Choosing The Right Garage Door Color
Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or need to replace an existing garage door, you may find yourself faced with almost unlimited color choices. You want to make sure you pick a color you can live with for a long time and that adds to the curb appeal of your home — but with so many garage door color possibilities, the decision can be overwhelming.
Choosing can be easier than you might think. To get started, here are a few things to consider when finding the perfect color for your garage door:
1. Do You Want One of the Most Common Colors?
Some of the most common color choices for garage doors include:
- White
- Gray
- Black
- Beige
- Dark brown
If you’d like a garage door color that will blend in with the rest of your home’s exterior, any of these colors would work well. When selecting a neutral shade for your garage door, you can add pops of color in other places, like with your front door or shutters. Neutral is probably the safest choice when it comes to picking a color for your garage doors.
2. Would a Coordinating Color Work Better?
There is a difference between coordinating and matching your garage door’s color with the rest of your home’s color scheme — and in most cases, you don’t want your garage door to be the exact same color as the rest of your house.
You do want the color of your garage door to complement the rest of your house, however. For example, if you owned a home with a color scheme of light brown, cream and sand, a black garage door might look out of place. Look at the materials of your home and their colors. If your home is made of brick, a beige door would complement it very well. It is important to pick a color that is in the same color family as the rest of your home or that complements one of those colors. This coordination will add to the curb appeal of your home.
It’s possible that you’ve seen houses with a garage door that matches the front door or the shutters. Depending on the style and color scheme of your home, this could work well. If you are looking to make your home more unique than your neighbors’ homes, you could pick a dark red, for instance, for your front door and garage door. It may be more uncommon, but what matters is that you like it.
3. Would You Rather Go With a Contrasting Color?
If you decide you don’t want a coordinating color, then go with a contrasting color. If you don’t want too much contrast, simply choose a different shade. For example, if your home is a beige, choose a garage door that is a dark walnut brown. If your garage is in a mainly shaded area, pick a light color for the door to contrast the shade.
At Custom Door & Gate, we want to help you find the perfect garage door for your home. To learn more about our products or to speak with a knowledgeable professional, please contact us today!
Why a Warping and Bowing Garage Door Needs Fixed
Your garage door is a key element of your home, and the last thing you want to do is come back to a beautiful home only to find your garage door buckling.
A bowing garage door is not only unsightly, but it can also interfere with the operation of your door. What are the causes of a bowing garage door and what can you do about it?
What Is Bowing?
Bowing is a form of warping that occurs across the surface of the garage door, giving it a sort of caved-in look. You will notice immediately if you have a bowing garage door. Warped garage doors just do not look right, and you might notice your garage door opener moaning and straining as it tries to fit the misshapen door into your garage.
What Causes a Warped Garage Door?
Wooden garage doors, while they can look great, are susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Over time, extreme temperatures can affect the integrity of the wood and cause it to warp. Steel garage doors can experience bowing, but it is far less likely. If your steel door is bowing, it may be that you have a centrally situated garage door opener that is not strong enough to handle the weight of your door smoothly.
How to Fix a Bowing Garage Door
If you only have one warped garage door panel, or just a couple, it may be most cost-effective to simply replace those panels, as the cost of replacing a garage door panel is much lower than replacing the entire door.
However, if your whole door is bowing, and/or you are having trouble opening or closing the garage door, you will need to replace the door. Custom Door & Gate has a wide selection of quality garage doors, including superior Clopay® doors that have steel cores with wood cladding, or are made of steel but have the look and feel of real wood through a realistic wood-grain finish. To avoid bowing in the future, you may want to consider one of these types of doors.
Custom Door & Gate also has a selection of highly modern and reliable LiftMaster® garage door openers. We can help you find the one that is the right fit for your garage if your opener is the source of the problem.
Contact Custom Door & Gate for Warped Garage Door Repair Today
Whether you need help fixing a few panels or you’re ready to replace your old, warped door with a beautiful new garage door, Custom Door & Gate is ready to help. After over 25 years of serving North Carolina homeowners, we know the best way to handle a warped garage door and can install a new one fast. For all the garage door assistance you need, contact us online or call us today.
Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?
If you’re having problems with a damaged garage door, such as a broken panel, a door that is out of balance or a door that won’t open or close correctly, you have to ask the question, “should I repair my garage door or should I replace my garage door?”
Naturally, if your garage door repair cost exceeds a new garage door replacement cost, the door should be replaced. If not, however, there will be a few factors to consider.
Repair vs. Replacement for Different Types and Causes of Garage Door Damage
- Cosmetic Damage: This is the most basic form of garage door damage — chipped paint, a cracked panel or fading — that doesn’t affect the operation of the door but does not look very good. This type of damage may be the result of age or weather, as well as the occasional impact on the door. With cosmetic damage, it is usually more cost-effective to repair. However, if your door is close to 10 years old or more, and/or you are experiencing other types of repair issues, you should strongly consider replacement. A custom new garage door may be a better match for your home and even enhance its overall curb appeal. It is important to note that a new garage door offers one of the highest ROIs of all renovations.
- Structural Damage: Structural damage like a warped door could be caused by severe weather or multiple seasons of extreme temperature conditions. You will need to replace these doors, as your garage door opening system will struggle to work properly with a warped door. This is a good opportunity to replace your old wooden door with a new steel door, galvanized to prevent rust. If you like the wooden look, there are composite doors with steel cores and wood cladding, as well as steel doors with very realistic wood-grain finishes available from Custom Door & Gate.
- Functionality: If you have a situation where your door is stuck, opens or closes too loudly or too slowly, or only opens intermittently, the decision to repair or replace will depend on the extent of the problem. If you just need to replace the torsion springs but the rest of the system and the door itself are in good shape, you may want to stick with a repair.
On the other hand, if you have multiple repair issues, especially with an older door, this may be a good opportunity for replacement.
Contact Custom Door & Gate for Garage Door Repair or Replacement Assistance in North Carolina
Whether you decide on repair or replacement for your garage door, Custom Door & Gate has the personnel, tools and inventory to help. We have a selection of beautiful new garage doors to choose from in a wide variety of styles, and we’re sure to find one that’s right for you. When it comes to new garage door cost we are extremely competitive and are happy to work with you.
If you feel that repair is the way to go, our highly trained staff are friendly, efficient and can get the job done at a competitive rate. We’re more than happy to assess your situation and help you determine whether repair or replacement is best.
Does My Homeowners’ Insurance Cover My Garage Door Repair/Replacement?
Garage door accidents. You hope they will never happen, but for many of us, sooner or later, they do. Whether it’s one of your kids who accidentally crashed into the garage door, a large tree branch blown by the wind or even vandalism, the end result is you are left with a garage door to fix.
So where is the money going to come from? One question you might be asking yourself is “will homeowners’ insurance cover garage door damage?” After all, the garage door is part of your home. So, does homeowners’ insurance cover a garage door? The answer varies. While you should always check with your individual insurance provider, here are a few different situations that homeowners’ insurance may cover.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Here are some typical scenarios you might encounter and what your insurance policy may or may not cover:
- Garage Door Damage From Vehicles: If you or a member of your family drives into your garage door and damages it, the good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover this, although you should always check your individual policy to make sure. Even better news is that if someone else drives into your garage door and damages it, it should be covered by their auto liability insurance.
- Garage Door Damage From Natural Disasters: If your garage door is damaged by hail or wind-blown debris, homeowners’ insurance will usually cover some of the repair. However, you should read your policy carefully, as some policies do not cover certain kinds of natural disaster damage. For example, if your garage door is damaged in an earthquake or a flood, you are probably on your own unless you have specific insurance for these eventualities.
- Vandalism/Break-In: Your homeowners’ insurance policy should have a clause covering malicious mischief, which includes things like strangers breaking windows or drawing graffiti on your home, including your garage door. You will probably be covered if your door is damaged by someone for malicious reasons.
- General Wear and Tear: There is no insurance provision for general wear and tear resulting in a repair need for your garage door. Your best bet is to contact Custom Door & Gate for annual or semiannual garage door maintenance to keep the effects of wear and tear at bay.
Contact Custom Door & Gate for Garage Door Repair
Whatever the cause of your garage door repair, Custom Door & Gate can help. Check with your insurance company to see how your coverage affects the repair and let us know. We have plenty of experience working with insurance companies for garage door repair, and we are happy to work with yours. No matter what level of coverage you have, Custom Door & Gate offers budget-friendly garage door repair terms to help you get back up and running with a minimum of stress.
To get started on your garage door repair or replacement today, contact our experts today.
Why Should I Buy an Insulated Garage Door?
When the winter weather begins to set in, you may find yourself bundling up to withstand the change in seasons. Unfortunately, as the temperature starts to fall, energy bills seem to rise. Discovering the proper insulation for your home can make a world of difference in both the degree of comfort you and your family feel inside and the amount of money you fork out each month on energy. One way to safeguard your house against feeling the unnecessary backlash of cold wintry weather is to start by investing in the proper doors.
When it gets frosty outside, remain toasty inside your warm and snug abode — garage included. Anyone with a garage will reap innumerable benefits when they insulate their garage this winter season.
1. Save Money on Energy Costs
Garage doors are much like windows in that you may find yourself constantly opening and closing them throughout the day. When the winter season approaches, you might refrain from using your garage as often due to the fear that cold gusts of air will quickly rush inside. Even when your garage door is not in use, you may experience frigid conditions inside without the proper ventilation. An insulated garage door erases all your winter worries, providing you just the level of temperature control and coziness you and your family need.
Even when your house uses temperature control, your garage may be exempt from feeling the added warmth. Typically, many garages come constructed with concrete walls and floors that do little to benefit the homeowner regarding thermal properties. Insulated garage doors solve cold and frigid conditions by providing high R-Value thermal properties that retain warmth inside, guaranteeing less warm air escapes and more money stays in your pocket.
2. Improve Your Home’s Comfort
Winter isn’t the only season that provides at times undesirable weather conditions. Sweltering summer days can emit unacceptably elevated levels of heat that quickly crank up the temperatures inside your home. Whether you want to remain toasty inside or fresh and cool, the right garage doors can help maintain the temperature you desire.
There’s no better way to escape frigid winter air or scalding summer days than by relaxing in a temperature controlled environment. How comfortable can you be when you’re dripping sweat or freezing under layers of clothes –– inside your own home. You deserve to be comfortable in your home, and insulated garage doors offer you and your family relief and coziness every day of the year.
3. Increase Your Garage’s Functionality
Your garage is more than a place to store your cars and bikes. Just like any other room in your home, your garage can serve multiple purposes. From a studio spacious enough to complete your tasks and hobbies to a home gym where you can pump some iron, garages can convert into practically any living space with ease. To make the conditions livable, you first need to ensure comfort, starting with the temperature inside.
Insulated garage doors provide consistent temperatures inside, even when the weather outside is unpredictable. Whether you’re turning on the A/C in the summer or cranking up the heat on colder days, you can rest assured your garage is suitable for lounging around in throughout the day.
Call Custom Door & Gate for Your New Insulated Garage Door
From saving money on your energy bill to providing high levels of comfort throughout your home, there’s no shortage of the benefits you can reap by investing in an insulated garage door.
At Custom Door & Gate, we have superior insulated doors designed for every home, so you can enjoy comfort throughout your entire house every day of the year.
How to Increase Natural Lighting With Full Vision Doors
If you’ve ever found yourself admiring the spectacular lighting of a friend or family member’s home, chances are they have a set of full vision doors installed in their home. If you find yourself surrounded by dark, drab surroundings throughout the day, add a splash of natural light shining into your home to transform your interior ambiance and surroundings.
Getting the natural light you and your family need don’t have to be difficult. When you’re inside, you may still want to enjoy the sunny daylight. When you invest in full vision doors, you guarantee yourself the same degree of illumination indoors as you would outside. Increase the gleam of your home by letting the sunlight radiate inside.
Open Up Your Home to Natural Light
One of the advantages to investing in full vision doors is the resulting natural light that pours into your home throughout the day. Clear panels provide sunlight the ample opportunity to shine in your home. You don’t have to venture outdoors to enjoy a full beam of sunlight, after all.
The Avante Garage Door Collection from Clopay® is the ideal choice for any homeowner needing additional radiance throughout the day. Perhaps you want slight sunlight without too much illumination. When purchasing your window, be sure to pick the choice that best suits you! The Avante Garage Door Collection equips our customers with the ability to select from more than 13 various windowpane options to choose the degree of light they most desire.
Provide Added Aesthetical Value
Full vision doors shine with an added aesthetical value, providing a look of modernism in any home. Whether you’re looking to renovate your garage space or enhance your home’s interior with an added flair for anyone desiring a touch of modernization.
Adding a touch of style is effortless with the natural lighting provided by full vision doors. Your home will radiate warmth from within even when the sun sets for the evening. Passersby will admire your home’s natural welcoming nature because your abode will always provide an affectionate glow.
Steel and Aluminum Options
When you invest in full vision panels, you expect quality materials. Your home can’t radiate within when its exterior is falling apart. Steel and aluminum options are available for guaranteed durability, so your home can shine endlessly with rust-proof material that withstands the wintery weather. You can increase natural lighting in your home while improving your level of protection, too. Steel and aluminum are strong, resilient materials that let the light shine out without allowing unwelcoming guests inside.
Choose Custom Door & Gate
Giving your home more natural light can be both simple and straightforward. You can enjoy the perks of added sunlight throughout the day while giving off a welcoming, radiant glow at night.
Contact Custom Door & Gate today. We’ll help you get one step closer to letting in the light.
How to Warm Up the Inside of a Cold Garage
There’s no better way to enjoy the winter season than by snuggling up indoors — unless it isn’t much warmer inside than out. When it comes to areas affected by cold weather, garages are no exception. As the temperatures outside begin to drop, you may find yourself wondering how to keep your garage nice and cozy and prevent the chilly winter air from blowing inside.
While most garages are susceptible to coldness and other wintery conditions, that doesn’t mean yours has to be, too. Add some much-needed heat to your garage this winter season with a few strategies that guarantee warmness throughout the year.
Garage Heating Tips
Unfortunately, not all rooms in your home effortlessly retain heat during the frosty winter months –– especially your garage. If you’re wondering how to heat your garage efficiently and completely, implement these garage heating tips:
- Purchase quality caulk from a local hardware store to seal any openings in your garage
- Acquire insulation for added winter protection in your garage’s walls
- Replace any broken windows to prevent exterior air from flowing inside
- Invest in superior weather-proofed garage doors for added insulation
Invest in Top Quality Garage Doors This Winter Season
There’s no better way to safeguard your garage against the frigid winter season ahead than with the superior barrier protection of a premium quality garage door. At Custom Door & Gate, we sell and install the Clopay® Classic Collection Premium Series garage doors are the ideal fit for any individual who wants to remain extra toasty inside.
The Classic Collection Premium Series provides homeowners with a high R-Value for added thermal protection. The three-layer construction complements the series’ already superior insulation qualities, guaranteeing optimum temperature control inside.
The Perks of a Climate-Controlled Garage
Having a toasty garage isn’t just necessary when getting into your car. Throughout the winter, you still need a space to keep up with your hobbies. What better place to fulfill your activities than in the garage? Most garages have the necessary space to comfortably complete any required work.
You may even find yourself forgoing cold jogs outside for a warm work-out inside! A comfortable climate is necessary when working up a sweat –– especially in your home gym. When you invest in a high R-Value insulated garage door, you give yourself a space to enjoy endless activities in a cozy environment.
Don’t Get Caught in the Cold Outdoors
Nobody likes leaving the warmth of their house only to feel the sharp pangs of freezing air against their face. When you walk into your garage, you should experience the same level of comfort you feel throughout your entire house.
Don’t let the inconveniences of wintry weather get you down this season. Heating your garage doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful, and it isn’t when you choose Custom Door & Gate. Letting us install an insulated garage door will help you and your family stay warm and cozy this winter season, even when you’re hanging out in the garage.
Photo Eyes And Garage Door Safety Tips
Garages are more than an entrance — we use them for storage, hobbies, crafts and even a place to work out. With those purposes comes more potential for accidents to occur. Fortunately, there are many precautions homeowners can take to prevent accidents.
Custom Door & Gate created a checklist of garage door safety tips for homeowners to help keep homes and families safe.
1. Get Familiar With Your Photo Eyes
If you’ve ever talked to a garage door professional about your door, you may have heard something about your garage door “photo eyes.” These photo eyes are the sensors on your door that are an important safety feature. Here’s what you need to know about photo eye sensors on garage doors and why they are so important.
How Do Garage Door Photo Eyes Work?
The photo eye sensors on garage doors are located about six inches above the ground, one on either side of the garage door. These sensors send out an invisible beam that connects them.
The way they function is quite simple. If anything interrupts the beam so that the two sensors are not in contact, the sensor signals the system to break the circuit so the door cannot close.
Why Are Photo Eye Sensors on Garage Doors Necessary?
In the 1990s, the government federally mandated important safety features on garage doors. The photo eyes are a response to this mandate. If a child or a careless adult wanders through the beam and breaks the connection between the sensors, the garage door will not come down.
Without the sensors, someone could press the remote to close the garage door, and it would not stop even if someone were underneath it — potentially crushing or gravely injuring the person in its path. Similarly, if someone accidentally tried to close the garage door with the car still in its way, the garage door would still come down and severely damage the car. Properly working sensors prevent either of these scenarios from happening.
How Do You Know If Your Sensors Are Not Working?
For safety reasons, if you discover your photo eye garage door sensors are not working, you need to fix them immediately. Some signs that the sensors are not working include:
- Lights on one of the sensors start blinking
- Garage door can go up but does not come back down when summoned
- Door starts to come down then goes back up
What Do You Do If Your Sensors Are Not Working?
If your sensors are not working correctly, this is usually because they cannot “see” each other to make the connection they need to. There are a number of ways you might be able to correct this problem, and here are a few of them:
- Move any stored items that might be blocking either sensor to another location. If this doesn’t work, see if one of the sensors appears out of place. If so, try manually adjusting it. This should require only a slight movement. If you need to apply force, leave the sensor alone as you might break it.
- Sometimes, depending upon the position of your garage door, direct sunlight can interfere with the sensor action. Try getting shades to block the sun from hitting them — but make sure the shades do not block the sensors from each other.
- If you still have a problem, clean both sensors with a cloth. Check to make sure no wiring has become loose as well.
If none of this works, you may have a bigger problem that requires a professional. If that’s the case, contact Custom Door & Gate. We can help you get your garage door back in working order.
2. Test Your Auto Reverse
More modern garage door openers have an auto-reverse function, which forces the door to change direction when it senses contact. Ensure yours is working correctly with a simple test. Place an object, such as a brick or overturned bucket, in the doorway and close the door. If the door doesn’t reverse direction when it touches the object, it’s time for a professional inspection by a garage door expert.
3. Keep Passwords Confidential
Newer garage door operators generate unique rolling codes that help secure your home and possessions. Many also have the technology for managing access from anywhere with your mobile device. You can permit one-time entry without disclosing keypad codes.
If your garage door opener is an older model, consider upgrading to enhance your security. Custom Door & Gate has a variety of residential openers with the benefits of rolling and one-time codes. Plus, many have features such as corner-to-corner LED lighting and battery backups to improve safety further.
4. Take Precautions With Children
Changes in safety technology make it easier to watch out for children. Still, it’s best to explain clearly that the garage door isn’t a toy. Encourage them not to play in the doorway or operate the door without supervision. Teach them to keep their hands clear of the panel joints as the door closes and prevent them from trying to ride the door as it raises.
Other basic precautions include keeping children away from the opening controls and everyday dangerous items in the garage.
Keep the Opener Controls Out of Reach
Children may find it tempting to press the button and watch the door respond. Allowing them to do so puts them at risk, and needlessly operating the door causes wear that can lead to costly repairs. Prevent accidents by not letting them play with the remote, keypad or operator. You should mount wall controls a minimum of 5 feet high and secure transmitters from little hands.
Store Dangerous Items Safely
Garages are valuable storage space, which means they’re often full of items like weed killer, lawn and garden tools, and flammables. Invest in shelving or a lockable cabinet that keeps chemicals, sharp instruments and power tools inaccessible to younger family members.
Improve Your Garage Door Safety and Security With Custom Door & Gate
Custom Door & Gate is North Carolina’s choice for garage door installation, maintenance and repair. Our team has over 100 years of collective industry experience and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
Time for an upgrade? Request a free personalized quote, call us at 919-876-4555 or reach out to a team member online.
Garage Door Lighting Increases Curb Appeal
A beautiful garage door can significantly increase the curb appeal of your home. Your garage door is an extension of your home’s exterior, and how well you take care of it is a reflection on how you feel about your home and how you want others to feel about it. By the same token, the right residential garage door lighting can also go a long way toward increasing your home’s curb appeal.
The most popular type of lighting for your garage door is downlighting. These are lights installed above the garage that shine down on the garage door and the surrounding area. This serves multiple useful and desirable purposes. Here are some ways in which lighting for garage doors can enhance and beautify your home.
1. Accent Your Garage Door
The way these lights play upon your garage door will show off the unique features of the door. Those driving by can’t help but notice the style and craftsmanship of your garage door. If you’re proud of your door, this is a great way to show it off.
2. Improve Security for Your Garage and Your Home
Normally, a garage door can be a security weakness. Potential intruders may see it as a way to get into your home. They may consider scanning your garage door for weaknesses or watching to see if you accidentally leave it open. Most criminals hate well-lit areas and if you have lights shining down on your garage door every night, it can be a great deterrent. Burglars may even avoid your garage if it is open when the lights are shining.
3. Added Safety for Your Family
When you get home late at night or if you have to leave your home before sunup, driving out of or into your house can be troublesome. There are always obstacles around that you may make contact with if it’s too dark to adequately see. Even with your car’s headlights, it’s possible to miss something in the shadows. Garage door lighting can help you see more clearly and avoid accidents.
Garage door downlighting is extremely unobtrusive, even during the day. It is also relatively inexpensive. Given all the benefits, residential garage door lighting can be a great choice for many homeowners. If you take pride in your garage door and the curb appeal of your home, lighting for your garage door is definitely worth looking into.
Contact Custom Door & Gate Now for All Your Garage Door Needs
If you need help with your garage door lighting or anything else related to your garage door in Greensboro, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Greenville and other nearby areas, contact Custom Door & Gate.
We’ve been servicing garage doors in North Carolina for over 25 years, and we’d love for you to join the ranks of our satisfied customers. Let us show you what we can do for your garage. For more information about garage doors or to schedule service, contact us today.
How to Measure for a New Garage Door
Before you ever start looking at new garage doors, be sure of the proper size garage door you need. Fortunately, measuring your garage door can be a quick, easy process with the right approach.
Before you start, you’ll need to be prepared with some basic materials. You’ll want a tape measure to get the actual measurements, a step ladder for easy access to all areas, and a pen and paper to write it all down.
Steps for Measuring Your Garage Door
Now you’re ready to actually measure the garage door.
Start by measuring the width of the door. For this measurement, you want to make sure you record the width at its widest point. You will measure from the middle of the left side of the finished opening directly across to the right side. Measure in feet and inches. It may be difficult for you to stretch a tape measure all the way across by yourself, so get assistance or use a digital tape measure.
Once you’ve got the width, the next step is to measure the height, also in feet and inches. Again, you want the highest possible point. Make sure the floor is level and the top of the finished opening is as well. Measure from the garage door floor to the top of the finished opening.
Now you need to know how much room you have between the door opening and the ends of the garage. Measure the width from the opening on either side to the end of the garage on that side. You’ll need up to 3.75 inches on each side to install vertical track. For a double car garage door, you need a center post at least 10 inches wide.
You’re almost done. Next, you’ll need to measure the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. You’ll need a stepladder for this part. This area is known as the headroom, and it is important because the garage door will need to roll up on tracks through this area.
Finally, you’ll need to measure the distance from the garage door opening to the back of the garage. This is called the backroom, and it is also critical because this is the area where your garage door will retract when open. If you have a sectional door, you’ll need the amount of the door height plus 15 inches for manual lift doors or 18 inches for doors that retract with an electric garage door opener.
Order Your Replacement Garage Door From Custom Door & Gate Today
Once you know the measurements, it’s time to get your new garage door.
Whether you need a new garage door replacement or residential garage door repair in Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville, Fayetteville or nearby areas, Custom Door & Gate is the company to call. We offer fast, friendly, high-quality garage door service at a reasonable price in North Carolina for over 25 years. Contact us today.