El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Author: Tony M

  • DIY Garage Door Repair 101: Replacing the Garage Door Bottom Seal

    Are you ready for hurricane season in El Dorado Hills, California? And by that we mean how’s your garage door bottom seal? It’s the strip of rubber on the bottom of your garage door that often gets overlooked. It actually provides a very important job — keeping out water, debris, and rodents from your garage, especially during heavy rain storms. Overtime, it will dry and crack, become extremely brittle and useless. Most people lose their garage door bottom seal and don’t even know it. It really should be replaced every couple years or so. Fortunately, replacing your garage door bottom seal is a fairly easy DIY repair.

    What is Garage Door Weatherstripping?

    Garage door weatherstripping, also known as the garage door bottom seal, is the rubber seal on the bottom of your garage door that keeps out rain and other debris from getting into your garage door. It’s a barrier that keeps your garage from flooding. But overtime, it can crack and need replaced.

    Replacing the Garage Door Bottom Seal: An Easy DIY Job

    You can purchase a garage door bottom seal at any hardware store. Replacing it is something you can easily do yourself. Remove and screws and brackets holding in the old one. Replace with the new one. You should be able to install it yourself in about an hour.

    Need help? Just ask. We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair to the El Dorado Hills, California area.

  • How Often Should I Replace My Garage Door Chain?

    This is probably the most common question we get when it comes to garage door opener repair. The answer really comes down to two things: the type of garage door opener you have and how often you use the garage door opener. Chain driven garage door openers are louder, but they last a while longer. Belt driven garage door openers are quieter but tend to wear out quickly. Screw driven garage door openers are the worst of both worlds — they tend to be loud, wear out quickly and require high maintenance and repair needs.

    How often is your garage door open or closed?

    Opening and closing a door puts wear and tear on a chain. So if you never open your garage door, the chain can last much longer than 15 years. Most people open their door 2 to 3 times per day. If you open it say 5 or 6, you should expect less than 15 years of use on the chain — more like 10 to 12 years.

    How often do you preventative maintenance on the garage door?

    Maintenance, likewise, can affect how long a garage door chain lasts. Garage door chains need lubricated regularly. Otherwise the parts will wear down. A well lubricated chain runs quieter and smoother because there is less stress on the chain.

    What quality of opener and chain do you own?

    The quality of your opener is another determining factor. LiftMasters are a little pricey, but they’re great door openers — so there’s less stress on your chain. It will last longer.

    What kind of installation did you have done?

    Do you have an older garage door opener? How well was it installed? Did you install the garage door opener DIY or hire a professional? This will also affect the lifespan of your garage door chain.

    Do you live in a housing complex? To save money, contractors sometimes put in shoddy openers or cheap chains. They know the house sale will be over and done with before it breaks, so why bother? In this case, you can bet the chain will wear out much more quickly than it should.

    What Type of Chain Should You Get?

    If you are replacing the chain, consider carefully which type of chain you should choose. You don’t have to go with the status quo. It may be worth getting an upgrade.

    A chain drive is the cheapest. This is a metal chain that’s inexpensive but also noisy. Belt drives use a rubber belt instead of a chain. These are a little more expensive, don’t last as long but are extremely quiet. There are also fewer moving parts, so belt drives require less maintenance. With a screw driven garage door opener, a threaded steel rod is used to move the trolley, lifting and lowering as the rod rotates. It’s a quieter solution that’s also low maintenance.

  • Thinking of Installing a New Garage Door with Windows? Here are the Pros and Cons

    Thinking about installing a garage door? It’s an important decision with lots of choices. There are so many options available! Should you get a wooden door, a wood composite door or a steel or aluminum door? Should it be insulated? Should the garage door have extension or torsion springs? What color do you want it to be?

    And yet another critical question to ask: should your newly installed garage door have windows?

    There are advantages and concerns when it comes to getting a garage door with windows installed. Here’s what you might want to consider.

    Natural Light for a More Open & Welcoming Feel

    The primary advantage to windows in a garage door is the natural light. It makes your whole garage feel more open and inviting. You can work inside with the door shut and not have to worry about light. Windows are also nice if you plan on using your garage as a makeshift greenhouse to grow starter plants for your garden.

    The natural light can also warm your garage which can save on your heating costs in the winter — even in El Dorado Hills, California.

    Design & Aesthetics

    There’s a decorative appeal to windows that can really add to the design of your home and garage. What’s more, there are a number of beautiful styles available that can really add a sense of taste and class to your home. There are a wide variety of options and patterns depending on the look you are going for.

    Security Concerns

    The biggest drawback to windows on a garage door is the lack of privacy — which can also be a security issue. Neighbors can see in your garage — but more alarmingly so can thieves, especially when you are not home. If you are concerned, you can always choose tinted, frosted or mirrored windows that still allow natural light without the garage interior being visible from the outside.

    Efficiency Concerns

    Windows aren’t very well insulated which can affect your heating and cooling costs. They offer little protection against extreme temperatures.

    Factors to Consider

    If you should decide on windows in your new garage door, be careful of being too cheap. Higher quality glass and frames are worth it both from visual appeal and an energy efficiency concerns. These windows will have a tighter seal from moisture and temperature changes. Real glass is also important. It will be more scratch resistant than imitation glass.

  • 4 Tricks to Protect Your Garage & Save on Repair Costs

    Broken garage doors are no fun. Sometimes the repair is easy and doesn’t cost much — you may even be able to do it yourself. Other times the issue is more expensive and you’ll need to hire a professional door repair service. Considering how many times you use a garage door — 3 times a day on average, over 1,000 times a year, it’s going to break down eventually. But there are things you can do — regular maintenance, inspection, and best practices that will help keep repairs at a minimum so you can save on costs.

    Perform Scheduled Maintenance

    There are a few simple DIY repairs you should be doing to your garage door on a regular basis. This includes tightening up any loose bolts and oiling the chain and all movable parts. But don’t use WD40 — this can cause your door to prematurely rust. Use an approved garage door lubricant. Apply it on with a brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe up any excess oil with a towel to avoid stains. You can also check to see if the door is properly balanced, as well as if there’s anything wrong with your garage door springs – though don’t repair those yourself. Also take note of any components that happen to have rust, they’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If you don’t feel comfortable performing these repairs, hire a repair company for annual inspections. 

    Keep Your Door Track Clear

    You’d be surprised how many calls we get on mishaps caused by something getting caught in a track — say the handle or a broom or a hockey stick. Even beyond that, dust, grime, pebbles, and other obstructions can get lodged in. It’s easy for a garage to get out of hand. Make sure to keep all storage items away from the door and spend time ensuring the area is clean It’s too easy for things to get caught and cause serious damage. In fact, that’s one of the most common reasons we’ve had to replace a garage door track. 

    Inspect Your Rollers

    As you use your garage door, your rollers will eventually wear out. You might not even realize that your rollers are damaged until you need to conduct a repair, like a garage door going off track. If a roller breaks, your garage door probably won’t open or will give you serious issues that you can’t ignore. It’s as simple as that. Fortunately, you can usually see a bad roller starting to break down if you know what to look for. Carefully inspect your rollers from time to time and look for any brittleness or cracking. If something concerns you, call a professional to have it replaced. If you try to fix your rollers while your door is off track or not closing, you could potentially damage the door even further. 

    Don’t Put Off Repairs

    Garage door repairs are like teeth problems — the longer you put them off, the more expensive they’ll get. Call a professional for a closer inspection. Some issues — like a garage door off track — can cause expensive damage if you don’t fix them  quickly. Not to mention how prolonging garage door repairs can pose a significant security or safety risk. It would be unfortunate for your door to slam on your cas you’re backing out, or for your door to be stuck open, inviting nefarious individuals to invade your home. Be pragmatic and get your repairs done as soon as possible.

  • 4 Reasons You May Need New Garge Door Weatherstripping

    Most people are barely aware there’s weatherstripping on the bottom of their garage door at all. It’s one of the most overlooked components of the entire door. Typically, it’s not until rain and leaves from flood debris start pouring into their garage that they decide to inspect it. Weatherstripping runs along the bottom of the door and acts as a barrier. It wears out overtime and occasionally needs replaced. Take a close look. You may be overdue. Here are 4 signs it’s time to replace your weatherstripping.

    There’s a Draft in Your Garage

    A draft may exist in your garage because your door isn’t well insulated. But if there’s a change in the draft, that’s a sign of weak weatherstripping. Hold your hand at the bottom of the door during a windy day. Do you feel a breeze? It may be time for new weatherstripping.

    You Regularly Find Water, Dirt, Debris in Garage After a Storm

    After it rains, is there a lot of water, dirt and other debris on the inside of your garage? That’s probably because the weatherstripping is too worn out to do its job. As the name implies, forming a barricade against weather is the whole point of weatherstripping. If there are cracks, leaks or other openings, the water will pour in like a river — leaving debris in its path.

    Furry Neighbors Pay Your Garage a Visit

    Weatherstripping doesn’t just protect against the weather — it keeps little critters from sneaking in and making your garage their new home. Mice and rats can tunnel in those small openings — especially during those rainy El Dorado Hills winters. Hire yourself an exterminator — and replace your weatherstripping.

    Your Weatherstripping is Worn & Damaged

    You should give your weatherstripping a visual inspection from time to time. Are there broken pieces, worn out rubber, or entirely missing areas around the base of your garage? It’s time to for a replacement.

    Weatherstripping will wear out every few years, but far too many homeowners ignore it. The good news is this is a fairly simple DIY garage door repair. You can buy everything you need for this job at the local hardware store.

  • Think It Might Flood? How to Protect Your Garage

    If you live in El Dorado Hills, you know it can in California like something out of the Old Testament. Sure, it can be feast or famine, drought or deluge, but when it rains it pours as the saying goes. How do you protect your garage from flooding? That’s a good question — and one you should ask yourself before your car is underwater. Here are 4 ways to prepare and protect your garage from flood waters and heavy rain.

    Clean Around the Entrance

    Start by cleaning the dirt out of the opening of your garage. Pay special attention to the gap between the garage door and the floor. Make sure this is free of dust, mud, and other blockage. Clean dirt from the opening which can prevent the door from fully closing and allowing water to get in.

    Replace Your Garage Door Bottom Seal

    Your garage door bottom seal is the rubber barrier at the bottom of the door designed to keep out water, dirt and pests. Overtime, it can dry, crack and break. It will need replaced. This is a job you can do yourself in a few hours. The bottom seal can be bought at most hardware and home improvement stores. Buy more than you need and then cut it down to size. Remove the old one and reattach the new one.

    If All Else Fails — Stack Sandbags

    In the face of a nasty storm, you might consider stacking sandbags on the outside of the door. Place rags on the inside of the door to absorb any extra water.

    Repair Your Garage Door

    If your door is missing panels, or has gaps, you’ll need to repair it. Naturally, if your door doesn’t completely cover the opening to your garage, the inside of your garage will be exposed. If the door is too badly worn to be fixed, you might need to install a new garage door. Not only will a new door help protect your home from flood, but it can dramatically improve your property value. New garage door installation has a 97% return on investment, dollar for dollar.

  • Installing a New Garage Door? Here’s What It Costs

    Most homeowners only replace 1 or 2 garage doors in their lifetime. But own a home long enough, and you’ll find it’s time. The door may work slower than it used to. Perhaps it makes an ungodly racket every time you open it. Maybe your garage door is a complete eyesore or it’s falling apart. Either way, you know it’s time. A garage door is very important to the function and appearance of a home. Installing a new garage door is the perfect home improvement project that’s well worth the investment.

    After all, it’s the biggest door in your home. And because of this very reason, it’s central to your security. Your door safeguards not only your home but also the contents of your garage — including expensive sports equipment, bikes, cars, tools, etc. It’s also an important modern convenience that makes life easier. You pull up in your drive after a long day — at the touch of a button a hundred pound door opens to welcome you and your vehicle, safe and secure. It’s a beautiful thing.

    But no garage door will last forever. Most need replaced every 15 to 20 years. Eventually, there are issues of safety, security, and appearance. A shoddy, worn down door will substantially reduce your property values. That fact alone is why installing a new garage door has over a 95% return on investment, dollar for dollar. What you invest in garage door installation you essentially reap back in improved property value — just ask your real estate agent.

    Making the Most of Your New Garage Door’s Price Tag

    Nevertheless, the cost of a new door is substantial — and it’s important to do it right without being too cheap. The cost to install a new garage door can vary across the board, anywhere from $290 to $2,000. Depending on your budget, expect to spend at least $1,000 for a door that will last. This covers not only the door itself, but all the components — tracks, connectors, fasteners and perhaps even the electric opener.

    Type of Door According to Cost

    Which type of door you choose can have a big impact on the cost. There are 4 types generally available. The single tilt-up style is a classic garage door that can cost anywhere from $400 to $700 to install. The single roll up sectional is the most common garage door and runs anywhere from $800 to $1,000. Custom roll up doors are similar but can be customized according to style and any special space constraints. These can run anywhere form $1,200 to $2,000. Solid wood custom doors are even better — a custom look with that natural wood feel. These doors can run anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000.

    Why a New Garage Door is Worth the Investment

    A new garage door has one of the highest returns on investments for virtually all home improvements — 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. This is because of the improved curb appeal that boosts the value of your property. So while a new door may seem expensive, consider it an investment into the value of your property. It’s a great way to invest your tax return. You might also consider taking a home improvement loan out with your local bank. New garage door installation is a solid investment. Just ask any realtor.

    Types of Garage Door Materials

    The type of material you choose will also determine the cost. Wooden doors tend to be the most beautiful, but also more expensive and require more daily upkeep. You can also choose between aluminum, steel, and vinyl.

    Insulation Considerations

    Living in El Dorado Hill, California, you might not think insulation even applies to you. But keep in mind that insulation can keep hot heat out of your garage — which can be critical during California’s hot summers. A insulated door can substantially cut down on your cooling costs — especially if your garage door is attached to your house.

    Garage Door Opener Installation

    A garage door opener is what makes your garage door so convenient in the first place. If you are planning on using the garage to store vehicles, an opener is essential. Nobody likes getting out of their car just to open their garage — especially during rainy weather or hot summers. Convenience is essential to the enjoyment of your garage. You can expect garage door opener installation to run you anywhere from $150 to $300.

    Consider a Smart Garage Door

    To truly optimize the convenience of your garage door, consider investing in smart garage door technology. This enables remote control access and viewing of your door from your phone, tablet, or PC. You can allow access if you get a package delivery, for instance, anywhere in the world. You can also view your property if you get a suspicious alert. It’s convenience and peace of mind all rolled into one.

  • The Often Overlooked Danger of Leaving Your Garage Door Open at Night

    You know you locked the front door, but did you remember to close your garage door? For most people, it’s not a big concern. But you’ve got a deadbolt, right? What’s the big deal? Actually, an open garage door is a bigger risk than you think. Here are 4 reasons why you should never leave your garage door open when you aren’t using it.

    It’s an Invitation to Thieves

    Think about the contents of your garage — lawn mowers, bikes and other exercise equipment, tools. Add it all up and you’ve got thousands of dollars of valuable possessions just sitting out in the open. An open garage door might as well be a garage sale for thieves. They look to open doors as opportunities.

    Raccoons, Squirrels, Rats, Etc. Might Move In

    Thieves aren’t the only ones who see an open garage door as an chance to improve their luck. Pests and critters will invite themselves in as well. Animals may be looking for food or shelter. And once they’re in, they might curl in and nest. It might be time to call an exterminator.

    Storm, Wind & Other Weather

    Sure, the weather’s beautiful when you tuck in for the night – but California weather can turn on a dime. Calm skies at bedtime can become a hurricane overnight. And when that weather blows in, your garage – not to mention tools, sports equipment, and vehicles are left in the open. Don’t turn your back on the weather. Always closes your garage door.

    It Runs Up Your Heating Bill

    Leaving your garage door open at night on cool nights in El Dorado Hills can increase your heating bill. If your garage is connected to the house, it can actually affect the temperature of the rest of the home. This can cause the furnace to work harder because you pay more to heat the house when an open garage door cools it off. Because a garage’s temperature plays such a big role in house temperature, we always recommend installing insulated garage doors, even in California. Keeping your garage door closed makes it easier to control the inside temperature of the house.

  • DIY Garage Door Repair 101: 6 Easy Solutions to Common Garage Door Problems

    Most of the time, your garage door works like a dream — you never have to think about it. But stuff happens — you hit the track with the car or mower, the door stops opening, your door starts to warp. That’s when you need garage door repair — whether DIY or from a professional. Here’s what to do if you damage your garage door.

    Most garage door problems have fairly simple causes — and simple solutions you might even be able to do yourself. Let’s break them down.

    Springs Break

    Springs only have so much life in them — usually about 10,000 lifecycles, the number of times a door can go up and down before a spring needs replace. But since most homeowners open their doors an average of three times a day, you’ll probably need to replace your garage door springs every 3 years. This, however, is not a DIY garage door repair. Those springs are under incredible tension and can cause serious injury. Always hire a professional for this repair.

    Photo Eye Problems

    Legally required on all doors installed after 1993, the photo eye is the disc on the outside walls at the bottom of your door that send a signal to each other if an obstruction is in the way — say a bike, a running kid or pet. Occasionally they can become misaligned, dirty, or blinded by the sun. Fixing these is fairly easy. You can clean the eyes, reposition them, shade them from the sun, etc.

    Wear & Tear

    Garage doors are like anything else — use them enough, and they’ll start to break down. Rollers wear out. Springs break, rust, or slacken. Garage door bottom seals break and need repaired or replaced.

    Beware of an Overpacked Garage

    Many of us use our garage doors for storage — but before we know it, this can get out of hand. If your garage becomes too cramped tight with stuff, it’s easy for boxes, tools, and sports equipment to get in the way of the door. This can cause damage to the door — or simply cause your door to quit working because an obstruction sets off the automatic stop in the photo eyes.

    Door Off Track

    One common problem with garage doors is when the door comes off track. This can be caused by a track that not exactly straight because the fastening hinges have loosened. The important thing is to stop using the garage door as soon as it comes off track. You can usually reposition the door back on the track by bending the track open with pliers and realigning the track. It’s important to reposition the connecting braces so the track is horizontal — preventing the problem from happening again.

    You’ve Hit Something

    Let’s admit it — you’re not your brightest at 6 a.m. Backing out of the garage, it’s easy to hit something — the garage wall, the track, or a door that hasn’t fully opened. It happens. If you have homeowner’s insurance, the damage is typically covered by your policy. If the damage was caused by someone else — say a friend or family member who’s not part of the household — it’s likely covered under their car insurance. Talk to a insurance agent for further details on coverage.

  • 5 Reasons You Should Insulate Your Garage Even in California

    5 Reasons You Should Insulate Your Garage Even in California

    5 Reasons You Should Insulate Your Garage Even in California

    Sure, insulating a garage door isn’t required by building code. It’s not exactly a safety issue. And since you look in El Dorado Hills, California, it’s not like your garage is going to get very cold. But there are some very good reasons you should insulate your garage and install an insulated garage door — even if you live in California. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to insulated garage doors.

    Energy Savings

    An insulated door doesn’t just keep the warm air inside — it keeps the hot air outside as well. California summers can get hot. And if your garage is attached to the house, an uninsulated garage and door can have an enormous impact on your cooling bill. By better controlling the temperature, your house will stay cool — which means big savings.

    Comfort

    If you use your garage as an office, gym, yoga studio or entertainment space, an insulated garage can stay nice, cool and comfortable during the summer months. It’s just more enjoyable to be in. And since your garage is likely the largest room in the house, it can greatly expand your living space.

    Less Noise

    El Dorado Hills has a lot of traffic. An insulated door keeps the sounds of traffic and a busy neighborhood from disturbing your sense of peace and quiet at home. It makes a living space more relaxing. This can also be helpful if you have babies or young children at home. They’ll be less disturbed.

    Protect Your Stuff

    An insulated garage can better control temperature and humidity. This is an advantage of you use the garage for storage. Your stuff will be better protected through temperature control.

    Home Value

    The quality of your garage door and the comfort of your garage can have a big impact on resale value. In the end, it’s about home equity. When it comes time to sell your home, you’ll fetch a better price.