El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: Garage doors

  • The Rise of Custom Designs Transforming Garage Doors into Art

    For decades, garage doors have been a utilitarian element in our homes, providing access and security for our vehicles. But gone are the days of plain, metal panels. A growing trend is transforming these once-mundane surfaces into stunning works of art. They blur the line between functionality and artistic expression.

    Let’s go over the rise of custom garage door designs. We’ll delve into the reasons behind this exciting trend and showcase the possibilities for homeowners seeking a unique touch for their property.

    Curb Appeal Is an Ever-Growing Concern for Homeowners

    Curb appeal – the visual appeal of a property’s exterior – has become increasingly important in recent years. Homeowners are looking for ways to make their houses stand out from the crowd, and the garage door, often occupying a significant portion of the front facade, presents a perfect canvas for artistic expression.

    Embracing Artistic Expression Is a Choice Beyond Function

    Custom garage door designs offer a fresh perspective. They transform a functional element into a statement piece. This trend caters to homeowners who value individuality and creativity. Imagine driving up to a home where the garage door depicts a vibrant mural reflecting the owner’s passion for nature. You could also see a classic car enthusiast showcasing a vintage automobile design on their door.

    Custom Garage Door Designs Come with Various Home Benefits

    There are several advantages to embracing a custom garage door design:

    • Enhanced Curb Appeal: A unique and eye-catching garage door elevates the overall visual appeal of your property. It makes a lasting impression on visitors and potentially increasing your home’s value.
    • Express Your Personality: Custom designs allow you to showcase your personal style and interests. Whether it’s a favorite sports team logo, a whimsical scene, or a historical detail reflecting your neighborhood’s heritage, your garage door can become a conversation starter.
    • Increased Security: Many custom garage door companies utilize high-quality materials and construction techniques, potentially enhancing the security of your garage.
    • Durable Beauty: Modern printing methods and materials ensure your custom design is not only beautiful but also resistant to fading and weathering, providing long-lasting curb appeal.

    There Are Various Design Options Available to Match Your Tastes

    The possibilities for custom garage door designs are virtually limitless. Here are some popular options to spark your imagination:

    • Murals: Imagine a breathtaking landscape, a vibrant abstract composition, or a character from your favorite movie adorning your garage door. Murals offer endless opportunities for artistic expression.
    • Themed Designs: Are you a sports fanatic? A history buff? A nature lover? Showcase your passion with a themed design that reflects your interests.
    • Architectural Details: For a more subtle yet sophisticated touch, consider incorporating architectural elements that complement your home’s style.
    • Company Branding: If you run a home-based business, a custom garage door can be a fantastic way to subtly promote your brand.

    Garage Doors Can Come in Different Materials and Techniques

    Custom garage door companies use various materials and techniques to create these artistic masterpieces. Here are some common approaches:

    • High-Quality Paint: Durable paints with UV protection ensure vibrant colors that resist fading over time.
    • Vinyl Overlays: These pre-printed vinyl sheets adhere to the existing garage door. They offer a cost-effective and versatile option for customization.
    • Direct Printing: Advanced printing techniques allow for high-resolution designs directly applied to the garage door surface.
    • Engraved Wood or Metal Doors: For a luxurious and timeless look, consider custom-made wood or metal doors with intricate designs engraved or carved into the surface.

    There Are Various Considerations Before You Go Custom

    While the possibilities are exciting, there are some factors to consider before embarking on a custom garage door design project:

    • Budget: Custom designs can range in price depending on the complexity, materials, and size of the door.
    • Homeowners Association (HOA) Regulations: If you live in a community with an HOA, ensure your custom design complies with their regulations.
    • Durability and Maintenance: Choose a design and materials that can withstand the elements in your climate and need minimal maintenance.
    • Professional Installation: For optimal results, ensure the chosen company employs experienced professionals for proper installation. You can DIY any painting work you might want to do (if you’re so inclined) but if you’re hiring pros make sure they have the experience to meet your expectations.

    Custom Garage Doors Are a Rising Trend And Can Be Beautiful

    The rise of custom garage door designs reflects a growing desire for homeowners to personalize their properties and express their creativity. By embracing this trend, you can transform your once-ordinary garage door into a stunning focal point. You add a touch of artistic flair to your home while enhancing its curb appeal and potentially increasing its value. So, unleash your inner artist and explore the world of custom garage door designs. After all, your garage door is no longer just a door; it’s a blank canvas waiting to become a masterpiece.

  • Common Garage Door Parts that May Need Replacement

    Garage doors are actually fairly complicated pieces of machinery, with a lot of moving parts. Though with care and regular maintenance they can last many years without issue, there are some common failure points that should be inspected somewhat regularly, especially when strange noises and other outside-the-norm behavior starts cropping up. Let’s take a look at some of the common culprits for garage door issues:

    Springs Can Break – and They’re Dangerous

    Springs are under basically constant tension throughout the life of your garage door, so it’s no wonder they tend to be one of the first parts that need to be replaced. Worn-out springs tend to cause your garage door to open and close strangely, or, in the case of complete failures, cause it to close on its own. 

    Visual inspection is really all they need, make sure they don’t look stretched out or bent, but also make note of any “off” sounds occurring when opening and closing. All these can be signs of it nearing the time for a replacement.

    Sensors – Clean or Replace

    Call the “photo eye unit”, these sensors are what stop modern garage doors from closing on any obstructions, including people. Good practice is to clean them fairly regularly and make sure nothing is blocking their path. However, if your garage door is closing partially and then opening back up, or you have caught it trying to close down on something in its path, you should consider a replacement to avoid any potential accidents.

    Lube Garage Door Rollers for a Smooth Ride

    Rollers are probably the most common cause of a “noisy” garage door. They can be maintained with regular cleaning and a bit of silicone lubricant. Don’t use WD-40, as it may help in the short term, but it is a degreaser and your rollers need a bit to operate properly. Broken rollers are usually fairly obvious to diagnose, causing noisy and shaky openings and closings.

    Tracks

    Tracks likely do not break on their own, but the problem is if one of the aforementioned issues has occurred then the garage door may not be aligned exactly properly, which then can cause damage to the tracks themselves.

     If your garage door is getting stuck or seems to not be closing quite properly, especially after a previous issue, your tracks may need to be taken a look at. Regular inspections help here as well and note any bends or cracks in their structure.

    Call A Pro When You’re in Doubt

    Often it can be difficult to diagnose all the parts at work in garage doors on your own. If you’ve checked all these parts out and are still facing issues, it’s probably best to call a professional repair service that has the experience, tools, and parts needed to get things back in working order.

  • Why Sunlight Confuses Your Garage Door Opener’s Sensors

    Garage door sensors (those little eyes on each side of the door frame near the ground that tell the door it’s safe to close) use light to communicate with each other; one sensor sends light to the other, which receives the signal. If that path is interrupted, say, by an object or a person, the garage door won’t close, because it thinks it’s not safe since something is in the way.

    Sunlight can confuse these sensors, which typically use infrared light to communicate. UV light is much stronger than infrared, which is why on sunny days the UV light can cause the sensors to think something is blocking their communication. The garage door will open but it won’t close. Not only is this really annoying, but it can be a security risk for your home. Thankfully, there are a few easy fixes to stop the sun from messing with your garage door’s function.

    Things You can do to Shade Your Sensors

    • Place a piece of cardboard, like a toilet paper roll, around the sensor to shade the eye. You could also use PVC pipe to do this.
    • Buy manufactured sensor shades for the eyes. (This is a more aesthetically pleasing option.)
    • If your home is sat at an angle where the sun is only hitting the sensor that receives the light signal, consider just switching which side of the door each sensor is on.
    • Take the lenses from a pair of UV resistant sunglasses and place on each sensor.

    Just remember – with any of these fixes, never block the sensor’s eye, otherwise you’ll never get the door to close and it will just add to your frustration.

    And you can always call us at EDH for any of your garage door opener repair or troubleshooting needs!

  • In Our Dream Home, We Want it All… But can we Really Get it?

    It’s difficult to make your home stand out in a sea of new construction. And while people love the luxury of newer kitchens, bathrooms, and just generally the low maintenance of a new-build house, people also love a house with character. It seems like those two things conflict, but there’s a way to have both. It’s definitely an investment, but the return you’ll see on your home’s value will totally be worth it.

    Reface Your Home with New Materials and a New Garage Door:

    REMODELING magazine does a Cost vs Value Report each year on home renovations, nationally and regionally. In 2020, renovations involving curb appeal took the #1 and #2 spots in best ROI.

    • #1: Manufactured Stone Veneer
      • Average Cost: $9357, Average Return: $8943 -> 95.6% cost recoup

    Everyone loves the historic vibe and solid, sturdy look of stone on a home. But you can’t just cover your home in stone – it’s way too heavy for a modern home to hold up, and it would be exorbitantly expensive. Not to mention no sane contractor would do this for you. Manufactured stone veneer comes in a lot of styles, qualities, patterns, etc., and can give you the same effect. For instance, some manufacturers use this really cool technique of making shallow molds with shapes that mimic hewn limestone blocks, then fill the molds with a concrete mix that includes dyes that mimic the look the minerals in limestone cause. You end up with concrete “bricks” only about 1” thick that, when installed on your home, look almost exactly like limestone, but without the weight, cost, and weaknesses of limestone (depending on the quarry and the depth, the irregularities of minerals and fossils in limestone can make it difficult to withstand decades of weathering).

    • #2: Garage Door Replacement
      • Average Cost: $3695, Average Return: $3491 -> 94.5% cost recoup

    When refacing your home, you need consistency. If you’re going for a look of historic charm, a stone veneer refacing will just look weird and poorly thought out next to a typical modern garage door. But, thankfully, there are trends in garage doors right now that have made options for styles pretty much unlimited. You can choose a carriage house style, or 2-sectioned doors that bend inward to raise. There’s always the barnhouse style, too – people are loving that look right now.

    Bringing it All Together:

    So, there you have it. You can have a new, modern home that is also unique and has some (faux) historic character. You’re going to get an almost even return on your investment, and your house is going to stand out in a new-construction neighborhood, where it can sometimes seem like you’re in a sea of cookie-cutter houses.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Garage Outlet Installation for Electric Cars

    In California, electric cars these days are as hip as hipster goatees. And why not? You save a ton of money on gas and you do your part to help save the environment — a win-win for future generations as well as your household budget.

    So it’s not surprising that in addition to being asked which type of garage door to install, we’re also getting asked about electric outlets for cars. What kind of electric outlet do you need installed in your garage?

    The kind of electric outlet you’ll need for your car depends on the model of car you have. Each model varies according to voltage — there has yet to emerge a standard. A Chevy Volt, for example, uses a 120v outlet, while a Tesla Model S battery needs a 240v outlet.

    And sure, you can plug your electric car into your standard household outlet — as long as you’re not planning to drive anywhere for about a week. Charging times are significantly slowed without the higher voltage outlets.

    There are other factors that can affect the type of outlet you’ll need in your garage to charge your electric car.

    How Long Does an Electric Car Take to Charge?

    That depends on a number of different factors. Are you talking fast charging to get more range, or overnight charging for a full charge? It depends on the type of electric car you have, as each type has varying battery technology and different battery sizes. Even similarly sized cars can charge at different rates.

    Not only do the cars charge at different rates, but so do the charging stations themselves — each can deliver differing rates of charging power.

    Basically, if your charging station provides more power than your car can handle, your car will act as a bottleneck. Likewise, if your car accepts more power than the charger can deliver, your charger will be the bottleneck.

    And while most manufacturer’s list a theoretical charging time, this is an estimate that can be affected by a variety of elements. To figure out your EV’s charging time, divide your car’s battery pack by the electric vehicle charging station’s output rate or a number lower than the vehicle’s acceptance rate. That gives you the number of hours required to charge an empty battery.

    This information will be displayed when you plug your car into the charging station.

    120V Outlets for Electric Car Chargers

    In any US and Canadian home, including Cincinnati, the 120V outlet is standard. This is the same plug you use for your phone, TV, and record player. When you’re charging your car, this is sometimes known as Level 1 charging.

    But it’s important that charging stations be on their own dedicated circuit. If your charging outlet is connected to the laundry room or your garage door opener, you’ll draw extra amperage that could trip a circuit. This can be especially problematic if the charger is connected to the garage door opener, as the opener will stop working and appear to need repair.

    Don’t have a dedicated circuit for a charging port? Call an electrician. They can create a separate charging circuit so you don’t blow a breaker or risk a fire.

    A level 1 charging outlet will deliver between 12-16amps of continuous power — about 3.5 to 6.5 miles of range per hour of charging.

    Level 1 charging power output can be between 12-16amps of continuous power. That means that the charger can deliver between 3.5 and 6.5 miles of range per hour of charging. That’s enough to get you around 40 miles of daily driving.

    240V Outlets for Electric Car Chargers

    Known as Level 2 charging, 240V outlets charge twice as fast as a 120V outlet — a key benefit if you are travelling across the country and need to recharge your juice. Some cars will allow you to plug into both 120v and 240V outlets, which can be critical. When you’re on the road, it’s great to have options. That way, you can take full advantage of a brewery or restaurant that offers charging in its parking lot. Take a break, grab a bite or a brew, and be charged and on your way!

    With Level 2 charging, you have close to 60 miles per hour of charging time added. These outlets typically produce between 16-40 amps of power output — roughly 14-35 miles of electric range per hour of charging.

    Please note — if you want a full battery to charge overnight, you’ll need Level 2 charging. That way, you get a fully charged car by the next time you use the garage door opener in the morning.

    Level 3 Charging

    The next level is Level 3 charging, which adds 90 miles of range to your electric vehicle in 30 minutes. The catch is these outlets are expensive and can damage your battery if used too often. You also can’t currently install them at home — they are available at some public charging stations.

    But level 3 is how you can get a Tesla to reach 80% of charging capacity in just under 30 minutes.

    What kind is right for your garage? Like garage door installation options and options for garage door openers, it all depends upon your preferences, budget, and particular needs. But choose carefully, as the type of charger you install in your garage will greatly determine battery performance and capacity.

  • Garage Door Styles For Your Business

    Whether you’re looking to renovate a new space or change up the vibe to a more industrial style, an overhead garage door can be the solution! There are many reasons as to why garage door installations for restaurants and other businesses alike has been a recent hype. Are you on the fence about this conversion? Read our points below as to why this would be a great addition to your business!

    Garage Doors Create More Space

    No matter where in the US of A, many businesses have incorporated glass garage doors for their gym, restaurant or brewery. These types of doors are especially useful for the brewery or distillery. The large opening makes it easy to transport large items or for vehicles to have access inside the property. As for the seasonal weather changes, you can definitely expect more people to come out during the summer months. A restaurant garage door comes in handy for more outdoor seating and for more air to circulate inside. Maybe you’ve opened a cross fit gym in the area? Garage style doors for the gym are great for air circulation and to market your business directly to the outside world.

    Trendy Overhead Garage Glass Door

    Not only is a garage door great for extra space at the bar or for a patio area in a restaurant, it’s also beautiful to look at. With more passerby’s having a chance to glance inside your establishment by way of the garage door opening, the trendier you’ll look. Plus, accommodating more people means more business. Well, what about the cold winter weather? Sure, you’ll have to keep those doors shut for months on end. But for the most part, you can decorate the glass for seasonal holidays and even add decorative lights all around to give it a cozy feel. Plus, with glass windows, the public can still peer in to see what your establishment is all about.

    Safety First, Inspect for Garage Repairs

    Sure, the business garage door style is an amazing idea! Although, safety should always come first. Make sure you have a professional install that frame and perfectly adjust the new overhead door. Well, you can have any type of garage door installed, but the most common is an overhead garage door style. The clear glass aluminum overhead door is hot commodity these days. Nonetheless, you want to make sure your customers feel safe and keep coming back! If you need a garage door repair in the Sacramento area, give us a call and we can schedule an appointment!

  • How Often Should I Replace My Garage Door Chain?

    This is probably the most common question we get when it comes to garage door opener repair. The answer really comes down to two things: the type of garage door opener you have and how often you use the garage door opener. Chain driven garage door openers are louder, but they last a while longer. Belt driven garage door openers are quieter but tend to wear out quickly. Screw driven garage door openers are the worst of both worlds — they tend to be loud, wear out quickly and require high maintenance and repair needs.

    How often is your garage door open or closed?

    Opening and closing a door puts wear and tear on a chain. So if you never open your garage door, the chain can last much longer than 15 years. Most people open their door 2 to 3 times per day. If you open it say 5 or 6, you should expect less than 15 years of use on the chain — more like 10 to 12 years.

    How often do you preventative maintenance on the garage door?

    Maintenance, likewise, can affect how long a garage door chain lasts. Garage door chains need lubricated regularly. Otherwise the parts will wear down. A well lubricated chain runs quieter and smoother because there is less stress on the chain.

    What quality of opener and chain do you own?

    The quality of your opener is another determining factor. LiftMasters are a little pricey, but they’re great door openers — so there’s less stress on your chain. It will last longer.

    What kind of installation did you have done?

    Do you have an older garage door opener? How well was it installed? Did you install the garage door opener DIY or hire a professional? This will also affect the lifespan of your garage door chain.

    Do you live in a housing complex? To save money, contractors sometimes put in shoddy openers or cheap chains. They know the house sale will be over and done with before it breaks, so why bother? In this case, you can bet the chain will wear out much more quickly than it should.

    What Type of Chain Should You Get?

    If you are replacing the chain, consider carefully which type of chain you should choose. You don’t have to go with the status quo. It may be worth getting an upgrade.

    A chain drive is the cheapest. This is a metal chain that’s inexpensive but also noisy. Belt drives use a rubber belt instead of a chain. These are a little more expensive, don’t last as long but are extremely quiet. There are also fewer moving parts, so belt drives require less maintenance. With a screw driven garage door opener, a threaded steel rod is used to move the trolley, lifting and lowering as the rod rotates. It’s a quieter solution that’s also low maintenance.

  • Need More Room in the Garage? Here’s How to Install Overhead Ladder Storage

    Need More Room in the Garage? Here’s How to Install Overhead Ladder Storage

    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.