Monthly Archives: January 2014

5 Common Garage Door Repairs

Posted by Ramirez Custom Overhead Doors On January 30, 2014 at 5:27 pm | Comments Closed
Garage door repairs many not be as common as vehicle repairs but just like any mechanical instruments, they have the tendency to fail if not properly maintained. It must be mentioned here these doors are generally very dependable when it comes to functionality and rarely break down. However extreme weather conditions may hamper with its ability to function properly.
This article will focus on five common garage door repairs in order to better assist homeowners. Keep in mind that these are very common garage door repairs. It is always best to have a certified technician work on the garage for complex issues.
1. Repairing Track Damage
If your garage door jumps and jolts during its motion then the problem could very well be with the metal tracks responsible for moving it. This is the most common of all door repairs. Check the metal track thoroughly from both sides for any sign of damage. Any obstacles simply grab a hammer and straighten out the metal track.
2. Aligning Metal Tracks
If there aren’t any dents in the metal tracks then chances are that the tracks are not properly aligned causing the garage door to go off track. Properly aligned tracks are essential for the door to function smoothly. Simply loosen the bolts and gently tap the tracks into position. Carefully inspect the tracks to ensure they are in alignment and then screw the bolts back in.
3. Eliminating that Squeaky Sound
Aside from the normal clattering of the door, any other audible signs should be immediately addressed. A common problem with garages is the squeaky sound that is heard when a door opens or closes. This is a sign of lack of lubrication. Apply a lubricant material such as WD-40 to the wheels and the metal track. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then operate the garage door a few times to let the lubrication spread nicely across the entire track.
4. Garage Opener Malfunctions
The door opener controls the entire mechanical operation of the garage. If it is not turning on, the first thing to do is to check to make sure that it is getting sufficient power. Most door openers come with backup power supply. Make sure it is working correctly as well. If the problem still persists, look for signs of damage to the metal tracks. Repair them as mentioned above. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then the door opener may be internally damaged and would need to be replaced.
5. Remote Door Opener Malfunctions
This is the simplest of all garage door repairs. Simply replace the batteries. If the problem still persists, then take it to your local garage dealer. They will be able to either fix it or offer a new one.
These are a few common garage door repairs that home owners can easily perform. As mentioned earlier, always seek professional advice of expert technicians. They will provide you with the answers you are looking for.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5284230

Keep Your Garage Door in Top Shape

Posted by Ramirez Custom Overhead Doors On January 27, 2014 at 10:08 pm | Comments Closed
Keeping your garage door in top shape is important if you want to enjoy the convenience and privacy that it brings, for years to come. Repeated use has a way of wearing out the various moving parts of the unit. Worn parts can contribute to damage in time. Here are some things you can do yourself to periodically check your door for signs of wear and damage, so you can remedy the problem.
1. Inspect the tracks
Make sure no debris or dirt is on the tracks, by inspecting them for grime. Using an old toothbrush or washcloth, gently remove any grime from the tracks. You may also choose to vacuum the tracks if you wish. A light layer of grease will keep them running smooth.
2. Lubricate the rollers
Using a lubricant designed specifically for the rollers, coat them and the track. Place a drop of engine oil onto the rollers and allow the rolling action to spread the oil. However, don’t use grease because it tends to attract dust, dirt and grime, and will impede the smooth flow of the door.
3. Check the cables and springs
Check the cables for any signs of breakage or fraying. If you find any of these, it is time to replace your cables with new ones. Also, check the springs on the door to make sure that they are tight and properly connected. When pulleys are involved you will need to check the ball bearings if it is not a closed, zero maintenance pulley system. Worn ball bearings can lead to damage of the pulley system.
4. Lubricate bearings and hinges
It is recommended that homeowners do not use WD-40. It is best to use a lubricant with a grease base such as: silicone or lithium spray. Using a spray made specifically for these units, lubricate any bearings or hinges. Don’t over lubricate, however, because it will cause dirt and grime to build-up. It will make things sticky and eventually cause a halt to the doors operating ability.
5. Check the springs
Make sure that the springs are lightly-lubricated because if it is dry, it will jam up and cause the door to not move at all. Lightly lubricate the springs and make sure that the tension is correct. Too much tension or too little tension can become a health hazard for you. Springs are often best left to professionals for service or repair.
6. For chain-drive systems
If you are using a chain-drive system, make sure that the chain is properly lubricated. Lubricate it periodically to prevent any friction when the chain is on operation. Inspect all the moving parts and make sure that none have rusted. Otherwise, use sandpaper to take away the rust and spray a zinc-rich spray onto the parts. After that, apply a coat of exterior latex to the parts — to make sure they are going to work smoothly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8206517

Wayne-Dalton FireStar

Posted by Ramirez Custom Overhead Doors On January 24, 2014 at 6:21 pm | Comments Closed

Learn about Wayne-Dalton’s innovative FireStar Door; provides affordable, quiet fire safety for numerous commercial installations.

Did You Know?

Posted by Ramirez Custom Overhead Doors On January 21, 2014 at 5:06 pm | Comments Closed
If you are like many homeowners on the hunt for a new garage door, then you are probably curious about the way it will look on your house. You’ve more than likely driven yourself bonkers trying to figure out which door model, color and materials fits best within your while still getting that appealing look.
As you begin your quest for a new garage door, you may be trying to choose one that looks great in a brochure. But what you should really be looking for is a new door that looks stunning on YOUR HOME!
Garage Door Style Can Add Value To Your Home
Your garage door covers approximately 30% of the front of your dwelling and is visible to all on-lookers on foot and by car. Studies have shown that a well chosen, aesthetically pleasing garage door can actually bump up the curb appeal, price and value of your home anywhere from 1-5%. That means that the right door can make your home more attractive to buyers and even more profitable to you! In the current housing market slump, anything you can do to help differentiate your home and make it more appealing than another is a smart investment.
Investing in a new garage door is not cheap. Installation of a new door will start in the low $500’s, for a cheap looking steel pan door, to a few thousand for a custom built wood door. Before moving forward with a fairly large investment on a new door make sure you are going to be happy with the outcome by choosing a door that looks like a million bucks on YOUR home.
Ask your garage door installer if they have a way to show you a picture of what the door you decide on will look like on your house. Today, operations are equipping their technicians with the technology to make those inner-visions a reality before you commit to placing the order. Sales representatives can come to your house with a laptop and digital camera. They take a photo of your house, then feed the images into their laptop. After a few minutes running through their system they can show you exactly what your home will look like with a new door on it. Give it a try!
Remember, what you want is a beautiful looking exterior that not only you enjoy while living in your home, but that others will enjoy when considering to buy your home. Ultimately, what you want is something that is both affordable and looks appealing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4097163

The Benefits Of Insulated Garage Doors

Posted by Ramirez Custom Overhead Doors On January 18, 2014 at 1:29 am | Comments Closed
You may not think of it when you have a garage, but you need to make sure that your garage door is insulated. There are numerous benefits to this, and most people take it for granted. One of the benefits of having an insulated garage door is that if you have a garage that has a room above it, or a door to the interior of the house, it can prevent cold drafts from coming into the garage. Even if your door is sealed well against the elements, not having insulation in between the door panels can make the inside of the door quite cold, contributing to greater heat loss in the garage itself.
If you are a hobbyist, and have a shop of some kind inside your garage, or need to work on your vehicle, an insulated garage door can lower the need to have an extra heater inside the garage on cold Winter days. Sometimes the garage, even with the doors closed can be almost as chilly as the temperature outside, and if you are always wondering why your garage feels like a Popsicle, the answer could be that your garage door isn’t insulated, or insulated with the right materials.
Even if you check and see that there is some Styrofoam granules inside the door, this isn’t good insulation. While Styrofoam is all right at dampening sound, granules don’t make a good insulator for your garage door. If this is the case, or there is nothing inside at all, then you need to get some Polyurethane foam instead. This attaches directly to the inside of the door panels, and has no gaps. In addition to being a better insulator, it fills up the space, making the doors stronger and more secure.
When you are checking to make sure you have an insulated garage door, you should also check the seals at the top and bottom of the door, as well as between the door panels. They shouldn’t be hard and brittle, but nice and flexible, if you find they are hard and starting to crumble, then it is time to replace them as well. Now there are a few options when it comes to insulating your garage doors. You can buy DIY kits, and while this may be a cheaper option, unless you know what you are doing, and have the tools to do the job right, you should let a professional come in and do it for you. A professional is also a good idea, because after your door is insulated, this is going to add extra weight to the door itself, and the opener may need to be readjusted. Readjusting the springs is just too dangerous for an amateur.
While you may think it isn’t worth the money, if you have an attached garage, or a room above it, and always wonder why your heating bill is always so high in the Winter time, now you know. Not having an insulated garage door is like leaving a window open all through the cold part of the year. If you want to keep your heating bill down, and be able to enjoy your garage space better, then you need to make sure that your garage doors are insulated.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4647629