Read Your Garage Door Owner’s Manual!

For those of you who have moved into a new home or have just installed a new garage door, be sure to take the time to thoroughly read the garage door owner’s manual. It may seem like a chore and take time, but one would be surprised at what they can find in most well written garage door manuals. The manual will contain safety and design information to help you insure that your garage door is safe to use and properly installed, and contain information on how to keep your garage door properly maintained.

For example, many garage door manuals will contain helpful tips for painting them. Most companies will tell you to pain BOTH the inside and outside of the garage door to keep everything even, and to never remove any parts of the garage door when painting. If you want to make sure that your garage door is completely covered in a fresh coat of paint, you need to call in a professional to dismantle it so that you can finish the paint job, and then have the garage door installed again. This usually does not happen, but again, do not try to dismantle any of the parts of the garage door. It can lead to a very dangerous situation.

Once you have your garage door installed, it is vital that you periodically lubricate most parts of it. It is often easiest to lubricate the metal parts using silicone spray that can be found at most local hardware stores. However, be sure to never lubricate plastic rollers and plastic idler bearings. It is also suggested that you check for loose nuts and bolts on a monthly basis and if you find something out of the ordinary, call in an expert to help you with your problem. Don’t try anything yourself unless you are licensed and well trained in repairing garage doors.

Also, make sure to check that the door has proper balance by slowly opening the door and making sure that when the bottom of the door is waist high, it does not sway and move in any direction. Finally, using a 2×4 block of wood, make sure that the sensors on your garage works (if it is a remote-controlled door). Place the 2×4 in the pathway of the door and when the door gets somewhat close to the top of the 2×4 it should reverse direction and go back up.

If the garage door is moving, keep your distance and never stand or walk under a moving door. It is important that you set an example for your children and you do not want them under a moving garage door. You should also try to make sure children cannot reach the wall-mounted garage door openers and be sure to hide the remotes. You do not want your children playing with the garage door at all. Finally, if you think you have a problem, call an expert. Never try to fix anything yourself as garage doors are very dangerous and you put yourself in harm’s way when you try to fix it, especially when you don’t know exactly what you are doing.

I Love Architecture But I’m Not An Architect.

I love to watch it, learn about it and try to understand it. I enjoy figuring out why some buildings are a great success and some hurt my eye to look at them. I guess I could be characterized as an alert observer; someone who knows enough to be dangerous.

With that disclaimer firmly in place, I will add that I love Pioneer era homes in downtown Phoenix’s Pioneer Park. To me, these are the hot homes of our time. Pioneer homes, built from 1842-1870 are charming and comforting. They have beautiful physical exteriors that provide meaning to our great respect for the men and women who settled the state. A red brick, two story, decorated home from the late 1800’s is hard to beat. They are larger, have more ornamentation and elicit “oohs” and “aahhs” each time I see one. They maintain principles of balance, mass, proportion, rhythm and scale beautifully.

The post WWII , mass produced Sears bungalow kits although humble, were pleasing to look at and had character. They were functional, attractive and still stand as a good example of how the country stepped up to the plate when the boys came home and needed a place for their families.

 In the late 60’s and 70’s the design of homes took a turn for the worse, in my view, as the horrible split level was invented. I know. I grew up in one in Los Angeles. We lived in a neighborhood full of them, one exactly like the next, any unique character stripped away, placed on curved, confusing streets where addresses became hard to find and cul-de-sacs were valued as a new important feature in some neighborhoods. Contractors started to eliminate parking strips containing trees and grass, favoring the asphalt, curbs, concrete look, and neighborhoods without a speck of street presence became the norm. Profit drove the builders’ choices and my parents, glad to move up from the bungalow or rectangle, were glad for the space that our split-level provided. Little did we know that the contractor was saving money on the footprint of the house at our expense.

I would propose that a house has a job to do besides providing comfort and protection for its inhabitants. A house has a responsibility to be a contributing member of its community. The places where people live become living, changing organisms and houses in all their forms add or detract from the experience. This is not to say that houses must be big or expensive. Some of the most charming neighborhoods contain the most modest homes.

The Crib® and a Garage Door

You have to love the idea of using garage doors for various reasons.

However, having this feature on this project is unique. Not only because it instantly opens up the inside of a house to the outdoors but also due to the uniqueness of the project.

So this is architect Jeffery Broadhurst’s off the grid project in West Virginia called The Crib®.  It was designed in response to the popularity of another small building, the award-winning Shack at Hinkle Farm by Broadhurst Architects, Inc., that was completed a few years ago. It became apparent that many people identified with and were interested in a small shelter that could serve as a weekend retreat, as a home yoga studio, as a backyard home office, or in multiples as cabins at an eco-resort.

This new building takes its basic form from traditional American corn cribs which were common farm buildings that served to store and dry corn as well as protect it from rodents. Here the form is realized by the use of a shop-fabricated galvanized steel bent structural system as a nod to traditional wood timber framing and with the structural simplicity of a common scaffolding system. Manufactured wood beams connect the bents. Structural insulated panel (SIP) floor and roof systems, wall panels of unpainted heat-treated native (and fast growing) poplar and recyclable translucent insulating multi-layer polycarbonate sheets make up the structure’s skin. The prefabricated wall panels are weather-stripped and clipped into the framework. The simple structural concept of The Crib allows considerable flexibility in the length of the building and degree and type of outfitting.

The simple structural concept of The Crib allows considerable flexibility in the length of the building and degree and type of outfitting. The Full Crib is a 250 square foot habitable space suitable for weekend recreational use, backyard home office, studio, or guest cottage. The two outdoor decks increase the livable area to about 370 square feet. The building can be elevated on an enclosed foundation to house a bathroom and mechanical and storage spaces, or guest room (increasing the total area to about 500 square feet), or may be supported by four simple concrete piers in other locations and circumstances. The building can be heated with a small propane-fired stainless steel fireplace and/or an electric or hydronic radiant floor system. Solar hot water and photovoltaic’s can be integrated into the structure.

The option of a small well-outfitted “kitchen in a box” allows for many of the comforts of home. The building is designed to resist rodents, bears, and undesirable visitors by securely closing down when not in use. Wood shutters secure any ground-level openings; an awning swings down to form a storm door to cover the glass door/wall, and the aluminum stair system hinges up off of the ground and locks in an inaccessible position.

The Crib includes a small entry deck and a larger deck space on the opposite side that extends the habitable space in favorable weather. This deck is accessed through an insulated glass garage door that allows a connection between the interior of The Crib and the landscape.

Size, Looks and Style Matters

Your garage door serves many purposes. It keeps your garage secure. It provides aesthetic appeal for your home. It also can be an energy efficiency product to help lower your energy bills.

You can get so much from a garage door that when it comes time to buy a replacement, you should shop smart. Make sure that the new one will be even better than the last. Do not settle for just any door. Shop around and be sure the model you get will serve all your purposes perfectly.

There are many considerations to make when choosing a new garage door. You should consider how you use the garage when making your choice. In some homes the garage is a playroom or a workshop in addition to keeping vehicles in out of the elements. How you use the garage will play into your final choice on a door.

You also need to make sure you get the right size of door. The wrong size of door will not serve any purpose. Take measurements carefully. Get help if you need it. Many retailers will offer help with taking measurements.

The appearance is also important. There are a range of styles, so you should try to figure out what you want before you go shopping. Common styles include flush panels which are flat and slightly textured. Flat panel styles blend nicely in with your home’s exterior.

There are also doors with raised panels that are long. This style is very dimensional. It provides depth to the look of the door and accents the home’s appearance.

There are short raised panels that add depth, too. They are really intricate in style and are perfect for homes of Victorian style or Tudor style homes.

Besides the style, many different colors are available. You can get almost any color or even pattern of colors you want. Along the same lines, you can also choose from different materials, like wood or steel. Some are more durable than others and some require less care and maintenance than others.

You can also choose to have windows added in the doors to really customize and change the look. You really have many choices when it comes to the look of the door you choose.

The last consideration you should make is energy efficiency. Most today come with the option of being energy efficient. If you are concerned about energy loss through the garage then you must look for energy efficiency properties in your new garage door. Try to find a door with good insulating qualities.

Make sure there are weather seals between the door sections. Additionally, look for a bottom seal. If one is not built into the door, then they are simple to add, so keep that in mind.

Buying the right garage door is not too difficult. You just have to know what your needs are and do some shopping around to find the door that is a perfect fit for you and your garage. With all the great options on the market, you can be sure you will find that perfect door.

Garage Doors Are Our Friends

Many times, garage doors are simply another part of the home that serves a simple purpose – for you to get in and out of the garage.

Yet there’s more to these moving structures than lots of people don’t even realize. These entryways serve many purposes, and at the end of the day, you should be sure to take advantage of such benefits to ensure you’re getting the most out of your property.

Convenience
It’s one thing to have a special place to park your car, but it’s another thing if getting in and out of that space is an ordeal. Garage doors can be opened manually, but it’s so frustrating to have to pull up to your home, get out of the car, let the structure up, get back in your car and drive in to the space. Some may simply think that’s no big deal, but if it’s raining or snowing, you won’t be so eager to get outside your car to let up the structure. So the great thing is that most garage doors are installed with garage door openers so you can just drive up to your home, click a button, and the structure goes up.

Business All sectional garage doors work in the same way – e.g. they have vertical tracks on each side of the garage door opening so that the door can slide up. The sections of the door are hinged together and this enables it to fit around the 90 degree angle formed by the roof and the front wall of the garage. It then sits in a horizontal position next to the ceiling. Most sectional doors go up automatically although they can be manual if you really want to get out of the car and open the door four or five times a day, every day. Those who have used the automated sectional garage doors swear, when you want to let it down, just click the button again, and you’re done.

Beauty
Although beauty may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of your garage doors, there are a ton of options you can consider. Some people like to get really detailed when it comes to their moving structure. There are some gorgeous types of wood you can choose from, and some people take it as far as getting carriage doors to really make an impact. No matter what you’re thinking, this structure can really help give your home a punch of curb appeal.

Protection
All homes don’t come with garages. Having such a structure allows you to do so much more to the space as well as offer protection against outside elements. You won’t have to worry about getting caught in the wind and rain since the structure keeps all that out. When wind starts blowing, debris, rain, and snow can get under the covering and get to you. Then you’re wet and frustrated. Fortunately, if you have an enclosed structure with a door, you’re sure to be out of harm’s way.

Uniqueness
Many neighborhoods put in the same garage doors with each home. Nothing’s wrong with this if you don’t mind blending in. But if you want to really stand out, you could possibly put up a completely different entry to your garage. However, some areas have homeowners’ associations that have to okay such changes, so get approval first. Once approved, you can start shopping for a variety of materials from steel to wood. Different materials work for different needs, so keep this in mind. But the bottom line is that you can get something that is truly unique and may have the neighbors talking for weeks.

How to Choose the Perfect Steel Garage Door

A lot of people look into installing garage doors over other types into their houses. If you are one of those individuals, it would be good to first ponder and understand the merits of steel doors before making your buying decision.

Many people in the garage door market look at the array of door options available to them and base their decision on the quality of the material and what they perceive is the best. To a lot of people, steel comes out on top in the strength category compared to wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. With the technology available today, you can actually design a steel door to look like a beautiful classic wooden door.

Although real wooden doors inarguably have a very distinctive and striking appeal, they require regular maintenance which can put a dent in your budget. Though hardwood is known for their strength and durability the extra maintenance required can actually be a real inconvenience and may put off some people.

Steel doors normally does not crack or warp due to weathering. Today’s models and stylish and beautiful and be a good compliment to your home. The rule of thumb for steel doors is the thicker the door is, the better it can withstand normal ladies formal wear and tear. Most steel doors have foam inside them which improves insulation and provide added protection.

If you really have your sights set on getting a steel door the next step is deciding what style to match your house. There are models with additional designs, accents and innovative safety features. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from technicians and specialists to aid you in your decision making. They can also be helpful in providing you with competitive pricing. It is ideal to ask several technicians and then select the one that offers the best value for your money.

Majority of steel doors come with a warranty but nevertheless make sure that the one you’re buying is covered with one. Some even go as far as offering lifetime warranties which is not the case with wooden doors, making steel doors a far more attractive option.

It pays to weigh in the costs and benefits too. Make sure that the price is really worth it and shop around for bargains. Choose one that will last you a long time and that would enhance the aesthetics of your home and garage at the same time. Take time to go over your options since this is a long term investment on your part.

Visit manufacturer’s websites, read brochures and ask people knowledgeable in garage doors. As much as possible, do not base your buying decision on one factor alone but also take into consideration other qualities.  

Choose a technician that is credible, trustworthy, offers reasonable rates, and that you are comfortable working with.

For ease of use, a garage door opener is a perfect complement to your steel door. Today more than ever, finding the garage door opener that suits one’s needs and preference is relatively easy since there are a lot of models to choose from.

Let the Sun Shine In!

Did you know that it’s easier than you think to transform your existing garage door from bland to beautiful?

Most homeowners don’t give their garage doors a second thought, but just adding a set of windows can change the whole look of the front of your house. If you’re looking for an exterior remodeling project that gives a real bang for a few investment, maybe it’s time to give your local garage door specialist a call.

Here’s a quick overview.

What installation involves:

You don’t have to get an all-new door to enjoy the many benefits of having windows. In most cases, your local garage door dealer simply removes the top section of your door and adds a set of decorative glass panels. There are several designs to choose from: one of which is just right for your house’s unique style.

Why adding windows is a great idea:

1. It greatly enhances the curb appeal of your house: instead of just having a large blank surface that looks like everyone else’s on your block, the door becomes part of your home’s exterior aesthetic. Doors with windows are a lot classier looking than their plain counterparts. If you are trying to sell your home in this tough housing market, every little improvement helps.

2. It adds natural light to your garage’s interior: If you keep a workshop in a corner of your garage, having extra windows is a real bonus. You don’t have to turn on lights during the day every time you enter the room.

3. Plenty of styles to choose from. There are lots of different styles to suit everyone’s tastes.

Concerned about privacy or security? There are various types of glass that are available that can obscure the ability to look thru the glass including tinted or seedie glass. There’s also the options of using double-strength glass or clear Lexan^® for strength and durability. Solar and insulated glass are great options for improved protection against solar heat gain.

If you’re ready to add a touch of class to the front of your home, adding door windows is a simple and cost-effective way to make a real difference. Contact your local licensed and insured dealer and see how easy it is to transform you door from dull to dramatic.

Garage Doors – Worth the Investment

Garage doors can be a benefit to your home and they have the ability to enhance the style of your Residence.

With marketplace conditions in their present state, with people losing their properties, it is extremely hard to possess a clear vision of what we should look forward to in the future. In real estate, however, there is a saying, ‘what goes down should come back up’, and for this kind of business, those who are ready for the turn will capitalize substantially.

When remodeling entry doorways and or kitchen counter tops, people don’t seem to have a problem searching for the best, for this, as they know, will only add to their property value. Imagine, for example, a $400-$8,000 investment that has a custom made garage door covering more than 30% of the front of your residence.

In case you would like to go the extra mile and decide to invest $1000 or even $3000 more for a custom, handcrafted garage door, what comes to mind is the added worth that this modest investment will bring to your gorgeous household.

From an investor’s perspective, it appears a little juvenile – not to look at the first item individuals see when they drive up to your residence when they are considering a purchase. Just research what the professionals are saying about the relationship between home values and their curb appeal.

Some authorities say the garage door may not be the very first item you imagine dressing up when you’re putting your home up for sale, but it is certainly worth giving it some prerogative. If you genuinely think about it, the garage door could be the single largest moving object in a residence and if it faces the street, you know it plays a huge part in the overall look of your house. It is incredibly important to understand that curb appeal can be a critical factor in marketing a home. If a prospective buyer does not like the view of your house from your street, chances are, he or she won’t waste time coming inside, and that may be one thing you, as a seller, shouldn’t ask for.

In a new study field, realtors nationwide were asked to figure out if garage door visual appeal made a difference in the selling price they would assign to a house, nearly all of the agents interviewed agreed that a brand new garage door enhances curb attractiveness and 75 percent believes it adds importance to a residence. In reality, most have recommended that a homeowner replace their garage door when listing their home for sale, especially if the present look of the garage door was broken, in bad condition or rotted. Just about half stated visual appeal was a big reason, mainly because the age or design garage door detracted from the home’s curb appeal.

The regular selling price for a brand new garage door is based on the size of the garage door as well as the material it is made from. The most favorite look in garage doors is the ‘carriage-house’ model door. The doors look like old-fashioned swing-out doors but act like modern roll-up doors with an electric garage door opener. The selections for style, color and materials are virtually endless.

It’s a fresh take on outdoor living!

Far and away, one of the hottest new products to hit the garage door industry is the Breezy Living Screen Garage Door. The product features a unique sliding pass door that lets people enter or leave the garage without opening the entire door. The door avoids the high cost of electric retractable doors and eliminates the problems of the floor track on sliding doors.

The Breezy Living Screen Solutions system is an easy-to-use, affordable and fully retractable screen unit that provides comfortable outdoor living space. Working seamlessly with the operation of your existing garage door, the system uses a vertical and horizontal track system mounted directly inside the existing door, leaving the floor track-free. This means no dirt and debris build-up will affect its operation. A “door-within-a-door” system, Breezy Living Screen Solutions is one of the most innovative and unique screen systems for garages and offers an exit door without the need to retract the entire screen. Plus, the door should be acceptable to many Home Owner Associations.

Built using high-quality components made in the USA, the Breezy Living Screen Solutions system easily installs in approximately one to two hours and brings the outdoors in, creating a comfortable space. It can also be used in conjunction with most commercial-type doors for workplace applications. It’s a revolutionary system that makes a practical and enjoyable addition to any home or business.

It’s a fresh take on outdoor living!

For more information, inquire here

Keep’n Up with the Jones

Maybe you shouldn’t keep up with the Jones anymore considering the Jones house is now foreclosed on, but you should at least keep up the curb side appeal of your home even if you aren’t planning to sell your home until the housing market inches its way back to normal.

One way to give your home instant curb appeal is to take a serious look at your garage door style. Is your garage door boring, non descript and so bland you can’t remember what it looks like unless you’re standing right in front of it? Garage doors come in a wide variety of styles and designs that can make any house pop with added style. Some more daring modern designs have shaken up the concept that a garage door should hide the contents of the garage and embraced the idea that a garage door can showcase a home even the garage contents. With glass paneling doors that can be clear or opaque, this doors can make the garage a more inviting place to hang out.

Eventually you will have need for garage door repair. How extensive the repair needed will vary but every garage door experiences some kind of wear and deterioration, whether it’s the panels or the hardware or springs. Some of it can be done yourself while other work, like replacing torsion springs, requires the work of a professional as deadly injuries can result. It also depends on the style of garage door you have. A manual garage door will be easier to repair than one that has a garage door opener.

If you use your garage as a recreation area or a work area or even as an artist studio, the added natural light can make your time more enjoyable and less isolating. If your home is more traditional looking a carriage style door can be in keeping with the style and even give the home an upgrade above the normal roll up garage door styles that surround you on the block. Carriage style doors have been around since the horse and buggy days and there is a reason the style has managed to become a mainstay even if the horse and carriage gave way to the car.

Other styles that have great appeal are doors that use the best of the traditional solid door with the modern twist of glass paneling and create a garage with both designs implemented together. This gives the boring solid door some much needed design and it gives a dark garage some natural light without sacrificing privacy since most of these light panels are placed at the top of the garage door.

The important thing is to pick a style that you like, that reflects your taste and blends in with your homes style. The ultimate goal is to create a look that is cohesive with the whole house so the garage doors should look like an extension of your home not a separate part of your home. There are more styles available today than ever before to make your garage door choices bigger and broader than the non descriptive roll up door so shop around and look at styles that appeal to you.

Your garage door dealer can help you find the style and color that fits your home to give your home the best possible curb side appeal on the block.