El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Author: Tony M

New Technology Improvements in Modern Garage Doors

These days, the technology for garage doors has evolved and improved. There are so many new features and advantages. So if you’re considering installing a new garage door, keep in mind a lot more is possible than just 10 or 15 years ago. This isn’t your grandpa’s garage door. These garage door features are the wave of the future.

Insulation Advantages

You might not think you need much insulation given the mild summers in El Dorado Hills, California. Think again. Insulation not only keeps out the cold — it keeps out the heat too! A well insulated garage door makes it easier to cool your home during the summer, and that means added savings on your air conditioning bill. You might want to choose a new door that has a decent R-value. As a bonus, a well insulated door also cuts down on outside noise.

Impact Resistance

Today’s garage doors are designed to take a beating. This includes aluminum garage doors, which traditionally have been prone to denting — that’s not the case anymore. A high quality garage door material means you don’t have to worry about damage — music to the ears if you’ve got kids.

Modern Safety Features

A new door features a number of safety features that makes your garage and your home much more secure. Alarm systems can be integrated. Camera systems are much more affordable. Programmable keypads are designed to be specifically guarded against hacking. You can also get battery backup in case the power goes out and you need to open the garage door.

Smart Garage Door

Smart garage door technology puts complete control in your pocket. You can operate and monitor your garage door from any smartphone. If a package is being delivered, you can include instructions to call you so you can open the door remotely. You can also view the door on your phone and contact police if there’s suspicious activity.

Not Ready for a New Door? Consider an Equipment Upgrade

If you’re not ready for a new door, you might consider an equipment upgrade. Replacing the springs, cables, and tracks can extend the lifetime of your door and improve its performance. Talk to a garage door professional to see what they’d recommend.

January 14, 2019
Why 2 Garages is a Genius Home Improvement Idea

Sure, your wife thinks you’re crazy, but you might be onto something, especially when you cut her in on the deal. Two garages are actually better than one. Not only that, but it’s an absolute genius of an idea. You’ll both wonder why you never did it sooner.

With one garage, the space is typically dedicated to car storage, especially during the wintertime. Maybe you use it as storage for tools and family memorabilia. But it’s rarely a livable space, much less an enjoyable space. When you’ve got two garages, you can dedicate one to fun, hobbies, and relaxation. Just be sure the wife also gets to use some space how she wants, and everybody wins.

Turn Part of the Garage into a Relaxation Den

The garage can be a very social space when there’s room to stretch your legs. And given the mild winters in El Dorado Hills, you can use it year round. Install a bar, some comfy furniture, a TV and stereo system. Go all out. Enjoy nice weather easier in a decked out garage space designed for relaxation.

Furnish an Exercise Area/ Workout Den/ Yoga Studio

Why waste money on a gym membership you’ll never use? When you have your own exercise area installed in a second garage, it’s right there. There’s no commute to and from the gym. You can exercise at your leisure when you have the time. Put in some weights, a treadmill or a rowing machine. If you plan to do Yoga, install a comfortable floor, deck the walls with some relaxing tapestries, and put in a tranquility fountain. Make it your own.

You might consider installing a new garage door that has ample windows so you have plenty of natural light. It eases the mind, is great for meditation, and inspires exercise.

Like Refurbishing Antique Cars?

With 2 garages, you’ve got plenty of space to dedicate to your antique car hobby. You can install secure garage doors for extra security. There’s also plenty of space to store tools, lifts, and parts.

Increase the Value of Your Home

We talk a lot of on this blog about how a new garage door has one of the biggest returns on investment for any home improvement project. Adding a second garage does wonders to the property value of your home. It’s perfect for a family that has lots of cars, or a car enthusiast who has the weekday driver and the weekend sportster. A second garage gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

January 7, 2019
Garage Door Installation 101: Factors to Consider in a New Door

When it comes to both aesthetics and appraised property value, garage doors can have a huge impact on the home. So choose carefully when it’s time to get a new one. Think of your new door as an opportunity to both express yourself and improve the style, function, and quality of your home. After all, your home is an investment. The right garage door is one that makes you happy while improving the value of that investment at the same time. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck for garage door installation.

Garage Door Materials

Once you’ve set your budget for a garage door, the next consideration you’ll need to make is what type of material you’d like to use for a door. Wood and wood composite doors have a beautiful natural appeal but tend to require more maintenance. You’ll need to sand and paint a wooden door every few years. Steel doors are much more economical, but can be prone to rust and dents. Aluminum doors are more lightweight, so they are ideal for large doors. There are a number of modern aluminum options that aren’t so prone to denting.

Fiberglass doors are light. They can be used to mimic pretty much any of the above materials. They can be expensive, but don’t require a lot of maintenance. Fiberglass can be efficient in cold weather, but that doesn’t tend to be a problem in El Dorado Hills, California.

Panel Patterns

There are a number of pattern options for the panels of your garage door. Much of this just comes down to style and taste.

The beauty of flush patterns is their simplicity. There’s little texturing to this modern design. It’s a clean approach that can complement a variety of home styles.

Carriage house panels are best for wooden garage doors. They have a classic antique barn appearance, with a very rugged cut that looks great for traditional homes.

Short raised panels are very versatile and have a classic design. Longer raise panels can fit a wide range of design options.

Insulation

Even if you live in El Dorado Hills, you might consider an insulated garage door. If you have a garage that attaches to the house, an insulated door can make it much easier and affordable to heat. You can measure the insulation according to the R-value, the standard for measuring the thermal resistance of various construction materials.

You should probably go with a door that has an R-value of at least 12. You might even consider one as high as 16. This can really cut down your cooling bill in the hot Californian summers.

December 17, 2018
Understanding the Difference Between Oil Tempered & Zinc Galvanized Torsion Springs

You probably haven’t given much thought to the torsion springs on your garage door. Most people don’t even know what they are. In a nutshell, they are the springs mounted horizontally above the door opening. They are attached to cables at the bottom corners of the door. These cables cause the springs to wind up to sustain stored energy. Torsion springs are the most common springs you’ll find on garage doors.

There are generally two types of torsion springs: oil tempered and zinc galvanized.

Oil tempered springs are the most common. They’ve been around for a long time. The advantage of these springs is they tend to keep their tension for a long time. Their main drawback is they are very prone to rust, which can cause the spring to break down and need replacement sooner.

Most people think you need to tighten your springs pretty often. This isn’t necessarily true. The bottom line is that springs have a natural life span in how often they can be wound. The more often you wind your springs, the faster they’ll wear out. A good rule is to go for springs that have a long lifecycle.

Zinc galvanized springs are pretty. They don’t rust. But they also don’t last as long. And they tend to make a lot of noise. There is this weird cranking sound as they roll down that can be pretty aggravating, especially when you’ve just been in rush hour traffic.

A Word on Lifecycle

Like your heart, springs can last longer the better they are taken care of. You can improve both types of springs with cycle life conversion tools. The best types will get you at least 20,000 conversions. But with a longer life cycle, the size of the wire increases. So you don’t want to go too high on the lifecycle — or you’ll pay through the roof.

Replace Other Parts with Springs

If you are replacing your garage door springs, it’s also a good idea to replace your bearings and cables while you’re at it. These tend to have a lower life cycle than the springs, so when you replace everything you are starting off with a blank slate. Why not just get it all out of the way?

December 10, 2018
Need More Room in the Garage? Here’s How to Install Overhead Ladder Storage
Do you use your garage for storage? Most people do somewhat, even if they also store their cars in their garage. If you really want to maximize storage space, optimizing overhead space is key. The ceiling area can be a great place to stash ladders, plastic bins, camping equipment and other things you don’t need access to on a regular basis. Ceiling brackets are the perfect way to make the most of your ceiling space and optimize your storage area, while still having enough room for cars, lawn equipment, and other garage essentials.

There are three things you want out of ceiling brackets: safety, ease of use, and convenience. It’s essential to be able to easily get the ladder up on the bracket, roll it back to the rear bracket, and secure the unit in place so it doesn’t fall down. And since you live in El Dorado Hills California where earthquakes are just a natural part of life, safe security may be easier said than done. You don’t want that ladder falling down on top of a vehicle, or worse, a family member or pet.

Security, safety and convenience isn’t too hard to pull off if you plan ahead. All it takes is two U-Shaped holders placed in such a way to be able to substantially support the middle of the ladder’s weight and don’t impede space when the ladder is not in storage.

Always make sure to install the U-shaped holders parallel to the ceiling joust. This way the ladder will be perpendicular when stored. This way, the L brackets can be secured into the wood of the joust. Just make sure to install them with enough room on either side to safely get the ladder up and down.

To install the ceiling brackets, you’ll need the following:
- Up to 4′ or more of 2” X 4” lumber
- 1/2” X 2′ threaded steel rod
- 3/4” X 2′ hollow steel conduit sleeve or PVC pipe
- 3”- 5” right angle brackets
Spacing

You’ll probably want the ladders to have a low profile. Be sure to leave enough room to tilt the ladder to adequately bring the other end in place. All 4 pieces of lumber to construct this should be roughly the same height.

Installation

To install, locate the studs in the ceiling. You can do this either with the tried and true “knock method,” or you could use a stud finder. If your garage ceiling is high, you may just want to use a stud finder to make it simpler and minimize the risk for injury.

You’ll want to lag the brackets into the ceiling to make sure the ladder will be level. The last thing you want is the ladder to slide out and come crashing down on your brand-new car!

Low Investment, Big Reward!

You should be able to install workable ladder storage in less than an hour for no more than $20. Most people have plenty of overhead space in their garage. Put it to work for you with this simple DIY garage project.
December 3, 2018
November 30, 2018
Lubricant 101: Everything You Need to Know About Oiling Your Garage Door

Does your garage door screech, bang, and rattle the neighborhood awake? At the end of a long day, that’s the brewings of a splintering headache. Your neighbors in El Dorado Hills probably feel your pain, literally. But you don’t have to be THAT neighbor on the block. You can have a quieter, smoother opening garage door without forking over money on a new door to do it. A little garage door lubricant can actually do wonders. Here’s what you need to know.

And when we are talking about a garage door lubricant, we mean one specifically designed for garage doors, not just WD40. Using the wrong type of lubricant can prematurely rust your garage door parts, leading to breakdown and other repair problems.

Garage Door Parts to Oil

Start with the tracks. Go over your tracks with a rag to eliminate any grunge buildup. You don’t want to lubricate the tracks themselves. Instead, oil the garage door components that connect with the tracks. Regardless, keeping the tracks free of dirt and grime can be essential to how they function. Clean tracks will also keep components in good working order.

Next, you’ll want to lubricate the springs. The idea is to apply just enough oil that the springs are flexible to move freely. You don’t need them to drip lubricant. It’s a waste and makes a mess.

You’ll want to oil any steel hinges, especially at their pivot points. DO NOT oil plastic hinges. For one thing, they don’t need it. For another, lubricant can cause them to break down quicker.

You’ll also want to lubricate any rollers. Again, if you have plastic rollers, oil only the part that has metal. If you have metal rollers, you can practically paint that lubricant on with a brush. But you don’t need so much lubricant that it drips. A light coating is plenty to ensure flexible movement.

You may also want to lubricate the lock, especially if you actually use the locks. This will prevent your key from sticking.

How Often Should You Oil the Door?

Ideally, you should oil down the components of your door every 3 to 4 months. Try opening and closing the door manually. How does it function? Are certain parts louder than others? These are the squeaky parts that need the grease, so to speak. Every door is different. Listen and see what it needs.

November 26, 2018
Thinking About Installing Garage Door Windows? 3 Issues to Consider

One of the easiest and more affordable ways to give your garage door a facelift is to install new windows. It’s a fairly easy DIY garage door repair you can do yourself (though we’re happy to help if you’d rather not go through the hassle). But there are numerous factors in the consideration and planning of garage door windows most people overlook. Here’s everything you need to know to upgrade your garage door windows, courtesy of the garage door professionals.

Do You Want Your Garage Door Windows to Match Your Home?

Many people choose to match their garage door windows to the windows and doors of their home. This can be done through using a similar trim and style of glass. You might even consider adding curtains or blinds. It’s also a good idea to choose windows that blend in well with the architecture of your home.

Keep in mind that aesthetics are important. The appearance of your garage door compared to the rest of the house plays a big factor in property value. That’s probably why a new garage door has one of the highest ROIs of all home improvements — 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. That’s also why it’s important to keep your garage door in excellent repair.

Think About Light, Weather, and Other Acts of God

Natural light can be a big benefit to your garage. The added light from new windows or bigger windows can really improve what you do in your garage during the day time. You might even be able to convert the inside to an office space, gym, or recreational area.

At the same time, windows can also be a security risk. Thieves won’t be shy about peaking in through your garage windows when you’re away, unlike the windows in your home. Consider curtains or opaque glass if this is an issue.

You also should think about weather issues, especially if you live in a place of potential hurricanes or even the heavy thunderstorms we tend to get in the winter in El Dorado Hills, California. Why not get thicker glass to protect from wind, hail, and tropical storms?

Think About Weight

If you add windows, don’t forget about the weight, especially if you get thicker windows to protect against the elements. Think about how this will affect your garage door opener. You may need to install a stronger motor. Consult with your garage door service about the best options.

November 5, 2018
Garage Door Improvements that Transform Your Home

We tend to take garage doors for granted. After all, they’re all the same, right? Not exactly. Garage doors can range dramatically in style and quality, functionality and desire. In fact, paying attention to your garage door and making minor improvements can dramatically increase the value of your home. Not only will your home look better, but it will return a higher value on the open market. You don’t have to accept your garage door as is. Here are numerous improvements and repairs you can make to improve its functioning, increase its beauty, and boost the resale value of your house in the process.

How much of the physical space of the front of your house is dedicated solely to your garage door? For most homes, its as much as 20 to 40%. As the biggest door in your home, your garage door sets the tone of your home. It’s essential that its style and color blends in well with your house, that it brings out the very best appeal to complement your home.

If you don’t love your garage door, it’s time for some improvement. It’s like a shirt you really don’t like, or an ugly hat — just change it. Yes, it really is that simple. Considering how much the look and quality of your garage door affects the value of your home, it really does make sense to keep it up to date.

Keep It Clean, Paint if Necessary

You might not necessarily need a new door. Maybe it just needs a bath. Scrub it down with some brushes and soapy water, then spray it off with the hose. You’d be amazed at the dust and grime that can build up on a door over the years. A little elbow grease brings out the shine so your door is practically like new.

Your door may need a new coat of paint. If it’s a wooden door, it may need to be resealed and painted. Choose a color that complements the rest of the home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colors. You live in El Dorado Hills after all. Let the California shine.

Have You Considered Decorative Windows?

For a fresh, modern look, decorative windows can sometimes have just as much impact as an all new garage door. They add a stylish element and also bring a lot of natural light into the garage. This can be especially helpful if you use your garage a lot during the day. A little natural light can really open the place up.

Don’t Forget the Lighting

Once you’ve got your door looking great again, a little exterior lighting is a great way to show it off. It brightens your home and provides extra security for your family.

Consider Installing a New Garage Door

Sometimes it’s just best to start over from scratch. If your door is more than 15 or 30 years old and looks like it, consider installing a new door. Work with a garage door service to choose a style and color that works well with the rest of your home. Make the investment count. Wait until just after tax time or consider a small loan if necessary. Considering the high return on investment, a new door practically pays for itself when it comes to the boost in property value.

October 29, 2018
3 Reasons Smart Garage Doors are Genius

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, the family garage door opener was a teenage kid that ran through the rain to open the door for his parents. When the automatic garage door was first introduced, it was a dream come true. Now we have smart garage door openers and the future has never looked so bright.

What can a smart garage door opener do for you? Plenty! Here are 3 reasons installing a smart garage door just might be the smartest home improvement idea ever.

1. You can open your door from anywhere.

One of the biggest advantages to a smart garage door opener is the ability to open it from anywhere. Think about all the times this could come in handy. Say you’re at work and you realize you forgot to close your garage door. You can view it remotely from your phone to see if it’s open and then close it. How about if you are expecting an important package delivery? Include instructions in your order to call you. Then you can remotely open the garage door so the delivery person can slip it inside. If you have out-of-town guests arrive when you are still at work, you can allow them inside, right from your phone.

2. A smart garage door increases security.

A smart garage door can alert you to suspicious activity. You can view your door from your phone and then lock it and alert authorities. Smart tech is great for protecting your home from burglars.

3. You just have less to worry about.

With a smart garage door opener, you no longer have to worry about losing your remote. It’s right there on your phone, safe and secure behind your passcode. You can call your phone or use GPS location if you should misplace it. You can even set your garage door to automatically close if you accidentally leave it open. How cool is that?

October 22, 2018