6 FAQs About Garage Doors

Garage entrance with open sectional doors. 3d illustration

Ever-changing garage door technology has made commercial and residential garage doors in Pittsburgh more complicated. For this reason, we have comprised an FAQ page with answers to your most commonly asked questions. 

Q. Which garage door is best for me, as a homeowner?

A: When it comes to garage doors, there is no single best option. The best garage door is fully dependent on the homeowner’s unique needs, style, energy-efficiency, and location. Based on these factors, a homeowner can choose a garage door that is made from steel, wood, or aluminum and choose a design and color that best complements his/her home.

Q. Should I choose a steel door or a wood door?

A: The type of door you choose is completely up to you. Both steel garage doors and wood garage doors are beneficial and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. The benefits of steel doors are that they offer better strength, security, energy-efficiency, affordability, and require less maintenance. Wood doors, on the other hand, provide both security and insulation, but tend to be higher priced due to its customization in manufacturing. Wood doors are often pricier and tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Nevertheless, wood garage doors exude natural warmth and beauty and you can easily paint it to match the color of your entry door and home.

Q. How important is insulation in a garage door?

A: There are numerous reasons to have an insulated garage door, but the more obvious ones are that an insulated garage door allows less heat to escape in the winter and less heat to get in the summer. This helps save money on your utility bill. Also, an insulated garage door dampens incoming noise and adds strength to your door. 

Q. How much does a garage door cost?

A: The cost of residential garage doors in Pittsburgh vary. The cost is calculated according to strength, size, amount of customized design required, insulation, and much more. 

Q. Is there a warranty?

A: New doors and openers should be covered by a warranty. Most garage door companies will offer a minimum two-year warranty on material. Several doors and openers have extended material warranties beyond the first year. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. also provides service and repair work warranties.

Q. Do I need a lock on my garage door?

A: If you already have an electric garage door opener installed on your door, a lock is no longer required. In this day and age, a door opener is the best option, as it can make lifting your door from the outside almost impossible. There are several pieces of information you’ll need to know (such as size, material the garage is made of, insulated or not, etc.) before you can install a door opener. However, a door opener is highly beneficial and a great option for the protection of your garage.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered above? Feel free to reach out to Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about garage door installation, repairs, maintenance, and more. 

Home and Garage Door Security Tips

As a homeowner, you do everything you can to protect your home, family, and belongings. You also know that your residential garage doors Pittsburgh are one, if not the main point of entry into your home. If a garage door is left open or unsecured, it can be an open invitation for burglars to enter your home without opposition. Here are a few security tips for your garage door that you can implement to protect your home and discourage burglars from entering your home unwelcomed.

Set Up a Home Security System

One of the easiest and more convenient ways to secure your home is to monitor every entrance, including the garage door, by having a complete home security system installed. Homes that are equipped with a security system deter crooks from trying to enter. High-quality alarm systems are designed to not only alert you of an intrusion but also emergency personnel. Most alarms are not silent, scaring off crooks and preventing them from entering or lingering in your home. The one drawback to having a home security system is that depending on how many doors and windows you have and how comprehensive your security system is, it can be quite costly.

Cover Garage Windows

Windows in garage doors can be both good and bad. Windows allow natural light to flow into your garage, cutting down your need for lighting. On the other hand, these same windows can provide would-be burglars the ability to easily see what is stored in your garage and how easy it is to enter your home via your garage. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to cover these windows to prevent people from seeing inside. You can achieve this by placing a decorative film or tint over the glass. Both of these options allow natural light to shine in while making it more difficult for someone to see inside.

Add Movement Detector Lights

If you’re concerned about nighttime break-ins, having a well-lit home will make you less of a target. A good way to protect your home is to install motion-active lights around the exterior of your home. A good location for a motion detected light is above your garage door, so when someone walks or drives up the light kicks on. These lights serve a dual purpose, not only do they deter people from approaching your home unwanted, but they are also helpful for when you return late at night.

Close and Lock Your Garage Door

This tip might seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised to learn how many people forget to shut and lock their garage door at the end of the day. Be sure to shut your garage door every day to prevent easy access to your home. While not every residential garage door Pittsburgh is equipped with a lock, those that are should be locked daily. If your garage door doesn’t have a lock on it, you might want to consider looking into having a locking system installed on it for added protection.

If you have questions about your garage door or need a repair to provide your home with optimal security, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today! We can help you repair or replace your existing garage door to provide your home with added security and you with peace of mind. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we can help with all your residential and commercial garage door needs.

3 Popular Residential Garage Door Styles

Your home is not only the place where your raise your family, but it also reflects your style. Your residential garage doors Pittsburgh are the largest entrance to your home, and a major factor when it comes to “curb appeal.”  That being the case, it is good to personalize your door to reflect your style by selecting a door that is unique to your home.

Traditional Raised-Panel Garage Doors

While traditional, the raised-panel garage doors are still a clean and classic look. This particular style of door is identifiable due to its iconic symmetrical, raised-rectangular panels. Traditional doors are available in different sizes and colors, with or without glass, to help you achieve the exact look you are searching for.

Contemporary Garage Doors

Homes that are newer and more contemporary, can be greatly enhanced by a contemporary garage door. These types of doors provide homes with a clean and functional design that enhances curb appeal. Contemporary doors are available in aluminum, glass, steel or wood. If you are looking for a truly unique yet beautifully contemporary door, a combination of metal, glass, and wood can create a fresh look for your home’s exterior.

Carriage-House Garage Doors

Carriage-house style garage doors are sometimes referred to as barn style garage doors. These doors have a distinct rustic style, making them stand out from all the other garage doors on the block. Carriage-house garage doors are the perfect complement to a craftsman or mission style home. If you’re a homeowner looking for a distinct door with an aesthetically pleasing look that can complement your home’s existing décor, the carriage-house door is the perfect style for you!

When you are looking for the right door for your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your residential garage doors expert in Western Pennsylvania. With years of experience and a wide selection of residential garage doors Pittsburgh to choose from, you can’t go wrong purchasing your next garage door from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!