There’s one garage door repair job that most people shouldn’t even attempt to do without professional help. That’s to repair or replace the spring that operates the door. Since these springs are loaded with a lot of pressure, if you don’t handle them properly, they could basically explode. People have been severely injured or killed by garage door springs, so you should consider them very dangerous and handle them with care. If you have the right skills and tools, however, it can become a DIY project in order to save yourself a bit of cash.

There are two different types of springs that are used to operate overhead garage doors. These are torsion springs and extension springs, with torsion being the least common but the safest. There will be two of them, and you’ll find them located on a shaft over the door opening. Keep in mind that if one of the springs has already exploded, you’ll need to replace both of them, because the second one will soon follow. It will save you both time and money to replace them both at the same time. If your door operates on extension springs, there will also be two of them, but they’ll be located one on each side of the door.

The appropriate tools mentioned earlier are:

1. vise grip pliers in the proper size
2. winding bars, also in the correct size
3. socket wrench
4. adjustable wrench
5. ruler
6. rags
7. steady ladder

You’ll be able to do the safest, most secure job as long as you have these tools. Never try to make do using the wrong size of type of wrench or winding bar, because you’re only asking for trouble if you do.

Another safety rule for working on garage doors is to keep in mind that a garage door is a very heavy item. Good, heavy-duty models can weigh several hundred pounds. At the same time, the springs that operate the door are under several hundred pounds of force when they let the door fall. Torsion springs are safer to use than the common extension springs are. They do not expand or contract, so they don’t move as the door operates. Torsion springs are recommended because they operate the door more smoothly and are much safer to have in your garage.

It’s never worth a human life to tackle a dangerous job without the proper skill level. If you have any doubt about your abilities, call a garage door professional who has been trained in the safest ways to handle the job.

Custom wood garage doors combine durability and beauty for your home. Wooden styles are timeless and remain unaffected by trendy types made of metal or fiber. The classic appearance of wood is unmatched and efforts by garage door manufacturers to have it replaced with more economical materials have been futile so far.

Custom wood garage doors are the latest statements of aesthetic architecture in this part of the world and are gaining in popularity by the day. There are specialized wooden overhead garage makers spread over entire United States catering to the needs of customers since decades. The styles of these garage doors range from squared and arched top, double and single customized varieties, without or with glass, to swing types. Swinging wooden doors are a universal favorite among house owners. This overhead door type lends a rustic appearance to your home. A varnish finish is most attractive for swinging wooden types.

Custom wood overhead doors speak volumes of your taste and preferences. Only if you have an eye for all things classical would you opt for a wooden variety. With rich carvings or elaborate decorations, these wooden doors stand out among all other classes. The best thing about these garage doors is that they are manufactured on order. Many door makers take the help of designers and architects to design the perfect door for your garage. Elaborate carvings are often made as per your preferences.

Wooden doors being powerful provide sufficient security against storms, rain or snow. They could withstand winds and hurricanes with speed reaching up to 140 miles per hour. Like metallic and fiber styles, custom wood variety could also be fitted with door openers. A door opener is both a security and convenience device. Being electronically operated with the help of transmitters and sensors, the door opener allows hands free movement of the door. Security is also enhanced at the same time.

Durability is a primary consideration of installing a wooden door for your garage. These doors could hold on to hurricanes reaching a speed of about 140 miles per hour. Custom wooden type can withstand a force of nearly 120 miles per hour. Needless to say these door varieties are capable of resisting snow and rains. The seeming strength of custom wood type could be augmented by installing a door opener. These electronic gadgets operated by transmitters and sensors not only provide additional security to your garage but also enable the doors to be operated without human intervention.

If you are interested in learning more about these distinctive custom built overhead doors, speak to the overhead garage opener company near you. They will be able to apprise you of all the available varieties and styles.

Contrary to what most people think, the garage is one of the most important areas of the house. Since it is on the outer periphery of the house, it is often exposed to the cold dry winds of the winter and autumn, and the sleet and slush caused by snow. Even during the rains, the rain water may seep in through the door, of your garage door weather strips are worn out. These strips are crucial to the maintenance of the garage, and to preserve its cleanliness.

The garage has some of the following interesting uses:

1. To practice music with one’s band or instruments
2. To have parties which require a lot of space
3. As a workshop for building tree houses, boats, chairs, etc
4. To hide presents like bicycles for your 6 year old boy
5. As a place to hide during games
6. To protect the house and keep it warm
7. Of course, to keep your car and other vehicles safe from the rains, hail and thieves.
8. To keep old stuff which you cannot decide whether to throw away or sell
9. To have garage sales
10. To conduct workshops and classes or meetings which involve a large number of people and needs a lot of space

Garage door weather proofing involves replacing old, worn out strips at the entrance and the corners of the garage with new ones. Also, building a ramp up to your garage, and keeping it slightly elevated above the ground would be a good way, but you of course, can’t count for water to come slopping in when you drive your car in and out during the rains. Garage door weather proofing could also be done by some elementary maintenance activities – like sweeping and vacuuming the floor, and keeping the stuff clean. Pest control would also be a good idea. For garage door weather proofing options, you could look online for the best companies offering cheap and easy solutions online. You could also talk to other people and share their wisdom, and experiences.

Just as certain things break down as your house ages so will your garage door. Most of the time it can be repaired however there comes a time when you will need to replace your old system.

Listed below are 7 valuable reasons to replace your old door with a new one.

1. Improve the appearance of your home

This is especially true if the garage is attached to the front of your home as it’s the first thing visitors see. Nowadays you can choose from many different colors, styles and windows.

2. Increase home value

Replacing your old door with a modern style maintenance free door will add value to your home. It will also be easier to sell because it enhances your home’s appearance.

3. Reduce maintenance time

Wooden doors need ongoing maintenance because you have to paint or replace the wood. On the other hand metal doors are more sturdy and don’t require painting thereby reducing your maintenance time and costs.

4. Reduce heating and cooling costs

Consider replacing your old door with an insulated one. It will keep the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter thereby reducing your energy costs. This is particularly true if you have a bedroom above the garage or if you use the garage as a workshop, studio or playroom.

5. Protect stored items from the elements

The garage is often used to store items that need to be protected from extreme heat or cold. If you select an insulated door with a thermo-barrier it will prevent heat or cold from getting inside thus protecting your stored items.

6. Secure access to your home

The garage door provides easy access to your home. For some owners it’s used more often than the front door because you drive in and out of your garage everyday. To secure access to your home make sure you select a door opener that uses secure access codes.

7. Prevent the risk of injuries

Garage doors must be family friendly. This means if the door is coming down while a child is passing underneath, it will automatically go back up thus preventing any risk of injury. Electronic eyes are now mandatory on all new garage door installations so when a person or an object crosses the light beam it rises automatically.

Even though replacing your old garage door is a large investment, it will pay for itself by reducing your energy costs, improving your home’s appearance as well as increasing its value.