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Author: Jeffrey Sanford

Five Benefits of an Insulated Garage

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

A garage door is an essential piece of your home, as it can have a huge impact in numerous ways. For starters, your garage door is one of the first things people will see when arriving at or passing your home. They say a lot about your home’s design and having a quality garage door can help improve the value of your home.

Most garages aren’t the area of a home where most people choose to spend their time, especially in the winter. Winter weather makes our garages a cold, wet, and unpleasant environment. Yes, they provide great vehicle protection, but that — as well as extra storage area — is what most homeowners use their garages for. T   here are multiple ways that you can upgrade your garage to make it a more pleasant and enjoyable environment. One garage upgrade that can be beneficial, is the installation of an insulated garage door. An insulated garage door comes with many benefits, however, if you are unsure if an insulated garage door is right for your garage and home, we are going to review some key benefits that may help make your decision easier!

Five Benefits Of An Insulated Garage Door

As most of the benefits of an insulated garage door are mostly functional and improve our way of life, one great benefit of these garage doors is that they can be found in just about any size, material, and design. You can rest assured that you will be able to find a door that matches your style, and will bring out the aesthetics of your home. Once you choose to hire a professional garage door company to perform insulated garage door installation, you will soon begin to start noticing multiple improvements and benefits. Check out some of the best advantages of having an insulated garage door installed in your garage:

Benefit #1: Added warmth and convenience

Some people do use their garages for more than just vehicle storage as well as storage of other items, like holiday decorations or items we don’t use as often. Some people use their garages as a workshop, a repair garage, or even for arts, crafts, and hobbies. Even if you don’t use your garage often, you still spend more time in it than you think. Think about it, you likely take groceries, items, children, and pets through the garage and into your home on a daily basis. In the winter, especially like the ones we get in the Midwest, garages can become extremely cold and dreadful to be in. However, you can make this buffer area much warmer by taking the necessary steps to avoid losing heat, and an insulated garage door is one of the essential steps.

Benefit #2: Improved energy efficiency

By adding an insulated garage door to your garage, the area will become warmer than it was before. Due to the additional warmth that will be created, an insulated garage door will create a more energy efficient home if the garage is attached to the house. In fact, there are very few people who actually know that garages have different construction regulations than the rest of our home. They are usually one of the worst areas in a home for energy efficiency. This is due to air leakage and air gaps throughout the area. These leaks can allow more cold air to enter your garage and home, which will keep your heating system running constantly to maintain the set temperature. Installing an insulated door will help increase temperatures in your home, saving you energy and money.

Benefit #3: Improved durability

What most homeowners don’t know is that insulated garage doors are often more durable than standard residential garage doors. And believe us, garage doors need to be as durable as possible. Cars, children, pets, bad weather, and equipment are all responsible for causing dents and other imperfections and damages on the surface of your door. Having a damaged garage door can decrease your home’s value and curb appeal. And, it can even cause the door to function improperly. Due to insulated garage doors being made of multiple layers of steel, aluminum, and insulation, they are more durable and are more resistant to common types of garage door damage.

Benefit #4: Increased protection

The most common use of garages for homeowners is the storage and protection of their vehicles. When your car is parked in the garage, you are depending on it to offer your vehicle the protection it needs. During the winter, cold weather can affect your vehicle’s battery life, decrease tire pressure, cause wiring systems to malfunction, and affect the vehicle’s fluids even when parked in a garage. However, as mentioned before, an insulated garage door will add warmth to your garage, keeping your vehicle safe and running properly, reducing the risk of a breakdown.

Benefit #5: Better Noise Reduction

Garage doors and garages openers are notorious for being ignorantly noisy. This can become a problem if you work early or late hours and don’t want to disturb the others in the household. If you’re looking for a solution to this, an insulated door may be the perfect one. The insulation within the garage door works to reduce the vibration along the door, in addition to the noise outside when the garage door is shut. If the sounds your insulated door is making are noticeable, it is important to have a garage repair company come and inspect the lubrication on the hinges, track, springs, and other components of the garage door to look for signs of damage and assure that no repairs are needed.

Looking for insulated garage doors in Indianapolis, IN?

The winter season can bring some bitterly cold temperatures to Indianapolis. If you want to experience the benefits of a residential insulated garage door in Indianapolis, be sure to contact Garage Door Doctor! Why waste time searching Google for ‘garage door services near me’ when you choose the garage door company that Indianapolis and surrounding areas know and trust. Whether you’re building a new garage or are interested in garage door replacement, an insulated garage door is the way to go. The experienced professionals at Garage Door Doctor are ready to provide our customers with great customer service and quality garage door products. To learn more about our insulated garage doors, contact Garage Door Doctor today!

 

How To Make Your Garage Door Opener Quieter

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

Garage door openers are notorious for being noisy. If you have an older garage door or garage door opener, or you have a garage door with worn down parts, there is a good chance that it makes quite a bit of noise when opening or closing. Having a noisy garage can be a huge disturbance to others in your household and even your neighbors. In fact, we express our sympathies to anyone who has a bedroom right about a noisy garage door opener — that noise is not something you prefer to wake up to!

Whether you have an old garage door opener or a new one, at some point in its lifetime it is likely to cause some ruckus. This could be caused by worn parts or many other difficulties. However, there are multiple approaches you can take to help silence these loud and disturbing noises and avoid distracting those who are nearby. If you find that your garage is grinding, clunking, squeaking, or making another bothersome noise, check out some tips that may help your garage door opener become quieter and less of a disturbance.

Pick the right opener

There are multiple types of garage door openers. The most common types of garages door openers you will see in homes are belt-driven, chain-driven, screw-driven, direct drive, and jackshaft garage door openers. Jackshaft and direct drive garage door openers are generally quieter than other openers, however, belt-driven openers are the most common type of garage door openers and are still far quieter than chain or screw-driven garage door openers. Although there are plenty of benefits that come with having a screw or chain-driven opener if noise is something you are concerned about you may want to avoid these types of openers. Choosing the right opener is an essential step to controlling and reducing the noise your garage door opener makes.

How to fix a loud garage door opener

The grinding, rattling, and creaking that comes from a garage door opener can really be a disturbance to family members, especially if someone in the household works early or late hours. However, sometimes a garage door opener is not always the sole culprit of the noise you hear. If you are trying to achieve a garage door and opener that is quiet, there is some maintenance that can be done to help reduce the noise. There are simple steps that can be taken and there is some garage door maintenance and repair that can be done by a garage door company to help reduce the noise your opener makes. Check some of them out!

Tip #1: Lubricate the springs

Torsion springs are the springs that are found just over a closed garage door. These springs are tightly wound, making them extremely dangerous, and should only be serviced and disassembled by a trained and experienced garage door technician.

In addition to the torsion springs, there are also extension springs that can be located on either side of the garage door about the upper tracks. These springs are known to be loud and can make a squeaking or clanging noise that is annoyingly noticeable. Any easy way to make these springs quieter is by applying oil or a type of lubricant to them. Or, schedule a time for a garage door technician to come out and inspect the situation and solve the problem.

Tip #2: Tighten all nuts and bolts

Vibration is one of the main causes of a noisy garage door. Since most garage door openers experience consistent use, the vibrations from daily use can shake and loosen the nuts and bolts overtime. Sometimes, these loose pieces are the reasoning behind all of the commotion. By grabbing a wrench and carefully going through all of the bolts and nuts and retightening them is a great way to cut down or entirely stop the noise.

Tip #3: Replace the hinges

The metal hinges on your garage door can be a factor of garage door noise. When these hinges become dull and worn, they are known to constantly grind and squeak. As time passes, the rollers inside the hinges will age along with your garage door and can become quite noisy. The best approach is to inspect the roller stems within the metal hinges and search for signs of wear and check for any loose parts. The rollers inside should be able to move when pushed with a finger if they are stuck or have difficulty moving side to side try adding lubricant. That should help reduce the noise emitted from the hinges and roller stems.

Tip# 4: Replace the garage door rollers

If noise is still an issue, you may want to consider garage door roller replacement. Garage door rollers are made from either nylon or metal. When these rollers become worn, they are well-known for causing a lot of noise, usually a terrible squeaking sound. You can help reduce the noise by adding some lubricant, but if the rollers are worn they should be replaced. Garage door rollers can be difficult and dangerous to repair by yourself. You should have roller replacement performed by a professional garage door company.

Garage Door Doctor Power Tip: Nylon rollers are generally quieter than metal, so if you want a quieter garage and are replacing the garage door rollers, be sure to choose nylon.

Tip #5: Garage door opener maintenance

Sometimes the noise isn’t coming from the rollers, hinges, or springs. Occasionally, the noise is coming from the garage door opener itself. If you have a chain or belt driven garage door opener, a loose garage door could be the cause of the noise. Be sure to check the manual to verify how much tension is allowed from your trolley mechanism. Lubricant can be added to a chain and screw-driven openers to help the metal components slide together without creating a lot of noise.

Garage Door Doctor Power Tip:  NEVER use lubricant on belt-driven openers!

Tip #6: Hire a garage door opener repair service

When your garage door opener is making a lot of noise and is a household disturbance, you’ll likely want to try fixing the problems yourself. While the tips above can be beneficial is solving your noise issue, there is also the risk of the dangers of DIY garage door repair and maintenance. By trying to fix the problem yourself you are risking making the problem worse, causing damages, or getting injured. When you need opener repair and maintenance done, you should contact a professional garage door company to arrive on site and inspect your garage door, garage door opener, and all of the components involved to get the root of the problem. Professional garage door technicians have the required knowledge, experience, and tools to perform garage door maintenance and repair.

In need of garage door opener repair in Indianapolis?

If your garage is making noise, or if you are in need of garage door opener or garage door repair in Indianapolis, contact Garage Door Doctor! Our team of garage door technicians specialize in garage door installations, garage door repairs, and garage door opener replacement. Whether you are in Indianapolis, or in the surround areas, we can help you with your garage door and opener needs! To receive a free garage door estimate, contact us!

A Guide To Garage Door Openers

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Openers, Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

You may know that garage doors are one of the largest moving objects within a home. It is no doubt that electric garage door openers have been helpful to homeowners since they were first invented in 1926. However, as you can image, garage doors have come a long way since then. Today, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to garages. Doors come in different styles and colors and there are numerous choices for garage door openers.

Garage door openers, however, can be tricky when trying to decide which one is right for your home When trying to decide which opener is right for you, there are three factors that should be considered: maintenance, price and the level of noise. You can find the best residential garage door opener to suit your needs by finding a compromise between those three factors. To help you find out which is best for you, we are going to highlight some of the most common garage door openers available today.

A Guide To Garage Door Openers

Belt driven garage door opener

Belt driven garage door openers are perhaps the most popular residential garage door opener. Belt driven openers brought in new technology that has been seen in garage door openers, and there is no sign of the technology slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it was the belt driven doors that enabled us to wirelessly control our garage door openers from anywhere just by simply using our smartphones or laptops. They also introduced self-adjusting limits, reliable lifetime warranties on major drive components, automatic closing features, and so much more. Belt driven garage door openers feature a reinforced belt that handles the lifting of the door. These belts can be made from a variety of material, like polyurethane, steel-reinforced rubber, and fiberglass.

A main reason that belt driven garage door openers have become so popular is due to the decreased noise. Garage door openers are notorious for being noisy, but the belts allow for a quieter and smoother close. Plus, the belt driven openers have significantly less vibration than other openers. If a living space is adjacent or above your garage, you will not have to worry about belt driven doors disturbing you. Although they are a bit more expensive than other residential garage door openers, they are a great choice for homeowners.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: A belt driven garage door opener will not magically eliminate noise and vibration if you have an older garage door. If noise is a problem with your garage door, we recommend contacting a professional garage door company to inspect your current setup.

Chain driven garage door opener

Chain driven garage door openers are also a popular opener option due to their cheaper components and simpler construction. Chain openers were the original form of garage door openers, but have come a long way since then. Once the garage door opener became a trend, many homeowners began using their garages as much as — if not more than — their front doors. Although they are a simple design, the chain driven openers reliability has kept it around. Because the system uses a metal chain to lift and lower the door, a chain driven opener is the best way to ensure you have the power to easily open and close your garage door, especially if it is a heavier type. On the downside, since this style relies on a chain to push or pull the door along the tracks it tends to be much noisier than other types of openers. These openers are affordable and reliable, but the level of noise make them a better option for detached garages, where the noise won’t be as disturbing.

Screw driven garage door opener

The once popular screw driven garage door opener has already had its prime years. For about 20 years, these openers were the best available option for garage door openers. These were the systems that made the — then new — features so popular, like battery backup systems, safety sensors, and electronic force and limit settings. Instead of pulling the door up, like the chain and belt models do, these openers lift the garage door by the rotation of a threaded metal rod. Screw driven openers have been known to be offer reliability as they contain far less moving parts, which decreases the chances of breaking down. These openers do require some maintenance and care from time to time, but if you meet the maintenance requirements, screw driven openers will last for years. Plus, screw driven openers can generally lift a door twice the speed of a belt or chain opener. As far as noise, these openers are louder than belt garage door opener but much quieter than chain driven ones.

Jackshaft garage door openers

Jackshift openers have recently gained some popularity and there are plenty of reasons that are making them a more appealing option for residential garage doors. Most garage door openers as we know them are mounted on the garage ceiling. But with jackshaft openers, they are mounted on the call right next to the garage door. Perhaps the biggest advantage of these openers is the increased amount of security. Since the opener is mounted so closely to the door, most models feature a deadbolt that activates automatically when the door is shut. This feature makes it far more difficult for thieves and burglars to enter your home through the garage door. These openers have a motor that drives pulleys and cables to turn the torsion bar and open the garage door. And if you are someone who is tech savvy, these garage doors have some of the most robust on-board computerization. Because jackshaft openers feature some of the latest technology and incorporate a lot of on-board computerization, they tend to be pricier than other styles of residential garage door openers.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: Jackshaft panels are no for single panel doors and can only be used on sectional garage doors. If you are unsure if a jackshaft opener is right for you, contact your local garage door service.

Direct drive garage door openers

Don’t get confused when it comes to direct drive garage openers. Originally, garage door openers that did not feature a chain or belt were separated into the direct drive category. However, in the recent years, a new style of residential garage door openers have launched and claimed the name ‘direct drive’ and is far different than most garage door openers that are available in today’s market. These openers can either feature a chain or a belt, but when compared to a chain driven garage door opener, the direct-drive uses a stationary chain that the motor moves along as opposed to a stationary motor that moves the chain. This unique change makes direct-drive openers extremely quiet during operation. Some customers have even stated that they are quieter than belt driven garage door openers. Plus, these models are very reliable and durable as the only moving part is the motor. Although these openers are more popular overseas, it will not be before long that they fill the shelves at hardware and home improvement stores.

Find Garage Door Opener Installation Service

Now that you know the different types of openers, you’re ready to pick which one is best for your home. One of the most important things when choosing a garageA Guide To Garage Door Openers door opener is choosing a professional and reliable garage door opener installation company. Your garage door opener will perform correctly as long as it is installed correctly. Because of this, it important to find a leading garage door company to install your new opener. If you live in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, there is no better choice for garage door opener installation than Garage Door Doctor! Contact the Indianapolis garage door installation professionals today and set up a free consultation! You can count on us for all of your garage door repair and installation needs.

Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting Tips

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Garages are a great amenity to homes and businesses. You can open and close a large door with a touch of a button. Garages help protect our vehicles and other valuables against weather conditions, theft, and more. Garage door openers are used just about everyday for those who have them. While garage doors are generally pretty durable, after consistent use over time, they are bound to malfunction. When garage door openers malfunction, they usually are ineffective and operate improperly. Whether your garage door won’t open or close, the remote won’t work, or another common garage door problem, it is essential to know what is the issue. Leaving a garage door unrepaired can increase the chances of damage and injury.

The good news, though, is that when garage door openers  stop working, spending some time troubleshooting the opener will usually solve the problem. To help you find the source that caused your garage door opener to stop working, we’ve put together a list of troubleshooting tips. If trying these tips doesn’t solve the issue, you will want to call a professional garage door repair company.

Check The Power

Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons garage doors stop working is due to the power source. Before you break out the tools, be sure to ensure all power sources are properly positioned. Check to make sure the operator is plugged in properly, and that its socket has electricity — sometimes the issue is a blown fuse. If your garage door opener works from the internal remote, you may need to check and replace the batteries of the garage door opener remote or wireless keypad. You’d be surprised how many times a simple change of batteries solves homeowners garage door issues.

Don’t Forget About The Sensors

Sensors were created to help prevent accidents and injuries. These sensors, or photo eyes, employ an infrared signal that will ensure that if anything is in the way of the door, it will automatically reverse before causing potential damage or injury. That means if anything is interfering with the signal between the two sensors, the garage door will not work.

To troubleshoot, make sure that the two sensors are level with each other. It wouldn’t hurt to ensure the sensors are tightly fixated to the door frame. Check to make sure common garage items like trash bags, brooms, and even debris is away from the sensors. Interference with sensors is also a common problem, so be sure to make them one of the first things you check. In addition, it may be beneficial to periodically clean the lens of the garage door sensors, since dust, snow, and debris can interfere with the signal.

Resetting The Garage Door Opener Remote

Speaking of the garage door opener remote, you may need to reset it to get it working properly. Depending on the system your home or business has, it is possible that the remote will need to be reset after changing the batteries or reprogramming the operator. A power outage may even cause your remote to need resetting.

Check The Wall Control Unit

Many homeowners get frustrated after spending hours trying to troubleshoot their garage door opener problems, only to find that it is a quick and easy fix. The wall control unit is often an overlooked piece of the garage door system. We know you can use it to open and close garage doors internally, but what else? It is shocking how many people don’t notice the lock button on their control unit. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to accidently pushing the lock button when attempting to close or open the door. Before you begin troubleshooting the more complex parts, be sure that the lock feature is not active. If you can’t figure out or find the lock feature, be sure to check the manual.

Inspect The Operator

If none of the quick fixes above solve the issue, it is time to move forward with more technical troubleshooting. To start, you should inspect the operator. The operator is the heart of the garage door system. A small issue with the operator, like overheating, defective wires, or broken buttons can cause the whole system to operate improperly. A common issue with operators is overheating. If you constantly use your garage door opener and think overheating may be the issue, give the system about 30 minutes to cool down before attempting to use it again.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: If the operator is only opening the door six to eight inches at a time, its most likely a issue with the RPM sensor. These sensors detect motor speed. Each brand of operators are different, but generally, if the operator lights blink five to six times when attempting to use it, it may be an indicator for circuit issues. Fixing these problems are a bit more complex, so unless you’re knowledgeable on garage door repair, you should consider calling a professional repair service.

Check the Track and Trolley

It is not uncommon for garage doors to occasionally get stuck due to the track or inner trolley being bent, loose, or broken. The alignment of the track plays a huge role in the functionality of a garage door. In some cases, the problem can be fixed by minor tweaking. However, if the misalignment is more severe, you’ll want to contact a professional garage door company, you may need a new track or trolley installed. At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in Indianapolis garage door installation. Whether you need an inspection or a replacement, we can help homes and businesses throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas!

Grease the Door

This troubleshooting method requires getting your hands dirty, but that’s much better than having a garage door that does not work. IF your garage door is getting stuck, it may need lubrication. Grease the moving parts of a garage door, like the bearings and hinges.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: Choose a dry lubricant so it will not attract debris and cause issues in the future.

Troubleshooting Not Working?

Sometimes problems with garage door openers are beyond troubleshooting and require hiring a professional garage door repair service. And, if you’re having problems with your garage door opener in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, there’s no better choice than Garage Door Doctor! At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in garage door repair and replacement. We also have years of professional experience in garage door installation. To receive a free garage door estimate, schedule a garage door service for your home, or to receive more information, contact the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor!

Double vs. Single Garage Doors

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Whether you’re planning your new home or are making additions to your current one, there is a lot to consider. From architecture style to design and layout, it seems like there are endless decisions to make. If it’s included in your project plans, there may be some difficult choices to make that involve your garage. Garages play an important role in a home. Not only do they provide vehicle protection, but they are one of the main focal points of your home. That said, homeowners should want their garages to feature trending design and modern technology. However, one decision you may be faced with is deciding between a single or a double garage door.

With a two-car garage being a standard norm for most homes, homeowners started opting for the unique, stylish, and functional two-door design. However, choosing between a two-door design and a large, single door is still a difficult choice to make. If you’re stuck deciding between the two styles of garage doors, check out our ideas and suggestions on how to choose the door that is right for you and your home. By following these tips you can ensure that the garage door you choose meets your home’s basic architectural needs while providing you with a modern and trending design you’ve always wanted. And, when you’re ready to add a new garage door to your home in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, contact Garage Door Doctor!

Measure the size

There are a lot of considerations when it comes to deciding between a single or double garage door. Factors like, whether your garage is attached or detached from your double home, and how many cars are kept inside can influence the design of a new garage door. Consider the size of the vehicle or vehicles that will be parked inside the garage as well. Homeowners generally use garages for extra storage space, so you will want to factor that in as well. If you want two single doors, you’ll want to make sure they can fit within the garage.

Be Prepared

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just pick whatever style of garage door we wanted and be done with it? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. There are many other factors to consider as well. Before you invest your hard earned money into a single or double garage door, it is beneficial to consider the practicalities and risks that come with a garage.

  • Garage door malfunctions. Garage doors are not perfect. After years of use, parts of your garage door, like springs, will begin to wear.  If you have one large, double-size garage door that has a break in the torsion spring, you may have trouble trying to get the door open. With two single doors, however, if one is inoperable at least you will still have another door that will give you access to your home and vehicles.
  • Changing temperatures and humidity. If you live in a colder climate, having two garage doors can reduce the amount of cold air that enters your garage. If you’re someone who heats their garage, this will significantly reduce your heating bill, especially during this upcoming winter! The same goes for those who live in a hot, humid climate; only two single doors can help reduce the amount of humidity that enters your garage, which in turn will reduce your air conditioning costs.
  • Multiple car family. Does your family have more than two cars? As we mentioned earlier, most garages can fit two vehicles. However, if you want your garage to be able to store more than the norm, you may want to try a large double door and a single door for the best functionality. Having three single garage doors can make it difficult to maneuver and is typically unfeasible.

Consider the appearance

A professional garage door installation company should be able to give you an idea of what looks good and what doesn’t. Depending on the style of the house, sometimes a single door design can complement the exterior of the house, as well as the landscape, better than a double door would. With so many different garage door styles to choose from, it may be hard to decide which is right for your home. Consider what is trending in your neighborhood, as this can really help add value to your home. From our professional experience, we have noticed that double door system is recommended to gain buyer interest.

Pricing

Generally speaking, the cost is nearly the same when it comes to two single doors and large double garage doors. The biggest expense will come from adding a second garage door opener. Of course, there will be additional costs for the construction of two single doors. In addition, a double garage door will most likely need a stronger garage door opener to bear the weight, but this is an expense that is worth it as it will make your garage door much safer. It doesn’t matter which style of door you choose, as long as you invest in a well-balanced counterweight system for easy access to your garage.

Ready For Your New Garage Door Installation?

When you’re considering getting a new garage door, be sure to contact the experts at Garage Door Doctor, LLC. Our garage door professionals can help guide you in choosing the best option and style of garage doors for your home and needs. Offering quick installation, friendly service, and competitive prices, there is no better option for garage door services. Contact Garage Door Doctor to schedule a free garage door estimate!

Preparing Your Garage For Winter

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Autumn has officially begun! The leaves are changing, the temperature is cooling down, and our weekends may be filled with football. While fall is a fun and exciting time of the year it won’t be long before it is over. That’s right, the winter season is right around the corner. If you live in the Midwest, you know that winters can be unpredictable. Without warning, a random foot of snow can easily ruin your plans by making you stay inside due to the tundra-like conditions.

As winter creeps closer, homeowners will begin preparing their home to withstand the cold, snow, and wind that accompanies the lengthy season. While homeowners spend all this time and money getting their homes ready for the upcoming cold, they often forget to get their garages ready, too.

Winter Preparation For Garages

Yes, you read that right. Maybe you have never heard of getting your garage ready for winter, but the truth is, this space needs as much care as the rest of your home and property. While most homeowners don’t spend their spare time in their garage, especially in the winter, there are several things you can do to make your garage a more comfortable space and ensure that it is in great condition when Spring arrives.Check out a few tips for getting your garage ready for winter.

Garage Door Maintenance

Most people aren’t concerned with their garage door openers until it stops working. And, the last thing you want is for your opener to stop working in the middle of a snowstorm, leaving you stranded in the cold. Before it gets too cold, perform a quick inspection of your garage door opener. Check to ensure the following:

  • The track is clean and lubricated properly
  • The springs show no signs of wear, rust or damage
  • The automatic reversal system works efficiently

Unless you really know what you’re doing, you should only perform a visual evaluation of your garage door and opener. The adjustment of springs, repair, and the replacement of a garage should be left to a professional garage door service.

Keep the cold out

Keeping outside air out of your garage is important, especially during the winter. If you have an older garage, there is a good chance there is nothing stopping the cold air from getting in. And, if you have an attached garage, the cold air could be constantly altering the temperature of your home, causing energy bills to skyrocket. Before the cold arrives, be sure to check your garage door’s seals to ensure there are no tears or other signs of damage. If they aren’t already, consider weather-stripping and caulking the windows and entry doors within your garage.

You can also replace your old garage door with a new, insulated one. An insulated garage door will help create a more comfortable and energy efficient garage. Insulation will keep the warm air from escaping, and the cool air from entering. These doors also offer quieter operation as well as increased durability.

Waterproof Flooring

As we mentioned, winters are unpredictable and can bring unplanned accidents. A harsh winter can cause snow and ice to build up outside of your garage, and when the snow or ice melts, the water could end up entering your garage causing a flood. To be safe, you can waterproof the floor of your garage. While waterproofing won’t stop floods from happening, it will help mitigate some of the damages caused. Plus, when the snow and ice on your car melts in the garage, you can rest assured knowing it won’t cause any damages.

Heat things up

While an insulated door will help keep the heat in and the cold air out, if you really want to keep warm from the frosty Midwest winter, you may want to consider adding a heater to your garage. If you solely use your garage for vehicle and clutter storage, then heating might not be a worthwhile investment. However, if you use your garage as a family space, workout room, or man cave a heater might be a nice addition as it will maintain a comfortable and stable temperature.

Professional Garage Service Indianapolis

If you live in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, you know that our winters are not very pleasant. Be sure you start getting your home and garage ready for the cold. If you want to schedule garage door maintenance, contact the professionals at Garage Door Doctor. Our team specializes in the repair, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial garage doors. We also carry and install reliable, insulated garage doors that will help keep your garage warm this winter season. For more information, or to receive a free consultation, contact Garage Door Doctor today!

Pros and Cons: Attached Garages

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

If you’re remodeling your current house, building a new house, or planning a move and shopping the housing market,  there is a good chance you will experience (or already are experiencing) an overwhelming amount of decisions.

With all the decisions that come with our homes, it can often be easy to overlook ones that are more important than most people realize, like the decisions that come with garages. Today, garages have become pretty standard with most houses as they bring many benefits, including the protection of your vehicles. If homeowners don’t have a garage, they may still be debating whether to add one to their current home or start shopping for a new home that has one. However, when it comes to garages, most people do not think about whether or not they prefer an attached or detached garage.

Both detached and attached garages come with an extensive list of advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately neither is worse than the other, it is solely based on personal preference and what priorities are most important to you.

Since you most likely have never really thought about which type of garage you prefer, we are going to help you by highlighting the unique features that each option offers, starting with attached garages.

Attached Garages: An Overview

Attached garages didn’t become a popular trend until the 1950s. Most houses that were built before then do not have an attached garage unless there was one added during a home remodel. Nonetheless, there are many benefits to garages that are attached to homes, which has been proven true from how popular they have become over the past half-century. The size of attached garages can vary, but the average size can have enough space for one to two vehicles. Whether or not an attached garage is right for you can depend greatly on your personal needs as well as the area and the neighborhood you live in. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of attached garages:

Advantages of Attached Garages

  • Easier to build. If you’re adding an attached garage to your home and are starting from scratch, they are much simpler and cost-effective project. Think about it: you already have one, if not two walls that will make up half of the garages framework. Compared to a detached garage, an attached garage will most likely take less time and cost a bit less.
  • Easy access. This may be a given, but attached garages are much more simple to access than a detached garage. It’s more convenient and time-efficient, as you can easily go back and forth between the garage and the house. Easy access becomes an important factor, especially if you choose to keep an extra fridge in the garage or use it as an extra workspace. Having this type of accessibility can be extremely convenient for homeowners.
  • No more walking through weather. An attached garage can be a real luxury, especially during the harsh Midwest winters. Whether it is snowing, raining, or there are high winds, there’s nothing more beneficial than being able to access your garage without having to go outside. During these terrible weather conditions, attached garages give you the advantage of being able to park your car safely and access your home without being exposed to the conditions outside.
  • Allows more yard space. Unlike detached garages, attached garages do not take up as much open yard space. If you have children or pets, this can be a huge advantage as it allows for more space to play. Also, the yard space that is saved from having an attached garage can be used for a garden, swimming pool, fire-pit, trampoline — there are plenty of options!
  • Visually large appearance. In a previous blog, we covered how garages can increase your home’s curb appeal, but attached garages can also make your home appear larger. If you’re someone who has a small home and are interested in making it appear larger than it actually is, an attached garage can do just that. Sometimes, depending on the size of your home and garage, an attached garage can appear to double the size of a house.
  • Cheaper utilities. Since you have utilities already set up in your home, it will be much simpler and cheaper to extend them into your garage if it is attached. The same goes for electricity, too.

Disadvantages of Attached Garages

  • Higher security risk. Although this is often overlooked, attached garages bring slightly less protection and security than a detached garage does. This is simply because if a trespasser can access the garage, it is much easier to gain access into the house it is connected to, which is not possible with detached garages. However, there are plenty of ways to help prevent and protect your garage from theft.
  • Difficult to build in certain neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods feature houses that are built closer together, usually offering a more narrow backyard space. If you live in these types of neighborhoods or live on a small lot, there may not be enough space to add a garage to your home. Many smaller lots with long and narrow houses are better off building a detached garage instead.
  • Less privacy. This is more based on personal preference, in addition to what you use your garage for. Some homeowners utilize garage space based on personal lifestyle, needs, and preference. If you solely use your garage for car storage and parking, then this really isn’t something that you should worry about. However, if you use your garage space for an office, gym, or getaway from the main house, it is easier for family members to pop-in and causes distractions.
  • May look odd on older houses. As we mentioned earlier, attached garages didn’t take off until the 1950s. Since older homes weren’t designed or built to have a garage, it can often be difficult to add one. If you do add a garage to an older home, it may look odd and visually unappealing.

Pros and Cons: Attached GaragesAs you can see, there are plenty of pros and cons to attached garages. Keep an eye out for our next blog, as we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of detached garages to help you decide which is best for your home. Whether you choose an attached garage or not, you’re going to need a high-quality garage door as well as a professional garage door installation company to complete your garage. If you live in Indianapolis, or in the surrounding areas, you can count on Garage Door Doctor for all your garage door repair and installation needs! Garage Door Doctor offers 24/7 emergency service, so they’re always ready to help their customers. For more information or receive a free estimate, contact the team at Garage Door Doctor!

Will A New Garage Door Add Value To My Home?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Installation.

If you live in a suburban or a contemporary urban home, there is a good chance that if you have a garage it is facing the street. Garage doors are one of the most noticed parts of a house as they play a huge role in the overall style. In addition, a garage door can influence the overall decision for those shopping for a house. If you’re thinking about selling your home and your garage is outdated, it is a good idea to consider how getting a new garage door can be beneficial.

In a previous blog, we covered how a garage door can improve your home’s curb appeal. However, it not only adds value to the curb appeal, but it can also increase the home’s value. Check out why getting a new garage adds value to your home.

Positive Return on Investment

If you plan to sell your home in the future, then you should consider purchasing a new garage door. A new garage door will increase the return on investment (ROI) of your house. Unlike other home improvement projects, a newer garage door can increase the asking price amount. In fact, new garage door installation is one of the most beneficial home improvement projects when it comes to your home’s ROI. However, the ROI you receive from your garage door depends on multiple factors. You’ll want to ensure you’re getting a good quality door with a modern design that compliments your home’s architecture. You will also want to have a professional garage door repair service to perform annual maintenance to protect your investment. Check out some statistics on a new garage doors influence on home value.

Lower Utility Bills

Since garages aren’t generally a commonly used area within our home, most people don’t spend money on heating and cooling. If garages are attached to your home, air leaks in the garage could be affecting your home’s temperature. Replacing an old garage door with a new, insulated door can reduce air leaks. The most common forms of garage door insulation are spray-foam polyurethane or polystyrene. If you are getting a new garage door that is insulated, consider which R-value, or the capacity of the insulating material to resist heat flow, is best for your home. Having a well-insulated and sealed door with no air leaks will automatically make your garage space more comfortable and may reduce your utilities significantly.

Safety and Security

If your garage door and opener are old and outdated, it could be dangerous. Replacing your old door with a new one could make your house much safer. Most modern doors have certain features, like auto-reverse mechanisms and safety sensors. These types of features eliminate the risk of people, pets, and vehicles from getting trapped under a closing door.

If you are thinking about selling your home and want to increase its value, or are just in need of an updated garage door and opener, contact Garage Door Doctor, LLC! As one of the top garage door services in the Indianapolis area, we offer garage door installations, garage door repair, and garage door replacement.Our experienced garage door professionals can service any make and model of garage doors and openers and are available for same day appointments and 24-hour emergency service. For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, contact us!

Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repair

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

We currently are living in a time where DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects are a very popular trend. People can save money by choosing to do projects themselves, whether it is building a bed frame out of pallets or designing a Halloween costume for the upcoming season. However, there are some jobs that are much more complicated to do yourself and should be left to professionals — repairing your garage door is one. Even though there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube and other social media channels, repairing your garage door is not something you should consider a DIY project. In most cases, repairing a garage door without the help from a professional can not only end up costing more but also come with multiple risks, that could cause severe damage or injury. Let’s look at a few reasons why repairing your garage door yourself could be a costly decision.

Don’t Make Your Problem Worse Than It Is

We feel it’s necessary to start with this: When you decide to repair your garage door yourself, you may make the situation worse. With years of experience in the industry, we’ve seen simple fixes turn into costly damage and repair. Repairing garages isn’t a simple task; should something go wrong with a DIY repair, you will only cause more damage. Plus, in addition to causing damage to your garage door and opener, you’re also increasing the risk of damaging items inside the garage, including personal items, vehicles, and other belongings.

Wrong Use of Tools

One of the biggest problems that occur when people try fixing their garage door openers is not having access to the appropriate tools that are needed. In fact, most garage door repairs require specific tools that not all homeowners own. In most cases, people will try to repair their opener with the tools they have, even though they aren’t right for the job. Using the wrong tools to perform a repair can increase the chances of extending the damage of the garage door and opener, and can end up ruining your tools. And do we even need to mention the improper use of power tools? Did you know that power tool injuries account for as many as 400,000 annual emergency room visits? Yikes! Doing a garage door opener repair yourself can be dangerous, but using the wrong tools only increases the risks.

If It Isn’t Broken Don’t Fix It

A common problem with DIY garage door repairs is that most people don’t have the necessary knowledge to properly fix their problem. Although garages seem fairly simple there are some parts and repairs that require a professional understanding. Attempting to fix a problem without having the knowledge or doing the necessary research could result in you trying to fix the wrong part or component. This could end up being a huge waste of time and money!

The Risk of Falling

Garage door repairs often require working higher up or closer to the ceiling. Not having the proper equipment and training can lead to a fall that can seriously injure someone. Even if you have a ladder, there is still a risk of falling if you do not know what you are doing. Professionals have the needed equipment and training to perform successful repairs.

Torsion Springs

The two most common garage door spring systems are torsion and extension systems. Although both have proven to be a reliable option for homeowners, they can be very dangerous when doing a repair. With most garage doors, you can find the torsion springs mounted horizontally above the opening of the door. These springs are tightly wound, causing them to be under extreme tension. If a spring were to break during a DIY repair, it could violently send pieces flying, putting yourself at risk.

In addition to people purchasing the wrong springs for a repair,  it seems that most people who try to place the torsion springs themselves usually have to end up calling a professional because they are much more complicated to deal with than they seem. Garage door repair services have a proper understanding of torsion springs and how they work; leave it to them for the replacement!

Collapsed Garage Door

Garage doors are extremely heavy. In fact, the common garage door weighs somewhere between 200-500 pounds! The bottom line is garage doors are very heavy. Do-it-yourself repairs could cause the heavy door to fall off the track and cause serious damage to whatever is in its path, including vehicles, the floor, and even more damage to the door itself. When it comes to DIY garage door repairs, there are a lot of common ways that you could cause your garage door to completely collapse, including improper disconnection of the garage door restraints. Professional garage door repair services know the proper precautions to follow so that your garage door doesn’t collapse and cause even more damage.

Contact Garage Door Doctor Today!

If you have a problem with your garage door, we don’t recommend turning it into a weekend do-it-yourself project. Trying to repair a garage door without having the professional knowledge and experience could end up causing costly damages and injuries. If you have a problem with your garage door or opener in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, contact the professionals at Garage Door Doctor! We provide same-day service and appointments so you don’t have to wait or try to perform the repair yourself. Don’t risk damage or injury, call Garage Door Doctor today for all of your garage door repair needs!