5 Tips for a “Green” Garage

Reducing our “carbon footprint” is a topic of growing concern, and many eco-conscious families are focusing more effort into protecting the environment. Many facets of daily living can become more environmentally friendly, including the home itself. Here are a few tips for a “greener” garage.

Install Insulation

As an alternative to electric heating/cooling, try installing eco-friendly insulation in garage walls. Insulation allows the garage to maintain a more moderate temperature. By preventing the garage from becoming extremely hot or extremely cold, you significantly reduce the amount of electricity needed to make the garage comfortable.

Weatherproof the Interior Door

Air transfers between the garage and the home each time the interior door is opened. This movement will bring garage-temperature air into the home. Heating and air conditioning have to work harder to adjust for the garage’s air. Heat transfer can also occur if a closed door isn’t properly weatherproofed. To reduce air flow, ensure the weather-stripping and caulk are present and in good condition.

Update the Garage Door

As with the interior door, a weatherproof garage door can help a garage stay clean and comfortable. Weatherstripping should be intact, and there should be no major gaps between the door and the walls. You can minimize heat transfer by installing a triple-layer garage door. Many retailers offer eco-friendly garage doors.

Install a Window

A well-placed window provides natural light, reducing electrical usage during the day. Whether installing a new window or upgrading an existing one, make sure it has multiple panes and is filled with a non-toxic gas. Ensure the seals on a window are tight, and add caulk around the frame if needed. An existing window may benefit from new weather stipping if needed.

Use Better Lighting

When it’s dark outside, a window cannot provide enough light for the garage. LED lights work well and are energy efficient. Remember to turn the lights off when they’re not being used. For localized lighting (such as at a workbench,) try a lamp or lantern instead of several overhead lights. Natural light can be utilized during the day, and solar panels can be used on the roof to harvest sunlight.

For those who want to help the environment, even small changes can have an impact. Many people become conscious of recycling and energy consumption. Home updates, including the garage, can help reduce “carbon footprints.” Consider these ideas to make your garage a little bit more “green.” For more helpful information about garage doors, browse the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. blog. 

Why You Should Invest in an Energy-Efficient Garage Door this Winter

Old fasion two car wooden garage

During winter, entrances such as front doors, side doors, and Pittsburgh garage doors are more likely to be infiltrated by the cold air. It’s essential for homeowners to prevent the chilly air from entering the house, especially through the garage, to keep bills manageable. Thankfully, garage door technology has evolved throughout the years and garage doors have become more energy-efficient with proper insulation. These garage doors are often deemed energy-efficient because they maintain a comfortable temperature and can help decrease the utility bill. Below are four reasons to consider investing in an insulated garage door this winter.

1. Your car stays warm during winter

Cold temperatures can be hard on your car. Low temperatures make your battery work harder and can cause motor oil to thicken, making the engine harder to turn over and putting added stress on the moving parts. Keeping your car in a warm space may help extend its lifespan. In order to maintain a moderate temperature in your garage, it is best to choose an insulated door. 

2. You’re trying to lower your energy bills

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for the energy bills to soar. Unfortunately, your garage door can add to this rise. A garage door that is uninsulated allows cold air to easily pass through the adjoining entryways, vents, and walls. This causes your heating system to work harder to generate adequate heat and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. By replacing your uninsulated door with an insulated one, you will save energy and regulate the proper temperature inside the garage.

3. You want a high-quality, durable door

Energy-efficient garage doors are often made from sturdy building materials, which means they will have a longer lifespan than non eco-friendly doors. They are a great investment, as over time an owner of an eco-friendly door will save funds and resources.

4. You want to improve your home’s curb appeal

Energy-efficient garage doors come in a wide variety of materials and styles. They can be made of steel, wood, vinyl etc. Due to the many benefits of these garage doors, they draw eco-friendly buyers and may boost the resale value of your home. 

Replacing your old uninsulated garage door with a new, properly insulated one this winter is a great investment. An energy efficient garage door is the best choice is you wish to decrease your utility bill this winter, keep your car warm, and improve your curb appeal. When you’re ready to replace your garage door, call the Pittsburgh garage specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to request a quote. 

Why is My Garage Door Leaking?

A straw-bristled push broom sweeps water and debris off a concrete garage floor after an oil leak

The modern garage is more than just a safe space for our cars. It is a place to fix, create, and store our personal possessions. Therefore, it is important to keep it dry. But, does water always seem to find its way into your garage after a storm? That is likely because your garage door has developed a leak. A leaking garage door can become frustrating because you’ll constantly have to dry out and clean the garage. Additionally, leaks can lead to unwanted problems like mold and mildew that can make it smell and become unsafe.

Here are some possible causes and remedies for water in your garage:

1. Poor door seals

A broken seal is one of the most common causes of water leaking under the garage door. The moment rainwater hits your garage door, it will start to seep into your garage. You can stop this by replacing your old, worn out seal with a new, reliable one. By doing so, you’ll also keeps leaves, pests, dust, insects and other unwanted debris out of your garage. Call an expert in garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA for help replacing the seal and making your garage door water-tight.

2. Clogged or broken gutters

Does it look like the garage door leak is coming from the roof? It might be the gutter. Your gutter might be clogged with moss, pine needles or other debris. This will cause the water to drip directly off the garage roof instead of being drained away properly. You can resolve this by cleaning or repairing the gutter. If needed, install new gutters and downspouts that will divert the water away from the garage door. Functioning gutters and downspouts will protect the garage floor and the foundation.

3. Downward sloping driveway

A downward sloping driveway can cause water to easily drain into the garage. In this instance, it is best to have the soil grade adjusted on your property. The best option is to dig a drain trench in the concrete in front of the door and install a steel or PVC pipe. Place an iron grate on top so water can drain into the trench instead of flowing into your garage.

A water-free garage will save you money and time, and prevent the forming of mold, rot, and other foundation issues. Remember to replace worn-out garage bottom seals, clean clogged and broken gutters, and make sure the soil on your property is even. If you think a worn out seal is your problem, get a quote for expert garage door repair Pittsburgh, PA services from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. today.

Home Improvement Projects for Winter

photo of suburban home with snow on drive way, lawn, plants, trees and roof

Winter is upon us and if you’re like most people, you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately. Winter is the best time of year to sit on the couch, watch a movie or read a book, and cuddle up in a blanket for hours. But it is also a great time to work on your house and make some home improvements. 

Here are some easy projects you might want to tackle during this winter:

1. Paint interior walls

Winter is great to embark on a new painting project. The best part about this is that you don’t need a professional painter for this, as it can be a fun DIY project. You can repaint all the rooms in your house or focus on one area to give your home a burst of life during this icy period. Make sure to use an eco-friendly, low-VOC paint that does not release toxic fumes.

2. Replace flooring

Replacing flooring is a great winter project because it can increase the comfort of your home dramatically. You can install new carpet, tile, or wood flooring. You can have it professionally installed or simply make it a DIY project. But remember to open windows to allow fumes to escape during the process. 

3. Replace your non-insulated garage door with an insulated one

The garage door is part of your home and is the largest entrance point. While it has many benefits, the garage can also be a source of heat loss. How insulated your garage door is can greatly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Insulated garage doors are energy-efficient, quieter, stronger, more durable, decrease the utility bills, and make your home more eco-friendly. But keep in mind this is one project you can’t DIY. Contact a certified garage door installation Pittsburgh specialist to complete this project for you.

4. Declutter

Winter is the best time to declutter and organize the stuff you wish to keep. Decluttering a house is a strenuous task, hence it would be wise not to attempt to tackle the entire home at once, but rather devote time on one part or space in your home at a time. Decluttering is all about starting small and going slow.

5. Give your bathroom some love

When it comes to deep cleaning, we often overlook the bathroom. Winter offers a great opportunity to do a thorough bathroom inspection and make the needed changes. Updates such as repainting the bathroom, swapping out that dated shower curtain, or replacing a faucet are fun and relatively easy projects. 

Winter is a great time to relax, but it can also be the perfect time to work on home projects that not only beautify your home, but also add value. If you’re considering replacing your garage door or simply need some maintenance, call the garage door installation Pittsburgh specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. at 724.502.2394

Contemporary Home + Modern Garage Door

Contemporary and stylish, yet minimally designed homes are gaining a new prominence. At the same time, modern garage doors in Pittsburg, PA are also on the rise. More and more people are noticing how nicely modern garage doors complement the contemporary home exterior. Homeowners can easily capitalize on this trend and upgrade their garage doors to a modern, sophisticated design. 

Fortunately, modern garage doors in Pittsburgh, PA comes in different magnificent designs. To help you decide which is the best modern garage door for your contemporary house, here are our top picks:

1. Steel Garage Doors

These modern doors are sleek and stylish and are built for performance. Steel garage doors also come in a variety of styles and are cost-effective. These doors feature a combination of steel and sprayed-in foam insulation, providing with better insulation than glass or wood doors.

The thermal efficiency of steel doors not only helps to ensure your garage is properly insulated, but it also reduces noise. Steel garage doors also have tamper-resistant bottom brackets, pinch-resistant panels for safety, and reinforced steel and struts to strengthen the framework.

2. Wood Garage Doors

The elegance of a wooden garage door is perfect for balancing the structured, geometric look of a contemporary home. Wood garage doors create warmth, exude luxury and rustic beauty, and add a natural touch. This garage door model creates a natural appeal, equipped with modern technology. Wood garage doors have shiplap style connections between sections, steel-pinned wood lock mechanisms and zinc-coated steel for unparalleled strength that will help lengthen the lifespan of your garage door.

3. Glass Garage Doors 

Enhance the classy look of your contemporary home with a dramatic, stylish and unique glass garage door. Glass garage doors look sophisticated and stand out. These garage doors are exceptionally luxurious and come with flexible bottom seals to protect your garage from dirt and debris. Glass garage doors have a lower insulation value than steel doors, but they feature frames and panels filled with foam-in-place insulation to provide thermal efficiency.

Modern garage doors in Pittsburgh are the new trend to enhance your contemporary home. Steel, wooden and glass garage doors are the most prominent. All of these emanate a unique style and provide, a picturesque appeal but, most importantly, they offer the safety and efficiency necessary.

How to Secure Your Home and Garage

In matters of home security, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true. Homeowners often assume surveillance cameras are the best way to secure their homes. But burglars who have perfected their craft do not care for surveillance and will easily prey on weak entrance and garage doors. Thus, sturdy door installation in Pittsburgh is of utmost importance. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your home and garage. Let’s look at how professional door installation in Pittsburgh will help secure your home:

The Front Doors

Most intruders will try to enter a home through the front door first. Therefore, it is important to make front doors as secure as possible. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your Pittsburgh home. Additionally, upgrading from conventional locks to smart locks is also a smart idea worth considering. However, keep in mind that all these safety upgrades mean nothing if your door installation in Pittsburgh wasn’t completed by a professional.

 The Garage

The garage is becoming the most sought after entry point for criminals. Therefore, garage door installation must also be completed professionally to offer the utmost security. People usually don’t lock garage doors when they’re connected to a garage door opener. Also, the door from the garage to the house is usually not as secure as the front door to the house and often even left unlocked. To prevent burglars from entering your home through your garage door, make sure your garage door is installed properly and the connecting door installation was also done with security in mind. 

Also, it is best to keep the garage door opener in the house rather than keeping it in the garage. For extra security, keep the garage door window adequately covered and consider securing garage doors with the help of extra locks and zip ties if possible.

Professional door installation in Pittsburgh is the first step to keep your home safe and secure. Today, a proficient surveillance system is no longer sufficient. Remember, your front door and garage door are usually the first entry points intruders will try. It is, therefore, best to make these doors as secure as possible, which starts with proper installation.

Halloween Garage Door Decorating Ideas

Halloween – the spooky time of the year – is almost upon us and it is time to think of creative ways to make your home look frightening and fabulous. Most people focus on decorating the home and yard and completely forget the garage doors. Decorating your garage doors can be a great way to put a big smile on the face of those trick-or-treaters or scare them half to death, depending on what you’re going for. The best thing about this is that creative decorations for garage doors can be easily made. Most often, paper or cloth, tape, and paint are all you need. Below are five ideas to decorate your garage doors and help you increase the fear factor of your curb appeal.

1. A Giant Spider Web

Spiders are scary no matter what, but when they’re giant?! They become spooktacular! Garage doors can easily be turned into a spider web with giant spiders for easy scares! This is sure to scare the soul out of everyone who simply gazes upon these garage doors. This look is easily created with some streamers and construction paper. 

2. A Witchy Landscape

Garage doors with witches, a burning fire, and a bubbling cauldron is always a delightful scene for trick-or-treaters and passersby. This creepy cut-out silhouette is made even scarier by backlighting. Creating this scene is simple, all you need is black craft foam and some scissors. 

3. Jack Skellington

This naughty character is often seen on many garage doors and is willing to scare anyone who cares to look at it. This one is also quite easy to make, all you need are a few magnets, some trash bags, black vinyl or construction paper, and a little bit of tape.

4. Bats & Cats

Black cats and bats are the perfect tools for scares and giggles! This Halloween, adorn your garage door with eerie silhouettes of these spooky creatures. The best part is that these silhouettes are easy to create, all you need is some cloth tape and cut-out foam. 

5. Monster Mouth

Spook the kids with a huge, house-size monster with a mouth the size of a garage door! Give this monster mouth its sharp scary teeth by using a painted tarp. 

Halloween is right around the corner! This year garage doors must not be left out of all the holiday fun. Transform your home from friendly to downright spooky with these easy to create Halloween ideas.

How Often Should My Garage Door Be Serviced?

Most people in Pittsburgh will only service their garage door when it shows signs of weakness or when something breaks. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous approach that can end up costing more money in the long run. Garage doors just like other mechanical devices can experience wear and tear, therefore it is pertinent to regularly check and/or service your garage door. 

How often does my garage door require professional service?

The Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. professional Pittsburgh garage door technicians say it is best to service your garage door at least twice a year. However, you can also incorporate your own simple preventive maintenance routine that includes lubricating areas of the door, and tightening bolts and screws. Still, it is imperative to have a Pittsburgh garage professional check your garage door semi-annually. When servicing your garage door, consider the following:

 When to Service

For complete assurance, service your garage door system at least twice a year. Ensure that one of those services occur in the fall season to prepare for the cold winter temperatures and snow. Check the door again in early spring when temperatures and moisture levels have changed. 

Rollers & Hinges

Rollers and hinges must always be in perfect condition. These parts are prone to splitting and cracking, therefore they should be checked, and repaired regularly to ensure they are secure. 

Balance the Door

If your garage door is halfway open and you notice it moving up and down, it is a clear sign that the torsion needs to be adjusted. Springs tend to break when they are old or in the winter during cold temperatures. Request the help of a professional repair technician to fix this as soon as possible. 

Lubricate

Hearing an unusual squeaking sound when you open or close your garage door? This means that it needs to be lubricated. Lubricate all metallic moving parts with a non-greasy, non-silicone-based garage door lubricant. Don’t forget to open up the motor and lubricate all of the nylon parts with grease – especially the drive gear. Pay special attention to hinges, rollers, and springs, especially during the wintertime as these objects require more lubrication during cold months. 

Bottom Seal & Weatherseal

Depending on the condition of the weather seal and bottom seal, it might need to be replaced. The garage door should not have gaps that allow air and light to enter. If you notice these occurrences, it might mean the bottom seal is experiencing wear from animals or shrinkage from moisture, or both. 

It is of utmost importance to have your garage door serviced by a professional twice a year. Yet it is also great if you routinely do your own check-up. By doing this, you’ll immediately become aware of the problems your garage door may have and if the help of one of Thomas V. Giel Garage Door’s Pittsburgh garage repair professionals is needed immediately.

How Can a New Entry Door Save You Money?

The front doors in Pittsburgh are quite often the first element of a home that people notice. This means that your front door shapes the first impression of neighbors and visitors to your home. It can add or detract from your home’s overall curb appeal. Front doors that are ugly and old are often not attractive, but they can also end up costing you. Most old front doors will show signs of wear, small warping, chirping, and may even be damaged. And because the damage may be so small, it is easy to pay little to no attention to it since the door is still functional. However, this can cause financial problems in the long run. In contrast, a good front door can be financially beneficial. Here are some ways a good front door can save you money. 

A new front door improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Front doors in Pittsburgh are exposed to the elements all day, everyday. Unfortunately, many old worn out front doors aren’t airtight, thus allowing your heating or cooling system to become less effective. Also, the rain that enters your home through the bottom of an old door can cause the growth of mold and/or mildew. To avoid this, it is crucial to replace your old front door with a new and efficient one that keeps your home comfortable and reduces your utility bills. A new fully sealed and energy-efficient front door will keep the warm air in during the winter, and the cool comfort of your home stable in the summer. A custom sweep at the bottom of your new door creates a thermal barrier that protects your home against the outside temperatures and weather in Pittsburgh. 

A new door is a long-term investment.

A new door can be expensive, hence some homeowners don’t see the value of investing in one. The truth is, a new front door is one of the most affordable investments you can make — one that will pay for itself many times over the life of the door. Besides, a front door with glass in the middle allows for light to enter your home which, in turn, reduces your electricity bill and also increases your home’s property value.

Investing in a new front door for your Pittsburgh home is not only a wise investment, but it is also one that will save you money. Make sure that your front door is not only appealing but that it can withstand Pittsburgh’s weather.

Safety Tips for Your Garage Door

Garages are great for a plethora of reasons. Not only do they protect our vehicles, but they are also suitable as a storage space, a room for home projects, and space for kids to play. But they can also pose safety and security challenges. Even with the automatic reverse function installed on most garage doors, injury can still occur.

 Every year, garage doors cause injuries and that is because garage doors are still the largest, heaviest moving object in most homes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), hospital emergency departments treat more than 15,000 injuries from garage doors nationwide. The only way to decrease these numbers is to get your garage door inspected by a garage door repair service in Pittsburg, periodically. 

Additionally, following the tips below will help decrease the possibility of injury and keep your family safe.

 1. Routinely test the safety sensors

All garage doors made after 1991 have built-in safety sensors. This feature reverses the direction of the closing door immediately as it touches something so the door cannot cause injury to a person or animal walking under it. Make sure to frequently inspect to ensure this feature is working properly. It is important to know if the safety sensors or working or not so you can take proper action. If you notice the sensors are no longer working, get help from a professional garage door repair service in Pittsburgh immediately. Until the door is fixed, make sure to keep your family away from the door. 

2. Teach your kids garage safety

It is pertinent to teach your children how to use the garage door properly and safely. Let them know that the garage door is not a toy so they should use it only when necessary.   

3. Watch your fingers

Whenever you are touching or inspecting your garage door, refrain from excessive touching and fiddling with the mechanisms of the door as your fingers can get pinched. It is best to leave any type of repair work to a professional.

Garage door safety should never be underestimated. Garage doors cause many accidents annually, therefore always treat your garage door with caution. If you notice that your garage door needs fixing, call a professional repair service immediately.