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Contemporary Style Garage Doors

Today, contemporary style garage doors expert are making a strong design statement all across the country. Although carriage style doors are all the rage again this year, they simply don’t fit the design style of many modern homes. Sleek, contemporary architecture calls for a garage door that will complement the look, not detract from or clash with it. Beyond boosting curb appeal, sleek roll-up doors are finding their way inside the home also.

Modern Garage Doors for Modern Architecture

Made from aluminum, glass, and even wood, contemporary garage doors give a clean, uncluttered, and simple look. Designed with sharp, 90-degree angles and straight lines, this door style is sleek and sophisticated. The most popular styles feature an aluminum frame with frosted glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate insets. Aluminum frames are typically anodized in natural, bronze, or black; however, almost any color frame is available. Hardware is typically minimal to maintain the style’s sleek lines. Besides these basic framed styles, modern roll-up doors are also popular in real wood. Although wood doors are more expensive than other options, some homes call for this style. Contemporary hardwood doors may have metal insets of copper, stainless steel, or painted aluminum, with wood species including cedar, cypress, teak and mahogany.

Bringing Contemporary Garage Doors Inside

Although businesses have used indoor roll-up doors for decades, this feature has only recently become popular in residential design. Where French or Arcadia doors were once the only way to merge indoors and outside, glass roll-up doors are now an architectural feature of choice. Create indoor-outdoor living space, frame in a courtyard, or use this technique to open up a loggia to the great outdoors. Inside the house, use a glass rolling door to separate living/dining and other areas without sacrificing light or visually shrinking the space the way a wall would. Because most homeowners don’t want the unsightly motors of automatic door openers hanging inside the home, garage doors used inside must be carefully counterbalanced and properly maintained to ensure easy operation.

Cool Accessories for Contemporary Doors

Contemporary garage doors are already pretty cool, but some fun new accessories up the awesome factor even more. Door hardware includes clavos (nail heads), hinge kits, pulls, and shutter dogs in stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum. Although some of these touches may be too fussy for ultra-modern architecture, designers use them today in non-standard ways that add a high degree of visual interest. There are also several fun new mechanical accessories that fit the modern ethos of this door style. New remote control devices allow you to use wifi and your Smartphone to open and close garage doors from anywhere in the world and to alert you when the door is used. Improved access controllers use fingerprint and even retinal scan technology to protect the home from unwanted entry. Battery backup units, surge protectors and the ability to program openers to turn on house lights, temperature controls and music when you get home are quickly gaining in popularity.

Whatever your home’s design style or architecture, there are new and exciting garage door design and accessories trends for you. If your home is modern in design, the industry has a multitude of contemporary style garage doors and accessories to choose from. Contact a professional garage door sales and service provider in your area for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8778959

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Repairing Your Garage

Garage doors are not always difficult to repair. A homeowner with some basic handyman knowledge and the right tools can often fix a garage lift that is not opening properly or at all. While there are some jobs that only garage lift companies can do, it is often worthwhile to see if the repair job in question can be done without calling in a professional.

It is also important to realize that the doors need continued maintenance. Many of the issues listed below can be avoided by checking the door regularly and catching small problems before they become serious. Professional garage door companies note that even a high quality door will not last long if it is not properly cared for and maintained.

Step 1 It is a good idea to check the mounting brackets for the garage door's metal tracks. If the brackets are loose, then tighten the bolts or screws with a screwdriver. If part of the track is damaged, then pound out the part in question using a rubber mallet or hammer and block of wood. There is no need to call the companies to replace the tracks unless these have sustained a lot of damage.

Step 2 Make sure the tracks are properly aligned. If the tracks are horizontal, they should have a slight slant toward the back of the garage. The tracks for a roll up garage door should have no slant whatsoever. If the tracks are out of alignment, try to align them without completely removing them from the wall. This can be done by loosening the bolts holding the brackets in place and then refastening these onto the right part of the garage. Use a level to make sure the adjusted tracks are flush.

Step 3 Garage doors tracks need to be cleaned on a regular basis. This can be done with household cleaner and a clean rag. Be sure to wipe the tracks dry when the cleanup job is complete.

Step 4 It is not uncommon for a door's hardware to get a bit loose from time to time. Swing garage doors may have problems with loose plates. Roll up doors may get loose hinges. Tightening the screws for these garage door parts will make the garage door work well again.

Step 5 Sagging doors can be repaired by either tightening the hinges and/or fixing enlarged screw holes. Cracks near the hinges can also cause the hinge to come loose; these can be repaired by filling the cracks with wood filler. In either case, one will need to buy a new hinge and then attach it to a part of the door that has not been damaged.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7198027

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What You Need to Know About Garage Door Springs

When the average person thinks about their garage doors, their first and many times last thought is of the style of the door. It is rare that anyone thinks about what keeps garage doors operating smoothly. Arguably, the garage door springs are the most important element for any overhead door. The springs control the speed at which the doors open and close. The springs act along with a series of cables to do the actual work of lifting the door after a person begins the process of raising it.

While many door manufacturers are able to build doors that are easy to operate and require low maintenance, no door will work indefinitely without any maintenance. Most homes use torsion springs in either a single or dual set up. Lightweight doors tend to have only one spring, however, two door springs are inherently safer because if one should fail, the other can support the door enough to avert a complete catastrophe.

The door springs should operate smoothly and if they are working properly, it should not take much effort for someone to raise or lower the door. If the door opens too quickly or if a great deal of effort must be exerted to open the door it may be time to replace the springs. In general, installing garage door springs is not a do it yourself type of job.

The springs hold a great deal of tension and are very dangerous. Improperly installed springs will make it difficult to open and close the doors. There is also the risk that the springs will have a shortened life span because they will not be operating according to the manufacturer's specifications.

It is convenient to not have to think about the mechanics of a garage door on a daily basis. People should be able to expect that the door will open and close as needed. However, it is prudent to take a few moments, every now and again and visually inspect the garage door springs.

It will be safer and less expensive to ward off problems before they happen. Identify signs of wear and tear. Check for signs of any loose parts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any maintenance such as lubricating moving parts. Call in a professional to take care of adjusting bolts and screws. Simple steps should keep everyone's garage doors performing at their best.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3723188

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Why Use Automatic Garage Doors

The general view on automatic garage doors is changing and they are starting to shape the way we live today. There are so many different types of businesses that already benefit from using them, from hotels to retail outlets, from hospitals to leisure centres and more increasingly in homes and offices.

Installing an automatic door provides convenience and ease, and it can allow easy access to places that otherwise could have been a challenge.

For shopping centres and retail stores it means customers can enter and leave the store without the hassle of struggling with a heavy manual door and avoids queues and congestion and encourages easy flowing foot traffic. It also plays a part in the aesthetics of store; a sleek door that opens for you gives a good impression for a business.

For places such as warehouses it can even improve productivity. The need to constantly open/close shutters and doors to move items or get around the warehouse is time-consuming and a door opening system such as an automatic door would make this quicker and more efficient.

For all types of business, automatic doors also make compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 a great deal easier to follow. It means that everyone is able to access a site without any difficulties, from the disabled to the elderly and parents with push chairs.

Automatic doors are also energy-saving and can dramatically cut down on a business's energy bills. The doors close automatically behind people so there will never be a door left open with all the heat escaping. This saves energy and fundamentally money!

Automatic doors are becoming the norm in domestic settings as well with more and more people opting for an automatic garage door. It increases security for the property as well as being safer for people and children to use; an auto garage door won't close or drop of its own accord and potentially injure someone.

It also makes life more convenient as well, no more getting out of the car to open your garage door before you drive in, it can all be controlled from inside the car using a key fob (it is also possible to have more than one key fob for multiple users). This is also of benefit for elderly or less able-bodied people as there are no heavy garage doors to keep trying to open and close. Automatic garage doors are becoming much more affordable and much more widely used.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7587110

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Three Reasons Why You Should Hire Garage Door Repair Services

Everyone feels proud whenever they are able to do something that professionals do. This is why DIY projects have become so popular with homeowners. Most people feel that by doing repairs by themselves, they learn more about how certain contraptions work, and at the same time save money. However, there may be instances wherein you have to go and seek professional garage door repair being one of these things. Here are some reasons why:

Garage doors are big and heavy. Normal maintenance of your doors like oiling and dusting hard to reach corners are easy tasks you can do on your own, but if you are new when it comes to repairs, the degree of work needed for part replacements may be too much for you to handle on your own. These doors weigh a lot and can hurt you if you're not too careful. Many people have had fingers caught in the hinges or a foot stuck in their doors while doing repairs. While cuts and bruises might seem like small things, having a garage door suddenly falling on you isn't.

Professional services actually save you more money. The reason why most people love DIY work is because they can save money that they normally use to pay technicians and repairmen. However, ask any experienced repairman and they'll tell you most calls that they get are from people who attempted to fix things on their own but unwittingly made matters worse.

A simple part replacement can turn into something graver when an inexperienced hand does the work. If you don't know what's wrong with them after you perform simple inspections, then let a professional eye give it a whirl. Also, most DIY repairs are temporary and only aims to fix the problem immediately. However, this also lessens the lifespan of the doors in your garage in general because it doesn't address the cause of the problem in the first place.

It's more secure. Having your doors suddenly jam at the most inconvenient of times might tempt you into doing the job yourself, but make sure it doesn't compromise your security. These are great entryways for intruders, especially if the doors are broken. Boarding up your doors in the meantime, or using temporary repair measures may make your home a great target for burglars. The good thing about professional garage door repair services is that one is never too far away. If you're ever in need of professional garage door repair, a simple search on the internet or on the yellow pages can give you the start you need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7184621

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Top 10 Garage Door Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

There is no other part of your home that experiences as much wear and tear as your garage door. You never realize how often you use your garage door until the day it breaks down on you.

The majority of families in the United States use the garage as the main entrance into their home, being used multiple times throughout the day, thousands of times per year. When kept in good working order, it can provide security and storage for your convenience.

Having a garage can really make life easier, but when it is not cared for can become a safety risk to you, your family, and especially children. With it's natural to wear and tear, a garage door cable can come apart or a door opener can malfunction, resulting in a hazard to your belongings and anyone near your door.

In order to keep it running properly, it is essential to perform routine maintenance to avoid expensive repairs. The following top 10 garage door maintenance tips for homeowners will help keep your door working properly for years to come. These maintenance tips require no special skills and usually take less than 10 minutes each to perform.

Required Materials Needed

Avoid last-minute trips the hardware store by having all of your materials onsite and ready ahead of time. You may not use every single tool listed, but having it available will save you time and frustration.

   Wrench set    Tape Measure    Hammer    Pliers    Screw gun    Weatherstrip    Lubricant/Cleaner (WD-40)    White Lithium Grease    Toothbrush    Flat blade screwdriver    Garage door rollers

Safety First

In order to ensure safety while working on your garage, remember to never remove the lift cable. The garage cables are under extreme tension and will cut like a knife if released.

Never try to adjust or release the garage door springs. This is a job that should be left for the professionals only.

1.) Paying Attention

When was the last time you visually inspected your garage door? You may not be a certified technician, but you can take the time to check out your garage.

If you have a metal garage, check for rust spots. These areas should be sanded, primed and painted. If you have a wooden garage door, it should be checked for water damage. If not sealed properly, wood garage can warp and lose their shape over time.

It will also be good to wash your door on a regular basis with an all-purpose cleaner. Your garage door makes up a large portion of the exterior of your home, so keeping it clean and presentable will have a positive effect on the appearance of your home.

2.) Watch & Listen To Your Door As It Operates

Do you have a noisy garage door? Do the springs pulleys and cables on both sides look symmetrical? Does it move smoothly? Or does it jerk in certain places?

Taking the time to observe and listen to your garage every time you use it is the best precaution every homeowner can perform. By doing this, you will be aware when something doesn't sound right, or when something looks out of place.

3.) Testing The Balance

First, disconnect the opener. You do this by pulling the red handle at the end of the red cord. Once it is disconnected, open the door about half way. If the garage door starts to close on its own, then the garage door is not balanced properly. The springs on the door need to be re-adjusted. We recommend that you contact a certified professional to repair or replace your springs.

Your garage opener will have to work harder if the door is not properly balanced. This will ultimately shorten the lifespan of the door.

4.) Test Safety Features (Auto-Reverse)

There are two safety mechanisms on your garage: mechanical and photocell. A door that does not have these safety features is outdated and needs to be replaced immediately.

In order to test the mechanical safety feature on your garage, place a solid object on the ground in the path of the garage door. When the garage touches the object while closing, it should automatically go back up.

When testing the photocell feature on your garage, simply stick out your leg in the door's path when closing. Your leg will come in contact with the photoelectric beam (not visible) that runs across the bottom of the door. The garage should automatically reverse once your leg contacts the photoelectric beam.

5.) Visually Inspect Your Cables

You should never touch the cables. These high tension cables are responsible for lifting the door. They have enough force to cause serious injuries, even death. You can visually inspect that garage cables too if there are any broken strands or anything that is out of order. If you see there is damage, we recommend that you hire a professional.

6.) Clear The Tracks

Take a look at the tracks on both sides of the door. Clean the garage door tracks so there is no debris or trash. Also, look for any physical damage making sure it is straight and aligned. Tracks that are damaged can cause the door to not be smooth and it will be very noisy.

Spray the garage tracks with a citrus-based solvent or WD-40, then wipe everything clean with a cloth. If needed, use an old toothbrush to loosen up dirt and grime, then wipe with a cloth.

Any major repairs or adjustments to the tracks should be handled by a professional garage door technician.

7.) Apply Oil To The Moving Parts

Ten minutes of work can add years to the life of your garage door. Keeping your door parts lubricated will keep your garage running smooth and quiet. Your should use white lithium grease on your garage opener chain and spray lubricants on the rollers, hinges, bearings and tracks. Also apply grease to the garage door opener chain or drive screw.

Remember, never attempt to do any work on the springs or cables. Leave that to the professionals.

8.) Replace Weatherstripping (If Needed)

The weatherstrip is the piece of rubber attached to the bottom of your door. It is called a U-shaped astragal. It keeps that rain water, debris and rodents from entering your garage. Check along the side of the door and adjust the stripping if necessary.

You should replace the rubber weather strip on your door if it's starting to crack and fall apart. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the old weather strip before installing a new one.

They are easily found at any hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's and are usually sold by the foot. All you have to do is find the width that best fits your situation, cut it to fit your garage, then install. You can also contact your local garage company if you have further questions or concerns.

9.) Check All The Bolts & Screws On Your Door

Examine and tighten the brackets on the rollers and the bolts with a (socket) wrench. The average garage opens and closes more than a thousand times a year. It is easy for hardware, screws and bolts to become loose with all the movement and vibration.

10.) Replace The Rollers

Garage rollers that are cracked, worn or chipped should be replaced immediately. You should only attempt to replace the rollers if it is not attached to the door cable system.

Whether you have nylon rollers or steel rollers on your garage, they should be inspected at least twice a year and should be replaced every 7 years. If you use your door more frequently, then you should inspect your rollers more often throughout the year.

Professional Tune-Up

If you still feel as if you don't have enough time to do this type of check up, then call a garage door professional to schedule an appointment. Most garage companies offer affordable tune up services to keep your garage door operating smoothly.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rusty_Parker/2453004

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