Spring Cleaning Your Garage Like a Professional

garage interior; 3d illustration

As spring is approaching, you’re probably gearing up to deep clean your home. But while you’re at it, don’t forget to include the garage in your spring cleaning plans. If your garage is like most garages, then may be a bit disorganized and cluttered. A good spring cleaning will declutter, clean, and free space in your garage. If you’re not quite sure about the cleaning process, here are some steps to help you clean your garage like a professional.

1. Empty out the garage

The first step is to completely empty your garage before you can start cleaning. Decluttering is probably the most time-consuming aspect of the cleaning process so it is best to do it on a day when you know the weather will be clear and you can move everything outside.

2. Air the garage out

Once you’ve completely emptied out your garage, give it a good airing out before you continue with the cleaning part. Open the windows and door to let some fresh air in. This will improve the airflow and help to clear any moldy, musty scents. You can also keep the doors, and windows open while cleaning your garage.

3. Wipe down and sweep the garage

Now it is time to properly clean the garage. Start by cleaning all flat surfaces such as shelvings, walls, and windows with a damp rag. If the garage has rough surfaces such as a brick or drywall, use a broom to sweep them. This process can get really messy so use a dust mask and protective goggles.

4. Hose your garage floor

Cleaning the floor does not require much, all you need is a hose, a light cleaning solution, and a broom to scrub the floor and work the solution into the surface. Once the floor is thoroughly cleaned, use the hose to rinse the floor and the walls and allow it to air dry.

5. Inspect and clean your garage door

Now you need to focus on your garage door. Start by conducting a visual inspection of all the moving parts for rust and damage, and make sure everything is well-oiled and working properly. If necessary, call a Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. specialist for seasonal garage door maintenance. Next, clean the inside and outside of your garage door with a mixture of soap and warm water and rinse it down with the hose.

6. Sort through the mess

While the garage is drying, it’s time to sort through all the items outside. Separate the items in categories to differentiate which ones you’ll keep, which ones have to go, and which one you’ll donate. Take some tips from Marie Kondo and only keep what “sparks joy.”

Springtime is great to deep clean your house and garage. With a little planning and the above-mentioned tips, you can transform your garage into a calming space. For more information and resources about garage door maintenance and garages in general, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.

7 Reasons to Always Park Your Vehicle in a Garage

It is said that preventive measures are always worth the investment, especially when you are protecting a valued possession such as your vehicle. Most people understand how important it is to protect their cars. Although we understand that not everyone has a garage, if you have one, it may be time to rethink using it exclusively for storage or as a workshop.

Parking your car outside exposes it to many dangers including theft and nature. Let’s look at 7 reasons why you may want to make space for your car in the garage.

1. Safety

Parking the car on the street exposes it to all types of safety threats such as theft and vandalism. When you park your car in a garage, you eliminate these problems. Also, depending on the garage, you may want to invest in high-tech security cameras and an alarm system to keep your vehicle safe. 

2. Protection from the elements

The elements can also do great damage to your car if left outside for extended periods of time. Rain, mud, slush, wind, extreme heat from the sun, can all damage the exteriors of a car for life. Parking your car inside a garage protects it from the elements. 

3. Protection of rubber components

Your vehicle has many rubber components that can wear out if they get exposed to the harsh weather and fluctuating temperatures for an extended period. This can cause problems such as rattling and squeaking.

4. Preserves car coating

Most cars today come with a Teflon and wax coat to protect the vehicle’s paint. However, if these coatings get exposed to harsh conditions for a long period, the vehicle’s paint can start to get chalky, fade or peel. 

5. Protection against birds and their business

Bird feces on your car can ruin your day. Also, if this happens often, the acidity in bird feces can irreversibly damage the paint job of your car. 

6. Longer engine life

The temperature inside a garage stays fairly consistent. As a result, the engine stays lubricated and the engine oil remains at its optimal viscosity for engine start-up.

7. Increased effectiveness of air-conditioning and heating

When you park your vehicle in a garage, the air conditioner and heating system will maintain a more moderate temperature and when you start up your car, because it hasn’t been exposed to the outdoors, they will work faster and more efficiently.

If you regularly park your vehicle outside, you expose it to many dangers. To limit these dangers and extend your vehicle’s lifespan, it is best to park it in a working garage. For more information and resources about garage doors and garages in general, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog.

How to Fix a Garage Door That’s Off Track

Professional automatic garage door opener repair service technician man working on a ladder at a home residential location making adjustments and fixing it while installing it.

An off-track garage door is a major inconvenience and can cause enormous frustration. In addition, it can cause property damage and serious injuries. Fortunately, fixing off-track rollers is a simple DIY project. Here is our 5 step guide to fixing your off-track garage roller.

Steps to Get Your Garage Door Back on Track

Step 1: Disconnect the opener

To start the process, find the string hanging from the console that controls the door opener. Pull-on this string to disengage the opener. This will allow you to manually open and close the garage door.

Step 2: Open and secure the garage door

Check that the door is completely released from the opener, then lift it until the track is lined up with one of the rollers. This step requires caution so use a pair of vice grips or locking pliers to hold the garage door in place or ask someone to help you. 

Step 3: Bring wheels back to track

Use a pair of pliers and open the track precisely at the spot where the roller has jumped out of the track. Put the rollers back inside the track and close the opening in the track. Finally, use a rubber or wooden mallet to bring the track back into the correct shape.

Step 4: Manually check for proper alignment

Now that all the rollers are fixed, the next step is to manually check if the rollers are operating smoothly and if the door is opening correctly. You can do this by manually opening and closing the door a few times. While you’re at it, you can test its balance as well. 

If the track is still misaligned, repeat the steps above until the entire track is correctly aligned.

Step 5: Check the automatic operation

Now that you’ve made sure that the door is back on track, hanging straight and operating well manually, it is time to check the automatic operation. Use the remote control to activate the opener and allow the door to automatically open and close a few types. If this final test is successful, then consider your garage door as good as new. If you are still having trouble getting your garage door back on track, there may be more issues with your garage door system than you originally anticipated. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to schedule an expert garage door repair service.

Fixing your off-track garage door is a breeze if you have the right skills and tools. Follow the above-mentioned steps to quickly fix your garage door and make sure to hire a garage door repair company to perform regular maintenance of the garage door opener system. By doing so, your doors will stay reliable and functional for years to come.

COVID19 Update

We would like to let everyone know that we are at full operation right now, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that many emergency officials and other essential functions rely on us to keep their equipment operating properly so that they can continue to service the community during this time of crisis. We are taking precautions to ensure that our employees are making every effort to maintain safe and healthy behaviors, including sanitizing and hand-washing at every opportunity. Paramount in our minds is the safety of both our customers and our employees, so please know that we will strive for excellence at every turn. Thank you and remain safe!

A Guide to Garage Door Insulation

Workers are installing lifting gates of the garage.

If you live in an area where it’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the efficiency of your garage door depends on insulation. For this reason, it is vital to choose the right garage door insulation to protect your garage itself as well as the items inside. An insulated garage door can also increase the overall energy efficiency and durability of your home.

Types of Garage Door Insulation

There are many garage door insulation products available on the market and it is often difficult to decide which is the correct fit for your home without professional expertise. We guarantee our clients genuine solutions that are suitable for their homes and don’t compromise quality.

Each insulation material has its unique pros and cons, including cost, shape, and durability. Here is a quick guide for types of garage door insulation solutions for you:

Reflective Foil: It is typically sold in rolls and thickness may vary.

Polystyrene Foam: It is sold in a large sheet and they need to be cut down to the size of the garage door.

Panel Kits: These are the easiest to install and are made from plastic laminated polystyrene or fiberglass.

The Crucial Steps to Install Garage Door Insulation

Handy homeowners may choose to embark on this garage door insulation journey on their own. But it always makes the job a little less cumbersome to hire some help. Hiring a reputable garage door specialist makes the job a breeze. But if you do decide to go it alone, here is are the necessary steps to install your new garage door insulation:

• Using a quality degreaser, clean the surface of the garage door to eliminate any residual oils.
• Apply the adhesive, even if you choose Velcro strips or the double-sided tape.
• Make sure to test a few panels before to be confident they match the correct size of your door.
• Always trim the excess from the panels and install the barrier panels as well.

With the right garage door insulation, you would be able to not just control your energy bills, but it can also provide you with essential protection from harsh weather conditions. Garage door insulation is the perfect investment that will provide durability to your door and keep your belongings inside safe and protected. With unpredictable weather changes, find the time to secure your home with easy and convenient garage door insulation. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. has been providing garage door installation and repair services since 1950. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about insulating your garage door.

How Important Are Garage Door Safety Checks?

There must be no debate that durable, sturdy, and properly functioning garage doors are essential for any home. But homeowners often install a new residential garage door and then quickly forget about it unless it breaks down or has other problems. As long as the door is able to close and open while making minimal to bearable noise, the owners are satisfied. If the door is finally behaving intermittently and erratically, only then they decide to look into the situation.

But does your garage doors need routine inspection and safety checks? The answer is yes and the reasons are below.

Prevention of Accidents

It is vital to keep a check and balance on the complete operation of your garage door. Most people who experience a garage door accident don’t realize their mistake until after damage has been done. But sometimes mistakes can be serious, even life-threatening. This is why it is important to schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your garage door to avoid later catastrophes.

Keeping You Safe and Secure

The majority of today’s garage doors are automatic and not manual. Once the door detects the vehicle is inside, they close automatically. But what if the sensor is not working properly and it delays in closing the door on time? In the United States, 9% of burglars enter the house from the garage door. This is why it is especially important to conduct a safety check and ensure the working conditions of your garage door. Keep your family and yourself safe from accidents that can cost you.

Keep a Check on Loose Hardware of the Door

Your garage door is composed of numerous small and big pieces of hardware. Each and every piece of hardware must be in working position. Even if a tiny nut is malfunctioning or a hinge collapses, an accident could occur.

It is recommended to keep a check on the tension springs of the door and replace them when needed. If the spring is rusting, be sure to change it instantly. If you observe any loose brackets, inspect the door and make the necessary adjustments. Look for fray cables before they cause disastrous accidents.

Never wait for a mishap before you decide to inspect your residential garage door. It is recommended to schedule monthly maintenance and inspection to avoid fiascoes later on. Never forget to lubricate the hinges of the door to ensure their smooth working and running. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. ensures satisfactory inspection and maintenance services at reasonable rates. Stop worrying and call us today to avoid problems down the road.

Are Steel Garage Doors Worth the Investment?

Garage entrance with sectional doors. 3d illustration

When you visit a Pittsburgh garage door installation company to choose a garage door for your home, you will come across multiple options. These options range from style, color, durability, and material. Many garage doors today are made from steel. Steel garage doors require little maintenance, while adding plenty of aesthetic appeal to your home.

We are a reputable garage door repair company operating since 1950. We have worked with every type of garage door, made with every type of material.

But is investing in a steel garage door really a wise investment option?Let’s review the pros and cons of choosing a steel garage door.

The Factors of Affordability and Durability

Steel is one of the most affordable and durable materials available on the market. It is made from sturdy material and lasts longer than any other material type. Steel won’t bend or break easily.

Materials such as wood and aluminum are more expensive than steel when all costs are considered. In the past steel was prone to rust, but today they can be coated to make them rust-proof.

Colors, Style, and Warranty

The most appealing reason for choosing a steel garage door is that it comes in countless colors and styles. So if you are looking for something to raise the value of your home, then steel garage doors are a great option for you.

The steel doors come in various styles that can suit your personality and the style of your home. Give your home a touch of elegance and sophistication with a hint of modernism. Steel doors also offer a warranty for long-lasting and sustainability. Especially if you have new drivers in your home, steel may be your best bet for protecting your investment..

Steel garage doors are undoubtedly a wise option. The durability and consistency ensured by steel is unmatched. Other materials such as vinyl and wood are not as durable and affordable. It is surely an investment that can also raise the valuation of your property.

The incredible security and peace of mind offered by steel garage doors are also an added bonus. If you are looking for options and styles of steel garage doors then we recommend you to check out Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information.

6 FAQs About Garage Doors

Garage entrance with open sectional doors. 3d illustration

Ever-changing garage door technology has made commercial and residential garage doors in Pittsburgh more complicated. For this reason, we have comprised an FAQ page with answers to your most commonly asked questions. 

Q. Which garage door is best for me, as a homeowner?

A: When it comes to garage doors, there is no single best option. The best garage door is fully dependent on the homeowner’s unique needs, style, energy-efficiency, and location. Based on these factors, a homeowner can choose a garage door that is made from steel, wood, or aluminum and choose a design and color that best complements his/her home.

Q. Should I choose a steel door or a wood door?

A: The type of door you choose is completely up to you. Both steel garage doors and wood garage doors are beneficial and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. The benefits of steel doors are that they offer better strength, security, energy-efficiency, affordability, and require less maintenance. Wood doors, on the other hand, provide both security and insulation, but tend to be higher priced due to its customization in manufacturing. Wood doors are often pricier and tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Nevertheless, wood garage doors exude natural warmth and beauty and you can easily paint it to match the color of your entry door and home.

Q. How important is insulation in a garage door?

A: There are numerous reasons to have an insulated garage door, but the more obvious ones are that an insulated garage door allows less heat to escape in the winter and less heat to get in the summer. This helps save money on your utility bill. Also, an insulated garage door dampens incoming noise and adds strength to your door. 

Q. How much does a garage door cost?

A: The cost of residential garage doors in Pittsburgh vary. The cost is calculated according to strength, size, amount of customized design required, insulation, and much more. 

Q. Is there a warranty?

A: New doors and openers should be covered by a warranty. Most garage door companies will offer a minimum two-year warranty on material. Several doors and openers have extended material warranties beyond the first year. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. also provides service and repair work warranties.

Q. Do I need a lock on my garage door?

A: If you already have an electric garage door opener installed on your door, a lock is no longer required. In this day and age, a door opener is the best option, as it can make lifting your door from the outside almost impossible. There are several pieces of information you’ll need to know (such as size, material the garage is made of, insulated or not, etc.) before you can install a door opener. However, a door opener is highly beneficial and a great option for the protection of your garage.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered above? Feel free to reach out to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about garage door installation, repairs, maintenance, and more. 

How to Modernize Your Garage

Garage entrance with sectional doors. 3d illustration

Modernizing your garage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase its functionality, improve the aesthetics of your entire house and add to your house’s curb appeal. If you are not sure how to kick off this process, here are 5 things you can do to modernize your garage and create the space you’ve always wanted.

1. Upgrade the garage door

The garage door is often the first part of your house that people notice. So, why not use it to make a great first impression? Let your home stand out with a custom-made garage door. Custom garage doors can be designed to match your driveway gates, front door, or just the overall style of your home. This will immediately increase the curb appeal of your home.

2. Transform your garage into a smart garage

Garage door technology has rapidly improved in the last couple of years. The trend for garage doors over the last couple of years is ease and convenience. One way to modernize your garage door and have it stand out from the crowd is by installing a Smart Wi-Fi Controller. This fully automates the garage door and allows you to open, close, and monitor it from anywhere at any time.

3. Upgrade the floor

Your garage floor has suffered extreme wear and tear over the years, therefore it is a good idea to also focus on the floor. You can give the floor a good pressure washing and repair noticeable cracks. You can also cover the concrete floor with Rhino Linings polyaspartic coating for a durable, clean and attractive surface. 

4. Add a smart security camera.

The garage has always been a target for burglars and intruders. One surefire way to protect your home from intruders is to add a motion-activated smart security camera in front of your garage. 

Often these cameras have built-in lights and can be a great deterrent for intruders who view your home as an easy target. For even better security, install a model you can operate with your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your house regardless of your location. 

5. Consider ceiling storage 

Your garage has a finite amount of space, but its potential to be used as storage space can be expanded. If you’ve reached your limits with floor space and wall space, just lookup. The ceiling can be a great place for long-term storage of seasonal items such as holiday decorations. 

The home of your dreams deserves an equally aesthetically and modern garage. Modernize your garage using the above-mentioned tips to not only make it more attractive, but also more enjoyable. If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door or just want to better understand our process for creating custom garage doors, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for more information.

How to Make Your Garage More Functional

The garage is a multi-functional space as it provides room for parking, storage, functions as an access point in and out of the home, and can be used as a hobby space. However, the garage can only be this useful if it is well organized. Excess clutter in your garage may limit its functionality and make it unappealing. If you currently don’t have an insulated garage door, your garage may be too cold and noisy to enjoy.

Therefore, transforming your garage’s interior may be a great goal for the new year. Here are some simple changes you can make today to enhance your garage.

1. Eliminate floor clutter

If there seems to be clutter in every corner of your garage, you may be using your garage as a junkyard. In this instance, your only option is to eliminate the clutter. You may need to channel your inner Marie Kondo and eliminate everything that doesn’t “spark joy.” While this might seem like an intimidating task, it is the first step to having a clutter-free garage.

2. Use the garage wall as storage space

Another way to establish and maintain a nicer garage interior is to use the garage’s wall as a storage space. Use wall organizers to get your seldom used, but necessary, items off the floor and onto the walls for easy access and storage. Place items that you use often at eye level or below.

3. Repaint for a nicer garage interior

Since you are in the process of improving your garage, why not spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. But be careful, if you’re going for a lighter shade, know that it will reflect light better and thus brighten the room, but it will also make dirt and grime more evident. 

You can also opt for more natural colors such as grey or beige. These will be easier to maintain and clean. 

4. Convertible work table

The great thing about a garage is it provides a free workspace. If you feel like your garage doesn’t have enough room for a full-length worktable, try a convertible worktable. When it comes to convertible worktables, you have two options, you can either purchase one or build one on your own as a DIY project. 

5. Install an insulated garage door

If you’re interested in turning some of your garage space into a multi-use space, you may want to consider an insulated garage door. Insulated door trap in heat, keep the space warmer. They also are better at keeping outside… well, outside. If your current garage door isn’t very good at keeping cold air and water out, an insulated garage door will make all the difference. Also, as an added perk, it will minimize noise and create a quieter area to meet your other goals for the new year!

Your garage has the potential to be a storage area, automotive shop, workspace, hobby space, and more. If your new year’s resolutions include improving your garage then the tips on this list will help you make better use of your space. If you’re in the market for an insulated garage door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information.