The Importance of Garage Door Weatherstripping
Your garage door is the most significant access point to your home, which means that if there is a faulty seal, your house is at risk of exposure to the elements and pests like rodents and insects. Sealing your garage door can save energy, reduce heating and cooling costs, protect your garage from water damage, and keep pests at bay. While garage doors come with weather seals, they wear out over time and need replacement. Weatherstripping your garage door ensures that nothing can get into your home. What is Garage Door Weatherstripping? Weatherstripping is a seal that improves energy efficiency and protects homes from air leaks around moving components like windows, doors, and garage doors. The weatherstrip on the bottom of the garage door creates an airtight seal against the garage floor, keeping the garage cool in summer and warm in winter and preventing water and pests from entering your home. Sealing Garage Door Benefits The benefits of garage door weather seals are numerous and extend from lowering your energy costs to protecting your home from damage: Offers Protection From Water and Flooding: Water damage can happen quickly, so weatherstripping your garage doors can protect your home and possessions from damage caused by rain and condensation. Decreases Energy Bills and Increases Insulation: Weatherstripping your garage doors prevents drafts from entering your home and makes it easier to heat or cool your garage when necessary, reducing energy bills. Keeps Insects and Rodents Out: Sealing your garage door ensures no pests can enter your home. Decreases Damage to Your Garage Door: Weatherstripping protects your garage door from structural damage and prolongs its lifespan. Do You Need a Professional to Seal Your Garage Door? Sealing garage doors with precise measurements and high-quality materials is crucial, as even a minor difference in the sizes can put your garage at risk of water damage, drafts, and vermin. Professionals can assess your garage door and create a comprehensive plan to seal it with the best materials for your garage. How Long Does Weatherstripping Last? Weatherstripping lasts an average of two years with normal wear and tear, but this depends on your location, climate, and weather conditions. Signs that indicate it is time to replace the weatherstripping include visible distortions, the seal no longer bouncing back into place, water entering your garage, and pieces of the weatherstripping breaking off. Contact Precision Overhead Garage Door Service to Seal Your Garage Doors If you notice your weatherstripping is not as effective as it once was, contact Precision Overhead Garage Door Service to apply new weatherstripping to your garage door. This will create a durable seal that can fend off anything that tries to enter your garage while lowering your energy usage.
Garage Door Troubleshooting: Repair or Replace?
If your garage door shows signs of wear, you may wonder whether it’s time to replace or repair it. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the right decision. When to Replace Your Garage Door Consider replacing your garage door if you notice any of the following signs: Weather Damage: Constant exposure to harsh elements like snow, rain, wind, and UV rays can cause significant damage to your garage door over time. It may be time for a replacement if you notice rust, warping, or discoloration. Safety Risks: A faulty garage door can be a safety hazard, potentially causing harm to people and property. Upgrading to a modern door with advanced safety features like voice controls and sensors can significantly reduce these risks. Aesthetic Upgrade: If your garage door is outdated and you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, replacing it with a modern door is a great option. It can also increase the value of your property. Lack of Safety Features: Older garage doors lack the safety features that modern doors provide, like sensors that prevent the door from closing on people or objects. Wood Rot: Wooden garage doors are prone to deterioration in damp environments, making them susceptible to rot. If your garage door has wood rot, it’s time to replace it with a weather-resistant model. High Energy Costs: An older garage door with poor insulation and damage can let in cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer, causing your energy bill to increase. Installing a new, modern door can improve energy efficiency and save money. When to Repair Your Garage Door Some garage door problems can be fixed without replacing the entire door. Here are some common issues and how to fix them: Sagging Garage Door: If your garage door is sagging, the opening and closing system may be malfunctioning. Adjusting the system or replacing worn-out parts can usually fix the problem. Noisy Garage Door: If your garage door makes loud, unusual noises, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the mechanics. Having a professional garage door technician inspect and repair it can prevent further damage. Opening or Closing Problems: If your garage door doesn’t respond quickly to control cues or is jerky when opening or closing, it’s time to call a professional for repair. Shaking Garage Door: A garage door should operate smoothly without any shaking. A shaky garage door may be due to problems with the tracks, belt, rollers, or lubricant. It’s best to have it serviced as soon as possible before the issue worsens. Chipped or Broken Sections: Small defects like chipped or cracked panels, bottom-rubber lining, and edges can worsen if left unattended. Having a repair specialist touch it up every few years can prevent having to replace the entire door. When in doubt, consult a professional. Precision Overhead Garage Door Service is an experienced and trusted garage door company that can evaluate your door and advise you on the best course of action. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.
Maintain a Smooth Operating Garage Door with Regular Chain Lubrication
As a homeowner, it’s no secret that you rely on your garage door opener to function whenever you need access to your garage. Unfortunately, issues can arise with this area of your home. To ensure a quiet and smooth transition from an open to a closed garage door, you should regularly lubricate your garage door chain. A garage door professional can take care of this task as part of a routine maintenance appointment, or you can do it yourself. This article explores the benefits of lubricating your garage door chain, how often this should be done, and the appropriate steps to follow. The Importance of Regular Garage Door Chain Lubrication To fully understand why it’s essential to lubricate your garage door chain regularly, let’s look at some of the benefits of this process. Smooth Transition from Open to Closed A garage door chain that requires lubrication can be very loud and experience some resistance, causing it to rattle during the transition from open to closed. Instead of tolerating a shaking and rattling garage door, you can lubricate the chain to maintain smooth movement. Prevent Chain Malfunction Have you ever pressed the button for your garage door to open or close, and nothing happened? A malfunctioning chain can be the cause, including a broken or jammed chain. A dry chain that requires lubrication is more likely to snap, making it necessary to call a professional to replace the chain. This is far more time-consuming and expensive than quick lubrication. Frequency of Garage Door Chain Lubrication Lubricate your garage door chain at least twice a year. The frequency may increase depending on how often you open and close your garage door. Living near the beach or in another harsh environment can put a lot of wear and tear on the chain because of exposure to different materials like sand and high humidity. Some homeowners lubricate their garage door chains every couple of months. Ideally, you want to keep up with this maintenance rather than wait for your garage door to sound noisy or rattle. Tips for Lubricating Your Garage Door Chain Avoid using an excessively greasy or oily product when lubricating your garage door chain. This type of product tends to attract a lot of dust and particulates to the chain, which can accumulate in all the cracks and crevices of the chain and make it more prone to breaking. If you apply too much product, you can wipe the excess off. Avoid spraying lubricant on other areas of your garage door, such as the rollers or garage door openers. Steps for Lubricating Your Garage Door Chain Here are the steps to follow when lubricating your garage door chain: Ensure your garage door is entirely closed, and unplug the door opener from its power outlet. When lubricating the chain, it’s essential to avoid having the door move. Use an old rag to remove dirt, residue, or grease from the garage door chain. You can also use a vacuum to remove any debris that has accumulated. Apply a product explicitly designed for lubricating a garage door chain. These products are generally silicone-based for longevity and durability. You can also use WD-40 in a pinch. Spray the top, bottom, and sides of your chain lightly. Plug your garage door opener back into the power outlet. Open and close your garage door a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant. You may need to repeat the process if the chain is shaky or loud. Other Related Maintenance Besides lubricating your garage door chain, other related maintenance tasks must be completed simultaneously. Inspect the Rollers A thorough inspection of your garage door rollers will determine whether a repair or replacement needs to be done. You want to ensure the roller doesn’t shift or wiggle when touching it. You can lubricate your rollers with lithium- or silicone-based grease for optimal protection. Inspect the Hinges Check your garage door hinges to make sure the attached hardware is secure. You also want to inspect for rust or signs of wear and tear. Hinges can be quickly replaced, if need be, which helps secure your garage door and protect its longevity. Hinges can also be lubricated if they are squeaking when in motion. Tighten Your Garage Door Chain Your garage door chain can have a little bit of a sag, but it shouldn’t come anywhere near your garage door. You also want to prevent the chain from being tightened too much, which increases the chance of the chain snapping. If you need to pull the chain, loosen the nut closest to the garage door. The chain should drop slightly. Loosening the inner nut at this point will allow you to tighten the chain using the outer nut. Make sure both are secure when you are finished. Listen for Odd Noises Aside from visually inspecting your garage door chain and lubricating it, there are other issues to listen for. The sound of your garage door chain hitting your garage door indicates that the chain needs to be tightened. A vibrating sound may mean that the bolts holding the chain in place are loose or damaged. Many people mistake roller issues for a damaged chain, so look closely at both of these areas if there are odd noises when your door is in motion. If you regularly lubricate your garage door chain and still experience issues with your garage door, you may need to seek the attention of a garage door professional. Contact Precision Overhead Garage Door Service to schedule a garage door maintenance or repair appointment. In addition to emergency repairs and services, Precision Overhead Garage Door Service will address residential and commercial garage door maintenance, spring repair, and total garage door replacement.
Cleaning Your Garage: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re looking for ways to keep your home organized, cleaning your garage is a great place to start. Not only is it a significant source of clutter, but it’s also an essential task that ensures your garage remains clean, accessible, and in good condition. With that said, here are some tips to help you clean your garage: Start with the Garage: Since the garage is a common source of clutter, start there first. This will help you eliminate any unnecessary items and make it easier to clean the garage thoroughly. Make sure to inspect your garage door while you’re at it. Declutter: Remove everything that’s not nailed or screwed down from the garage. This will make assessing which items you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away easier. Ask yourself if you’ve used the thing in the past year and if it “sparks joy.” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Clean: Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to clean. Wipe down any shelving or flat surfaces with multipurpose spray, then sweep the walls with a broom to remove any accumulated dirt or dust. Sweep the floors and wash them with a gentle cleanser if necessary. Clean your garage door using the appropriate method for its material. Examine Your Garage Door System: Take a closer look at your garage door system and schedule any necessary repairs or preventative maintenance. Upgrades: Consider upgrading your garage door to enhance your home’s overall appearance and increase its resale value. Our garage doors come in various designs, colors, and features to suit your needs. Following these steps lets you have a clean and organized garage quickly. Keep the floor space clear, regularly clean, and complete a deep clean once a year to ensure your garage remains in top-notch condition.
The Evolution of the Garage Door: A Story of Innovation and Adaptation
As the automobile industry began to boom in the early 20th century, people needed a new way to store their cars safely and efficiently. Traditional barn or carriage house doors were inconvenient and insecure, leading to the development of a new method. In 1921, C.G. Johnson introduced the upward-acting, sectional garage door to America, revolutionizing how people stored their cars. Made with hinged panels that could bend as the door lifted, this new invention was a vast improvement over the old carriage house doors. Johnson partnered with Owen Dautrick to start the Dautrick-Johnson Manufacturing Company and began producing the first upward-lifting garage door. After acquiring a patent for the automatic opener, Johnson and his wife toured the country with a miniature garage door mounted on the back of a Model T Ford truck, signing up dealers. By the 1930s, architects began designing homes with garages attached, making garages as convenient as possible. After World War II, garages grew to accommodate multiple larger vehicles, and by the 1960s, having a garage with an electric opener was the norm. Throughout most of the 20th century, garage doors were made of wood, but the 1970s brought a material shift. Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and other materials were used to create new door styles and materials, which led to the unmatched options home and business owners enjoy today. Steel garage doors dominated the industry by the end of the century, and homeowners were introduced to a new innovative combo offered by many manufacturers – the look of wood combined with the durability of steel. Today, the carriage house style has returned with its barn-style doors and classic charm. Thanks to insulation options, garage doors offer more protection and look better. The transformation from converted carriage houses into the garages we see today has a long history. Garages have gone through various eras and changes as society developed, with the needs of people being met through these modifications, such as storage for auto mechanic tools and other needs. The technological and social trends throughout time influenced the evolution of garages to the extent that they have now become an integral part of our daily lives.
Identifying the Common Reasons Behind Garage Door Malfunctions
Garage doors are one of the most utilized entryways in a residential home, making them vulnerable to everyday wear and tear. Due to this, functional problems are likely to occur, particularly during the summer season when power outages are frequent. In Nevada, homeowners often experience these types of issues. Below are the most common reasons why overhead doors may fail to open or close: Blocked, Dirty, or Misaligned Sensor: The sensor has been a safety feature in most garage doors since the early 1990s. If the garage door stops halfway or won’t close, it could be due to a blocked or misaligned sensor consisting of two pieces that align face-to-face across each side of the door. Lack of Power Connection: A garage door may fail to open or close due to a lack of power connection. This could be because of an unplugged power cord or severe issues like blown fuses or circuit breakers that prevent the operator from receiving power. Expired Transmitter Batteries: If the remote activation fails to open the garage door, the issue could result from a dead battery in the remote transmitter. Broken Garage Door Torsion or Extension Springs: Broken springs are the most common cause of a garage door that refuses to open even when the motor is still running. These assemblies are guided by torsion or extension springs prone to snap abruptly during door activation. Snapped Cables: The cables aligning with each tension spring are responsible for lifting and lowering the garage door. If these cables snap, the door could fall to the ground, causing significant damage and potential injury. Misadjusted Sensitivity: If your garage door doesn’t close, the sensitivity settings may be misadjusted, which can happen on newly installed garage doors or if the opener is set to a factory setting that doesn’t suit your door. Blocked Remote Signal: If the garage door doesn’t open when you press the remote, something might be obstructing the signal, or you might be out of range. Misadjusted Limit Setting: If the garage door closes only to rise back up, the limit set on the opener may be misadjusted. Misaligned Door Track: The metal tracks must be straight and even on both sides to keep the door aligned. If either track becomes slightly misaligned, it can slow the door’s movement and cause further stress on the system. Obstructions: If a door reverses upon closing, there could be something in the way that poses an obstruction. The motor has been deactivated: If the door appears stuck, it may be due to a disconnected motor. Lock mode has been inadvertently activated: Holding down the button on your keypad for too long will activate the lock mode, which prevents the door from opening. The door has been locked manually: If you hear the motor running but the door doesn’t move, you may have manually locked it. Stripped gear in the opener: Over time, the stress of daily use can wear down the gears in the opener. The keypad is out of sync: If the remote works but the keypad doesn’t, try resetting the code following the user’s manual or a troubleshooting guide. Remember that other issues, such as damaged tracks or disconnected switches, can also cause garage doors to malfunction. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, it’s best to contact a professional garage door service for assistance.
Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types, Functioning and Importance
Your garage door springs are essential components that allow your door to function correctly. With regular maintenance, they can last for many years. However, as with moving parts, wear and tear are inevitable, and you will eventually need to replace your springs. The more you use your door, the sooner you will experience signs of wear in your springs. Cleaning and lubricating your moving parts will help your springs function correctly and last longer, but they’re not indestructible. How Do Garage Door Springs Work? Your garage door springs work by expanding or turning to open your door. Some are connected to a pulley system that raises and lowers your door through cables, while others are attached to metal tubes that connect to the cable drums to open and close your door when they turn. Types of Garage Door Springs Garage doors can have extensions or torsion springs that control their opening and closing. 1. Extension Springs Extension springs store energy by stretching or extending. Typically, you can find two extension springs on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal track. However, because extension springs require more parts for installation, you must evaluate the condition of your sheaves (the grooved wheels) and ensure no tears or cable damage. Extension springs can be further identified as: Open looped: The easiest to replace Double looped: Stronger than open loops but harder to replace Clipped ends: The most durable extension springs and the most challenging to replace. 2. Torsion Springs Torsion springs are always above your garage door and on the torsion bar above the opening. Instead of expanding, torsion springs turn to open your door and distribute the door’s weight evenly to reduce shaking as it opens. Depending on how heavy the door is and how many entries you have, you can find between one and four tension springs in your garage. Torsion springs can be classified as: Standard torsion: Heavier doors use two standard springs, while lighter doors typically only need one. Early set: These springs are located in the middle of the torsion shaft and are similar to standard torsion springs but require different hardware. Steel rolling: Typically seen in commercial buildings, professionals install steel rolling torsion springs with a torsion barrel. Torque master: The safest torsion springs because they’re inside the shaft. Torsion springs are safer than extension springs, and you can maintain your garage door more straightforwardly. While extension springs are out in the open, torsion springs are enclosed in a tube and don’t store as much energy, allowing for more use and less opportunity for damage. Importance of Garage Door Springs The extension or torsion spring is the piece capable of lifting your door. Without them, the door would be too heavy to open and slam shut when you close it. If your springs are broken or damaged, you won’t be able to open your door, and you should not attempt to open your door if the springs have broken because you could further damage your system. Garage safety is imperative to protect people, vehicles, and other objects from injury or damage during operation. Broken springs are dangerous and can cause serious injuries. Avoid using your door or entering your garage if your extension springs have broken. When these springs snap, they can cause pieces to fly through the air, injure people, or damage vehicles and other items inside the garage. Call a professional to replace your springs if you hear strange noises or notice your door closing quickly. Signs to Replace Your Garage Door Spring Determining if your garage issues result from wrong springs or another problem can be challenging. Although some parts may show similar signs of wear, your springs can be dangerous when broken. If unsure of the issue, call a professional to evaluate the cause. Here are some ways to tell if your garage door spring is terrible or broken: Lifetime: How long torsion springs should last depends on how often you open and close your door. There is no set time frame; their lifetime depends on how many cycles they perform. You should start considering replacements if you’re approaching a decade of use. Maintenance: Service moving parts in your garage about twice a year. Rust and buildup can easily affect parts and cause them to break down faster. Applying lubrication and wiping down all aspects will help keep your door moving smoothly. Misalignment: If your door seems crooked or off track, you have a misalignment issue that could result from your wrong springs. Strange sounds: Any loud banging or snapping indicates your springs are broken. You may also experience excessive squeaking. Quickly shutting: A tell-tale sign your springs are bad is if your door closes quickly. This usually implies your springs are on their last leg and can’t hold the weight of your door correctly. Not opening: A door that refuses to open could be a sign of other door issues, but it may also be because your springs are bad. Never open your door alone because that could be when they snap. Jerking: Even if the door eventually rises and falls, if you notice that it is jerking as it does, your springs are likely struggling to hold the weight. Never attempt to repair or replace your spring on your own. A professional can tell you if your garage door spring is broken and if there are any other issues. They’ll ensure safe and proper replacement and installation and advise you on keeping it in the best condition.
A Guide to Cleaning Your Garage Door
To keep your garage door looking its best, it’s essential to clean it regularly. Cleaning it at least twice a year, during spring and fall, is recommended, but it’s wise to clean it up to four times a year if you live in coastal or high-moisture areas. Humidity and salt air can affect your aluminum or any other garage door. Follow these steps to get started: Prepare your supplies: Ladder Mild dishwashing soap Bucket Soft cloths Brush off cobwebs and dirt, then rinse the door: Use a material to brush off cobwebs and dirt from the garage door. Wet the door with a gentle stream from a garden hose or bucket of clean water. Apply soap and scrub lightly: Mix a mild dishwashing soap with plenty of water. Dip a cloth into the soap and water mixture and start scrubbing the top of your garage door, moving downwards. Use more pressure for any stains. Rinse and dry: Wash off the soap with fresh water. Dry the door with a soft cloth. Wax the door: Waxing the door helps protect it from elements and maintain its shine. Apply a car liquid wax once the door has dried thoroughly after washing. Check the garage door manual to see if specific products are recommended. Clean and lubricate weatherstripping: Weatherstripping and trim need to be cleaned and lubricated to last longer. Clean the interior of your garage door: The inside of your garage door can also get dirty, so clean it using the same process. Garage Door Maintenance Tips Never power-wash your garage door, as the force can cause damage. Stick to handwashing to protect your garage door.