Friday, February 28, 2020

Roll-Up Door Opener: A Wise Choice for Your Garage Door

There are many options to consider when one is getting a garage door opener, which can make the job challenging. Usually, one looks for a door opener, which adds a modern look to the house. One of those choices is a roll-up door opener. These openers must have a proper functioning system which does not easily fail. These doors can open by themselves with only a push of a button. There must be an extension spring system in it, which can work as a counterweight for the door. The opener will help to balance the garage door correctly. This will make the garage door dead weightless.

 Functionality and Aesthetics

A roll-up garage door adds beauty to the house and does not compromise on functionality. These types of doors are viable options in both commercial and residential properties. These doors are made by joining metal slats, which makes it look like one piece. These doors can be operated and manually or with an automatic opener.

The Basics of Roll-Up Garage Door Opener

To know if the spring system is working fine, it must be left midway open. The garage door should not move an inch on its own when the automatic system is off. However, if it moves or the door falls, then the balancing is incorrect. If a roll-up door opener is not functioning well, it can crush people, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The roll-up garage door opener helps to automatically wrap the door when a person pushes the button. These doors provide security and durability. Similarly, they require low maintenance to function, saving on most of the cost. Therefore, one must consider investing in a roll-up door opener. If you are also desirous of getting an opener for your door, contact Garage Door Doctor and get a fantastically working opener for your gate. You can also call on 281-855-9300 or 281-578-7659 for more details.

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source https://www.garagedoordoctor.biz/what-an-opener-for-your-garage-door-try-roll-up-door-opener

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

10 Benefits of Automatic Driveway Gates     

If you’re looking for a way to update your drive and increase the curb appeal of your home or business, you may be interested in learning more about automatic driveway gates.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at ten benefits of automatic driveway gates.

10 Benefits of Automatic Driveway Gates

Automatic driveway gates provide homeowners and businesses with the peace of mind that they need in knowing that their property is secure at all times during the day and night. Automatic gates allow you to control what vehicles come on to your property and offer a convenient way to monitor people coming into your home.

If you are considering investing in automatic driveway gates, have a read through this article in which we take a look at the top 10 benefits of upgrading your gate security.

1. Safety

The number one reason an increasing amount of homeowners are installing automatic gates is for safety. Security alarm systems do a great job of alerting you to trespassing, but with secure gates you will feel even safer in your home. A camera system can be installed at the front of your gate and you can control who comes in and out from the comfort of your own home. If your budget will not stretch to a full security camera system, the traditional speaker system that is controlled from inside of the home will keep you just as secure.

2. Safe for children and pets

As well as keeping unwanted people away from your property, automatic gates also keep children and pets in. When young children and pets are playing in your front yard there is no risk of them running off as they will not be able to control the gates. As your children grow and are able to stay at home alone you can rest in the knowledge that they are in a safe space where they cannot come to harm from intruders.

3. Privacy

After safety, privacy is the top reason why people opt for automatic gates for their home. Once automatic gates are installed you can say goodbye to cold callers walking on to your property and nosy neighbors cannot sneak right up to your front door. When choosing your security gates you will have the option to choose how tall you want your gates so that you can completely block out people on the outside. With the switch of a button, you can make your home completely private by blocking access to your driveway.

4. Keeps unauthorized vehicles out

If you live in an area where there is a high volume of traffic you may have to suffer from unknown vehicles parking on your driveway. This can be a particular problem if you live near a school or a shopping mall where parking can be difficult. With automatic gates, you do not risk people parking on your driveway or damaging your lawn by driving over it.

5.Great curb appeal

There are lots of great looking automatic gates on the market, with different shapes, sizes, and colors to suit your taste. Gates vary in price and there will be something to suit most budgets so that your house has great curb appeal. Your installation team can advise on what materials will look best with your existing exterior decor and some offer a custom service so that your home is unique.

6. Increase house value

It is believed that adding automatic gates to your property will increase its value by up to 5%. Any aspect of home security will enhance the value of your home and even if you don’t plan on moving in the near future you can reap the rewards of your financial investment while you live there.

7. Cheaper insurance

With the added security that automatic gates offer you will find that your property insurance may be cheaper. Insurance companies will recognize that you are doing the best that you can to secure your home and that intruders will have less of a chance to break-in to your home than homes with no security gates. If, in the unlikely event that you are burgled some security systems will have evidence that you did do your best to keep your home secure and there may be some camera evidence. This will be important information to hand over to your insurance company and the police.

8. Easy to open and close

Many people are put off by automatic gates as they think they would have to be up and down all of the time to let people in and out. This is not the case and you will find that once you have your new gates you will get used to them in no time. You will have a handy remote as well as a traditional speaker system on your wall, whatever system works best for you. Some modern gate systems allow you to access controls from your smartphone for even greater convenience.

If you are having a party or an event in which you are expecting a lot of guests you can control access by leaving them open while you await guests and securing them once you know everyone has arrived.

9. Easy to maintain

Another worry that people have about automatic gates is that they can be difficult to maintain and repairs will be expensive. While a full repair will cost you money the likelihood of this happening is low if you take time to maintain your gates. A professional gate installation team will advise you on how to look after your gates so as to keep problems to a minimum. When you invest in high-quality gates that are made from durable materials there is little in the way of maintenance apart from regular cleaning, as with standard driveway gates.

10. Cost-effective

Overall, while the initial cost of automatic driveway gates will be higher than manual gates you will benefit financially in the long-run. The additional security that automatic gates offer means that you will save money on your insurance, will increase the value of your home, and will not have to pay out for any damage to your property from unwanted guests.

By investing in high-quality automatic driveway gates you too can enjoy these benefits and rest easy in your home.

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the benefits automatic driveway gates have to offer homeowners and business owners, you can make a more informed decision whether or not adding an automatic gate is right for your driveway.

If you need help exploring your options, give us call. We offer a wide range of automatic gates, driveway gate openers, and installation services.

The post 10 Benefits of Automatic Driveway Gates      appeared first on Your Garage Door Guys.

Monday, February 17, 2020

4 Different Types Of Garage Doors

There are several types of garage doors available today, including the traditional garage door style, carriage house garage doors, and modern doors. There are also several features that differentiate each of these doors, which is what we’re exploring here.

Here are several different types of garage doors.

Different Types of Garage Doors

In the market for a new garage door? There are so many options out there, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. If you’re not sure, take a look at this guide. It covers every type of door you can buy, so you’ll make the right choice for your home. 

Here are several different types of garage doors for your consideration.

1. Up And Over Garage Door

This is the most common type of garage door that you’ll see.

As the name implies, they open up and tilt over the car, allowing you access inside. When they’re fully open, the door will sit parallel to the ceiling, and extend out beyond the garage itself. They’re often all one piece, which means less moving parts to worry about. They’re a cheaper option that is still strong and weather-resistant, so once it’s installed it should last for years.

These garage doors do open onto the driveway though, so you’ll need enough space to allow it to do that. You won’t be able to park your car up against the doors if you want to use them.

Of all the different types of garage doors available, the up-and-over door is one of the most popular option.

2. Sectional Garage Doors

These doors also is just as it says. The door comes in sections, which are hinged. When the door is opened, it will roll up and onto a track suspended from the ceiling. Many homeowners like these doors, as they don’t take up any room on the driveway itself. It’s very self-contained and easy to use.

As there are hinges though, there are more moving parts on the door itself. That means more maintenance for you, which will usually amount to lubricating them so they move freely. If you’re happy to do that then a sectional door will be for you, but if not you’ll need another door type.

3. Roller Garage Doors

Your next option is the roller garage door. These are more common in industrial buildings, but they’re becoming more popular with homeowners. The door rolls up as you open it, rolling into a drum at the top of the door. This is great for homes with limited space. The door doesn’t extend out into the driveway, and the door rolls up tight at the top of the door, so it doesn’t need a lot of space indoors either.

If you want this door, you’ll need to pay more upfront for it. However, they are known to be long-lasting doors. They have a distinct look too, so you’ll need to consider if it’s right for your home.

4. Side Hinged Doors

These garage doors are the traditional carriage style doors and look great on traditional-style homes. They open like regular doors, and so are opened from the middle. There are usually two doors, one on either side and both need to be opened in order to get the car inside. These are a good option if you more often need to enter the garage on foot. They’re also good if there’s minimal space inside the garage, as they open outwards.

However, you’ll need to consider if you have the space on your driveway for these doors. As they swing out, they will need a lot of space. Can you give them that and still have your car on the drive?

What To Consider When Choosing A Garage Door

There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re planning on buying a garage door. Here are a few things you’ll need to think about as you’re buying your new door:

Size: The size of the garage door is vital here, as it can affect how the door works. If the door is a type that protrudes out onto the driveway, will you have the space you need to fit the car on too? Will the door type you want fit in that space? Different door types need different amounts of space, so you’ll need to take that into consideration.

Material: There are lots of different materials that you can have a garage door made out of. You can choose steel, aluminum, wood, and more. The material you choose will be better for certain garage door types than others. If you want an up and over type, for example, you may want a lighter material such as aluminum. If you have your heart set on wood, you’ll need another design.

Security: The security of your home is vital. If you buy a certain garage door, is it going to offer enough protection against intruders? You can improve the security yourself, by adding things such as motion sensor lighting, but the door itself needs to be secure.

Budget: Of course, the amount of money you have to play with will affect which garage door you buy. Different doors are different costs, with some being more expensive than others. This will affect which one you choose.

Looks: Of course, you want your garage door to look good. It’s a huge part of your home’s curb appeal, so you want it to look its best. You will choose a door partly on its looks, but remember that it needs to be highly functional too.

Maintenance: Finally, when picking a garage door, take a look at the maintenance involved. Some doors require more maintenance than others, and that means that you’ll have to spend longer taking care of them. If you have the time and know-how to do that then it isn’t a problem, but if not then you’ll need to pick a model that needs less overall care.

Conclusion

These are four different types of garage doors available today.

They all have their benefits, making them perfect for some homeowners. You’ll know which one is right for you based on your home. If you have enough driveway space, a hinged or up and over door may be right for you. If you need to save space, maybe a sectional door is what you need. Pick the right door and order it today.

The post 4 Different Types Of Garage Doors appeared first on Your Garage Door Guys.

Friday, February 14, 2020

When Should You Replace a Garage Door Roller?

Most of the time, people maintain the most visible components of the garage door, but many forget that a garage door also has rollers that make the movement of the door smooth. The garage door roller connects the door to the tracks and comes in a variety of designs.

Builder grade rollers

These rollers are made of hard plastic or steel and do not have ball bearings. It is good to replace these garage door rollers every two years. Without the ball bearing, these rollers wear out quickly, causing the garage door to create squeaking sound.

Upgraded roller

These rollers have ball bearings inside them and usually constructed of nylon. The rollers also come in different designs having an open or sealed bearing design. One should lubricate open bearing design rollers every quarter so that these keep working smoothly. Depending on the type and design, the life of the rollers can range from two years to lifetime

Inspection of garage door roller

One needs to inspect rollers every year and should also lubricate them every four months. Lubrication can increase the lifespan of the rollers. A person should note the following during an inspection so you may replace the rollers on time before these cause harm:

  • The roller should not wiggle and should be properly attached to the shaft. If it is too lose and wiggles; it is a good sign that the roller needs replacement.
  • One should replace the roller when it stops spinning smoothly and creates grinding sound
  • If the roller is cracked and pieces of nylon are missing, you should quickly replace it

Replacing the rollers is a technical job and should not be tried on its own. Therefore, it is wise to call Garage Door Doctor’s team, who is an expert at replacing the garage door rollers. For any query about the rollers or to know which roller to choose for your garage door, call us on 281-855-9300 or 281-578-7659

The post When Should You Replace a Garage Door Roller? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.



source https://www.garagedoordoctor.biz/when-should-you-replace-a-garage-door-roller

Monday, February 10, 2020

How to Service Garage Door (7 Steps)

Whether you suspect your garage door may need repair or you’re interested in learning how to perform regular maintenance, you’ll find it beneficial to consider the following tips below.

In this article, we’ll share a few tips so you know how to service a garage door like a pro.

How to Service Garage Door like a Pro

There’s probably no other part of your home that works as hard as your garage door.

You’ll be using it every day to get in and out of your garage door, so you’ll be raising and lowering it all of the time. Over time, parts will wear out and break, so you need to service your door to keep it in top shape. Our trained garage door technicians have years of experience performing regular garage door tune-ups, which includes some of the steps below.

Here’s how to service garage door quickly and efficiently.

1. Safety First

Before you start, you’ll need to know that your garage door is a dangerous object if treated incorrectly. If you’re going to work on it, you’re going to need to take the right safety precautions.

First of all, never work on the torsion springs yourself. These are what give your garage door the tension needed to open up when you need it to. If you need to replace the springs, have a professional do it for you. These springs hold a lot of tension, and if they break or come loose they can cause serious injury.

Next, unplug your automatic garage door opener. This will stop it from activating while you’re working on the door and keep you safe. If you need the door to be open while you work on it, clamp the door open to stop it from coming down unexpectedly.

2. Lubricate The Moving Parts

There are several moving parts on your garage door that need to be lubricated once a year. This includes things like the chain or screw, the hinges, and the door lock. Lubricating them ensures they will be able to move smoothly and easily, stopping larger problems from arising. If you can squeaking noises as your door opens or closes, this could mean it needs to be lubricated.

Choose a spray-on lithium-based grease for lubricating garage door parts. This is the best type, as opposed to options like WD-40 as many homeowners would use. This is because WD-40 is actually a solvent or rust remover, rather than a lubricant.

3. Test The Balance Of Your Door

A balanced garage door is important. If it’s balanced, it will put less stress on the garage door opening mechanism, and is much safer to use all round. To test if your garage door is balanced, disconnect the garage door opener, and then open the garage door about halfway. If the door sits in that spot without moving, it’s balanced. If it falls, then you’ll need a technician to come and adjust the balance for you. This is often an issue with the springs and so is unsafe to do on your own.

4. Test The Auto Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse feature of your garage door is more important than you know. If the door is closing and someone walks through it, or a pet was to come through, then the sensors will recognize them and pull the door back up. You need to ensure the auto-reverse is working as it should.

Open the door as normal, place a 2×4 of wood in the path of the door, and try to shut it. If it’s working properly, it should open back up before it hits the wood. If it does, then you may need to adjust the auto limits on the garage door opener. Check your manual to see how to do this.

5. Inspect For Wear And Tear

Your garage door works hard, so you should expect some wear and tear on the moving parts. Take a close look to see if anything needs mending or replacing. For example, take a look at the spring,s cables, rollers, and other hardware. Look for signs of damage or wear, such as a loss of tension in the springs. If you do find any damage in the springs, you’ll need to call a professional to come and put it right for you. Ensure that the garage door isn’t used again until these issues are put right.

6. Clear The Tracks

Over time your tracks will get dirty and this will affect the working of your garage door. If left long enough, it may actually stop the door opening a closing altogether. To stop this from happening, you just need to clean the tracks out. Just use a soft cloth to wipe off the tracks and ensure they’re clean.

Now’s a good time to check the tracks are perfectly plumb, as in vertical, against the wall. If they’re bent or warped, this will affect the way the door operates. If it’s only a minor bend, you can fix this yourself. Unscrew the tracks so they come loose from the wall, and find the bend. Use a 2×4 and a rubber mallet to gently tap the track back into shape, and then screw the tracks back up again. Try opening and closing the door to see if this has helped the issue. If the bend is more severe, you will need a professional to mend or replace them.

7. Check The Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping on your garage door is the rubber seal that sits on the bottom. This helps keep out the weather, debris, and any pests that want to get comfortable in your garage. Over time though, it will be damaged by the weather and general wear and tear as the door opens and shuts. If it’s looking worn, it’s time to replace it.

This isn’t too difficult in most cases. For example on wooden doors, the weatherstripping is simply nailed on. You can buy weatherstripping by the foot in most hardware stores, so measure what you need to ensure you properly protect your garage from the elements.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to service garage door, you can rest assured you know how to maintain your door and keep it running for years to come.

If you do these tests and checks on your garage door, you’ll see that you’ll be able to keep it safe and sound, no matter what life throws at it. Check for broken parts, make adjustments, and do safety checks to ensure that your garage door will be able to keep going for a long time to come.

If you need help with your garage door, check out the professional garage door services we offer here at Your Garage Door Guys.

The post How to Service Garage Door (7 Steps) appeared first on Your Garage Door Guys.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

When to Replace Garage Door Opener (6 Signs)

Knowing when to replace a garage door opener is key to keeping your garage operating safely. If you’re like most people, you’re probably not too familiar with how your garage door opener works, so we thought it might be helpful to share a few signs that your opener needs repair or replacement.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at when to replace a garage door opener.

When to Replace Garage Door Opener

Your garage door opener does so much work for you.

It opens and closes the garage door for you whenever you need it, so you don’t have to get out of your car. It’s the perfect thing when it’s raining or snowing out, so you won’t have to worry about getting cold and wet. When the opener breaks though, you’re left in a tight spot. When should you replace your garage door opener?

Here are a few signs to watch for if you want to know when to replace garage door opener.

Check Your Door First

If you suspect your garage door opener isn’t working, you’ll need to test it first. Detach the garage door opener, and open the door manually. If it holds itself in position by itself, then the door is fine and the garage door opener will need to be looked at.

If there’s an issue with the door though, you’ll see that the door slides back down its tracks. This is because the springs that give it the tension it needs to open are wearing out. Springs are strong, but over so many cycles they will begin to wear out. If you leave them, you’ll see that they can even break, which is highly dangerous.

If you find the springs are worn, call on an expert to come and take a look at them for you. They will be able to ensure that the springs are replaced safely, getting your door opening and closing again smoothly.

Signs Your Garage Door Opener Is Wearing Out

A garage door opener is a mechanical piece of equipment, so when it’s well taken care of it will last for years. Even the best-kept opener will eventually wear out though. Here are the signs to look out for.

1. Loud Noises

Normally your garage door opener would work quietly, and you’d be able to get in and out without a problem. Now though, you’re noticing all kinds of noises. Loud screeching, creaking or squealing are signs that the garage door opener is wearing out. The noise usually comes from chain drives as they age or come loose.

Be aware, these sounds could also be a signal that your garage door is coming off its tracks. Check for this before you replace the garage door. It’s a simple fix and could solve the issue you’re having. Plus, if you leave it long enough it can do real damage to your garage door.

2. Slow Movement Or Detaching

Over time, you’ll see the garage door opener getting slower. That’s a sign that it’s aging and getting ready to give up the ghost. It may also hesitate before it starts opening.

You also need to keep an eye out for detaching. That’s when the opener disconnects, sending the garage door to the floor. That’s a serious danger, especially if you have any children or pets around. If you see this happening, you’ll need to replace the garage door opener as soon as possible.

3. Vibration

This is something you’ll see, rather than hear.

The garage door opener will vibrate in its housing as it ages, usually due to bent shafts or worn out armatures. If this is allowed to go on long enough, it’ll shake the chain free from the housing, causing a detachment. You don’t want this to happen when your car is under the door, or worse, one of your children.

4. Random Opening And Closing

Are you noticing that the garage door opens and shuts at odd times? That’s a sign that the electronics are wearing out in your opener. If you see this happening, you may well need to get the opener replaced.

Before you do so, check for a couple of other issues. Firstly, ensure that your garage door’s opener isn’t picking up the frequency of someone else’s remote. Talk to your neighbors and see if they’re having issues. If they are, you’ll need to reprogram the opener. Also, look to see that the photo eyes on either side of your garage door aren’t blocked or broken. Taking care of them is an easy fix too, so ensure you’re checking for it.

Related: Garage Door Opener Remote Programming

5. Intermittent Working

This is quite a clear sign that something is wrong with your garage door opener.

You’ll click the button on the remote once, and nothing will happen. Click it again, and you’ll see that it finally connects and works. If that’s happening and your troubleshooting isn’t fixing it, it’s time to get it repaired.

Benefits Of Replacing Your Garage Door Opener

Once you’ve decided to update your garage door opener, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of a new model. For example, if you’re replacing a quite old model, your new one will use rolling codes. These ensure that a new code is generated between the remote and the opener every time it’s used. This keeps your home more secure, as no one will be able to copy the codes if they’re close by.

You can also choose to upgrade to a smart garage door opener. These are great, as they allow you to open the door remotely. Anyone who’s allowed access to the door can operate it from their phone, which saves you the hassle of programming extra remotes. It’s also great for deliveries, as you can open the door for them without having to be there yourself.

Conclusion

There are several ways you’ll know that the garage door needs to be replaced. If you see the opener vibrating, hear loud noises, or only get it working half the time, it’s time to upgrade to a newer model. Keep an eye on your garage door opener to ensure it’s in the best working condition.

If you’re looking for a professional garage door service provider, check out Your Garage Door Guys for professional garage door services in your area.

The post When to Replace Garage Door Opener (6 Signs) appeared first on Your Garage Door Guys.