• 6 Signs You Need a New Garage Door

    As a homeowner, spending money on costly repairs and upgrades to your home with little to no return on your investment is anything but satisfying. One repair that can be made to your home that won’t break the bank, while offering an immediate return on your investment, replacing an overhead door Pittsburgh PA. Not only are garage doors one of the first things that people see when they come to your home, they are also a feature that you use multiple times a day. Because it is such a vital part of your home, it is important that it is in good working condition.

    Because garage doors can be a huge investment, you’ll want to make sure that your door can’t be repaired and needs to be replaced. There are a few factors that will indicate that it is time to invest in a new door, some of which include:

    1. Speed: When you push your garage door button, you should start to notice some sort of movement right away. If your door isn’t responding to your remote as fast as it used to, you might need to look into getting it replaced.
    2. Noise: Noise is a good indication that either a part needs to be repaired or replaced on your garage door. Don’t just ignore the noise, thinking that it is just part of the garage door. It could potentially be an indication of something serious that needs to be addressed. If your garage door starts to make a lot of noise in the form of grinding, crunching, grating, squeaking, or banging, you’ll want to look into a replacement door.
    3. Safety and Security: Due to the excessive weight, garage doors can pose a huge safety risk if they come slamming down too fast or unexpectedly. As soon as you notice a potential safety risk, such as your door not shutting all the way, or your sensors not working properly, it is time to get your door replaced. These are all issues that can harm you, your family, or your pets.
    4. Appearance: The way your garage door looks will have a tremendous impact on the overall curb appeal and value of your home. Over time, doors will go out of style, leaving your home looking older and less stylish. Investing in a new garage door not only improves your home’s curb appeal but can also make your home look more modern and attractive. It is an investment that is money well spent.
    5. Functionality: Over time, wear and tear will accumulate on your garage door. Dings and dents are inevitable, while debris can build up over time. Garage door springs generally only last around 10,000 cycles before they need to be replaced. Most issues with an older garage door can be repaired, but if you are worried about your garage door not working properly or failing, it might be time to consider investing in a replacement.
    6. Price: Because garage doors are made up of several parts, you will generally be making a huge investment up front or over time as you continually pay for repairs on an older door. If you find that you are continually forking out money for repairs or breakdowns, you might want to consider investing your money in a new door and not repairs. Maintenance costs for your overhead door Pittsburgh PA should not be a constant expense.

    At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we have experienced technicians that can diagnose garage door problems and provide you with cost-effective solutions. Whether it is a simple repair job or a complete, new door install, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your Pittsburgh garage door expert!

  • 5 Benefits of Installing Aluminum Awnings on Your Home

    For homeowners looking for an affordable way to add some curb appeal or a cut down on direct sunlight, an aluminum awning Pittsburgh may be the way to go. Not only do aluminum awnings provide shade, they also protect siding and windows from rain and debris. While homeowners do have the option of installing aluminum or canvas awnings, aluminum has a few benefits that just can’t be beat!

    1. Durable

    Because they are made out of aluminum, these awnings are better equipped to withstand the environment. When living in an area prone to high winds, extreme winds, rain, snow, or excessive heat,  year after year aluminum awnings will withstand the elements without bowing, warping or stretching. With regular maintenance, aluminum awnings can last 50 years or more.

    2. Affordable

    Cheaper than metal awnings, aluminum awnings provide homeowners with a cost-effective solution for protecting their home. Awnings that are smaller sizes and traditional shapes are even more cost-effective than other options available.

    3. Flexible

    Aluminum awnings are available in a wide range of colors, allowing homeowners the flexibility to choose a color that will match or complement their home’s exterior. Additionally, aluminum awnings come in both traditional and modern styles, allowing homeowners to find a style that complements their home.

    4. Low Maintenance

    One of the nice features offered by aluminum awnings is that they require little to no maintenance. The only regular maintenance that is required is spraying them off with a hose to remove any dirt buildup from the surface. This will help to keep the awnings looking their best for years to come.

    5. Energy Efficient

    Aluminum awnings do more than just add curb appeal to a home, they work to cut down on energy consumption. Awnings around a home absorb some of the heat from the sun, which ultimately keeps a home’s interior cooler, and gives the air conditioner a break. Areas of the home that are covered by aluminum awnings can be up to 20% cooler than others.

    There are many benefits that aluminum awnings Pittsburgh can offer homeowners. If you interested in adding aluminum awnings to your home, contact the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!

  • The 4 Most Common Garage Door Repairs For Homeowners

    Many homeowners consider their garage door’s creaking and groaning to all be part of owning a garage door and don’t consider the possibility that it could be an indication of something more serious. If your garage door has visible damage to the panels, is making loud noises, or simply doesn’t open or close, it might be time to hire garage door repair Pittsburgh PA professionals. Here are 4 common garage door repairs to be aware of.

    • Broken Garage Door Springs

    For manual garage doors, it is easy to notice when your springs are broken, as the door will be difficult to lift and will slam down when trying to close it. For automatic doors, the door won’t open at all. In order for you to manually open your door, you’ll have to disengage the emergency release and operate it manually.

    • Misaligned Sensor

    Automatic doors are equipped with two laser sensors located at the bottom of your garage door to prevent damage and injuries. If there is an object that disrupts the laser from beaming directly into the other laser, the door will not shut. If these sensors get bumped or become misaligned, the door will not be able to shut, reversing immediately or not operating at all. Sensors can be adjusted and realigned until they are lined up again, allowing the door to operate properly.

    • Dead Garage Door Remote

    For most, garage door remotes can last for a long time before the batteries need to be replaced. If your remote no longer operates your garage door, try replacing the batteries. If new batteries don’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire remote. If remotes get dropped, they are more susceptible to breaking. Try using the wall switch to see if your door will operate to determine if you need to replace your remote or if you have other, more serious problems.

    • Door Off Track

    If a door gets hit with an object or slams down too hard it is easy for your door to get off track. When this happens, you’ll need to hire professional garage door repair Pittsburgh PA to repair and perform maintenance to the door and track. In most cases, your door will need to be reattached to the rail, which you should not do yourself.

    The best way to prevent garage door problems is to perform regular maintenance. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we have experienced technicians who are trained in inspecting and repairing garage doors to ensure that your door continues to work time after time. If you find that your garage door isn’t working or needs maintenance, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!

  • Retractable vs. Fixed Awnings: Which is Right For Your Home?

    Installing an awning at your home or business makes a lot of sense. Do you own a deck right outside your home or a dining patio at your restaurant? Don’t let the rain or sun force anyone inside. With the right awning in place, mildly inclement weather doesn’t automatically turn the exterior off limits. An awning provides decent shade while also contributing to the beautification of a home or business. But which awning should you install?

    Fixed vs. Retractable Awnings

    You can choose between two major types of awnings: fixed and retractable. Fixed awnings, also known as stationary awnings, remain in place once installed. That’s why they get the name permanent awnings. Calling them permanent wouldn’t be entirely correct though. After all, the awnings can be disassembled and removed.

    Retractable awnings require a little less effort. The retractable versions use a roller system to pull an awning back into a folded “out of sight” position. Thanks to the roller, the awning can be locked out in place or pulled back anytime you wish. Depending on the setup, rollers can be cranked by hand or turned by an automatic motor. Both fixed and retractable awnings maintain their pros and cons. Just look at the benefits and drawbacks of both prior to an installation decision.

    Fixed Awnings: Pros and Cons

    Fixed awnings generally come with sturdy construction. The awning needs to remain in place 24/7 during all kinds of weather. Steel parts help ensure the sturdiness of the awning. Another added benefit is customization. Fixed awnings can be built to order, allowing the buyer to choose a custom job from companies offering Pittsburgh awnings .

    Unfortunately, the 24/7 nature of these awnings means they remain exposed to the elements. Steel can rust, and awning fabric may fade with exposure to the sun after a few years. And custom jobs can be a bit more costly initially.

    Retractable Awnings: Pros and Cons

    Retractable Pittsburgh awnings such as the ones sold by the Thomas V. Giel Corporation can be pulled back during bad weather. This extends the life of the awning and preserves the buyer’s investment. Automatic motors can drive the price of these awnings up, but the less costly manual option still exists. Overall, retractable awnings can be a good choice.

  • Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors: What’s the Difference?

    Residential garage doors generally come in many different colors, sizes, and designs. However, two of the most common styles are single panel garage doors and sectional, panel-style doors. Either option can be a welcome addition to a home, especially when properly installed and maintained. Still, it never hurts to have a good idea of how these two common styles that may end up on your Pittsburgh garage stack up when compared.

    Cost

    At one time, single panels garage doors were widely considered to be cheaper in price than sectional ones. This isn’t so much the case anymore because single panel doors are harder to find and in higher demand among historically-minded homeowners. Sectional doors, on the other hand, are widely available in many price ranges, making it easier to shop around. However, due to their simplicity, one-piece doors tend to cost less to maintain and repair.

    Appearance

    The main appeal of single panel garage doors is their vintage look. And because there’s just one piece, the panel can be conveniently stained or painted to match existing exterior features without worrying about intrusive section gaps. Modern sectional garage doors can be just as versatile. Whether your prefer carriage house styles or contemporary flush panels, sectional doors can mimic many different preferred looks.

    Insulation

    If your garage is adjacent to your home, then you’ll definitely want a door that provides a strong barrier against indoor and outdoor air. Sectional doors generally have the advantage if insulation quality is one of your top concerns.

    Ease of Use and Space

    Both styles are fairly easy to operate because of spring systems that help with lift. Because there are no tracks, and springs and levers are along the interior edges, single panel garage doors have more headspace. Sectional doors require outward clearance when opened.

    Safety

    Extension springs on each side of single panel doors serve the same function as the torsion spring does on sectional garage doors. This only becomes a serious safety concern if springs aren’t properly maintained or upgraded to be in line with current safety standards. Also, one-piece doors can only withstand so much wind and they can’t be reinforced.

    Ultimately, what’s best for your Pittsburgh garage will depend on several factors, such as how exposed your garage is to the elements, your available budget, and the overall size of your garage. When you turn to a company like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors , you’ll benefit from additional assistance with your garage door selection. Added insights from experienced garage door technicians can help you make a confident decision when it’s time for a new installation or replacement.

  • 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t DIY a Garage Door Installation

    Garage doors are designed to increase the level of security on a property. Over time, the products can begin to deteriorate, and the door will need to be replaced. Although you may want to save money, there a few reasons you should avoid installing the garage door without the help of a professional.

    Risk of Injury

    Without the proper tools and experience, it can be easy to put yourself or others at risk of an injury while installing a garage door. Professionals have the knowledge and training needed to perform the task. It’s important to remember that the installation process is physically strenuous and can be dangerous due to the parts that are involved. If you get injured during the install, your medical will certainly offset the potential DIY savings.

    A Complicated Process

    Although you may be handy when it comes to performing minor repairs around the house, a garage door installation can be difficult for anyone who isn’t a specialist. There are many different parts involved, and this can make it easy to spend a lot of time on the job.

    Mistakes

    Many homeowners who attempt to perform garage door installation Pittsburgh PA make mistakes due to the number of steps involved. Mistakes can be costly to repair and cause you to spend more money in the long run. Many errors lead to the garage door not being able to close. If the garage is left open for many days, this can put your personal belongings and family members at risk.

    Special Tools Required

    It’s important to hire a professional to perform a garage door installation Pittsburgh PA because special tools are required to complete everything correctly. Since you probably won’t have the necessary tools or equipment available in your home, you may have to spend a significant amount of money attempting to purchase them at a local home improvement store. If you attempt to perform the task without the right tools, there’s likely to be damage to the parts and your home. You’ll end up saving more money by hiring a professional to handle the project.

    Although you may feel confident enough to install a new garage door, there are many reasons that the task should be left to an expert who is skilled and trained. You can avoid mistakes and save more money by hiring a professional. When you’re ready to start your installation, reach out to the specialists at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors .

  • How to Know When to Replace Your Garage Door

    The garage door is one of the most important components of your home. When it is not working properly, it can keep you trapped in your home or allow others to gain unauthorized access. If you’re trying to decide whether your garage door is ready to be replaced or if a simple repair will fix the problem, ask yourself the following questions.

    How Much Damage Has It Incurred?

    If you see that your garage door has chipped paint, significant water stains, or signs of a pest infestation, it is time to replace it. In most cases, you can schedule a garage door replacement for a time that is most convenient for you. This means that you could schedule an appointment for your next day off or ask someone to repair your door as soon as possible.

    How Old Is the Door?

    Garage doors can generally last for about a decade depending on how well they are maintained. Some doors may wear out sooner if they are exposed to harsh weather or not taken care of properly. However, if your door was installed 10 or more years ago, it is often better to get a replacement. In the long run, a new door could cost less to maintain.

    Has Someone Tried to Break Into Your Home?

    A thief may attempt to get into your home by damaging your garage door. If the structure has sustained any significant dents or cracks as the result of a home invasion, you should schedule a garage door replacement from a company like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors immediately. Even if the thief doesn’t come back, a weakened door could make it easier for pests and water to get into your garage. Furthermore, a damaged door may not open or close properly.

    Is the Door Simply Not Working Like it Should?

    If you discover that your door is consistently not working like it was designed to, you should have it replaced in a timely manner. A new door will close properly each time you hit the button on your remote sensor. A new door may also do a better job of not closing when there is an object or person in its path.

    Getting a new garage door can make your home look nicer and feel more secure at the same time. Instead of having to worry about whether something or someone will get into the house while you’re sleeping or at work, you can have the peace of mind that comes with an upgraded product.

  • Tips on Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer

    With the cold winter months behind us, it is time to start thinking about summer and getting our homes ready for the warmer weather that lies ahead. Now is the time to start on some garage repair and maintenance to ensure that your door is in good working order.

    Winter’s icy conditions and cold weather can wreak havoc on garage doors, which is why it is imperative you perform necessary repairs and maintenance now that the weather has warmed up. While you might be tempted to ignore your garage door, because at face value it looks good and so far you’ve not experienced any problems, you’ll want to inspect and repair now to save money on costly repairs later on. Here are a few general maintenance and repair tips to prepare your garage door for summer.

    Clean the Door

    Garages are often the dirtiest spot in your home. They are the place where you store your car, tools, miscellaneous boxes and yard supplies. All of these things can collect dust, dirt, and grease, and carry the grime indoors.

    Your garage door is exposed to the elements 24/7, which means that it can be extremely filthy. This means that you are going to want to wash both the inside and outside of your garage door to remove the dirt, dust and anything else that has accumulated.

    Lubrication

    With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to lubricate all the moving parts (rollers, tracks, hinges) on your garage door, along with the weather stripping. This will help to keep your garage door operating correctly and prevent any damage that might occur.

    You’ll want to avoid using any oils like WD-40, and rather use oil and lubricants that are specifically designed for garage door use instead. You’ll also want to make sure that you do not use too much oil, as any excess oil will attract dust and dirt which can wear out the various parts of your garage door. For exterior weather stripping, you’ll want to use a lubricant that contains silicone.

    Check for Wear and Tear on Your Door

    Perform a general inspection of your door. Check for cables that might show signs of fraying or wearing. If your cables are starting to show signs of wear and need to be replaced, you’ll want to contact your local garage door company to perform the garage repair. Additionally, you’ll want to check the hinges, ball-bearings, rails, and supports of your garage door to ensure that they are in good working order as well. If anything is loose or breaking, you’ll want to address those issues sooner rather than later to avoid a hefty repair bill later on.

    Check the Bolts

    Checking to make sure that the bolts on the back of the track of your garage door are tightened and in place is not only a maintenance concern but a safety concern as well. The last thing you want is for your garage door to fall and damage your car or injure someone due to loose bolts on the track.

    Check Springs

    Garage door springs should be free of rust. Over time springs will ultimately break, no matter how well they are maintained, but keeping them free of rust will help to prolong their life.

    When a spring does break it can shoot across the garage due to the high amount of tension that it is under. Some garage springs are contained in a tube, which means you don’t have to worry about maintaining them. If your spring does need replacing, do not attempt to replace it yourself. Instead, call your local garage door expert to replace the spring for you.

    Weather Stripping and Insulation

    Inspect all weather stripping and insulation on your garage door. You should clean and replace any that are damaged. Weather-stripping and insulation work to keep your garage dry, while preventing hot or cold air from entering and damaging items that you have stored in your garage.

    If you find that your garage door needs more than basic maintenance to keep in working properly, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today! Our team of dedicated professionals can return your garage door to working order so that you never find yourself with a garage door that doesn’t work. Perform your basic inspection and call us for all the repairs!

  • What to Consider Before Getting a New Custom Garage Door

    Whether you are looking to replace your old, outdated garage door with custom garage doors , or are building a new home, there are a few things you need to consider before you make the purchase. Factors including where you live and the resale value should factor into your decision. Keep reading to learn more factors you should consider before purchasing a new, custom garage door for your home.

    Location

    Garage doors are extremely heavy objects, therefore, they require necessary hardware and tracking that is dependent upon your location. Based on weather and climate safety measures your new garage door may require additional bracing or other installation specifications.

    Wind and water aren’t the only elements that can impact your garage door. The direction that your garage door faces can also affect your door. If your garage door faces the sun, your home and garage are more likely to heat up from air escaping from the garage. If this is the case for you, consider purchasing an insulated garage door to improve energy efficiency throughout your home.

    Energy Efficiency Requirements

    As with most custom items, a custom garage door will cost more than your typical garage door. But, a typical garage door won’t be able to save you nearly as much on your utilities as a custom, insulated door would. Choosing to purchase a door that has a higher energy efficiency rating will not only aid in keeping your home warmer or cooler around the garage, but it will also save you money on energy bills.

    Market Value

    Any investment you make in your home will increase your home’s resale value. Before you make a final decision on the garage door that you want to purchase for your home, you should first calculate the cost of your home. This will allow you to determine how much value will be added to your home when you purchase a new door.

    The price of garage doors vary, so knowing how much return you’d get on your investment can help to justify your decision to purchase a new door.

    Type of Door

    There are different types of doors to choose from. The ultimate deciding points for estimating how much your custom door will cost is the type, build, and design. Some of the most common types of doors include:

    • Aluminum: lightweight, yet comes with a higher price tag. This is a good option for wet climates, as aluminum doors hold up better to rust than steel doors.

    • Steel: If you are looking for variety, you’ll want to invest in a steel door. Available in different colors, insulation and flexible price options make steel an attractive choice. These doors are strong and light and can be equipped with foam insulation to protect against heat and cold.

    • Wood Composite: Wood doors have a classic look and feel to them, but they don’t tend to last as long as other materials. Although, wood composite doors are widely available and cost effective.

    • Fiberglass: Fiberglass is great due to its durability. Fiberglass is known to hold up well against insects and most elements. Fiberglass is not a good option for cold climates where temperatures are known to drop below freezing.

    • Vinyl: Vinyl doors are one of the more expensive options available. They are great for those who are looking for a particular look or a different visual appeal than they can get with other door types. An advantage of vinyl doors is that they require less maintenance than most other options and are rust resistant as well.

    • Carriage House Doors: Generally, carriage house doors are more affordable than you might initially think and add a lot of curb appeal to your home. These doors are the most aesthetically pleasing style of custom doors available.

    As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing custom garage doors. If you are looking to have a custom door installed, contact the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to learn more about your options and get the right door for your home!

  • How to Select the Right Garage Door Service Company

    Whether your garage door makes a racquet every time you open or close it, or a spring has sprung and you are in drastic need of garage door service , you are going to want to find a reliable company to quickly get your door back to working order. Here are few things to keep in mind when scouring the internet looking for a garage repair company.

    License and Insurance

    Finding a company that is both licensed and insured should be your number one priority. This can help to ensure that you find a company that will do good work and be there in the future when you need additional parts or maintenance.

    Failure to find a company that is properly licensed and insured means that you could ultimately be held financially liable if an accident were to occur while working on your garage door.

    Check References and Reviews

    There are numerous resources online where you can read business reviews from previous customers. This allows you to check the reputation of a company and read how satisfied other customers were and how likely they are to refer the company to others. A few websites that are known for producing reputable reviews include:

    • Angie’s List

    • Yelp

    • Google Plus

    • Facebook

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)

    Timely Service

    There is never a convenient time for your garage door to malfunction and stop working. While some problems are more problematic than others, it is essential that you get someone out to look at your door in a timely manner. You don’t want to risk compromising the safety and security of your loved ones or your home by having a garage door that isn’t secure.

    Make sure the company you choose to perform your repairs offers timely service and can get your door repaired and back to work quickly.

    Fair and Honest Pricing

    In most cases, a repairman is going to need to come out to your home and see the door in person in order to be able to accurately identify the problem with your garage door. Work with companies who offer free estimates and provide the estimate in writing. Know what is included in the estimate so that you are not surprised by additional costs, such as labor.

    Knowing what to look for when shopping around for garage door service guarantees you the best service around. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors offers professional service at competitive prices. Don’t trust your home security needs to just anyone, trust them to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!