• Why Your Garage Door Needs an Annual Tune-Up

    Home repairman uses tools to work on a garage door spring

    Fittings on the end of a garage door spring are twisted

    Like automobiles, garage door systems are machines with working parts. What homeowners should know is that, like automobiles, garage doors and their openers require regular maintenance. Many experts recommend maintenance every 12 months. Annual tune-ups can help keep the machine working properly. This can save money and add to peace of mind.

    Save Money

    Any system made of moving parts is subject to wear and tear. Trained professionals know what areas to focus on to ensure all bolts are tightened, belts are not worn, tracks are balanced, et cetera.  The cost of replacing a belt is much lower than replacing all the parts that may have been damaged by a belt breaking during operation.

    Peace of Mind

    Homeowners rely on their garage doors to provide both access for the family and a barrier against unwanted entrance. Maintaining garage door dependability through tune-ups is an easy way to keep the garage door open when it’s supposed to be open and closed when it’s supposed to be closed, without any surprises. Additionally, most garage-door-related injuries are the result of some sort of malfunction. These are less likely to occur when the system is properly maintained.

    The majority of homeowners rely on garage doors just as they would their automobile. A well-functioning garage door provides peace of mind for the person using it. Annual tune-ups will keep the system in its best working order, which will save money on serious repairs as well as lower the overall risk of injury. If your garage door is ready for regular maintenance, schedule an appointment with Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

  • Is My Garage Door Sensor Damaged?

    Is your garage door no longer opening and closing properly? Then you may need to do some troubleshooting to discover what’s causing your garage door to malfunction. Sometimes it is not clear whether your garage door sensor is simply broken, but there are some things to look for that might indicate that it is having issues. It is essential that as a homeowner you are aware of the signs that your garage door sensor needs to be replaced. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors offers some simple steps that could help you determine the issue.

    1. Check for power

    One of the more common reasons that the sensors for garage doors seem to malfunction is a result of an insufficient power supply. Search for small lights that appear on the sensors. If all the lights seem to be glowing, then this is not the problem and you can cross it off your list of possible problems.

    2. Be sure the path is clear of objects

    The purpose of a garage door sensor is to restrain the door from closing if there is something in its path. This function is valuable because it keeps your car and loved ones safe from falling garage doors. If there is something in its path, it is programmed not to close, so make sure nothing is obstructing the sensor beam.

    3. Check for dirty sensors

    At times, dirt or grime can become plastered on the lenses of your garage sensor. This could be the culprit that is preventing your garage sensors from performing properly. To avoid this from occurring, be sure to clean the lenses regularly.

    4. Sensor alignment

    There is a possibility that the problem you have encountered with your garage sensors has to do with their alignment. Be sure to check thoroughly that both of your sensors are properly aligned. The way to check this is to examine both LED lights on the sensors and see if they are green. If you discover that these lights have turned red or are flashing continuously then you have found your problem and you will need to realign your sensors.

    5. Simple wear and tear

    Like with most things, time will surely catch up to anything, including your garage sensors. This is certainly accurate if you haven’t changed your sensors for more than ten years at a time. If you have conducted the tests that were previously outlined and you still cannot determine what is causing your faulty sensors, perhaps a replacement is needed. Consult Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for repairs or to learn more about what may be hindering your garage doors.

  • 6 Steps to Get Your Patio Ready for Summer

    It seems insane that spring is already upon us. But it is important that spring cleaning and prepping projects are finished before the brutal heat of summer sneaks in. The days of pool parties, cookouts, and other outdoor activities are on the horizon and it is time to make your backyard and patio look pristine for entertaining. Preparing your patio for the summer is no easy task, so you’ll need all the help you can get. So here are some steps that will assist you when you decide it’s time to get to work. Start Fresh. The surface of your patio is the best place to start the prepping process. If you have a patio that is made of concrete, then you might want to opt for a pressure washer to clean the surface. If your patio’s surface is made of another material, then you might choose a mop and broom to clean the surface of your patio.

    1. Clean the Furniture. After a long winter, there is most likely going to be some mildew and dirt that has found a home on your patio furniture. It may be a good idea to pressure wash your furniture as well, then follow with a sponge.

    2. Tidy Up the Flower Beds. This could mean simply trimming and pruning your flowers to help them complement your beautiful patio. You must also make sure that you weed the area and make it look neat and presentable.

    3. Update Older Pieces. There are many reasons why your patio may be in need of an update. But the weather can play a part in damaging your patio and is the most common culprit. Animals can also take a toll during the colder months. Either way, it is vital that you replace or repair these damaged or worn pieces to give your patio a facelift. Furniture cushions are an item that frequently needs to be replaced.

    4. Add a Little Flare. This part of the preparation can be fun and allows you to show your personality and creativity. Small and simple changes can make a big difference in the appearance of your patio. Add extra accessories to give your patio a little added flair.

    5. Install a Patio Screen. When you install a solar shade or retractable screen for your patio it adds value to your property and can be seen when you need it and hidden when you don’t. These retractable screens have the ability to take out any glare from the sun as well as control the amount of light that enters your home, so the sun isn’t in anyone’s eyes. There are many variations of models available for purchase. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors carries both Phantom Screens and Sunair varieties and can provide a consult upon request. Contact our team today to schedule a free estimate.

     

     

  • 5 Types of Mounted Garage Door Openers

    Spring is an ideal time to replace worn-out or outdated garage components. While painting walls and installing shelving may be more exciting updates, it’s important to be proactive about the maintenance of the most functional feature of your garage: the mechanism that operates your garage door. The following is a user-friendly guide to select the right garage door opener for both your budget and lifestyle.

     

    General Considerations

    Lightweight aluminum doors are a good match for ½ horsepower openers at home, while larger, heavier, or single-piece doors may require ¾ – 1 ¼ horsepower openers. Larger motors last longer, although they may have a higher initial cost compared to smaller motors.  In addition, consider how much noise is acceptable.  For example, will the opener be used in an attached garage next to a bedroom? Lastly, decide how much maintenance you’re willing to put into its upkeep.

     

    Wall Mount (Jackshaft)

    For garages with vaulted ceilings or for homeowners seeking additional overhead space, a wall mount (or “jackshaft”) opener is a good option. One benefit is that no overhead electrical sockets are required because it is mounted on the wall at eye level and can reach standard outlets nearby. These garage door openers require professional installation, and the use of belts means they will require regular maintenance, similar to a belt drive.

     

    Screw Drive

    This low-maintenance design is a good choice for heavy or large doors. The lift mechanism is attached to the door and slides up and down a threaded rod.  Due to the small number of working parts, screw drive garage door openers require less maintenance than other styles, such as the belt drive. Since this style has more horsepower than belt drive or direct drive openers expect it to create more noise due to the larger motor which typically runs on AC power. 

     

    Chain Drive

    These are budget-friendly openers that use a system similar to a large bicycle chain.  These generally run on AC power and are a good choice for consumers who don’t mind a little added noise and understand that some regular maintenance will be required.

     

    Belt Drive

    Belt-drive openers are known to be the quietest type of garage door opener. This belt-drive opener generally runs on DC instead of AC power, making it quieter than other varieties. It uses a steel and rubber belt. The pliability of the rubber helps it to run smoothly. The rubber, however, means it will require some regular maintenance.

     

    Direct Drive

    Comparable to the belt drive, the direct drive is an alternative that produces slightly more noise while requiring less maintenance. The direct drive may use AC or DC power, rendering some models quieter than others.  Employing a stationary chain in a steel rail, the direct drive requires less maintenance than the belt drive.

     

    There are several types of garage door openers, many of which have specific applications for many types of doors. After considering noise, horsepower, and maintenance, this list should give a general idea of which type of opener will be most appropriate for your home. Selecting the most appropriate garage door opener will ensure the garage continues to function optimally. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for more information or to schedule an appointment.

  • Spring Cleaning Your Garage Like a Professional

    garage door maintenance

    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

    garage doors

    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

    garage door repair

    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

    garage door specialist

    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?

    residential garage door

    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.