El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: new garage doors

  • Refresh Your Garage Floor to Match Your New Door With Stain, Epoxy or Paint

    Installing a new garage door might motivate you to update the interior of your garage as well. Even if you haven’t converted your garage into a lounge, there’s no reason you can’t have an attractive finish on the floors, or a fresh coat of paint on the walls. There are vinyl flooring options, peel and stick tiles and carpet, but those options could be limiting if you’d like to maintain a multi-use space.

    Paint

    Painting the floor is an inexpensive option, and you won’t need many extra supplies. You’ll want to clean your floors well and repair cracks with concrete filler before you begin. Using a long-handled paint roller, apply primer and a latex acrylic paint specially made for covering floors. It is a labor intensive task (but a good ab workout). Just be sure not to paint yourself into a corner. This is the least durable option, and you might have to repeat every three years. This DryLok Latex Concrete Floor Paint at Home Depot is a good choice.

    Epoxy

    If you’d like to take it to the next level, epoxy is a durable option that resists oil stains and easily wipes clean. You will again have to make sure any cracks in your floor are filled and that the surface is thoroughly cleaned. You’ll also want to check the weather and work on a day where the temperature falls between 70 and 80 degrees, although most coatings can be applied when temps are between 55 and 90 degrees. Humidity should be below 85 percent. You’ll want to follow manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to use the proper tools and supplies. A detailed supply list and how-to guide can be found here: HOW TO APPLY AN EPOXY GARAGE FLOOR COATING – A DIY GUIDE First you will mix colored resin with a hardening solution, then apply immediately by pouring in ribbons across the floor and rolling out.

    Concrete Stain

    The downside to staining concrete is that it is not an opaque cover-all to hide oil stains and imperfections. The upside is that instead of sitting on the surface of the concrete like paint, stain seeps deep into the floor and is longer lasting. If you’re at the beginning of a build, there are fancier methods involving pigment being added to wet, uncured concrete, but most likely you will be staining cured, hardened concrete. Once again, you’ll want to clean the floor thoroughly, perhaps using a degreaser at medium strength. You might need to lightly sand the surface to open the “pores.” While you can apply the stain with a mop or roller, experts recommend using a sprayer similar to what you would use to dispense herbicides. The true color will take time to develop. You will need a concentrated enough solution for the chemical reaction to take place, which can take up to eight hours.

  • 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.

  • Old Fashioned Garage Door Styles Being Revived: The New Found Popularity of Carriage Doors

    Old Fashioned Garage Door Styles Being Revived: The New Found Popularity of Carriage Doors

    Old Fashioned Garage Door Styles Being Revived The New Found Popularity of Carriage DoorsTrends always have a way of going retro, and garages are no exception. Prince revived 1970s swag at the Montreux Juillet concert in 2013. Models sporting 1980s fashions grace the cover of Vogue. And now carriage doors are becoming popular again as new garage doors that were once commonplace at the turn of the last century.

    Back to the Barnyard

    The carriage garage door looks like a barn door. There’s a reason for this. Carriage doors were made for the first garages and were designed to mimic actual barns. Back when cars were known as “horseless carriages,” it was common to store cars in the barn next to the horse. The car was literally replaced the carriage, hence “carriage doors.”

    Popular, Beautiful, Versatile

    In fact, about 20% of all new garage doors are made in the style of carriage doors. The doors are very affordable and have a quaint rustic charm that is hard to resist. There are a variety of styles and options to choose from.

    Plenty of Natural Light

    In addition to their rustic beauty, these doors usually have many windows so the natural light is perfect. There’s just something classically old-fashioned about them. If you are considering garage door installation and would like to learn about carriage door options, give us a call. We’d be happy to help!

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

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

    Lack the Space for a New 2 Car Garage Introducing the 1.5 Car GarageLiving 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.

  • Garage Door Insulation: Polyurethane or Polystyrene?

    In El Dorado Hills, where high temperatures are a common occurrence, finding ways to regulate the temperature in your garage is essential for comfort. If you’re considering DIY insulation, selecting the right kit for your overhead door is important.

    When browsing insulation options, you’ll likely encounter two main types: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene, often likened to the material found in disposable coffee cups, is a budget-friendly choice. However, its insulation capabilities may fall short compared to polyurethane. Polyurethane, a denser polymer, offers superior insulation but typically comes at a slightly higher price point. Either kit is reasonably easy to install on your garage door.

    Some insulation kits and garage doors come with a layer of reflective aluminum foil. This addition serves to further enhance insulation by deflecting heat away from the garage. While it may incur additional costs, the reflective foil can significantly contribute to maintaining a cooler garage environment, particularly during the scorching summer months.

    The Benefits of Garage Insulation Are Clear and Numerous

    Installing insulation in your garage offers numerous benefits beyond temperature control. Here are a few advantages to consider:

    • Energy Efficiency: By insulating your garage door, you can reduce the transfer of heat. This helps maintain a more stable temperature inside. This can lead to lower energy bills, as your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature.
    • Enhanced Comfort: A well-insulated garage provides a more comfortable environment for various activities, such as DIY projects, workouts, or simply spending time relaxing in the space.
    • Protects Belongings: Insulation can help protect items stored in your garage from extreme temperatures. It prevents damage to sensitive belongings like electronics, tools, and seasonal decorations.
    • Noise Reduction: Insulation can also help dampen noise from outside sources, such as traffic or neighborhood activities. It helps create a quieter and more peaceful environment within your garage.
    • Increased Home Value: Adding insulation to your garage can enhance the overall value of your home. Potential buyers may view an insulated garage as a desirable feature, leading to increased resale value when it comes time to sell your property.

    By carefully selecting the right garage door insulation kit and investing in proper installation, you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable, and energy-efficient garage space year-round.

  • Have You Performed a Safety Inspection for Your Garage Door?

    The Importance of Frequent Garage Door Inspections

    Our team here in El Dorado Hills takes your safety as our utmost priority. As June marks Garage Door Safety Month, we believe it’s the perfect time to offer essential tips for maintaining a safe environment around your garage door. One of the key aspects to bear in mind when it comes to garage doors is their weight. Surprisingly, garage doors can weigh in excess of 400 pounds. As a result, the force they exert when coming down can be incredibly destructive and, in some tragic cases, even deadly.

    You Can Test Your Garage Door’s Safety Features Yourself at Any Time

    The Department of Pediatrics devised a great way to safety test your garage door. Place a large roll of paper towels under the door and hit the automatic opener. The door should automatically reverse when encountering it. If you have sensors, then it may not even operate. Should the door actually crush the paper towel roll, this is a sign emergency maintenance is required.

    Moreover, it’s crucial to maintain a vigilant approach when operating your garage door. When closing the door, always stay present and watch until it has completely shut. While modern garage doors have enhanced safety features compared to their older counterparts, it’s essential to remain cautious and responsible when operating one.

    Regular Inspections are Not Considered Optional

    Regular garage door inspections play a fundamental role in maintaining the safety of your garage door. We recommend scheduling routine inspections by professionals on an annual basis. A professional installer can identify and address potential issues with your garage door before they become dangerous. These inspections encompass various aspects, including checking the door’s balance, testing the auto-reverse function, ensuring the safety sensors are operational, and inspecting the overall condition of the door and its components. Even if nothing is unsafe, they can potentially catch smaller problems with the overhead door before them become expensive repairs.

    By prioritizing regular garage door inspections and adhering to safety guidelines, homeowners can ensure the ongoing safety and security of their garage doors. Don’t wait until a problem arises—take proactive measures to safeguard your family, property, and peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to helping you enjoy the utmost safety and convenience with your garage door.

  • How to Convert Your Garage into a New Room

    Most people think that the garage is for storing your car and other household belongings. At most, you might think to use the extra space at the back as a workshop or a place for your teen to play his drum set outside of your house, for obvious reasons. But did you know that you can actually add living space to your home just by making modifications to your garage? Take a look at these 30 sweet garage transformations that show what a little creativity can do. If you browse through the photos in that HGTV article, you’ll notice that there are many choices of how to convert your garage, and also that they vary from very little work and investment, to extreme makeovers that make it almost unbelievable the space was ever a garage.

    But hold on a second, because first, depending on the extent of your plans, you’ll need to find out if a building permit is required. Even though you may own the home, there are zoning laws that must be followed. If you’re located in El Dorado Hills, you can find the county website here. Even if you aren’t changing the structure of the garage itself, there are still legal codes you have to consider; for instance, if you want your renovation to be a legal bedroom, you need at least one egress window. Do your research before you finalize your plans, because it’s always a bummer to have a vision, or worse, spend money on supplies or services only to find out what you’ve done is either structurally unsound or just straight up illegal. Rooms or structures that don’t meet code are seriously negative factors in residential real estate.

    Get Started with Proper Planning

    Get started by drawing out a detailed blueprint for how you want your garage conversion to look. Once you have developed a plan, you can better estimate the budget required and timeframe needed. If it’s a total transformation, you may need a contractor, and expect the process to take a month or two. Depending on your plan, you may need to install insulation, heating/cooling, and run wiring for electricity. Windows and plumbing are also possible, but the latter is more complicated and could drive costs up further.

    Costs involved in renovating your garage depend on the scope of the project, with minor conversions (like a workout room) being a few hundred dollars and complete transformations (like a master suite) being as much as $40,000. When you’re working with areas like El Dorado Hills, where many of the foundations are slab cement, you really need to consider what utilities you’ll need for your project. Insulating and running electric before you drywall is one matter, but if you’re trying to alter plumbing, you have to literally jackhammer into the foundation to reach the existing plumbing (if there is any) and trench new paths for whatever new plumbing you’re installing. That is a big cost, because after all that destruction, you’ll essentially have to have that part of your foundation redone, and that takes time as well as money.

    Start Your Renovation with New Garage Doors

    If you thought garage door replacement would be the first step in the renovation, you’d be correct. New garage doors will help protect your investment, and provide a great starting point for your project. If you’re making a new living room or a gym, a glass garage door is a great solution. Another factor in keeping a garage door in the room, no matter how much you’re altering the space, is because when it comes time to sell your house, it’ll make it way easier to convert it back to a garage, if that is what the new owner wants. Regardless, a garage conversion definitely deserves a garage door upgrade.

    Install an Insulated Garage Door to Start

    An insulated garage door is a fantastic starting point for this transformation. It serves as a barrier between the outdoor elements and your new interior space, providing numerous benefits.

    Firstly, insulation in the garage door helps regulate the temperature inside the converted room. It keeps the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, ensuring year-round comfort. This temperature control reduces the need for additional heating or cooling systems, saving you on energy costs. This alone is worth it to install a brand-new garage door.

    Secondly, insulation improves soundproofing. It helps reduce noise from outside, making the converted room quieter and more peaceful. This is particularly important if you plan to use the space as a bedroom, home office, or recreational area. Furthermore, insulation enhances energy efficiency. With a well-insulated garage door, you’ll have better control over the indoor climate. This translates into energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

    Lastly, an insulated garage door contributes to the aesthetics of the space. It provides a clean and finished look while ensuring that the room is not compromised by drafts, moisture, or temperature extremes. 

    If You Don’t Want the Garage Door, You Might Need a Permit 

    If you’d rather eliminate the garage door altogether and make that area into an exterior wall, this is another time you need to consult your county’s building codes, as well as an engineer, so that whatever alterations you make are legal and structurally sound.