4 Reasons to Upgrade to a Keyless Lock System

Why You Need to Upgrade to a Keyless Lock System

Keeping garages, commercial buildings, and residential buildings secure should always be a priority. Upgrading to a keyless lock system can allow you to better protect your property. When using such a lock system, you will not need a physical key to open a door since these systems use electronic access control mechanisms.

When using a keyless lock system, you will need an electronic device to unlock your door. For instance, you will need to use a sensor or a proximity card reader, depending on your lock system. Read on for more details about keyless entry systems and their benefits.

Better Security

You can easily lose traditional physical keys, or someone can steal them from you. The garage’s security will be compromised when either of these occur. However, such a thing cannot happen when you use a keyless lock system since only authorized users can access your building.

Remote Access

Most of the available keyless lock systems have remote access capabilities. That means you can unlock and lock doors even when you are not onsite. This is convenient for people who need the ability to remotely open and close their business doors for employees and deliveries.

Tracking All Entry Activities

When using traditional locks, it is hard to know who opened the garage door in your absence. However, when using a Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. keyless lock system, you will be able to track all entry activities. Tracking these activities can help you effectively respond to security threats and emergencies.

There are a variety of benefits associated with installing a keyless lock system in your home, business, or other property as laid out above. Call our garage door experts at Giel Garage Doors to learn more about how a keyless entry system can benefit you specifically.

Benefits of Installing a Garage Door Monitor

Three Important Benefits of Installing a Smart Garage Door Monitor

Keeping your home safe is one of the most important tasks you have as a homeowner. With technological advances in home security, monitoring your garage door is now a reality that’ll help you stay connected to the activity surrounding your home’s garage. Here are four important benefits of installing a smart garage door opener.

24-7 Monitoring

With smart technology, your garage door can easily be monitored every minute of the day or night right from your smartphone. Reliable, real-time alert logs let you know when your garage door has been opened or closed, giving you time to call the authorities for help even when you’re not home if a breach should occur. This feature also lets you keep tabs on package deliveries and temporary access codes given to family or staff for entry.

Security Features

Smart garage door monitors often come equipped with advanced security and safety features that include battery backup and rolling door codes that generate a new code each time you use your garage door to prevent security breaches. Automatic schedules can be programmed to ensure garage door closure and opening no matter where you are so that you can let pet sitters, housekeepers or family members in. Many of these openers are also compatible with larger security smart systems that include motion-activated lights and security cameras, which can be controlled with the same application.

Ease of Use

In addition to the benefits of installing a smart garage door monitoring device, the initial setup is a fast, seamless process that enables virtually any model to easily be paired to your smartphone. Quick integration is supported for IOS and Android operating systems, and some openers offer additional features that connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

Utilizing the features of a smart garage door opener is a simple and effective way to boost the security of your home. By installing a garage door monitoring system, your entire family can enjoy its long-lasting benefits. For more information, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. offers resources and services to fit your garage door’s specific security needs.

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.

Different Types of Awnings and the Benefits of Each

7 Awning Types and Their Advantages

Awnings are a great way to incorporate shade and protection into your outdoor living space. With so many different styles, colors, and sizes available, the first decision you’ll need to make is what awning style you want for your home. Here are some of the most common types of awnings along with the benefits each one offers.

Minimalist

A minimalist style awning provides the most stylish look with very little fluff. Since there are no side panels, minimalists are best suited for doorways and can be great space savers.

Cascades

A cascading style awning is one of the most popular because of its artistic appeal. The “cascading” effect allows these awnings to fit in virtually any setting and provides a nice change from the traditional vertical look of most fabrics today.

Butterfly

The butterfly-style awning provides light and shade in one. Other than the fact that they are a bit more expensive, butterfly styles are very similar to minimalist styles. Both come with no side panels, and some homeowners believe they provide just as much shade as those with panels.

Roman

A Roman-style awning is best suited for higher ceilings, doorways, and windows that require maximum protection or protection from the sun. Roman styles are similar to the cascade style, except Roman styles have side panels. This gives them a more traditional look and feel.

Motorized

A motorized awning allows you to control when you want to have shade, light, or both. With so many options available, you can find one that perfectly suits your home’s needs and your individual preferences.

Aluminum Awnings

Aluminum awning styles are by far the most common. They are easy to maintain, come in a variety of colors, and are very affordable. The average aluminum awning will last 10 to 15 years.

Roller

A roller-style awning does not require the use of a wall or bracket and instead attaches directly to the ceiling, rolling back when you need sun or shade. This is an excellent option for homes with vaulted ceilings and allows you to take advantage of every inch of available space. If you’re interested in retractable awnings for heat and sun protection, contact our team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Conclusion

There are many factors that you’ll need to consider when going out to purchase a new awning. Think about multiple aspects of an awning including size, colors, materials, and your desired budget to make the right choice for your home.

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.

Choosing the Right Door for Your Business Needs

How to Choose a Door for Your Business

As a business owner, choosing the right doors for your business may not be a pressing concern. However, doors can be a huge expense down the line depending on your commercial door needs for your business.

There are many types of specialty doors that can be installed depending on what you need them for. For example, an auto shop might need to install garage doors so that cars can get in and out. Here’s a list of different kinds of specialty doors and what they might be used for.

High-Speed Doors (aka Cycle Doors)

A business that deals with enhanced security measures and fast operations might require a high-speed/cycle door. These doors are designed to open and close faster than a typical overhead door and can be upgraded with security features.

Alternatively, if security isn’t as much of an issue as speed, there are also high-speed fabric doors made from reinforced PVC or vinyl material. These open quickly but offer airtight sealing.

Cold Storage Doors

These are doors designed to house frozen goods and keep a section climate controlled. For cold storage warehouses, you can get overhead doors that are designed to stay climate controlled. You can also get side-sliding doors for ease of access. Most cold storage doors come with an airtight seal and can be upgraded with maximum isolation and high-speed features.

Sound Control Doors

These doors are designed to separate environments and keep sounds contained in interior spaces. These doors are used to maintain acoustics within a space. Sound doors are insulated in order to prevent sound from traveling. As such, there’s a wide selection of overhead, rolling steel, sliding doors, and more depending on the space.

Finding the Right Door

You might not know what add-ons make a door work for your company, but getting the perfect door for your business can be essential to saving time and money down the line. Get in touch with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to check out your options.

What Is the Purpose of a Storm Door?

Why a Storm Door Is a Great Investment

A typical entry door will develop vulnerabilities over time. This can be a problem when inclement weather arrives. If your entrance has weaknesses, a storm door can help you strengthen its defenses.

The Value of a Storm Door

A storm door will shield your front door from bugs, snow, ice, and rain. It will make your home quieter too, so it’s a great investment if you live near a highway, school, or railway. To maximize the benefits, you must pick the right door for your home.

The Design

A traditional storm door can withstand heavy wind and rain. You’ll always feel comfortable while a storm door is shut because it has good ventilation. If you want more variety, you’ll need a custom style.

Custom Options

Custom storm doors can give your home a unique feel. These are the most common styles:

A full-view door: A full-view door has two large panels. It provides a great view outdoors.

A Low-E door: This door resists fading in the summer, and it has fantastic insulation.

A bevel glass door: A bevel glass door is an elegant full-view door. Its glass panels have a designer trim.

A mid-view door: This design has two small panels. The bottom of the door is concealed.

A high-view door: A high-view door only has one upper panel. The rest of the door is made of metal.

Screens and Panels

No matter if you buy a storm door with a mesh screen or a glass panel, you will have to perform regular maintenance. The following guidelines will help you better understand the basic maintenance requirements.

Galvanized steel: Galvanized steel will never tear. However, it can rust over time, so it will need a coat of lubricant annually.

Bronze screen: This screen isn’t strong like a galvanized steel screen. Heavy smog can tarnish this screen, but you can protect it with a commercial spray.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass requires little maintenance. If you ever need a replacement for a metal screen, fiberglass is a practical choice.

A storm door serves many purposes; it saves energy, deters crime, and keeps bugs away. It also creates a strong defense against harsh weather. If you need a storm door for your home, turn to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door to Match Your Home

Choose the Right Garage Door for Your Home

Garage doors take up a large space in front of your home, so how your garage door looks matters a great deal for your home’s curb appeal. However, there are other aspects of your garage door you should also consider. Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider to choose the right garage door for your home.

Think About How You’ll Use Your Garage

You might park your cars in your garage, use it as a workspace, have family nights in your garage or use it as a living space. Regardless of how you use your garage, it’s a good idea to have adequate door insulation to avoid heat from entering your garage during the warmer months and prevent heat escaping during the colder months.

The R-value you choose for your garage door determines the amount of insulation you have. Even if you don’t spend a significant amount of time in your garage, your garage door’s insulation can affect the temperature of your home. If you spend a significant amount of time in your garage, you might want to consider getting a door that has windows.

Garage Style and Material

There are a number of styles and materials to choose from. You want to find one that matches the style of your home, but you also want a door that stands out from the rest of your home. For instance, if you have vinyl siding, you can choose a door that is made from vinyl. To make your garage door stand out, you can choose a door that is a different color from the rest of your home, which can match the trim of your house.

If you want to choose a different material on your door than the rest of your home, make sure it is painted the same color or a complimentary color. Wood, steel and faux wood are the most popular choices for garage doors. Steel garage doors typically have a higher R-value.

Get started choosing the right garage door for your home by contacting Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Everything You Need to Know About Torsion Springs

What are Torsion Springs in a Garage Door?

Torsion springs are what make it possible to open and close your garage door. Therefore, it’s essential to be familiar with what they are, how they work, and when you may need garage door repair services for a broken spring.

What Are They?

Torsion springs are placed on the pulley wheel of your garage door, and they’re designed to tighten when the garage door is raised. As the door is lowered, this tension is released. The force is transferred into the wheels of the garage door, which makes it easier for you to guide the door down the track.

There are significant differences among products in terms of the amount of tension that can be stored in the springs, the material that they are made from, and the specific system that they are designed for. That is why it is important to choose a replacement that is designed for your specific garage door system.

What Are They Made From?

Torsion springs are made from dense materials, which allow them to store more energy than conventional springs. While multiple types of materials are used in garage door openers, they all fall into one of a few main categories. In most cases, the spring will be made from stainless steel. This is considered to be one of the best materials for a garage door torsion spring. However, the springs can also be made from any of the following materials:

Non-steel Alloys

Chrome Vanadium

Chrome Silicon

Titanium

Beryllium Copper

Phosphor Bronze

How Many Times Can a Torsion Spring Be Used?

The average torsion spring will last around 10,000 uses. However, this will vary significantly from one product to another. It’s important to be familiar with the signs of torsion spring failure. These are a few things that you’ll notice if the spring is failing:

In some cases, there will be squealing or groaning sounds coming from the spring. This is a very strong sign that it could fail very soon.

The door will not open and close at the same speed each time.

The door may open only a few inches due to a safety mechanism that keeps it from going up and down more than a few inches if the weight is not distributed correctly.

If the spring has failed, you will hear a loud popping sound.

If your garage door spring has broken or is on the verge of failure, be sure to contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to get it repaired or replaced right away.

Benefits of Investing in a Pergola System for Your Deck or Patio

Advantages of Installing a Pergola in Your Yard

Pergolas are striking outdoor structures that provide numerous benefits. You can transform your home’s deck or patio by installing a pergola system that perfectly matches your existing aesthetic. If you’re interested in renovating your home, raising your property value, and increasing your comfort, check out these four benefits to a pergola system:

Protection From the Wind

Pergolas made from durable materials can generally withstand harsh weather conditions. Pergolas will also help shield your deck or patio from damages caused by rain, snow, and storms. A pergola system by Equinox or Sunair can be built as an attachment to the house, providing even greater stability and further protection.

Greater Landscaping Opportunity

If you enjoy gardening, you will be excited about all the possibilities a pergola offers your backyard. In addition to greater protection for boxed and potted plants, a pergola can support flora such as vines, ivies, and climbing followers. A trellis can add extra shade and cover one side of your pergola to create a nature-inspired design that’s both inviting and beautiful.

Shade During Summer Months

You love spending time outdoors, but it can be difficult to avoid sun exposure without adequate protection. Pergolas offer shade that encompasses your entire outdoor seating area, so you and your family can stay cool, avoid sunburns, and spend more time outdoors during the summertime.

However, if you want to enjoy some of the fresh air and sunshine, a retractable pergola system may be the solution. You can retract the canopy whenever you want sunlight and extend it when you need shade and protection.

Hundreds of Design Options

You can custom design your pergola to reflect your design. Your backyard is an extension of your home, and it should naturally flow from the aesthetic you’ve worked hard to establish indoors. You can choose from various styles, such as attached and free-standing models, louvered, and sun-only designs.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer different frameworks, canopy shapes, and fabric options that give you complete control over the final look and style of your pergola. If you would like a free estimate and more information about our residential pergola systems, contact us today.