Choosing the Right Garage Doors for Your Home

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A garage door is one of the most visible features of a home. It also plays a role in curb appeal and can increase your property value. Contact JCTZ Garage Doors now!

There is a huge variety of styles, materials and options available for your garage doors. To narrow down your choices, start by considering:

Your garage door plays a major role in the overall aesthetic of your home’s exterior. Whether you want your garage to complement traditional or contemporary design, there are numerous styles of residential garage doors from which to choose. Choosing a style that compliments the architectural elements of your home will help add curb appeal and increase property value.

Overhead garage doors are the most popular residential garage door style and come in many designs. They are available in long or short panel options and include a selection of windows. They open vertically along tracks mounted on your ceiling, which maximizes overhead clearance and makes it easier to get larger vehicles into the garage.

Another option is a roll-up or coiling door, which feature steel slats that curve and bend to roll around a drum above the garage opening. These doors are usually only available in galvanized steel, although you can find some manufacturers that offer them in wood. These doors are easy to maintain and affordable, making them an excellent no-frills choice for homeowners who want their garage to be a workhorse.

A carriage house garage door is inspired by old-style swinging barn doors and adds a touch of luxury to your home’s exterior. These doors have sections that mimic the look of swinging doors, and they can be customized with decorative hardware and other details. You can also opt for a bifold garage door that works similar to a carriage house door, except it folds horizontally rather than vertically.

Wood doors provide a natural look and are highly customizable, but they require regular maintenance and may be vulnerable to damage in wet areas. Alternatively, you can select a composite or wood-composite garage door made of fiberglass and engineered with wood fibers for durability. These garage doors are resistant to moisture, rot and insects and can be custom painted for a distinctive look.

Glass-paneled garage doors allow natural light to flood your garage for a brighter, more inviting interior. They are available in clear, frosted or tinted glass to suit your style, and they’re often framed by aluminum frames. These doors work well with Mediterranean-, Spanish- and Tuscan-style homes.

Materials

The material of your garage door will have an impact on its durability, appearance and energy efficiency. Your local climate should also factor in to your decision as some materials are more suitable for certain environments than others.

Wood garage doors are a timeless option that work well with all styles of homes. They offer a wide variety of customization options, including window styles, panels and paint colors, which allows you to create the perfect look for your home. Wood doors are also naturally insulating and help to regulate your home’s temperature.

Steel garage doors are a popular choice due to their affordability and low-maintenance requirements. They are rust and corrosion resistant and come in a range of finishes, so you can find a style to match your home. Steel is not a natural insulator, but high-quality steel doors can be layered with polyurethane insulation to improve thermal performance.

Fiberglass garage doors are a great option for homeowners who live in coastal areas as they are resistant to salty air and can withstand higher winds than other materials. These durable doors are available in a range of styles and have an attractive matte finish that can complement any home’s exterior design.

While aluminum is a good option for homeowners looking for a modern aesthetic, it may not be the best choice for humid and extreme weather conditions as it is prone to damage from exposure to harsh weather. However, it is an excellent choice for homeowners who have a double-garage and can be fitted with glass windows that let in plenty of natural light.

Vinyl is an eco-friendly option that offers a mid-range price level and low maintenance requirements. It is also easy to clean and requires less maintenance than wooden or metal garage doors. Unlike real wood, vinyl does not rot or split and is less susceptible to moisture damage. However, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your garage door, it is not recommended for use in a coastal area as it can be damaged by harsh UV rays.

Energy Efficiency

When homeowners invest in a high-performance garage door, they can reduce energy waste and increase home comfort. Non-insulated or minimally insulated doors allow heat to escape during the winter and enter during the summer, forcing HVAC systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout living areas. This leads to higher energy bills and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By optimizing a garage with an insulated door, homeowners can save on utility bills, lower energy consumption and help reduce carbon emissions.

The best insulated garage doors are those with R-Values of at least R-17 and U-Factors of at least U-0.2. R-Value measures the resistance of an insulating material to the flow of heat. The higher the R-Value, the more thermal efficiency is achieved. U-Factor, on the other hand, is the inverse of R-Value and measures how quickly heat flows through an insulated door.

A door’s R-Value and U-Factor will vary depending on climate and home use. For example, in cold climates, homeowners should prioritize a high R-Value while those in warmer climates should focus on a low U-Factor. Air leakage rates also play a role in an insulated garage door’s energy efficiency. Look for a garage door with an air leakage rating that meets or exceeds the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

While R-Value and U-Factor are two important factors to consider when selecting an insulated garage door, homeowners should keep in mind that both R-Value and U-Factor depend on other components as well, including the material type, thickness and installation. For example, a garage door made of wood with polystyrene insulation has a lower R-Value than a steel door with foam injected polyurethane insulation because it is thinner and less effective.

Another factor to consider when comparing insulated garage doors is the torsion springs’ cycle life. The number of cycles that a torsion spring is rated for determines how long it will last before it requires maintenance or replacement. Typically, torsion springs are guaranteed for up to 30,000 cycles. However, if the door is heavily used or located in a humid environment, it may need to be replaced sooner than this.

Installation

When installing a garage door, it is important to choose the right material and style for your home. Choosing the right materials will help improve the energy efficiency of your home while increasing its curb appeal. You can also choose from a variety of colors and finishes to fit your personal style. Many manufacturers offer custom options as well to create the perfect door for your home.

To install your garage door, start by measuring the size of the opening and determining what type of hardware is needed to accommodate the weight of the new doors. If you are replacing an existing door, be sure to carefully remove the existing spring and track. The tension in these springs is high and can cause serious injury if not properly handled. It is best to have a professional handle the removal and installation of these old springs to prevent injury.

Next, you will want to prepare the work area and begin installing the panels of the new garage door. The first panel is placed on a flat surface exterior-side down and connected to the hinges by loosening the bolts that attach it to the doorframe. The next panel is then placed on top of the previous panel and connected with the hinges. Repeat this process with the remaining panel sections until you have completed the construction of the new garage door.

Once the door is in place, you will need to finish the installation by connecting the roller track, which runs horizontally inside the vertical tracks, and installing brackets on each side of the curved section. Once this is complete, you will need to connect the lifting cables to their respective brackets. You will also need to add safety cables that run through the center of each spring and hook onto brackets at both ends. This will keep the springs contained in case they break, preventing injuries or property damage. Getting your new garage door installed correctly is key to its longevity and smooth operation. Garaga specialists can help you choose the right door for your home and ensure that it is perfectly installed for long-lasting performance.

Garage Door Repair: Why You Should Leave Garage Door Repair to the Professionals

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Maintaining a garage door can be a DIY project for those with basic mechanical skills. However, major repairs should be left to trained professionals.

A broken garage door can be a safety hazard for your family, your cars, and your belongings. It can also be a temptation for burglars and criminals to enter your home. Contact Garage Door Repair OKC now!

Broken springs in a garage door are a serious problem. These heavy-duty springs support the weight of the entire door, and they’re used to lift and lower the door with every use. When they break, your garage door won’t open or close. The good news is that you can usually identify a break before it happens by examining the springs above your garage door for a visible gap in one of them.

In addition to a visible gap, you should also look for signs of wear and tear on the springs. This includes rust, which is a sign of worn down and deteriorating springs. You should replace rusted springs right away to prevent them from breaking in the future. We carry a wide range of replacement springs, including double-life springs that last twice as long as standard springs and can save you money on future maintenance.

If you’re able to find a broken spring, it’s important to contact a professional garage door repair service right away. Replacing a broken spring requires special tools, and it’s also dangerous because the spring is under significant tension. A pro can handle this job safely, and they can also ensure that the new spring is properly installed and sized to balance your garage door’s weight.

A professional can also inspect your door and replace any other worn or rusted parts, which may contribute to the broken spring. A professional can also recommend a higher-rated spring that will provide better performance than your current one, which is likely below its intended lifespan.

Homeowners who try to replace a garage door spring themselves typically make mistakes that can lead to injury. This is because the springs are under significant tension, and attempting to remove them without the proper tools can result in finger-missing injuries. A professional can handle this job more quickly and efficiently, and they can also replace the spring with the proper dimensions to avoid the door becoming unbalanced in the future. They can even install a new door motor that’s rated for 20,000 cycles, which will provide significantly more longevity than your current spring.

Broken Rollers

The rollers and pins that support each garage door panel are vital for keeping the entire system functioning properly. Without them, the panel may come off of its tracks, causing damage and creating safety hazards for your family.

If you have noticed that your garage door is making unusual sounds during operation, it could be a sign that the rollers are in need of replacement. Persistent noises like grinding, squeaking or clicking could indicate that your steel rollers are starting to rust and require immediate attention. The best way to identify if your garage door rollers are damaged is to call a professional for an inspection.

Rollers can wear out from age and use, or they might become displaced due to a problem with the track or other components of the system. A professional can help you decide whether it is more cost-effective to repair a roller or replace it completely.

Replacing a garage door roller is usually an easy task, but you will need locking pliers to bend the track forward enough for you to reach and loosen the hinge screws. You will also need a step ladder to safely access the roller.

Once you have the hinge screws loosened, you can remove the old roller and place in the new one. Be sure to measure the height and diameter of the existing roller so that you can find a replacement that will work with your system.

Before attempting to replace a garage door roller, it is important to turn off the power supply to the garage. You should also make sure to disconnect the door opener from the panel if you are working on it by turning off the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Rollers typically last about 10 years, but they will need to be replaced sooner if they are exposed to excessive heat or moisture. A regular inspection and routine maintenance can help you extend the life of your garage door rollers. If you notice any signs that the rollers or pins are in need of replacement, it is best to contact a professional to prevent further damage and safety concerns for your family.

Broken Tracks

Having garage door tracks that are misaligned can cause the rollers to experience uneven pressure as they move up and down the track. This may force them to jump off track or cause the tracks to become bent and warped over time. It’s important to have your track system inspected regularly by trained technicians. They can assess the overall condition and determine what repairs are needed to ensure your garage door is able to function correctly.

Attempting to fix a bent track on your own can lead to additional damage and unnecessary expenses in the long run. You need to have the right tools and knowledge to properly repair a damaged track without causing further harm to your garage door or other hardware components.

Loosen the hardware that connects the affected section of the track to adjacent sections with an adjustable wrench. This allows you to straighten out the damaged area without putting too much stress on other unbroken sections of your garage track.

A visual inspection of the entire track system is the first step to identifying a problem. Your trained technician will be able to identify any signs of damage or dents to the tracks, rollers, or hinges that connect the door panels. They will also use a level to evaluate the alignment of the tracks and make any necessary adjustments.

Misalignment of the tracks can be caused by a variety of factors. Some are unforeseen, like the impact of your car when backing out of the garage before it’s completely opened. However, it’s also possible for tracks to become misaligned due to improper installation techniques.

It’s essential to lubricate the rollers and hinges on your garage door with lithium or silicone-based lubricant. This will help minimize friction and make the different components last longer. This is particularly important for the rollers, which can be vulnerable to corrosion from road salt and other harsh weather conditions. Your trained technician will be able to recommend the best lubricant for your specific needs. Keeping the rollers and hinges properly lubricated will minimize wear, noise, and friction and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements down the road.

Broken Photo Eyes

If your garage door keeps reversing as you are trying to close it, you probably have a problem with the photo eyes. The photo eyes are the two sensors located at the bottom of the garage door that create an invisible beam between them to prevent the door from closing if anything is in its path. This is a great safety feature to help keep children, pets, or even vehicles out of the path of the garage door. However, the photo eye system can fail for a variety of reasons, such as being out of alignment, obstructions in the sensor path such as dirt, cobwebs, or something being stuck to the lens, and other issues that may be difficult to diagnose without help from a professional.

Often, the first sign of an issue with your photo eyes is noticing that they are both blinking. This indicates that the sensors are out of alignment and they need to be readjusted. To do this, turn off the power to the sensors and loosen the screws that hold them. Next, take a ruler and measure the height from the ground of each sensor to ensure that they are both at the same level. If one is higher than the other, loosen the screw holding that sensor and move it until the LED light is no longer blinking. Once the sensors are in alignment, tighten the screw and retest the function of your garage door.

The other common cause of an issue with the photo eyes is something being obstructing the lens on one or both sensors. The lenses are made of high-quality glass, but dust, cobwebs, or an object stuck to the lens can interfere with the light beam. Gently wiping the lenses with a damp cloth should remove any obstructions and allow the photo eyes to re-align.

Finally, sometimes the photo eyes can become misaligned due to movement or vibration from normal garage door use. If you notice that the LED lights on your photo eyes are flashing, try bending one of the brackets that holds the sensor to see if it fixes the problem. You can also free the bolts and move the sensor side to side or up and down slightly to test if the LED lights come back on after being moved.