Frosty Nights and Garage Door Lubrication: What You Need to Know

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, you’re likely to face a number of concerns as a homeowner, including icy driveways and frozen pipes. The garage door, however, is an often overlooked aspect of winter home maintenance. Frigid temperatures can make your garage door sluggish, noisy, or even completely unresponsive.

That’s why you should winterize your garage door. Lubricating is one of the best garage door maintenance tips to ensure optimal functionality. Discover the importance of garage door lubrication during the colder months and how it can help keep your door running smoothly.

The Effects of Cold on Garage Door Mechanics

As temperatures drop, the metals and lubricants used in your garage door system contract. This contraction can lead to stiffened components and reduced efficiency in operation.

The garage door lubrication becomes more viscous, making it less effective in ensuring smooth motion. The result? A garage door that struggles to open or close, making unsettling noises in the process.

Why Lubrication is Essential

Regular garage door lubrication reduces friction between the various moving parts, allowing the door to operate smoothly and quietly. Lubrication prevents parts from sticking and grinding against each other, minimizing the risk of unexpected breakages and damages during the frigid winter.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

When it comes to garage door lubrication, it’s vital to choose an all-weather lubricant that won’t gum up or freeze in low temperatures. Silicone-based lubricants are recommended for their durability and resistance to cold temperatures.

Tips for Effective Lubrication

Follow these garage door lubrication tips for the best results:

• Clean first: Before you apply any lubricant, ensure that the tracks, rollers, and other moving parts of your garage door are clean. Dirt and debris can interfere with the lubrication process.
• Apply sparingly: A little goes a long way. Apply the lubricant lightly, ensuring it coats all moving parts without dripping excessively.
• Focus on key areas: Pay extra attention to the springs, tracks, rollers, and hinges. These areas are most susceptible to wear and tear and benefit greatly from regular garage door lubrication.

How Often Should You Lubricate?

At a minimum, lubricating your garage door twice a year is recommended. However, if you live in an area with extreme cold or if your garage door sees heavy usage, consider lubricating it more frequently. Garage door experts like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can provide insights tailored to your specific situation.

Keep Your Garage Door Lubricated This Winter

As the cold season approaches, give your garage door the care it deserves with proper lubrication. And if you’re considering a new garage door or an upgrade, remember to choose a trusted name like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Reach out to us and keep your garage door moving smoothly, no matter the season or frequency of use.

Pergolas vs Retractable Awnings: Choosing the Right Shade Solution

The choice between pergolas and retractable awnings can significantly impact the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space. Understanding their distinct advantages can help you make an informed decision.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings offer a versatile solution to managing outdoor light and shade. With their easily adjustable design, you can extend or retract them based on your needs, be it to shield against harsh sunlight or to enjoy a starry night. They are typically made from durable, weather-resistant fabric and come with either a manual crank or motorized controls. 

The longevity of retractable awnings is further enhanced by their ability to be withdrawn in adverse weather conditions, preventing potential damage. Their flexibility makes them popular for homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces.

Pergolas

Pergolas are a solid and sturdy choice for consistent shade and shelter. Made from various materials like wood or aluminum, these fixtures are built to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. While they lack the adjustability of retractable awnings, they make up for it with their durability and maintenance-free nature. 

Their fixed structure can also add a unique architectural element to your home’s exterior, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Pergolas are a great option for those seeking a long-lasting, reliable shade solution.

Factors to Consider when Choosing:

• Purpose: Is the awning primarily for shade, aesthetics, or both?
• Flexibility: Do you prefer the versatility of retractable awnings or the permanence of fixed ones?
• Durability: Consider the local weather and its impact on the longevity of the awning.
• Maintenance: Retractable awnings may require more upkeep compared to their permanent counterparts.
• Cost: Evaluate your budget, as prices can vary significantly between the two types.
• Aesthetics: Which style best fits your home’s exterior?

Conclusion

Your choice between pergolas and retractable awnings depends on your unique needs and preferences. Whether you seek flexibility, durability, or a blend of both, there’s a shade solution for you. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc, we provide top-quality awnings to meet your diverse needs. Contact us today, and let’s make your outdoor space both functional and beautiful.

The Role of Commercial Cold Storage Doors in Food Safety and Compliance

Food safety is a crucial aspect of the food industry. Food-borne illnesses can have severe consequences, including legal actions and loss of customers. One of the essential components of food safety is maintaining the optimal temperature of food products. For this reason, commercial cold storage doors are a vital tool in the food industry. In this article, we will discuss the role of commercial cold storage doors in food safety and compliance.

What Are Commercial Cold Storage Doors?

Commercial cold storage doors are specialized doors designed to maintain the temperature of refrigerated or frozen rooms. They are used in a variety of industries to store perishable food items like seafood, meat, and dairy products. These doors regulate the temperature and prevent heat transfer from one room to another.

The Importance of Commercial Cold Storage Doors in Food Safety

The primary goal of commercial cold storage doors is to maintain the optimal temperature of refrigerated or frozen rooms. Optimal temperature control ensures the freshness and quality of perishable foods. Without effective temperature control, bacteria can develop and grow, leading to food spoilage and food-borne illnesses.

In addition, commercial cold storage doors help comply with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety of the food supply.

Types of Commercial Cold Storage Doors

There are various types of commercial cold storage doors available in the market to meet different needs. You can choose overhead-acting doors, which are ideal for high-traffic areas, or side-sliding doors for smaller spaces. These doors can also be customized to have maximized insulation, high-speed functions, or a combination of both. The idea is to reduce heat transfer and ensure optimal temperature regulation.

Get the Ideal Commercial Cold Storage Doors for You

Commercial cold storage doors play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. They protect perishable food items from bacteria growth and prevent heat transfer between rooms, ensuring optimal temperature control. With different types available in the market, there is a solution for every cold storage need. By investing in the right commercial cold storage door, companies in the food industry can ensure their products are safe, compliant, and fresh for consumption.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer a wide range of high-quality cold storage doors designed to meet the demands of the food industry. Contact us today for more information.

Man Doors for Commercial Buildings: What You Need to Know

As you walk through your commercial building, you take note of doors that allow convenient access to various spaces. Little did you realize that a special kind of door makes your life easier—the man door.

You may ask yourself, what exactly is a man door, and why should you consider it when designing your commercial building’s layout? Read on as we unravel the mystery behind this underrated yet essential element of commercial building design.

What Are Man Doors?

Man doors are pedestrian-sized doorways designed to handle regular human traffic, as opposed to larger doors used for vehicles or equipment. It’s an additional door intended for people to walk through and is common in commercial, industrial, school, or hospital settings.

In commercial buildings, man doors are typically used as entrances and exits for employees, customers, and visitors. They are smaller than the main entrance. In some cases, a man door may be installed inside a garage door to provide easy access without opening the entire garage door.

Why Are Man Doors Important?

Man doors are crucial for your commercial building as they boost convenience and efficiency. When it comes to operations, every second counts. The simple yet thoughtful addition of man doors can aid in increasing the productivity and functionality of your workspace because they provide quicker and more accessible entryways for employees.

Besides efficiency, man doors also enhance security. You can tailor these doors to regulate access to specific areas of your building or to prevent unauthorized entry.

With man doors in place, you’ll have full control over who has access to specific areas of your building. By limiting entry points, you can effectively maintain security and reduce potential theft and vandalism.

Man doors also help to control foot traffic by ensuring that employees and visitors enter and exit the building through designated areas. This can be especially important in high-security areas like data centers, research labs, or financial institutions. By installing secure man doors, commercial property owners can safeguard their assets and reduce the risk of theft, break-ins, and other security breaches.

Optimize Your Commercial Building With a Man Door

Man doors are a great way to optimize the layout of your commercial building. Whether you’re looking to install man doors as primary entryways or additional access points to certain areas, they can be customized to meet your specific needs.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer a wide range of pedestrian doors with various features. Contact us today to find the perfect man door for your commercial building.

The Advantages of Having Security Gates on Your Commercial Building

In a world where thefts, vandalism, and other criminal activities are common, commercial property owners must take extra measures to protect their premises. One way to add an extra layer of protection is to install a security gate or grille. Let’s look at some advantages of having security gates or grilles on your commercial building.

Deterring Criminals

Criminals are opportunists and always seek an easy target with minimal resistance. Security gates on your property will serve as a physical deterrent, forcing criminals to think twice before attempting to trespass or break in. Furthermore, any intruder who attempts to gain access will find it much more difficult due to the physical barrier created by the gate or grille.

Enhancing Privacy

Privacy is a key concern for businesses that store sensitive information or valuable items. Security gates are essential for controlling access to specific areas of your property that require additional security.

The grilles can ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed to enter. The gates to areas where you store sensitive data can be fitted with alarms and motion sensors that will alert you or the authorities in case of suspicious activity.

Cost Savings

Insurance companies recognize that properties with added security measures are less likely to experience theft or vandalism. As a result, the insurer may offer discounts on insurance premiums depending on the type of security system installed.

A security gate also protects your valuable equipment or stock stored at your property, potentially saving you the cost of replacing anything stolen or damaged. Plus, with routine maintenance, these gates or grilles can last many years without needing replacement.

Improved Aesthetics

Security gates and grilles come in a range of styles and finishes, so you can choose one that complements the existing architecture and design features of your building. Choosing a stylish grill design will make your property look more attractive. It will attract more customers if you own a business that people visit in person, such as restaurants and shops.

Secure Your Commercial Property Today

A security gate will give you more peace of mind knowing that your commercial property is safe from unwanted visitors and looking its best. If you’re looking to install a security gate or grille on your property, our team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can provide a solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help secure your property.

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.!

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.

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.

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.