Caring For And Maintaining Your Garage Door, And When To Call For A Professional

If you live in an area where the seasons can be on the extreme side, it's important to maintain your garage door and keep it in good working condition. Specialists recommend a few simple maintenance techniques to keep your garage door running like new.

 

Lubrication

As a key part in the maintenance of your garage door, lubrication should be done regularly to several components of your door, including;

• Guide Tracks - Using methylated spirits, wipe down the internal area of the guide tracks. It is important that the surfaces stay as smooth as possible, and free from moisture or dirt. Please be advised you should NOT use any oils or grease on these components. Sectional doors will not need the inside of their guide tracks polished.
• Springs - If you are able to reach them it is recommended they be wiped down with an oily rag.
• Hinges - For steel hinges, simple 3-in-1 machinery oil is recommended. No lubrication is required for plastic hinges, however you may use silicon based lubricant spray to loosen them if they get stuck.
• Opener Chains - The opener chain should be carefully lubricated with a chain lube.

It is recommended that you should lubricate the components three to four times a year, or approximately every three months.

 

When To Service

It is recommended that a professional come out to service your garage door once a year. Some components you cannot repair or replace yourself, thus requiring the assistance of a professional. These components include;

• Springs - It is highly important that the springs' tension be at the correct level. Over time, springs lose their tension with use. This can result in slower operating times and the door may stop opening all together. The professional can remedy this and give the springs a good tune up.
• Lifting Cables - Wear, fraying, and corrosion will be checked for and serviced as needed. Like with the springs, these cables function under specific tensions and it is recommended by manufacturers that a professional make any needed repairs to them.
• Various Other Components - Such as nuts, bolts, and screws will also be checked and repaired/replaced as needed.

Following these recommended maintenance guides and having annual tune-ups will greatly lengthen the lifespan of your garage door, providing you with years of dependable service. If you would like to know more about maintenance techniques and garage door repair, feel free to contact us at our website.

Garage Door Repair: Signs Your Garage Door May Need Repair

 

The advent of automatic garage doors make our daily lives much easier as we are now simply able to drive into our garages without getting out of the car. However, as with any mechanized system, the parts that open and close your garage door are subject to wear and tear and can end up breaking down over time. Thusly, it can be important that you know the signs to look out for that can be indicative that your garage door may be in need of repair. Here are a few of the signs you can look out for that can indicate that you may be in need of garage door repair.

 

Your Remote Control Stopped Working

On occasion, homeowners will find that the button within their garage will still trigger the garage door to open and close, however, they find that the remote control in their car no longer opens the garage door. While this could simply mean that your remote control needs to be replaced, it could also indicate other issues with your garage door’s system; for instance, the remote control sensor may have gone out and needs to be replaced. Either way, it is important that you have a specialist repair your system so that it can function properly once more.

 

Loud Garage Door

While garage doors make a certain amount of noise when they are opening or closing, some homeowners will find that their garage door has begun to make a great deal of noise and/or unusual squeaking sounds. These noises, if not normal for your garage door, could indicate a great number of problems with your system and it is thusly vital to have it inspected and repaired before it breaks. While it could be something as simple as the rollers and bearings needing lubrication, it could be something more serious that would require immediate repair.

 

Garage Door Moves Slowly

Noticing that their garage door has begun to move slower over time is a common problem homeowners have. Luckily, this is generally an easily fixable problem as it can usually be solved by replaced the garage door’s springs.

 

Noticing problems in your garage door early can help you to have it repaired before any further issues develop. Contact us to find out more about the signs that can indicate that your garage door is in need of repair.

Giving a New Garage Door as a Christmas Gift to Prepare for Winter

 

Obtaining a new garage door should be a special occasion worth celebrating during the holidays, because it's going to bring you much more joy than you probably initially realize. While some people may think replacing a garage door is a hassle, it isn't when you have a quality installation service that doesn't usurp your time. Once you see the benefits of owning a quality garage door made of steel and with plenty of insulation, the upcoming new year is going to look a lot better in how well your home functions.

 

Why not buy a new garage door as a surprise gift for the holidays this year to help benefit your entire family? The reasons why it makes such a great gift relate to how much time we really spend in the garage, and what we store out there.

 

The Usefulness and Aesthetic of a New Garage Door

 

Many people are starting to build an extra room in their garage so an added family member can sleep there and even reside there if necessary. This can't be done without a new garage door that's durable and helps shield away cold and heat during the year. Depending on where you live, winter could be a big problem for anyone sleeping in a new room built in your garage.

 

The same goes for the time you spend out there working on projects. Most males in the family have their tools stored in the garage and frequently work on projects there. This could involve a building project, or perhaps doing repair work on cars much of the time. Having an updated door will help keep the heat bills down and make the garage as warm as the rest of the house.

 

Also, don't forget you need to protect the things you store in your garage. Having an older door without decent insulation could potentially ruin tools or other valuable things due to the cold, hence causing warping, or even bringing in condensation.

Most of all, you're going to love the aesthetic quality of a new garage door. Here at Door Tech Garage Doors, you have the choice of many different styles that give you everything from modern design to a 19th century wooden carriage door look. It's a chance to show off some real style to the exterior of your home while protecting one part of the house that sometimes gets overlooked.

 

Contact us before the holiday season ends so we can install a new door for you to prove how much joy and money saving it's going to bring for your family in the new year.

When to Call in a Pro for Same Day Garage Door Repair

If your garage door is giving you problems, there's more at stake than just leaving your car outdoors, it's also a security issue. Although it might be tempting to try to do repairs yourself, it's best to leave it to the pros. If you find yourself not being able to open or close the door, it's time to call in an expert in same day garage door repair. Here are some things to look out for that might indicate that the door is in need of servicing.

 

 

Inspect and Lubricate

The best way to avoid trouble is to look for signs of wear on your garage door. You will want to thoroughly check out the rollers and tracks for any signs of rubbing or binding. Most times, you are in your vehicle when your garage door is working and you may not see trouble brewing. Check operation of the door closely by running it up and down a few times. Do you notice anything unusual such as spots that are rubbing or dragging? 

Are there any unusual noises coming from the door while it's operating? Squeaks and groans coming from the door wheels and rails might just mean that they need a little grease. You can easily find products specifically made for this purpose at a hardware or home improvement store. If you're hearing loud scrapes, pops or pings, it's probably a good idea to get a professional to take a look.

 

Garage Door Openers

Now that you are thinking about your garage door, it's a good time to install new batteries in your opener. Investing a couple dollars in batteries will save a lot of regret if you get stuck outside in the rain. Generally speaking, when it comes to batteries, you get what you pay for. Although batteries from a discount store are cheaper and they might do in a pinch, it's better to buy name-brand batteries so you know you're getting the freshest and best quality batteries.

This is also a good time to check the door opener switch on the wall and your garage light. Does the wall switch work right? Do you remember the last time you changed the bulb? If not, it would be a good idea to replace it so that you don't have any problems later. At the same time, clean out the light cover to let more light shine through and avoid any kind of fire hazard from dead bugs trapped inside.

 

Does Your Door Close All the Way?

If your garage door doesn't close all the way or has a gap at the bottom on one side, it could be a sign that it is misaligned or that the springs need to be adjusted. Misalignment can cause undue stress on the wheels and tracks. If left unattended, it's quite possible that, one day, your door will fail to open or close at all.

Garage door springs are very dangerous and many accidents happen every year when people try to make adjustments themselves. This is because the springs that assist in lifting your door are under a huge amount of tension. If you think the door springs may be the cause of any problems, it's best to let the professionals take care of it for you.

 

If you would like to speak to one of our professionals about any troubles you are having with your garage door, please contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What Garage Doors Can Do For You

When people are building a house, they spend tons of time choosing color schemes, appliances, lighting fixtures, flooring.... How much time do they spend thinking about garage doors? Odds are, not much time at all. Garage doors are just a necessity, things we need to close our cars up away from the elements. The truth is, garage doors are a lot more useful than you may realize. Here are some of the things garage doors can do for you:

 

1. Save energy. New garage doors are available in insulated options that can help save heating and cooling energy in your home. 

 

2. Protect from damaging winds. Wind-resistant, code-approved garage doors are now available in areas that are at high-risk for tornadoes and hurricanes. 

 

3. Work during power outages. Most garage doors have a back-up battery operating system so they will work even when your power is out.

 

4. Added security. Sometimes you don't notice that you didn't click that button hard enough to shut your garage doors. New options offer an in-house alert system that will tell you if one is open.

 

5. State-of-the-art keypads. New designs in exterior keypads include fingerprint recognition technology so you can open your doors with a scan of your finger.

 

Garage doors also add unique style and character to your home. Many designs are available and you can choose a style that matches your personality and improves the appearance of your home. Here are some tips to help you choose the best doors for your home:

 

Choose colors that compliment siding and trim. The first step in finding garage doors for your home is to think about color. Wood garage doors allow you to choose a wide range of paint colors or stains, but they require a bit more maintenance. Steel door options usually come prepainted, but they still offer an adequate selection of color, and most can be custom-designed if you have a specific color in mind.

 

Match to door and window styles. Pay attention to door and window details to fully unite your garage doors with the style of the home. Many garage doors have "top lights"-rows of windows along the tops of the doors. The style of these top lights should compliment the style of your windows. They are available with panes, arches, and a variety of popular and classic styles. Your garage doors can also compliment the style of your front entry doors.

 

Embrace historical style. If you have a historical period home, contemporary garage doors will look sadly out of place. Stick with the beautiful, historical architecture of your home, and choose carriage house or stable-style doors that represent the appropriate period. 

 

Garage doors provide both practical and aesthetic benefits to your home. Please contact us for further information regarding garage door design and installation.

Garage door opener repair - Don't wait until your door fails

A garage door opener is one of the many conveniences homeowners use daily, but neglect to regularly inspect or maintain. Failure can not only be a big inconvenience, but also a security threat and possibly cause costly damage. Homeowners should be on the lookout for any evidence that their door is or will soon be malfunctioning.

Often homeowners don’t pay attention to their door, they just press then open button and hop in their cars, or press the button to close and go into their home. This can lead to the homeowner not hearing or seeing potential problems. A malfunctioning door can give many symptoms, including noisy operation, choppy or jittery operation, hesitation and if the door only works intermittently. Neglecting the early signs of failure only sets you up for inconvenience and even a larger cost to repair.

If your garage door is malfunctioning, it is imperative to get it fixed immediately. A malfunctioning unit can cause damage to your door, surrounding structures and could potentially ruin the unit. Homeowners should consult a professional for garage door opener repair as they have the potential to cause great bodily harm. Being proactive with your opener can save you money by preventing damage and prolonging the life of the opener and the door.

Those homeowners, who have an old garage door opener, might find it better and more cost effective to have a new one installed. Technology has changed drastically in the past decades and newer models offer much quieter and smoother operation as well as can cut down on energy use.

If you would like more information on repairing your garage door or installing a new opener, please contact us.

New Garage Doors And Home Security

Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable entry points to your house. Approximately 50% of Arizona's residential burglaries occur after home owners leave the garage door open. Break ins take place in less than 6 seconds as well. Rather than simply focusing on buying the most attractive new garage doors, shift your shopping perspective to security considerations for a bit.

Below are key garage door security factors to keep in mind as you shop. 

• 12" Burglar Invitations: Avoid new garage doors that have a tendency to stick and leave an unintended open invitation for burglars. Choose doors that close with ease. It only takes 12 inches of open garage door space for a sneaky thief to crawl through and rob you.
• Keychain Remote Door Openers: Garage doors that open with remotes secured by visor clips are obsolete. Criminals easily remove such openers from automobiles. We recommend you purchase new garage doors controlled by keychain remote openers. 
• Easily Secured Emergency Releases: National newscasters warn home owners of burglars using coat hangers to gain entry to break into garages. Look for doors with emergency releases that are easily reinforced with simple yet effective zip-ties.
• Secure And Strong Materials: The most secure garage doors are made of solid-core wood or reinforced steel. Choose doors that are strong enough for installing an anti-kick device as well.
• Garage Door Opener Codes: Second generation garage door openers provide home owners with an option to create unique codes. The new garage doors you select should be controlled by the latest technology for optimal security. Remember to set an original code after installation.

Plan to protect your home's valuables such as golf clubs, lawn equipment, tools and cars with us. Contact us for answers to garage door security-related questions. Our priority is helping you keep your home, possessions and family secure.

4 Questions to ask yourself when choosing a new garage door

If you're in the market for a new garage door, you're in good company. Many homeowners choose to replace their garage doors because they want to make their homes more energy efficient, and they want to increase the property values of their homes. However, you probably feel a bit unsure about which type of garage door you should choose. To help, we've compiled a list of questions you can ask yourself that might help to make your decision a little bit easier.

1. Are you looking for something that complements your home? 

Some homeowners don't want to bring extra attention to their garages, and so they want a door that will blend in. However, if you have an exceptional garage, you might want something a little bit different. Knowing your vision for the look of your garage door will help narrow your choices down.

2. What is your budget like?

Your budget will play a major role in the type of door you order for your garage. Some homeowners are working on remodeling other areas of their homes, and so they opt for a more economical door with plans to replace it in the near future. Others want to invest in a door that will stand the test of time. 

3. Is your garage used for more than just parking your cars? 

Many of us only use our garages for parking our cars or for doing minor home repairs. However, perhaps you're one of those guys who's fortunate enough to have a garage to use as your "man cave." No matter what your vision is for your garage, there's a door to fit every one of your needs. 

4. Is it important to you to have a remote controlled garage door?

A remote controlled garage door is a great convenience for many people, but there are some who don't see a remote controlled door as a priority. Either way is fine, of course, but it's important to know what you have in mind when making your choice.

No matter what type of garage door you want to add to your home, we're confident that our experienced staff will be able to provide you with a door you'll be proud of. 

For more information, or to schedule your free estimate, please contact us today!

3 Signs it's time to call a garage door repair professional

When you first bought your home, you were ecstatic to have your own garage. Perhaps you previously lived in a home that didn't have a garage, or you rented an apartment where you had to share the garage with another tenant. Either way, you were thrilled to have a garage to call your own. 

However, maybe it wasn't long before your garage started acting strangely, and you couldn't quite seem to figure out how to fix it. If that sounds like you, we'd like to pinpoint some signs that indicate that it's time for you to contact a garage door repair professional.

Sign #1: Your door has a slow response time - When you press the button on your garage door remote, it might take a second or two for it to respond. That response time is completely normal. However, if it takes longer than that, or if it seems to experience delays during motion, it's probably time to have it checked out to make sure nothing is wrong. 

Sign #2: The door is very loud when opening and closing - You'd expect some sound when you open and close your garage door. However, if you're noticing that it's making more noise than it did a few months ago, something could be wrong with the spring, or even with the opener itself. 

Sign #3: The door comes off the tracks - In order for your garage door to operate properly, it needs to stay on the tracks at all time. When the door begins to sag, or when there's been some type of damage done to the door, it can easily become dislodged. If your door is no longer on the tracks, a professional can advise you as to how to fix it. 

You've worked long and hard to provide the absolute best for your family. There's no reason you should have to deal with a garage door that doesn't operate as it should. There's also no reason for you to concern yourself with high repair bills. Here at Door Tech, we're proud to offer our customers a free estimate so that they can get a real understanding of what their problem is. We've built our reputation on honesty, and we would be honored to provide you with our services.

For more information, or to schedule your free estimate, please contact us today.

Quiet That Noisy Garage Door and Garage Door Opener

It's 5:00 AM and your leaving for work. You creep through the house quietly to be sure you don't wake the wife and kids. You make it to the garage and push the button to open the garage door...

At this point one of two things could happen:

1) The garage door starts to open and all that hard work you did to not wake the family has gone to waste. The door vibrates the ceiling and wakes the baby in the room above the garage. The squeaks and squeals are heard by the neighbors down the street. Everyone in the house is now awake thanks to your noisy garage door.

2) The garage door starts to open and with the subtle hum of your Marantec belt drive garage door opener and smooth precision bearing nylon rollers, the door opens generating almost no noise. Allowing your family and neighbors to sleep soundly while you sneak out the door.

In my experience option #1 seems to be the most common. I think somewhere along the way we all get so used to our garage doors being noisy that we never considered that there is products available to silence the noise. There are many parts on your garage door that can make noise but the majority comes from the garage door opener and the rollers. By simply replacing your old worn our parts with  high grade product specifically designed to silence your garage door the difference can be night and day. Not only will your door operate much quieter but most quality parts are maintenance free and come with a lifetime warranty. This means your door stays quiet and smooth with minimal effort and expense from you.

I suggest any garage door opener made by Marantec as they produce the quietest models on the market today. Noises from your door may go beyond just the opener and rollers, so it is a good idea to have your door inspected by a trained technician to make sure there is no abnormal wear on the moving parts. Catching parts before they break can save money on costly garage door repairs down the road. In Phoenix, AZ the heat takes its toll on your garage door and moving parts and they need to be checked regularly and replaced when bad.

If your in the Phoenix area and are interested in learning more about silencing your garage door give us a call anytime. Or send us a request on our website, we will respond the same day.

Door Tech Garage Doors Phoenix
2809 E Yucca St
Phoenix, AZ 85028
602-885-0415

Glass Garage Doors Arizona

Glass garage doors offer a modern and sleek look.  They can also serve many purposes, other than garages.  We are seeing the use of glass garage doors in many bars and restaurants as a unique way to open a bar or seating area to a patio.  In new modern homes, glass garage doors can be used as a way to open up the house for indoor/outdoor entertainment. With an increase in modern architecture, the uses for glass garage doors are growing. With that demand, manufacturers are beginning to expand available options. There are insulated and non insulated options and a variety of finishes are also available; including standard glass and satin frosted etched glass. The doors' aluminum frames also come in a variety of standard anodized colors or wood grain colors.  If none of these colors match your needs, the aluminum frames can be powder coated any color of choice.

Arizona is home to the nicest weather 8 months of the year, which makes it one of the most ideal places for these garage doors. Having the option of opening an entire wall up to the outside is a great way to enjoy the weather!  Glass garage doors are the easiest way to add a large opening to the outside while adding a modern, beautiful style. At Custom Garage Doors AZ we specialize in the design and installation of glass garage doors. We also offer a full line of rustic steel and wood garage doors.



Glass and Frame Options:

New Garage Door Installation Phoenix, Az

There may be many different reasons you find yourself in need of a new garage door in phoenix. Your door may be old, you may be looking for a new look, or you may have run in to it with your car. Whoops!! Whatever the reason that put you in the market for a new garage door installation there are a few easy steps to make sure you get the door you want at the most competitive price.

1. Always get multiple estimates. - I say this not necessarily to find the cheapest price but to make sure you find a company you are comfortable with and that you know is not overcharging. Cheaper is not always better!

2. Do your homework. - After you receive your estimates do some home work. The internet allows us to do a lot of research in a short amount of time. Research the different companies who gave the estimates and also the manufacturer of the door they are supplying for you. Try to find coupons to save some money.

3. Go with your gut. - When in doubt on who to pick, I always say go with your gut. Pick the company that you feel the most comfortable with.  Did you like the person they sent to provide the estimate? How was the customer service when you called in to schedule? Does the garage door company have positive reviews online from reliable sources? Again cheapest is not always best.

Follow these easy steps and you can be sure to find yourself with a quality company that will do a good job installing your new garage door and will stand behind there work if needed.  The last thing you want is to have a garage door installed and have problems with it and not be able to get any warranty work done.  At which point you will be forced to call another garage door company to come out and perform a garage door repair. In the end it is better to pay a little extra for a company that you are sure will be there for you if needed. Good luck with your new garage door replacement.