The Untold History of Garage Doors

The overhead garage door has been an integral part of our culture for generations. From its inception in the late 1920s to today’s all-electronic models, there have been countless innovations and improvements developed to make life easier and to keep our homes more secure. Let’s take a look back at the long history of garage doors and some of their untold secrets. The Untold History of Garage Doors While the first overhead garage door didn’t take shape until the 1920s, garage doors, in their most stripped down and archaic forms, date back thousands of years. Since 3500 BC or possibly even earlier, the first wheels appeared. From the first wagons to donkey or horse-drawn carriages, humans have been using wheels for different modes of transportation long before automatic garage doors first appeared. Surrounding the evolution of the wheel, people have been trying to find ways to store their antiquated vehicles for safekeeping. In the 18th and 19th centuries, gatehouses and carriage houses were the first of many different storage spaces used for vehicles. Much like a barn, these structures were rarely attached to homes or businesses and owners would have to contend with inclement weather to get to their wagons and horse-drawn carriages. These buildings had heavy doors that swung outward and hung on hinges. Due to the extreme weight of the materials used for the first version of garage doors, these carriage doors often included steel crosshatches in Z or X-shaped formations to reinforce them so as not to sag. The Introduction of the Automobile As the 1800s came to a close, automobiles slowly began to replace the 4-legged fueled transportation of decades past. Henry Ford officially introduced the first line of cars in 1903 and called them the Model A. It donned the iconic blue oval logo that is still used on Ford Motor automobiles to this day. They were equipped with features like a safety glass windshield. Even with all of these advancements in transportation, since the Model A didn’t have a proper roof, they needed to be stored somewhere away from the elements when not in use. The first automobiles were also expensive. Those wealthy enough to acquire one at that time wanted a way to protect their prized investment. This is when traditional garages started to appear. Fun fact, the word “garage” was added to the English dictionary in 1902 and is derived from the French word “garer”, which translates to shelter. Makes sense, right? The Evolution of the Overhead Garage Door As automobiles evolved and the population grew more Americans began moving into urban areas, they needed designated places to park and securely store their cars. And in 1921 a man named C.G. Johnson answered their calls by inventing the first overhead garage door, replacing the cumbersome carriage doors that had to be manually opened and fastened shut. By the 20th-century homeowners began to desire convenience, and architects started designing homes that had attached garages. As cars grew in popularity and in size after World War II, many households owned two vehicles instead of just one and needed even larger attached garages to store them. And with this demand, the garage door went through multiple transformations until it became what we know today. Now you can purchase garage doors in all shapes, sizes, and in just about any material. Homes now prefer to have a multiple-car garage that matches the exterior of their home. They are outfitted with advanced sensors, are able to connect to your smartphone, and can even be programmed to open and close at certain times of the day or night depending on your schedule. The sky’s the limit when choosing a garage door that best suits your needs and style. Interestingly enough, in recent years, some homeowners have opted to bring back the style of the old-school carriage house doors but with the modern conveniences of today’s garage door technology. Today garages are used for far more than just to store your vehicles. Nearly 80% of homeowners use their garage for something other than automobile storage. They have been converted into workshops, game rooms, and art studios, to name a few. Whatever your needs may be, in today’s world of garage doors, you can find material and finish to satisfy your lifestyle. Contact Precision Garage Door of Las Vegas Are you in need of a new garage door installation or need to repair your existing garage door? It’s time to call the professionals at Precision Garage Door Las Vegas. Don’t get trapped in your garage or in a situation where you’re unable to open and close your garage door. We can send a technician out immediately to repair or replace your broken garage door springs. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of garage door, opener, and sensor issues and fix the problem. Call 702-637-2700 for same-day service.
The Hidden Benefits of a Glass Garage Door

The garage door has changed a lot over the years, going from manually operated to motorized and now you can control your garage door opener with your smartphone! Over the last two decades, the materials that garage doors are crafted from have also evolved. Today, you can choose from a whole host of aesthetically pleasing finishes to increase curb appeal and enhance the look of your home. Let’s focus on the benefits of glass garage doors and how they could be the right fit for your home and family. The Hidden Benefits of a Glass Garage Doors Once you have seen a glass garage door, it’s difficult to see the glamour of traditional garage doors. Glass garage doors are not only stunning to look at but have a wide variety of other perks, some of which you may be unaware of. Curb Appeal & Property Value As mentioned above, glass garage doors are especially pleasing to the eye. They absolutely enhance curb appeal but also bring increased value to your overall property. Due to their modern and contemporary aesthetic, installing a glass garage door on your home can make it more appealing to a future buyer should you want to sell your home in the future. Multiple Design Choices While you typically see glass garage doors on more modern homes, it’s beginning to not be the case. Nowadays the glass garage door is made to be more versatile by design. Manufacturers are making them in all different configurations with different tiny choices for the glass itself. This makes them even more appealing to homeowners that want to install them on older homes to update the overall appearance of a property. Added Natural Light Instead of having to install additional lights in your garage, why not rely on some natural light? Traditionally, most garages are dark spaces, but that isn’t the case when you have a glass garage door. With tinted and frosted glass options to choose from, you can allow the light to pour in without sacrificing privacy. The Appearance of More Space This goes in line with the natural light idea. Installing glass garage doors gives the appearance of a more open space, which is a much nicer environment to exist in. Glass garage doors offer a brighter, warmer, and more versatile space to create a home gym, a home office, a workshop, or just generally a nicer garage space. Energy-Efficiency Some would think that glass wouldn’t retain the heat as well as more traditionally aluminum garage doors but that simply isn’t the case. Glass can actually help with climate control in your garage space. With new, updated glass features that are now being used in the manufacturing process, you can heat your garage without it costing you a lot of money on your utility bill. Enhance Security From tempered glass to bulletproof glass options, you know you’ll be safe with glass garage doors. And when you incorporate sensors and other security-rich options on your garage door, you couldn’t really ask for more enhanced security to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from would-be marauders. Minimal Exterior Maintenance Traditional garage doors need to be painted over the years. The most you have to do to maintain the exterior of your glass garage door is properly clean the glass. You can accomplish this with mild soap, glass cleaner, and a soft cloth. However, as with all garage doors, the internal components need some upkeep. That means ensuring that all springs, rollers, and garage door opener are maintained to extend the lifespan of your entire garage door system. Contact Precision Garage Door Service for Glass Garage Door Installation When in doubt, call the professionals at Precision Garage Door Las Vegas! We can send a technician out immediately to repair or replace your broken garage door springs, or to install a new glass garage door on your home or commercial property. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of garage door, opener, and sensor issues and fix the problem. Call 702-637-2700 for same-day service.
How Long do Garage Door Openers Last?

A garage door opener is a motorized piece of machinery that opens and closes your garage door. Typically affixed to the ceiling of your garage, this fairly simple mechanism tends to last a long time. Let’s take a closer look at just how long garage door openers last, when is a good time to replace them, and if you are overdue to upgrade your garage door opener. How Long do Garage Door Openers Last? The lifespan of a garage door opener is about 10-15 years, but there is a possibility that you can extend the life of your garage door opener by another 5-7 years if you remember to conduct routine maintenance. Even if your opener is in tip-top shape it is recommended that you regularly schedule a 25-point safety inspection on your garage door. The garage door inspection includes… A visual inspection Check door balance Garage door opener inspection Adjusting garage door springs and cables Lubricating moving parts Reversal test Tightening all hardware Tracks and hinges Inspecting the safety sensors and automatic opener gears Troubleshooting any other issues you may be experiencing Another option you may want to consider is upgrading your garage door opener. While your opener may be working just fine, newer models come with features that may not be present with your current garage door opener. Here are some of the features that interest you in case it was time to replace your garage door opener or were interested in an upgrade. A Garage Door Opener Upgrade? Automatic Reversal Since the early 90s, garage door openers have been required to be retrofitted with a safety reversal feature that uses two sensors on both sides of the garage door. This life-saving feature ensures that any object passing under the garage door while it is closing will trigger the sensors and it will reverse course. This is ideal if you have young children or pets. Enhanced Security New garage door openers are impervious to thieves or at least make it harder for them to break into your home through your garage. Newer models of garage door openers now offer “rolling codes.” Meaning every time you use the opener your entry code changes automatically, making it more difficult for would-be thieves to crack the security code. Battery Backup You can’t get into your garage this morning? You’re not alone. The loss of power from an outage often makes it impossible to operate our automatic door openers, which are now available with backup battery systems that will work automatically when the grid goes down! Smart-Home Ready In today’s high-tech world, it is not uncommon for people to have remote access to their homes. The latest generation of garage door openers offers wifi and cell phone connectivity that allows you the convenience of being able to lock or unlock your garage door without ever having been physically present! Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas When in doubt, call the professionals at Precision Garage Door Las Vegas. Don’t get trapped in your garage or in a situation where you’re unable to open and close your garage door. We can send a technician out immediately to repair or replace your broken garage door springs. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of garage door, opener, and sensor issues and fix the problem. Call 702-637-2700 for same-day service.
What to Do With a Broken Garage Door Spring?

Homeowners rarely give their garage doors a second thought, and often not realizing the true importance of regular garage door maintenance. Of course, it can be easy to overlook the more detailed inner workings of the creature comforts we have at home. That said, garage doors have a lot of moving parts, doing a lot of heavy lifting. One part that is integral to your garage door functioning properly is the garage door springs. The garage door spring is the lynchpin to a garage doors’, acting as counterweights to offer balance and stability. So what happens when these workhorses start to malfunction, begin to fail, and eventually break? Well, we’re here to give you the lowdown on what to do with a broken garage door spring and when you should replace them. What to Do With a Broken Garage Door Spring? The garage door is arguably the largest moving part of your home. All garage doors rely on heavy-duty springs to make them go up and down. When you consider the weight of a garage door, with single doors weighing about 120 pounds to heavier garage doors clocking in at 350+ pounds, one can begin to understand just how important having sturdy garage door springs is. As with any appliance or hardworking household gadget, eventually, they need to be replaced. Garage door springs are no exception. And while they are made to last, their lifespan is finite. Estimating just how long garage door springs last is not an exact science. It will depend on how often you come in and out of your garage on a daily basis, how much pressure they are enduring, how heavy your garage door is, and also the weather. Typically, a quality garage door spring should be able to withstand about 10,000 cycles of opening and closing before they need to be replaced, and that’s without other factors like rust or corrosion occurring. Obviously, the more often you command your garage door to go up and down, the shorter the lifespan. To extend the lifetime of your garage door springs, some experts may recommend purchasing extended lifespan torsion springs. While more expensive, the manufacturer claims they can last about 4x longer than traditional garage door springs. When a garage door spring breaks, it’s a pretty big deal. Your garage door will cease to safely go up and down. You have a couple of options, call a professional or go full-on DIY and replace the garage door spring yourself. Replacing a garage door spring on your own may prove to be difficult for those that aren’t experienced. The difference in price is about $150-$300 if you call a garage door repair company, down to $30-$100 if you choose to purchase the parts yourself and give it a shot. Inexperienced DIY’ers should proceed with caution. If you do decide to take on the project and repair your garage door springs and forgo calling the pros, here are some things you should know before hitting the hardware store. Know The Different Types of Garage Door Springs Obviously, you’ll want to know what type of garage door springs are needed before attempting to replace the broken springs or spring yourself. Garage door springs fall into two different categories: 1. Extension Springs Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks of your garage on either side of the interior. When the garage door is signaled to raise and lower, the extension springs stretch out and “extend” to allow the door to move, hence their name. They come in three different types, clipped-end, double-looped, open-looped. Here are the differences between the three. Clipped-end extension springs are typically the most sturdy of the three and tend to last longer. Homeowners that have a larger garage with a door weighing over 250 lbs may benefit from installing clipped-end extension springs. Open-looped extension springs are quite common but are the weakest of extension springs. They operate on a wire at the end of the spring, but once that wire breaks, the entire spring needs to be replaced. Double-looped extension springs connect to a pulley and eyebolt and are arguably stronger than the open-looped spring that has less durability. 2. Torsion Garage Door Springs Depending on the size and weight of your garage door, your garage could have up to four torsion springs installed on it. These springs are located above the door opening, not on the sides. When your garage door springs are assembled, they are calibrated to a specific torsion setting for the configuration and specs of your garage door. There are four different types of torsion garage door springs: Steel rolling-door torsion springs are designed to accommodate commercial properties, warehouses, and industrial buildings. They are outfitted within a torsion barrel for durability. For residential homes with lighter aluminum garage doors, standard torsion springs are a good fit. One should do the trick, instead of the two. Similar to the standard spring, early-set torsion springs are mounted in the center of the torsion shaft. Torque-master torsion springs are fixed in place by a winding cone at the end of each torsion rod. Each is enclosed in the shaft. If you are having doubts about what kind of garage door spring you are trying to replace or are uneasy about calibrating your garage door spring for the proper tension and torque, it may be best to call a certified garage door repair professional and have them replace it. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas When in doubt, call the professionals at Precision Garage Door Las Vegas. Don’t get trapped in your garage or in a situation where you’re unable to open and close your garage door. We can send a technician out immediately to repair or replace your broken garage door springs. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of garage door, opener, and sensor issues and fix the problem. Call 702-637-2700 for same-day service.
4 Reasons Your Garage Door Safety Sensor Isn’t Working

Garage door safety sensors play a huge role in ensuring your garage door can be operated safely with minimal risk to yourself, your family, pets, and property. They have been mandated by the U.S. government since 1993. Every electric garage door opener built since then has photo-eye sensors that reverse it when obstructions are detected. If a garage door safety sensor isn’t working, here are four reasons why that may be: 1. A Sensor Light Isn’t Reaching the Other Side Garage door safety sensors are small black boxes on both sides of the garage door. They’re installed just a few inches from the floor and face one another. One device transmits an infrared beam of light and the other receives the signal, which can be blocked by a vehicle, child, or pet. But if the sensors are misaligned, the beam won’t reach the other side, fooling the system into thinking an obstruction is present. An indicator light on one or both sensors may blink if they’re misaligned. Fortunately, most sensors can be re-aligned by bending the sensor bracket back into position or tightening its screws with a screwdriver. 2. Dirty/Obstructed Sensor Lens Each sensor has a photo eye with a small piece of glass (about the size of a pea). This lens can easily become obstructed by dirt, dust, and cobwebs, which can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. This is the best way since it won’t streak the lens. The signal should be quickly reestablished once the lens is clean. 3.Lack of Power If the sensor is working normally and has a power supply, you’ll see a green light. The light will be out if the sensor has no power, and if it isn’t powered, the sensor cannot function. Reasons can include an unplugged cable, blown fuse, tripped breaker, or power outage. When the cause for the power disruption is in your home, you can plug the cable back in or restore power at the electric panel. If the problem is an outage, you’ll have to wait until the utility company restores service. That is, unless you have a backup generator or solar power system. 4. Wire Damage A garage door safety sensor with a damaged wire may have a flashing light to warn you of the problem. The wire runs from the terminal behind the garage door opener to the sensor. Tangled wires can be unwoven. If this doesn’t fix the problem, and/or you notice a wire is broken, frayed, or has a nail or staple through the insulation, replace the wire immediately. White wires should always connect to the white terminal, and black and white wires to the gray terminal, if you have some skill in this area. If not, then your best move is to call a professional electrician. You can be shocked by touching damaged wires or connecting a wire incorrectly. When Is It Time to Replace a Sensor? If you’ve taken all steps mentioned to correct the problem, it may be wise to consider sensor replacement. Garage door sensors are generally inexpensive. If you are knowledgeable enough, you may be able to replace them yourself. Otherwise, hire a professional, in which case you’ll have to pay for their service. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas If the issue is something other than a dirty lens, power outage, or garage door safety sensor out of alignment, a professional should check it out. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of garage door, opener, and sensor issues and fix the problem. Call 702-637-2700 for same-day service.
Why You Should Check Your Garage Door Seal

The garage door seal is an important component, but most homeowners overlook its importance. The simple construction of a singular long rubber strip, running along the underside and the perimeter of the door makes it easy to overlook. To understand why you should check this seal, we’ll look at the reasons it’s so important. What Does A Garage Door Seal Do? Protects Against the Environment The seal is a sort of weatherstripping that prevents water from entering your garage and causing a flood and potential water damage. Standing water can damage building materials and furnishings as well as cause mold. The seal also prevents pests from intruding, where they can build nests, create infestations, and carry disease into your home. Another concern is air intrusion and leakage, which can reduce comfort and make your air conditioner or heater inefficient. Provides a Cushion The seal on your garage door is also an effective cushion. While modern garage doors have sensors that detect objects below and reverse the system if something is in the way, the seal protects the door in case it does strike something. Contact is less like to, for example, scratch your car, cause a panel on your garage door to break, or strain the garage door opener. Checking Your Garage Door Seal Lets You Know When It Should Be Fixed If the seal is damaged or not installed properly, it could throw your garage door out of alignment. Applying a garage door seal carefully is also important. A single mishap can damage the door or push it off its tracks. To start, first inspect the seal to determine if it must be repaired or replaced. Look for the Light: If you see sunlight coming through the bottom of the door when you’re inside the garage, you may have a poor seal. To check it at night, turn on the light in the garage, close the door, and go outside to see if light is visible at the bottom. Splash It with Water: Use a garden hose to splash water against the garage door base. Do not open the garage door; instead, go in the garage from the house and see whether any water has entered the garage from outside. If so, or it’s wet inside after it rains, the seal should be replaced. Feel for Drafts: Perhaps you can feel drafts by standing near the garage door. You can also hold a piece of paper near the bottom of a closed door, slowly walking it across. Where the paper starts to move or flutter (like in a breeze), that’s where you know the seal isn’t holding. Visually inspecting the seal is also a good way to know if needs replacing. The garage door seal should be uniform in color, but if it ranges from different shades of gray to pale white, this is a clear sign of damage. Garage door seals are also somewhat flexible. But if you push on it and it cracks, feels stiff, or holes are visible, it should be replaced. The seal must be consistent to be effective. Warping and unevenness mean it will not protect against the elements. What to Do When You Have a Bad Garage Door Seal? Replacing the seal is generally a simple, inexpensive task, but it should be done by a garage door repair professional. Special equipment is needed for installation. A trained technician is skilled at completing the job without damaging your garage door. Precision Door Service of Las Vegas can fix your garage door quickly and protect your garage and home. We offer same-day service and will inspect the system to determine whether any adjustments or minor repairs are needed, so you avoid future inconveniences and expenses. Get your free estimate by calling us at 702-637-2700 today.
How to Install a Garage Door Lock

Let’s face it, you never want to be faced with the problem that someone opened your garage door. Many homeowners struggle with how to reset a garage remote. But there’s often a more significant underlying factor—the security of your garage door lock. Garages are a common entry point for burglars. A good lock can keep your garage door secure, even when you’re away on vacation. Automatic garage door closers help but a secure lock can make your door practically impenetrable. And even with rolling codes for garage door openers, thieves can still leverage other methods to break in. While automatic doors typically have a remote-controlled electronic locking system, you can still secure them and manual doors, in a number of ways. Installing a Slide Lock Here is the basic process of installing one: 1. Install the Outside Keyed Handle/Inside Release Handle Drill three holes using 3/16” bits and then 5/16” and 3/8” holes on the outer skin. For pan (non-insulated) doors, locate the center stile and lock holes on the outside, drill three 3/16” holes from the inside (aligned with the outer holes), drill three larger holes on the outside skin, and insert the T-handle outside. Next, install the inside release handle and then two long screws to connect both handles. For sandwich doors that are layered with insulation, locate the outside style, normally in the center, and install the outside T-handle vertically or horizontally. When drilling the three 3/16” holes outside, towards the inside, the drill bit must be perpendicular to the outside and the inside holes must be evenly spaced. The red spacers must be properly cut and flush with the outside skin of the door; install them over the two posts for the 5/16” holes. Next, insert the outside lock T-handle, the inside release handle, and screws that connect both. 2. Install Spring Latches Screw each latch at each end of the lock section. They should be centered. And the latches and center release handle should connect to the cable or sash chains, which need to be tightened. Test the outside handle to make sure the latches pull when it’s turned (otherwise, remove the inside handle and turn the T-handle 90 degrees). 3. Install the lock strikers Close the garage door and align the striker with the spring latch. Use two track bolts and flange nuts to secure the striker, drill additional holes if necessary, and then test the lock. The latch and inside release handle should then be lubricated. Use a C-Clamp Garage Door Lock A C-clamp is an effective way to secure the door temporarily. It can be removed when you come back, without any special tools. To install one, find the wheel that links your garage door to the track, and tighten the clamp in the track above the wheel. The track is now obstructed so a thief with your garage door remote can’t open it. Inside Bolt Locking Method The door can be locked from the inside with a matching nut and bolt set. It’s best to use one with a diameter of at least ½” and length of 2”. Find a wheel in the track to secure and drill a hole that’s slightly larger than the bolt. The bolt should be inserted from the outside of the track and protrude into it. To secure it, tighten the nut. Using a Master Lock Those used for high school lockers are surprisingly good for garage doors. To start, find a track wheel and drill a hole that is a little bigger than the lock loop. Drill above the wheel. Then insert the lock through the rail and close it. Now you have a pretty secure lock that will prevent the door from opening. Contact Us Today If you need help improving the security of your garage door and installing a high-quality garage door lock, Precision Door Service of Las Vegas can help. Call 702-637-2700 with your questions and/or to schedule service.
How to Get Rid of Garage Door Rust

Unless the warranty prohibits you from doing so, you can remove garage door rust yourself. Rust makes a shiny metal garage door look old and worn. It also eats away at metal, eventually compromising structural integrity if not dealt with properly. Removing rust can both improve curb appeal and extend the life of your garage door. Here are a few simple garage door maintenance steps to restoring your garage door without investing in repairs or a replacement. Remove Garage Door Rust in 5 Easy Steps 1. Wash Down the Door Make sure the garage door is completely closed. Then fill a bucket with warm water mixed with dish soap. Use a large sponge or rag to clean off any dirt or debris stuck to the door. Pollen, dust, dander, and other materials that have accumulated should be removed before you proceed. 2. Wipe Down Rusted Areas with Vinegar Soak another cloth in white vinegar. As you wipe the vinegar-soaked cloth on the rust, it should start to dissolve as the vinegar reacts with it. You can then scrub off the rust with a steel-wool pad. Make sure there is no rust left behind. Any traces of it can continue to oxidize and the rust will once again start to spread. To be as thorough as possible, alternate scrubbing with the wool pad and wiping with the rag. 3. Repair the Damaged Areas Using an auto body filler or metal bonding agent, fill any holes that are left behind from the garage door rust. The filler should dry in 20 to 30 minutes. You can then use fine-grit sandpaper, starting with the affected area and then sanding the entire door. Use a brush or dry cloth to wipe off any dust. 4. Wash the Door Thoroughly Before you paint the door, you want to make sure it’s completely clean. Paint won’t stick to dirt, debris, or grease. Warm water and dish soap will get the door clean, but you can add trisodium phosphate to the water as an alternative. The product label will tell you the proper ratio. Wipe down the door with a rag and then do a final rinse with a hose. Let the garage door dry completely before starting to paint it. Tip: To prevent future rusting, apply zinc chromate or other primer corrosion inhibitor. 5. Apply a Coating of Paint Use a primer and paint for metal garage doors that is rust resistant. Certain manufacturers, models, and brands of garage doors may suggest specific types of paints to use. When painting the door, use a paint sprayer instead of paintbrushes and rollers that can leave behind drips. However, if you’re only painting areas where you removed rust, use a paintbrush. The entire door will then need a finishing coat. In any case, you’ll probably need two coats; the previous coat of primer or paint should be completely dry before going over it again. Tip: Only touching up affected spots can cause flashing, in which the fresh paint will stand out from the rest of the surface. And, only paint a garage door when it’s warm and dry outside. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas Many garage door warranties cover rust removal and repair. If that’s the case, then an accredited company can do the work for you and ensure professional results. Extensively rusted garage doors are often better off replaced, especially older models. At Precision Door Service of Las Vegas, our technicians can inspect your door and determine the best solution, whether it involves removing the garage door rust or installing a newer, more secure and energy efficient model for your home. Call 702-637-2700 to schedule an appointment.
How to Fix a Pitted Garage Floor

Even the smoothest of concrete surfaces can eventually succumb to wear. A pitted garage floor can yield more than a jagged appearance. If left alone, these small holes can grow in size and number. Fortunately, a concrete garage floor can be cleaned and resurfaced in a day; most of the time, it can even be a fun DIY project. In the end you can count on a smoother, more durable floor by taking the following steps. Steps to Fixing a Pitted Garage Floor 1. Thoroughly Clean the Garage Floor As mottled as the floor may look, your first step should be to clean it. Any refinishing solution requires a clean surface to bond to. If it’s dusty, moldy, or otherwise dirty, the finish won’t adhere. Apply the solution following the instructions provided by the manufacturer; let it sit and then power wash the floor with a pressure washer. Let the surface dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding with the next steps. 2. Check the Integrity of the Concrete Remove any broken or loose concrete (using a hammer and chisel if necessary). Also, try tapping areas around damaged spots with the hammer, listening for hollow sounds that can indicate loose material. This indicates there is damage, so hit it harder with the hammer to expose it. Sweep the area clean and make sure all damaged areas are visible and ready to be fixed. Sometimes, this step requires professional work such as grinding or shot blasting. 3. Prep Your Garage Floor Pitting on concrete garage floors usually doesn’t extend more than ½ inch deep. After removing any broken or loose concrete, remove any oil stains, sealers, wax, or any bond-breaking material. Fill any holes with a dab of caulking or foam backer rod (best for single pits). Caulking or a crack sealer can be used to fill any cracks in the surface. Place tape on each side of a crack before inserting filler material, so excess doesn’t spread onto the rest of the floor, and use a putty knife or trowel to smooth it out. The tape can be removed when you complete this part. 4. Apply the Finish Different floor solutions require different procedures. Some require a coat of primer before the main finish, while others require the floor to be pre-soaked with water first. Each product will come with instructions specific to its formulation. Mix the resurfacing solution and then pour it directly onto the concrete. If working in a small area, use a metal trowel, but for a larger floor, a floor squeegee is best. Make sure all pits are completely filled with multiple passes from different angles. There are generally two types of repair products you can use: Epoxy: An epoxy is best for minor pitting. Depending on the size of the area, you can use a 2-part epoxy or a 100% epoxy concrete patch. An epoxy patch with sand aggregate that acts as a filler is better for larger areas. Use pressure when troweling because it forces the material into pits and crevasses while pushing out trapped air. Then use a cement float to smooth out the mix, and leave it to cure before painting or applying a final finish. Polymer-Modified Cement: A mixture of Portland cement, polymers, and sand aggregate, this product just needs water and you can apply the mix to patch concrete or resurface your garage floor. Polymer-modified cements adhere well and can be mixed thicker or thinner depending on the type of damage. Some manufacturers have products for deeper pitting and may need a priming liquid for preparation. 5. Finish the Job After applying the material, check the surface often as concrete tends to shrink during the curing and drying process. A metal trowel or squeegee helps smooth out the floor. For non-slip floors, use a broom and pull it across the surface, gently, before the surface is dry. The indented lines will add some roughness, so the floor is less slippery. Epoxy paints or other finishes can be added on top of the underlying epoxy. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas As garage professionals, we know how important the quality of your garage flooring is. We hope you benefit from the above tips. If you need help with garage door installation, repair, or maintenance, you can trust Precision Garage Door of Las Vegas. Our certified technicians can address any issue and are available 24/7; and our trucks are fully stocked so repairs are made quickly. Learn more about our services, special offers, and products by calling 702-637-2700 today!
7 Easy Garage Organization Ideas

A lack of garage organization can drastically reduce your its’ usefulness. Besides, no one is proud of their garage if it’s a cluttered mess. But rather than neglecting your garage, there are easy organization ideas that will turn it into the functional space it can be. When carefully planned, a garage organization project can be completed in a few days. Here are 7 ideas to start with, so you can maximize your garage’s utility relatively quickly: 7 Easy Garage Organization Ideas 1. Organize It Into Zones Categorizing everything you store in the garage can help identify individual zones to divide your space into. Things you use less frequently should be further and higher up from the door, while items you use often should be stored at eye level so they’re easy to access. To achieve this, it helps to map out your garage for: Sports Equipment: Sports gear is best stored on hanging rails, while plastic bins are best for accessories such as baseballs, pool supplies, and athletic clothing. Specialized hooks, racks, and hoists can be used for bikes. Lawn/Garden Tools: Should be stored off the floor, using a storage rail or wall panel system. Shelves and cabinets will also do, while larger equipment, such as mowers, can be placed on the floor. Household Items: Frequently used items can be stored on open wire shelves, at eye level. For stuff you don’t use often, use the highest and lowest areas of the garage. Ceiling storage is best for seasonal items. 2. Wall Storage The clearest path to garage organization is to keep things off the floor and on the wall. Wall-mounted racks serve this purpose and can be used for bikes, skis, and other sporting equipment. Pegboards can be customized to create a layout of tools that works best for you. But a simple wall-mounted tool organizer can do depending on your needs. Other ideas include magnetic shelves for smaller items, and slat walls you can arrange hooks on and place items horizontally or vertically. 3. Overhead Storage Attaching to the ceiling joists, overhead storage racks can hold clear plastic bins, so you can easily identify what’s inside. You can therefore know where infrequently used items are and gain access when you need them. Ceiling storage is also ideal for long flat items such as surfboards, skis, and ladders. 4. Mobile Storage Rolling shelves afford flexibility, as the entire unit can be relocated as needed. You can continue to reorganize your garage or make additional room while keeping all the stored boxes, bins, and loose items where they are. There are even mobile storage units for garden items, which allow you to prepare potted plants and store tools, soil bags, or seeds in small shelves. 5. Open Shelving Open shelving units are extremely versatile and easy to organize. You have a full view of your storage, while items are easier to keep track of and are accessible. Many solutions provide ample storage above for seasonal items. In addition to tiered storage, this type of organization helps to maximize use of your garage’s wall space. 6. Weather-tight Bins If seasonal temperature and humidity where you live fluctuates dramatically, delicate items can be damaged if not stored properly. Weathertight bins can tolerate temperature extremes and provide a cool, dark place to store clothing, linens, and shoes. You can essentially create a new bedroom closet and not worry about items getting ruined. 7. Labels Label every drawer, bin, or container so you can immediately identify what’s there. Many of the items you store in the garage aren’t used often or may be seasonal. It’s possible you won’t remember where you put something six months before! Labels can be created with a label maker or by writing the name on a paper strip you stick to a bin with clear tape. Need Help with Your Garage Door? Call Precision Door Service of Las Vegas We offer a wide range high-quality garage doors and garage door openers. Our garage door professionals in Las Vegas can even help find a configuration that is in line with your storage needs, so you can make use of extra space. Replacement parts are available, and we offer repair services as well as financing. Learn more about our services, specials, and choices by calling 702-637-2700 today!