Before purchasing storm doors Pittsburgh for your home on a whim, it is important to know what a storm door is, and how the right option can benefit your home. The right storm door can add comfort to your living space, and protection to your entry door. You need to understand the basics of storm doors, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not storm doors are the right decision for your home.

What is a storm door?

A storm door is an additional exterior door that is commonly installed for protection from inclement weather and for added ventilation in warmer weather. Most storm doors are equipped with interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels. Some styles allow for the glass panel to be removed and replaced with a screen for warmer weather, and then switched back for winter months. Other styles are equipped with screens that roll up or down depending on whether the homeowner wants ventilation, or protection from cold weather.

What is the purpose of a storm door?

Storm doors allow for extra flexibility and protection for exterior doors. Storm doors allow for additional light and increased ventilation into your home, while still creating a barrier from bugs entering your living space. Unlike a solid entry door, a storm door also allows for the option to watch children who are playing outside, or simply to let additional sunlight in. Storm doors work as a way to protect your entry door from the elements, i.e., rain, ice, or snow. When properly installed, a storm door can add an additional layer of insulation, creating a pocket that keeps warm air in and cold air out.

Do I need a storm door?

When you are deciding if a storm door is the way to go for your home, there are a few things to consider. Consider the climate in which you live. If your exterior door is exposed to the elements, then a storm door may be the way to go to protect your door. If you have a new, well insulated, energy-efficient exterior door, you may not need or want a storm door. If you live in a warmer climate, a storm door may not be the best option.

According to the Department of Energy, those whose exterior doors receive more than a couple of hours of direct sunlight each day should avoid a storm door. The glass in the storm doors will trap in the heat, which could potentially cause damage to the entry door. Other doors that are on a porch, or under an overhang that protects the door from the elements, do not necessarily need a storm door.

Pros and Cons of Storm Doors

Before jumping into purchasing a storm door, be sure to do your research to find out if a storm door is going to be the best investment for you and your home. While there are many advantages to having a storm door, they are not for everyone. Some of the pros and cons of storm doors include:

Pros:

• Ventilation in good weather
• Adds visibility and light
• Keeps bugs out
• Protects entry door from the elements

Cons:

• Traps in heat, which could damage entry door
• Not necessary for doors that are already covered and protected
• Inconvenient when carrying small children or groceries

After doing your own research into determining if storm doors Pittsburgh are the right addition to your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can help you find the right look and style to compliment your home. With the added benefits that a storm door brings, if it is the right addition to your home, don’t wait any longer! Contact us today to get your new storm door!

When it is time to purchase a new garage door, do you know what to look for to ensure that you are getting the right garage door for your home? When it comes to garage doors Pittsburgh , there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’, so it is important to think about what you need before you have a new one installed. A garage door is an essential part of your home. Therefore, it is imperative that you find one that not only looks good with your home, but also provides the security that you are looking for in a garage door. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider before you purchase the first garage door you find.

Security

For homeowners, security is the most important feature to consider. Finding a garage door that is equipped with the latest security features to protect your home could be the best decision you make for home security. Some garage doors are now equipped with a rolling-code technology security feature. This feature changes the security code for the garage door each time the remote is used.

Safety

For those homes that have high traffic, small children, or pets, a garage door that is equipped with a laser light sensor is essential. When a laser light sensor detects an object or person in the path of the door while closing, the door will either stop or reverse direction.

Materials

Garage doors are made out of either wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. Depending on the look and style you are going for, this will be a determining factor for the material that will give you the look you want.

• Wood: Homeowners who want a visual statement piece usually opt for wood garage doors. However, wood is not as durable as other materials.
• Steel: Steel is the most common, least expensive material for garage doors. Not only is steel more durable, but it also provides an increased level of security.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is durable, but when exposed to extreme cold temperatures, fiberglass doors are prone to cracks.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is the material of choice in areas that are prone to moisture-causing issues. Aluminum doors resist corrosion and rust caused by excessive amounts of moisture.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is a relatively new garage door material making its debut. Vinyl offers homeowners an affordable, durable, and low-maintenance option when selecting a garage door.

Styles

For some homeowners, the ability to select a style of garage door is news to them! Garage doors are available in tilt-up, sectionals, and roll -up styles. Each style comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For roll-up doors, they are more expensive than other styles of doors available and typically require more maintenance to ensure proper functionality. On the other hand, roll-up doors consist of several small parts that connect to one large unit that roll overhead when opened. Sectional garage doors are similar to roll-up doors. They consist of three or four panels that are connected with hinges. Sectional doors take up more ceiling space than other styles of doors, and require regular maintenance to prevent mechanical difficulties. Tilt-up garage doors are made of a single panel that opens and closes with a ceiling-mounted track.

Motors

When shopping for garage doors, pay attention to the horsepower’s listed on the various motors available. Heavier garage doors will require more horsepower to operate, whereas having a motor with higher horsepower on a lightweight door could be unnecessary. Find the motor with the right amount of horsepower for your particular needs.

Aesthetics

A garage door is a big investment for any homeowner, one that they will have to live with for years to come. When looking at the various styles and types available, it is important to decide if you want a door that will blend in with the rest of your home, or that will make a statement. What about the ambiance of the neighborhood? Would you prefer a door that has windows, or a solid door panel? Take the time to consider all of your options to ensure that you are getting a door that you will be happy with.

Cost

Depending on the type, style, and features that your door is equipped with, this will determine the final cost. When shopping for garage doors, having a budget set that you are comfortable paying will help in determining what features you can and cannot afford to have included in your garage door.

When you make a decision on a garage door, be sure that it is a decision that you will be happy with using for years to come. When considering all of the options listed above, you’ll be more prepared to make an informed decision and find the right garage doors Pittsburgh that is durable, beautiful, and functional for your needs. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to get started on finding the right garage door for your home!

The front door of your home is an essential element to any home. The front door is what greets all visitors to your home when they first arrive, while also saying a lot about the people who live there. How do you pick out an entry door that is going to fit the style of your home, while adding value and being aesthetically pleasing to look at? After all, the entry door is a key component to your home, and therefore, there is a lot riding on you to make the right decision when purchasing entry doors Pittsburgh .

Because entry doors provide a level of security to your home, and can add or subtract from your home’s overall curb appeal, replacing front doors is constantly rated as a high-value project for homeowners to invest in. When you invest in replacing the entry door of your home, the value of a new door will nearly exceed the initial investment, meaning that the money invested in a new entry door is going to pay off quickly. But how do you know what door is the right door for your home? There are many different options to choose from, and you need to be sure of what you want with every aspect of your door, including its materials, design, and safety. We’ve complied four tips to help you find the right entry door for your home.

1. Establish A Budget

Before you begin to shop for a new entry door, set a pre-determined budget of how much you are comfortable spending, and stick to it. As is typical with most home projects, it is very easy to go over budget by not considering all of the included costs up front, or unexpected delays. Because a new entry door is an investment, it is important to take time to carefully set a budget that reflects careful planning and decision-making on your part. When determining the budget for your new door, here are a few things to consider:

• Upfront cost vs. long-term benefits
• Estimated life
• Maintenance requirements
• Energy efficiency
• Weather protection and performance
• Pre-finishing costs or additional staining or painting required

Entry doors that stay within budget and add value to your home are the ideal options. Many Energy Star certified doors can lower your heating and cooling cost by protecting your home from drafts and leaks.

2. Choosing Materials

The material that your door is made of will play a role in determining the overall effectiveness of its performance. Another aspect to consider is that different materials will also come with different maintenance that will need to be taken care of to ensure that your door lasts for years to come. Materials also affect the cost of the door, so be sure to do your research to know what materials will fit in your budget and which ones won’t. Most doors will be constructed of either wood, steel, or fiberglass, and many offer panel styles and have the option of adding glass. Decorative glass will be an additional cost, and is generally available in a variety of patterns, featuring different textures of glass and bevels.

• Wood: Wood doors add a classic appearance to any home, with intricate grain patterns and color markings. When it comes to wood doors, there are many different styles, wood types, panel styles, decorative glass, historic accents and embellishments to choose from. While wood doors are beautiful and add a lot of character to any home with their natural, warm appearance, wood doors are generally more expensive than doors made of other materials. This is important to remember, especially with a lower budget.
• Steel: Steel doors are generally the most affordable door material option available. Premium steel doors are the elite class of steel doors. They are extra durable while resisting dents, and they also don’t warp or crack. Most steel doors are limited to panel design and paint color, all while featuring a smooth surface. Some steel doors can include an insulated core that helps with the energy efficiency of the door.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors give you the option of either having a door that has a realistic look of stained wood in a variety of grains, or a smooth panel surface for those who prefer a painted door, all without the high price tag of a custom door. Fiberglass doors are high-performing, energy efficient doors that are also durable and require little maintenance. Not only are fiberglass doors energy efficient, but they are also available in a wide variety of panel styles, decorative glass, and finish options. They are also dent-resistant and won’t rust or corrode, making fiberglass doors a popular option for homeowners.

3. Size

The standard size for an entry door on a home is 80 inches tall by 36 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Depending on your home, the entry door required may be taller, wider, thicker, or even need double doors, a side light, and so on. In order to purchase the correct sized door for your entryway, include any side lights, transoms or other decorative elements to help you ensure that your purchase is the correct size.

4. Style

When selecting an entry door, select a door that complements the style and design of your home, while adding curb appeal. An entry door is a way to showcase you and your family’s personality. Those who are more traditional may choose to select a classic wood door, while those who have a more artistic personality may opt for a door that has more customizable options available. Because your home is your place to reflect your style and personality, it is important to find an entry door that fits you and your home.

For those homeowners who live in Pittsburgh, a professional can help you to select the right entry door for your home that fits your style and budget. Entry doors Pittsburgh can help to make your home stand out from the other houses on the block, making your home distinctly yours. Call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to get a free estimate on replacing your existing entry door with one that adds value to your home, while showcasing your personality!

Though you might think differently, commercial garage doors are not very different from residential garage doors. The only differences between commercial and residential garage doors are the styles and available sizes. Commercial doors are generally less ornate, and are available in larger sizes. When it comes to Pittsburgh commercial garage doors , there are two main types of doors: coiling roll-up doors and sectional garage doors.

Coiling roll-up doors, also known as service doors, are made from horizontal metal slats, usually steel. When the door is opened, the slats are rolled up into a coil above the door, just like their name implies. They can be manually operated by lifting up or pulling down the other options for operating include, chain hoists and electric motors. Service doors are generally found in industrial buildings, stores, and other commercial buildings. They are appealing to most business owners, because the metal slats serve as a great protection against break-ins and harsh weather elements.

Coiling roll-up doors, can be built to custom sizes, up to 24 feet wide, and are perfect for buildings that don’t have the required amount of backroom needed for a traditional-style garage door. The term “backroom” refers to how far back the wall is from the opening of the door. Service doors provide the perfect compact option for those who have limited space available, because of how the door coils above its opening. Even the operational components, such as the motors and chain hoists, are compacted into the same area as the door when it is rolled up.

Unlike coiling roll-up doors, or service doors, sectional garage doors do not roll into a compact coil. Sectional doors are similar to what you will typically find on most homes, just lacking the design and style aspects. Large sectional doors are operated by a motor, whereas smaller sectional doors are often hand-operated. They open with a system of springs and cables, moving the door upward, and then horizontally across the ceiling. This is where having adequate backroom space is essential, so that your door has somewhere to go when opened. The garage’s ceiling must also be strong enough to support the full weight of the garage door.

The advantage of having a sectional door installed rather than a coiling roll-up door is that sectional doors are significantly cheaper and are available in more styles. There are more options to customize your sectional door, including being able to add windows.

When looking for new Pittsburgh commercial garage doors, Giel Garage Doors offers a wide selection of commercial garage doors to fit your specific needs and budget. Contact us today about your commercial garage door needs, and we’ll make sure you get the right garage door for your business!

Probably one of the last things on your to-do list is garage door maintenance, and maybe it’s not on your list at all. Garage doors are an often easy to overlook item. Your garage door is the first thing you see when you get home and the last thing you see when you leave for work. We just assume that it’s always going to be in working order, but that’s not always going to be the case. There are a few maintenance guidelines that can keep us and our garage doors on track. Most of these are quick fixes that should be done at least once a year, and now that it’s summer, you have the perfect opportunity to check and fix your garage door before the snow and rain of fall and winter come back! Doing a few simple maintenance acts can prevent you from having to hire garage door Pittsburg experts for more costly repairs later on in the year for the life of your garage door.

1. Clean it out

Your garage door is one of the largest pieces of mechanical equipment that you use regularly, and it does need a tune-up every now and then. Give the door rollers, tracks, hinges, and latches a thorough cleaning with a citrus solvent and remove any built-up grime and dirt. Pay special attention that the tracks on both sides of the door are clear of leaves and other debris, and that they are evenly aligned. If you notice that the tracks need to be adjusted, this must be done by a professional garage door Pittsburg technician.

2. Lubricate it

The constant up-and-down motion that is required for garage doors day after day can take a toll on the pulleys, wheels, and tracks of your door. Make sure to check and regularly lubricate the door’s hinges, springs, and bearings with a non-silicon based lubricant. Most technicians recommend that if you aren’t sure what lubricant to use, motor oil is a standard garage door lubricant that is easily available. Make sure that you don’t oil the actual roller tracks on your door, as direct lubrication of the tracks can make the door become unbalanced, triggering the door to slip and causing injury or damage.

3. Weather-strip it

Check the rubber weather seal on the bottom of your door. If the seal is brittle, cracked, or ripped, replace it! Weather stripping can not only protect the bottom of your garage door, but it can keep the elements out of your house. Weather stripping is usually sold by the foot at hardware stores. Just simply measure the length of stripping you need and replace it yourself, easily!

Don’t let one of the biggest parts of your house go forgotten. Make sure you keep your garage door maintained and at peak performance. And when there are fixes or problems that require more than a cleaning cloth and lubrication, garage door Pittsburg experts Giel Garage Doors have the experience to get it working perfectly.

Having a garage attached to your home is a wonderful thing, with the extra storage space and covered parking for your car! While having a garage is a nice addition to a home, a garage door can also be a huge safety concern when proper garage door safety is not adhered to. Keeping a garage in proper working order will not only protect the contents of your garage, and your household, but it will also keep members of your family safe. Here are 10 Pittsburgh garage doors safety tips that everyone should be aware of.

1- Keep Garage Door Opener Out of Reach of Children

Keeping your garage door opener out of the wrong hands is the most important safety tip. Don’t let young children play with remotes. Keep remotes where children can’t find them and be tempted to play with the buttons.

2- Prepare for Emergencies

Should you need to open your garage door quickly during an emergency/accident, make sure you know where the emergency release feature is located on your door. Find out before it becomes urgent. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for all types of emergencies.

3- Be Smart Around Garage Doors

Never step, walk, run, or play around a garage door that is opening or closing. Teach young children to not play around garage doors. Garage doors are not a toy.

4- Inspect Door Components

Every month, take the time to inspect the components of your garage door to ensure they are working properly. Components to check include: springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys.

5- Test Auto-Reverse

If your garage door is equipped with an auto-reverse function, be sure to check it regularly to ensure that it is working. Placing a roll of paper towels in the door’s path is an easy way to check and make sure the feature is working properly. If your door does not have the auto-reverse feature, consider investing in a new garage door that comes equipped with the feature—it can prevent serious accidents!

6- Watch your Fingers!

Placing fingers in between door sections can result in a severe injury. Teach children to keep hands and fingers away from garage doors as well. If you are concerned about children getting hurt on your garage door, look into investing in a door with non-pinch panels to help prevent injuries.

7- Don’t Leave Door Agape

Leaving your garage door even partially open can be a safety and security issue. A partially open garage door can allow unsolicited entry into your garage, and ultimately your home. Someone trying to go underneath a partially open door could get pinned and seriously injured if the door is reactivated.

8- Unplug Your Garage Door when You’re Away

If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, consider unplugging your garage door, or locking it so that is unusable until you return home.

9- Change your Garage Door Code Regularly

Regularly change the standard codes on the garage door opener and remotes to enhance security from unsolicited opening of your garage door. Another option is to get a rolling code that changes the access code every time it is used.

10- Prevent Invasion

A garage door is the first step in securing your home while you are away, but always be sure to lock the entry door from your garage into your home. If someone should get ahold of your garage door remote, it could mean access to both your garage and your home if the door is left unlocked. Keep tabs on your garage door remotes—don’t leave your remotes with parking attendants or others you do not know. Consider putting your garage opener on a key ring so that it stays with you at all times.

If your Pittsburgh garage doors are needing repairs or maintenance to ensure the safety of everyone, contact Giel Garage Doors . Equipped with the latest and safest garage doors on the market, Giel Garage Doors can outfit your home with a beautiful new garage door that will be both functional and provide the latest safety features to protect your home and family.

Do you know what kind of garage door will suite your needs? When the time comes to replace your garage door, it’s essential to pick the right material for your home or business. Giel Garage Doors , offers several styles, and construction that is right for your home (i.e. steel and aluminum, or wood, sectional, rolling, etc.). All these materials and styles have important pros and cons that you should consider when investing in a new garage door.

• Expense
  • If you are concerned with price, a metal door is the most economical choice. Even basic wooden garage doors cost more than the traditional wooden doors. Wood also requires extra maintenance (i.e., extra expense) that you won’t find with metal doors.
• Durability
  • While both of these materials can be susceptible to the elements and deterioration over time. You’ll need to keep up with staining a wood garage door over time, metal doors on the other hand are susceptible to rust.
• Insulation
  • If your garage is connected to your home, insulated doors can cut down the heating and cooling expenses. Wood panels don’t insulate rooms very well, but if your garage is not attached you shouldn’t be concerned with insulating your garage.
• Style
  • Attractive garage doors won’t only increase the visual appeal of your house, but can also boost your property’s resale value. If your home has a rustic look with wooden siding, wooden garage doors can give you the boost you need.

Aside from the material of your garage door, one thing to keep in mind is that you have a professional garage door company you can trust install your new garage door. Giel Garage Doors has been installing and advising garage door placement for over 50 years. Contact us today to learn more about the services and variety of garage doors that we offer.

Spring signals a time of change for a lot of people. Spring cleaning starts, days get longer, and flowers start blooming. It’s also a time when the rust and the elements of winter start to make themselves known. As the outdoors begin to thaw, start to consider replacing worn, weathered, and rusted equipment like garage doors. Spring isn’t just a convenient time to replace a rusty or outdated garage door, it’s usually the perfect time to replace a garage door at Giel Garage Doors. Most companies have the best deals of the year during spring when the weather gets better and tax returns are coming in, putting buyers in the best possible situation. Giel Garage Doors offers garage door options from a wide variety of manufacturers , allowing you to find the best option for your needs and negotiate a good price!

There a few more reasons to consider replacing your garage door, other than just cost.Every garage door implements a spring system that counterbalances the weight of the door. After a long, cold winter it’s not uncommon for these springs to break. Replacing springs in the cold months isn’t something usually recommended by garage technicians. However, Spring is the perfect weather for checking and replacing not only the springs, but the garage door itself, with the assistance of a garage door specialist. Make this spring not only productive, but preemptive against future garage door problems. Precautions taken this spring will prevent summertime disasters with your garage door. Assess your garage door needs for replacement or maintenance and contact Giel Garage Doors !

Many homeowners try to save a few bucks wherever they can by implementing DIY repairs around the house. For most common home repairs, this method works quite well. Generally a trip to the local hardware store and some time spent on YouTube or other internet sites will give you the information that you need to perform the repair. Garage door repairs , on the other hand, are a completely different matter, one that should be left to garage door repair experts and not a DIY homeowner.

Here are four reasons why is it imperative that you hire a professional, certified garage door technician to perform all repairs on your garage door:

Garage doors are dangerous

There are a variety of components that make up a garage door with many of them working together. If the garage door is not working properly, it can be dangerous to try and fix it yourself. Garage doors are heavy and large, which makes working on them awkward and dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. The door itself is not the only concern when repairing a garage door; there are tightly wound springs, electrical components, and moving parts. Faulty garage door springs can be especially dangerous if they unexpectedly fail.

You can make the problem worse

Often times when homeowners attempt their own garage door repairs, they don’t know what they are doing. Attempting to fix the problem on your own can lead to more problems (some of which are irreversible), or working on a part that doesn’t need to be fixed, in an attempt to correct the initial problem. Either way,attempting to repair your garage door yourself is not a good idea for the DIY homeowner.

Safety Concerns

Garage doors are heavy, weighing more than 150 pounds on average (depending on the size and material). That is a lot of weight to be messing around with. If you accidently pull the wrong part off, the garage door could come crashing down on you, your car, a pet, or anything between the door and the floor. Another concern with a falling door is they often times cause damage to the floor as well, which is another expensethat you as the homeowner will have to cover.

Increased Cost

If none of the other reasons have deterred you from attempting to DIY garage door repairs, maybe the thought of having to spend more money will. Every garage door has very specific requirements when it comes to replacement parts and materials. As a DIY homeowner,it’s likely that you don’t know the correct parts to buy, but may purchase what you think will work in an attempt to avoid the cost of professional labor. Using the wrong parts for your door could potentially lead to more damage, continued lack of functionality, or physical harm. When the functionality fails, you’ll have no choice but to call a garage door technician,and the entire ordeal will end up costing you more than if you had called them initially.

Contact your local garage door technician

For all your garage door repair Pittsburgh, contact Giel Garage Doors . We will be able to repair any garage door, saving you money and possible injury.

In part one of this two-part series, we talked about how experience, security, and insurance are important things to consider which choosing a company to install your garage door, entry/storm door, awning, or screen. Choosing the right company is just as big of a decision as picking which type of door and color you want on the outside of your home. In part two we will be looking at workmanship, warranties, and code compliance.

Workmanship

Workmanship is a measure of the quality of a company’s work. It relates to experience in a way. This is where a visit to a past job is helpful. As mentioned in the last post, call references! Ask them about the quality of the work and what they thought of the installers. Ask specific questions about whether the installers arrived in a timely manner, if they were courteous and focused, and if they cleaned up after themselves.

Look at the company’s trucks. Do the name and phone number appear on the vehicle? Company vehicles are one of the first outward signs of how the company is run and how your job will be treated. The trucks don’t have to be brand new, just well maintained, clean, and neat. This is often a reflection of the kind of treatment you will receive when the installers arrive at your home.

Ask about the average length of time employees have been with the company. This speaks volumes about the way the employees are treated. They generally don’t stay with a company that doesn’t treat their customers well. It takes more than a year or two to become a competent technician and installer, therefore, it is a good idea to ask about the training programs utilized for new employees and how veterans are kept up to date on their skills and industry changes. Companies with long term employees have an environment to allow for skills to be passed down from generation to generation.

Warranties

The real test of how much faith a contractor has in his own ability is reflected in the warranty he offers. A reputable contractor will generally offer some form of a “Written Labor Warranty.” Not one that is handwritten in the comment section of the bid, but one that is printed on the contractor’s estimate or proposal form as well as their literature.

In addition, the paperwork should list the manufacturers of the products they install along with the manufacturer’s warranty. Reputable manufacturers will have a printed warranty to accompany the product. Demand a copy of it before you pay for the work and read it! Don’t wait until you have a problem before you read it. Lastly, make sure you understand what you get and what you don’t get. Your contractor should be able to explain it clearly and give references of customers who used their warranty and will share their experiences.

Code and Regulatory Compliance

Building codes and safety regulations have been legislated to protect the installers and the homeowners. Find out how knowledgeable your contractor is about local building codes, industry safety practices, and government regulations. The best way to do this is by asking people you know who know about these matters. You are not trying to be an expert, but just be aware of some of the major concepts. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask them about the content of their training programs, it should be documented.