El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: new garage door installation

  • A Guide to New Garage Door Installation

    The truth is if your garage door is over 20 years it may be time to consider replacing it. The good news is a new garage door installation has one of the highest return on investments for all home improvements — nearly 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. The reason for this is because of curb appeal and what a new garage door does for your property value.

    If you decide to install a new garage door, we recommend hiring a professional to do the installation. This is the best way to get the most out of your investment — you ensure it’s installed properly and safely. It’s also worth noting you may indeed void the warranty of a new garage door if you decide to install it yourself. That’s because things can go wrong if you don’t have the tools and the expertise to install the door properly.

    But if you decide to install a new garage door yourself, here are a few things you should know to do the job correctly.

    Spring Safety

    Before you replace your garage door, you’ll naturally need to remove the old one first. You’ll need to release the tension in the springs. Otherwise the springs are capable of snapping with incredible pressure — potentially causing serious bodily injury. To release the tension, you’ll need steel rods, turned one quarter turn at a time. Once the springs are properly loosened, you can move onto the next step.

    Remove Existing Hardware

    You’ll need to remove the garage door opener and existing garage door. Disconnect the garage door opener. Remove each panel of the garage door, piece by piece. Start from the top and work your way down.

    Once the panels have been removed, take the door frame off the wall. Next, remove the old garage door opener if you plan on replacing it.

    Installing New Garage Door Panels

    Now it’s time to install your new garage door. Most garage doors have pilot holes drilled into the panels for easier installation. Start with the top panels — installing the hinges at the top of each panel as you go. You’ll need to attach axle supports to the top and bottom panels.

    Install the Garage Door Track

    Once you’ve got the panels in place, it’s time to install the track. Attach the correct brackets to the vertical track pieces. Place the brackets against the wall so the wheels are in the correct position. Attach the door cable to the bottom axle support, and then attach the bottom bracket to the wall.

    Installing Garage Door Springs

    Once the track is in place, it’s time to install the springs. Mark the center of the door. This is where you’ll put your spring support. The springs attach to the anchors and the spring locking cone. The cone will keep the spring from popping away under high pressure. Attach the springs to the main header bracket.

    Installing Other Garage Door Parts

    Finally, you’ll need to install the torsion rod, pulleys, and cable. Next, tighten the springs. This gives your door the tension it needs to open and close.

  • A Step by Step Guide to Repairing a Damaged Garage Door Panel

    Sometimes it seems Murphy’s Law was invented for homeowners. If you own a garage door, at some point you’ll inevitably back into it, denting one of the panels. Or your kid may kick a soccer ball too hard, resulting in a pretty sizable dent. Or maybe one of those crazy rain storms we get in El Dorado Hills sweeps in, and your door is damaged by hail.

    When it comes to garage door repair, fixing damaged panels is one of the most common requests.

    If you have a damaged panel, don’t worry. There are many ways we can repair a damaged garage door panel. Usually we can fix it or replace a panel or two without you having to break down and buy a brand new garage door.

    Time is of the Essence

    The important thing to remember about a dented garage door panel is you need to repair it quickly. Don’t wait. At first, the damage is purely a cosmetic issue. No big deal, you think, right? Wrong. A dented garage door will develop more problems over time if it’s not fixed properly. It puts more stress on the tracks, which can make it harder to close the garage door. A dented door is also more likely to jump the track, which can lead to more garage door repair problems.

    The good news is it’s not too difficult to repair the damage — especially if you own a steel garage door.

    Hammering Out the Dent

    You may be able to hammer out the dent using a rubber mallet and a 2×4. Place the wood over the dent. Bang on the wood with the rubber mallet. This may be enough to pop the dent back into place.

    The Aluminum Foil & Lighter Trick

    Not only is this a neat trick for the kiddos, but it actually works. First, wash the dented area with soap and water. Cut enough aluminum foil to cover the dent. Leave enough access that you can hold the foil against the door. Run the lit lighter back and forth across the foil to get it hot. Remove the foil and then hit the dent with a can of compressed air, holding the can upright. The sudden change in temperature should get the dent to pop back into place.

    Replacing an Entire Garage Door Panel

    If the above tricks didn’t work or the damage is too extensive that such a simple fix isn’t feasible, you may need to replace the entire panel. Take a look at your garage door. Notice how several panels are screwed together so it moves smoothly. You can easily replace any garage door panel so you have a working door again.

    To remove the panel, unscrew it from the one next to it and slide it out. Slide in a new panel and screw it back in. This garage door repair isn’t nearly as hard as it looks.

    How Old is Your Garage Door?

    The thing to keep in mind is that older doors are trickier to repair. And to be honest, sometimes it’s not worth the hassle. Perhaps you’re due for a new garage door installation anyway?

    The average lifespan for a garage door is about 20 to 25 years. If you need to replace a panel, it may not be available for your model of garage door if the door is much older than that.

    Is Your Garage Door Relatively New?

    If you’ve only recently installed the door and damaged a panel, you should be able to get a replacement if you talk to the garage door professional who installed the garage door. They can help get you the right replacement, and even install it if needed. Who knows? Maybe it’s even under warranty. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

    Is the Damage Worse Than That?

    For severe damage, you may need to call in the experts. A garage door professional can take a look at your door and see if it’s salvageable. We can suggest the best option for moving forward, and if it may be time to consider installing a new garage door.

    The good news is we offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair service. And yes, we do house calls!

  • Fireproof Safety Tips for a Safer Garage

    If you’re like most homeowners, your garage is multi-purpose. (That’s probably why insulated garage door installation is so popular — people aren’t just storing cars, but actually using their garages as living spaces.)

    Many people also use their garages for storage. But a mass number of items, especially when it comes to flammable and other hazardous materials, poses a serious fire safety issue. There are nearly 6,600 fires in residential garages every year, resulting in nearly $457 million in property damages, 30 deaths and 400 personal injuries.

    And since garages are in compacted and enclosed spaces, the danger is more pronounced — fires can spread with greater destruction and deadly force than anywhere else in a home.

    To prevent fires, establish proper safety routines — especially when it comes to the safe storage of potentially flammable materials.

    Never Store Flammable Materials in Your Garage

    Avoid storing highly flammable materials in your garage, including gas cans, propane tanks, paints and varnishes. It’s better to store these items in an unattached shed, not in a garage that may have a potential heating source.

    One Appliance Per Outlet

    Avoid plugging more than one appliance — such as refrigerators, furnaces and hot water heaters — in an outlet. Don’t use an extension cord. Overheated outlets can cause a fire. In fact, burned out outlets are the most common cause of fires in American homes.

    Also, make sure to keep all appliances, lights and outlets maintained.

    Professionally Inspect Your Garage

    Have a professional inspect your garage for any fire safety issues. Make any necessary upgrades when it comes to safety codes. These codes are in place for a reason. Even for a residential home, proper adherence to safety code is a must. Hire an electrician to give you a personal inspection.

    Install a Functional Heat Alarm & Sprinkler System

    Install a functional heat alarm that comes complete with battery backup and smoke alarm interconnectivity. It should be rated for temperatures between 175 and 250 F. Also regularly check your smoke alarms in your garage.

    Make sure you have a functional sprinkler system in your garage. Many fires happen in the middle of the night where you might not be aware of a fire until serious damage is done.

    Keep Your Garage Door in Great Repair

    Finally, make sure your garage door is functional and in great repair. If a fire does occur, you’ll need to be able to open your garage door for ventilation.

    If you are considering installing a new garage door, consider a fire rated garage door. This is especially handy given the current wildfire crisis in California, El Dorado Hills in particular. Be safe!

  • Top 6 Home Improvement Projects to Optimize Equity Value

    Looking to sell your home? Don’t assume resale value is a fixed figure you have no control over. In fact, there are numerous improvements you can make that can dramatically raise your home’s equity. That’s why a home is an investment. And if you play your cards right, it’s one that can play off handsomely.

    Here are 6 upgrades you can consider to boost your home’s equity value and cash in on your next big move. Many of these improvements not only increase your home’s value but your enjoyment as well. Your home is your castle. Live like a king (or queen)!

    Refinish Your Basement

    Refinishing your basement into a cozy living space can dramatically increase the living area of your home. Not only that, but it essentially provides an extra guest space for visiting in-laws, family members and friends. Nobody can complain about additional square footage. And for this very reason, a refinished basement will also boost your home’s equity substantially.

    Repaint or Touch Up the Paint On Your House

    Paint wears off, chips, fades, or goes out of style. By repainting your house, you give your home a facelift. Since curb appeal is so important to a home’s resale value, a repainted house boosts your equity. Can’t afford to repaint the whole house? Then touch up areas that are chipped or faded. Surely your house could use a little love.

    Remodel for an Open Layout

    Have floor plans that are only partially open around the living room, dining room or kitchen? Have useless barriers or walls that only serve to make the house claustrophobic? Reopening these areas around your home make the whole place seem roomier and more comfortable. It gives a more spacious feel to your living area. Not only is this more comfortable, but a more open floor plan can substantially increase the value of your home.

    Repaint Your Garage Door

    As far as garage door repairs go, repainting your garage door gives the front of your house a facelift and can increase the value of your home. If the paint on your door is flaking, faded, or just out of style, a paint job may be just what it needs.

    Install a New Garage Door

    Depending on how old your garage door is, a paint job may only go so far. You may be better off installing a brand new garage door. It might not seem to make sense if you are planning to sell your home, but listen to this: A new garage door has one of the highest returns on investment for nearly all home improvements, 97% — virtually dollar for dollar. This is because a new garage door will substantially boost your home’s resale value. It’s like money in the bank.

    Install a Smart Garage Door Opener

    Another way to boost the value of your home is to install a smart garage door opener. This increases what you can do with your garage door by giving you remote access from any Internet connection. It’s a great way to boost your home’s value without making the full investment of a new garage door.

  • The Pros & Cons of Steel Garage Door Installation

    Want an affordable option for garage door installation that’s highly durable and low maintenance? Then you can’t go wrong with a steel garage door. Though the exact price can vary depending on the gauge of steel door you choose, these doors are budget friendly. If you buy one with a thick gauge, they’re pretty tough too. And you can buy fortified doors, which can be especially handy during hurricane season.

    So here’s everything you need to know about steel garage doors, the pros and cons and everything in between.

    Technically it’s possible to dent steel, but they are certainly stronger than wooden doors and even aluminum doors. Unlike vinyl, steel is highly puncture resistant.

    Minor dents are easily repairable. More substantial dents may require the expertise of a garage door professional, however.

    Visual Aesthetics

    Steel may not have the natural beauty of wood, but it’s not necessarily an eyesore either. It’s visual appeal is entirely dependent on its paint job. These doors are highly versatile. With the right color combination, you can have a new garage door that delivers curbside appeal.

    The catch is the paint on steel doors is surface only, so it can be prone to scratches. Weather and sun exposure can cause the paint to fade. Steel doors will need to be repainted more often than your typical wooden garage door.

    Energy Efficiency

    Steel doors tend not to be energy efficient. Steel is naturally conducive to heat. You can help mitigate this by choosing an insulated door. Keep in mind you might want to go for a higher R-value for a steel door because of its natural heat transmission properties.

    Environmentally Friendly Steel Garage Doors

    Steel tends to be a green friendly option. You aren’t chopping down trees to make your door after all, nor are you introducing plastic like vinyl. The beauty of steel is its easily recyclable. In fact, you can even install a new steel garage door that’s made from recycled materials. And decades now when you are done with the door, you can recycle it instead of sending it to a landfill.

    Pest Free

    The other advantage of steel doors is they are pest free — unlike wooden doors that can be feasts for termites or other insects. Steel doors won’t fall apart, so you don’t have to worry about pests getting into your garage.

    Rust Concerns

    The main drawback to steel is rust. While steel tends to be fairly maintenance free, you’ll need to watch out for rust. This includes updating the paint job, looking for rust patches and removing it as soon as it begins.

    Questions? Call Us!

    Think steel might be the garage door material for you? Call us! We’d be happy to help. We install all sorts of garage doors in the Eldorado Hills area.

  • Considering a New Garage Door? What You Need to Know About Material

    Considering a New Garage Door? What You Need to Know About Material

    Considering a New Garage Door What You Need to Know About MaterialPeople don’t talk about it out loud, but neighbors pay attention. And when it comes to curb appeal, the single biggest factor that can affect the value of your home is the quality of your garage door. Your neighbors notice — not just because they’re noisy, but because the quality of your door affects not only the value of your own home but the entire neighborhood as well. That’s why paying attention to quality and garage door material is so important when considering a new garage door. You are part of the community. Showcase your very best.

    When it comes to aesthetic appeal, it is important that any new garage door installation match the style and decor of the home. That means if you have a rustic looking house, you need a new garage door that has the same rustic look. Fortunately, there are plenty of options these days to creating a rustic look even if your door is brand-new.

    The Natural Beauty of Wood

    Wood is the obvious choice when you want to create an older more natural feel to match the rest of your home. There really is no substitute for its beauty. Most wooden garage door installations are custom-made to match the rest of your home. Wood is easy and inexpensive to fix if the door is damaged. Pieces can simply be swapped out and remade without having to do an entirely new door.

    The catch with wood is it does require more regular maintenance. The wood will need to be retreated, sanded and painted from time to time. Still, many homeowners consider the maintenance totally worth the beauty of a wooden door.

    Types of Wooden Garage Door Installations

    Plywood is the most inexpensive option when it comes to wooden garage doors. It doesn’t have the same panache, protection or longevity, but you can cover it with a thin layer of a more expensive wood for aesthetic purposes. Insulation is still an option if you include an insulated layer between the two portions for increased R-Value and strength.

    Cedar is a beautiful option that is also naturally resistant to rot, insects and weather moisture issues. The catch is it needs to be treated every two years to maintain its strength and durability.

    Redwood is a beautiful wood that’s also exceptional strong, but you naturally pay for that with increased cost.

    Mahogany offers the best strength and is also known for its dramatic beauty. It’s a heavy hardwood, so it is one of the most expensive doors on the market. You can cut the cost by getting a composite door that has mahogany on the outside and Douglas-fir panels inserted in between.

    Non Wooden Garage Door Installation Options

    Aluminum, steel or vinyl garage doors are the most common alternatives to a wooden garage door. They are inexpensive but second to none when it comes to durability and strength. Steel offer is one of the cheapest options and can be manufactured to imitate the appearance of wood. Fiberglass are lighter doors but tend to have durability problems. Aluminum has the advantage of being both lightweight and durable, but it does tend to dent easily.