El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door installation

  • How to Choose the Best Garage Door for Your Home

    As much as you might love your home, there’s always going to be some small changes that could make it even more perfect. Perhaps you feel like the entry to your home could use an update? Upgrading your home with a new garage door can go a long way in making your house feel brand new and exciting. 

    With so many options and designs available, you may find it somewhat difficult to know exactly what you’re looking for when choosing the right door for your garage. Let’s take a look at a few things to consider when taking on this task.

    What to Look for in a Garage Door

    While there are many factors to consider when looking for a new garage door, there are a few things you should always keep an eye out for. First, make sure it’s going to be safe for your home and family. This includes a number of different factors, including the weight of the door, the type of hardware, security features, and more. Garage service specialists worth their salt should be able to go over all of this with you.

    Material and Style Options

    Additionally, and much more fun, you’ll want to make sure that your garage door is the right fit for your home’s style and décor. You’ll want to consider the material, color, and finish of your garage door. Garage doors come in a wide range of finishes, including wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum, among others.

    The type of material you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the look you’re going for, and the climate in your area. Wood tends to be a classically popular choice, but steel and fiberglass have their benefits as well.

    Style-wise things can get a little tricky, especially when replacing an old garage door with a new one. Sectional overhead doors tend to be the most popular in neighborhoods across the country, but carriage style hinged doors can give your house a classic look that’s pretty hard to emulate otherwise.

    Refitting an old garage installation for a new style can definitely increase your budget, but it’s definitely possible and should be kept in mind if you find a door you fall in love with.

    Find the Right Size for Your Home

    Make sure to have accurate measurements of your old garage door before getting too invested in replacing it with any specific new door. There can be odd variants to its size depending on its age, or especially if it was a custom job. When measuring you’ll want to make sure to include the width of its track and its height, including the height of the door when it’s fully open. 

    Get a Quote from The Experts

    A professional garage door service company can go along way in helping you narrow down your search. They’ll have a large catalogue to go through and might have ideas in mind that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. They can also help you find a way to fit your perfect style and design into a budget that’ll work.

  • Garage Doors Aren’t as Simple as They Used to Be

    If you live in or have ever seen a garage on an historic home, you know that back in the day there was one choice for garage doors: wood. Not so anymore; now you can choose from aluminum, steel, vinyl, wood or composite wood. But what are the differences and why do we need so many choices? Different materials offer varying durability, appearance, cost and lifespan: factors you should be familiar with before making that big purchase of a brand new garage door.

    Aluminum:

    • Pros
      • Affordable: Aluminum is one of the most affordable materials for garage doors.
      • Durable: It is a strong material and can hold up well against wear and tear.
      • Corrosion-resistant: Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a great option for homes in wet climates.
    • Cons:
      • Dents easily: One of the downsides of aluminum is that it is prone to dents, especially with heavy impacts.
      • Poor insulation: Aluminum is not a great insulator for doors, meaning it can be less energy efficient. This can result in higher heating or cooling bills. It’s important to insulate aluminum garage doors to prevent this issue.

    Steel:

    • Pros:
      • Stronger than aluminum: Steel is stronger than aluminum and can withstand heavier impacts.
      • Budget-friendly: Steel is also a more cost-effective option.
      • Low maintenance: It is easy to maintain and requires little upkeep.
      • Many style and strength options: There are various styles and strengths available in steel garage doors. They have both single-layer and double-layer options.
    • Cons:
      • Prone to rust and corrosion: Steel is vulnerable to rust and corrosion, which can be problematic in wet climates.
      • Dents easily: Like aluminum garage doors, steel is prone to denting.
      • Poor insulation: Steel is not a good insulator, so it may lead to higher heating and cooling costs.

    Vinyl:

    • Pros:
      • Sturdy: Vinyl is a sturdy material that is resistant to dents and scratches.
      • Rust-proof: It is also rust-proof and can hold up well against harsh weather.
      • Low maintenance: Vinyl garage doors are easy to maintain and don’t require painting or staining.
      • Impact-resistant: Vinyl is more impact-resistant than other materials. They’re a great option for homes located near busy streets or prone to small accidents.
    • Cons:
      • Costly: Vinyl garage doors tend to be more expensive than other materials.
      • Limited colors and styles: There are fewer color and style options available for vinyl garage doors.

    Wood:

    • Pros:
      • Timeless look: Wooden garage doors have a timeless look and add warmth to a home’s exterior.
      • Unlimited style and color options: There are virtually unlimited style and color options with wood garage doors. You can paint or style your garage to match the rest of your house with ease.
      • Self-insulating: Wood is a natural insulator, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
      • Stands up to time if cared for: With proper care and maintenance, wood can stand up well against time.
    • Cons:
      • High maintenance: Wooden garage doors require regular maintenance, including painting or staining.
      • Fluctuation with Weather: Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. This can unfortunately cause warping or cracking.
      • Will rot if exposed to too much water: Wood is vulnerable to rotting if exposed to too much moisture. This can be problematic in wet climates. Wooden garage doors are better in dry environments.
    • Another, less common option is composite wood, which has all the cosmetic benefits of wood but without the risks of rotting or cracking.

    Choosing the right material for a garage door depends on several factors. This mainly includes the climate, style, and budget. While each material has its own pros and cons, selecting the best option for your needs can help ensure a long-lasting garage door. Still wondering what the best option for your new garage door installation is? Ask your local experts at EDH-Serrano Garage Door Repair for advice!

  • New Garage Door? 3 Installation Upgrades to Consider

    Want to improve the performance of your garage door? If you are considering installing a new garage door, it may be worth upgrading and improving your game. Here are our top 3 upgrades for improved garage doors.

    Heavy Insulation

    You live in El Dorado Hills, California and don’t need insulation? Yeah right. The truth is that a well insulated garage door keeps out the heat in hot climates as well as it keeps out the cold in wintry conditions. This means that in the hot summer, your home will be easier to cool. This will help you save on your electricity bill.

    Get an Impact Resistant Garage Door

    Older doors just aren’t that impact resistant. They dent easily. Overtime, it really shows. (In fact, dented and banged up garage doors are the most common reason for new garage door installation.) Fortunately, newer garage doors are designed to be impact resistant. This is great if you’ve got kids. It’s worth investing in a higher quality door because it will be dent resistant and will last a lot longer.

    Battery Backup

    In El Dorado Hills, California, battery backup is required on all new doors. This became law this year in an effort to address wildfire concerns. This way, your door will open even when the power’s out. Honestly, it’s a great feature to have and worth installing as an upgrade even if you don’t get a new door. Whether you live in California where it’s required or you have an older door, battery backup is just a matter of convenience.

  • Garage Door Windows: Unique Placement, Advantages, and Security Issues to Consider

    In most garage doors, the windows are along the top row of the garage door or right below. That’s standard operation procedure, but it’s not like it’s the law. After all, you’re in El Dorado Hills, California. We like to live on the edge. Who said you can’t have garage door windows wherever you like? Make your own style. It can significantly increase the natural light in your garage.

    Some garages are designed to allow for unique window placement. If you are considering installing a new garage door, it’s worth looking into.

    The Standard+ Garage Door — A Door that Accommodates a Variety of Window Positions

    Your Standard+ garage door features a variety of designs. It’s manufactured from galvanized steel usually about 1 inch to 2 inches thick. Most feature polyurethane foam insulation, which makes the door highly resistant to flexion. It’s extremely energy efficient yet strong and durable. And the beauty of this type of door is you can place the windows wherever you like.

    Advantages of Many Windows

    Windows can add nice variations to what would otherwise be a standard door. This can make your home unique and noticeable. Windows also allow for beautiful natural light, which can make the inside of your garage more airy and livable. If you plan to use the inside of your garage for an office, gym, yoga studio, or meditation sanctuary, windows can be essential to internal lighting.

    Security & Privacy Issues

    Naturally, whenever you have windows, there are security and privacy issues to consider. Windows can allow thieves to view the contents of your garage while you aren’t home. This helps them figure out if the home is unoccupied for the day. It also lets them take inventory to decide if a break in is worth the effort.

    Of course, you don’t want the neighborhood peering in your windows and seeing the inner workings of your life. This is especially true if you use your garage as a living space such as a rec room or exercise area.

    That’s why we recommend opaque windows or windows that have thick glass you can’t see through. This also helps prevent break ins. These windows still allow plenty of natural light without letting people see in from outside.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

    Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

    Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door

    A garage door is an investment in the value of your home. It has nearly a dollar for dollar return. Some realtors estimate the ROI on new garage door installation is 97% on average, probably even more in a competitive realty market like El Dorado Hills, California. So as you approach the question of whether to repair or replace your garage door, keep in mind that a new garage door is money well spent. It’s just a question of if it’s time. Usually, your gut already knows.

    Common Problems that Can Be Repaired

    Some garage door problems are easy and inexpensive to repair. A noisy garage door can likely be quieted down with a fresh coat of oil and bolt tightening. A heavy door is likely the result of a broken or damaged spring. That can be replaced but will require a professional to do safely and correctly.

    Do you have damaged panels? If it’s just one or two, you can likely replace the panel so that nobody knows any difference. You can often buy individual panels for most manufactured garage doors. Swapping them out is simple and cost effective.

    If your door is sagging, that’s likely a balance issue. The springs will likely need adjusted. Again, this is a job best left to a professional. But you don’t need to replace the entire door.

    Problems that Require a New Garage Door Installation

    You often know when you need it. Sometimes a garage door has become so worn and damaged that replacing it just makes sense. It can be a real eye sore, be dangerous to kids and pets, or be a security risk.

    Keep in mind that curb appeal can be one of the biggest factors that affect the resale value of a home. A new door improves property values considerably. It’s something that’s worth considering.

  • Here’s What You Need to Know to Install the Perfect Garage Door

    Here’s What You Need to Know to Install the Perfect Garage Door

    Here’s-What-You-Need-to-Know-to-Install-the-Perfect-Garage-DoorIt’s a garage door, you think. How much can be involved in choosing the right one to install? Actually, a lot more than you think. These days, there are a number of factors and options to consider. And since this is a potentially several thousand dollar investment most people only make once in their lives, it’s something you want to do right. Here’s what you need to know to nail this decision and install the perfect door.

    Budget

    Let’s start with the price. How much do you want to spend? Design, materials, and extra features can add up. Make sure to balance preference, function, and need with the cost of materials and labor. At the same time, you don’t want to be cheap. This is a lifetime investment. Plus, a new garage door installation has one of the best returns on investment you can get when it comes to home improvement. Anything you spend, you’ll get back in improved property value, virtually dollar to dollar. So it really comes down to how much can you afford and what are the best features to get for that price?

    Materials

    A major determination of the price will be the type of material it’s made from. Each material has its own advantages and cost considerations. Wood has a beautiful appeal, but tends to be a little more expensive and requires more upkeep. Steel is probably your most economical option. Modern aluminum these days are not as dent resistant as they used to be. The price can vary. Composite doors may provide the same aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price.

    Insulation

    Insulation isn’t required, but it is a good idea — even in the mild winters of El Dorado Hills, California. Insulation will keep out the hot as well as the cold, making it much cheaper to cool your home in California’s hot summers. They also are great for noise resistance so you get your peace and quiet. The quality of the insulation will depend on its R-value — the higher the better.

    Weatherization

    Considering the new reality of climate change, you might want to get a garage door that is fire resistant, as well as one that can stand up to heavy storms. Talk to your El Dorado Hills garage door dealer about the different options available. You can get a door specially designed for heavy weather that has better bracing, storm resistant panels, and can stand up to heavy winds.

    Smart Garage Door

    You might consider installing a garage door that has a smart opening system. This way, you can monitor and control the system remotely from your phone, computer, or other mobile device. If you are away on vacation and get a security alert, for example, you can view your garage and contact the police if necessary. You can also open and close the door from your phone — say if Amazon stops by with a package while you are away at work.

    Installation

    While you could technically install the new garage door yourself, we don’t recommend it unless you truly know what you’re doing. And no, YouTube videos don’t count. You’re already investing enough in this garage door that it’s worth doing right. Plus, you might void the warranty on the garage door if you install it yourself.

  • New Technology Improvements in Modern Garage Doors

    New Technology Improvements in Modern Garage Doors

    New-Technology-Improvements-in-Modern-Garage-DoorsThese 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.

  • Why 2 Garages is a Genius Home Improvement Idea

    Why 2 Garages is a Genius Home Improvement Idea

    Why-2-Garages-is-a-Genius-Home-Improvement-IdeaSure, 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.