How to Open My Garage Door in a Power Outage

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Most people take their garage doors for granted. The nature of their simple function makes them one of the most underappreciated and overlooked features in a home. Your garage door most likely runs off of electricity. And unless it’s happened to you before, you probably wouldn’t even dream of being trapped in your garage during a power outage.  Power outages are not an uncommon occurrence and can happen at the most inconvenient of times. For those that don’t have a battery backup unit installed on your garage door opener, you may benefit from the following information. When a power surge happens and the lights go out, knowing how to free your car from the clutches of a deadweight garage door is a useful skill.  Intuitively, both Chamberlin and LiftMaster took power outages into consideration when designing their garage door openers. And even more fortunate for you, Precision Garage Door Las Vegas carries and installs both of these garage door opener brands. Their intelligent design allows for a fast and easy exit during a power outage.  How to Open Your Garage Door During a Power Outage    First things first, grab a nearby flashlight or use the flashlight on your cell phone. If it’s dark outside and there are no windows or light in your garage, you’ll need some light to execute the following steps.  Before you try to disengage the garage door from your garage door opener, which will ultimately allow you to manually lift the door yourself, make sure the door is in the down position. Your garage door opener is the box that houses the gears that give your garage door the ability to go up and down.  Underneath your garage door opener should be a red emergency cord. You’ll want to pull that red cord down. This will effectively disable the trolley operator that is responsible for pulling the door, and allow for manual lifting. Move it back about an inch or so.   Find the lifting handle. The lifting handle is often installed on the bottom panel, but could be located in the second section of the door. Assuming that your garage door is well-balanced and the spring system is in good condition, you should have little difficulty lifting the garage door with one hand. Once the garage door is successfully open, pull your car out and then attempt to reconnect the door to the garage door opener.  Reconnecting the Opener to the Garage Door  When you have accomplished your goal and/or the power comes back on, you’ll want to reconnect your garage door to have it operate automatically again. This may require an extra set of hands.  Find the carriage unit. This is the device attached to the track that works by lifting and lowering the garage door. Make sure that the carriage unit is positioned close to the motor near the center of your garage ceiling. If you have another able-bodied adult around, one of you should pull the manual release handle again, while the other person pushes the garage door upwards until it clicks into place.  Some garage doors will let you reattach the door automatically by clicking the garage door remote. In this instance, the carriage will move to reconnect with the door on its own when they automatically move to reach each other.  Is there an easier way? Sure! Both Chamberlin and LiftMaster offer garage door openers that do have a battery backup system, but not all models have this feature. If you are in an area that is prone to blackouts, it may be a good idea for you to invest in a garage door opener that has a battery backup system.  What Not To Do!  Do not force the door open. There is no reason why the garage door shouldn’t open with ease after disengaging it from the opener and trolley, no matter how heavy the door is.   If your garage door is opening unevenly or is giving you difficulty, then it may be due to a faulty tension spring or cable. This could be part of a much larger issue. Pro tip: Opening your garage door manually is a great way to uncover repair issues. Garage door technicians suggest manually opening your garage door a few times a year to suss out worn-out or defective garage door parts   What You Absolutely SHOULD Do!  If you want to upgrade your current garage door opener, repair broken garage door springs, or repair your existing garage door, you’ll absolutely need the help of Precision Garage Door Las Vegas. Our highly trained technicians can be there in under 2 hours, with a fully stocked truck, ready and able to fix the most difficult of garage door problems. Call today: 866.265.4824

A Guide to Garage Door Windows

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Windows are one of the most innovative features of garage doors. Aside from the broad choice of materials and styles available, installing a garage door with windows has aesthetic and functional benefits. By doing so, you can: Add natural light to your garage without installing additional bulbs and fixtures. Increase the curb appeal of your home, as windows add character to the façade. Customize your garage door to make it one-of-a-kind. Match the style of your garage door windows to your front entry door windows. Adhere to building codes for impact-rated glass in high-wind areas.   Preparing to Add Garage Doors with Windows The use of mixed materials is the latest design trend. A garage door with glass along with wood, steel, or aluminum can provide a classic or contemporary look. The entire door can be customized to compliment your home’s architectural design. When planning to install garage door windows, here are some important considerations: Safety: Garage door windows are structurally safe; they don’t change the stability of the door itself. However, windows are vulnerable to severe weather and impacts by objects, but overall, they are easy to replace. Privacy: Clear glass is common for garage doors. And since garage door windows are usually placed near the top of the door, a typical person can’t see inside, although privacy glass options (frosted, tinted, mirrored, etc.) are available. Selection and Installation Installing garage door windows is no small task. Retrofitting an existing door with windows is difficult and not the wisest choice. Windows add weight to the door, which affect its stability and balance, not to mention put excess strain on the door springs and garage door opener. When installing a garage door with windows, you want to pay careful attention to: Insulation: Insulated glass windows are available. They can maximize energy efficiency and even contribute to the year-round comfort in your garage, especially if you use it as a playroom or workspace. Color matching: Replacing single panels on an existing door can leave mismatched parts. Even if the new panel is the same color as the rest, older panels may have faded in sunlight, and the existing finish might not match. Design options: Adding garage door windows provides more design flexibility. Not all are square; there are different shapes to choose from, representing styles ranging from classic to modern, to Colonial, Art Deco, or Mid-Century. Adding garage door windows is effective only if they match the style of your home. The windows should exhibit a similar shape and style to other elements of the architecture. For example, arched windows can complement curved architectural elements and help make your boxy home feel more sophisticated. The design options for windows is practically unlimited. Depending on the garage door, windows can be custom fit in any section. Some people choose to string them horizontally across the top, but windows can be stacked vertically as well. You can also choose which sections will have windows or put windows in every section of your garage door. Garage Door Windows with Precision Door Service of Las Vegas At Precision Door Service, we install custom garage doors of any style, including those with glass. We offer a wide range of design options from setup to panel design, to color choices to numerous options for windows and more. Select your favorite options using our design page, and request a quote for your project. We also perform all types of garage door repair and take calls 24/7. For more information, call 702-553-4621.  

The Most Expensive Garages in the U.S.

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Over the past few years, estates have been breaking records with massive, ultra-expensive garage spaces. In 2014, KTLA reported on Palazzo di Amore. Featuring 53,000 square feet of living space, 12 bedrooms, and 23 bathrooms, it also has an entertainment complex and whopping 27-car garage—not to mention a 3,500-bottle wine cellar/tasting room—all for a record-breaking listing price (at the time) of $195 million! Coldwell Banker reported it was also the most expensive home listing in the U.S. Palazzo di Amore Is Not Alone In fact, CNBC reported in 2017 on a Bel Air, California, home with $30 million worth of cars. The “auto gallery” had 12 rare expensive cars, including some of the rarest in the world, including a $2 million Pagini Huayra and $15 million 1936 Mercedes 540K Special Roadster. The 38,000 square foot mansion with its 12 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, fitness center, six bars, 85-foot infinity pool, and entertainment center with a 30-foot television, was put on the market for $250 million. Some other examples of the most expensive garages in the U.S. include: John Travolta’s Former Ocala, FL, Home: The actor’s huge mansion’s giant garage not only holds 15 cars. It also has a built-in docking area for a Boeing 747 airplane. Travolta is also known to park his Gulfstream jet there as well. Leading up to the expansive home is a mile-and-a-half long runway. Jerry Seinfeld’s New York City Garage: At $1.4 million, the comedian’s 3-story garage can hold about 150 vehicles. It has white terrazzo floors, an elevator, and touchscreen-controlled temperature, lighting, and doors. The garage even incorporates its own kitchenette, pool table, and theater. Tom Gonzales’ Former Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Home: The former owner and founder of e-commerce company, Commerce One, has a garage with a vehicle collection estimated to be worth $5 million. His collection of one-hundred motorbikes, which have never been ridden, is included. Vehicles are lowered to the 6,000 square foot underground garage via a large elevator, disguised as a fake tree and boulder from the outside. Craig Jackson’s Scottsdale, Arizona, Garage: The CEO of Barret-Jackson, which auctions off vintage cars, has his own $2 million car collection. It includes a 1966 Pontiac LeMans and a 1932 Ford Custom Roadster. The garage, incorporating a rotunda designed after the wheel of a 1967 Shelby, has a state-of-the-art lighting system, shop, and private showroom. While all the cars and the garage are hidden in the hills behind Jackson’s home, he periodically drives them to shows, rallies, and when shopping. Does Your Typical 2-Car Garage Now Seem Mundane? The average U.S. home has a one- or two-car garage. Even though your garage probably will never live up to those who can afford the largest ones in the country, every garage has this in common—they all need maintenance and protection. Maintaining garage doors is one of the most important things you can do for your home. From proper lubrication to spotting issues with garage door springs, cables, and rollers, there is much to do to ensure your garage door system runs flawlessly for as long as possible. Your garage door may open and close several times a day. Normal wear and tear can impact the garage door opener, photoelectric eyes, and the door material itself. Whether you notice an issue or it’s time to upgrade and replace your garage door, contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas. Our experienced technicians can inspect the system and recommend the best options, so call 702-553-4621 today to schedule service.

Tips for Turning Your Garage into a Unique Man Cave

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Whether you want to turn your garage into a family room, office, or man cave, there are many unique ideas that can turn a musty, stale room into one of the most functional spaces in your home. There are so many possibilities. A garage can be converted into a movie room, fitness studio, gaming area, or recording studio. But if you’re looking to turn your garage into a man cave, here are some tips to make the space truly unique. Floor/Walls/Ceiling A garage is the perfect blank canvas, but it doesn’t have to look like a garage. First, seal and refinish the concrete slab to protect it. The slab itself can be stained or coated or you can raise the height of the floor, while adding insulation in between. You can also go with a rug or carpet segments if you prefer. The walls of a detached garage require more insulation, because heating and cooling from your home isn’t available. In an attached garage, some insulation sealed with drywall is often enough, leaving room for studs where pictures, flat screen TVs, or accessories such as basketball hoops can go! Drywall and paint can be used to create a desirable ceiling, or you can include the rafters in your design theme. Décor/Theme This is your greatest opportunity to personalize your garage space. A man cave typically revolves around a theme. Think about the purpose of the room. You can go with a rustic tavern or western saloon idea, or turn your basement into a sports bar, boathouse, hunting tavern, biker’s lounge, or theater. The options for décor are as limited as the imagination. Display your record collection, sports memorabilia, or college colors. But not every man cave is ultra-masculine. You can make it look as homey, rustic, or glassy as you want. Even theme your man cave around your favorite decade, from turning your garage into a 50’s diner to a futuristic state-of-the-art entertainment center. Furnishings Some of the most popular items to furnish a man cave include: Recliners Sectional couches Bar seats Refrigerators Televisions Pool tables Dart boards Shelves for sports memorabilia Paintings and signs How you furnish your man cave should reflect your passions. It should also address comfort, from soft seating to the visual appeal. You don’t have to fill the room with everything you treasure; rather, incorporating select items into a themed design can make your retreat a cozy, relaxing, and entertaining space. Plus, that sports or movie memorabilia that doesn’t fit anywhere else in the house can be put on full display. But man caves aren’t only for those who are obsessed with sports or movies. It’s your space, so you can make it about anything. Display pictures of the kids or add arcade games, pinball machines, or fishing gear. The choice is totally up to you! Garage Door  The right garage door can ensure your man cave stays warm and protected. Insulated doors prevent cold air from getting in, so you don’t shiver in winter, and from the garage getting steaming hot in the summer. With a well-insulated door, your home heating and cooling system can work efficiently, and you don’t need to spend extra money or energy on space heaters. Consult with Precision Door Service of Las Vegas for expert assistance choosing from a wide selection of leading-brand garage doors in various styles, materials, and colors. For help and a free estimate, call us today at 702-637-2700.

How to Protect Your Wooden Garage Door from Wear and Tear

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Las Vegas is known for dry heat but is no stranger to temperature and other weather extremes. Normally dry conditions can suddenly turn stormy. Temperature extremes and moisture can increase the effects of wear and tear, causing a wooden garage door to crack, bend, or warp. Wood is also prone to mildew, moss, dust, and other contaminants that can leave it looking unsightly. First, it is important to waterproof your garage door. To do this effectively: Clean the wood surface with a quality wood-cleaning product, removing any dirt or mildew. For a new, unsealed door, sand it to remove any mill glaze. Then apply a wood cleaner and spray the door with water using a power washer. Low pressure is enough to remove most stains and keep your garage door looking fresh. Treat the door with a weather-resistant finish. You can use a varnish, paint, or other film finish, which can offer some protection. However, such finishes are vulnerable to cracking, flaking, and stress due to frequent movement. Flexible oils, stains, and other penetrating finishes are more resistant to such damage. Protect Your Garage Door on Both Sides Wood needs protection on the inside and outside. A hydroscopic material, it is susceptible to environmental humidity. While Las Vegas tends to be dry, that doesn’t mean the humidity can’t fluctuate, especially during monsoon season. Wood tends to swell in high humidity and contract when it is dry. Varying humidity between interior and exterior surfaces adds more stress. Therefore, the interior and exterior of a garage door should be properly finished. You can combine penetrating oils and colorful paints to protect it and reduce the stresses caused by different humidity levels and temperatures. Maintenance Protects Your Garage Door The factory seal will wear away over time. You can keep your garage door protected by resealing it. Otherwise, water can seep into the wood; even in small amounts, this can cause moisture damage. The material may develop scuffs and stains, while stress from expansion and contraction of wood will take a toll over time. Sanding and refinishing should be done every three to five years. When you notice splinters, mold stains, dents, or dings, the wood surface should be sanded down. Once you put on a new layer of stain, you can add a sealant to protect your wooden garage door for many more years. Maintain All Moving Parts Movement is one of the greatest strains on garage doors. Since the door is the largest moving part in your home, its hardware should be checked regularly. Grinding noises, scraping sounds, and jerky motion mean there is one or more issues in the system. You may just need to tighten up some loose hardware. If loose bolts or brackets can be corrected with a socket wrench, then you don’t need a technician’s help. You can also protect your garage door from wear and tear by checking the balance, replacing worn or broken springs and cables, and lubricating parts. The weather-stripping is another important consideration. If the bottom seal or the rubber lining on the sides are cracked, replace it to ensure your garage door remains protected. Call Precision Door Service for Help Garage door professionals at Precision Door Service of Las Vegas can help protect your wooden garage door and can provide repairs 24/7. We also offer inspections as well as maintenance services. To ensure your wooden garage door remains protected, contact our Las Vegas garage door maintenance and installation professionals at 702-553-4621 to schedule a visit.