12Oct

Is a Garage Storage System Worth It?

Garage DoorOctober 12, 2021

A garage storage system is a gem many homeowners are yet to discover. Efficient shelves placed in strategic positions in your garage make life a lot easier. This article discovers everything you need to know about garage storage systems and how they can upgrade your garage.

Do I need a garage storage system?

Many homeowners believe that a garage storage system isn’t necessary. Usually, such people do not spend enough time in the garage to believe that a storage system is very important.

Some people even believe that a storage system is only for homeowners with a big tool collection or who love to work with their hands. This is not exactly the case, as every garage can benefit from a proper storage system. A proper storage system is a plus for a garage where carpentry projects and vehicle maintenance occur regularly.

What are the benefits of owning a garage storage system?

There are several benefits of owning a garage storage system. Some of these benefits include:

Eliminates Clutter

The first and most important benefit of owning a garage storage system is that it will significantly reduce the amount of clutter on your floor. No matter how big your garage is and how much storage space you have, floor clutter can remain a persistent nuisance.

There is undeniable practicality to taking things off your garage floor and storing them away safely in a garage shelf. When you combine a garage shelving system with other elements of a garage storage system, such as Slatwall panels, your garage is clutter-free and nicer.

Gives your garage an upgraded appearance

A garage storage system does more than provide a space to store away equipment. Although it might seem like a purely functional product, a garage shelf does more than provide room for storage. Garage shelving adds more value to your garage by giving a huge aesthetic upgrade to the interior, which should not be taken lightly.

However, you should ensure that you buy the correct type of shelves. Higher quality, well-crafted shelves that are installed professionally instantly upgrade the interior of your garage, giving it a finished and modern look.

Ensure that you pick a storage system that allows customization so that you can take your garage’s design to the next level.

It makes your garage safer

Most times, a messy garage is also an unsafe garage. Items spread all over the floor in a garage are simply accidents waiting to happen. Such items also pose a risk of damage to your vehicles, causing your vehicles to be scratched, dented, or even scuffed. Organizing the clutter in your garage shelving system will help reduce the safety risk greatly.

Some of the hazardous materials and dangerous chemicals you can stow away in your cabinet system include:

● Containers of automotive fluids
● Paints and solvents
● Cleaning products
● Fertilizers and pesticides

Garage shelves are also a great way to childproof your garage. Doors and cabinet drawers that can lock are a great way to keep sharp tools tucked away.

Increases the value of your home

With a garage storage system, the amount of floor clutter in your garage is greatly reduced, giving you more space to park your vehicles. This means that you get to use your garage to its full potential, getting it to serve its primary function and providing full value for your home.

If you have plans of selling your home, a garage that is easy to maintain and allows effortless vehicle parking is a solid selling point. Also, any garage that has a high-quality garage cabinet system is sure to project a professional, more impressive appearance. This is way better than the unsightly look of a cluttered garage with cheap storage system projects and outdated decor.

It helps to keep your tools organized

The more your tool collection grows, the more difficult it is to keep it organized without a decent storage system in place. After a certain time, the oversized toolbox doesn’t cut it anymore.

Investing in a decent, well-designed shelving system has the following benefits:

● Your workspace will be less cluttered
● It helps to keep your tools protected from dust, moisture, and grime
● You can set up your workspace to have the tools you use the closest at hand.
● An organized shelving system helps you spend less time searching for tools.

Keeps your valuable tools safe

If you own expensive tools such as pneumatic tools and cordless power tools, a garage storage system is ideal for you. It is best to store expensive equipment in a secure space to protect your significant investment.

You cannot overestimate the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuable tools are tucked away safely on your garage shelf. Try looking for a garage cabinet system with drawers and doors that lock.

Creates a garage workshop

If you are a hobbyist or a gearhead interested in setting up a garage workshop, a storage system is very vital. The opportunity to turn a garage into a multifunctional space is the motivating factor most homeowners need to invest in garage shelving. An efficient storage system will create a designated area that provides room for you to work with your hands.

How much does a garage storage system cost?

Most garage storage systems cost between $1000 to $3000. You can have a medium-sized storage system installed professionally for $2000. If you like to work with your hands, you can cut down the cost by setting up the storage system on your own.

What is the best garage shelving style?

There are three most popular and functional garage shelving styles. These include:

Wall-mounted

Wall-mounted garage shelves are fixed into vertical structural beams known as studs at regular spacing using metal brackets. The wire, metal, or wooden shelf is then fitted onto the metal bracket for strength and stability.

Freestanding

Freestanding shelves provide mobility and flexibility because they are not attached to any surface. However, they can also take up a considerable amount of floor space and obstruct other functions such as parking your car. They are usually made of metal, wood, or a combination of both.

Ceiling mounted

Ceiling mounted garage shelves are fixed into the ceiling studs using long adjustable metal brackets; they are ideal for storing equipment occasionally and seasonal tools. Ceiling mounted shelves are a great way to cut down on the amount of space your garage storage system takes up.

What materials are garage shelves made from?

Most garage shelves are either made of wood or metal. Wooden shelves are sustainable and beautiful, adding an artistic style to your storage and workspaces. Hardwood shelving such as maple and oak is durable and strong. However, softwood such as pine can handle light-duty storage but tend to buckle and break under heavy load. If you get freestanding wooden shelves, they can be moved easily while wall-mounted shelves remain firmly attached to your walls.

If you want to try out a bit of woodwork and build your shelving units, ensure that you search for a kit that comes with all the hardware parts that you need. Better still, contact a garage door expert to help you with setting up your storage.

Metal or wire shelves are also an option you can explore. Typically, metal shelves are forged from steel, hold heavy loads and come in various sizes. Metal shelves are also a lot easier to clean than wooden shelves and, due to their non-porosity, won’t absorb paint or chemicals in case of a spill.

Wire shelves are lighter but just as strong. They are made from a chrome mesh or steel and are designed for tools, boxes, paint cans, and bins. Ensure that smaller items such as crews and nails are in a larger container before storing them on wire shelves to prevent them from falling through the mesh gaps.

How deep should garage shelves be?

Garage shelves should be deep enough to store items safely without hiding them behind each other. Typically, a 16″ depth is ideal for storing large items while you should consider a 12″ depth for smaller items. Make sure that the garage shelving system you eventually get should be easily adjustable.

Is it cheaper to build or buy garage shelves?

When considered, the question of whether you should build or buy garage shelves all boils down to your budget. If you have a few supplies lying around, such as wood or nails, building your shelves may be the cheaper option. However, if you need to purchase all the essentials and build from scratch, it might be cheaper to purchase a garage shelf.

Conclusion

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts Toronto, check out TBC Garage Doors.

We are a reputable company that provides professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also offer emergency services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

Some of our services include new garage door installation, garage door spring installation/repair, garage door sensor repair/set up, garage door opener belt installation/repair. Garage door framing, among many others. We also handle different doors, from sectional, roll up and side hinged garage doors to up and over/tilt-up canopy garage doors.

11Oct

What is the Most Secure Garage Door?

Garage DoorOctober 11, 2021

Often, homeowners wonder what the most secure garage door option they can get out there is. If you are one of such people, keep reading! In this article, discover how garage doors are broken into and how you can keep your garage door secure.

How are garage doors broken into?

Most intruders scout out a location before deciding to break in. to the trained eye, an old, neglected garage door is easily detectable. These types of garage doors are often weak and easy to break in.

Brute force is one of the most common methods of breaking into a garage. It is very effective against old, poorly maintained doors—burglars will lookout for signs such as weak locking systems or obvious gaps around the edges.

Older garage doors that rely on just a weak latch can also be broken into very easily. An intruder can very easily manipulate latches that are only secured using the cable. This is why you need to ensure that your garage door is modern and up to date.

Using just a small block of wood and a coat hanger, a burglar can open a closed roll-up garage door in seconds. The safety release mechanism of your garage door can be set off from the outside of your garage door using no more than a coat hanger.

What are some of the security features of a secure garage door?

A secure garage door often comes with high-security functions such as:

1. Multi-point locking systems

It is very unwise to rely on a single internal lock. Most modern door models are fitted with at least two internal locks and the option for more as an upgrade.

2. Euro profile cylinder lock

This feature prevents intruders from drilling the man lock on the door open. It acts as a safety net in case someone removes or damages the outer lock on your door.

3. Locking rods

Locking rods are used in place of cables and make it a lot harder for intruders to break into or pass.

4. Automated doors

These are generally more secure than manual doors due to the presence of a motor. Motors keep the doors closed till they are opened using a remote. Having an automated door does mean that you have to be very careful with your remote control and not lose it.

5. Garage door panel

How your garage door panel is installed and constructed says a lot about how secure your door is. You should consider certain accreditation to help confirm whether or not a particular garage door model is more secure than others.

What is the most secure garage door?

Here is a classification of the most secure garage doors.

1. Roller garage doors

This is arguably the most secure garage door based on its design. The installation is compact, with no obvious leverage points on the aluminum curtain. This makes a roller garage door a tough nut for burglars to crack.

2. Sectional garage doors

The security of these kinds of doors lies in their design. Sectional garage doors have robust panels, which leaves no entry points for intruders to take advantage of. It offers reliable protection against brute force, intrusion, and otherwise. Most thieves are deterred by the presence of a professionally installed sectional door without any signs of weakness.

3. Up and over garage doors

Up and over garage doors have become more secure over the years. However, the design foes leave a bit of room for burglars to attempt a break-in. You can combat this by augmenting your door with extra security features such as a security camera, alarms, or a motion sensor connected to alight. You also need to carry out routine maintenance to ensure that the panel remains in good condition and the frame stays rigid.

4. Side-hinged garage doors

This type of garage door is great for people with mobility or accessibility concerns. They are very secure, especially the insulated models. However, it is necessary to ensure that multiple locking mechanisms are put in place to protect it from brute force and maximize security.

How can I make my garage door more secure?

Some of the steps you can take to make your garage door more secure include:

1. Light up the place

Burglars thrive in darkness and rely on the cover of night to gain access into your garage or home. You can install motion-activated floodlights by your doors and windows to deter burglars from breaking in at night and having motion-sensing lights are great for keeping your detached garages out of the shadows.

2. Observe your landscaping

Although seasoned burglars do not mind scoping your house in broad daylight, thieves still take advantage of a well-placed bush or tree near your garage window and door.

Ensure that passersby and neighbors can see all that is going on near your garage. Keep all entry points visible from the street and plant small thorny shrubs under your ground floor windows to discourage intruders from breaking in.

3. Keep your garage door closed

Keeping your overhead garage door opener is simply an invitation to burglars. When you drive around a residential neighborhood, you are sure to find at least one or two open garages. Certain homeowners associations even have rules that mandate homeowners to keep their garages closed.

If you often forget to close your garage doors, invest in an automatic garage door closer or consider installing a garage sensor. This will help you observe if your overhead garage door is closed or opened. An automatic door closer will help shut your garage after a designated period.

If you require even more protection, you should look into installing an automatic garage door lock to automatically deadbolt your garage door whenever you close it.

4. Hide your valuables

Many burglars do not go in for the blind steal. Many of them spend time scanning your home for clues that they’ll hit the jackpot. Having an uncovered window exposing your expensive garage equipment can be all the motivation a burglar needs to pick your house as the next target.

You can also consider interior blinds or curtains, and however, if you still want to let light flood in, you can use an adhesive window covering material.

5. Keep your remote safe

Avoid keeping your automatic garage door openers clipped to your car visors. Burglars are aware that a garage door opener remote is practically another key into your home, and they will not hesitate to make use of it once they find it.

You should consider treating your garage door remote like a key and replacing it with a keychain remote that you can carry with you all the time. You can also get a smart garage door opener to close and open your garage door from anywhere using your smartphone.

6. Shield your release cord

You can purchase a garage shield to cover your garage door’s emergency release cord. This shield will make it impossible for a burglar to break into your garage. It is an easy and inexpensive appliance to install while increasing your garage door security and keeping the release cord accessible.

7. Secure your service door

A service door is very convenient and stress-free to use. However, burglars are most likely to use a service door when breaking in as this protects them from the prying eyes of the neighbors. Most garage service doors installed in the exterior have standard locks that can be broken into a well-placed solid kick.

You can reinforce your door security using a deadbolt. Remember that the strike plate is your door’s weakest point. Reinforce your strike plate and use one that has a minimum of 3-inch screws to secure it.

8. Protect your home entry door

As you reinforce garage security, do not forget the door that leads into your home from your attached garage. A burglar gaining access to your home can turn into a very dangerous situation quickly. Never forget to lock your entry door behind you.

Work on reinforcing the strike plate of your entry door and hanging a solid core door alongside a deadbolt. A garage entry door also makes the perfect spot for a sensor – either connected to a top home security system or a standalone one.

Conclusion

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts Toronto, check out TBC Garage Doors.

25Sep

How to Clean Your Garage Door

Garage DoorSeptember 25, 2021

Cleaning your garage door should be routine practice for any homeowner. However, this is not always the case. Most times, garage doors experience neglect, cutting the lifespan of your door short and even resulting in unnecessary problems. In this article, discover how to properly care for your garage door and get the best out of your investment.

How Should I Clean My Garage Door?

Garage doors are highly visible, hard-working surfaces that are subjected to a lot of use daily. Even though they are built to withstand stress, garage doors deserve as much care as windows, patios, and other home areas. If you’re wondering how to go about cleaning your garage door, here is a short guide to help:

Use a mild liquid soap (dishwashing liquid, for instance) and water to wash the surfaces and windows of your garage doors. Use a soft brush, cloth, or sponge to wash both the interior and exterior of your garage door. Avoid using abrasive detergents as this can damage the garage door seals or the painted surface of the door.
After washing, rinse thoroughly with a hose, but avoid using a pressure washer. The force from a pressure washer can also damage the surface of your garage door.
Suppose you encounter stubborn stains such as oil; you should spot clean the area with a solution of water and diluted bleach. Ensure the bleach is diluted, and do not mix the bleach with other cleansers as this results in harmful fumes. Once you are done spot cleaning, rinse all surfaces thoroughly.
Wax your door to protect its finish after washing and rinsing. Make use of a quality car wax and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect the weather stripping at the bottom of your door and clean it. You can apply a vinyl protectant to prolong the life of the weather stripping. Ensure that the bottom strip is in top shape and in full contact with the garage floor. This will serve as an insulator and help keep insects and rodents out of your garage.
Finally, clean and organize the areas around your garage door. Take out any stacks or objects that can cause an obstruction or damage the garage door track.

Before you begin cleaning your garage door, you should have the following supplies:

Mild cleaning solution
Non-abrasive cleaning cloths and sponges
A step ladder
Diluted bleach
Wax

The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Garage Door

1. Clean your garage doors at least twice a year

Elements such as rain, snow, dust, wind, and so much more constantly interact with your garage door. These elements can damage the surface of your garage door paint and even eat at the surface below. Cleaning your garage door is a great way to get rid of the junk accumulated on the garage door, while waxing gives it a protective coat.

2. Wax your garage doors

It is recommended that you wax your garage doors at least once a year. Wax adds a protective coating, enhancing the finish of your door while keeping it from getting faded or damaged by the elements.

3. Clean your weather stripping

Weatherstripping around your garage door creates an insulating seal to prevent the elements from getting into your garage. Chances are, you aren’t paying as much attention to your weather stripping as you are to your garage door’s exterior.

Use a general-purpose cleaner to get rid of grease or dirt that accumulates on your weather stripping. It would be best if you also took this opportunity to inspect the weather stripping for cracks or other damages.

4. Never clean your garage door with a pressure washer

Pressure washers are amazing for dealing with stains, algae or dirt caked on hard surfaces like your sidewalk. You should never use a pressure washer on your garage door, as even pressure washers with smaller nozzles still have the potential to damage your weather stripping and even your door itself.

Garage door manufacturers specify that you do not wash your doors with a pressure washer because it can damage your door and render your warranty void. If you wash your garage doors regularly, you won’t even need a pressure washer to get out any dirt stuck to the door.

5. Avoid washing your garage door in direct sunlight

You should clean your garage door early in the mornings/evenings. Garage doors are the biggest non-insulated surface in your house, and it traps heat pretty easily. If your door gets too hot, it will begin breaking down the chemicals in the soap and wax as soon as you begin applying them. This breakdown will result in a chalky garage door look, and you don’t want that.

6. Never clean your garage door with pure bleach

Pure bleach is very powerful, and this isn’t the best cleaning product for your garage door. The protective finish and even the paint of your garage door can be seriously affected by using bleach to clean your doors. If you do need to use bleach, make sure it is diluted and in a water solution.

Why Should You Clean Your Garage Door?

Beyond improving curb appeal, there are several benefits of cleaning your garage door. Some of the reasons you should clean your garage door include:

1. Improve your curb appeal

All you need to clean your garage door is soap and water. The difference this makes to the appearance of your home is so amazing. When you clean your garage door, you get rid of all the grime and dirt that might be dulling the surface of your garage door. A clean garage door does wonders for your curb appeal, especially if you intend to put your home up for sale.

2. Prolong the finish of your door

Your garage door is exposed to so many elements daily. Sun, rain, dirt, and wind can take a toll on garage doors of even the highest quality. Over time, due to these harsh conditions, the finish of your garage door can become dull, eroded, or even damaged if you do not take proper care of your garage door.

Wood garage doors should be refinished periodically, but keeping your wood garage door clean means you can go longer between refinishing. Doors made out of other materials may not be refinished regularly, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep them just as clean.

3. Stops rust

Rust is a result of dirt, salt, or other substances getting stuck on your garage door. Rust is very unsightly, and over time can even damage the integrity of your door. Cleaning your door regularly prevents rust from forming on doors, ultimately extending the door’s life. Rust is also very difficult to get rid of, so cleaning your doors is a cheaper, less stressful alternative.

4. It helps keep your warranty

If the warranty still covers your garage door, you must keep it clean to maintain the terms of the warranty. In certain cases, failure to keep your door clean will render our warranty void and make you unable to lay claims when any problems arise.

5. It allows you to inspect the door

When cleaning your garage door, you should take a few minutes out to inspect both the interior and exterior of the door. You should view cleaning as a reminder to check all moving parts. The tracks, spring, photo-eye sensors, and, of course, the surface of the door should be carefully inspected. When your door is clean, it is a lot easier to notice if it has been damaged in one way or the other. The sooner you notice problems with your door, the sooner you can address them rather than letting them turn into much bigger problems than they should originally be.

How Often Should I Clean My Garage Door?

When was the last time you thought to clean your garage door? For most homeowners, cleaning the garage door isn’t exactly high on their list of priorities. On average, a garage door lasts about 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. Cleaning your garage door is a great way to protect your investment. A clean garage door will last longer as cleaning prevents serious issues from developing with your door.

You should wash your doors at least twice a year, during spring and in the fall. If you live in harsh weather conditions such as coastal areas, you should clean your garage door quarterly. Excessive exposure to factors such as salt can cause the finish of your garage door to erode a lot quicker.

Conclusion

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts in Toronto, check out TBC Garage Doors.

We are a reputable company that provides professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also offer emergency garage door repair and installation services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

25Jun

Why Do I Need a Garage?

Garage DoorJune 25, 2021

The majority of the homes sold today come with a garage Toronto. Whether it is a simple one-car garage in a small condo or home or a multiple-car garage in a larger family home. Garages are pretty much a constant.

Although some may argue that garages aren’t exactly a selling point for a home, believe it or not, it is considered a negative if your home is lacking one. Whether connected or detached, lacking a garage is regarded as a big problem for most homeowners.

If you wonder why a home garage is so important to homeowners, or you are building your home from scratch and wondering if you should include a garage Toronto, this is the article for you.

Discover everything you need to know about garages and why you need one.

Why Do I Need a Garage?

There are several reasons why a home garage is considered a necessity. The most common reason people need garages is their traditional function to keep your car safe.

A garage is an obvious place to store your car securely. Depending on your neighborhood, you might not have the option of street parking, making a garage a necessity. Garages keep your care safe from different conditions, including hazardous weather. Windstorms, snowstorms and bad rain won’t affect your car because of the protection offered by your garage.

The combination of a home garage and a garage door Toronto can also be of great benefit to people who don’t have a car or who don’t make use of it every day. A garage is also a great place for people who use other means of transportation such as a bike or a motorcycle.

Garages make great storage and workspace. Many people who are big on DIY or invested in a lot of woodwork need a garage. It makes a great place for storage of their tools, and garages with soundproof walls and doors can be used as an ideal workspace.

Can You Build Your House Without a Garage?

Although not the most ideal option, you can build your house without a garage. However, it would be best if you were sure, as in some places, not having a garage can decrease the market value of your home. If you have no intentions of selling your house, however, this should not bother you.

Also, if you have no cars and live in a neighborhood where street parking is permitted, you can make do without a garage Toronto. If you do end up owning a car, you can park it on the street like everyone else, even though this may not be very safe.

Do Garages Protect Cars?

Parking the car outside exposes one of the most valuable things of the family. The safety factor differs from one locality to another, and while some areas might have the problem of theft, other areas might have the problem of vandalism. Parking the car inside a garage solves the problem by keeping unwanted elements away from the vehicle. A standard garage has a weatherstripped door, regulating the temperature in the garage.

Protection from weather elements

When you park in a garage, your vehicle is protected from weather elements. Parking in the garage ensures that elements of nature such as mud, rain, wind, slush, high heat, and other factors which can damage a car for life are kept at bay.

When a car is left exposed to the elements listed above, a byproduct that can result will be the formation of acid and dirt on the car’s paint. More side effects will include a weakened clear coat and rust.

Protection of rubber components

Cars are composed of several rubber parts, including wiper blades, brushes, hoses, pipes etc. When these rubber parts are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold conditions, wind and the sun, it can result in them wearing out prematurely.

Worn-out rubber parts can also be the cause of unwanted problems such as squeaking and rattling. Parking your car in the basement of a garage will help you avoid this problem.

Protection against UV damage

The rays of the sun are filled with UV radiation. This radiation can be harmful to your car’s paint and even human skin. It can cause oxidation of metal, resulting in rusting as well as fading of your car paint.

Your car paint will last longer when you store it away from the sun by parking it in a garage.

Keeps car wax coats

Today, most cars have an expensive polish and wax coat. This wax coat, which is usually a Teflon coating, is intended to protect the main paint of the vehicle. However, if this wax or coating is not well taken care of, it loses its potency, ruining the vehicle’s paint. The best way to prevent this is parking in a basement or a garage away from the sun and its UV rays.

Extends engine life

Parking a car in a garage Toronto keeps the temperature under the hood stable, preventing it from fluctuations with the drop or rise of outside temperatures. This regulation of temperature helps the engine oil maintain the optimal viscosity required for engine startup. An engine stored in ideal temperatures will continue to run smoothly for a longer time, extending the engine life.

Combats interior damage

When you park your car outside, it not only damages the exterior, the interior suffers also. This can result in the upholstery and dashboard fading. In extreme conditions, this can affect the music system, too, as the speaker’s membrane could crack. Also, any fabric held together using glue can come apart in extreme heat conditions.

Does a House Lose Value Without a Garage?

This depends on where the house is located and what the client is looking for. Experts claim having a garage can raise the value of your home to 20%. Many prospective homeowners love the idea of having extra space to store their tools and protect their cars from unfavourable conditions.

The right garage door installation alone can be a huge deciding factor as to whether a house on the market gets sold or not. Lacking a garage might not exactly decrease the value of a house. It can just make it harder to sell.

A garage is an amazing point of interest for a realtor to show off to prospective clients. The absence of a garage results in the realtor having to work harder, showcasing other house areas that are often overlooked to get it sold.

What Are the Alternatives to a Garage?

There are a few affordable alternatives to a garage. Some of these alternatives include:

Sheds

One common alternative to a garage is a shed. To most people, a shed is simply a place for storing tools and other small machinery. If you have a big enough shed, it can also double as a garage. The great thing about a shed is that it covers your vehicle completely, giving it all the protection it needs.

Car Ports

If your driveway is spacious enough, the next thing you should consider is a carport. Even though a carport is not completely enclosed, it can still protect your car from UV rays, rain and snow. There are also carports large enough to shade multiple vehicles.

Awning

Awnings are similar to a carport, and the only difference is how portable it is. They are easy to install and provide adequate protection. The awning also has other uses besides being used as a garage alternative. Due to how portable they are, they can create shade during the summer in your backyard.

Car Cover

If you are really on a budget or need to manage your resources, there are still options other than building a garage. A car cover is an inexpensive garage alternative. Car covers come in various styles and sizes and can protect your vehicle from harsh weather elements.

Conclusion

When you have a garage door expert, garage door installation comes easy. If you need professional assistance for your garage door Toronto, you can contact TCB Doors.

We are a reputable company specializing in garage door maintenance near me, door opener maintenance, torsion spring maintenance, etc.

Some of our services include garage door framing, garage door spring installation, garage door opener belt installation/repair, among many others.

All our technologies are insured and licensed. We also offer affordable pricing with a 90-day guarantee. We offer emergency services and are available 24/7.

24Jun

All About Garage Service Doors

Garage DoorJune 24, 2021

A garage service door is a very important component of a garage. One of the most important things for most garage owners is ease of access. You want to be able to come in and out of your garage as conveniently as possible and as often as you want to.

However, making use of your standard garage door can be time-consuming and stressful.

Several homeowners wonder if they need a service door in their garage and the benefits of having such a door in their garage. In this article, discover the pros and cons of a garage service door and the importance of choosing one that works for you.

What is a Garage Service Door?

Whether at home or in commercial settings, many garages are fitted with service doors that lead to other rooms at home or other facilities. Service doors are designed to grant access to your garage without having to use the central garage door.

A garage service door, also known as a wicket door, man door, or simply a pedestrian door, is usually a classic swing door placed inside a garage door. The door is usually normal human-sized and is cut inside the bigger garage door to permit easy entry into the garage. This allows you to enter your garage without having to open the whole garage door.

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Service Door to a Garage?

On average, garage doors cost about $1000, typically ranging between $500 to $1500. Standard, single garage doors range between $700 to $1200 installed. Double car garage doors cost between $800 to $1500 installed. Labour usually costs about $200 per unit, with a new garage door being between $200 to $900.

Walkthrough service garage doors usually cost between $600 to $1800. The prices often depend on the size of the doors, the materials used and the required door mechanism.

What Are the Benefits of a Service Door?

There are several benefits of a service door; they are convenient and easy to use. Some of the benefits of a service door include:

You only require a key to enter your garage, just like any other door in the house.
Due to the service door serving as both a pedestrian door and a garage door. This will help to save floor and wall space, giving you a lot more storage space.
If you have several things stored in your garage, passersby will not see them due to the garage door remaining closed.
With walk-in service doors, there is one remarkable safety feature that makes it a worth it purchase. Anyone who attempts breaking into your home or garage risks being seen in full view by neighbours or road users. One other advantage is that pedestrian doors open outwards, meaning that any force applied on the door to break it open further closes it.
Even in a power outage, you will still have access to your garage, and the lack of power will not be a problem anymore.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Service Door?

Although garage service doors are a great idea, they come with a few drawbacks.

Some of the pros of a service door include:

Conserves energy and causes less wear

Walking in and out of a service door for times where you don’t need the entire garage door to be opened can help prolong the life of your garage door remote and opener, as well as help conserve energy. A service door also allows heat to escape the garage during the cold winter months better than the standard garage door.

Added convenience

Rather than having to roll up the entire garage door whenever you need to take out the trash or grab the mail, a traditional garage service door can save you the trouble.

Saves you space

If your home is on a tight block with a small lot, the front of your garage might not be able to accommodate a standard-size garage door along with a swing door alongside. Installing your service door in your garage door is a great way to maximize space without compromising on your accessibility.

Improves privacy

Suppose you are worried about passerby’s peeking into your garage unnecessarily. Having a smaller access point can help.

Helps during power outages and increases fire safety

When you need to vacate your property quickly during an emergency, it is not very feasible to bank on an electric garage door opener. A service door ensures you can get in and out of the garage when you need to, increasing safety.

Even though there are many pros to having a garage service door, certain circumstances might not be the best option.

Some of the cons of a garage service door include:

Additional installation cost

Including a garage service door requires specialized safety features, and the cost of installation can add up. You can avoid this by using an affordable company that specializes in installing garage door Toronto.

Making small doors less energy efficient

Even though a service door can boost energy efficiency, small garage doors can become less efficient with installing the main door. This is because it creates more openings for the circulation of air. You can tackle this problem with proper sealing.

Increased damage potential

Some homeowners have caused serious damage to their garage doors by attempting to open them after leaving the main door ajar accidentally. You can prevent this by being extra cautious and making use of modern security technology.

Does Your Garage Door Need a Service Door?

Since a garage is not considered a habitable space and its main purpose is vehicle storage, the standard garage door that admits a vehicle is required. Another reason a service door is not a requirement is because the garage is not considered an egress path. One is not required to egress to the outdoors through the garage from the living area.

However, you must confirm with your local building department to ensure they do not require a service door.

If you’re thinking of closing up your garage doors, you can simply keep them locked and stack your shelves in front of the door. This will prevent anyone inside the garage from using the door. Also, because the door is locked, no one from outside will access the garage using that door. Keeping the door may be a great idea as the next buyer might want a service garage door in their garage.

What Are the Basics of a Service Door?

A service door is located in the main garage door. Usually, it swings on a set of hinges, and it can be locked when not in use. A major difference between a garage service door and a house door is that the service door opens outwards, unlike the doors in standard residential homes, which open inwards.

Due to the service door jamb fitting flush, the existing garage door can’t swing inwards. Although this might take a little time to get used to, most homeowners do not consider this a problem. An intruder will find it impossible to kick in the service garage door without meeting a substantial amount of resistance.

Conclusion

When you have a garage door expert, garage door installation comes easy. If you need professional assistance for your garage door Toronto, you can contact TCB Doors.

We are a reputable company specializing in garage door maintenance near me, door opener maintenance, torsion spring maintenance, etc.

Some of our services include garage door framing, garage door spring installation, garage door opener belt installation/repair, among many others.

All our technologies are insured and licensed. We also offer affordable pricing with a 90-day guarantee. We offer emergency services and are available 24/7.

What is the Best Colour for a Garage Door

24Jun

Garage Door Trends To Know

Garage DoorJune 24, 2021

The exterior of your home and garage door is very important. A great exterior improves the overall value of your home and is quite a joy to look at. However, you cannot deny that picking out the colours that work for you is pretty hard.

In this article, discover all there is to know about the garage door trends for 2021 and find what works for you.

What is the Best Colour for a Garage Door?

When choosing the best colour for your garage door, you have to consider a few things. You want to choose a colour that is welcoming and warm. The colour of your garage door is even more important if you intend to sell your home.

Some of the top colour choices for a garage door installation include beige, soft gray, brown, white and dark grey/black.

Beige

Beige is best suited for stone and brick. This colour is great for bending your garage door into the design of your home. If you want a soft colour and plan to move away from white or black blandness, beige can be a nice neutral.

Soft Gray

Grey is classy and chic, an excellent choice for a neutral design. It is as bright as white paint but is a lot easier on the eyes, escaping the focal point instead of blending with the overall look.

Brown

Brown is a sophisticated garage door colour with a tendency to make your home look warm. Brown paint will have your garage door looking polished. However, it would be best if you were careful when picking a shade of brown for your garage door. The wrong shade can have your home looking old and unwelcoming.

White

Garage doors that are white are considered a classic. It is one of the most popular colours for a garage door and improves curb appeal. You can never go wrong with a white garage door.

Dark Gray/Black – just like white, a dark garage door is considered classic. Gray or black adds a unique, hip feel to your home and is great for hiding marks. However, you should ensure that dark gray/black works well with the colour scheme for your home. If a dark garage door doesn’t suit your whole decor, it can leave your garage looking slightly too sharp.

Is a New Garage Door a Good Investment?

A new garage door can greatly increase the value of your home. A garage door greatly increases the curb appeal of your home, making it more inviting and warm. If you plan on selling your home, your garage door can help boost your prospects, making the value of your home high as much as 20% even.

Should My Garage Door Match My Shutters?

The answer is yes and no. Today, you no longer have to match your entire home. Most experts argue that painting your garage door a colour that stands out is a great idea. You should ensure that the colours blend, and the colour you choose for your garage door should not be so far from the general house theme.

However, if you are more traditional, you can work on matching your garage doors with your shutters.

Can I Match My Garage and Front Door?

Many experts in home decor agree that the garage door and front door should match, especially if they both face the street. Doors that match have a way of enhancing the home’s visual presentation by tying the exterior together. This will create a more uniform look, creating a welcoming and comfortable appearance. You want to pick a colour that works for both doors while blending nicely with the remaining exterior.

There are certain instances where using contrasts or colour variations is a more suitable alternative. Some of such instances include:

Your exterior design is unique

If you have a home with a beautiful, unusual exterior such as beautiful stone, you would like to redirect the focus from your garage door to your walls. Try picking a garage door colour that blends with the stone, such as grey or brown. Your front door colour can now be brighter, preventing it from getting lost with the rest of your home’s exterior.

Your front door is bright-coloured

If you prefer a brighter hue for your front door colour, such as yellow or red, you’ll want to keep your garage door colour subtle. Your garage door constitutes a large portion of your home, and a loud colour can be overwhelming, acting as a distraction from other features such as the trim of your home.

You want a bold statement

A garage door can be a great way to personalize the look of your home due to its size. This difference in appearance can be a welcome contrast if your home exterior is otherwise bland. If your walls are dull red, for instance, a white garage door can help brighten the appearance without changing the colour of your front door.

What Front Door Colour Sells a House?

When selling a house, first impressions are a big deal. According to research, something as little as the colour of your front door can be responsible for a significant difference to your property’s value.

When putting your house up for sale, blue remains the best colour for your front doors. Certain shades of brown are considered the worst colours, making your house appear less desirable.

Should My Detached Garage Be the Same Colour as My House?

Having a detached garage can be beautiful. It provides extra space for storage and work. A detached garage can also serve as a nice noise buffer for any activities you engage in using a power tool. However, a garage that does not match your home’s aesthetic can ruin a beautiful scene.

Your garage door doesn’t have to be the exact colour of your home. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your garage door matches your house. These steps include:

Consider Your Structural Layout

This might be difficult to pull off if your detached garage is already built, except you want to carry out a massive renovation. If you are in the process of building your detached garage, you must factor in structural similarities during your garage door setup.

It is important when building your detached garage that the overall architectural features match. A classic farm-style house requires a garage that mirrors distinctive features. This mirroring also goes for any other overarching home design such as victorian or cape cod-style homes.

Match Your Siding

The siding of your home is one of the most glaring curb appeal features of your home. Whether you have vinyl, brick or wood siding, it is all in the spotlight. If your siding is wood, you need to ensure that you match the same type of wood. This means you need to use two primary factors: the pattern and the colour.

The layout pattern for your wood walls needs to remain the same on your detached garage door and your home. The colours also need to match to prevent the exterior from looking drastically off.

Ensure you are using the same wood style and the same quality of finish to create a uniform look.

Match Your Roofing

Believe it or not, your roof is one of the most visible features of your home’s exterior. You need to ensure that your roofing matches your home and your detached garage. To do this, you need to consider two main factors, colour and material.

If your home has shingles, you should make provision for shingles on your detached garage door. This also goes for sheet metal and older styles such as a slate roof.

The overall colour of your roof also needs to be considered, especially with metal roofs. It would help if you coloured your roofing and even your shingles in matching pigments.

Match Your Landscaping

It would be best if you tried to match the landscaping surrounding your detached garage with the one that circles your home. This means that you use the same species of plants, the colour of shrubs and flowers for both structures.

It is also important to consider the entire pattern and layout of the landscaping. If you surround your home with small trees and tall shrubs, your garage needs to mirror this, the same as flowers and undergrowth around the home.

Match The Color Scheme

For a final touch, consider the colour scheme of your garage and home. Try to match your shutters with your detached garage, as well as the front door. The key is to observe the small details and make subtle matching changes, as this will go a long way towards uniformity.

Conclusion

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts, check out TBC Garage Doors.

Our services are comprehensive, and all our staff is highly trained, using only the best equipment and tools available.

We are also available for emergency garage door repair services, and with us, you get a 90-day guaranty for services offered. Contact us today for a premium garage door repair/servicing experience.

18May

Why Should You Buy a New Garage Door?

Garage DoorMay 18, 2021

Buying a new garage door can be beneficial in many ways. Whether your current door is broken down beyond repair or you just need a new look, a new garage door is always welcome.

This article discovers why you should purchase a new garage door and what to look out for.

Why Should I Buy a New Garage Door?

Some of the reasons you should get a new garage door include:

Home Value

A new garage door can greatly increase the resale value of your home. A garage door can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to your home.

Garage door installations are considered valuable and have been estimated to give a higher investment return than other major home projects. If you plan to sell your home in the coming year, getting a new garage door could be an investment that continues to pay back.

Curb Appeal

A brand new garage door can increase the curb appeal of your home beyond just a fresh coat of paint. If your garage door Toronto has been worn down, chipped and cracked after several years of use, a new garage door will make all the difference you need.

Efficiency

The energy retention of your home is greatly affected by your garage. A garage door with gaps, cracks, worn weather stripping and sealing will cool and heat in tune with the weather outside. This can put a lot of pressure on your HVAC system, causing it to work harder and shooting up your energy bills. This can result in an unstable garage which can become potentially harmful to any items and equipment you’ve stored in your garage, as well as a less comfortable home.

Security

Investing in a new garage door installation is a great way to increase your home’s security. Most keyless garage doors can be combined with smart home security systems, allowing you access from your smartphone anywhere, anytime. One-time codes can also be set for neighbours and service people and monitor the time stamp when people come and go.

Noise

A noisy garage door can be quite a pain. If you are tired of hearing your garage door creak, grind and squeal whenever you open it, you should look into purchasing a new garage door.

What Should I Look for When Buying a New Garage Door?

When you want to purchase a new garage door, there are certain things you should look out for to ensure that you have the right fit for your home. With garage doors, there is no one-size-fits-all, so you need to know what to look out for before buying one.

If you are in the market for a new garage door, you should consider the following:

1. Materials

Garage doors are usually forged from specific materials such as steel, wood, fibreglass, vinyl or aluminum. Based on the style and look you are aiming for; you might want to consider the various materials from which garage doors are made.

Wood

Wood always makes a lasting visual statement. Although wood is not as durable as other materials, it is very appealing to look at.

Steel

Steel is one of the most common and least expensive materials for garage doors. Garage doors made of steel offer an increased level of security and are also more durable.

Fibreglass

Although fibreglass is considered durable, but is prone to cracks when exposed to extremely cold temperatures.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most preferred garage door material in areas where there are high moisture levels. This is because aluminum is corrosion resistant and does not suffer from rust that could result from excessive amounts of moisture.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a durable, affordable, and low maintenance option when choosing a garage door. However, vinyl is considered a relatively new material for making garage doors.

2. Motors

Pay attention to the horsepower listed on the motors when shopping for garage doors. A heavier garage door will require more horsepower, while with a lightweight garage door, high horsepower may not be necessary. Ensure that you find a motor that has the right amount of horsepower to suit your needs.

3. Cost

The final cost of your garage door depends on the style, type and features that your door is equipped with. If you are in the market for a new garage door, have a set budget that you are comfortable paying. A budget will help you determine what features you can afford to add or not add to your garage door.

4. Styles

Garage doors are available in different styles, such as sectionals, tilt-ups, and rollups. Every style has its advantages and disadvantages. Rollup doors are the most expensive and require a lot of maintenance to function properly. Sectional garage doors require more ceiling space, and tilt-up garage doors conserve space with their single panel, which opens and closes with a ceiling-mounted track.

What is the Average Cost of a New Garage Door?

Garage door installation costs vary based on the style and type of door you buy. Other factors, such as whether the doorway needs to be resized or if the hardware allowing the door to close and open, requires repair or replacement.

Without a warranty, garage doors can cost between $500 to $1500, depending on factors such as:

The material the garage door is made from
The size of the garage door
The cost of local labour
The workmanship involved in installing and crafting the garage doors
Prep work that has to be done before garage door installation

Does a New Garage Door Increase Home Value?

According to realtors, a new garage door can increase your home’s selling price by up to 5%, depending on the style. A new garage door can increase home value based on the following:

Accommodating the Style of Your Home

Choosing the best garage door for your home largely depends on its design. A modern and contemporary home, for instance, will feature garage doors with pebble, stained wood, and even powder-coated glass.

Improvements in Safety and Security

New garage doors have security features such as rotating security codes that change whenever the door is operated. This will help increase the security of your home by keeping intruders out. Modern technologies also feature photosensors that prevent the door from closing when a vehicle, person, object or pet is in the way.

Increased Energy Efficiency

When you purchase a new garage door, it is sealed, insulated and sealed for energy efficiency. Insulation maintains the temperature of your home and keeps outside air out. This is beneficial for an attached garage. Insulation can also reduce outside noise, resulting in a more private and quieter home.

Increased Return on Investment

In addition to updating your doors, replacing old windows, and taking care of the landscaping, a garage door can greatly increase your home value. The more durable the garage door material is, the longer your garage door will last.

Should I Paint or Replace My Garage Door?

Knowing whether all your garage door requires is a fresh coat of paint, or an entirely new replacement is key. First, let us look at instances where you can repaint your garage door.

Not all garage doors are made to be painted. Before you set about painting your garage door, you need to double-check that the paint will adhere to your door properly. Consider the material your garage door is made of. Materials such as steel, wood, aluminum and vinyl can all be painted. However, certain materials require more precision than others during painting.

If your garage door is already painted, simply slapping on a fresh coat of paint won’t cover existing damage. A severely peeling door, for instance, most likely requires a replacement. The type of paint and primer you use is also very important as each type of material has specific paint needs. You can contact a garage door Toronto expert if you’re not sure whether or not your garage door should be painted.

If your garage door is between 20 to 25 years old, you might want to consider getting a new door installed. A badly dented metal door, cracked aluminum models or chipped wood doors may require replacement. Minor imperfections can be concealed with paint, but paint alone won’t cut it for more serious damage. A new coat of paint can change the austen of your door, making an aesthetic difference. However, if the damage to your door goes beyond cosmetic problems, you should consider replacement options.

Conclusion

A lot of homeowners do not consider their garage door preferences before choosing one. However, a garage door is as important as the front door as they serve almost the same purpose. Before choosing the perfect garage door, carry out some more research and choose what door will work best for you.

If you are a new homeowner, check out TBC Garage Doors for your garage door solutions. We can save you the stress of finding an excellent garage door Toronto.

We handle different doors, from over/tilt-up canopy garage doors, sectional garage doors, rollup garage doors, and side-hinged garage doors.

Our services also include garage door spring installation/repair, garage door framing, new garage door installation, garage door opener belt installation/repair, among many others.

All our technicians are licensed and insured, and we offer you affordable pricing with a 90-day guarantee. We are available 24/7 and offer emergency services. Contact us for the best garage door repair/servicing experience.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Smart Garage Door

15Apr

Why You Should Invest in a Smart Garage Door

Garage DoorApril 15, 2021

If you have ever wondered whether you left your garage door open, you probably need a smart garage door. Most people have the thought of an open garage door flash across their mind while running errands or at work, and it is genuinely scary.

The majority of break-ins are facilitated by an open window or door, which includes garage doors. With a smart garage door, you do not have to worry about forgetting to close your garage door. You will be able to control your garage door from where you are and close or open it as you please.

In this article, discover what a smart garage door is, why you should invest in it and what to consider when choosing one.

What is a Smart Garage Door Opener?

A smart garage door opener is a device that functions like a regular garage door opener but with the option of connecting to a WiFi network for control. This connection allows remote monitoring and management of the garage door directly from an application installed on your smartphone.

Smart garage door openers are categorized under the umbrella of smart home automation devices. Believe it or not, your garage is one of the most vulnerable points in your home. A lot of homeowners leave their garage door leading into the house open for convenience. This practice is hazardous and can serve as an entry point for burglars or even more dangerous intruders.

It is also common practice to store costly possessions such as vehicles, lawn care equipment, and other garage tools. Burglars are aware of this, making your garage an even more appealing option.

A smart garage door helps you stay in charge. You can always tell if your garage door is closed or open, and you can control it from wherever you are. This will make it harder for burglars to ransack your home.

5 Reasons You Should Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener

**5 Reasons Should You Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener**

A smart garage door opener is an excellent option for home and property owners. If you are wondering why you should invest in one, here are a few reasons.

1. It makes monitoring easier

With your smart garage door opener, you can hear and see guests who come into your garage. When paired with camera options, you can even speak to them via the available speaker and microphone connections. You can issue instructions, give warm greetings, and even directions to guess who needs help getting in.

2. It improves security

Security is a big deal when it comes to garages. The garage door is easily overlooked as an entry point into your home. Many times, the garage contains valuables such as bikes, electronics, and vehicles.

The great news is with a smart garage door keypad, you have access to various security features for you to choose from. Whether you want to receive push notifications on your phone when your garage door is opened without your authorization or need a security camera with night vision, a smart garage door is the answer.

3. It helps to set up schedules

If you have people that show up at your house at certain times, you can preset a schedule so that your doors open and close at the same time daily.

4. It grants easy access

If you have unexpected guests, you can open the garage door yourself from wherever you are in the house. You can go as far as authorizing certain people’s entries, repeatedly or one time. A smarty garage door opener gives you a vast amount of options to stay in control whether you want to keep people in or let them out.

5. It gives temperature alerts

A smart garage door opener can come with sensors that monitor the temperature. This is great for both winter and summer. The sensor not only tells you if your garage door is left open but also alerts you if the temperature inside your garage is getting too cold or hot. This is helpful if you store equipment, food, or other temperature-sensitive items in there.

How Much Does a Smart Garage Door Cost?

You can get a WiFi-connected smart garage door opener for $169 to $300. These types of garage openers do not require extra accessories for you to control them from your smartphone. You can also get add ons for $50 to $100.

How is a Smart Garage Door Controlled?

The best feature of a smart garage door is the ability to incorporate it into your smart home. This connectivity allows you to control your garage door in several ways using different devices. It also works together with your smart home for increased security.

Some ways your smart home can work with your smart garage include:

Camera integration

You can integrate your smart garage with the doorbell camera in your home. By doing this, you can see who is at the front door and open your garage for them if you need a delivery or package dropped in your garage. To further improve how secure your garage is, you can install security cameras inside or right outside the garage so you can continually keep an eye on who goes in and comes out.

App and panel control

A smart garage can integrate with an existing smart home control panel when you use a smartphone app as general control. Just as you would do with your home’s smart locks, you can close and open the garage door via your panel or app.

Security system integration

You can link your home security system to your smart garage door Toronto based on the existing system you have. When your security system is armed, the garage door will give a signal when it is opened. Integrating your smart garage door keypad with your smart home helps you take advantage of all the features provided by your smart home.

Can I Install a Smart Garage Door Myself?

Smart garage doors are pretty easy to install, and you can do it yourself. If you are a handy person, you can be done in less than an hour. You can use several videos for reference, and most manufacturers also have installation tutorials available.

However, if you are not confident in your DIY skills, do not hesitate to contact a garage door expert. It is a lot easier to install add-on devices compared to full systems. A lot of people can easily manage this themselves. Typically, installing an add-on simply requires you to attach the device to your existing garage door opener using double-sided tape. Next, you connect two wires to close and open terminals on your existing garage door opener.

The final step is to download the necessary application on your phone, and you are all set.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Smart Garage Door

If you are carrying out upgrades around your home or just want to give your garage a makeover, this is an excellent time to consider a smart garage door.

Like other smart devices, choosing a suitable garage door can be quite the chore. It can be even more difficult when you do not know precisely what you’re looking for. Before choosing a smart garage door, here are a few things to consider.

1. Compatibility

You need to make sure that the smart garage door opener you will be getting is compatible with your current garage door. If you have an automatic garage door, installing a smart garage door Toronto will be a lot easier than if your door is manual. The manufacturer should list the current door systems and models that are compatible for easier understanding.

2. WiFi Connectivity

Smart garage openers function via a WiFi connection. Check that your present connection is strong enough and has adequate bandwidth to take an additional device.

3. Smart home integration

If you live in a smart home, you need to be sure to integrate your smart door opener with the rest of your smart home. Ensure that your door opener works fine with the rest of your devices.

4. App Compatibility

App compatibility. Controlling your garage door via an app on your smartphone is one of the most significant benefits of a smart garage door, so make sure the app it comes with is compatible with your smart device’s operating system.

Conclusion

Now that you know why you should invest in a smart garage door, finding an expert doesn’t have to be complicated. If you are in Toronto or the GTA, contact TBC Garage Doors, a reputable company that offers professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also provide emergency services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

Our services include new garage door installation, garage door spring installation/repair, garage door sensor repair/set up, garage door opener belt installation/repair. Garage door framing, among many others. We also handle different doors, from sectional, roll up and side-hinged garage doors to up and over/tilt-up canopy garage doors.

We are a 24-hour garage door company in Toronto, and we offer emergency services along with a 90-day guarantee for services offered and are available round the clock. Contact us today for your smart garage door installation, repair, and servicing.

16Mar

What to Consider When Buying a Garage Door

Garage DoorMarch 16, 2021

Your garage door is an essential part of your home; thus, you should find out what to consider when buying a garage door. A garage door offers security to your home and is also very vital in saving energy bills since it can contribute to your home’s overall heating.

Most people also store certain items and equipment in their garage, and a well-secure garage door ensures that your stored items are well protected from rain and other adverse weather conditions.

Since garage doors play a significant role in your home security and heating capacity, you must consider several critical factors before buying a garage door.

What to Consider When Buying a Garage Door

Once you have made up your mind that you want to buy a garage door, the next step is to consider several factors that will enable you to buy the right type of garage door for your home.

Here is what to consider when buying a garage door:

1. The garage door style

Garage doors come in a variety of styles and designs. Aside from the security and other key features of a garage door, they also contribute to your home’s aesthetic design and beauty. You have different garage door appearances to choose from. You can find garage doors with raised panels and traditional styles. Some garage doors are designed with glass panels that make them look more attractive.

There are also some garage doors with a carriage house style that looks similar to barn doors. Contemporary garage doors have trendy designs, while some have opaque glass designs at non-symmetrical sections. Modern garage doors are more expensive than traditional garage doors, but you can always find your preferred garage door style.

2. Material of construction

The type of material used in constructing your garage door is to consider when buying a garage door. There are different types of garage door materials, and each of them has several unique features. The common types of materials for garage door construction include the following:

Aluminium

Aluminum garage doors are highly suitable for humid environments and can resist corrosion and rust.

Steel

Steel is also the most common type of garage door material you can find. It provides several options in terms of the price range, style, and color of garage doors.

Composite Wood

Composite wood has the attractive look of actual wood and can be made to have moisture resistance. Moreover, it does not crack or rot, and it can be painted to your preferred color.

Wood

Wood has an attractive look when used for garage doors. However, you may have to frequently maintain the wooden garage door to keep the finish intact. Wooden garage doors are also fabricated so that they can be moisture resistant.

3. Sound Level

The sound made by a garage door is also what to consider when buying a garage door. Having a garage door that makes a loud noise while operating may be frustrating, and the experience may also be unpleasant. Ensure that you buy a new-belt-drive opener and ensure that nylon rollers are used since they are known to operate quietly.

4. Garage Door Window Consideration

Buying glass garage door panels have its pros and cons. However, garage door windows provide aesthetic beauty for your garage doors, depending on your home style. Garage door windows also provide natural lighting into your garage. The downsides of having windows installed in your garage doors are that you will always have to clean the windows. Some garage doors have grid-style glass panels with several sections, and you might spend time and money to ensure they are clean regularly.

5. Garage Door Insulation

Garage doors play a role in either increasing or decreasing your home’s heating capacity since they are attached to your house. A well-insulated garage door improves your home’s energy efficiency and can also reduce the energy bill. You can choose to have insulated garage doors or hollow ones depending on your home’s heating requirement.

6. Garage Door Strength Rating

The strength ratings of garage doors are different. A garage door strength rating measures how a garage door can withstand harsh weather conditions, especially in some windy locations. Locations with a high occurrence of hurricanes and other unfriendly weather conditions require a certain degree of strength rating.

7. New Technology

New technology has been incorporated into garage door designs that allow you to control your garage door with your smartphone from any location. You can check if your garage door is open by going through an app on your phone, whether you are in the office or out of town. When buying a garage door, you can decide if you should buy garage doors with more advanced security features or purchase the regular garage door type.

Should Price Be Considered When Buying a Garage Door?

When it comes to the security of your home, price should not be a significant deciding factor. However, you may want to buy one that is within your budget. For most homeowners, quality and durability should precede price since your garage is one of your home’s essential parts.

However, you can get several estimates of the same garage door type from a vendor but know that the cheapest brand is not always the best. You can analyze the different price options available to you and weigh them against each garage door’s features. Select the option that offers you everything you need, including security, aesthetic design, strength rating, insulation, and durability.

What R-value Should I Look Out For in a Garage Door?

A garage door’s R-value refers to the thermal resistance of the door. In other words. The R-value of a garage door is a measure of a garage door’s ability to prevent heat loss or withstand heat transfer through the door. The higher the R-value of a garage door, the better your garage will be insulated. If the “R” number is higher, it will increase the possibility of your garage door retaining or losing heat.

For insulated garages detached from the main house, a greater than ten rating may be appropriate. If the garage is not insulated but separated, then an R-6 value may suffice. For non-detached garages, an R-12 value may be appropriate. However, before determining the R-value of a garage door, it is best to analyze the door’s cold resistance.

Which is Better Between Aluminum and Steel Garage Doors?

Earlier, we highlighted what to consider when buying a garage door and what point we mentioned was the garage door material of construction. Both aluminum and steel are excellent garage door materials, but they have different features that make them unique. Steel garage doors are more expensive, but some higher-quality aluminum garage doors can compete with steel doors in terms of price.

They are also more durable than aluminum doors. However, aluminum garage doors are more resistant to rust than steel, but coated steel garage doors can also resist rust. Steel garage doors are even stronger than aluminum and can better withstand stormy weather. Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, recyclable, corrosion-resistant, and may require low maintenance.

Can My Garage Door Opener Be Hacked?

Garage door openers allow you to go in and out of your garage, but they can also be vulnerable to attack from intruders. Garage door openers can be hacked. Getting a highly secure garage door opener should be part of what to consider when buying a garage door.

It is easier to hack those garage door openers that use a fixed code. However, hacking garage door openers with rolling codes may be difficult but possible. Burglars can also hack smart garage door openers using a Wi-Fi network with a weak security feature.

Truthfully, hacking is potential on different garage door openers if the intruder is persistent and smart. As a homeowner, you have to reduce your garage door security vulnerability and make it more challenging to be burgled. Fixed codes are common in remote-controlled garage door openers because it uses radio frequency to send the code to the garage door receiver.

Whenever you press your garage door remote controller’s button, the receiver receives the code from opening the garage door. The issue with this process is that the sent code is always the same, and that is why it is called fixed codes. A hacker can easily intercept this code and hack your garage door opener. Newer garage door opener models use rolling codes and are more difficult to hack.

Conclusion

Having a garage door is great because of the security it provides to your garage, the aesthetic design it gives to your home, and the added warmth it offers in colder climates. However, you should know what to consider before buying a garage door, and they include the sound level, strength rating, insulation, garage door style, and material of construction.

When buying a new garage door, ensure that quality and durability are top of your list because a quality garage door encompasses all other benefits you can find in using a garage door.

Types of Garage Door Hinges and Where to Use Them

Garage DoorMarch 16, 2021

There are different types of door hinges. Each type of hinges has its unique styles and application. It is essential that you buy the right type of hinges for your garage because they influence your garage doors’ functionality. Your selection of hinges is dependent on the type of garage door and several other factors. Essential garage door components include tracks, rollers, lock bars, torsion springs, and hinges.

While the torsion spring helps counterbalance the garage door’s weight, the track helps to guide your garage door to and from the ceiling. The lock bars help keep the garage door secured, and the roller rides along the garage door track. The hinges, which are our focal point, are responsible for connecting your garage door’s horizontal sections.

What are the Different Types of Garage Door Hinges?

Garage door hinges play a significant role in determining your garage door durability and security level. There are different garage door hinges, sizes, designs, and functionality. We shall highlight the best hinges for garage doors and discuss where will be most suitable to use them. The following are types of garage door hinges:

Flush Hinges

Flush hinges occupy very little space when installed on your garage door. The small space used by flush Hinges is because one of their leaves is nested on another when you close your garage door. Due to the design of flush hinges, they may not provide support for heavier garage doors. However, the durability of flush hinges cannot be undermined.

Butt Hinges

Butt hinges are more commonly used in garage doors. They are designed with two similar leaves, with one of them attached to the hinges’ moving component while the other leaves connect to the fixed leave. A knuckle or a curled barrel connects both leaves. Butt hinges, unlike Flush hinges, can withstand the weight of heavier garage doors.

You can use butt hinges on both wooden and steel garage doors without buckling. Butt hinges come in different types, sizes, and designs. Amongst them are lift joint, rising, and ball bearing butt hinges. Rising butt hinges are used for garage doors that are installed on uneven floors. Ball-bearing butt hinges are used to guarantee the support of heavier garage doors. Lift butt hinges come in handy when there is a need to repair the garage door.

Case Hinges

Case hinges are a type of garage door that closely resembles butt hinges because they can support the weight of heavier garage doors. One primary distinction between a case and butt hinges is in their aesthetic design and appeal. Case hinges are one of the best hinges for garage doors because they have different decorative designs that enhance your garage door’s aesthetic appearance. You can find several case door hinges sizes, and of course, you can get one that suits you in terms of size and attractive design.

Strap Hinges

Strap hinges are often referred to as gate hinges because of the uniqueness of their shape. Although strap hinges may look shorter than other types of door hinges, their leaf is longer than others. Their long leaf provides optimal support for your garage door and enhances garage doors’ security level. That’s not all; strap hinges also have a high aesthetic appeal that makes them stand out from other types of garage doors. So, when you desire a small stronger, and more secure, and attractive garage door, you may want to consider buying strap hinges.

How to Select the Best Type of Garage Door Hinges

Before you buy a garage door hinge, it is essential to select the type of garage door hinge suitable for security and support. Your garage door needs to be highly secure; hence you require a hinge to offer optimal security to your doors. Most garage doors are made using materials that may be heavy such as steel or wood. The best type of garage door hinges should be one that can support the weight of your garage door. In that case, you may want to select a full-sized and heavy-duty garage door that has hinges.

These types of garage door hinges can withstand issues of wear and tear associated with the opening and closing of your garage door. The best hinges for garage doors are made using heavy steel material because of their ability to support garage doors’ weight. Furthermore, heavy steel garage door hinges are also very durable, which helps to save the cost of replacing your garage door hinges. However, thin hinges for garage doors are more affordable, but they may offer less in terms of support, security, and durability.

How to Know When You Should Fix or Replace Garage Door Hinges?

Garage door hinges are very critical to the operation of your garage doors. When your garage door hinges wear out or break due to prolonged use, they may affect the opening and closing of your garage doors, and In some cases, it may be impossible for you to open your garage door. If you fail to replace a broken garage door hinges, it may lead to serious damage to your garage door. You subject your garage door hinges to a high level of stress whenever you close or open your garage door.

You should carry preventive maintenance on your garage doors by checking if your garage door hinges have signs of wear or deterioration and ensure they are replaced or fixed to avoid more extensive damage to your garage door. It is essential to check if there are any wobbly or missing screws. Also, check if your garage door hinges have signs of corrosion or cracking.

How to Install Different Types of Garage Door Hinges

The significance of garage door hinges cannot be overestimated. However, since these hinges can break or wear out over time, they may have to be replaced or fixed. But it may be impossible to do so if you do not have the technical know-how or the right tool. However, you may require garage door experts’ service or try the DIY approach if you feel you are capable of installing new garage door hinges.

Here are the steps to replace different types of garage door:

Raise stabilize your garage Door

When carrying out any garage door repairs, it is advisable to work in an “up position” to limit tension in the spring and prevent injury. However, if you are working while in a lowered position, endeavor to raise your garage door and disconnect the torsion spring. C-clamps installed below the rollers can help to stabilize the garage door.

Do not allow the panels to sag

While removing the hinges, the panels may sag. You may use a board or ladder to hold the panels in place while unbolting the hinge. You should also clamp the ladder and the support board they would not slip while working.

Unbolt the garage door hinge

Once you are set, you can then unbolt the hinges by loosening the nuts. You can use a hammer to tap the hinge bolt to release the nuts but endeavor not to damage the bolt thread in the process.

Install the new hinge

Remember that there are different door hinge sizes. Ensure that you select the best hinges for garage doors for durability and optimal security. Most people replace the roller when replacing their garage door hinges, except the rollers are brand new. Line up the garage door hinge over the bolts. Slide the roller to the hole and ensure you tip it back on the track. Tighten the nuts and place the roller’s axle over the hole used for the former hinge.

How long do garage door hinges last?

There are several types of garage door hinges, and this plays a role in determining their durability. Your garage door hinge should last between 10-15 years. However, this also depends on your garage door hinges material type. The best hinges for garage doors are usually made of thick metal since they can support heavier garage doors. Thinner metal hinges, though cheaper, may not offer you the durability you seek.

Can I change my garage door hinges by myself?

You can change a worn-out garage door hinges or repair a faulty one if you have the technical know-how to do so. However, care must be taken when replacing your garage door hinges to avoid causing physical harm to yourself or further damaging your garage door. Therefore, it is essential to contact a garage door repair expert to help e you replace worn-out or broken garage door hinges.

Conclusion

Your Garage door hinge is a vital component of your garage door. When selecting garage door hinges, endeavor to select durable, strong, and very secure ones. You can also select garage door hinges based on the aesthetic design and thickness of the hinge material. We have listed different types of garage door hinges. Whether it’s the ball bearing, case, flush, or lift type of garage door hinges you choose to buy, endeavor to get one that is of top quality.