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?

What is the Best Colour for a Garage Door
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.

Should My Detached Garage Be the Same Colour as My House

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.

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.

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.

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Do Garage Door Windows Break
03Jun

Garage Door Windows: Should I Install Windows in My Garage Door?

Garage door windowJune 3, 2021

When it comes to garage doors, homeowners are becoming even more creative. Garage door windows are becoming more popular due to their aesthetic qualities. If you are wondering whether or not to install windows in your garage door, this article is for you.

Why Are There Windows on Garage Doors?

People get windows on garage doors for various reasons. One great thing about having windows on garage doors is that it lets natural light in a while your garage doors remain closed. Many homeowners want as much natural light in their garage as they do in their homes.

A well-lit garage has several benefits. You no longer have to rely on a light switch during the daytime, and you can bid that flickering light bulb goodbye. With windows on your garage doors, you can carry out your daily tasks without worrying about your vision.

However, the most significant benefit of natural light is energy savings. With windows in your garage doors, you won’t have to turn on your garage lights as often. This will also eliminate the chances of you forgetting to turn off the lights, saving you a substantial amount of money as time goes on.

Also, if you get a properly insulated door and small enough windows, your thermal resistance should remain nominal.

Garage door windows are also a great aesthetic touch. They can elevate the appearance of your garage, giving it a more sophisticated look. Depending on the size of your windows, people can appreciate the beauty of your garage from outside without having to enter your home.

Do Garage Doors With Windows Cost More?

The short answer is yes. Glass panels are more expensive than the standard garage door panels. Also, the fancier the Glass, the more it will cost. Etched Glass usually costs more than plain Glass, and reinforced Glass is more expensive than standard Glass. However, the differences in pricing are not as much as you would expect. The aesthetic boost from the upgrades is well worth the price. Bear in mind that garage doors have a direct impact on the market value of your home. This means that an aesthetically pleasing garage door can boost the value of your home to the degree that covers the cost of the glass panels.

The workmanship costs from crafting a garage door with glass inserts will make a garage door with windows cost more. If you are on a tight budget, the price of installation might deter you a bit.

Do Garage Door Windows Break?

Do Garage Door Windows Break

The short answer is yes. Garage door windows are breakable. If you have a family with active or clumsy children, your garage door windows can be vulnerable. Children often play in the driveway, putting your garage door at even greater risk. If you decide to install windows in your garage door, your children might need to find another playground where they cannot break any glasses.

Even though uncommon for garage doors, in certain instances, a sealed garage door with double pane windows, also known as thermopane windows, can break with small fractures appearing in the corners.

What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break?

What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break
What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break

A thermopane window often breaks from thermal shock caused by stress generated by temperature variations between two areas between a pane of glass. This variation can be caused by a window exposed to direct sunlight and a shaded section. Under the effects of the sun, your garage windows heat up even more with higher energy absorption.

If a portion of the window remains cold, it stops the hot section from expanding freely. This action generates compressive and tensile stress respectively in the hot and cold parts of the double-pane window. Because Glass is less resistant to traction than compression, the tensile stress generated will probably be higher than the tensile strength of the Glass, causing breakage.

This type of break is often observed at the edge of the window, at the coldest part of the frame and is marked by a perpendicular fracture at the edges of both sides of the Glass.

Some of the cases of this break include:

Thermal inertia of the frame

The frame temperature can take longer to adapt to external conditions if the thermal inertia of the frame is higher. The frame colour can also be responsible for some of the effects on the phenomenon.

Climate conditions

The difference in temperature within a double-pane unit most times depends strongly on the intensity of the solar radiation that reaches. This intensity can be based on the time of the day, the unit’s orientation, the season and the maximum difference in temperature between night and day. Double pane units which face the north have little risk of thermal breakage due to their limited exposure to the sun.

External environment

The external environment of your house, such as tree shadows, may provide extended or partial shade for your garage door windows. The interior environment inside a garage can also significantly increase the difference in temperature between cold and hot areas of the unit.

Characteristics of the double-pane unit

A glass that has reflective film affixed will absorb more heat than clear glass, making it susceptible to thermal breakage. Glass with a higher absorption factor will heat up more under the effect of sunlight.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Garage Door Windows?

Pros

There are several pros and cons of getting windows in your garage doors. Some of these pros include:

  • Garage door windows brighten up your garage by allowing extra light into the area. A garage with several windows might not require lights to be turned on during the DAY.
  • Garage door windows can also allow the entry of heat into the garage from the sun. This can be positive during the wintertime.
  • Windows on your garage doors can create an extra dimension to your garage by breaking up the solid panels.
  • Garage doors give you more options when deciding on garage door designs.
  • Most windows are stain-resistant and a lot easier to clean than painted panels. They rarely need repairs and require zero maintenance.
  • Garage door windows make the garage match other parts of the house. You can get your garage door windows customized to match the other windows in your house, thus creating a more streamlined appearance all through the home’s exterior.

After considering all the functional and aesthetic benefits of garage door windows, there are certain concerns to look out for before putting windows in your garage doors.

Cons

Some of the cons of installing a garage door with windows include:

  • Glass is fragile and can break. This means you have to be extra careful with your garage doors to ensure the Glass does not shatter. You have to avoid slamming your garage doors to the ground whenever you close them if they are fitted with Glass.
  • Garage doors with windows are susceptible to accidents or flying debris. You might want to invest in impact-resistant Glass if you choose windows on your garage doors. Glass that is vulnerable to impact will only ruin your garage door and make you incur more costs.
  • Windows attract thieves. If you live in an area with many burglars, they will find breaking into your home a whole lot easier with garage door windows. All they have to do to gain access into your home is break the Glass. As soon as you install Glass into your garage doors, you need to ensure that locks and other items are not accessible through the windows. It would be best if you also reinforced your garage door security.
  • Insurance companies may increase your insurance rates if you cannot prove that your home is secure, even with windows in the garage doors. Confirm with your insurance provider what the policy covers in the event of a break-in.

How Much Does a Garage Door With Windows Cost?

On average, a garage door can cost between $450 to $8,000 for installation. The average ranges between $500 and $2,000, with the majority of homeowners spending around $1000 to install a new sectional steel garage door. If you have a tight budget, you can buy a non-insulated steel garage door for $500 minus installation. A custom redwood garage door with glass windows and an automatic opener costs about $4,500 after installation on the high end. Including windows in your garage door usually costs $30 to $60 per installation.

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.

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Which-One-Is-Right-For-Me-Automatic-or-Manual-Garage-Door
28Apr

Automatic vs Manual Garage Doors

Automatic garage doorApril 28, 2021

Choosing an automatic garage door for your home can be one of the hardest yet most important decisions to make. Your garage door is more than just protection for your car. It is the key feature of your house’s exterior that serves as an entrance, and it also adds to the curb appeal.

Although the main purpose of your garage is to keep your vehicles safe, it can also be used for other purposes. You may store various items you don’t want to have in your house in your garage. However, garage security is very important, and you can only use this space to your advantage if you have a quality garage door.

Generally, garage doors are grouped into two – automatic garage doors and manual garage doors. Many homeowners are often confused about picking the right type of garage door to suit their needs. In this article, we have helped simplify choosing a garage door by highlighting the main differences between both types of garage doors. If you want to discover which garage door is best for you, keep reading.

What Is An Automatic Garage Door?

An automatic garage door is a garage door connected to a mechanism that controls its closing or opening. The mechanism is activated with the push of a button.

Usually, automatic garage doors are hard-wired into the house. This is done so that you can control the garage door from a button on the wall. Most automatic garage doors also come with a garage door remote, allowing you to close or open the garage door from the driveway.

Newer models of automatic garage doors are now Bluetooth enabled, granting you access to your garage door remotely via an app on your phone or some other smart device.

What Is A Manual Garage Door?

A manual garage door is a garage door that is controlled manually. It has to be closed and opened manually. Most manual garage doors are basic doors and are found in older homes. Usually, these doors are affixed on large hinges and operated by lifting the door physically during opening and closing.

Manual doors are significantly lighter in weight and do now require cables or motors to be installed. All you need for a manual garage door installation is a torsion spring system. This makes them easier to install than automatic garage doors.

Differences Between Automatic And Manual Garage Doors

Differences Between Automatic And Manual Garage Doors

Certain features differentiate an automatic garage door from a manual garage door. Although most times, their aesthetics are the same, and you cannot tell which is until they are operated, there are still clear distinctions between both types of doors.

Some of these differences include:

1. Control

One of the biggest selling points for automatic garage doors is the garage door remote control. Being able to open your garage door conveniently from inside your car after a long day at work makes coming home just a bit more pleasant. On days where the weather is bad, this feature of automatic garage doors is even more appreciated. With a manual garage door, you need to brave the snow or rain to get to your garage door and then make it back to your car to drive in.

Bear in mind that if you keep a garage door remote control in your car permanently, you should get another one for operation at other times. A second remote control will make your life around the house a lot easier. It will also save you if the other control goes missing. It would be best if you also had a push-button control on the inside of your garage door. Moreover, it is only ideal that a person inside the garage should always open your garage door.

Most automatic garage doors are typically fitted with manual unlocking/locking mechanisms. Most automatic garage doors function using electricity, and this places manual garage doors above automatic garage doors in certain instances. If there is a fire, for instance, and the electricity supply has been disrupted, a manual functioning garage door could save your life. Although you may never use this manual unlocking and locking system, automatic doors must have the failsafe mode of a manual system.

2. Installation

An automatic garage door is significantly harder to install than a manual garage door. In fact, with automatic garage doors, a certain level of familiarity with technology is required before one can attempt a DIY. However, the garage door installation happens just once and most times is the responsibility of experts in garage door Toronto. Whether you are converting your old manual door to an automatic one or starting from scratch, the installation will take a considerable sum of money and time to be done right.

Of course, DIY will take more time and is not usually advisable for automatic doors. Although it is possible to get the hang of installing an automatic garage door yourself, what will usually be a quick job for the experts will take you days as an amateur. Most garage doors are large, and their sheer size alone can make installation tricky. You could easily injure yourself as you attempt to put an automatic garage door in place.

3. Weather And Other Environmental Factors

As the months go by, weather conditions tend to change, having adverse effects on manual garage doors, causing them to get stuck or make the panelling peel. However, with automatic garage doors, you do not have to worry about these effects as they are typically resistant to the adverse effects of unstable conditions.

However, the performance and appearance of your door may be affected by certain chemicals which do not mix well with the dor material. A little soap and water wipe from time to time can remedy such scenarios.

It would help if you lubricated metal garage doors – whether manual or automatic regular to make closing and opening easier. You should protect wooden garage doors from heatwaves and termites with proper treatment and maintenance.

Which One Is Right For Me: Automatic or Manual Garage Door?

Which One Is Right For Me: Automatic or Manual Garage Door?

The question of which garage door is right for you is subject to various factors such as:

  • Your needs
  • Your budget
  • The type of house you have
  • How frequently you use your garage door

Let’s take a look at both types of garage doors compared side by side.

Cost

When it comes to cost, manual garage doors are the more affordable option. They are easier to maintain and install and are the ideal option for homeowners on a budget. The market is filled with automatic garage doors that will not break the bank, so depending on your budget, you could have a look around. The choice of garage door installed at the end of the day should be the homeowner’s preference. However, you might want to invest in an automatic garage door if you consider selling your home in the future.

Convenience

Most homeowners would prefer an automatic garage door as a convenience. Automatic garage doors allow you to gain access in and out of the garage without having to exhaust yourself physically. Automatic garage doors are a better option for places where the weather is in extremes, shielding people from the discomfort of getting too hot or too cold.

Maintenance

A manual door is easier to maintain than an automatic garage door. If your garage door is regularly used, you can expect normal wear and tear on the prints and tracks. Automatic garage doors need more maintenance than manual garage doors because they have more complex parts such as motors to ensure that they function properly.

Safety and Protection

Manual garage doors offer more protection from intruders because they are hacker-proof. They can also be secured or fastened without the worry of causing any harm to the mechanisms on the door. Automatic garage doors have inbuilt safety protection that prevents the garage door from closing on animals, people, or objects that might be in the way.

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. When deciding between automatic and garage doors, you need to consider the opening mechanism and material of the door. 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 automatic and manual 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.

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What to Consider When Buying a Garage Door
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

What to Consider When 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?

Should Price Be Considered When Buying a Garage Door
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?

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.

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Signs You Need a Garage Door Repair

Garage door repairMarch 16, 2021

Several signs would let you know that you know that you need a garage door repair. Managing a faulty garage door may be dangerous and exposes you or your family members to an accident. It may also damage other useful parts of your garage door. It is highly essential to always carry out regular preventive maintenance on your garage doors by checking for any loose parts or listening to the noise the garage door makes while operating.

When do you think it is best to repair your garage door? There is no specific time to repair a garage door, but you should not wait for an accident to occur or for the garage door to stop working before you can do so. Here are signs you need a garage door repair.

Nine Signs You Need a Garage Door Repair

Nine Signs You Need a Garage Door Repair
Nine Signs You Need a Garage Door Repair

1. Your garage door operates slowly

Several factors can cause your garage door to operate slowly, and one of them is the age of the garage door parts. If the torsion springs, hinges, and other garage door parts are showing signs of wear, it could affect your garage doors’ operation. Insufficient lubrication can also cause your garage door to work slowly. If your garage door’s tracks, hinges, and other moving components are not well lubricated, it could slow down how your garage door operates. Another factor that may cause your garage door to slow down is programming issues. The speed at which your garage door was programmed to operate may have been affected and may need to be reprogrammed.

2. Your garage door tends to jerk whenever you close it

If your garage door jerks whenever you close it, it may be a sign that your need to carry out garage door repair or maintenance. You should, however, try to ascertain if the movement is excessive or minor. If your garage door shudders or shakes excessively, it may be a sign that your garage door rollers are off track, or there may be some loose hinges or screws.

3. Your garage door makes noise during operation

It is annoying to have a noisy garage door. A noisy garage door is a sign that it needs to be repaired. The type of sound made by your garage door may determine the likely fault it has. If your garage door makes a rumbling or grating sound, it could result from malfunctioning torsion springs. A grinding sound may indicate that the garage door may be dragging against the roller track.

4. Your garage door is veering off the track

It may be dangerous to operate a garage door veering off from the track, and several factors can cause garage doors to come off track. If rollers wear or break out, it could cause the garage door to come off track. Other factors include misalignment of the horizontal tracks the vertical rails and snapping of lift cables.

5. Your garage door is not balanced

If you notice an unbalanced garage door, then it is a sign that you may need a garage door repair service. It may be that the spring is faulty or overstressed.  A stressed spring can snap and cause your garage door to fail.

6. You have a broken garage door opener

There are two possible reasons why your garage door opener may fail, and these include logic board malfunction of stripped nylon gears. It is very expensive for you to repair a garage door opener caused by any of the above two causes, and you may consider purchasing a new opener.

7. Your garage door does not open or close

Most people use this to know if they need to get a garage door repair service technician. It is very frustrating for your garage doors not to open or close, especially when you most need them to work. Worn or broken down cables, a stripped gear, or a malfunctioning garage door opener may be responsible for your garage door not to open or close.

8. Broken or loose garage door wires and cords

Whether or not your garage door is moving, closed, or open, it is supported by cords and powered by wires. A frayed garage door cord can weaken the support and may cause the cord or wires to snap. When you notice any of these signs, it may be time to repair your garage door. Frayed garage door cords can also cause the garage door to sag, and in some severe cases, it can crash on people, cars, or pets. Your faulty garage door opener wire may affect the circuit and cause your garage door remote control system not to work.

9. Increase in energy bills

A closed and insulated garage door should seal your garage just like a wall. If your garage door is well sealed, it can prevent the escape of heat during winter and maintain your house’s temperature. Garage doors can also help to insulate your home, but a small gap along the bottom or side of your garage door may cause your home not to be well insulated.

Less insulated garage doors can cause less comfortable and colder winters, which may cause you to spend higher energy bills. A garage door that negatively affects your home’s insulation can increase heating bills and maybe a sign that you need a garage door repair service.

Do You Need a Garage Door Repair or Replacement?

Most people do not know when they need a garage door replacement or repair. When repairing your garage door may cause more than replacement, especially if the damaged parts are highly expensive to purchase. You may choose to replace your garage door over repairing it if you have used the garage door for many years and most of the parts are worn out.

Garage doors used beyond their stipulated lifespan are better replaced than repair. Garage door repairs are carried out on garage doors that where a few repairable components may be faulty. If you regularly carry out preventive maintenance on your garage doors, you can prevent total damage to your garage door and may only have to repair a few parts when it is faulty.

Can I Carry Out Garage Door Repairs?

Can I Carry Out Garage Door Repairs?

You can carry out garage door repairs by yourself, especially if it has to do with simple tasks like tightening loosed screws. You can also carry out simple preventive maintenance tasks by ensuring that your garage door is well sealed and free from dust. However, you may need to contact a garage door repair expert if you are dealing with more complicated garage door repair issues that may involve loosening and reassembling several garage door parts. Attempting to repair complex garage door issues without the right tools or technical know-how may be dangerous because the accident may happen, and the outcome can sometimes be deadly. Therefore, it is essential to find a reliable and trusted garage door technician to help you repair your garage door.

How to Speed Up a Garage Door that Operates Slowly

A garage door that opens slowly could be due to the speed setting on your garage door opener that is not properly adjusted, or maybe that the rollers, tracks, and hinges are not well lubricated. You can correct the issue of your garage door operating slowly through the following means.

  • Place a stepladder under your garage door opener and climb on it until you can access the mechanism.
  • Remove the opener panel and check the opener speed settings. If the speed is set to the lowest, use a screwdriver to increase the speed.
  • Replace the opener panel and highlight from the ladder.
  • Check if the new speed is appropriate by opening and closing the door. If it still doesn’t operate properly, then your garage door may need to be lubricated.
  • Close your garage door and wipe away grime and grease on the pins, rollers, and hinges using a damp cloth.
  • Apply lubricating oil to the hinges, roller pins, tracks, and roller mount brackets.
  • Open and close your garage door so that the lubricating oil is distributed to all moving components. It is, however, not advisable to use lubricating oils on rollers made of nylon.

Conclusion

Leaving your garage door to be damaged and unusable before repairing it is a risk. A faulty, damaged door may pose a security threat to your home because unwanted persons can gain entry into your home. Aside from that, it is dangerous to have a faulty garage door because it can snap and crash while someone or a valuable property may be under it. Tell-tale signs are an indication that your garage doors need to be repaired.

We have listed some of these signs to help you know when you should contact a professional garage door technician to effect repairs. You should also observe the function of your garage door to see if anything is unusual. It is advisable to always carry out preventive maintenance on your garage doors regularly to avoid damaging your garage doors and spending more money on complete replacement or thorough repairs.

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Choosing Your Next New Garage Door

Garage DoorDecember 2, 2020

Maybe a garage door spring broke, glass paneling shattered, cables snapped, or you’re looking for a change. Now it’s a time of choosing your next new Garage Door. Where do you start? There are a few things to consider but the bottom line is, TBC Garage Doors is there to support you and has got you covered.

Prioritize Function

Your garage door is one of the most used parts of your home, but it’s not given much thought. People don’t pay much attention to how the garage door works; they just hope it does work. However, the garage door is a gateway into your house and must maintain its integrity for the safety and comfort of your home. When choosing your next new Garage Door, ask yourself these questions: what function do I want it to serve? What are your priorities? Do you prioritize safety? Dependability? Cost efficiency? A damaged or self-installed garage door causes safety risks.

To be dependable, it will need to be installed and maintained by experts. Luckily, TBC Garage Doors has a team of garage door installation and garage door repair experts. Moreover, for you to focus on other things, allow us to optimize a new garage door with dependable springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and panels so that once your new garage door is installed or repaired, you won’t have to think about it anymore.

Consider Appearance

TBC Garage Doors enables a very customizable garage door installation. You can prioritize function and have a new garage door you like to look at. Garage doors make up the majority of the exterior of your house and are one of the first things people see. Therefore, appearances matter and you want to choose a door that you can look at each day with lasting satisfaction. We combine inspiration with modern styling to produce a unique look just for you. Or if you’re more traditional, our wide selection of materials, colors, and designs can add character and instant charm to your home. Now, at TBC Garage Doors, we can add accessories to the exterior of the door as you see fit. We offer stylized handles, strap hinges, paneling, colors, and more.

Choose Materials

With TBC Garage Doors, you have the option between four materials that each serve a unique purpose. Choose steel if you want a solid, secure door that promotes safety as well as provides insulation to control inner temperatures. You may wish to choose aluminum if you want something lighter, a little bit less noisy that comes with a quick and small-scale new garage door installation. Choose wood and take advantage of its natural, traditional beauty while allowing it to reflect the personality of your home. Moreover, you may choose glass to let in sunlight for a more luxurious appearance.

Get Smart

Now, you want to take your decision-making to the next step with the new garage door opener. Technology is advancing in all industries of the world as well as this one. You don’t want or need to get out of the car when it’s pouring rain and with the smart opener, you don’t have to. You can have a smart garage door by installing a Wi-Fi opener. This comes with an in-built Wi-Fi radio that enables you to open your door remotely from anywhere.

We replace regular garage door openers with new smart garage door openers. Physical keys are not required with smart garage door openers. You can access an app on your smartphone! The accompanying app also allows you to open and close your new garage door and check its status. Additionally, smart garage door openers have a built-in code encryption safeguard. Therefore, the opener cannot be hacked.

Agree on Cost and Schedule

Cost is a concern of many, but we remain client-focussed and forward thinking. We provide services that range in prices and options for anyone. With a little conversation, we can offer what best suits you at a price that everyone is happy with. We even install garage doors that consider temperature maintenance and reduce operational costs. Once you’ve considered how you’d like your new garage door installed, we can come and install it for you. We’ll work with you to schedule the perfect time for a seamless installation, customization, or repair.

The last thing you want to worry about when settling in your new home is the dependability of and satisfaction with your garage door. TBC Garage Door ensures that once we’ve come and installed or repaired a garage door, you won’t have to worry about it anymore.

You can call us at (647) 929-8224 any time you need help choosing your next new Garage Door or garage door services/replacement for your home, shop, or commercial bulding. We will respond immediately and offer you the best solution.

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