Which Type of Storm Door is Right For Your Home?

Modern storm doors are more advanced and visually appealing than the screen doors of generations past. Made from a durable aluminum frame and glass panels, often with retractable or interchangeable screens. Start by choosing the type of door you want, then decide what level of ventilation you will require. Here are your top choices when shopping for storm doors in Pittsburgh.

Full View Storm Doors

Just as the name sounds these doors have a thick aluminum frame and a full view, top to bottom glass panel. This is the door to select if you still want to enjoy the beauty of your front door when your storm door is closed. These are a high-security door that comes in a variety of frame colors, glass designs, and handle options. For increased ventilation choose your full view door with retractable screens that improve airflow when needed. This is a durable door that can hold up to Pennsylvania winters.

Mid View Storm Doors

Mid view doors are the best option for families with a lot of foot traffic. They have two glass panels instead of one, and the aluminum frame is wider on the tops and sides, with a thick aluminum panel on the bottom. A more durable option than a full view door, perfect in homes where the door is constantly being opened and closed, or for those who have pets who like to push up against your door to get a better look outside. With two glass panels, you can opt for glass in both panels, a screen in one or both, or retractable ventilation.

High View Storm Doors

For maximum durability a high view storm door is your top pick, making this option ideal for your back and side doors. The top third of the door has one or two glass panels and exterior viewing and ventilation, but the bottom portion is aluminum. Choose from glass and screens and feel free to add a pet door in the bottom section.

 This is just a basic description of your storm door options but each is available with a variety of features and in a variety of designs. Still not sure what type of storm doors in Pittsburgh you need? Reach out to the team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to discuss your options!

How To Measure For A Commercial Garage Door

Most homes have a standard-size one or two-car garage door. But your warehouse, factory,  loading dock, or garage is likely to need a custom-sized door. Here is how to measure to install or replace your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors.

Measurement 1: Width And Height

Grab a ladder and an extra-long tape measure. Measure the width and height of the door opening, down to the exact feet and inches.

Measurement 2: Sideroom

Now it’s time to calculate the sideroom measurements. You will need at least 3.75 inches for standard vertical tracts, and 5.5 inches for specialty spring systems. If you have multiple garage doors side to side, you need at least 10 inches between each door 

Measurement 3: Headroom

Next up, you need to measure the headroom between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling. Standard spring systems need at least 10 feet and specialty spring systems will need at least 5.5 inches.

Measurement 4: Backroom

Last but not least, you need to measure the distance between the garage door opening and the back of the garage wall. You will need at least the door height plus 18 inches if you want an automatic garage door. 

Additional Tips For Measuring Commercial Garage Doors

In addition to the measurements above, be mindful of anything that might hinder your new garage door. In some cases, you may need to have a bit of work done before you can install the new garage door you’d like. Things to consider include:

•     Electrical outlets
•     Lighting
•     Damaged jambs
•     Uneven flooring
•     Pipes
•     Ductwork
•     And more!

Not to worry if you aren’t confident in measuring your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors yourself. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is happy to come out and do the measurements for you!

4 Tips For A Quieter Garage Door

As much as you love having a garage, you may not love the disruptive sound of your door opening and closing. Even with a quiet garage door design, overtime your door may get louder. Here are a few tips for quieter garage doors Pittsburgh, PA.

Lubricate

Most homeowners forget to lubricate the moving metal parts on their garage door, which should be done every 6 months. Check the manufacturer’s guide for directions on where to lubricate. A standard lubricant spray found in any home store, such as WD-40, will get the job done.

Tighten And Replace Parts

Everything from rollers to hinges and the bottom rubber seal needs to be periodically replaced, while nuts, screws, hinges, and the opener chain need to be tightened. Not to worry as this isn’t something you have to go alone. Simply reach out to the garage door experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your routine garage door maintenance and repairs.

Add Soundproofing

There is often a room or two in the home where the opening and closing of the garage door is more disruptive. This is often a bedroom or room above or adjacent to your garage. Adding a bit of soundproofing to the garage can work wonders in minimizing noise and vibrations. Consider vibration isolators for the motor and wall and ceiling acoustic sheets or blankets for the garage walls or ceilings.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

Last but not least, it may simply be time to upgrade your garage door to a quieter model. Newer models may also have higher security features as well as improved energy efficiency.

 If the sound of opening and closing your garage door is too much to bear, reach out to Thomas V. Giel today and we will come out and take a look.

5 Garage Door Design Trends You’ll Want to Steal

If you’re looking to take your home’s curb appeal up a notch this summer, you may want to consider replacing your Pittsburgh garage door. Looking for the perfect door will help to increase your home’s curb appeal. Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are five different styles of garage door design trends you want to steal. 

Custom-Made Designs

2019 has proven to be quite the year for custom-designed garage doors. This is particularly good for those who aren’t fond of the “one size fits all” method. It gives you the freedom to have a say in how your garage door is designed from beginning to end. You’ll be in charge of choosing the material and selecting the final touches such as decorative hardware and windows. This is the ultimate way to tailor your door to fit your personality and personal taste.

 Old-Fashioned Accents

This year we’ve also seen the comeback of the classic-style garage door. The wooden doors used to be costly, but now they’ve become more durable and affordable. The great thing is that for those who want the looking but are worried about the upkeep, there are designer fiberglass doors available which are lower maintenance. The only person who will notice the difference is you!

Cutting-Edge Technology

In the last decade we’ve seen the rise of smart technology incorporated into virtually everything in our lives. One example is the newer Wi-Fi connected garage door openers and the fact that people can now operate their garage doors from an app on their smartphones. These spiffy little apps allow you to close and open your garage door from surprising distances, making it helpful for opening it when you’re just down the street and want to just slip your vehicle inside. It also allows you to have control over it while you’re out of town. You can give people like the babysitter or house sitter access at certain times. 

Choosing Bold Colors

Nowadays, white garage doors aren’t as sought out as they once were. Many families prefer to go for darker, bolder colors. Adding a colorful garage door to your home makes a statement. We suggest choosing a color that blends well with the exterior colors of your home. In 2019, it seems one of the most popular colors is black. 

Now it’s time to go and check out a door installation company near you. If you’re in the area, consider Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your Pittsburgh garage door installation needs.

A Buying Guide for Contemporary Garage Doors

Garage doors are a great way to improve the curb appeal and value of your home. They cover roughly between 25 to 35 percent of your home’s exterior. They make a statement and tell passersby your style. Many people like the modern and sleek look. It may be difficult to decide which style of garage door you should pick since there are so many different types. We can help with that. Here’s a buying guide to contemporary models prior to garage door installation Pittsburgh.

What are “Contemporary” Garage Doors?

The term “contemporary” refers to present trends. The sleeker looking garage doors you see driving down the road, that’s what we’re referring to here. They have a simple, minimalist architectural look and feel to them. Think clean lines. They’re commonly made of wood, steel, aluminum, or a combination of these materials. Each of these styles have distinct features and characteristics that will fit your needs. 

Glass and Aluminum

Glass and aluminum garage doors will give your house a modern look and also provide natural light in the daytime and a warm glow at nighttime. Many companies feature a variety of door panel options, which give you the chance to choose the level of natural light and privacy you desire. Tempered and acrylic glass panels come in tinted, obscure, frosted, and clear styles. For those who want to increase their home’s energy efficiency, there are insulated glass panels to pick from. Solid aluminum panels are for those who want the maximum amount of privacy but want to keep the look modern. 

Steel 

The beauty of the steel style is that it gives your home a contemporary feel but also gives you the durability of steel. This material stands up against the elements and is resistant to breaking apart, warping, cracking, and rusting. Some companies provide them in one to three-layer constructions. They’re also made with a combination of steel and either insulation or polystyrene. These doors are usually available in flush or grooved panel options and glass window panels that come in a variety of design options.  

Classic

The classic look keeps the aesthetics of yesteryear and combines them with today’s modern garage materials. They come with traditional raised panel construction with a variety of window and steel panel options in many different colors. This style comes in a wide range of construction and design options that give you the freedom to customize your garage door to fit your specific taste. 

Wood

Some people still love the look and feel of natural wood. Many companies have a variety of wood style garage doors available in different designs and a variety of finish and stain color options. They’re particularly beautiful with homes that have an earthy tone and style to them, especially those that go for the southwestern style. 

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we partner with several garage door manufacturers that carry amazing contemporary looks or can even custom design a garage door with you. When you’re ready to install your new door, call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for experienced garage door installation Pittsburgh.

How To Choose an Entry and Storm door for Your Pittsburgh Home

For homeowners in Pittsburgh, choosing a suitable entry door for a new home is an important consideration during the construction process. Entry doors Pittsburgh beautify the entrance, help boost curb appeal and command attention. Today, the variety and features of entry doors are boundless, hence when deciding on an entry door homeowners must seek to understand the various materials that an entry door is composed to fully grasp the practicality of the entire unit.

Entry doors

There’s no shortage of entry door styles and the majority of them perform equally well. The main component of an entry door is the slab, which is often constructed of wood, fiberglass, or steel. Manufacturers may also incorporate glass into the material of the door slab to allow in light or to create a more aesthetically pleasing look with higher insulation values entry door. To add an extra level of detail, accessories are available for doors depending on the style. Quality entry doors are also weatherproof to keep harsh weather out of the home. 

Storm doors

Since their inception, storm doors have been installed with one sole purpose: to protect the entry door from bad weather and allow for proper ventilation. The vast majority of storm doors in Pittsburgh provide better visibility and prevent flying insects from entering the home, hence are fabricated with interchangeable glass panels and window screen panels. Storm doors are typically constructed from materials such as wood, aluminum, and different types of plastics. 

Storm doors come in several different types with the most prominent being:

•   Full view storm doors, fabricated with a full-length glass panel that requires changing from time to time. 
•   Ventilating storm door, which is made of two glass panels and 1–2 screen panels in the door to allow cross ventilation in the house.
•   Rollscreen storm door. This is a relatively new hybrid of the full view and ventilating storm doors. 

Various styles of entry doors and storm doors Pittsburgh are available and most of them are crafted from high-quality material. When deciding on an entry door or storm door, homeowners must consider the practicality of the entire unit before making a purchasing decision. If you’re interested in either type of door, consider browsing Thomas V. Giel Garage Door’s selection.

4 Things You Need To Know About Smart Garages

Modern smiling salesman using tablet and waiting customers

By now, we’ve heard of smart security for your home, phone, credit cards, etc. But did you know you can get smart security for your garage? New technology has reached out to make even your residential garage doors safer with the ability to control when it’s opened, closed, and locked up, all with a touch of a button from your smartphone.

Smarter Security

Through the use of Wifi and a phone application, you now have the power to control when your garage door opens, closes, and locks up. This adds smarter security for your family, as the app can alert you when the garage door opens and closes. You can also set up for multiple users so you can know who is home.

Control From Anywhere

As long as you have your phone on you with the phone application available, you can virtually control who gets in your garage. This solves the problems of forgetting your keys, locked outside your home, or if you forgot to close your garage door. Virtual accessibility can help you solve those problems easier and with less hassle. Now they have hands-free opening and closing which can be a great option for motorcycle riders or for individuals who don’t want to worry about typing in a code to get into your garage door every day.

Automatic Customization

Having a smart garage allows for customization to your specific needs. If you tend to forget to turn the light off in your garage or close the door at night or when you leave for work, you now have the ability to set up a timer so it automatically closes or opens for you when you need it. This can help be one less thing that you have to worry about and can help you put your time and energy into other things.

Available Now

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors partners with Linear and Liftmaster to provide you with top-quality smart garage doors and garage door openers. Not only do we want to provide you with aesthetic appeal for your home, but also the ability to protect your home and those who live in it. For a free sales estimate on our variety of residential garage doors systems and accessories, call our office today at (724) 502-2471. We would be delighted to speak to you about our smart products and services!

Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors: Which Is Better For Your Home?

A garage is a multifunctional space. Some prefer to use the space as an activity room, while others simply use it to park their cars. How you choose to use your garage will affect your decision between insulated and non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors.

The Difference Between Insulated and Non-Insulated

It all boils down to one factor: Insulation. Insulated garage doors will have multiple layers depending on the type of door and associated thermal resistance. Generally speaking, the more layers the door has, the higher the thermal resistance. Non-insulated Pittsburgh garage doors are much more simple, and therefore cheaper than their insulated garage door counterparts.

The Benefits Of An Insulated Garage Door

The insulated garage door’s primary function is to provide some thermal insulation to the garage space so they are best used when or if space is frequently occupied. If you use your garage for gatherings or as a game room, you will definitely want a higher rated thermally insulated garage door. A thermal insulation value of 16 is recommended. If you use the garage more infrequently or to do the occasional project, you can lower the insulation rating to be able to use that saved money elsewhere. It’s worth noting that you should check the garage door seals to make sure the garage door seals properly to the frame. If your seals are worn or allow in the heat or cold, an insulated garage will be a waste of time and money. Before you make your purchase, look into the different types of insulation and what best suits your needs.

Where and When To Use a Non-Insulated Garage Door

There are cases where an insulated garage door is not needed, like if you have a detached garage that simply stores your vehicle or tools. If your space doesn’t require you to spend any length of time in it, it may make more sense financially to use a non-insulated door. One other factor to consider is the inherent strength differences between the two door types. If you feel a need to opt for more protection, an insulated door will be a better option. If you have a garage space that does not need the additional protection then, by all means, use a cheaper non-insulated option.

Call a Professional For Your Garage Door Needs

If you’re still unsure about what type of insulation you need for your garage door, talk to one of our experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We have over 65 years of experience and expert professionals ready to be of service to you. Call our office today at (724) 502-2471, we would be happy to speak to you about our products and services!

Do Awnings Increase Your Home’s Value?

There are several reasons why a new awning may be a good choice for you personally, but homeowners often make large decisions based on more than personal preference. They want to make decisions that will help increase their home’s value and maximize their investment. If you’re considering installing Pittsburgh awnings but aren’t sure if it will pay off in the end, consider the following.

Improved Aesthetics

As a stylish fixture on your home, an awning will add value because it creates additional living space to both the outside and inside of your home. Realtors may tell you that it also adds curb appeal, which will also factor into your home’s overall value. This can be true if you pick the right awning. When looking at fabrics, consider sun-resistant fabrics. If you install an awning that easily fades, it can become more of an eye-sore than an asset.

More Functionality

Awnings are installed against your house and add a shaded, comfy, easily-accessible outdoor living space for guests to enjoy themselves and relax. Sturdy Pittsburgh awnings with    permanent steel frames are incredibly durable and can stand up to the elements. It’s one of the more cost-efficient and easy ways of increasing your home’s value before you place it on the market. It’s a great alternative to renovating and redecorating.

A new awning will also help save money and energy. It helps to keep the temperature down in your home, which reduces air conditioner usage. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has estimated that awnings can save homeowners as much as $200 yearly. It can also be a great addition to a home that doesn’t have air conditioning. Some studies have shown that an awning can help save up to 69 perfect of electricity in your home.

Conclusively, installing an awning is both an efficient and costly investment that’ll help increase the value of your home. It is also a comfortable and stylish way of doing so. Find your perfect awning today!

4 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pittsburgh Garage Door Dealer

Having a Pittsburgh garage door that opens and closes on command is a luxury that many people take for granted. It isn’t until your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced that many begin to look into finding a reputable garage door dealer. But how do you ensure the dealer you are considering hiring is reputable and professional? Here are a few things to help you ensure that you entrust your garage door needs to a reputable dealer.

Experience

One of the easiest ways to determine if a dealer knows what they are doing and can help you with your garage door needs is to look at how much experience they have. Garage door dealers that have been in the business for decades will have all of the technical knowledge and experience necessary to install your garage door properly. If you’re considering a new company, find out if the owners and/or management have experience in the door and operator industry. How much experience do they have?

Workmanship

Another aspect to consider that is equally as important and easily verifiable is the satisfaction of previous customers. Can they provide letters of recommendation from other customers? What do online reviews have to say about the company? If possible, try to talk to multiple previous customers to hear about their experience firsthand. Find out if they were satisfied with the workmanship and overall quality of work that was completed. You should be cautious when a dealer is unable to put you in touch with any satisfied customers—take that as an indication that you should look at other options.

Code and Regulatory Compliance

When it comes to installing garage door systems, there are numerous requirements in place that pertain to the safety and installation of garage doors. As a result, all federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be strictly followed. When interviewing potential dealers, ask how they comply with codes for your location. If they cannot adequately explain how they adhere to codes, be wary, this may be a major warning sign. All federal, state, and local codes and regulations are in place for the safety and protection of homeowners. Therefore, they should be followed at all times. If a potential dealer cannot demonstrate that they are aware of regulations and are in compliance at all times, you should immediately walk away and continue to search for a dealer that is.

Insurance Coverage

Another important feature to consider is that a dealer should carry the proper insurance, not only for their business but for their employees as well. Start by asking for a copy of the company’s certificate of insurance to verify that they do in fact have insurance. This will also help you to know when their coverage is up to guarantee that they will be covered for the duration of your installation. Be wary of companies that hesitate to provide you with a copy of their insurance, as it can be a warning sign. In the event that a dealer attempts to explain that they do not need to carry insurance, it will be in your best interest to walk away and continue to search for a dealer who is more than happy to provide proof of insurance. As a general rule, you can expect that a reputable garage door dealer will carry the proper insurance and won’t hesitate to provide you with proof of insurance per your request.

Being able to find a reputable garage door dealer for your Pittsburgh garage door repairs and replacement needs don’t have to be a daunting or a seemingly impossible task. In fact, by asking a few important questions you can find a trustworthy and safety-conscious dealer, such as Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has been in business since 1950. We’ve been able to provide quality garage door services that our customers have come to know and expect from us. Don’t trust your garage door needs to just anyone, trust them to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, a licensed and insured garage door dealer with years of experience.