• Vinyl vs Fabric-Which is Best for Retractable Patio Screens?

    Giel Garage Doors-Vinyl vs Fabric-Which is Best for Retractable Patio Screens

    Retractable patio screens help you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about too much sun, wind, debris, and bugs. But which material is best for your patio screens? The debate between vinyl and fabric can be daunting, but we’re here to help you decide by looking at the pros and cons of each.

    Pros and Cons of Vinyl

    Vinyl retractable patio screens are made from durable PVC-coated polyester that can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. They are also waterproof, making them a great choice for climates with more rain. Additionally, vinyl patio screens are easy to clean and maintain since they don’t require any special treatment or cleaning products.

    The downside of vinyl is that it can be noisy during windy days and could eventually crack or tear with too much exposure to sunlight. It can be damaged easily by heavy objects or sharp edges. Vinyl retractable patio screens also tend to be more expensive than fabric screens.

    Pros and Cons of Fabric

    Fabric retractable patio screens are usually made from mesh or canvas material that is lightweight yet strong enough to provide adequate protection from insects and other pests. These screens are available in various colors and patterns, so you can find something that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic. It’s also highly breathable, which keeps temperatures lower without trapping moisture inside the cloth.

    However, fabric may not be as durable as vinyl in terms of weather resistance, as it can easily tear or become damaged by extreme weather conditions or UV rays over time. You may need to replace it more often if exposed to harsh elements like wind or rain. Fabric retractable patio screens may require more frequent cleaning than vinyl ones due to their tendency to absorb dirt and dust particles more easily.

    Which is the Better Option for You?

    It depends on your individual needs. If durability is your top priority, then vinyl is the way to go. But if you want something that’s easier to install, fabric screens are a better choice.

    No matter which material you settle for, our Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. team will help you find and install the perfect retractable patio screens for your home. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our retractable screens and other residential services.

  • Adding Value to Your Home with a Metal Awning

    Giel Garage Doors-Adding Value to Your Home with a Metal Awning

    Are you looking for a home improvement project that makes your home more comfortable and adds value? Adding a metal awning is a great way to do it.

    Check out just some of the reasons why here!

    Add Aesthetic Appeal

    An awning gives your home a welcoming look, which is great for curb appeal. And since metal awnings come in a wide variety of colors and styles, you can find something that will fit perfectly with your home’s aesthetic.

    Increase Entertaining Space

    Having a deck for backyard parties and barbecues is fantastic, but how often does the hot sun end up pushing your party indoors? There are some days of the year when it just isn’t comfortable to be outdoors.

    That is, without some kind of cover! An awning over your outdoor space keeps the hot sun off so you can party every day of the year — and buyers love the idea of a more entertaining space!

    Improve Energy Efficiency

    Did you know that the hot rays of the sun beaming in through your windows are costing you money? Your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your home because those sun rays are heating it up. 

    An awning blocks the sun from entering your windows, helping to keep the interior cool. You’ll enjoy savings on your energy bill and anything that offers energy efficiency is very attractive to buyers and creates added value.

    Snow Protection

    The sun isn’t the only thing that metal awnings can offer protection from. Light yet strong, metal awnings can stand up to snowfall, protecting your decking from all that moisture. 

    Plus, you can remove shoveling snow off your deck from your to-do list. You will appreciate this benefit just as much as a potential buyer.

    Expert Awning Installation

    Are you ready to benefit from the added value of a new metal awning? Both you and a potential future buyer will appreciate the benefits these simple constructions can offer. 

    Interested in learning more? Contact us here at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.!

  • Adding a High-Speed Door to Your Business

    Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. - Adding a High

    Is your business in the market for a new commercial garage door? If so, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the most out of your purchase. This can be achieved by installing a high-speed door.

    Adding a high-speed door to your business can be an excellent way to improve the efficiency of the staff and the overall workflow.

    What Are High-Speed Doors?

    High-speed doors are high-performance doors that open and close quickly and are typically used in commercial and industrial settings. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as fabric and rubber, but most are made from aluminum or steel.

    The Benefits of High-Speed Doors

    Below are some of the benefits associated with using a high-speed door: 

    – Durability. A high-speed door can withstand harsh conditions and a lot of wear and tear, so it’ll last longer than other doors.

    – Energy efficiency. These doors use less energy than traditional garage doors because they don’t have as many moving parts. They also provide insulation from both heat and cold, which means lower utility bills year-round.

    – Improve Operational Efficiency. A high-speed door will significantly decrease your wait time, and thanks to a lift system, it won’t take any extra effort on your employees’ part to raise or lower the door.

    – Prevent Damage. The automatic control and opening/closing mechanism of a high-speed door help prevent damage caused by people bumping into the door while entering or exiting.

    – High-speed doors also increase the security of your premises since they are harder to break through and have better security features. In addition, they can help improve indoor air quality by keeping out dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants.

    What Kinds of Businesses Can Benefit From Them?

    Do you have a facility that regularly deals with traffic in and out or crucially requires quick access? If so, you might want to consider adding a high-speed door. What makes them so beneficial is that they are extremely versatile and can be tailored to your business’s needs. They are therefore ideal for industries such as food processing plants, breweries, warehouses, emergency rooms, distribution centers, and more.

    Upgrade to a special-function high-speed door from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today. We have plenty of options to choose from and can custom design the perfect door for your needs. Contact us for more information.

     

  • Garage Door Material Guide

    When shopping for a garage door there are four main types of materials to choose from. It is important to be an informed consumer when making large purchasing decisions. Therefore, here is everything you need to know about the pros and cons of each material.

    Steel

    Steel has a long track record of being used in garage doors since the 40s. Steel doors are stronger and resist twisting and kinking better than other materials.

    When looking at a steel door, the most important part is its gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel and the more resistant the door will be to dents. Always try to get a door with a 24 gauge.

    Some manufacturers will not mention the thickness or will say “nominal” gauge. This means that the door is 30 gauge which is not what you want. You should never buy a door with a gauge higher that 27 as this is the recommended thickness to give you any lasting durability.

    The only cons to using a steel door would be dents from hitting the door too hard and possible rusting if the door is not properly maintained by washing the door twice a year. They are the most popular door for use in both residential and commercial applications.

    Vinyl

    Vinyl doors have been out for around 20 years, but because of low customer satisfaction many installers have stopped selling them. Vinyl is much more elastic than wood or steel which means it expands more in warm temperature and shrinks more in cold temperature.

    If you live in an area with variable temperatures and legitimate seasons, you should never consider vinyl because over time the front of your door will be in bad shape with holes and warping.

    You should only consider a vinyl door if you live in an area where it is consistently warm and weather changes are not common.

    Wood

    From the early 50s through the mid-80s, wood doors were most common. They were usually constructed with horizontal wooden rails and vertical styles making a framework to hold floating Masonite (particle board) panels.

    After taking a dip in popularity, wood is coming back as a popular option today. Some doors are combined with steel and other have wooden panels with insulation in between.

    Wooden doors are considerably more expensive than other materials and take much more to maintain. Staining and painting is required consistently every two to four years.

    Despite this, the aesthetic appeal and warm feeling of a wooden door is unsurpassed.

    Fiberglass

    Fiberglass doors have been around for over 25 years. Using a heavy gauge fiberglass, these doors can come pre-finished in a specific color or stain or they are available in a “stainable” version allowing you to stain the door in whatever color yourself.

    Modern fiberglass doors have steel frames and insulation sandwiched between the front fiberglass skin. They can have a realistic wood-like appearance but don’t have the price premium that wood doors currently have. However, fiberglass doors do require a clear coat resealing every one to three years for proper maintenance.

    In conclusion, steel doors are the most reliable, have the least amount of maintenance, and are the cheapest of all the materials. Vinyl doors are not recommended unless you live in an area where it is always warm. Wooden doors are the most expensive and require a lot of maintenance, but they have the best aesthetic appeal. Fiberglass can give you the look of wood for less money but still has more maintenance compared to a steel door.

    Have more specific questions about a material? Let us know in the comments!

    Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors serves the greater Pittsburgh area in all things garage doors. We have maintenance programs for both commercial and residential to keep your doors working like new.