How Long Do Commercial Garage Door Openers Typically Last?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on April 28, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on How Long Do Commercial Garage Door Openers Typically Last?

Your thriving business depends upon the reliable operation of everything from floor to ceiling. This includes having dependable garage door openers. As all good things must end, your openers will eventually reach the end of their service life. It’s critical to know the expected lifespan of these valuable tools and signs that they are failing so your operations don’t come to a standstill at a peak time. Here is some information about how long you can expect your garage door opener to last and what you can do to extend or shorten its life.

How Long Do Commercial Garage Door Openers Last?

In general, commercial garage door openers last between 10 and 15 years. However, that can vary dramatically based on a number of factors, including the type of door, quality of materials and manufacture, quality of the installation and maintenance, how much use it experiences, and environmental factors.

What to Do to Extend the Life of Your Commercial Garage Door Opener

Some things that can shorten the lifespan of your commercial garage door opener may be beyond your control. These include floods, fires, and tornados. However, there is a considerable amount you can do to ensure the longest lifespan of your openers.

Garage Door Opener Maintenance

Regular maintenance may be the single most crucial factor you can control to extend the lifespan of your commercial door opener. While you should do your part to keep the area around the garage doors clear, many tasks require the expert services of our professional technicians.

A key maintenance task is lubricating the moving parts. Whatever type of opener you have, you need to keep things moving smoothly. Without lubrication, the door may not operate properly. It will also increase the wear on the moving parts, causing them to break down and need replacement earlier.

We also make sure that all safety measures are working as intended. This is critical for the welfare of your employees, clients, and the business itself. We also tighten any loose bolts or other parts. If the door has weather stripping or another sealant, we’ll check that, too, and replace it if necessary.

Prompt Repairs

Accidents happen, and occasionally things break down. Whether your forklift driver hit the track for your commercial garage door opener or the motor is making strange noises, call for repairs the moment you notice something amiss. Not attending to a small problem can allow it to grow into a major issue and could ultimately require a complete replacement. Quick action helps maintain the building’s aesthetics and the day-to-day functioning of your business.

Keep the Door Dry

Commercial garage doors are designed to withstand the rain and other elements. However, the door opener is more vulnerable. Do your best to keep these indoor parts dry. If your business uses hoses, try to use them away from the doors to prevent accidental spraying.

Types of Commercial Garage Door Openers

At [company_name], we offer a wide variety of commercial garage door openers, including hoists, trolleys, and jackshafts. It’s essential to get a door opener designed to handle the type of door and the amount of use it will see. The amount of use the door can handle is usually expressed in max cycles per hour and max cycles per day. If you regularly exceed these numbers, your door will likely wear out sooner than expected.

While the price of a standard or medium-duty opener may look enticing, the money is wasted if it fails prematurely. When you work with our installers at [company_name], they’ll evaluate the conditions and amount of use you expect it to see and recommend an opener that will serve you well for many years.

Lifting Power

Commercial doors can be extremely heavy, so you need an opener designed to lift this extra weight. While a residential garage door opener might have one or two torsion springs, openers for commercial garage doors usually have three or more extension torsion springs. These springs are larger and stronger than ones for residential garage doors. They help balance the weight of the door for smoother and safer lifting.

Because of the extra weight of commercial doors, commercial door openers also require more power than residential openers. Power is usually expressed in horsepower. Many residential garage doors are 150 pounds or less and only need an opener with 1/2 HP. Commercial doors can be 1,000 pounds or more and may require as much as 1.5 HP.

Safety Features

Because of the weight of commercial garage doors, they require more safety features than your standard home garage door opener. The following features are available on some of our doors:

Pull cord emergency release
Emergency hoist for manual operation
Drawbar disconnect
Programmable mid-stop
Chain hoist with electric interlock
Floor level disconnect
Fail-safe release mechanism

Warranties

Commercial garage doors and garage door openers are an investment. Many of the doors we offer come with a two-year/20,000-cycle warranty.

Types of Commercial Garage Doors

There is a huge variety of commercial garage doors. The key difference between these and residential garage doors is durability and the ability to open and close many times a day. Whether it’s a parking garage door or a fire door, selecting the right door for the task is paramount.

Design Style

Like residential doors, many commercial doors are designed as overhead doors. Compared to doors that slide to the side or swing out, overhead doors need the least amount of space. You can also have a rollup door that is comprised of multiple sections.

Materials

Commercial garage doors can be made from a variety of materials. The key consideration is that it is durable and can withstand the elements. Steel doors are highly durable and provide a high level of security. However, they also tend to be quite heavy. Wood doors are also common. These typically have a solid wood core covered in a veneer. You can also have full glass or aluminum and glass doors. Glass doors allow greater visibility when preparing to leave the garage, which is why you see full glass doors at firehouses. Fiberglass doors are another attractive and durable option and are relatively lightweight.

Other Considerations

Some commercial garage doors are designed for specific purposes. A fire door will automatically close in the event the fire alarm is triggered. In other circumstances, you may need an insulated door or a ventilated door.

Call the Experts

Specializing in top-rated brands, at Garage Door Doctor, we prioritize quality construction and durability in all our projects in the Indianapolis and Bloomington areas. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition, including the prestigious International Door Association Award and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. We know your business is important and you need your garage doors to operate as intended. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services. We serve both residential and commercial clients. If you need installation, repairs, or maintenance for your commercial garage door or door opener, give Garage Door Doctor a call to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.

Bringing Your Garage Door Up to Code in Indianapolis

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 28, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Bringing Your Garage Door Up to Code in Indianapolis

Following local and state codes and regulations is a required part of owning a home and is crucial to keeping everything running smoothly and safely. Most codes and regulations are in place to ensure safety for yourself and others, lowering your risk of injury or property damage.

An automatic garage door is a complex system with numerous components that can lead to safety risks if it’s not functioning correctly. It is essential to keep your garage door up to code, preventing danger, enjoying the convenience, and steering clear of liability in the event of malfunction. If you spot signs that your garage door may need repairs, that is a good indication that the door and system are out of compliance with codes and regulations. In this case, you should have the door system inspected and repaired by a professional garage door technician.

Signs Your Garage Door May Need Repairs

There are many signs that your automatic garage door requires repair work. Some of these indicators are obvious, and some are not so much. No matter how small the problem may seem, repairs should happen quickly to ensure safety. Delaying the call to a professional can cause further damage to your door, motor, or other components as you continue to use the door. A garage door that doesn’t work as it should could leave you inconvenienced, at risk for injury, and subject to higher repair bills as the damage worsens. Check out these top warning signs that your door isn’t operating as it should so you know when you need to call in an expert:

Door Doesn’t Open or Close

What happens if you push the button on your garage door opener and nothing happens? The door won’t open or close, and your frustration and stress levels rise. The first step in this scenario is to try the hardwired button inside your garage. If the hardwired button works, then the remote is the problem. It may be that your batteries are dead, in which case you can change them on your own.

If changing the batteries doesn’t help, or if the hardwired button inside your garage doesn’t work either, you need a professional garage door technician to have a look. If your garage door does not open, you may not be able to get your car into the safety of your garage or out of the garage to be able to go anywhere. If the door refuses to close, your belongings, tools, equipment, and vehicle are exposed to the risk of not being secured and are wide open to the view of passersby. Depending on the season, you may also find that having the door open in extreme cold temperatures causes your home’s HVAC system to work harder to keep your house warm.

Door Opens and Closes On Its Own

When your garage door randomly opens and closes without pushing the buttons, you’ve got a massive issue. No, your house isn’t haunted. Several things can trigger your door opening and closing without you pushing the button, but a ghost probably isn’t one of them. The first thing you should do is check your buttons. If the buttons on your transmitter are old and dirty, one might be stuck, causing the door to open and close continuously. If the door closes with the button but opens back up, check that no obstructions are triggering the auto-reverse safety mechanism.

If you have no luck finding the problem after these simple steps, you’ll need a garage door professional. The problem may be within the electrical system. If you have a short circuit or wiring issue, the door could go haywire. Additionally, there are limit settings in the motor of your automatic door system that tell the door how far to go to open and close. If these settings are out of whack, the door may not move as it should. When your door is opening and closing on its own, steer clear of the doorway, and discontinue using your door until a professional makes repairs. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or property damage if the door randomly closes when a person or object is in the doorway.

Abnormally Noisy Operation

Given that your garage door is mechanical, you’re going to have some slight noise when it opens and closes. However, if you notice that the door is drastically noisier during operation than usual, you should call a garage door pro to assess the issue. You may have a problem involving your springs or tracks, which help keep the door in the proper position and moving at the correct speed. A broken spring can be extremely dangerous due to the amount of tension it holds. If a spring comes loose, it could shoot out across the garage and damage or injure anything it hits. Do not continue use of the garage door until it has been taken care of by a professional.

Door Opens and Closes Too Fast or Too Slow

The motor on your garage door helps keep the door opening and closing at the right speed. If your door moves too quickly, your safety mechanisms could fail as they are not able to sense something in the way before it is too late. A door that opens and closes too slowly can be a nuisance but also signifies a problem with the motor. Your garage door technician will take a look at the motor and make adjustments so that your door moves at the correct speed when opening and closing.

When Should You Call a Professional?

The answer to this is pretty simple and straightforward. If your automatic garage door is not functioning as it should, you need a professional to make repairs. You should never attempt to fix your garage door on your own because there are many components to making the door operate. These components include electricity, high-tension springs, and a very heavy door. Failing to understand how the components work and taking the necessary precautions when handling them could result in severe injury to yourself or others nearby, damage to your vehicle or belongings, or further damage to your garage door system.

Garage doors are subject to codes and regulations just like so many other parts of your home. Failing to stay up to date on local and state codes could result in injury or damage to your car or other belongings. If your garage door is not working as it should, always call a professional to handle repairs and avoid causing further damage. At Garage Door Doctor, we have reliable garage door experts ready to take your call and get your door back in proper working order. We pride ourselves on being the best in garage door repair, installation, and maintenance in the Indianapolis area.

If you need repairs to your automatic garage door to stay up to code in Indianapolis, call the trusted, skilled professionals at Garage Door Doctor.

Exploring the Most Popular Garage Door Styles

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on January 10, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Exploring the Most Popular Garage Door Styles

A well-chosen garage door can do wonders for a home’s curb appeal, resale value and safety. Let’s take a look at the six most common types of garage doors, each with its own advantages. We’ll also cover why choosing the right garage door matters and how to choose the right one for your Bloomington, IN, home.

Why Does Picking the Right Garage Door Matter?

There are a number of reasons why it’s important to choose the correct garage door for your house. In addition to affecting the property’s curb appeal and value, it also makes the inside more pleasant. With the correct door, you can improve the home’s insulation and temperature control while also increasing energy efficiency. The door’s security features are also important since they protect your house and family from intruders and harsh weather. If you take time to pick the right door, you’ll end up saving money in the long run. A quality door means fewer garage door repairs and less maintenance.

Raised Panel

Traditional raised-panel garage doors have rectangular panels set at an angle from the door frame. These doors, made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel or fiberglass, provide an elegant and classic look. As an added bonus, they complement both classic and contemporary house designs with ease. Elevated panels also improve aesthetics by adding depth and visual attraction to the façade. A few of their advantages include being adaptable, long-lasting and insulating. If you’re looking for a traditional style for your house, raised-panel garage doors are a great option.

Recessed Panel

With their delicately arranged panels, recessed panel garage doors have an air of understated elegance. Crafted from materials such as wood or steel, these doors emphasize sleek design and an upscale appearance. Their adaptability to different architectural types and simplicity make them a great choice for boosting curb appeal. For a more subdued look that works with modern, sophisticated houses, recessed panel garage doors are a great option.

Flush Panel

Because they don’t have any raised or recessed panels, flush-panel garage doors perfectly reflect contemporary minimalism. Made of materials such as steel or aluminum, these doors contribute to a contemporary, streamlined appearance. Flush panel doors are simple and versatile, making them perfect for houses with an industrial style. Among their many advantages are their low care requirements, contemporary architectural compatibility and minimalist appearance.

Carriage House Overlay

Overlapping conventional carriage doors with carriage house doors gives a garage a timeless look and feel. These doors are usually made of steel or wood and include ornamental hardware and overlays. For houses that want to exude an old-world charm, they work well. Carriage house overlay doors are a great addition to any property because of their stylish appearance and practicality.

Carriage House Stamped

Stamped carriage house garage doors are an affordable way to acquire the traditional look of carriage doors. These doors, made of steel and decorated with stamped designs, look like carriage doors but are much lighter and cheaper. They work well with both contemporary and classic house designs. A few advantages include affordability and achieving the classic carriage house look without sacrificing durability. This is because they are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Accent Planks

Garage doors with accent planks provide a unique design with textured and character-enhancing horizontal or vertical planks. These doors provide an old-world charm with their natural wood or wood composite construction. The textured surfaces of the doors are a good choice for houses that are looking for a distinctive focal point. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they provide a personal touch, pique the eye and help make the outside seem more welcoming.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door

The garage door you choose has a major impact on the aesthetics, energy efficiency and safety of your property. With so many options in terms of design and material, it’s important to consider a few factors when making a choice.

Material

Steel is strong and inexpensive. Wood is warm but might take more work to maintain. Aluminum is light and resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass is low-maintenance but may not last as long. Steel doors are easiest to remove dents from. To make an educated choice, consider your lifestyle, environment and intended aesthetic when choosing a material. Your region can also affect your choice of material. A metal door is a better place if you live in an area prone to wildfire. If you live in an area near the ocean, aluminum that is not coated properly can pit.

Insulation

Think about the R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance, when selecting a garage door. Insulation is better when the R-value is greater. Think about how often you park in the garage, how hot it gets outside and if it’s linked to the house; in the former case, you need a door with a higher R-value. Insulated doors not only make the garage more pleasant, but they also help with energy efficiency. To further reduce drafts and maximize insulation efficacy, search for features like weatherstripping and appropriate seals.

Style and Design

Consider your home’s architecture, your own aesthetic tastes and the door’s impact on the curb appeal when making your selection. Think of several designs, such as accent planks, carriage house stamped panels, flat panels, raised panels and recessed panels. Bring the door’s style in line with your home’s architectural style for a perfect fit that will boost your home’s curb appeal. Also, make sure the design fits in with the external aesthetics while still satisfying your own style.

Budget

To include a budget when choosing a garage door, add up all the costs, including the door itself and the installation. Think about your financial situation and the characteristics you want. Then, set a reasonable budget. Strive for a happy medium between short-term cost and long-term worth. To do this, you’ll need to investigate a variety of materials and styles within your financial constraints. Keep in mind that there may be recurring expenses for things like repairs and upkeep.

Security Features

Robust locking mechanisms, clever technological integration and long-lasting materials are important security characteristics to look for in a garage door. Try to choose doors that have strong panels, modern locking mechanisms and safe entry points. To make it more difficult for intruders to enter your door, consider using rolling code technology for openers. Also, think about getting a smart garage door opener that you can control from afar. Prioritizing these features adds to the safety and comfort of your home.

Climate Compatibility

Think about the insulation, weather resistance and material durability of the garage door with the local climate. To maximize energy efficiency, insulated doors with high R-values are perfect for homes in Indiana. This is because the state tends to experience fluctuating temperatures and precipitation. Doors made of steel or fiberglass are long-lasting, and they can withstand water with the right weather sealing.

Garage Door Doctor does so much more than help homeowners with garage door installations. We also specialize in garage door maintenance, repairs and even emergency services. Give us a call now to learn more about choosing the right garage door for your home.

6 Methods to Weatherproof Your Garage

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on December 5, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on 6 Methods to Weatherproof Your Garage

What is garage weatherproofing?

Garage weatherproofing is the process of sealing gaps, adding insulation, and installing moisture barriers to regulate the temperature and protect the interior of a garage from external elements like rain, wind, and pests.

Weatherproofing a garage involves six primary steps: 1. Installing insulation, 2. Applying caulking, 3. Upgrading the doorstop, 4. Replacing the sweep, 5. Sealing electrical outlets, and 6. Coating the concrete floor.

Tools & Materials for this Project:

Insulation (Rigid foam or Fiberglass)
Silicone-based caulk and caulk gun
Replacement vinyl doorstop strips
Rubber or silicone bottom sweep
Pre-cut foam outlet gaskets

1. Install Garage Door Insulation Kits (R-Value Improvement)

Your garage door is used to keep the elements out, but it typically lacks insulation. This is because most garage doors aren’t designed with that purpose in mind. Instead, they exist to offer basic security while being as light as possible. That helps to keep their costs low and their supporting infrastructure durable. That doesn’t mean you can’t insulate your garage door, however.

There are a variety of kits you can purchase to accomplish this job. And there are even a variety of materials you can choose from, depending on your specific needs. Common garage door insulation materials include:

Rigid foam insulation panels
Fiberglass batt insulation
Rockwool batt insulation
Ceramic batt insulation

Garage door insulation kits typically contain everything you need for installation. This includes pre-cut insulation, a utility knife, adhesive or installation clips, and even a mask, if necessary. After installing your insulation of choice, you can expect your garage to be warmer by about 12 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also expect a cooler garage in the winter because the insulation will prevent your garage door from radiating heat to the inside of your garage.

When selecting a kit, look for an R-value of R-8 or higher to see the most significant thermal improvement.

2. Apply Exterior Caulking to Windows and Frames

One of the most important goals of a garage weatherproofing effort is to prevent outside air from seeping into your garage. This means finding and sealing up any cracks around your garage door and its windows, if you have any. The simplest way to do this is by sealing the openings with caulk.

For small cracks, you can run a bead of caulk to seal them up. If you find any bigger cracks, you can use filler rope, grip strips, or backer foam to fill them. Then, you can caulk over the top of those materials to complete your seal. Just be careful not to get any caulk on any of the moving parts of your garage door.

3. Install or Upgrade Garage Doorstop

Most garage doors feature a type of molding that’s installed along their top and sides. It’s slightly flexible and meant to seal up against the doorframe to keep the elements out. If yours doesn’t have any, adding some will go a long way toward weatherproofing your garage.

If your garage door does have doorstop strips installed, you should inspect them for damage and replace any sections with cracks or missing pieces. Even if your garage door’s doorstop isn’t damaged, you should look for signs of a poor seal against the doorframe. If you see light coming through or feel a breeze, upgrade to a better-quality doorstop.

4. Replace the Bottom Garage Door Sweep (Sealant Gasket)

The next thing you can do to weatherproof your garage is to examine your garage door’s sweep and replace it if necessary. A garage door sweep is the rubber or silicon gasket material installed along the bottom edge of your garage door. Its job is to create a seal against the ground when the door closes to keep the elements out.

Over time, garage door sweeps can get deformed or damaged due to the constant weight of the door bearing down on them. You may even have pests that try to chew through this material to gain access, which causes damage. This damage can compromise the ability of your sweep to form a tight seal. On most garage doors, you can remove the sweep by pulling it out of its channel from one side of your garage door. Then, you can install the new one by lubricating the channel with a few drops of dish soap and sliding the new sweep into place.

If you have a wooden garage door, there’s a good chance that its sweep is nailed into place. To replace it, you must remove the nails. Then, you must clean the bottom edge of the door, seal it with sealant, and run a bead of caulk along it. That way, when you nail the new sweep in place, it will form a seal against both the door and the ground.

5. Seal All Switches and Outlets

Whether your garage walls have insulation or not, there are typically one or more places where air seeps through them. This is typically in the gaps inside and around your electrical switches and outlets. The simplest way to solve this problem is to remove the switch plates covering your switches and outlets. Then, install pre-cut foam insulation inserts before replacing the switch plates. While it won’t seal your switches and outlets completely, it should prevent the majority of drafts and air leakage from coming into your garage.

6. Seal Your Garage Floor

Most garages have concrete floors since it’s a durable material that can stand up to vehicles parked on top of them. However, bare concrete is often cold and can deteriorate quickly from water and road salts brought indoors from your vehicle. To prevent any damage, it’s a good idea to weatherproof your garage floor by applying a coat of waterproof paint, crystalline waterproofing, or epoxy to it.

The simplest option is waterproof paint, which you can apply yourself, assuming your garage’s concrete floor is in good condition. However, this is a solution that won’t last forever. You will need repeated applications over the years to maintain your waterproofing. The same goes for epoxy, which is a bit harder to apply by yourself. However, it lasts considerably longer.

If you opt for a crystalline waterproofing agent, you’ll likely need some professional help. In exchange, you’ll get a permanent waterproofing solution for your garage floor that you don’t have to worry about reapplying. You can even apply a layer of insulation and a wood overlay over your concrete floor once you’ve waterproofed it for even better comfort and temperature control inside your garage.

Your Local Garage Door Specialists

For over 14 years, Garage Door Doctor has offered high-quality garage door services to homes and businesses in the greater Indianapolis area. We install, repair, and maintain all types of residential and commercial garage doors. We can even help you weatherproof your existing garage door or recommend and install a replacement that will do a better job of keeping the elements out. Plus, we provide same-day service appointments and offer 24/7 emergency services for when you have a garage door problem that can’t wait.

If you need a garage door service you can trust in Indianapolis, call our team at Garage Door Doctor today.

Can You Paint A Garage Door? What To Know

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on November 1, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Can You Paint A Garage Door? What To Know

If the garage door goes up and comes back down, most people tend to forget about this part of the home. If you live in a community that has a homeowners association, however, someone might take notice of smaller details, such as chipped or faded paint, an unapproved paint color, dents, scratches, or broken windows. Many HOAs encourage garage maintenance, including painting. If you want to avoid violations or fines, though, it’s important to contact a professional garage door company to handle the details for you.

Becoming Familiar With HOA Guidelines

A primary function of an HOA is to create and enforce rules intended to maintain a residential community. Maintaining a community often includes preserving the original architectural and aesthetic theme of the area. The rules help ensure one or even a handful of properties doesn’t stand out too much from the others.

Each HOA is different, so it’s essential to read through your HOA’s handbook and keep a copy close by any time you plan on making changes to the exterior of your property. Many HOAs also require you to receive approval before commencing the work. While your HOA will have unique guidelines, you can usually expect the following regarding garage door painting.

Approved Colors

You may love the idea of a brilliant shade of blue or green to make your garage door pop, but your HOA might not. It’s likely your HOA has provided you with a list of approved paint colors or makes one available on their website, in their office, or even at your neighborhood hardware store. Be sure to share this list with the garage door company you work with so they can help you choose a color or colors that will complement the rest of your home. Choosing from this list will help speed along the HOA approval process and allow you to get started on your specific paint job that much quicker.

If you have your heart set on a shade that you can’t find on your HOA’s approved list, there could still be hope. Some HOAs allow homeowners to deviate from the list but require swatches to be painted so they can get a look at the color on your house before approving or rejecting it. We recommend using these small sample patches even if HOA guidelines aren’t an issue. After all, you want to ensure you really love the color before you’re stuck with it.

Appropriate Designs

Unfortunately, you probably can’t just ask your talented artist friend to paint a beautiful mural on your garage door. Along with paint colors, you’ll want to have a design in mind that you can submit to your HOA for approval. A solid coat covering the entire door is usually simple enough. However, accent colors around the windows, on any hardware, or along the trim could give your HOA reason to pause. Even if all of your colors are on the HOA’s approved list, seek approval of your planned design before taking on any of these intricate details.

Proper Maintenance

The painting might be finished, but your work isn’t done yet. Garage doors require maintenance to keep them running properly and looking great. Your HOA likely wants you to keep your garage door in a presentable condition, but cosmetic damages are bound to occur over time. Make sure you work with a dependable garage door company that can come back to touch up chips or scratches and even repair dents and cover them up with a fresh coat of paint afterward.

Hiring a Dependable Garage Door Company

In the Indianapolis, IN area, Garage Door Doctor can help you sort through HOA guidelines and leave you with a refreshed garage door you’ll love for years to come. A paint job might seem simple enough, but hiring professionals ensures the project is completed right and delivers long-lasting results. This is especially important if an HOA is involved.

Outdoor paint jobs, like garage door painting, aren’t your typical paint jobs. To ensure complete customer satisfaction, our team follows a meticulous painting process.

Prep Work

The prep work may vary depending on your particular garage door type and its condition. Generally, we’ll begin by removing old paint with a wire brush, scraper, and sanding pad. Once we’ve got a clear, smooth base, it’s time to clean the surface of the door with soap and a wet cloth. To ensure everything is removed, we’ll give the door a rinse with a hose or pressure washer.

After the garage door has been cleaned and allowed to dry, the next step is to apply painter’s tape to areas that shouldn’t be painted. With expert hands, our team will tape off the trim, any windows, gaskets, handles, locks, or other hardware. It’s also important to protect the area in front of your door and the inside of your garage, so we’ll lay down drop cloths where necessary.

Primer

To ensure the paint goes on smoothly and lasts as long as possible, we’ll begin with a coat of primer. Using a paintbrush, our team applies the primer to each individual panel, the stiles and rails, and the edges of the garage door. The primer then needs to dry for 12-24 hours before painting can begin.

Painting

Once the primer is dry, we can apply the high-quality (and HOA-approved) exterior paint we’ve helped you choose. Following the same pattern as the primer application, we’ll carefully paint the garage door panels from bottom to top and work our way outward, cleaning up any excess drips as we go. After the first coat of paint has dried, we’ll apply a second coat to make sure there are no missed spots or uneven patches. This may require a 12-hour drying period between coats.

Cleanup

Following an inspection of our work to ensure everything’s completely covered as it should be, we’ll clean up the area. Our team will take the time to remove all painter’s tape, dispose of any drop cloths, and clean up all of their protective gear and equipment. And just like that, you have a garage door that looks better than it did the day it was installed and that’s HOA-compliant!

Call Us Today

Although garage door painting seems straightforward, it’s an easy project to mess up if you don’t have the experience or proper tools. Fortunately, we have the right equipment, know what kinds of paints to use, and can get the job in no time for you, all at an affordable price. We’ll be happy to help you sort through the details of your HOA restrictions as well.

At Garage Door Doctor, we offer a wide range of garage door services. Whether you require maintenance, repairs, an entire door replacement, or door opener services for your residential or commercial garage door, we’re the company to rely on. Contact Garage Door Doctor to learn how we can get your garage door in Indiana looking brand new.

Dents Getting You Down? Reasons You Should Never Attempt to Fix a Garage Door Yourself

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on October 19, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Dents Getting You Down? Reasons You Should Never Attempt to Fix a Garage Door Yourself

Garage doors serve an important functional and aesthetic role for the home. According to Popular Mechanics, the average homeowner opens a garage door three to five times each day. This translates into 1,500 times per year. Because you look at your Indianapolis garage door quite frequently, it is understandable that you might notice any sudden appearance of dents or defects. While it may feel tempting to grab a can of paint or a handful of tools to fix it yourself, tampering with the garage door is the last thing you should do. Any attempts to alter your garage door will likely cause more harm than good. A look at the main reasons to leave repairs to the experts can help protect your property and ensure that it gets the care that it deserves.

What are the Most Common Causes of Dents in a Garage Door?

It happens to the best of us. Dents can easily occur when you accidentally bump or reverse your vehicle into the garage door. All of a sudden, the garage door becomes the proverbial object that was “closer than it appeared.” Dents can even occur from wayward bicycles or delivery trucks. While dents may look like minor dimples or scratches, they can actually represent a great deal of underlying damage. The top causes of garage dents include vehicles, weather-related incidents, and sports equipment, among others.

Vehicles

Whether your own a car or a guest’s vehicle accidentally bumps into the garage, any impact can cause substantial damage. Dented garage door panels can eventually cause the entire structure to warp. Dents can also cause bending that puts stress on the garage door’s torsion springs, bolts, or other hardware. You should never underestimate the damage that can occur from the force of impact. Did you know that the average pickup truck weighs 3.0 tons? What looks like a small dent at first can actually knock the garage door rollers out of alignment or damage the garage door track. After a vehicle hits your garage door, it is important to have an expert evaluate the situation and professionally fix the door so that it is back in workable shape.

Weather

Weather is another culprit for causing dents. Hailstorms release a torrent of solid precipitation that can easily damage your garage door. In addition, hail ranges in circumference from icy pellets the size of peas to large spheres the size of marbles or even golf balls. Since hailstorms are often sudden, there is usually no warning and no way to protect your garage door from the onslaught. Most people work with a professional after a hailstorm to address any garage door nicks or dents. In addition to hail, even common windstorms can create garage door damage. If the wind speed is strong enough, it can cause rocks or even lawn furniture to slam into your garage door. The combination of force and velocity can cause major damage to your door. A professional home services company can fix any weather-related damage before it becomes an eyesore or escalates into a structural problem.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment can dent your garage door within a few moments. Many people do not think about the risk of this type of damage before it is too late. For example, hockey pucks and baseballs can easily damage the door upon impact. Since many households have a basketball hoop installed above the garage door in the driveway, stray basketballs can also dent the door. Cricket balls, golf balls, and soccer balls can cause similar damage. In addition, even sports equipment like skateboards can damage garage doors if they get close enough. If sports are popular on your street, pay close attention and get a professional to make repairs as needed.

Inconsistent Maintenance

Garage maintenance is another key to a lasting garage door. Most experts recommend reaching out to a garage door company twice a year as part of your seasonal maintenance checklist. During a routine checkup, a garage door professional can fix any dents before they morph into greater damage.

Can You Fix a Dent in Your Garage Door Yourself?

Once you notice the dent in your garage door, you may feel tempted to roll up your sleeves and turn it into a DIY project. While homeowners have tackled other errands around the home with varying degrees of success, the garage door is an entirely different scenario. Did you know that the garage door is usually the largest and heaviest moving part of any home? Attempting to fix a garage door yourself can be ineffective and even quite dangerous. It is important to let a trained professional efficiently repair any door problems.

Risk of Injury

Attempting to fix a garage door puts you at substantial risk of injury. A garage door that swings loose from its moorings can cause severe injury or even death. Some doors weigh over 300 pounds and are usually several yards tall. Even the springs that open and lift a garage door operate under enormous tension. If one of these springs breaks off, it can also create a missile effect that causes injury. People who work for professional service companies undergo years of training to hone the skills necessary to work in garages. A professional also has the equipment necessary to complete the job correctly.

Risk of Compounding the Problem

Fixing a garage door dent is not a simple job of patching or painting over an area. Knowing the right way to fix each type of dent involves training. Any effort to fix a dent on your own can compound the problem instead of resolving it. Homeowners who attempt to “correct” a dent themselves can end up taking things too far and causing the dent to bow out the other way or spread. This creates an even more difficult and costly issue to repair than simply calling a professional to fix the original problem in the first place. Moreover, some dents involve underlying structural problems that the average person can miss. If a large automobile has hit your garage, there is a strong likelihood of underlying issues with your panels or frame. Resolving the issue is more than a matter of painting over a slight ding. Allowing a garage door professional to troubleshoot the issue saves you a lot of trouble in the future.

Risk of Voiding the Warranty

While some people skip the fine print of a garage door warranty, the terms are usually quite clear. Most manufacturers will only honor the warranty if you can prove that a professional has completed any repairs. If you attempt to complete the repairs on your own, the warranty becomes null and void. The reason is simple. An untrained individual can inadvertently worsen garage door problems without realizing it. A manufacturer is not liable for any errors that you make on your own. Retaining your warranty is especially important in the event of recalls or rebates. To avoid the risk of your warranty being cancelled, always consult with a garage door services company so that you have a proven record of all repairs.

Risk of Losing Time and Money

Attempting to fix a dent on your own often involves rudimentary research as well as purchasing all the equipment and materials yourself. Unfortunately, watching a few tutorials is no comparison to the training that garage service technicians undergo to complete their jobs. Garage door companies have relationships with component manufacturers and already possess the necessary parts that you may never find at your local hardware store. When you add up the opportunity cost of time and supplies, it is much more economical to schedule an appointment with a garage door company instead.

Get Help From Experts Today

Contact the experts for professional assistance. Garage Door Doctor provides services for homes and businesses in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Carmel, and the surrounding areas. We offer diagnosis, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs for every type of garage door. Our company also provides 24/7 services in the event of a garage door emergency. Contact Garage Door Doctor today to get the help you need.

How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on August 10, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take?

Scheduling garage door installation in Indianapolis, IN takes just minutes, but you may be wondering how long these projects take to complete. After all, for many homeowners, the garage serves as the preferred home entrance. If you park indoors and drive to the majority of your destinations, you might rarely use the building’s front door at all. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait days to see the results you want. Read on to learn which factors will determine the length of this project from start to finish.

Garage Door Installations in Brand-New Construction

If you’re having your home custom built and are eager to have your new garage door put in, you can look forward to a project that takes just two to three hours. In most instances, these jobs are straightforward and easy. There’s no old door to remove, no signs of stress-related wear on the surrounding building materials, and few items in the garage to work around, if any at all.

Unfortunately, most garage door installations aren’t this simple. When there are existing doors to remove, stored items in the space, and framing problems, installers usually need several more hours to get everything done.

Replacing a Simple Garage Door With the Exact Same Model

You might have a garage door that you really like, but it’s nearing or at the end of its expected lifespan. Replacing this unit with an identical model could shorten the duration of your project by eliminating the need to make refinements to the tracks or surrounding materials. This might be the best choice for your home if you want a basic and economical door design or if the door that you already have has all of the features you want. Identical door installations can take between two and four hours. However, it’s important to note that it might be better to explore your options in doors at the same price point or a similar price point before committing to the exact same door design.

Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years. If it’s been nearly three decades since your current garage door was installed, you might be surprised by the wealth of innovations that have been made in these products. There are garage doors with side-mount systems, significantly higher levels of insulation, higher-than-average fire ratings, and more. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint by tightening your home’s envelope, increase the curbside and overall aesthetic appeal of your property, or limit your risk of indoor fire damage, there are a lot of worthwhile options to consider.

Upgrading to a More Modern and Feature-Rich Door Design

Upgrading to a more modern and feature-rich door design will likely increase your installation time by about two to three hours. In general, more complex installation projects take about six hours to complete. The mounting pads, surrounding wood, and back jambs will probably need to be modified or replaced in this case. If your old door has caused any structural damage or noticeable wear to these features, replacement is the most likely choice.

When garage doors and their openers come with advanced features, homeowners should be on hand to learn how to use them after they’ve been put in. When we complete these installations, we take the time to give our clients in-depth tutorials of their new equipment. Our technicians don’t leave until homeowners understand how to use their new doors and openers, how to maintain them, and how to identify small or developing issues.

Choosing and Sourcing Your Garage Door

Although even fairly complex installations rarely take more than six hours to complete, you could find yourself waiting weeks for the garage door that you really want. This is especially true if you choose the wrong company to handle your project. At Garage Door Doctor we’ve been installing garage doors for residents of Indianapolis for quite some time. This has allowed us to establish a solid network of reputable door suppliers. As a result, we can source a wide variety of in-demand door designs in a timely fashion and at reasonable prices. Our industry experience and our long-standing supplier relationships additionally allow us to source materials at impressive discounts and then pass the savings on to our clients.

If you want a unique door design or have very specific ideas about the door features you want, you’ll get the best results by working with a licensed garage door company like ours. Hiring a general handyman or attempting to tackle this project on your own can result in extended delays, functional problems just after installation, and the loss of your door manufacturer’s warranty.

What to Expect During the Garage Door Installation Process

For all garage door replacement projects, we start by assessing the condition of the existing door and the surrounding materials. These assessments allow us to determine which options in replacement doors will work best and which structural repairs must be made before any new door is put in. After this inspection is done, you can work with our in-house design consultants to choose an option that offers the level of insulation, fire protection, and convenience you want and need. We’ll explain your choices in door openers, and we’ll help you find one that optimally suits your schedule, budget, and lifestyle.

On the day of installation, we’ll take your current door down and disassemble it. If you’ll be replacing your opener as well, we’ll take this out too. Next, we’ll take out all wood sections that have been improperly installed or that are rotted or damaged in any other way. After all, even a well-made door won’t fit or function as it should if it’s attached to warped, soft, or bowed boards. All back jambs and mounting pads will also be replaced as needed.

To suit the dimensions and design of your new door, we’ll install new tracks on each side of the door frame. These will guide your door into and back out of the open position. Once these tracks are securely in place, we’ll install the actual garage door and opener. To optimize the connection between your garage door opener and your garage door, we can additionally install an operator reinforcement bracket (ORB).

Your new garage door will be wired into your home’s electrical system. This is done by running a wire from the ceiling to a nearby sensor and wall switch. Without this connection, an automate garage door won’t work. Finally, we’ll finish your project by testing your garage door and showing you how to use it.

When you hire us to install your garage door, you can look forward to the timely completion of your project. We’re staffed by a talented team of highly trained professionals who understand the complexities of this work and the nuances of individual garage door models. We use diligent dust control and noise control measures to minimize disruption during the installation process. We also remove all project waste materials when leaving.

We know just how important it is to have a secure and high-performing garage door for your home. Proudly serving residents of Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas, we offer an impressive selection of garage door openers and innovative garage door designs. We also provide spring repair services and general garage door repair services. To schedule an appointment, contact us at Garage Door Doctor today.

Garage Door Installation in Indianapolis, IN

How Often Should You Lubricate a Garage Door Chain?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on April 24, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on How Often Should You Lubricate a Garage Door Chain?

Each time that you come and go from your home, you press your garage door button to move your door. Homeowners rely on their garage door opener to function each and every time they need access. However, issues can arise with this area of your home. In order to experience a quiet and smooth transition from open to closed, your garage door chain should be lubricated regularly. This is something that a garage door professional can take care of for you as part of a routine maintenance appointment. You can also take care of this maintenance yourself. Let’s talk more about the lubrication of your garage door chain and how often this process should be done.

The Benefits of Regular Garage Door Chain Lubrication

In order to fully understand why it’s important to regularly lubricate your garage door chain, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this process.

Smooth Transition From Open to Closed

A garage door chain that is in need of lubrication can be very loud. It can also experience some resistance, making the transition from open to closed rattle. Instead of tolerating your garage door shaking and rattling while it’s in the process of moving, you can lubricate the chain to maintain a smooth movement.

Preventing a Malfunction of Your Garage Door Chain

Have you ever pressed the button for your garage door to open or close, and nothing happened? There are a few reasons why this can occur, including a broken or jammed chain. When the chain mechanism is very dry and in need of lubrication, it’s more likely to snap. You’ll need to call in a professional to replace the chain, which is far more time-consuming and expensive than a quick lubrication.

Garage Door Chain Lubrication Frequency

You should routinely lubricate your garage door chain at least twice per year. Depending on how often you open and close your garage door, the frequency may increase. The area where you live can also impact this maintenance schedule. For example, living near the beach or in another harsh environment can put a lot of wear and tear on the chain. This is because of exposure to different kinds of materials like sand, high levels of humidity, etc. Some homeowners will lubricate their garage door chain every couple of months. Ideally, you want to keep up with this maintenance rather than just waiting for your garage door to sound noisy or rattle.

Try to avoid using a product that is overly greasy or oily when lubricating your garage door chain. This type of product will end up attracting a lot of dust and particulates to the chain. If those particles accumulate in all of the cracks and crevices of the chain, it can become more prone to breaking. If you apply too much product, you can wipe the excess away. Avoid spraying lubricant on other areas of your garage door, such as the rollers or the garage door opener.

If you live somewhere that experiences very cold temperatures during certain points of the year, you should choose an all-weather lubricant. Otherwise, certain products will become very thick and gel-like when temperatures outside fall below freezing. Also, avoid anything that can be corrosive to metal.

Steps for Lubricating Your Garage Door Chain

You can ask a garage door professional to lubricate your chain as part of an upcoming maintenance or repair appointment, but this is also something you can easily do on your own. Let’s take a look at the steps you should follow to lubricate your garage door chain.

Make sure that your garage door is completely closed. Unplug the garage door opener from its power outlet. When lubricating the chain, you want to avoid having the door move.

Use an old rag to remove any dirt, residue, or grease from the garage door chain. You can also use a vacuum to remove any debris that has accumulated.

Apply a product designed specifically for lubricating a garage door chain. These products are generally silicone-based for longevity and durability. You can also use WD-40 in a pinch. Spray the top, bottom, and sides of your chain. Spray lightly, as you don’t want the product to drip off the chain and all over your garage floor.

Plug your garage door opener back into the power outlet. Open and close your garage door a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant. You may need to repeat the process if you notice the chain is shaky or loud.

Other Related Maintenance

In addition to lubricating your garage door chain, there are some other related maintenance tasks to consider completing at the same time.

Inspect the Rollers

A thorough inspection of your garage door rollers will determine if there’s a repair or replacement that needs to be made. You want to make sure that the roller doesn’t shift or wiggle at all when you touch it. You can lubricate your rollers with lithium- or silicone-based grease for optimal protection.

Inspect the Hinges

Check your garage door hinges to make sure the attached hardware is secure. You also want to inspect for rust or signs of wear and tear. Hinges can be quickly replaced, if need be, which helps secure your garage door and protect its longevity. Hinges can also be lubricated if they are squeaking when in motion.

Tighten Your Garage Door Chain

Your garage door chain can have a little bit of a sag to it, but it shouldn’t come anywhere near your garage door. You also want to prevent the chain from being tightened too much, which increases the chance of the chain snapping.
If you need to tighten the chain, loosen the nut that is closest to the garage door. The chain should drop slightly. Loosening the inner nut at this point will allow you to tighten the chain using the outer nut. Make sure both are secure when you are finished.

Listen for Odd Noises

Aside from visually inspecting your garage door chain and lubricating it, there are some other issues to listen for. The sound of your garage door chain hitting your garage door indicates that the chain needs to be tightened. A vibrating sound may mean that the bolts holding the chain in place are loose or damaged. Many people mistake roller issues for a damaged chain, so look closely at both of these areas if there are odd noises when your door is in motion.

There may be a problem with your garage door that requires the attention of a garage door professional even though you have routinely lubricated your garage door chain. Reach out to Garage Door Doctor if you live in Bloomington or the surrounding areas to schedule an appointment for garage door maintenance or repair. In addition to emergency repairs and services, Garage Door Doctor will address residential and commercial garage door maintenance, spring repair, and total garage door replacement.

What To Do When the Chain on a Garage Door Opener Comes Off

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 16, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on What To Do When the Chain on a Garage Door Opener Comes Off

What should you do if your garage door chain comes off?

If your garage door chain comes off, immediately disconnect the power, pull the emergency release cord, and manually close the door. You will then need to loosen the tension bolt, realign the chain on the sprocket, and retighten the tension to roughly ½ inch above the rail.

Most automatic garage door openers are chain driven. The chain is connected to two sprockets that work to drive the carriage or trolley so the door opens and closes. One sprocket is located at the motor and the other is at the end of the rail just next to the garage door itself. Garage door chains require a bit of slack in order for the motor to smoothly open and close the door. The issue is that the constant vibration that occurs whenever the motor runs can start to loosen the chain to where it starts to drag on the rail or disconnect entirely.

If the chain ever does come off, the opener won’t work and you’ll need to manually open and close the door. This is one reason why it’s always a good idea to have your garage door professionally maintained every year as the technician will always check and tighten the chain. Fixing a chain that has come loose may seem like a simple job; however, attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous. One wrong move, and you can cause injury or even death. If the chain on your garage door comes off, a call to a repair technician is warranted. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being curious about how the technician will repair your garage door. Below are the steps the technician will take to reattach your garage door chain.

Disconnecting the Door From the Opener

The first thing the technician will do is disconnect the door from the opener. There will be a cord with a red handle hanging from the carriage, which is the trolley carriage along the trolley or rail.

If the chain comes off when the door is fully open, the technician will not worry much as the door will normally stay up even after he or she disconnects the carriage from the trolley. However, there is always a chance that the door can come slamming down upon disconnecting the chain. Technicians are aware of these risks, and they have the training and the tools to mitigate them.
After disconnecting the carriage, the technician will then need to close the door by hand so he or she can access the chain. To do this, the technician will pull down on the emergency release cord that is connected to the door.

Unplugging the Motor

Once the door is disconnected and closed, the technician will climb on a ladder to unplug the motor from the outlet. This is essential as the technician will not want the motor to suddenly come on while working, as it can lead to injury or even death.

Putting the Chain Back on and Then Adjust for Tightness

Depending on how loose the chain is, the technician may simply be able to slip it straight back onto the sprockets. They will make sure that the chain is fully on the sprocket at the motor. Depending on the specific model, the technician may need to use a screwdriver to pry off the cover to access the sprocket.

The technician will then need to take a ladder and climb up to the end of the trolley next to the door. He or she will see a second sprocket at the end of the trolley. If the technician can’t get the chain to easily slide back on the sprocket, he or she will first need to loosen it to secure and retighten it.

The technician will see a bolt that goes through the carriage and attaches to the chain with two nuts threaded on one side of it. The nut that is closest to the opener is the locking nut, and the nut closest to the door is the tension or adjustment nut.

The technician will first need to slightly loosen the locking nut with pliers or a wrench and then loosen the adjustment nut until the chain sags enough that he or she can enable it to slip back onto the sprocket. Once the chain is back in place, the technician will then start to turn the adjustment nut in the opposite direction to tighten the chain. The technician has the experience to know that tightening the chain too much can cause it to break or the opener to not work correctly. He or she will test if the chain is too tight or too loose by pushing down on it with one finger. The chain should only give by about an inch. Any more give and the chain is still too loose, and any less give means it is too tight.

Once the chain is properly tightened, the technician will retighten the locking nut to ensure it stays in place. The technician knows that forgetting this step will cause the chain to quickly come loose and eventually fall off again.

Plugging the Motor in and Testing That Your Door Works Correctly

The last steps are to plug the opener motor back in and then test that everything works as it should. After plugging the opener in, the technician will reconnect the carriage to the trolley. This is done by pulling the red emergency cord back in the direction of the opener until the carriage clicks back in place. When the carriage re-engages, the technician will usually notice that the chain suddenly has a bit more slack. This is normal and the chain will tighten back up as soon as he or she opens the door.

Once everything is reconnected, the technician will test your garage door to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. If the technician notices the chain slightly dragging on the rail when the door opens and closes, he or she will disconnect the carriage again and tighten the chain a bit more.

If the door opens and closes as it should and the chain doesn’t drag, then the technician’s job is done. If the motor doesn’t work for any reason or the chain immediately falls off again, then the garage door technician will inspect the opener further to determine what is causing this problem.

Depending on the specific cause, you may need to have the chain replaced, or you will potentially need to replace the opener. If the chain constantly falls off, it usually means that the teeth on the sprockets have worn down to the point where they can’t properly grip the chain. As such, you may need to have the sprocket, motor or both replaced.

If you need to have your garage door chain put back on or you need your garage door or opener serviced in any way, the expert team at Garage Door Doctor is always here to help. We specialize in all types of garage door repairs, and we can also help if you need a new door or opener installed. We service both residential and commercial clients, so give us a call today if you need any garage door service in Indianapolis, Carmel or the Bloomington areas.