact on your garage door springs, but by taking the proper steps, you can keep them in good condition. If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your garage door springs, be sure to replace them right away to prevent further damage. With a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your garage door will continue to work properly all summer long.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we provide exceptional garage door parts and service to ensure that your garage door is always in top condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How to Prevent Damage to Trucks and Trailers with Dock Bumpers

As any seasoned truck driver knows, navigating tight loading docks can be tricky. Not only is it challenging to maneuver large vehicles in tight spaces, but constant bumping and scraping against the dock can cause serious damage to trucks and trailers. That’s where dock bumpers come in.

Dock bumpers are designed to act as a buffer between the loading dock and the truck or trailer. Below, we explain what dock bumpers are and why they are important for protecting your trucks and trailers.

What Are Dock Bumpers?

Dock bumpers are safety devices installed on a loading dock to prevent damage to trucks and trailers during the loading and unloading process. They are usually made of durable materials such as rubber or plastic and are designed to absorb the impact of a truck or trailer hitting the dock.

The Benefits Of Using Dock Bumpers

Dock bumpers are a must-have if your business needs to back its trucks or trailers up against a loading dock regularly. The bumpers reduce wear and tear on both the docks and vehicles by absorbing the shock of contact. This means less time and money spent repairing or replacing damaged docks or vehicles due to collisions between them.

Dock bumpers can also protect the opening of the loading dock from debris and weather elements. Elements such as rain can damage the structure of the loading dock if it’s not properly sealed. Dock bumpers provide a seal around the edges of the opening, which reduces any damage from these elements.

Coupled with proper loading dock signage, dock bumpers ensure safety during operations. Accidents can occur when trucks and trailers make contact with the dock while loading or unloading. Dock bumpers prevent this by providing a buffer between the two surfaces.

Dock bumpers also have anti-skid properties, which keep the truck and trailer in place while backing up. This helps reduce the risk of accidents due to slips and slides during loading and off loading.

Protect Your Trucks and Trailers With Dock Bumpers

If your loading dock doesn’t have bumpers, it’s time to invest in them to stop putting your trucks and trailers at risk of damage. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we provide dock bumpers to ensure the safety of your trucks, trailers, and loading docks.

We can customize the bumpers to suit your truck types, dock heights, and other factors. Contact us today to learn more about our loading dock equipment.

Transforming Your Outdoor Space with Retractable Pergola Systems

Are you looking for a sleek and affordable way to transform your outdoor space? A retractable pergola system could offer the perfect solution, providing attractive coverage for your seating or garden area. If you’re wondering whether a retractable pergola is right for you, we’ve listed some benefits and points to consider below.

What is a retractable pergola?

Retractable pergolas look just like traditional pergolas. However, they feature several connected panels you can retract and extend to provide your outdoor space with as much coverage as you need. You can purchase a motorized or manually operated pergola, depending on your preferences, as well as choose from a wide array of frames and accessories.

What are the advantages of retractable pergola systems?

1. Protect you and your guests from rain and sun

A retractable pergola system will allow you and your friends and family to spend time outside even when weather conditions are less than ideal. Pergola systems can also provide cooling shade and repel harmful ultraviolet rays to ensure everyone stays safe during hot weather. 

2. Create more living space

Looking for more space in your home? Attaching a retractable pergola system to your property will create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, making your home feel bigger and more welcoming. Plus, the new installation could boost the price of your home and produce an excellent return on investment in the long term.

3. Add a touch of style to your outdoor area

Do you want to breathe new life into a tired outdoor area? Crafted using sleek aluminum, a retractable pergola system will transform your outdoor space into an inviting and esthetically pleasing living area – great news if you enjoy entertaining guests. 

Invest in a retractable pergola system today!

Ready to transform your home with a retractable pergola system? Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is here to help. We install systems in a variety of colors and sizes. To find out more, call us at 724-443-1437. We look forward to discussing your project with you.

How to Save Money and Energy with Storm Doors

A storm door is a second door usually installed to serve a number of protective and convenience purposes. But apart from their main functions, storm doors can also serve as money and energy savers. Below are some ways you can save money and energy when you install storm doors.

Weather Barrier and Lower Heat Conduction

Installing a storm door outside your primary entrance door can help save energy in a couple of ways. First, the storm door acts as a weather shield or barrier, thus ensuring that any impact of air leakage through the regular entrance door is significantly reduced. Secondly, a storm door establishes an extra layer of insulation that helps limit heat conduction through the primary door.

More Affordable Replacement to Primary Doors

A storm door is a great money-saving investment for anyone who has an old but functional primary door. This is because the cost of installing a storm door is lower than that of a regular door.

Protect Your Primary Door

The functions of a storm door include protecting your primary door all year round from adverse conditions such as snow, rain, ice, wind, and more. This protective cover can extend the lifespan of your primary door and help save you money on primary door replacement over time.

Safe Access to Energy-Saving Sunshine

A storm door can be a valuable asset for those who love the feel of mild sunshine, particularly during the summer and spring seasons. Moreover, adequate utilization of the natural energy provided by the sun can imply less dependence on electric power. This can also imply lower energy costs and more savings.

Closing Thoughts

Adding a storm door is money well spent because of the extra money and energy-saving benefits it brings. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. offers a wide variety of storm doors for diverse residential and commercial buildings.

Why Choose Us?

• Onsite Professional staff
• Quality workmanship
• Honesty and integrity
• Fully-insured

Call us today at (724) 443-1437 for more information on all storm, entry, and patio doors.

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?

Top 3 Benefits of Aluminum Awnings During the Winter

There are many benefits to aluminum awnings during the summer months. Have you ever wondered how an awning can help during the winter? Let’s discuss the top three reasons why you will be glad to have aluminum awnings on your home this winter.

Benefit #1: Aluminum Awnings Prevent Snow and Ice Buildup 

Winter snow and rain often fall during the day when the temperatures are slightly above freezing. Then, as night falls and temperature drops, this moisture can quickly form an invisible sheet of dangerous ice creating hazardous conditions, as well as a slip-and-fall liability. Aluminum awnings can shield your windows, stairs, and walkways from the snow and rainfall, preventing the buildup of ice around windows and in high traffic walking areas.

Benefit #2: Reduce Energy Bills with Aluminum Awnings 

During cold winter weather, savings on energy bills is often a consideration when making decisions about exterior or interior home improvement. There are many different ways to keep your home cozy and save on energy costs, and aluminum awnings can help. The design of the aluminum awning can prevent heat from escaping from your windows, as well as shield windows from icy blasts of wind. 

Benefit #3: The Durability of Aluminum Awnings  

Awnings are often installed with the objective of keeping the home cooler in the warmer months by shading your windows, patio, or entryways from direct sunlight. While retractable fabric awnings are very efficient at shading these areas during the summer, aluminum awnings are durable and long lasting, providing you with protection from the elements like rain and snow. Aluminum awnings also require little to no maintenance to stay looking great for decades.

Aluminum awnings are great for covering your porch, patio, deck, windows, or doors. Rust-free aluminum never rots, stretches, or rips. Additionally, there are many different colors and designs available to compliment the color and style of your home. Add to your curb appeal and reduce your energy bills year round with fixed aluminum awnings from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Call us today at 724-443-1437 to learn more.