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. 

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.