4 Ways to Reduce Garage Door Repair Costs

Garage door problems are not just inconvenient, they can be costly and dangerous. A broken cable can allow a garage door to crash down on your car, or worse, you or a family member. A spring can break in the middle of the night, trapping your car inside the garage until it can be replaced. To avoid unexpected garage door repairs and cut down on costs, considers these tips for garage door maintenance.

  1. Complete regular inspections. You can identify many garage door issues before they become a major problem. Inspect your garage doors and opening system at least once a month for loose screws, frayed cables, dents, rust and other obvious issues.
  2. Lubricate your opening system. Follow the manufacturer recommendations for lubricating your garage door system. This can protect the hardware and reduce wear on your opener to help extend the life and cut down on repairs.
  3. Start with a quality door and opener. It may cost most initially, but the adage is true: you get what you pay for. Invest in a quality garage door and opener and you can cut down on repairs and enjoy a longer life from your system.
  4. Schedule annual tune-ups. Scheduling a tune-up on your garage door system once a year can catch issues proactively, reducing emergency garage door repairs. Tune-ups also can extend the life of your garage door system, saving you money in the long run.

Not all garage door repairs can be avoided but keeping up with preventive maintenance and investing in quality equipment is a good start. Contact your local garage door service to schedule your next tune-up and inspection to reduce unexpected garage door repairs.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

4 Things to Know About Garage Door Springs

The spring on your garage door is what allows you to open and close this large door with ease. Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and without a spring to mitigate this heavy weight, it would take some strength to pull it up and keep gravity from slamming it shut. Heavy-duty springs are the workhorse of a garage door system – knowing the basics about these springs can help you maintain your garage door and opening system. Here are four things you should know about your garage door spring.

  1. Torsion and extension springs. Garage doors either have torsion or extension springs. Most garage doors with an opening system have torsion springs that wind and recoil to release energy to move the door.
  2. Torsion springs wear out. The continuous winding of the torsion spring wears out the material over time. Eventually, the spring will break, often without warning. When this happens, the garage door will no longer be easy to open.
  3. Cycles for springs. You can gauge how soon a spring will wear out on the number of cycles (opening and closing). Most torsion springs will last about 20,000 cycles, so the more times per day you use it, the quicker it will need replacement.
  4. Replacement. You can wait until a spring breaks to replace it, but then you may be stuck until it can be replaced. Proactive replacement is best, but never attempt to do this yourself as it can be dangerous. Leave spring replacements to a garage door professional.

Garage door springs make life easier and require little maintenance to work day in and day out. Just perform annual service on your opening system and keep the system lubricated to reduce stress on your spring to make it last longer.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

4 Reasons to Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener

Are you still using a remote or control panel to operate your garage door? It is time to upgrade to a smart garage door opener for improved security, safety and convenience. Smart garage door openers are linked to your mobile device and can be operated straight through your cell phone or tablet. Here are four reasons these smart garage door openers are a wise investment for your home.

  1. No more remote. Remotes were a wonderful option when they first became available for garage doors but are now a known security risk. Anyone who has access to your remote also has access to your home. If your vehicle is stolen or broken into, someone can steal your remote and be in your home without any problems.
  2. Always have access to your garage door. You may not always have a remote on you when you need to open your garage door, but most people always have their cell phone. When you have a smart system, you can open your garage door whenever needed, even when you are not home.
  3. Security alerts. A smart garage door opener can alert you when someone has entered your home through the garage door without authorization or if the door was left open accidentally, helping keep your family and home safe.
  4. Air safety alerts. Your garage door opener can alert you when there is a safety issue in your garage or home. Smart openers can be connected to carbon monoxide, smoke and temperature sensors to alert you when there is a problem.

These are just a few of the reasons to invest in a smart garage door opener. They can also be connected to your home automation system and have other cool features that make life easier. Contact your local garage door service to learn more about the options available and to make the move to a smart opener device.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

4 Reasons to Add Windows to Your Next Garage Door

Are you considering updating your garage door or doors? As one of the first features people see on your home, garage doors can help enhance the beauty of your home and are a vital component for convenience, safety and security. One feature that may be missing on your garage doors is windows. Here are four reasons why you should consider opting for windows on your next garage door upgrade.

  1. Aesthetics. Garage door windows can enhance the design and style, giving you a chance to improve your curb appeal. There are many options to choose from that can create a beautiful appearance for your home and garage.
  2. Safety. Garages without windows can be dark and dangerous. Windows let in light, so even when a bulb goes out or there is a power outage, you can still safely navigate through your garage.
  3. Natural light. Using only electric lights can make your garage feel like a dungeon. Natural light from garage door windows creates a more enticing atmosphere in your garage. You can reduce the need to keep a light on in the garage all the time, saving money on your electricity bills.
  4. View. With windows, you can see whether there is anything or anybody outside your garage doors without opening them. This can prevent accidents and help with security for your home.

If you are concerned that windows on your garage door will let people peek inside your garage, talk to your dealer about options for glass that lets in light, but obstructs the view. There are options to fit all your needs, while still gaining the benefits of adding windows to your new garage doors.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Is a Double Garage Door Better Than Two Single Doors?

If you are designing a new garage or considering changing the configuration of your existing garage, you may wonder about double garage doors. Two-car garages usually either have a wide double garage door, or two single doors, but which is better? It all depends on your needs and preferences, but there are a few factors that can help you decide.

Climate Control

One large door will let more air into your garage every time you use it. For some homeowners, this can be a concern. Not only does it effect the temperature in your garage, it also can impact the climate control inside of the home. Two single doors can be more efficient, with only one smaller door opening at a time.

Recreational Vehicles

If you will also have recreational vehicles like golf carts or motorcycles in the garage with cars or trucks, a large single garage door may be a better choice. It can be easier to navigate getting extra vehicles in and out without a dividing section in the middle.

Malfunctions and Repairs

For those who park all their vehicles in the garage, it is important to consider what will happen if your garage door will not open. If you only have one wide door, all vehicles are stuck until you get the door or opener repaired. With two doors, you always should have one door that is working, even if the spring breaks or damage occurs to the other door.

There is not a right or wrong answer for which option is best. Consider these factors and discuss your options with your local garage door service before you decide whether a double garage door or two single doors are best for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Choosing the Right Size Garage Door

If you are building a new garage, you have many options when it comes to the size door or doors you install. Not only do you need to decide between single and double doors, the sizes of the doors need to be determined as well. Here are some of the options available in standard garage doors to help you choose the right size for your needs.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

If you are on budget, your best bet is to stick with a standard size garage door. These are made in large quantities and are readily available through garage door installation services.  Even with standard doors, you have many choices in sizes and types. You have the option of single, double, and even standard doors for recreational vehicles.

  • Single garage door size. For one door per vehicle, the single door is used.  The standard sizes for single garage doors are: 8×7, 9×7, 10×7, 8×8, 9×8, and 10×8. There are other options, but these are the most common. Standard garage doors are usually 7 or 8 feet high, with the width as a variable.
  • Double garage door sizes. Double garage door can accommodate two vehicles or larger trucks.  It is common for a garage to have one large double door versus two single doors. Standard sizes for double garage doors are also 7 or 8 feet in height, with varying widths: 12×7, 14×7, 16×7, 12×8, 14×8, and 16×8.
  • RV garage door sizes. A typical RV garage door will be tall, with a similar width as a double garage door. Fifth wheels, travel trailers and smaller motor homes can use RV garage doors that are 12’W x 12’H.  Class A motor homes require at least 13’ clearance, with normal size at 14’ W x 12’H.

To determine the best size door for your garage, discuss the options with your garage door installer. There are custom size options available, but they tend to cost more. Make sure to measure your larger vehicles and consider future purchases when choosing your garage door sizes.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Monthly Maintenance Checklist for Your Garage Doors

Like most major mechanical systems, your garage doors need ongoing maintenance. Preventive tune-ups, cleaning and lubrication can extend the life of your garage door and opening system, saving you money and inconvenience. While a full tune-up may only be needed once a year, you should be inspecting your door and opening system monthly to identify any problems. Here is a quick checklist of items to inspect at least once a month.

  • Safety check. If you have an automatic door opener, it should have an auto-reverse safety mechanism that stops the door from closing on an object. Open the door, set a cardboard box under the door, then try to close it with your opener. It should detect the box and reverse.
  • Balance check. Garage doors should be balanced for proper function. You can check the balance by closing the door and shutting off the opening system. Lift the door manually halfway. It should easily open and stay at the half-point spot on its own.
  • Visual inspection. Do a thorough visual check of the components of your door. Look for cracks, dents or holes in the door, and inspect the weather stripping for wear. Check the tracks, rollers and cables on the opening system for rust, loose bolts/screws, dents, fraying and other signs of wear.

Doing this quick check on your garage door can identify issues that need repair before they become a hazard or break during use. If you need parts replaced, door balancing or sensors replaced, call your local garage door repair service. If it has been more than a year since your last tune-up, this would be a good time to schedule your maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
Liftmaster Garage Door Atlanta

What Is the Lifespan of a Torsion Spring?

Have you ever had a spring break on your garage door? It can happen at any time – while you are leaving for work or even in the middle of the night. Once the spring breaks, you may not be able to open your garage door, trapping your vehicles inside or out. If you have a torsion spring on your garage door, it is best to replace it before it breaks unexpectedly. So, how long is the lifespan of a torsion spring and when should you replace it?

Torsion springs are common in garage door opening systems. Without a working spring, the opener cannot do its job. Since torsion springs are extended when the door is closed, it is more likely to break when the door is shut. When it snaps, a loud cracking sound will occur, and your garage door will not open. The spring is used to easily move a door that weighs hundreds of pounds. Without it, the door is not mobile, and the spring will need to be replaced.

The lifespan of a torsion spring all depends on the amount of cycles it is rated to complete and how often it is used. The average cycle rate is about 10,000 cycles, but some higher quality garage door springs can be rated for two to three times that amount. If you open and close your door twice a day, an average spring can last about 10-15 years. The more often you use your garage door, the shorter the lifespan will be.

It is important to note the rating of cycles for your torsion spring and when it is installed. You can average the frequency of use to come up with a close estimate of when it should be replaced. When it is nearing its expected cycle amount, call your local garage door service to proactively replace your spring to avoid a breakdown of your garage door opening system.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Snellville, GA 30039
(770) 985-3355

Is Your Garage Door Secure?

Unfortunately, there are people in the world that will try to enter your home and steal your belongings if the opportunity arises. If you have an attached garage, potential intruders may look for weaknesses in your garage door security to gain access to your home. It is important to ensure that your garage door and opener are offering the best defense against intruders and thieves – here are a few tips to keep your garage doors secure.

  • Remote lock. Does your garage door opener allow you to lock your door remotely? While the door should lock automatically when closed, you want the ability to control locking and security features. Newer garage door openers offer smartphone apps that help you manage your garage door security, even when you are not home.
  • Revolving security codes. If you have an older garage door remote, it may not have revolving codes that protect you from invasion. Talk to your local garage door service company – they can check to make sure your opener has rolling or revolving security codes that are difficult to duplicate.
  • Battery backup. Don’t let a power outage put you at risk. Get battery backup for your garage door opener to ensure your security stays tight when there is a storm or other causes of power outages. This also ensures you have easy access in and out of your garage when there is no power to your home.

Modern garage door openers have incredible features to help keep your home and garage secure. Talk to your local garage door repair company about upgrading your opener to give you more options to keep your home and family safe.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Snellville, GA
770-985-3355

7 Things to Inspect on Your Garage Door

You may not be mechanical or a garage door expert, but you can still perform a visual inspection on your garage doors. Your garage doors are not just a convenience – they are important to the security of your home and are also a high-risk factor for injury if they are not maintained. You should visually inspect your garage doors throughout the year to ensure they are in good working order. Here are seven things you should look at when inspecting your garage doors.

  1. Tracks. Look at the tracks and rollers that move your garage door. Check for rust, dents or abnormalities.
  2. Door panels. Check the whole door for issues like rust, dents or holes.
  3. Seal. Does your door seal completely when closed? This is important for security and to keep your garage weatherproofed.
  4. Weather stripping. When checking to see if the door seals, also check the weather stripping for cracks or tears.
  5. Safety features. You can perform a quick safety test by putting a box or board under your garage door. The door should stop closing when it realizes there is something below it; if it doesn’t, it needs the sensors adjusted or replaced.
  6. Cables and other hardware. A frayed cable or a rusted screw could be dangerous. Look for any signs of wear and tear on your hardware.
  7. Listen too. It is not just your eyes that are useful for inspecting your garage door – listen for strange noises, squeaking or loud operation that could indicate an issue.

If you notice any wear, tear or dysfunction with your garage doors, get service right away. A thorough tune up from a professional can help avoid unnecessary and ensure your garage doors stay safe and provide years of reliable service.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA
770-985-3355