El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door installation

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
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
Lack the Space for a New 2 Car Garage? Introducing the 1.5 Car Garage

Living in El Dorado Hills, California is beautiful — perfect weather and a great community. We’re truly blessed to live here and be part of the neighborhood. But one thing this place doesn’t have a lot of is space. Real estate is at a premium. When it comes to new garage door installations, one of the challenges we have is finding a garage situation that can meet the space requirements. Fortunately, there’s the 1.5 car garage — slightly larger than a single car garage but not as big as the 2 car garage. It gives you just enough space to comfortably park your car safely and securely, with a little extra for storage. Let’s take a look at this amazing option for garage door installation.

The Best of All Worlds

Granted, nobody has a .5 car. Even the Smart Car probably counts for at least ¾ wide. But it is a garage that will accommodate a regular size car plus a little room for extras such as a motorcycle, a lawn mower or athletic equipment. Plus, it can accommodate a large vehicle easily if you drive a big SUV.

Most one car size garages are about 12 to 16 feet wide. A 1.5 car garage is about 16 and 20 feet. It’s a happy medium between a 2 car garage at 20 to 24 feet and a 3 car garage at 30 feet.

Small Footprint

Many neighborhoods in El Dorado Hills are just too risky for street parking, especially if you drive a nice car. And often you don’t have the acreage for a large garage.

Yet one car garages can be too limiting. You barely have enough room to get and out of the car. Kiss your dreams of keeping a lawnmower or motorcycle in your garage goodbye.

A 1.5 car garage is a happy medium. You have plenty of room to store a car and extra storage within a very limited space.

Have a Young Driver?

If you have a young driver, you know that landing an SUV in a single car garage is like nailing the Death Star on the first try. There’s very little room for error. A that extra .5 of space could save your bumper or car door.

Wrestling Kids

Even if your kids aren’t driving age, you know what a hassle it can be to wrestle them into the car, especially if car seats are involved. A 1.5 car garage provides just enough space to do it with ease.

Considering a New Garage?

So if you’re considering installing a new garage for the first time but don’t have a lot of space to work with, a 1.5 car garage gives you more options. And there are a number of new garage doors on the market to fit this size so you don’t have to custom build anything or reinvent the wheel.

September 17, 2018
The Pros and Cons to Raising the Roof for a Taller Garage

Want a taller garage? It’s possible and definitely has its advantages in terms of extra overhead storage or being able to store larger vehicles such as boats or semi-cabs if you’re a trucker. You could raise the roof, theoretically anyway. Is it worth the hassle and expense? We’ll let you be the judge.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to raising your garage roof. Tread carefully. This isn’t a job you can start over easily. Once you’ve begun, you’re committed, for better or worse.

Approaches to Raising the Roof

You could brace the inside of your garage and use hydraulic lifts to raise the roof. Be careful. Additional support may be needed if the roof is not very stable.

You might also try raising the actual garage itself, but this obviously has structural challenges. Consult a contractor for an estimate.

A final option is to start fresh with a brand-new roof. This sounds expensive, but actually may be the simplest approach. It’s easier to add to the walls and rebuild the top than to try lifting a heavy roof or the entire garage off the ground.

Are You Sure You Want to Do This?

We probably don’t need to tell you this is a massive job. And it’s going to be expensive, whether you hire a contractor or are a professional carpenter and can DIY the whole job. Are the benefits worth it?

Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Call a couple contractors and get some quotes. Sure, they might laugh in your face, but at least you’ll know the possibilities based on solid numbers.

Benefits to a Taller Garage

Yes, size does matter, at least when it comes to the height of your garage. You could use the extra space for storage or store larger vehicles. With overhead rafters, you could solve all your storage needs and still park your vehicles inside.

Scan Pinterest for inspiration on ideas of how to use the extra space. Whether you decide to go through with it or not, this can be a lot of fun. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find other ideas to improve your storage space that don’t cost thousands of dollars.

Have You Considered New Garage Door Installation?

If space is the issue, you might be able to achieve more by installing a new garage door. We might be able to retrofit a larger door opening on the size of garage you already own. That way you’ll be able to store the boat or a larger SUV. Give us a call to see what the possibilities are. We offer complete garage door service to the El Dorado Hills area.

August 27, 2018
Installing a New Garage Door on a Basement Storage Area

It always seems like there’s never enough storage space. If you’re lucky enough to own a garage, you probably use it to park your vehicles. But where are you going to put your lawn mower, garden equipment, that brand-new set of golf clubs? No, you don’t need to rent a storage unit. And you don’t need to store everything in a basement and lug those precious clubs up and down the staircase every time you hit the country club.

If you’ve got a basement area, why not turn it into an alternate garage complete with a newly installed garage door? Sure, it’s going to take some work, but the added living convenience is well worth it. And that’s to say nothing about the reappraisal value it can add to the value of your home. It’s a garage fix-it DIY renovation project that practically pays for itself.

Research Building Codes and Local Contractor Options

You’ll have to first check the local building codes and probably hire a professional contractor, unless your name happens to be Bob Vila. You should also look into your wall insulation, plumbing and electrical and see what challenges that presents.

What Size Door Do You Want?

But when it comes to garage door installation, you really aren’t limited by dimensions. You could get one as small as 4 x 6, just enough to fit a lawn mower, snowmobile or mountain bike easily. It just depends on what you intend to use the extra garage for and the space constraints of the area you’re looking to convert. If your ambitious and have enough space, you might even be able to fit a recreational vehicle or even a car.

Privacy Issues

It’s your living space, and pants can be such a drag. We’d recommend using tinted, satin or clouded windows for privacy. This way you get plenty natural light without mooning the neighbors, a win-win for everyone involved.

Want to talk with an expert contractor on a garage door installation? Give us a call or fill our contact form. We offer complete garage door service, including new installation, to the El Dorado Hills area.

August 20, 2018
Garage Door Installation: Is Your Old Door Dangerous?

We like to get our money’s worth out of things, especially these days. Value is important. And we tend to push the limits — wearing a pair of shoes or jeans right up to the breaking point. Garage doors should be an exception to the rule, however. Put off replacing your old door too long and it can become incredibly dangerous and can cost you more in the long run. Think about installing a new garage door before it’s too late.

Why a Garage Door Can Be a Serious Safety Issue

A garage door is the largest and heaviest moving part of your home. If you raise and lower it even just 2 to 3 times per day, that’s literally a thousand times a year. Your door requires very precise balance and well working components in order to function properly and safely. The more you use it, the less efficient it gets at doing its job. While it will still serve its purpose, it will get slower at doing it, resulting in frustration and door parts that barely get the job done.

The Danger of Your Garage Door Springs

If you’ve got an older door that hasn’t had much maintenance, your springs could very well be a hazard. Garage door springs work on a counterweight system and require regular adjustment to be able to work effectively and safely. They have a lifespan of about 7 years. When’s the last time you had them replaced, repaired or even inspected? If you’re looking to upgrade your garage door springs, it’s recommended that you switch over to torsion springs. They’ll last far longer and can carry more weight, meaning they’ll break down far slower than extension springs.

If you disengage your automatic opener, you should be able to lift up the door with one hand. If not, call a professional to have it inspected. The springs may need some adjustment. Don’t attempt the repair yourself. These springs are under considerable tension and may be a safety hazard. Let a professional tend to you garage door spring repair and remain worry free.

How are Your Rollers?

Rollers should roll smoothly, not slide along. If your rollers have rounded edges or are coming off the shaft, they need to be replaced. Replacing garage door rollers can be dangerous if you don’t have experience in this realm. Loosening bolts which hold the bottom of the garage door could lead to the entire fixture falling. Feel free to find replacement rollers at hardware stores but let a garage door repair company step in to take care of the upgrade.

How Old Is Your Garage Door Opener?

Is your garage door opener more than 20 years old? If so, you might consider installing a new opener. Modern openers are equipped with automatic reversal systems, which will stop the door from moving if a pet or child runs underneath, or there’s something in the way. New overhead door openers also boast great quality of life features remote access, which allow you to open and close your door from anywhere in the world. Perfect for letting delivery drivers securely tuck away your package or to let the kids home from school.

Looks Matter

Besides safety, visual aesthetics should also be a consideration when considering garage door replacement. Installing a new garage door has one of the best returns on investment when it comes to home improvement. It can improve its real sale value as well as its equity.

Garage Doors Have Come a Long Way, Baby!

Garage door technology has gotten pretty advanced over the last 15 years or so. Insulated doors can limit heating and cooling bills and provide a comfortable environment to relax in. There are also numerous garage door security devices that can improve the safety of your home.

Installing A New Garage Door Can Be Easy

If your garage door hasn’t been replaced in the last 20 or so years, it’s time for a change. Upgrade your house’s look and security by replacing your overhead door today. Spend time and research different garage door styles and models that suit your home’s needs. Afterwards, consult a certified and insured garage door installation company. A reputable installation company will be able to replace your garage door with relative ease and in case anything goes wrong, you’ll be reimbursed or compensated for any damages.

August 13, 2018