Category: General

• Garage Door Safety Tips

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  Garage doors are an important feature of your home and garage, but there are plenty of things that you need to do to ensure that they work safely. Not only is important to keep the garage door kept up and well maintained in order to function properly, but you want to avoid any injury to yourself or others when the door is being used. In addition, a lot of the safety features that are in place are meant to keep your personal belongings and home in good condition and safe from theft and vandalism. In a lot of cases, upkeep and maintenance, in the form of repairs and proper use are important to ensuring that the doors are used in the safest way possible. Learning garage door safety is crucial.

  One of the best ways to ensure that your door is working properly and is being well kept up and in good repair is to check it over on a regular basis. Because the door is in constant use, look it over once a month in order to make sure nothing is broken or worn out. Check the springs, the safety features, the lock, cables, and all other structural parts that are part of the mechanism device.

  Test the safety features that are set in place for your door in order to ensure that they work properly. This includes the remote system and the sensors that should reverse the door in case there is a person or object in the way. These sensors need to be able to respond in a timely matter in order to make the door as safe as possible.

  If you are aware that you are going to be absent from your home for an extended period of time, or not using the door, unplug it. It is possible to override the remote system and automatic opening controls in order to prevent the door from opening at all without being restored back to power. This is a great feature when you want to ensure that it is not in operation for several reasons, including the constant presence of young children. This feature can help to prevent accidents that might occur in your absence.

  Hiring a skilled technician that can regularly check on the condition and operation of your garage door is an important way to maintain any doors. When you are not aware of what to look for or how serious a problem is, there are professionals that know what to look for and what needs replacing immediately. These professionals are able to make repairs and replacements quickly and competently, without creating any new issues and ensuring that your garage door is safe for use.

  Garage door professionals are also the first and best source of new safety features and devices that can be used or introduced in order to ensure the safety of your belongings. New trends and information are key to making sure that you always have the least inconvenience and the best possible working garage door for your home.

• How Can A Noisy Garage Door Be Fixed?

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  Noisy garage doors can be caused by all of the many springs, pulleys and cables that make the opening system work. From needing anti-vibration pads or worn rollers, loose hardware or squeaky parts that need lubricated, there are a myriad of different problems that may arise with your garage door. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to fix your noisy garage door, here are some tips.

  Step One: Check, Tighten, and Lubricate all parts of the Opening System

  Use a socket wrench to tighten the nuts on the track system, as well as tighten the opener chain (procedures can usually be found in the door manual), and lubricate the opener track and all the hinges, pivot points, springs, and torsion bar bearings. This should be done regularly, every six to twelve months.

  Instead of using things like grease or oil, you should use a specialized garage door lubricant, which lubricates all the parts without attracting dirt or unwanted residue. Check all the rollers on the opening system. Worn rollers are one of the most common problems for noisy garage doors, and are usually a quick fix. Nylon and steel rollers are available online, at hardware stores and at garage door retailers. The roller bearings may also need to just be lubricated. Worn hinges are less common, however they can occur after some years.

  Step Two: Type of Opener and Door Balance

  You’ll need to figure out which type of garage door opener you happen to have, a screw, chain, or belt drive. To test the balance of the door, pull the cord that opens and closes the door manually, and raise the door halfway before releasing it. If the system is unbalanced the door should fall, however stable garage doors should remain halfway open at that point.

  Step Three: Types of Noises

  Identifying the types of noises your garage door system is making can be very important in determining what may be wrong with it. For instance, a loud ticking noise may indicate the rollers or the bearing within the pulley have worn away. A grating noise is usually the cause of the coils in the garage door springs becoming bent out of shape and knocking against each other.

  Step Four: Professional Help

  Although some noises and problems with a garage door have easy solutions that can be done without help or large expenditures, sometimes that is not the case. Torsion springs and bearings may require professional help to replace. If hinges on the opening system seem to be squeaking, it may just need to be lubricated; however if it seems to be making a grinding noise, it most likely needs replaced. This usually requires the help of a professional as well. Refer to your garage door manual to see if the identified problem needs to be repaired by a professional.

  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your local garage door repair company.

• Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  When you are dealing with any problem in your home, it is important to really get down to the bottom of that problem as soon as possible. This will keep your problem from becoming much more difficult to deal with. If you leave a maintenance issue in your home unattended to you will find that there will be much bigger problems that you will have to deal with. This is particularly true when you are dealing with your garage door.

  Here are some of the most common reasons why your garage door might not be closing.

  1. Your garage door batteries may be dead

  This may seem like an extremely simple thing that would happen and too good to be true, but it is actually very common for this to be a problem. Sometimes all you need to do in order to get your garage door back into working order is changing the batteries in your garage door opener.

  2. Your track may be out of alignment

  When you are dealing with problems closing your garage door, one of the main reasons may be that your track is out of alignment. This is something that can become a much bigger problem if it is not caught right away. Trying to close your garage door on a track that is out of alignment can result in your garage door becoming damaged and warped. If you feel as though you are dealing with a track that is out of alignment, you should always call a garage repair company.

  3. Your door may have trouble closing in the cold

  The cold winter months can cause problems for many mechanical aspects in your home and your garage door is no exception. When this happens, there is most likely a loose connection that is causing this issue. When you are dealing with a loose connection it is important to have a professional come and assess the problem. If you try to deal with these cables you could further damage the problem or injure yourself with an electric shock.

  4. Motor is running but door is not moving

  If you find that your motor is running your door but your door is not moving you may have a problem with your disconnect switch. Every garage door comes with a disconnect switch and this helps to run your door in an emergency setting. You may have accidentally activated this switch when you weren’t meaning to. Try to find this switch and deactivate it. This should really help your problem and get your garage door back to full working order again.

• Five Tips for Buying a Garage Door

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  Purchasing a new garage door can turn into a frustrating and confusing job. The decision is easier if you consider tips in these five areas: materials and design, your budget, who will do the installation, and safety features.

  Materials and Design

  The style of your house and your own personal taste determine what kind of design you choose for your garage door. If you have no idea how to narrow your choices, there are professionals available at home improvement stores and garage door companies to help you. Many garage door companies have websites with special tools that can help you visualize how certain styles will look on your home.

  Material choice is important as well. Depending on which part of the country you live, it may be wise to select materials that help protect your home from the elements. Some garage doors are made to withstand hurricane force winds. Other garage doors are built with winter temperatures in mind. Some garage doors are single layer, while others are built with various layers.

  Budget

  Considering your budget is a very important part of the garage door selection, process. Those design and material choices can add up, so make sure you balance your preferences with the cost of materials and labor. Garage door prices can vary depending on the material you choose. Aluminum, steel, composite, and wood doors all have their advantages and disadvantages in addition to recommended usage for different climates.

  Installation

  Installation can either be done by you or a garage door insulation professional. It’s highly recommended that you hire a professional garage door installation company however. Your time is an important consideration as well, because it might take you all day to install your new garage door. A professional installation crew might be able finish the job in just a few hours.

  Safety Features

  If you have small children or pets that like to run in and out of the garage, consider a garage door that comes with safety features. Sensors that are built in to the door or tracking system can help prevent horrific accidents. Weather issues in your area may also affect your garage door and cause greater damage due to the size of the opening on your home. If you get high winds or have the risk of hurricanes, you may want to consider purchasing a door that is built to withstand extreme weather. A garage door designed for weather issues may have heavier materials, additional bracing, hardware, and heavy gage tracking.

  Do some research as you consider a new garage door. There are websites with helpful information that can prepare you for informed decisions once you are ready to sit down and talk with a professional about purchasing a garage door.

• How to Properly Maintain Your Garage Doors

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  Garage doors, both automatic and manual, are such an essential part of home ownership. The garage, whether for storage, work, or your car, is as important as the rest of the house to life’s daily operation. And the garage door is an element you are likely to use daily. So how can you ensure that its use will continue unabated for years to come?

  Different Types of Garage Doors

  There are many variations in garage door styles, extending far beyond the simple difference between manual and automatic. In fact, the only difference in maintenance between an automatic garage door and a manual one is the additional inspection and maintenance necessary for the electrical system. The mechanism is essentially the same.

  However, your garage door’s mechanics may be slightly different depending on style of door. Some garage doors are single panels that do not bend or fold. Such garage doors can either open side-to-side, on hinges, or may use a mechanism to open and close upward by means of a lever system.

  The most common garage doors, however, are doors that fold as they slide up on runners mounted in your garage’s beams. Some are made of wood, while some are made of metal. With the maintenance tips and instructions included in this article, your doors should remain pristine and running smoothly for years to come.

  The Importance of Cleaning

  The garage is often one of the dirtiest places on the property, with dust, sawdust, smoke, rain, and other materials accumulating on a regular basis. The door is no exception; it gets dirty. We have to clean out our garages on a regular basis to prevent mold, rust, and wood rot, and the door should be included in that regular cleaning cycle. Particularly in a climate saturated with salt-air, a garage door absolutely must be cleaned annually. To clean your garage door, dilute one part detergent in five parts water, and sponge the outside of it, then rinse it off. Alternatively, a wood door should be wiped with a dry cloth, and refinished as chips appear. These cleaning methods are essential for keeping debris from collecting and eating away at both the external and internal workings of your garage door.

  Frequent Inspection

  We take our garage doors for granted, and our brains operate on an autopilot basis when it comes to daily observations. It is therefore necessary to take specific, conscious time to inspect your garage door on a regular basis, searching actively for any deterioration or rust. Springs, rollers, tracks, cables, and brackets must be inspected for rust, collected debris, and general wear and tear. Anything worn or frayed should be immediately replaced.

  Additionally, check your garage door’s balance. If it’s a power door, disconnect the power before doing so. Then, lift the door up part way, at approximately waist-level, and slowly release. If it moves from that position, it’s not balanced properly, and requires the assistance of a trained technician.

  Regular Lubrication

  The mechanisms present in a garage door, much like anything else that involves metal components, require regular lubrication, with particular focus on the rollers. Keep the tracks clean, too, using brake cleaner, which will then increase the usefulness of the lubricant. Maintained and lubricated properly, a garage door can last for decades.

• How Long Should My Garage Door Spring Last?

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  A garage door spring is absolutely critical to the very operation of a garage door. The garage door itself is something that is most likely used on a daily basis. So how long will the average spring last? And how can you ensure that you maximize its life potential?

  Different Types of Garage Door Springs

  Garage door springs, also called torsion springs, are categorized by number of cycles. A 10,000-cycle torsion spring is the standard spring installed in most garages. Higher cycle springs, including those that last 25,000 cycles and those that will last 50,000 cycles, are even more cost-effective when the cost is analyzed on a yearly basis. However, when looking at high-cycle springs, you also have to analyze what type of garage you have and what its lifespan might be. If you choose a type of spring that outlasts the garage in which it is installed, you’ve wasted your money. If, however, you have a well-founded structure likely to last as long as the house it accompanies, a high-cycle spring is a worthwhile investment.

  Average Life Expectancy

  The life expectancy of a garage door spring can only be calculated in cycles, but you can easily translate that to a time estimate. The average home opens and closes a garage door four times daily, and, with a 10,000-cycle torsion spring, this translates to a lifespan of approximately seven years. Thus, high-cycle springs can have lifespans that last from 14 to 20 years.

  Common Causes of Premature Aging

  Your garage door spring, like any other metal component, can be affected detrimentally by wetter climates. Moisture on the metal creates an environment ripe for rust. Rust buildup causes the core friction to increase, thus wearing down the metal of the spring even more rapidly.

  Cold is another serious factor. Steel contracts and becomes more brittle with severe cold weather. It’s therefore logical that garage door springs most often break in cold weather. After a cold night, the unsuspecting homeowner expects the garage spring to perform its duty as it does every other morning. But without being allowed to gradually warm up just a bit, a loud crack will let you know it’s taken more stress than it could handle in the cold, and you’ve got a broken spring on your hands.

  Preventative Measures to Extend Life

  It’s so easy to prevent the wear and tear caused by both of these environmental factors. In order to prevent rust, every three months or so, spray it with a silicone coating spray. Some advice: avoid WD-40, which is a lubricant rather than a silicone coating spray, particularly if you park your car in the garage, because WD-40 eats paint. And when cold weather strikes, try two things: listen, and warm up. Allow the day to warm up the garage for as long as you can prior to opening the garage; if you have a space heater, in extreme cold, it might offer some assistance in this regard. Then, make sure you listen very carefully as the garage door opens. Stop the lift as soon as you here the slightest irregular creaking.

• How To Buy A Garage Door

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  

  Buying a garage door can be a complicated process if you go in blindly without a plan. Since a garage door isn’t something that homeowners buy very often, you likely aren’t completely familiar with the process. In order to avoid chaos and confusion, here’s a helpful guide on how to buy a garage door for your home.

  Determine A Budget

  The very first step you’ll want to take is to set a budget. How much do you feel comfortable spending?

  Keep in mind that a new garage door isn’t an expense, it’s an investment. The average ROI on a new garage door at resale is 83.7%. So setting your budget too low and resorting to using low quality products or having a non-professional install it to save money right now may end up costing you in the long run.

  At the same time, you want to set a budget that’s reasonable and comfortable for you.

  Choose Your Style

  Here’s where the fun starts to kick in. Choosing the garage door that you want.

  There are various styles of garage doors available. The goal is to pick a style that goes well with the overall look of your home’s exterior. Some of the more popular styles of garage door are:

  Carriage House

  • Historic charm
  • Overhead operation
  • Customizable Designs

  Traditional

  • Many options for color and insulation
  • The option for decorative windows

  Contemporary

  • Sleek and modern design
  • Several options for frame color and glass

  Select A Material

  Many homeowners aren’t aware of the different options available for garage door material. You’re not limited to just one option. Some choices you have for your garage door material are:

  Natural Wood

  • Unlimited design options and wood species
  • Choose to paint or stain
  • Handcrafted to your specifications

  Steel

  • Flush or raised panel designs
  • Durable and energy efficient

  Composite/Faux Wood

  • The look of wood without the upkeep
  • Doesn’t warp, rot, split or crack
  • Designs are customizable
  • Can paint or stain
  • Energy efficient

  Aluminum & Glass

  • Commercial rust-resistant frame
  • Glass options to control light and give you privacy

  Insulated or Uninsulated

  Most garages aren’t heated. However, your garage door can affect the energy efficiency of your home. An insulated garage door will help seal up your garage and protect it against the weather.

  If your garage is attached to your home, it’s recommended that you buy an insulated door. If there’s a room above the garage it’ll help keep the noise down as well as lower your utility bills.

  DIY Installation or Professional Installation

  Installing a garage door may seem like a simple task, but often times DIY jobs quickly turn into nightmares. Most of the times, it’s best to hire a professional garage door installation company. That way you’re guaranteed that everything is setup properly and you’re able to save yourself the headache of having to do it yourself.

  Get An Estimate

  The last step will be to get estimates. Only work with reputable companies that you feel comfortable with. Get a few different estimates and go with the one you feel most confident in.

  Remember that price alone shouldn’t determine which company you go with. Workmanship, customer service and reputation should all be considered along with the estimate itself.

  If you’re in the Northern Virginia, DC, or Maryland area and are contemplating buying a garage door, contact Affordable Door today!

• Why You Should Hire a Professional for Garage Door Repairs

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  There are many aspects of your home that improve the level of convenience in your day. Your garage door is one of those aspects, except when it is not working properly. Garage door issues can be caused by a number of problems, each of which can be difficult to detect and repair. When you experience garage door issues, it is best to hire a professional rather than undertake the task on your own for a number of reasons.

  Efficiency of the Repair

  As a working professional, parent, and homeowner, having a working garage door is imperative to the smooth functioning of your day. As a result, when considering garage door repair, it is likely that one of the greatest considerations is a repair process that is highly efficient. The most efficient way to get your garage door repaired quickly is through hiring a professional. Those who undertake the task on their own often spend hours figuring out what the problem is, the repair itself takes a long time, and the right tools may not be available. Therefore, if you are looking to get the job done fast, then it’s best to let a professional handle the repair.

  Your Safety is Important

  Garage door repair can be extremely dangerous, especially without the right tools and experience. When repairing a garage door, you need to remove heavy materials, install certain items, and maintain proper electrical safety standards. Those who have no experience doing such tasks should not repair their own garage door. Professionals are optimal because they have the right tools, experience, and knowledge to repair the garage door safely and ensure that everything is working properly.

  Repairing the Garage Door Correctly

  Repairing a garage door is an especially technical task and requires specified knowledge regarding the configuration of the garage door materials and the electrical wiring. In most cases, people do not have the special experience and knowledge to repair the garage door on their own. Professionals understand exactly what needs to be done, how to do it, and what are the best tools available to complete the task. With a professional, you don’t need to worry about the garage door suddenly breaking down or experiencing other issues.

  Saves You Money

  Another advantage of hiring a professional is that it saves you money. While it may not seem like it at the onset, the cost of repairing the garage door on your own can be quite high because you may invest in unnecessary materials or you may cause additional problems that require additional professional services to fix. With that, it is recommended that you hire a professional. The professional will be able to immediately notice the problem, understand what needs to be fixed, and find the solution. This way, you don’t need to worry about added costs of a repair gone wrong. Overall, by hiring a professional, you can get your garage door repaired efficiently, safely, correctly, and at the right price.

• Five Ways To Make Your Garage Greener

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  While owning a garage door is imperative to your comfort and convenience, getting a high electric bill every month isn’t always easy to handle. By taking the proper actions, you can not only lower your monthly electric bill, but you can also improve the energy efficiency and green consciousness of your home. Below are five of the most common ways to make your garage door greener.

  Garage Door LED Bulb

  The latest garage doors have light bulbs attached to the garage door device. Rather than guzzle energy with a traditional lightbulb, it is best to use a garage door light that utilizes an LED bulb. The LED bulb is preferable over an incandescent light because it does not use up as much energy and it also provides you with the right amount of light to utilize your garage safely.

  Insulated Garage Door

  Another popular option to turn your garage door into greener technology is to have an insulated garage door installed. In most cases, homeowners own garage doors that are thin, flimsy, and unable to keep cool and warm air during the respective months within the home. As a result, energy and electricity are wasted. In order to prevent waste and to keep your electric costs low, it is best to install a garage door that is insulated. An insulated garage door will prevent energy from leaving the home, thereby keeping your energy costs low.

  Exhaust Fan Installation

  In any instances, your garage can become congested, leaving dangerous fumes in your garage. The best way to prevent this problem and to create a greener garage is to have exhaust fans installed. With an exhaust fan in your garage, you can easily cool your garage without spending additional money on cooling costs, the ventilation will improve, you can prevent condensation, and it protects the materials in your garage. Exhaust fans are also green technology, so that you can feel good about the efficiency of your home.

  Application of Paint and Finishes

  While it may seem unlikely, the paint and finish application process to your garage door can affect how green your garage is. There are some companies out there that have adopted methods that improve how green your garage is by saving energy and keeping the hot or cold air in your garage when necessary. To find the right paint and finishes, speak to your garage door repair company to ensure that you’re getting the best for your garage.

  Conserve Water When Washing Vehicles

  Washing your vehicle in your garage can waste a lot of water. Rather than end up with a high water bill at the end of the month, there are certain improvements that your garage door specialist can make in your garage to help you save water. These improvements include greener water collection technology, water channels, and water movement that is directed towards areas that needs water. By adding water conservation technology and undertaking the steps above, you can make your garage into a perfectly green space.

• Beautiful Custom Designed Garage Doors

  Posted on Feb 3, 2012

  These are the best doors around. Custom Designed Canyon Ridge Doors.

  Are you looking for unique and beautiful doors for your home? Contact us at (703) 912-DOOR or (301) 277-DOOR.