El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door repair DIY

  • When Did You Last Replace Your Garage Door’s Weatherstripping?

    Replacing the weatherstripping, the bottom seal on your garage door, is a simple garage door repair that should be done every other year, or every few years. Since it is made of rubber, sun exposure can cause it to crack and break apart. Not only does it protect your garage from flooding and other severe weather, it also acts as a barrier for keeping out critters such as mice, cockroaches, racoons and other scavengers who might be seeking shelter as the weather changes.

    DIY, But Why?

    This should be considered regular garage door maintenance, and it is simple enough to DIY, although it does take a couple hours and can be frustrating if you have the wrong size weatherstripping, or fail to get things perfectly straight. A garage door bottom seal can be found at most hardware stores, but it is important to take measurements and purchase the correct size. Replacing it entails unscrewing the bolts on the old bottom seal, sliding in the new and replacing the bolts. Certainly there are plenty of ways you’d rather spend your weekend, or maybe getting on the ground for garage door repairs is not something you have the desire or ability to do. El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair is happy to help. Contact us today and we will inspect how well your garage door is weatherproofed and gladly install a new bottom seal.

  • Add Garage Door Opener Repair to Your Wildfire Prep Checklist

    It’s more important than ever to prepare your household for natural disasters, and in California, wildfires are the most threatening. Updating the type of garage door and garage door opener you have in your home should be added to your checklist. Battery-powered garage door openers are more reliable than electric in this case, since the latter can be struck useless when wildfires hit and the power goes out. Tragically, there have been numerous elderly folks falling victim to disabled garage-door entrapment, unable to open their garage door manually and escape the dire emergency.

    Plan for Battery-Backup Upgrade When Replacing or Repairing Your Garage Door

    Making the switch to a garage door opener with battery backup is not merely a precaution—it’s a necessity. As of July 2019, California law mandates that all newly installed or replaced garage door openers must include a battery backup, with non-compliance resulting in a $1000 penalty. Many homeowners were put in a tight spot by the higher cost associated with battery-powered openers. Battery powered backup systems can run around $500 compared to around $200 for electric models. More affordable battery backup kits are now available, making this vital upgrade more accessible.

    This law underscores the importance of ensuring that your garage door opener remains operational during power outages, which are common during wildfire events. The investment in a battery-backup system is a small price to pay when considering the safety and peace of mind it provides. In the event of a power outage, a battery-backed garage door opener will allow you to safely exit your home, potentially saving lives during emergencies.

    Garage Door Battery-Powered Openers Are for More than Wildfires

    Beyond wildfires, battery-powered garage door openers also offer reliability during other natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes. These openers ensure that you are not trapped in your home when access to power is disrupted. The ability to quickly and safely evacuate can make a significant difference during any emergency.

    It’s Always Worth It to Invest in Safety 

    While the initial cost of transitioning to a battery-powered garage door opener may seem steep, it’s a worthwhile investment. More budget-friendly battery backup kits have become available, easing the financial burden on homeowners. Whether you are replacing or repairing your garage door for unrelated reasons, incorporating a battery backup is a prudent step. The most recent wildfires have ravaged a record-setting number of acres. This emphasizes the critical need for reliable emergency preparedness measures. You home security doesn’t stop with cameras; you need to be able to exit your home with ease. Garage door battery backup systems are for this specific purpose.

    Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your garage door opener will function in an emergency is invaluable. Many homeowners agree that the added cost is justified, given the life-saving potential of these systems. Ensuring that your home is equipped with a battery-powered garage door opener is a responsible and necessary measure to protect your family and property from the unpredictable nature of natural disasters.