El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Category: Blog

  • How Often Does Your Garage Door Require Maintenance?

    The Benefits of Frequent Garage Door Inspections

    Regular maintenance of your garage door is essential for maintaining its safety and functionality. It can be tempting to put off routine checks, but procrastinating on these important tasks can lead to dangerous situations. By committing to periodic inspections and tune-ups, you can catch and rectify issues early. This ensures the safety of your family and the longevity of your door.

    Now, how often should you inspect your overhead door? While specific needs can vary, a generally recommended maintenance schedule includes monthly inspections and biannual tune-ups to keep everything in tip-top shape. During these monthly inspections, it’s important to look for any signs of wear and tear such as frayed cables, rusty springs, or misaligned tracks. Additionally, checking the balance of the door and testing safety features like the auto-reverse mechanism are crucial for preventing accidents.

    Biannual tune-ups should be more comprehensive. They typically involve the lubrication of moving parts, tightening of bolts and hinges, and the replacement of worn or damaged components. These preventive measures not only ensure smooth and efficient operation but also extend the lifespan of your garage door. A little elbow grease will save you from costly garage door repairs or even replacement in the future.

    While DIY maintenance can be effective, it’s advisable to also have your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. A professional technician can provide a more thorough inspection and might catch issues that could be easily overlooked otherwise. This annual check-up can be pivotal in maintaining your garage door’s integrity and functionality over the years. By staying proactive with these scheduled maintenance tasks, you contribute significantly to the safety and efficiency of your home’s primary access point. The most important part of all this is to make regular inspections a habit.

    Maintenance Is an Easy Way to Prevent Further Headaches

    Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Make it a routine to regularly examine your door and it’ll pay off in the long run. By making it a routine to examine your garage door, you can stay ahead of potential problems. Avoid costly repairs or, worse, accidents down the line. Prioritizing the maintenance and safety of your overhead door will pay off in the long run. Keeping up with your garage maintenance will provide both peace of mind and a well-functioning door that you can rely on.

  • Garage Door Insulation: Polyurethane or Polystyrene?

    In El Dorado Hills, where high temperatures are a common occurrence, finding ways to regulate the temperature in your garage is essential for comfort. If you’re considering DIY insulation, selecting the right kit for your overhead door is important.

    When browsing insulation options, you’ll likely encounter two main types: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene, often likened to the material found in disposable coffee cups, is a budget-friendly choice. However, its insulation capabilities may fall short compared to polyurethane. Polyurethane, a denser polymer, offers superior insulation but typically comes at a slightly higher price point. Either kit is reasonably easy to install on your garage door.

    Some insulation kits and garage doors come with a layer of reflective aluminum foil. This addition serves to further enhance insulation by deflecting heat away from the garage. While it may incur additional costs, the reflective foil can significantly contribute to maintaining a cooler garage environment, particularly during the scorching summer months.

    The Benefits of Garage Insulation Are Clear and Numerous

    Installing insulation in your garage offers numerous benefits beyond temperature control. Here are a few advantages to consider:

    • Energy Efficiency: By insulating your garage door, you can reduce the transfer of heat. This helps maintain a more stable temperature inside. This can lead to lower energy bills, as your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature.
    • Enhanced Comfort: A well-insulated garage provides a more comfortable environment for various activities, such as DIY projects, workouts, or simply spending time relaxing in the space.
    • Protects Belongings: Insulation can help protect items stored in your garage from extreme temperatures. It prevents damage to sensitive belongings like electronics, tools, and seasonal decorations.
    • Noise Reduction: Insulation can also help dampen noise from outside sources, such as traffic or neighborhood activities. It helps create a quieter and more peaceful environment within your garage.
    • Increased Home Value: Adding insulation to your garage can enhance the overall value of your home. Potential buyers may view an insulated garage as a desirable feature, leading to increased resale value when it comes time to sell your property.

    By carefully selecting the right garage door insulation kit and investing in proper installation, you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable, and energy-efficient garage space year-round.

  • Don’t Lubricate This Important Garage Door Part

    Why Lubricating the Tracks on Your Garage Door Is a Bad Idea

    Consistent lubrication is one of the best ways to maintain your garage door. Best part about it: you can do it by yourself – no repair service needed. Your overhead door can last a lot longer if you spend time maintaining it and doing minor DIY repairs every few months. Lubrication allows the door to be more in tune with itself and prevents key parts from getting rusty and more importantly: makes the door run smoothly so you don’t have to wait precious seconds for it to open or close.

    Lubrication Can Do a Lot of Good for Your Garage Door

    While keeping the parts on your garage door well lubricated is a good idea, there are certain areas you shouldn’t lubricate. With proper lubrication, your garage door will glide on its track, saving you precious time and effort.

    Here’s a reminder of what you can (and should) lubricate: The top of the rail, the lock, hinges, rollers, bearing plates, and the door’s springs (bonus points if you have two springs instead of one!) Proper lubrication in these areas will enhance the performance and durability of your garage door.

    It Can Also Do Just as Much Harm If Done Incorrectly

    However, the one location that should not be lubricated is the tracks. Lubricant in this spot can quickly send a garage door off track, which can result in a semi-costly repair. While it might seem like a smart idea to lubricate the area, your best course of action is just to clean the area thoroughly.

    You can use WD-40 to clean the track area if needed. Since it’s a solvent and not lubricant, it works well for cleaning. Just be sure to wipe down the track afterward to remove any remaining mineral oil left from the WD-40. That being said, WD-40 should not be used to lubricate the areas mentioned above – it will just cause the door to prematurely degrade. Instead, use grease or lubrication specifically made for garage doors, your local hardware store will be filled with options. By adhering to these guidelines and performing regular lubrication, you can keep your garage door running. You’ll enhance its lifespan and avoid plenty of unnecessary repair costs.

  • What’s the Difference Between Torsion and Extension Springs?

    Your average garage door is made up of dozens of parts that work in unison so you don’t have to manually lift it. One of the most important parts of your door – and most dangerous – is the spring. Without it, your automatic overhead door opener would be rendered useless. If you’re interested in learning more about your door, it’s important to pay strict attention to the garage door springs. 

    Garage Torsion vs. Extension Springs

    The majority of overhead garage doors use a counterbalance system with a spring. Without a spring, your door would be incredibly heavy and difficult to operate. The two types of springs used are torsion and extension.

    Extension springs are the oldest design and typically 2 of them are required to the balance the door. They work by contracting and expanding during operation.

    Torsion springs are a superior design and usually, only 1 is needed to operate your door. Instead of expanding, garage door torsion springs actually turn.

    When it comes down to it, torsion springs are superior in every possible way. There’s little reason to choose extension nowadays. Torsion is better because:

    1) They last much longer. Extension springs tend to last about 10,000 cycles whereas high-end torsion springs can last up to 100,000 cycles. The longer torsion springs last for your door, the less likely you’ll end up spending on repairs. Repairs involving garage door springs can get quite costly, so It’s prudent to take the step in upgrading your extension springs. 

    2) In the event of a broken garage door spring, torsion is much safer. There have been reports of extension springs launching through walls, windshields, and even injuring bystanders.

    3) The sudden jerking motions caused by extension can lead to a garage door off track, which is another costly repair. Torsion stabilizes the operation of your door so you don’t have to worry about your door veering off track. 

    We recommend everyone consider switching to torsion style springs for their garages. It’s a small upgrade that could potentially save you money and your life. 

    A Reminder on Spring Safety

    At EDH-Serrano, when we discuss springs, we always like to remind everyone that they can be extremely dangerous. Never place body parts in or around springs. They’re under heavy tension and should they be recklessly tampered with, it’s extremely like that your door could break or crash, resulting in a pricey garage door repair. Also, springs have been known to cause death and dismemberment, so be extra cautious if you’re a novice. Should you want to upgrade your door’s springs, it’s key to contact a company that specializes in spring repair. They’ll walk you through the necessary info needed to purchase torsion springs for your door and will install it swiftly.

  • This Lubricant Should Never Be Used on Garage Doors

    Don’t Use WD-40 on Your Garage Door!

    When it comes to garage door maintenance, it’s crucial to use the right lubricant. Contrary to popular belief, WD-40 should not be your go-to option. While it may initially improve your door’s performance due to its cleaning properties it won’t last. Every homeowner needs to understand that WD-40 is not a lubricant; it’s a solvent. This means it can strip away existing oil, leading to metal-to-metal contact, which can cause long-term damage to your garage door.

    What’s the better choice for lubricating your garage door then? Two highly recommended options are white lithium grease and silicone lubricants. These not only offer superior lubrication but also help protect your garage door parts from wear and tear. When using lubricants, ensure you’re applying them to the correct parts of the door. It’s essential not to overdo it, as excess lubricant can attract dust and dirt, potentially causing more harm than good.

    You can use WD-40 to clean parts like rails if you want. White lithium grease and silicone are two of the best choices and offer superior lubricating qualities. Just be sure you’re lubricating the correct parts and cleaning everything else whenever you’re performing maintenance.

    If you’re unsure on how to lubricate a garage door and a text guide just isn’t enough, check out this video of Mike Holmes explaining how you can lubricate your garage door safely.

  • Leaving Your Garage Door Open May Not Be a Good Idea

    Overhead garage doors are under immense amounts of pressure. Thanks to quality engineering and a variety of intricate parts that work in tandem, garage doors can automatically be opened thanks to a push of a button. While this makes opening and closing doors easier, it doesn’t change the fact that overhead doors are extremely heavy and can be dangerous. It’s not just the act of leaving the garage unattended that’s worrisome. Homeowners also have to keep in mind that a door needs reinforcement if it’s expected to be open for a prolonged amount of time. 

    One thing we notice while driving through neighborhoods for service calls is how many garages are left wide open – with no one in sight. Even late at night, vacant garages are a plenty. Just as you wouldn’t want to leave your front door open all day, you shouldn’t leave the garage open either!

    An Open Overhead Garage Door Is a Security Risk

    If you leave your garage door open, be aware that thefts should be an expected possibility. Anyone from a nosy neighbor to nefarious thief could stumble into your garage and take your pricey belongings or worse, enter your home, disturbing your family. But don’t take our word for it: theft via open garages is a real risk. Police have also been warning residents to keep their garages closed when not in use. Don’t take chances by leaving your garage door open while it’s not occupied. For enhanced protection for you and your family, consider installing a security door between your garage and your home. A security or safety door can prevent even the most experienced thieves from entering your home after they’ve made their way into your garage. One of the best safety tips is to stand by the door until it completely closes, especially late at night when someone could be watching for a window to enter. 

    Keeping Your Overhead Garage Door Open Is a Safety Risk

    As stable as garage doors appear to be, there’s an extremely strong chance that your door doesn’t have the reinforcement necessary to be open for a lengthy amount of time. You might spend considerable time in your garage tinkering away on projects, which means it’s possible you’re keeping your door open to let fresh air in. While you might think it’s alright to leave your overhead garage door open as long as you’re in the room, think again.

    Stress-Free & Safe Ways to Keep Your Door Open

    To ensure your garage door’s springs don’t snap and that it doesn’t come crashing down, you should install garage door reinforcement struts. These helpful garage door parts will allow your door to stay open far longer without causing significant wear or tear, as well as damage that could lead to a costly replacement. If you have an average sized double garage door, it’s recommended that at least three struts are installed, though it’s best to consult with a garage door installation company depending on your door. Remember: the best garage door repair and installation only comes from licensed professionals who have years of experience. 

    While keeping your door open for a long period of time is never recommended, it can be a must for some homeowners. Always stay inside your garage while it’s open and don’t hesitate to close it even for a few moments if you’re stepping away. To increase security, consider installing cameras near your overhead garage door so you can always keep an eye out for intruders. 

  • Reinforcing Garage Doors in Preparation for a Hurricane

    Is Your Garage Ready for Hurricane Season?

    Do you know what your garage door wind rating is? Most people would say no! You may want to find out, as many counties do require a minimum rating to be compliant with building codes. As recently reported by WFTV 9, older and weaker garage doors are vulnerable to strong winds, such as those in a storm or hurricane.

    Many people fail to realize how important sturdy garage doors actually are. When your door is blown away by the wind, it creates a sudden air pressure change in your garage. This pressure change has the potential to tear off your roof, blow out windows, and just deal catastrophic damage to your home.

    To ensure that your home is prepared for hurricane season, take the following steps:

    1. Determine Your Garage Door’s Wind Rating

    Contact your garage door manufacturer to find out the wind rating and impact resistance of your existing garage door. Understanding these ratings is the first step in making informed decisions regarding reinforcement.

    2. Consider Upgrading to Sturdier Overhead Doors

    Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas should seriously consider upgrading to garage doors designed to withstand strong winds. These doors are constructed with reinforced materials and are engineered to offer superior protection during extreme weather.

    3. Install Additional Garage Door Bracing and Support

    In areas susceptible to hurricanes, it’s advisable to invest in additional bracing for your garage doors. Reinforcement kits are available for purchase at hardware stores, and they can provide an extra layer of support. However, in regions prone to exceptionally strong winds, these DIY kits may not be sufficient. When in doubt, it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional who can assess your specific needs.

    By taking these steps, you can better prepare your garage for hurricane season and significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home. Remember, when it comes to safeguarding your property from the destructive power of hurricanes, being proactive is key. Don’t wait until the storm is on the horizon—act now to ensure the safety and resilience of your garage doors.

    If you want to know how to install a wind bracing kit for your garage door, watch this video showing and explaining exactly how to install them.

  • Have You Performed a Safety Inspection for Your Garage Door?

    The Importance of Frequent Garage Door Inspections

    Our team here in El Dorado Hills takes your safety as our utmost priority. As June marks Garage Door Safety Month, we believe it’s the perfect time to offer essential tips for maintaining a safe environment around your garage door. One of the key aspects to bear in mind when it comes to garage doors is their weight. Surprisingly, garage doors can weigh in excess of 400 pounds. As a result, the force they exert when coming down can be incredibly destructive and, in some tragic cases, even deadly.

    You Can Test Your Garage Door’s Safety Features Yourself at Any Time

    The Department of Pediatrics devised a great way to safety test your garage door. Place a large roll of paper towels under the door and hit the automatic opener. The door should automatically reverse when encountering it. If you have sensors, then it may not even operate. Should the door actually crush the paper towel roll, this is a sign emergency maintenance is required.

    Moreover, it’s crucial to maintain a vigilant approach when operating your garage door. When closing the door, always stay present and watch until it has completely shut. While modern garage doors have enhanced safety features compared to their older counterparts, it’s essential to remain cautious and responsible when operating one.

    Regular Inspections are Not Considered Optional

    Regular garage door inspections play a fundamental role in maintaining the safety of your garage door. We recommend scheduling routine inspections by professionals on an annual basis. A professional installer can identify and address potential issues with your garage door before they become dangerous. These inspections encompass various aspects, including checking the door’s balance, testing the auto-reverse function, ensuring the safety sensors are operational, and inspecting the overall condition of the door and its components. Even if nothing is unsafe, they can potentially catch smaller problems with the overhead door before them become expensive repairs.

    By prioritizing regular garage door inspections and adhering to safety guidelines, homeowners can ensure the ongoing safety and security of their garage doors. Don’t wait until a problem arises—take proactive measures to safeguard your family, property, and peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to helping you enjoy the utmost safety and convenience with your garage door.

  • How to Tell If It’s Time for Garage Spring Repair

    The best way to prevent a broken spring is by performing a few garage door tune-ups every year. By keeping your spring lubricated, you can avoid rust and damage before it begins. If your torsion or extension spring is already rusted, it may be salvageable.

    First, estimate the lifespan of your spring. Most springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which is one open and close. Check your spring manufacturer for yours. Based off of this, you can make a rough guess on if your spring is nearing the end of its life. If so, we recommend replacing it. It’s not worth the hassle of trying to fix, and a broken spring could cause the garage door to come crashing down.

    If your spring isn’t severely rusted or too old, then a little maintenance should do the trick. Use a solvent and carefully wipe down the spring, making sure you don’t stick your fingers in it. Once clean, apply a light layer of lubricating silicone or white lithium grease and you’re good to go.

    In addition to regular maintenance and replacement, it’s also important to ensure that your garage door spring is balanced. An unbalanced garage door can cause excess strain on the spring, leading to premature wear and tear. To check the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, then it’s balanced. If it starts to fall or rise, then it’s unbalanced and needs to be adjusted. Balancing your garage door is best left to a professional, as it can be dangerous to perform without the proper training and equipment. By keeping your spring well-maintained and properly balanced, you can extend its lifespan and avoid repairs. But if your garage door spring is broken, we strongly advise you not to attempt repairs.

    Never Repair Your Garage Door Springs Yourself

    While we encourage you to do routine spring inspection to spot any issues before they become real problems, under no circumstances should you attempt garage door spring replacement yourself. These springs are under incredible tension. If they should suddenly snap, they can cause serious bodily injury — even death. This is a repair you should always save for a professional. They have the tools and expertise to perform the job safely and correctly. The risk just isn’t worth it.

    If you notice anything amiss in your inspection, we strongly encourage you to call us so we can come out and do a more thorough professional inspection. If a garage door spring needs replaced, we’ll be happy to do so, that very day. And yes, we do make emergency house calls. 24/7 emergency garage door repair is a service we offer for your safety and convenience.

  • How to Convert Your Garage into a New Room

    Most people think that the garage is for storing your car and other household belongings. At most, you might think to use the extra space at the back as a workshop or a place for your teen to play his drum set outside of your house, for obvious reasons. But did you know that you can actually add living space to your home just by making modifications to your garage? Take a look at these 30 sweet garage transformations that show what a little creativity can do. If you browse through the photos in that HGTV article, you’ll notice that there are many choices of how to convert your garage, and also that they vary from very little work and investment, to extreme makeovers that make it almost unbelievable the space was ever a garage.

    But hold on a second, because first, depending on the extent of your plans, you’ll need to find out if a building permit is required. Even though you may own the home, there are zoning laws that must be followed. If you’re located in El Dorado Hills, you can find the county website here. Even if you aren’t changing the structure of the garage itself, there are still legal codes you have to consider; for instance, if you want your renovation to be a legal bedroom, you need at least one egress window. Do your research before you finalize your plans, because it’s always a bummer to have a vision, or worse, spend money on supplies or services only to find out what you’ve done is either structurally unsound or just straight up illegal. Rooms or structures that don’t meet code are seriously negative factors in residential real estate.

    Get Started with Proper Planning

    Get started by drawing out a detailed blueprint for how you want your garage conversion to look. Once you have developed a plan, you can better estimate the budget required and timeframe needed. If it’s a total transformation, you may need a contractor, and expect the process to take a month or two. Depending on your plan, you may need to install insulation, heating/cooling, and run wiring for electricity. Windows and plumbing are also possible, but the latter is more complicated and could drive costs up further.

    Costs involved in renovating your garage depend on the scope of the project, with minor conversions (like a workout room) being a few hundred dollars and complete transformations (like a master suite) being as much as $40,000. When you’re working with areas like El Dorado Hills, where many of the foundations are slab cement, you really need to consider what utilities you’ll need for your project. Insulating and running electric before you drywall is one matter, but if you’re trying to alter plumbing, you have to literally jackhammer into the foundation to reach the existing plumbing (if there is any) and trench new paths for whatever new plumbing you’re installing. That is a big cost, because after all that destruction, you’ll essentially have to have that part of your foundation redone, and that takes time as well as money.

    Start Your Renovation with New Garage Doors

    If you thought garage door replacement would be the first step in the renovation, you’d be correct. New garage doors will help protect your investment, and provide a great starting point for your project. If you’re making a new living room or a gym, a glass garage door is a great solution. Another factor in keeping a garage door in the room, no matter how much you’re altering the space, is because when it comes time to sell your house, it’ll make it way easier to convert it back to a garage, if that is what the new owner wants. Regardless, a garage conversion definitely deserves a garage door upgrade.

    Install an Insulated Garage Door to Start

    An insulated garage door is a fantastic starting point for this transformation. It serves as a barrier between the outdoor elements and your new interior space, providing numerous benefits.

    Firstly, insulation in the garage door helps regulate the temperature inside the converted room. It keeps the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, ensuring year-round comfort. This temperature control reduces the need for additional heating or cooling systems, saving you on energy costs. This alone is worth it to install a brand-new garage door.

    Secondly, insulation improves soundproofing. It helps reduce noise from outside, making the converted room quieter and more peaceful. This is particularly important if you plan to use the space as a bedroom, home office, or recreational area. Furthermore, insulation enhances energy efficiency. With a well-insulated garage door, you’ll have better control over the indoor climate. This translates into energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

    Lastly, an insulated garage door contributes to the aesthetics of the space. It provides a clean and finished look while ensuring that the room is not compromised by drafts, moisture, or temperature extremes. 

    If You Don’t Want the Garage Door, You Might Need a Permit 

    If you’d rather eliminate the garage door altogether and make that area into an exterior wall, this is another time you need to consult your county’s building codes, as well as an engineer, so that whatever alterations you make are legal and structurally sound.