What Are Swing Out Garage Doors?

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Time to Ditch Wood or Steel Garage Doors

Are you bored of seeing the same type of garage doors everywhere? Want to choose something different for yourself? The most common type chosen is either steel or wood, but there’s more. People often tend not to explore more options. This article gives you two more, (a) Fiberglass (b) Aluminum Glass.

With their pros and cons defined, it’s time to change. The choice of an apt garage door should be made according to the climate and, most importantly, budget. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go for an aesthetically pleasing option.

It is one of the first few things people see when they come over. Your choice must go well with the house’s overall theme.

Fiberglass Doors

If you live in a hot and humid region, then this option is for you. Fiberglass is the only option that acts most similar to a wooden door. It not only gives you the same pros but minus the cons of wood. Wooden doors are likely to crack, shrink or warp with time, making this option better for humid climates.

Fiberglass doors can be installed in both kinds of house designs, raised panels, and overlay carriage house types. Fiberglass doors show strength and are pleasing to the eye sets the right tone for the rest of your house.

Advantages

1. Economical option as compared to wood.
2. Low maintenance cost fits better for people with budget
3. Does not warp, shrink or crack
4. Free from erosion
5. Semi-transparent material lets natural light in
6. Temperature changes (moderate) would not cause it to expand

Disadvantages

An option with no con is a myth. However, while choosing, we must weigh the pros and cons to make a good decision.

1. Not suitable for windy climates
2. Must be fully replaced if damaged

Aluminum Glass Doors

For a modern striking touch, an aluminum glass door seems to be a perfect choice. They are good to go for every type of weather. Large see-through full glass panels add a hint of class to your house, with many different glass options, color schemes, and coatings you can customize according to your vision.

Advantages

1. Shows great resistance against rust and erosion
2. Ease of customization according to your vision and budget
3. Low maintenance cost

Disadvantages

1. Partially water-proof
2. Less durability compared to steel

Importance of Maintenance – Garage Doors

1. Less Financial Burden
It might seem like a tiresome task to get the hinges changed, keeping track of the lubrication or replacement of parts. But if you think about it, these small repairs are less expensive than getting the whole door changed. They also increase the life of your gate.

2. Better Security
Burglaries are more common than you think. Intruders can use garage doors for forced entries. you must make sure that your door is fully functional, with hinges other systems working in properly.
Garage Door Doctor can be your partner to provide installation, repair, and maintenance services for your garage doors. Visit us or call at 281 855 9300 for more information.

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The Importance Of Annual Garage Door Maintenance

An important portion of your living space, the garage door, is often overlooked. Garage doors need constant maintenance to make them a safe entry point. Your garage door’s opening and closing mechanism move hundreds of pounds so you can easily open your garage to park your car or access the tools.

Regular maintenance for garage doors isn’t optional but necessary if you want them to operate effectively for years. Annual checkups will keep you informed of necessary repairs or upgrades required by your garage door. Follow the maintenance guidelines to ensure your garage door keeps working without trouble.

Be aware of the natural changes

Being prepared for the degrading parts will help with early detection. Over the years, erosion, rust, and other damages can affect the functionality of your garage door. When things get worse, the door may not operate swiftly or stop working at all. Inspect your garage door weekly or monthly, so these gradual damages don’t disturb your life.

Financial benefits

Most garage door components, including hinges, coil springs, brackets, or bearing plates, have a short lifespan and need replacements. It might look like a big task, but replacing a hinge or bracket is a simple and less expensive process than opting for the complete installation of a new garage door.
Small repairs and replacements over the years will increase the lifespan of your garage door. These are small investments with relatively big returns.

Make sure everything’s on track

You are about to leave the house to buy some groceries, and a storm is on its way. All you want is your garage door to function properly so you can easily take out your car and park it back without any issues. Be confident about your garage door by ensuring it complies with safety standards. You don’t want troubles like a stuck garage door, worn-out sensors, or other similar issues.

Regular maintenance will promise you peace of mind that your home is secure. Prepare a maintenance checklist and mark if any parts need repairs or replacements, so your garage door stays in good shape for the coming year.

Protecting yourself and your family

Many people, when they go out, are worried about the burglary of their home, and many worry even when they are present inside. Being concerned about the safety of your home or family is a natural thing. Many people use the garage door to enter their home, and they should be very secure.

Call Professional Help

Make sure your garage door is operating effectively by scheduling a professional garage door maintenance. An annual checkup will keep you satisfied with the security of your home, the safety of your family, and the stability of your garage door.

Garage Door Doctor has been providing garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services since 1987. We serve all over Texas and nearby areas. Schedule an annual maintenance appointment today with us for your residential or commercial garage door.

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How to Install a Single Torsion Spring on a Garage Door: 7 Easy Steps

If the torsion spring of your garage door is problematic, you can save a few bucks by replacing them yourself. But without an expert hand, it can become difficult to complete the job correctly. With the right knowledge and expertise, you can prevent injuries during the replacement. Keep reading to learn how to install a single torsion spring on a garage door yourself.
How To Install A Single Torsion Spring On A Garage Door

1. Clamp the Door to the Track

In the first step, you need to clamp the locking pliers, which prevents the door from going upward while you replace the garage door spring. Its second job is to protect you while installing the newer spring later on. To do so, pull the cord and let loose the door opener before replacing the spring.

2. Loosen and Unwind the Functional Garage Door Spring

By pushing the winding bar into the spring’s bottom hole, lose the functional spring. To avoid any movement, lose the screws while keeping hold of the bar.
To avoid any injuries, hold the bar very strongly. The spring can give a powerful push, so a solid grip will ensure you are safe. Move the winding bar into a straighter position and then remove the bottom bar. To unwind the garage door spring, do a quarter turn.

3. Disconnect the Springs

Remove the bolts and nuts from central brackets and hold the torsion tube using locking pliers. Insert them into the bracket and loosen the screw after checking the left and right cable drums. Now you can disconnect the cables.

4. Remove the Old Spring

To remove the old spring, slide the torsion tube to either left or right, depending on your garage door type. Next, install the new spring to the torsion tube. Install garage door wire and cable drum in place. Now place the torsion bar with a new spring.

5. Install the New Center Bearing

Attach stationary cones with the bracket and then install the right spring while propelling the bearing to the cone. Now install the drum before you connect the stationary cones.

6. Insert Cables and Tighten Drums

Now’s the time for the installation of new cables. Steer the lift cables that are between the doorjamb and rollers. Next, move the lift cable stop, so it reaches the drum. Make sure the cable is firm, and then tighten the set screws of winding grooves.
Do the same for the other side and make sure the door has equal tension on both sides.
Next, use a winding bar to wind the cone towards the ceiling.

7. Finish the Installation

To install a single torsion spring on the garage door, you just need to accomplish one final step.
Use a winding bar to stretch the spring. This is an important step before tightening the set screws. Take a garage door spray and lubricate the spring.
Summing Up
Following the above steps, you may now have a pretty good idea of how to install a single torsion spring on a garage door.
Sometimes the installation doesn’t go smoothly your door might not work as you expected. Now that you have done your part, it’s time to call the garage door experts. Let the professionals handle your worries. Call 281-855-9300 or 281-578-7659 for fast service!

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HOW DO I REMOVE RUST FROM MY GARAGE DOOR?

Your garage door is like your home’s first impression! And garage door rust can give a negative impression of your house. Not only does it look unattractive, but it can also lead to costly damage if it’s not cleaned properly.

Most modern garage doors are rust-resistant. But if you have a steel garage door, it may eventually catch rust. Having garage door rust is quite common in places where snow, rain, and other rust-causing materials like dust or road salt collect. If you live near a coastal region, your garage door can likely rust due to humidity present in the air.

As rust can spread quickly, it can eventually start eating holes in it before you even know. That’s why it is crucial to get the rust off your garage door right away. Let’s take a look at 5 easy steps to remove garage door rust.

5 Steps To Remove Garage Door Rust

Here are the 5 easy steps to clean your garage door’s rust and make it look good as new.

1. Wipe down the rust

Use a cloth and soak it in white vinegar. Then wipe down all rusted areas of your garage door with it. This is because vinegar is effective in dissolving rust. After that, get rid of all the rust because even a tiny amount of it can start the oxidation process and continue growing. For this reason, you can use a steel-wool pad to scrub your door.

2. Fill in all holes

Rust can cause holes in your garage door. After getting rid of it, fill the holes (if any) using an auto body filler or any other bonding agent for metal. Once the bonding agent has dried, sand it with a fine-grit sheet. Do it on your entire door. When you’re done, wipe the dust with a dry cloth or a brush.
Note: It may be better to replace your garage door if the rust is extensive or the door is old. If your garage door is near the end of its lifespan, please feel free to contact Garage Door Doctor. Sometimes only the bottom panel of your door is affected by rust. You can replace the individual panel instead of replacing the entire door. Talk to our garage door repair technician to explore more options.

3. Wash the door

Before applying paint to your garage door, it’s essential to clean your door thoroughly. This is because the paint won’t adhere to grease or dirt, and it can also leave bumps on the surface. To wash your door, you can use a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed in warm water. If it’s not available, any solution of warm water and soap will work fine too. Finally, wash your garage door with water and let it dry completely.

4. Cover specific areas on the door

Once you’re done cleaning the garage door rust, cover your door’s handles, window panels, and nearby walls. You can do so by masking paper over them and securing them with tape. This will avoid paint getting onto the areas that you do not want to paint.

5. Paint the door

Before painting your door, it is advisable to apply primer or undercoat to your door to ensure better adhesion. Make sure you use rust-resistant primer and paint designed for metal garage doors. Similarly, check if your garage door’s manufacturer recommends specific products and techniques.

Last but not least, if your garage door is under a warranty that covers rust, avoid removing the rust yourself. Contact your garage door manufacturer and ask them to remedy your garage door’s rust.

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How to Lubricate a Garage Door: 7 Easy Steps

Are you irritated by the screeching and banging of your garage door every time you head home from a long day of work? If yes, you’re not alone. Noisy garage doors are a nuisance to everyone. Well, you don’t have to live with that irritating noise anymore. We are here to tell you some easy steps to lubricate your garage door. So, let’s find out!

Why is your garage door noisy?

Garage doors often become loud and squeaky because of improper maintenance. A noisy garage door is a sign that it isn’t greased enough. And if left ungreased, your garage door can even lead to severe damage later on. Thankfully, you can prevent the noise and prolong the life of your garage door with proper maintenance and lubrication. You can also contact Garage Door Doctor today for a fast, affordable, and reliable solution to your garage door problems. That said, let’s get to the garage door’s pre-lubrication maintenance checklist.

Pre-Lubrication Maintenance Checklist

Before you start lubricating your garage door, let’s complete the necessary maintenance tasks. Here’s the list of things you need to do:

Unplug your door: you should close your garage door and cut off your door with an electricity supply.
Tighten parts of your door: make sure you snug the nuts and bolts. But don’t over-tighten them. Try replacing worn parts if necessary.
Check the rollers: most rollers contain unsealed bearings that pile up dirt and break down with time. Thus, they result in creating noise.
Inspect the hinges: hinges can worn out over time that can create noise, and cause friction in the door.
Tighten your garage door opener chain: a loose chain can make banging sounds and potentially cause jerks while opening and closing the door.

Once you’re done with these essential pre-lubrication checks, let’s start garage door lubrication!

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Lubricate a Garage Door

The most crucial thing while greasing your garage door is to be thorough. Moreover, you should get all of the moving parts (except the chain!). Follow these simple steps down below to lubricate a garage door.

1. Close the door and turn off the power.
2. Wipe the tracks with a rag to remove dirt. Ensure not to use any lubricant on the tracks as it can make it harder for the rollers to move. Thus, burdening your garage door opener.
3. Lubricate each hinge of your door thoroughly.
4. Lubricate garage door rollers. Apply an adequate amount of lubricant (grease) to the rollers, including ball bearings. You can wipe away any excess lubricant to avoid unbalancing your garage door. Conversely, in case you have plastic or nylon rollers, you should replace them instead of lubricating them.
5. Lubricate the bearing plates and torsional springs. Make sure to open and close your door a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant.
6. If you have a lock, lubricate it along with the armbar to make it easier for you to manually lock the door. You can also lubricate the keyhole.
7. Apply grease on the top of the rail (where the chain rides in). Spread the grease around with a rag. Make sure not to lubricate your garage door chain since it already has a coating.

Note: If you’re wondering what the best lubricant for garage doors is, we recommend you use lithium or silicon-based grease spray. This will effectively lube your garage door. You can check which one suits your case better. On the other hand, we advise you NOT to use oil or WD-40 as a lubricant for garage doors. Oil can easily collect dust, and WD-40 can potentially damage certain parts of your door because it’s not a lubricant!

How Often Should You Lubricate a Garage Door?

You should lubricate all the moving parts of your garage door every six months. This will extend your door’s lifespan and keep it quiet and smooth. But if you live in a harsh climate or near the beach, you should lubricate your garage door every three months or more. If you think your garage door needs repair or maintenance, you can contact us anytime. Call the Garage Door Doctor now at 281-855-9300 and get same-day service!

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Benefits of an Automatic Garage Door Opener

You pull up to your garage, stop, and sigh. It’s raining, the dog’s trying to jump out of the car, and you can’t remember if you locked the garage door. If you did, you’re going to get soaked while fumbling with keys. If you didn’t, you hope the thieves didn’t notice and let themselves in. You’ll put extra wear and tear on the engine turning it off and turning it on again. Hopefully, your shoulder holds up while you lift the door.

Enter the automatic garage door opener. Press the button on the remote, let the door open, and pull right in. No keys, no hassle, no rain. But it’s more than just convenient. It provides safety, security, and peace of mind. Read on to discover why an automatic garage door opener is more than just a luxury option.

Keeping You Safe and Secure

There are several ways your garage door opener will keep you and your things safe. First, you don’t have the physical strain of opening and closing it. Second, there’s no danger of it accidentally crashing down on children or pets. Plus, built-in safety features like photoelectric eyes keep the door from closing if there’s something in the way.

Built-in security starts with lighting. Most openers light up when activated – no more fumbling in the dark. They also ensure that without the remote, nobody else can gain access to your garage. The automatic garage door opener can also be set to stay closed if you’re going to be away. If you’re forgetful, some models close on a timer.

Easy on the Wallet

Automatic garage door openers range in price to suit any budget and have a long life, so over the long run, they’re an inexpensive investment. After the initial installation, they use very little energy and can even run on solar power. The small cost can be a big boost if you’re selling. Buyers like to see convenient features that will make their lives easier. Shouldn’t you make your life easier, too?

Improve Your Life with an Automatic Garage Door Opener

Automating a physically demanding task like opening the garage door provides convenience. It’s the same convenience as automating simple tasks like programming a thermostat or setting a delay cycle on your dishwasher. Only with the automatic garage door opener, you’re also taking a significant step in improving the safety of your family and your possessions.

The Garage Door Doctor team will help you pick out the best automatic garage door opener for your needs. Call us today at (281) 855-9300 and let your door opener start doing some of the heavy lifting at your house.

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