Author: Jeffrey Sanford

A Guide To Garage Door Openers

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on December 8, 2017. 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

Jackshaft 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 garage 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.

Pros and Cons: Attached Garages

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on September 15, 2017. 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.

As 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 September 8, 2017. 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!

Why Your Car Needs A Garage

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 29, 2017. Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

If you’re not currently using your garage to store your car, you may be missing out on some of the great benefits that can only come from keeping your car in a garage versus keeping it in your driveway or out on the street. If you’re unable to use your garage to store your car thanks to a broken garage door or garage door opener, call the garage door experts in Indianapolis at Garage Door Doctor today. If you’re not sure if keeping your car in a garage is worth it, keep reading to find out why it might actually be beneficial for your car.

Three Ways Your Car Will Benefit From Being Kept In A Garage

#1.The exterior of your car will be better protected.

While it’s true that you car is meant to be driven, and you do have to take your car out into the real world most days, there are quite a few instances where you don’t have to drive your car at all. On the days you’re spending time at home, when you’re gone for a while on vacation, or when you’re in for the night, keeping your car in a garage will ensure that it’s protected from the elements such as sun exposure, wind, rain, and snow. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about the potential of dings and scrapes from debris and passersby that are likely to come into contact with your car.

#2. Your car will face less of a risk for theft or vandalism.

If your car is left outside, especially over night, your car could be at more of a risk for theft or vandalism. It is not uncommon for cars to be broken into in the middle of the night, have eggs thrown at them, or even be keyed if people happen to be out looking for trouble. If you happen to forget to lock your car doors or leave your windows rolled down, people who are looking to steal things from cars often look for cars that are easy to get into.

#3. Your car’s engine will run better.

Keeping your care stored inside versus outside often aids in keeping your engine better lubricated. When a car is stored in a garage, it’s likely not going to get as cold, which will help to keep your car’s liquids at a more stable temperature. Your car’s coolant will also stay warmer so it’s easier to heat up or cool down your car with the heat or AC.

You may not have thought that not being able to use your garage to store your car was that big of a deal, but keeping your car in a garage really is better not only for your car, but also for you as the owner, especially since cars are often an expensive investment. If you need your garage door or garage door opener repaired or replaced in order to be able to use your garage again, call us here at Garage Door Doctor for the garage door services you need for your Indianapolis home.