Tag: Garage Door Replacement

Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting Tips

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on November 2, 2017. 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 accidentally 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 October 6, 2017. 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 October 4, 2017. 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 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!

Six Ways To Upgrade Your Garage

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on August 23, 2017. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

In today’s world, one thing that a lot of us have in common is wanting more space in our homes. We are always trying different strategies in an attempt to upgrade our homes, whether it’s remodeling the kitchen or redecorating the living room. But why are garages often overlooked when planning an upgrade to your home?

Most people think of the garage as just a place to park their car, and maybe somewhere to store all their extra clutter. However, a garage can be more than just a storage area, and its potential is often underused. Let’s take a look at a handful of ways you can upgrade your garage and utilize its space.

Get Organized

Working on more garages than we can count, we know how disorganized garages can become. But there are many different options available for getting your garage organized. Wall organizers can be extremely helpful and can cut down your garage clutter in no time by removing items off the floor and placing them onto the walls. This not only gives you easy access and storage for your items, but it also creates much more floor space. If your garage has space, installing ceiling storage is a great way to organize items that were originally stored in your garage.

Epoxy Flooring

If you’re going to upgrade your garage, you should consider improving the floor. For those who have an old garage, the flooring is most likely concrete and may have some oil stains and cracks here and there. Overall, looking at the floor makes your cringe. Sure, you can take the time to power wash the stains off and scrub the floor clean, but you’re still left with an old concrete floor.

Epoxy flooring is a trend that has taken off with garages. A lot of new or upgraded garages will contain epoxy flooring. Sealing a garage floor with epoxy is very common for car collectors and vintage car restoration fanatics. This flooring makes messes much easier to clean and is more visually appealing than a concrete floor. Sealing with epoxy will give you a garage floor you’ll appreciate every time you step foot on it.

Install Cabinets

While wall organizers work great for storing and organizing items in your garage, they are limited to the amount of weight they can hold and what they can store. Adding cabinets to your garage is an efficient way to store small items, as well as items that are bulky. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets turn vertical space into innovative storage possibilities, getting everything off the garage floor and into a cabinet, safe behind a door. Cabinets can either be fitted or mounted for more stability, or free-stand cabinets are a good option for garages that move around a lot to meet the necessary demands. Getting custom made storage cabinets for your garage will allow for effective usage of the vertical space wherever it is needed. Custom cabinets can vary from floor-to-ceiling; base cabinets under a countertop; upper cabinets over workspaces, vehicles, or belongings; enclosed cabinets with drawers; or a combination of them all! Even if your garage is small, you can still upgrade it by adding upper cabinets, providing sufficient and functional storage in addition to parking accommodation.

Invest in Insulation

Heating and cooling costs can end up getting expensive, especially if you have a garage. Although garages can open and shut, they still allow air in, which ends up changing the temperature of the garage. When a garage is attached to a house, it can affect the temperature inside of the home. An insulated garage door will conserve energy, keep your garage warmer, be less likely to come out of alignment, and will be significantly quieter than a door without insulation.

Even if you take the time to insulate your door, there are still other issues you may face if your garage is attached to your house. If your garage has concrete walls, cold air can still be transferred to your garage and home. Insulating the ceiling and walls of the garage will help stop the fluctuation of temperatures in your house, lowering the energy bills, even if the temperature changes inside your garage.

Forget the Remote Opener, Use a Smartphone

Our phones are an important part of our lives. Studies have shown that we use our phones more than four hours each day, so why not open your garages with one? There are many garage door openers that use this technology so that your garage can be controlled in the palm of your hand, no matter where you are. Garages can open and close with the tap of a button, but having your phone serve as a remote, you’ll never have to worry about losing those tiny openers that only work within a certain range. Even if your current garage door opener doesn’t have the wireless smartphone technology, special sensors are available to pair with your current opener, giving you the same functionality.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

In a previous blog, we explained how garage doors can improve your home’s curb appeal. In most cases, garage doors are the first thing people see when arriving at a home that has one, so it’s important to make a good impression. No garage upgrade is complete if the door is old or requires consistent troubleshooting or maintenance. By upgrading to a new garage door that perfectly captures the idea you have in mind, you can instantly transform your home’s curb appeal. Some new garage doors even come with insulation, which will end up saving you money on your energy bills. Upgraded garage doors also make for better security, making it harder for intruders to get in than it would be with a bad-fitting or faulty garage door. Lastly, upgrading your garage door and opener will save you time and money by requiring significantly less maintenance than what an older one would need.

Call the Garage Door Doctor

When you’re upgrading your garage and are looking for a new door or opener, contact Garage Door Doctor! We perform garage door installations throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We carry a variety of residential garage door types, like raised, recessed, and flush panel doors, accent plank doors, and carriage house stamped and overlay doors. We also offer installation of reliable Liftmaster garage door openers.

Let Garage Door Doctor help complete your garage upgrade with our wide selection of modern doors and openers. For more information, contact our team today!

How Long Will My Garage Door Last?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on May 15, 2017. Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Garage doors are something that people tend to give little thought to. That is, until something happens to go wrong with their door. Having a garage door that won’t open or close can leave you stuck without your car or it can leave the items in your garage vulnerable to theft. Instead of finding yourself in one of these inconvenient scenarios, it’s important to think about your garage door so you can schedule the garage door services you need for your Indianapolis home. Scheduling regular maintenance will ensure that your door functions properly for as long as possible. If you’re wondering just how long your garage door will last, we’d like to go over some important information with you today in regards to that question, so keep reading!

The Average Lifespan Of A Garage Door

While garage doors may vary from type and design, the average door is generally created with a standard spring mechanism that is capable of 20,000 cycles. With this number of cycles, it is estimated that the garage door will last around 30 years depending on use, the climate, and the upkeep with regular maintenance. If your garage door happens to use tension springs instead of standard springs, you may only get about 5,000 to 10,000 cycles out of your garage, which would result in about 15 years of use. One garage door cycle is counted as opening and closing the door.

Why Maintenance Is So Important

You may be lucky enough to get 15 or 30 years of use out of your garage door without any maintenance, however, it’s not likely. If you regularly maintain your garage door, it is likely that not only will you prolong the life of your door, but you could also avoid repairs that are costly, such as issues with the springs, track issues, noise problems, and broken cables, just to name a few. Don’t ignore your garage door and expect it to work perfectly forever.

What You Can Do To Help

While we recommend that you have a professional come to inspect your garage for any problems on an annual basis, there are things you can do to help maintain the functionality of your garage. About every six months, use mild detergent and water to clean the garage door itself. This will help to protect the door from the damage that daily use and weather can cause. If your door has sensors that keep it from closing if there are objects or persons in the way, it’s important to clean the sensors with a cloth every few months, and keep the area clean near the sensors. Remove any cobwebs or debris that may have built up. You’ll also want to lubricate the garage door track and wheels every three to six months. You can either use a general-use penetrating oil or a graphite compound that you can spray.

In order to keep your garage door running efficiently for as long as possible, you’ll need to take care of the needs of your door. If you are in need of garage door services for your home in Indianapolis, don’t hesitate to call us here at Garage Door Doctor. We also offer our services for the surrounding areas of Whiteland, Plainfield, Lebanon, and Franklin. We look forward to your call.

Three Signs You Need A New Garage Door

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on May 10, 2017. Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

There are many different reasons to get a new garage door, however, if yours is exhibiting any of the signs we’re going to talk about today on the Garage Door Doctor blog, it’s likely that getting a new garage door for your Indianapolis home is going to be essential.The good new is, we don’t only offer our services in Indianapolis, so if you’re in Bargersville, Camby, Geist, and Mooresville, we can help you with all of your garage door needs. Keep reading to learn the signs you should be paying attention to that can alert you that it’s time for a new garage door.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Garage Door

Frequent Breakdowns And Constant Noise

If you’re finding that your garage door is breaking down on a regular basis or it’s not opening or closing the way it was intended to, it may be time for a replacement. In addition to frequent breakdowns, loud noises are not only annoying to listen to, but they can also indicate that your door is no longer functioning correctly, and it may even be a sign of a safety hazard. If the problem goes beyond a simple repair by a professional, it may be time to opt for a new door instead of multiple service calls.

Out-Of-Date Design

In the same way that a new garage door can enhance the look of your property, an outdated door can drastically decrease the curb appeal of your home. Whether the design of your current door is simply old-fashioned or you have a door that has paint chipping or the wood is splitting, this is a sign that you need an updated garage door. You can find all of the new, modern designs for garage doors when you shop with us. Whether you’re looking for a door that has raised panels, recessed panels, a carriage house overlay, or even accent planks, we have many of the most popular designs available for you to purchase for your home.

Lacks Efficiency And Safety Features

Along with updated designs, newer garage doors have safety and efficiency features that older doors don’t have. Newer doors will provide you with standard features such as insulation, weather strips, bottom seals, and more. Newer doors also commonly have safety features, such as sensors, that reduce the likelihood of the door closing on someone or something that’s stuck under the door.

Instead of simply tolerating your old garage door, maybe it’s time to think about upgrading to take advantage of all of the benefits that come with getting a new door. Garage doors are a heavy piece of machinery, and keeping an old, unsafe door can not only make using your current door frustrating, but it may increase the risk that something will go wrong with the door, which could potentially be harmful to a loved one.

Don’t continue to put off getting a new garage door for your Indianapolis home. Call Garage Door Doctor today to learn more about upgrading your door. We look forward to hearing from you!

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on April 26, 2017. Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Your garage door serves as more than a tool to keep the components of your garage protected from the elements. Your garage door is often a focal point of the front of your house, and it can either add to or detract from your home’s curb appeal. If you’ve been thinking about having a new garage door installed, call Garage Door Doctor. We can install a beautiful, residential garage door that will dramatically improve the look of your Indianapolis home. If you’d like to completely revamp the curb appeal of your home, we have a few more tips for you on how you can boost the exterior look and feel of your home.

Top Tips For Adding Curb Appeal To Your Home

Make Your Front Door Pop

Aside from your garage door, your front door is probably the most noticeable feature of your home—or at least it could be! Getting a front door with a unique design or painting your front door a fun color is a great way to draw attention to your home’s entrance. Even if you’re not up for replacing or painting your front door, you can add decals to the door that say things such as, “welcome,” or “hello.” You can also add decorative wreaths that you update throughout the year based on the season. The possibilities to make your front door pop really are endless.

Update Your Mailbox

If you have a mailbox in front of your home, there’s no need to keep the standard, metal mailbox that has been outside your home for the last 15 years. A mailbox is an easy item to replace and you can find one that suits your own style and even shows off a bit of your personality. You can even add a flower box around your mailbox to make it more of a focal point.

Add Window Boxes

Speaking of flowers, adding window boxes to the windows in the front of your home adds more of a three dimensional look to the exterior, and it also adds to the color of your home. Make sure that you pick flowers and plants that will complement your home’s color scheme.

Build An Arbor Or A Picket Fence

Adding an arbor to the ground where the walkway to your front door meets the sidewalk in front of your home will act as a beautiful entryway to your property. If you’d like to add a little more definition and security to the yard in front of your home, a white picket fence is the epitome of curb appeal.

Add Art

Outdoor art can consist of birdbaths, sculptures, metal cutouts, wind chimes, and fountains. Find pieces that fit your personal style and preferences, while also keeping with the theme and colors of your home.

If you’re ready to boost the curb appeal of your home, call Garage Door Doctor to have a new, residential garage door installed, and try some of our other tips listed above. We offer our garage door services in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.