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What do You do if You Back Into Your Garage Door?

Kevin V Uncategorized

What do You do if You Back Into Your Garage Door?

It happens more often than you imagine. You’re leaving your house in a hurry, put the car in reverse, and back out before the door has fully opened. You’ve backed straight into it before you notice, and now, you’re at a loss for what to do next.

Don’t worry if this sounds like you. There are a few simple solutions. The right one in your situation depends on the extent of the damage.

This guide will clarify the steps you can take if you back into your garage door with your vehicle, the most typical damages in these cases, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs.
The first thing to do is to put the vehicle in park. You don’t want to leave it running while you get out to inspect the damage. This also happens more often than you think.

Evaluate the Damage

Inspect the vehicle and the garage door for damages on the surface to see what intervention is needed. If you hit the door from the outside, enter the garage from your side door or house to check the damages. If you hit it from the inside, move the vehicle forward to see if there are any dents.

Make a list of damages

Before you call a repair service or your insurance provider, make a list of the damages to report. If the door has slid off its tracks or cannot be opened manually, you need to get the company to repair it before using it. To avoid injury, keep a distance from the door of at least eight feet. It’s also a good idea to measure the dents, so your repair service knows what type of damage to expect when they come to your location. Write down what material the door is made of as well.

Call a repair service

You’ll need to call a repair company no matter what damages you identify. This is the case even if you can open the door. Don’t attempt to repair it; this task is best left to professionals. Unless you are one – and probably not if you’re reading this – you might inflict even more damage, which will cost more money and take more time to eliminate. Don’t touch the door if it’s off the rails. You might cause injury. Technicians are specially trained to check and fix the damage, such as opener issues, track problems, and dents.

Check if you can open the door manually

After backing into your garage door, you might be tempted to try and open it with your remote to see if it still works. You shouldn’t do this as it might end up causing even more damage to your garage door by forcing it to open. The whole system might be damaged as a result. Don’t try to move the garage door if you see that it’s no longer aligned with the rails. There is a risk that it will fall. As you inspect for damages, you might identify dents only on the surface. In this case, check if you can open the door manually. You must disconnect the door opener and move the door physically to open it this way.

Determine the next steps

You’ll want to decide how to proceed depending on the situation after the repair service assesses the damages. If there is only minor damage, like a few dents and scratches, the price to pay will probably be less than an insurance deductible. However, it’s a different story if there are extensive damages, like structural problems or replacing the door completely. In the event of high repair costs, consider filing a homeowners’ insurance claim. You might have to call your car insurance provider depending on the severity of the damages. Keep in mind that your car insurance won’t pay for garage door repairs, and neither will your homeowners’ insurance for car repairs. After you assess the damage to your car and door, do what you think is most optimal using your best judgment.

Most common problems after backing into a garage door

While the extent of damage depends on how fast the car was going when you hit the door, the most common problems include broken panels, dents, misaligned rollers, and damaged tracks. After backing into a garage door, people usually notice dents in the bottom part. Typically, residential garage doors consist of four panels. If two or more of the panels are broken or dented, it’s best to replace all of them just to be safe.

A broken or misaligned garage door track will make the door risky to operate. You need a professional to inspect and fix it to make sure it doesn’t fall and hurt someone. These people use special tools to bend a track into place safely or replace it. This type of repair costs around $130.

Finally, you can bend the vertical track if you back into your garage door really hard. This can lead the rollers to come out of the track channel. Damaged or broken rollers cost around $15 each to fix, on average, while hinges cost about $10 each.
 

Contact a professional for a garage door repair or replacement

Consider replacing the door with a brand-new one if you have noticed extensive damage. The repairs and labor costs of fixing some sections approximate the costs of an entire garage door replacement. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the older your door is, the more repairs it will need in the future, and these will add up. It’s best to install a new one in some cases.

You want to contact professionals to repair or replace any materials affected, regardless of the extent of the damage. AlliedDoor.com is here for you if you’ve had this incident recently. We pride ourselves on our quality customer service, around-the-clock interventions, and expert craftsmanship. We’ll evaluate all the damages and work with you to fix or replace your garage door as soon as possible.

When Should You Replace a Garage Door?

Kevin V Uncategorized

There are a few factors to consider before you decide whether to have your garage door fixed or replaced. First, let’s look at the types of garage door damage in general.

Types of damage

The types and degrees of damage range from cosmetic issues to compromised functionality. When damage is minor, it may be visible but doesn’t impact the door’s structural integrity or operation. Minor damage includes cracks, fading paint, or chipping. Pure cosmetic damage does not warrant replacement.

When the door’s structural integrity is compromised, replacing it might be worth looking into. A rusted or warped door won’t work as well as it used to. It also won’t protect your garage from intruders or keep out the elements.

Replacement is more than warranted in cases where the door doesn’t open and close as it should. If the door closes and opens only sometimes, never opens, makes a horrible screeching sound, or gets stuck often, you probably need a new one. Still, have a professional inspect it to rule out simple problems like new springs or a new battery.

Garage door repair

If the door suddenly breaks down, starts to sag, becomes discolored, or one panel is dented, you probably don’t need to replace it. The cause of a garage door breaking down might be dead batteries or something equally trivial. A professional can troubleshoot the issue quickly and save you a lot of time when it comes to solving the problem.
The prohibitive cost of replacing your garage door

How much will it cost you to have your garage door repaired? It depends on the condition of the door, but repairing is always cheaper than replacing it. The specific price will depend on the door's size and type, the service provider, the damage, and other factors. If you can’t afford a new door, repairing it is an option worth exploring. A qualified professional will be able to help you decide if a replacement is really necessary.

Sagging door

The door’s balance is probably off if it looks like it’s sagging. Garage doors work optimally when the springs limit the energy required to raise them up. The mechanism has to work harder than usual to lift the door when it’s off balance, leading to wear and tear. Ultimately, this can result in worn or broken springs and a sagging door. A professional with experience can usually resolve such issues.

Common garage door issues with easy solutions

Door discoloration and damage to or denting of a single panel are among the common issues with easy fixes. If your door is discolored but exhibits no other signs of damage, the solution could be as simple as washing it and removing peeling paint. 

Then, you can apply a primer and a new coat of paint in your color of choice. The door will look and feel brand new. 

Damage to a single panel 

There is no reason to worry if only one panel is damaged. Garage doors have several panels, and replacing damaged ones is generally a simple fix. Don’t ignore panel damage even if just one panel is affected – the costs in the future can pile up. 

As with damage, a single dented panel costs little to fix and doesn’t require replacing the whole door. Still, it’s advisable to repair denting as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the rest of the door and its system and to make sure the door looks good.  

Garage door replacement


Quality garage doors can last for a few decades. With time, they begin to show signs of aging, like rotting wood. Replacing the door becomes unavoidable sometimes. This section shares some signs that it could be time to replace your garage door.

It’s too old

A good-looking garage door delivers curb appeal and increases the value of your home. Sometimes, a new coat of paint is enough to restore it to its former glory. However, a newer garage door has so much more to offer. Modern garage doors are high in visual appeal and more suitable with a view to the size of cars today. Moreover, newer garage doors are safer and more secure than old ones, rendering the dilemma of repairing vs. replacing easy to solve.

It’s unsafe

On the note of safety, older doors lack some of the critical features of newer ones. New doors have sensors that stop movement if they detect objects, children, or animals near or under the door. These features are highly beneficial because they can prevent serious injuries as well as damage to your property. Aftermarket add-ons aren’t very feasible financially, although they are compatible with older garage door models.

Weather damage has become apparent

Garage doors suffer from the elements. Rain, wind, snow, and the rays of the sun can cause a lot of wear and tear. If your door is showing signs of considerable element-related damage, such as warping, rusting, or severe discoloration, it might be time to have it replaced. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can get stuck inside the garage door’s tracks, resulting in friction and causing issues with misaligned tracks.

Rotting wood

If your area is high in moisture and your garage door is wooden, it will begin warping after a while. Don’t wait to have your garage door replaced if the wood is rotting. Modern garage doors are made of weatherproof, durable materials.

Your energy bills are rising

Garage doors are big and can let in a lot of air from outside. If your energy bills are soaring, your door might need replacing. Insulation can be a partial solution, but ultimately, a big difference in temperature between the garage and your house can have a costly impact on your household budget. Modern garage doors are more energy-efficient than old ones. They are made of quality materials, and the insulation reduces energy costs. A new garage door can raise your home’s value and save you money.

Contact the experts at Allied Door

The experienced technicians at Allied Door can help you figure out if your garage door needs replacing or only repairing. We can inspect your door to help you with the final decision – call us today to ask for a quote or more information.

Garage Door Noise

Common Causes of Garage Door Noise

Kevin V Garage Door Noise

If your garage door is making a specific type of noise consistently, it probably requires maintenance or repairs. Grinding and screeching sounds are not only annoying to listen to but indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Your garage door will not function smoothly if you don’t take measures to maintain it. The right fixes can help prevent noise and other problems.
It is not advisable to try repairing your garage door yourself because doors are heavy and pressurized. Most repairs need to be carried out by a professional.
This article explains the most common causes of garage door noise, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent noises in the future.

Worn-out or loose parts

Your garage door relies on chains, bolts, nuts, hinges, rollers, and other parts to function properly. All of these parts must be in good working condition. Some of them will inevitably wear out with time, and unpleasant noise is a sign of that.
If you’re always hearing rattling, the hinges and rollers might have come loose. If they start to shake, they will need replacing or tightening. Indications of deteriorating hinges and rollers are grinding, or high-pitched squeaking sounds.
If the chain is loose, the rollers will push up against the track. You’ll hear a loud slapping noise, and the door will not open smoothly.
Nuts and bolts may be small, but when they come loose, they make quite a noise. The bolts vibrate, and the door rattles when in operation.

Bent tracks

You might have a bent metal track if you’re struggling to open and close your garage door. The typical sound is a loud rubbing when the door is moving. Contact a professional to check for loose rollers or screws and to adjust the tracks, so they align correctly.

Improper lubrication

Hardware and rollers will rub and make a loud sound without proper lubrication. You might hear grinding, rattling, or squeaking noises.

Installation problems

If your door has been installed properly, it should open and close with ease. Signs of faulty installation include:

Improper balance

When the door springs are unbalanced, they exert too little or too much tension to support the door’s weight. Then, the door itself loses balance and stops raising and lowering properly. The opener then sustains additional strain. This is a dangerous problem because a spring or a cable can snap.

Typical signs of an unbalanced door:

Soundproofing

If your garage door is working properly but still seems too loud, you might find insulation a good solution. Soundproofing your garage can reduce noise by absorbing it before it enters your home.

Best fixes

Among the most frequent repairs that professionals perform are roller repairs, tightening, servicing springs, and restoring hinges. Worn rollers need to be replaced immediately, especially if they are under a lot of pressure. They can be very dangerous to handle.

Rollers that create a shriek but seem to be working correctly probably need lubrication. An expert technician can recommend the best lubricants during maintenance. Only some lubricants are suitable – some can degrade nylon and plastic rollers, and if you have sealed ball bearings, they might be unnecessary. Metal rollers cost less than nylon rollers, but they are louder. Nylon rollers are also easier to maintain because the material self-glides, doing away with the need for lubricant. Have a professional measure and order the parts needed, as they might not be the standard size.
Spring servicing

Most garage doors use torsion and extension springs to make lifting and lowering easier. The header, which is above the closed door, is attached to torsion springs. There are extension springs above the upper track and on both sides of the door. The springs at the top of the door are usually to blame for the noise. They need to be lubricated regularly. Have a technician remove, repair, or adjust the springs and anything else, like steel brackets, wood blocks, bolts, fasteners, or cables. Do not attempt it yourself.

Restoring hinges

Most garage doors open and close thousands of times a year. Eventually, even durable parts fall victim to amortization. Hinges are no exception to the rule. They last the longest of all parts, but they are not eternal. They can make a terrible noise in the process of deteriorating.
A technician can check if they are broken, worn out, or covered with shavings. Early signs of amortization are particles around the pins. They might be broken if you see an oblong hole where the tubular and bracket hinge pin connect. A professional can check the hinges and repair or replace them.

Most common problems with garage door rollers 

As mentioned, a grinding noise when opening or closing the door could be due to damaged rollers. Rollers can also bind up and slide in the track, leading to friction and unpleasant noise. Malfunctioning rollers need either repairing or replacing. 

Most common problems with torsion springs

Damaged torsion springs can lead to a popping sound when the door opens. With time, the spring coil locks, hindering smooth operation. Lubricating with motor oil can be an easy fix. 

A loose torsion spring can cause the door to fall to the ground when you try to close it. Contact a technician to repair or replace faulty springs, which operate under extreme pressure. 

Preventing garage door noise

Adding rubber to some garage door components can soften noise by absorbing vibrations. Your garage door technician can place a rubber pad between the ceiling mount and the garage door opener to prevent rattling. They might replace metal washers with rubber ones if the nuts and bolts clatter upon coming loose.  

There should be rubber strips along the bottom of your garage door. These are placed to keep harsh weather and insects out and insulate the garage when the door is closed. Rubber can also keep the door from hitting the concrete by cushioning the bottom.

Rollers must be lubricated regularly, as they are under high tension, which can cause friction. There is a lot of pressure on a garage door’s hardware, which moves it up and down. In the absence of sufficient lubrication, the parts start grinding against each other, causing excess vibrations. To keep the noise from coming back, you need to lubricate regularly. This will prolong your garage door’s life cycle by stopping friction.  

Generally, it’s optimal to lubricate the hinges, bearings, and rollers once a year or a bit more often. Lubricating the frame will help it slide easier.

10W-30 motor oil is one type of lubricant that is safe for metal. You can also look for white lithium grease or silicone sprays. 

Basic maintenance saves time and money  

Proper maintenance is crucial to a garage door’s correct and safe operation. Hire a professional to perform regular repairs and tune-ups a few times a year to keep pesky door noise at bay. 

Winter Garage Door

Common Winter Garage Door Issues

mitch Uncategorized

Winter Garage Door RepairIn winter, there are some typical garage door issues we have to deal with. Sub-zero temperatures can lead to stuck automatic garage doors, but how, and why? We’ve put together this guide to common winter garage door problems for all of you who are livid with a door that won’t open or close.

Some issues are small and we can take care of them ourselves. Others require intervention from a professional. Read on to see which type yours is. Before you begin, check your remote. Save yourself the service call cost in calling a contractor just to determine your remote batteries died.

Metal Contracts in Winter

And with that, we have a host of issues on our hands. Even if your door is not made out of metal, many of its components will be, such as rails, springs, and screws. These can break or lead to jamming. Broken springs are the most common garage door issue when it gets cold.

They are critical to a fully functioning system because they keep your door weight balanced. The springs help support the door’s weight when it opens and closes. They help keep stress off the motor of the door, which can weigh hundreds of pounds. They can also help you open the door manually with ease. Low temperature makes metal more brittle and less likely to endure. Eventually, the spring will snap. Difficulty opening the door is the most common sign that it has.

It is not safe to attempt to replace a spring on your own. If the door feels very heavy when you try to open it manually, one or more springs are broken. Get in touch with a professional to help you.

Swelling Door Frame

If your door is made out of wood, it will swell in winter. This kind of damage is due to friction between the frame and the door, leading the latter to get stuck. Unfortunately, wooden garage doors are very high maintenance. They do have very high aesthetic appeal, so if you can’t bear to part with yours, keep any gutters running along the garage free of debris. This will help avoid water splashing onto the door and damaging it.

Water Leaks

It’s very often the case that water leaks under garage doors. This becomes a problem because mildew will grow on damp concrete, potentially causing health problems. In winter, this water will freeze and you won’t be able to open the door.

To avoid this issue, have a gutter system installed over the garage. Downspouts and the gutter system will direct the water away from the door as the ice melts, keeping it from leaking underneath.

Install or Replace Weather Stripping

Get weather stripping installed under the door or replace worn stripping. Worn stripping might get trapped between the ground and the ice as water freezes around the door’s base. Then, the strip will be torn off when you try to raise the door. With time, the aged stripping will harden and crack, ruining the seal and reducing warmth. This will incur higher heating costs as well.

If your stripping on the bottom of the door has frozen, melt the ice before you try to open the door. You could pour hot water on the ice or use a heat gun set on “low”.

There is an easy way to avoid this common issue. Before water gets the chance to freeze, sweep it away from the base. Remove any snow that piles up there.

Weather stripping saves homeowners up to a third on energy bills by keeping cold air out. Check your stripping twice a year and replace it upon signs of wear and tear.

Hardened Grease

Sometimes the garage door is not frozen shut, but it won’t open despite that. If this is the case, it may be that garage door grease on the door tracks has accumulated and hardened. In cold weather, door track grease can get thicker, making it very hard (to impossible) to open the garage door.

To check, rub the grease on the door track with your hand. Normally, it should feel slippery. If it doesn’t, use a grease solvent to remove it. Get a garage door lubricant specifically made for winter conditions and use that instead.

Ice Between Door Panels

Moisture can get between garage door panels when there are multiple ones and freeze, causing problems when you try to open the door. This is an easy fix because you can see the ice. Just don’t use extreme heat to melt it because it will damage the door’s metal parts. Use a hair dryer or another gentle source of heat. Use a cloth or towel to wipe as much moisture away as you can to prevent the water from freezing again.

Damage to the Sensors

There are many ways, in which cold weather affects garage door sensors. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation to build up on them, blocking the infrared beams they emit. The sensor perceives this as an obstruction although there is none. This is also an easy fix: just wipe the condensation off regularly.

If temperatures are very low, remote sensors can crack. This does not happen often, but if it has, don’t attempt to fix the sensor yourself. You need to contact a professional, who will replace or repair it. In case you suspect some kind of sensor damage, check if the batteries work or if there’s something in the sensor’s path. It’s important to eliminate simple issues before calling a contractor.

Tips on Lubrication

To guarantee that all the moving parts of your garage door opener run smoothly, you need to lubricate them all year round. Applying high-quality lubricant like a 30-weight oil is a good way to keep metal from contracting in winter. Excessive lubrication can be just as bad as inadequate lubrication. This depends on the programming of your door’s sensitivity level. If sensitivity has been set to “high”, the motor may perceive high lubricant consistency as an obstruction and stop working.

The complexities of garage door lubrication can be challenging to navigate. Getting in touch with a professional is a failsafe option.

A Door to Outlast the Cold

Garage door repair is not without risk. We at Allied Garage Door possess the expertise to troubleshoot any garage door issue and offer a customized solution. We will repair or install a new garage door on your home. We have been serving the Chicago area for over three decades and are rated #1 in customer service.

Contact Allied Door

Contact Allied Door for professional service to ensure your garage door functions properly and increase the lifespan of your overhead door. Call us or fill out the form below:

Contact Us - Allied Door

 

Garage Door Safety Tips

Garage Door Safety Tips

Allied Garage Door Garage Doors

Garage Door Safety TipsHere in Chicago we use our garages to store the car, tools, bicycles, lawnmowers and just about anything else. Garages can also be a great place to work on personal projects however, they can also be dangerous places to be if your garage door is not secure.

Let’s take a look at some safety tips that will ensure you and your belongings are safe and secure:

Inspect the Door Every Month

It’s vital that you visually inspect your garage door every month. Check the cables, pulleys, rollers, and springs for signs of wear and tear. If you come across something that needs repairing you should not attempt to fix it yourself. Hire a trained technician to repair the damaged parts.

Keep your Fingers Away From the Garage Door!

While you may be tempted to place your fingers between the sections of the garage door you must keep them away. Any slight movement could cause the garage to close or open and your fingers could get stuck. Make sure children know to keep their fingers away too, and alert them to what could happen if they don’t.

Never Leave The Garage Door Partially Open

Garage doors should never be left partially open, no matter how convenient it is to do so. When a garage door is activated and is told to close it may hit something that’s in its path. If your garage door is damaged your home’s security will be impacted.

Fix a Struggling Door

Doors that struggle to open or close should be fixed as soon as possible. If the door struggles when you manually operate it the spring system may be out of balance. Hiring a professional to repair the spring system is vital especially as an unbalanced spring system could cause problems with other parts of the door.

About to Replace your Garage Door?

If you’re considering replacing your garage door you may be considering using the same track. However, your new garage door may not fit your old track. This is because not all garage doors are the same, they can differ in their thickness, weight, and headroom.

If you want your new garage door to last as long and be as safe as possible you’ll need to use a track that’s been designed to be used with your new door.

Ask the Garage Door Dealer for Additional Safety Features

Your garage door dealer may have some additional safety features or security tips for the make and model you have chosen to buy. You may be able to purchase an automatic lock for your door which could improve the security of your garage and your home.

Keep Remote Controllers Away from Children

Children often love to open and close garage doors as it can be a lot of fun, however, they should only ever use a remote controller under adult supervision. Children can be injured if they’re allowed to play with the remote controller and objects such as your car could become damaged too. Keep the controller out of reach or in a secure location so little fingers are not tempted to play with them.

Stay Away From a Moving Garage Door

You may have opened and closed a garage door many times and you may think it’s safe to walk under a door while it’s moving. However, people often get pinned under doors when they least expect it so it makes sense to wait until it’s fully opened or closed. Learn how to use the emergency release that can open the door should someone be pinned under it. Set a good example and don’t try to beat the door otherwise your children may try to copy you.

Do Not Tamper with the Emergency Release

Never tamper with the emergency release mechanism on your garage door. There may be a time when you need to use the mechanism and tampering with it could prevent it from working as well as it should, if at all.

Always Watch a Moving Garage Door

To reduce the likelihood of accidents it’s vital that you always watch a moving garage door. You should keep an eye on the door until it has finished moving. If you walk away while the door is still moving something or someone may become trapped under it.

Keep Your Garage Door Locked

It’s vital that you keep your garage door locked at all times. Lock all of the doors to your garage when they’re not in use. If your garage has windows make sure you use frosted glass as it could help deter would-be intruders.

Check the Safety Sensors

The safety sensors are usually attached to the rails that the garage door travels on. The sensors are typically six inches off the ground. Sensors reverse the door’s direction if someone or something walks under it while it’s closing.

The sensors should be checked from time to time, preferably every month. Push the button on the controller so your garage door closes and place an object such as a broom in front of the sensors. This should make the door stop what it’s doing and reverse its direction. If the door does not reverse you should call a trained technician out to make the necessary repairs.

Test your Garage Door’s Force

Try to push the door down when it’s lifting itself up, alternatively, you may wish to push on the bottom of the door in an upward direction when it’s lowering itself. Your garage door should stop when you do this, however, if it does not stop it may need to be repaired. Refrain from carrying out repairs yourself as you could damage the door.

Has the Door Been Backed Into?

If your garage door has been backed into you will need to have it inspected. While the door may not appear to be badly damaged the operating system may no longer work as well as it should. Ask someone to inspect your garage door so any repairs can be carried out right away.

Check the Cables

Attaching your garage door springs to the bottom brackets are some cables. These cables should be inspected at least once a month. If any of the cables are worn or frayed they could be susceptible to breaking. While you may be tempted to repair the cables yourself they should only ever be repaired by a technician as they can cause injury if they are not handled correctly. 

Understand What the Safety Features are

Most garage doors come with a lot of safety features installed, however, it’s not always clear what they are. Read the manual that comes with your garage door so you know where the emergency release is. Learn how the garage door will react when the release is pulled and how to operate the door if there’s no power. Understanding what the safety features are and how to use them could keep you and your loved ones safe and free from harm.

Don’t Touch the Tamper-Resistant Brackets!

Located at the bottom of the garage door and connected to springs the tamper-resistant brackets are under a lot of tension. If they need to be adjusted in any way please hire a technician to undertake the work. Many new garage doors come complete with hardware that prevents anyone but technicians from adjusting the doors. However, there are still a lot of older garage doors out there so please refrain from adjusting them unless you’re a trained professional.

Test out the Reversing Mechanism

The reversing mechanism automatically comes into play if the garage door is obstructed when it’s closing. Take a roll of paper towels and lay it down exactly where the garage door is likely to touch it. Close the garage door and see if the reversing mechanism works. The roll of paper towels should not have sustained much damage in the process. If the reversing mechanism does not work hire a technician to repair it so it’s in good working order just in case.

Do not Touch the Electrical Components

We’re all aware that we should not touch the electrical components in our home and the same can be said for the electrical components in your garage. A lot of electricity is needed to open and close a garage door and sustaining an electric shock could prove to be fatal. If you think your garage door has an electrical issue please do not attempt to repair the issue yourself. Hire a trained technician to undertake the work no matter how minor it may seem.

Use the ‘Vacation Mode’

Many new garage doors now come complete with a ‘Vacation mode’. This feature makes the remote controller somewhat unusable meaning your garage door will not open while you’re away. If your garage door does not come with this option you may want to consider unplugging it instead as it’ll help keep would-be intruders out while you’re away.

Lock the Door from the Inside

Always try to lock your garage door from the inside whenever possible as it ensures the door is securely locked and can, therefore help prevent would-be intruders from entering.

Repair a Broken or Unbalanced Door

A broken or unbalanced garage door should be repaired as soon as possible. A door that does not open or close smoothly could be hazardous. Please refrain from attempting to repair the garage door yourself as you could sustain injury. Hire a trained technician to undertake the work on your door no matter how minor it may be. 

Listen for Strange Noises

After a while, you should be used to the noises that your garage door makes when it’s opening and closing. Listen out for strange noises as they may indicate that something’s not quite right. Components may have worked their way loose, become misaligned or worn. Try to listen out every time you use your garage door as the sooner you spot an issue the sooner it can be repaired.

Update Old Openers

If your garage door opener was made before 1993 chances are it will not come with the all-important auto-reverse safety feature. You should, therefore, consider updating the opener and opting for a modern model that comes with the auto-reverse safety feature. You never know when you might need it.

Always Remove Locks Before you use your Door

It’s vital that you always remove door locks, cables, and ropes before you open or close your garage door. Failure to do so could result in damage to your door or it may fail to open or close properly. If you think you have damaged your garage door please hire a technician as soon as you can so the garage door damage can be repaired.

Check for Broken Glass

If your garage door comes complete with glass panels you should check them every so often. During the summer check your garage door for broken glass once or twice a month. In more extreme seasons you should consider checking the glass more frequently as cracks may start to appear. If you have found a crack in your garage door ensure you have it repaired as soon as possible.

Install a Reinforcement Bracket

While most garage doors come with a reinforcement bracket, if you installed the door yourself chances are it may not have one. The bracket should be secured to the top of the door, otherwise, your door can become damaged. If you’re not confident about installing a reinforcement bracket ask a trained technician to carry out the job for you.

Make use of Rolling Code Technology

Some would-be thieves have the ability to record the signal that your transmitter gives off. The recorded signal can be used to open your garage door at a later date. If your transmitter (The remote controller) comes with rolling code technology it ensures that the code is changed each time it’s used. If you’re not sure you have rolling code technology please ask your garage door dealer for more information.

While many of us rely on our garage doors to keep our cars and other belongings safe we often fail to look after our doors as well as we should. Using all of the above tips could keep your garage door in good working order for years to come while preventing unnecessary accidents.

Is Your Garage Door in Chicagoland Working Properly? 

If your garage door is exhibiting any warning signs, or you would like to get some preventative maintenance done, contact us to ensure your garage door is working properly. 

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Commercial-Grade Garage Doors: Tips for Finding the Right Product

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If you didn’t know any better, you might assume that commercial and residential garage doors are virtually the same. The truth is, your business needs something more powerful and durable than the typical residential garage door. For this reason, it’s important to research available products and make the right choice for your business.

The difference between commercial and residential doors actually comes down to one factor: weight. Because these doors need to be more durable, they generally weigh more. As a result, the spring system is typically more complicated. Most commercial garage doors have at least two torsion springs; many have four.

Now you know some of the basic differences between the two products. The next step is to learn about the available product types.

Types of Commercial-Grade Garage Doors

The type of garage door you need will depend on the nature of your business. Generally speaking, there are four types of commercial-grade garage doors:

Type #1: High-Traffic Doors

When you have an area of high-traffic (such as a loading dock) the best door type will be a traffic door. These products must be strong and able to move fast. Also, because these doors see a lot of wear, they’re typically easy to repair and replace. One disadvantage to these doors is that they aren’t built for security. If you need a protective shield or gate, this product can serve as a door behind a door.

Type #2: Fire-Resistant Doors

In areas of increased fire hazard, a fire door may be the best solution. Most often, these products appeal to owners of factories, hospitals, cafeterias, etc. High temperatures and alarm systems typically serve as triggers to shut the door automatically. This helps prevent further injury and damage. 

Type #3: Rolling Doors

If you need an industrial garage door that is dependable and design-friendly, a rolling door may be the best choice for you. Another bonus with this door is that it can fit into tight spaces-such as small back or side rooms. Security grills for shops and counters fit into this category.

Type #4: Sectional Doors

Sectional doors are the most commonly used amongst commercial garages. These products consist of three to eight panels and slide easily overhead. The advantage with these doors is that they take up minimal space and are pretty reliable. They can also contain windows and serve a variety of industries.

Top Features to Keep an Eye Out For

Once you’ve settled on a type of commercial door, you’ll need to weigh the advantages of different features. Here are some of the top ones you’ll want to look for:

  • Design. In order to maintain your business’s curb appeal, look for a garage door that is aesthetically pleasing. Maybe it’s wood that strikes your taste, or steel. Either way, there are a lot of design options to choose from.
  • Durability. Look for a product that has tough torsion springs and consists of a strong material. This way, you can ensure that it withstands the wear and tear of daily business.
  • Security. To keep your assets protected, you’ll want a door that can keep harsh weather and intruders out.
  • Clean operation. For a product that works smoothly, you may need to be willing to spend some extra money. But there’s nothing better than a garage door that opens quickly and quietly every time!

With this information at your disposal, you have everything you need to decide on a commercial-grade door. If you have questions or would like more guidance, a salesman will be able to provide additional details. Be sure to get in touch with a local expert as soon as possible!

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Start Spring Cleaning in the Garage

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Your garage is more than just a place to park your car and store your garbage cans. Whether you like to garden, enjoy fixing things, or just need some extra storage, you can turn your garage into a multipurpose space.

However, for many of us, the garage has become a place where we simply stash our extra things. Just opening your garage door may embarrass you because your neighbors see all the clutter. That clutter may even build up so much that it takes you 30 minutes to find just one thing.

Following the tips below will help transform your garage into a space you can feel proud of. You’ll get rid of the clutter in no time.

Get Rid of the Clutter

First, remove anything that doesn’t need to sit in your garage. This means getting rid of things you don’t use anymore and storingsome things in other areas within your home. Don’t just decide what room you’ll place it in. Actually go there and make a spot for the item so you don’t clutter up another space.

If something takes up too much space and makes it hard to access your garage, move it. In the event of a repair, garage door professionals need between five to ten feet to access to repair, install, and service your door. Make sure you have enough space for that.

One of the best ways to get rid of your clutter in your garage involves removing every item and then deciding where it should go. Make piles for trash, donation, and organization. Make sure to tackle the clutter in manageable bites. This’ll help you stay focused until you get through it all.

Haul Off Hazards

Don’t let your garage be an accident waiting to happen. Get rid of oily rags, dried up paint and cleaners, construction scraps, or anything else that could cause an accident. Make sure you also store a working fire extinguisher in a convenient location in your garage for emergencies.

Deep Clean

Once you’ve made your piles and cleared your garage, give your garage a deep cleaning. Wipe down shelves, sweep the garage floor, and remove stains with the proper products.

Organize by Sections

Now that your garage is free of clutter, rearrange what’s left. Invest in sturdy boxes, shelves, and totes. Common categories for organization include:

  • Tools
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Sports gear
  • Lawn and gardening equipment
  • Seasonal items and furniture
  • Seasonal items and furniture

Make sure to label all boxes, totes, and containers. You’ll benefit from using stackable plastic containers that are easy to label. Label all four sides of each container with a short one- or two-word description about its contents.

Build Shelves

Take advantage of all the wasted space on your walls by installing or building a shelving system. Shelves can attach directly to your walls, or you can build a freestanding system that you can easily move.

Attach Hooks

Not everything you want stored in the garage fits into a bin. Peg boards work well for hanging tools like pliers, hammers, and handsaws. They hang in plain view and make it easy to quickly grab what you need.

Hooks give you another way to hang things like ropes, garden hoses, and even small ladders. You can also use them to hang items from the ceiling. Items easily stored above your head include bikes, skis, and even large ladders.

Add in Extras

Once you have the basics of spring cleaning down, focus on making your garage more functional by adding lighting, accessories, and heating and cooling units.

No matter what you do with your garage, a properly functioning garage door is also an essential. Contact your local garage door expert for regular garage door maintenance and any necessary repairs. A functioning garage door will keep your belongings protected and in great condition.

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