Benefits Of SmokeShield® Elevator Smoke Curtain

Benefits of Having SmokeShield® Elevator for Your Business

Does your commercial building contain one or more elevators? During a fire, the shaft can act as a funnel that draws dangerous smoke through the facility, increasing the risk to its occupants. SmokeShield® Elevator can serve as an integral component of an elevator fire safety system by preventing smoke and hot gases from infiltrating the shaft. 

What Is SmokeShield® Elevator?

SmokeShield® Elevator is the brand name for an effective smoke curtain manufactured by Cornell. SmokeShield® Elevator deploys automatically and uses patented GuideLock™ technology to seal the shaft when an elevator fire occurs. This process creates a protective barrier that contains the smoke and gases in a confined area. Buttons on either side of the barrier enable building occupants or first responders to open the curtain when necessary. 

What Are the Benefits of SmokeShield® Elevator Curtains?

Installing SmokeShield® Elevator curtains in your building’s elevators provides numerous benefits:

• Flexibility: These smoke curtains aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” The customization potential ensures they fit openings up to 12 feet high by 12 feet wide. They can also occupy less than 10 inches of space when retracted.
• Aesthetics: The design versatility enables the concealment of the curtain in wood, masonry and other fascia materials, providing a wide range of mounting possibilities. Choose from an assortment of attractive finishes to allow exposed components to match, complement or contrast with the surroundings.
• Cost savings: Using SmokeShield® Elevator for businesses can eliminate the need for expensive smoke extraction systems, creating a more cost-effective fire protection solution.
• Reliability: Trust SmokeShield® Elevator to perform in an emergency. The battery backup protects against power losses and can cycle the system for up to 10 hours.
• Compliance: SmokeShield® Elevator meets the International Building Code (IBC) fire safety requirements, eliminating the need to install an IBC-approved elevator lobby. The smoke curtain also satisfies the ICC-ES AC-77 requirements regarding the use of smoke containment systems. 

Buy SmokeShield® Elevator From Custom Door & Gate

As a full-service Cornell distributor, Custom Door & Gate can help with all your SmokeShield® Elevator fire safety needs in the North Carolina counties of Cumberland, Guilford and Moore. We’ll help you explore the possibilities, enabling you to make the best choices for your business. We can also handle all your installation, repair and maintenance needs. 

Get started right now by using the interactive Cornell Design Portal to experiment with the various product options. You can also contact us for more information and a no-obligation quote. 

Tips for Winterizing Your Garage Door

As a homeowner, you can take several steps to protect your property from the effects of harsh winter weather. You could clear the gutters to prevent ice dams, wrap exposed pipes with insulation, caulk cracks in the foundation and around windows, and have a professional HVAC technician inspect your heating system.

Winterizing garage doors is an important step many homeowners overlook. Preparing the largest opening in your home offers many benefits, including increasing comfort and energy efficiency, enabling you to protect stored items and maximizing the door’s life span. 

How to Winterize Your Garage Door

Use these tips for winterizing your garage door and protect it from freezing temperatures. 

Test the Door

Checking the door in late fall allows you to identify problems that can worsen when the cold weather arrives. Assess the door’s ability to function by using the remote to open and close it a few times. Ensure it’s running smoothly and that there are no unusual noises. Inspect the tracks to make sure they’re not bent or damaged. 

Check the Opener and Sensors

The opener is the “nerve center” of a garage door system. Test all the functions to ensure they’re working properly. Now is also an excellent time to replace the batteries, especially if it’s been a while since the last upgrade.

Verify that the auto-reverse mechanism, the safety feature that prevents the door from falling on a person, animal or object, is performing correctly. If it isn’t, there could be an issue with the sensors on either side of the opening that requires immediate attention. 

Inspect the Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping is the rubber material that rims the door opening’s perimeter and keeps out cold air. If you observe tears, cracks, gaps or missing sections, you should remove and replace the entire strip. Avoid using cheap, flimsy material, as this will provide minimal defense against winter weather. 

Lubricate Moving Parts

Applying fresh, non-silicone lubricant to the rollers, hinges, springs and other moving components can prevent them from freezing, which could keep the door from opening or closing. 

Get Your Door Services Before Winter Arrives

If you live in Durham, Pitt or Wake County, North Carolina, the experienced professionals at Custom Door & Gate can winterize your garage door for you. We can also install an insulated door that provides maximum protection against the cold. 

Contact us to learn more about our garage door services or schedule a convenient appointment today. 

2022 – New Technology In Garage Door Motors

When thinking about technological advancements, garage door motors may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, you’ve invested a lot into your garage door, and its practical operation is as important as its appearance. Today’s smart garage door openers deliver safety and security benefits to protect the things you care about most.

Remote Access

Easily manage garage access when you’re on the move with remote access. Models like the LiftMaster® 84602 pair with wireless keyless entry pads for convenience when you need to allow a guest into your garage. There’s no need to share a key when a code will do. Set a temporary PIN for one-time access while safeguarding your primary code.

MyQ®, a companion app for LiftMaster garage door technology, allows you to operate your doors from any internet-connected device. Permit deliveries, visitors and more directly from your smartphone.

Integrated LED Lighting

Say goodbye to dark garages — today’s upgraded door openers include motion-sensing LED lighting for added security. The lights on the Elite Series 8500W offer 1,500 lumens for full illumination in even the darkest corners. You can also control them with your myQ app for extra convenience.

Cameras

Cameras are an essential part of any home security system, and your garage should be no exception. Choose a model like the LiftMaster 87504-267 with Secure View™ technology. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of your garage in real-time or respond to visitors through the two-way audio and your myQ app.

Amazon Key

Among the latest advancements in garage door technology is the addition of Amazon Key, a solution to combat porch pirates and weather challenges. The myQ app integrates easily with this Amazon Prime benefit, allowing package delivery directly into your garage’s secure, dry environment.

Safety Sensors

Keeping your loved ones safe is a significant benefit of smart technology in garage doors. Models like the ultra-quiet LiftMaster 84501 use the exclusive Protector System® to detect anything in the door’s path. The sensors rely on an unbroken light beam, and the door stops automatically if something interrupts the ray.

Upgrade Your Garage Door Technology With Us

Custom Door & Gate is the premier LiftMaster ProVantage dealer in eastern North Carolina. Our team of experienced technicians has been installing, maintaining, and repairing garage door openers from various manufacturers since 1989. Browse our entire collection of LiftMaster openers online, or visit one of our four convenient locations in Raleigh, Greenville, Fayetteville, or Greensboro — we’ll help you choose the ideal opener for your needs.

3 Reasons to Update Your Garage Door

When you come and go from your home each day, you may not stop to think much about your garage door as long as it functions. Yet there are many reasons to upgrade your garage door, including the benefits a new one can bring to your home.

1. Enhanced Curb Appeal

Your garage door is a notable feature of your home’s exterior. As a result, its style, color and condition play a role in your home’s curb appeal. A more attractive face with an updated garage door can raise your home’s value and fetch higher resale prices.

Industry-leading manufacturer Clopay® offers an extensive collection of residential garage doors to match any homeowner’s personality and taste. Choose from low-maintenance steel, genuine wood, timeless carriage house styles and more for a door that truly complements your home. 

2. Better Energy Efficiency

Everyone likes to save money, and a new garage door can help you do just that. Older entries may lack the same multilayer insulation as new ones, and damaged doors don’t fit well. As a result, they let unwelcome hot or cold air into your home and drive up energy costs, especially in garages beneath living spaces. These aged models also expose your stored valuables to temperature extremes.

Upgraded doors will make heating or cooling your garage more efficient, creating more livable spaces for workshops or hobbies.

3. Improved Security

One of the best reasons to replace your garage door is to enjoy enhanced security for the things that matter most. Thanks to advanced technology, today’s garage doors offer better protection against would-be burglars. When paired with new smart garage door openers, you get features like cameras and automatic locking. Plus, options like window frosting will hide the interior from prying eyes, so thieves are less tempted by the contents of your garage.

Schedule Garage Door Replacement With the Local Experts

Custom Door & Gate is your clear choice for garage door upgrades. We sell and service market-leading Clopay doors from four convenient locations — Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Fayetteville. Our experienced team boasts more than 100 combined years of experience to recommend the ideal garage door solution for you. See the difference a new door makes with the Door Imagination System™ or visit our showrooms today. 

How to Reset a Garage Door Opener

While you might not think about it often, your garage represents a significant part of your daily life. Whether you use it for hobbies, storage, or as your primary point of entry, getting in and out is essential. So what do you do when you’ve lost a remote or the door opener doesn’t seem to respond to keypads, your car, or a handheld device? It may be time to reprogram your garage door opener.

Fortunately, programming a garage door opener is a fairly straightforward process once you know where to begin.

How Do Garage Door Openers Work?

All garage door openers rely on an electric motor to power the door. Remotes, vehicles, and handheld devices use radio transmissions to communicate with the opener.

Newer models have additional security features in the form of a computer chip. These chips generate one-time, random codes with each entry and exit to prevent bad actors from hacking your system and gaining entry to your garage.

Resetting Newer Garage Door Openers

Locate a button labeled “home” or “learn” on your opener’s central unit. These buttons are often near the antenna and close to an LED light. While the best source of reprogramming information is your owner’s manual, you can typically follow these steps for reset:

1. Press and hold the learn button to delete old codes.
2. Test the door opener with a handheld remote or another opening device, such as your vehicle’s technology options.

Each model is different, with some devices resetting on the initial push while others rely on a second button press after the LED light blinks.

Resetting Older Garage Door Openers

Older models are easy to identify since they don’t have the “learn” or “home” button. Instead, these models include a set of switches in the central unit and a similar set in the handheld remote. Typically, there are nine to 12 switches you can control. The setting pattern must match for the devices to communicate successfully.

Carefully remove the main unit housing and remote covers and check the patterns. Reset the switches by using a pencil point or toothpick to gently slide them into identical positions before testing.

Trust the Experts for Garage Door Opener Repairs or Upgrades

When you need garage door repair service or want to upgrade to a newer garage door opener model, contact Custom Door & Gate. We’ve delivered the highest quality service and products — including industry-leading products like LiftMaster® — for over 25 years. Reach out online or contact us at 919-876-4555 for assistance.

5 Types of Garage Door Materials Explained

The Pros and Cons of the Most Common Residential Garage Door Materials

Choosing a new garage door is a huge step in the replacement process. You want your installation to function for years and complement the rest of your home’s exterior. Here are some of the most common residential garage door material options.

1. Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are excellent for homeowners who need a durable installation. These garage doors are low-maintenance and economical, and you can often select from various colors. Most installations let you incorporate insulation to enhance R-value. Properly maintained steel doors won’t dent or rust. 

2. Vinyl Garage Doors

A vinyl garage door is an excellent choice for a rust-free overhead door. This garage door material stands strong against dents. You might purchase a vinyl garage door if you live in a damp environment.

Vinyl installations are not recommended for dwellings in extremely hot settings since additional insulation is needed to keep storage areas comfortable.

3. Natural Wood Doors

Wood overhead doors give you endless options for wood grains, colors, and finishes. These installations are some of the most beautiful products on the market, providing a timeless appearance for numerous architectural layouts. People prefer wooden garage doors because they are environmentally friendly and offer a unique look.

Wooden overhead doors are excellent in mild locations. Routine painting, staining, and sealing may be necessary to keep your investment in peak condition.

4. Fiberglass Garage Doors

If you want the look of natural wood without the maintenance requirements, fiberglass garage doors may be your best bet. Some fiberglass door materials have realistic wood grain textures and panels.

You might purchase a fiberglass overhead door if you live in a hot environment and are chasing the natural wood aesthetic. Your overhead assembly will be lightweight for manual opening and closing. Applying a clear protectant every few years can help keep your door looking beautiful.

5. Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum garage door materials provide a contemporary style. The surfaces of aluminum overhead doors are highly customizable, and products are lighter in weight than steel. One significant benefit of aluminum garage doors is that they are naturally resistant to rust. 

Protective coatings can help reinforce aluminum doors against extreme heat.

Choose Custom Door & Gate for Garage Door Products in North Carolina

Custom Door & Gate has been serving customers across North Carolina since 1989. We’re happy to offer a variety of residential garage door products to those in our local community, and we can take care of repairs as well.

Purchase our available Clopay® products to get the best materials for a garage door installation. Contact us for more information about styles.

Preparing For a New Garage Door Installation

How to Prepare for a New Garage Door Installation in 6 Steps

Getting a new garage door for your property will require some planning. You’ve selected the perfect door, and now it’s time to make sure your space is ready for the installers.

Here’s what you should do when preparing for a new garage door installation.

1. Relocate Vehicles to the Street

Garage door installers move in and out of your garage during their visit. Before they arrive, move your cars to the road so there is room to work. Ideally, your installers will be able to pull a utility van close to the installation site to retrieve tools quickly.

2. Clean Up Garage Floors

Check the area around your current garage door to ensure all boxes, tools and other belongings are out of the way. Remember that installers may have to reach the ceiling to configure an overhead door opener, and make sure the professionals can access electronic connections.

3. Remember Your Selections

Your installers want you to be satisfied with your garage door installation. Most professionals will show you the garage door materials, hardware, and trims to verify they are correct before installation. Retrieve any order confirmation documents you have for added confidence.

4. Keep Children and Pets Away From the Garage

Garage door installers will be moving heavy materials and using power tools during the visit. Keep young ones and pets inside for safety until the garage door removal and installation process is complete. If you want to watch the installers work, do so from a safe distance.

5. Plan to Stay Home

Try to plan on being home during the installation visit. Take the day off work or coordinate times when at least one member of your household is available for questions.

6. Prepare Questions to Ask the Installers

Installers know the best ways to operate and maintain your new garage door. Make a list of questions you have for when the installation crews are visiting your home. You may want further details about warranty information and safe cleaning practices.

Choose Custom Door & Gate for Garage Door Installation Services

Custom Door & Gate offers a variety of Clopay^® garage door styles for homeowners. We can help you decide on an overhead door assembly that works for your routine, and we complete installation services for convenience.

Go with a team that has been in business since 1989 to install your garage door and configure your garage door opener. Request our services today by completing a contact form.

Do I Need a Battery Backup for My Garage Door Opener?

Get A Battery Backup For Your Garage Door Opener

As a homeowner with an automated garage door, you might wonder what could happen in the event of a powerful storm. The main advantage of a battery backup for a garage door opener is that you can still get your car in or out if this ever happens. Your house can have power outage protection with a backup battery to keep your overhead door running. 

What Do Backup Batteries Do?

Garage door openers provide easy access to your garage while helping protect your home and belongings. If a storm takes out the power lines, you may need to open or close your garage. Backup batteries for your openers will give you peace of mind as an alternative to opening your heavy overhead door by hand. 

Many manufacturers like LiftMaster® make their garage door openers with backup capabilities. If you don’t have one already, you can still get a battery for LiftMaster products after your initial purchase. Built with efficient power management systems, backup batteries will ensure your family’s safety and security during any natural event. 

How You Can Prepare for a Power Outage

To avoid manually opening the largest moving part in your home, you can prepare for power outages with smart technology. Using myQ smartphone control can make any automated overhead door open or close from your mobile device. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, LiftMaster garage door openers will pair with myQ so you can open your garage from afar. Other advantages of myQ technology include:

• Easy package delivery: Key by Amazon in-garage delivery enables shipping personnel to leave packages securely in the garage when you’re not home. 
• Remote activation: If you have young children getting off the bus, you can open the garage door for them when you’re on the way home from work.
• Simple scheduling: You can sync myQ with your other home devices and create a program for when you want the door to open or close every day.

When storms happen, your home should be ready for anything. You can prepare for a power outage with a garage door battery backup that will make it easy to get in or out of your home. Your world doesn’t have to stop because of a few power lines, and we’re ready to help you plan. 

Be Ready for Anything With Our Garage Door Backup Technology

Your home is your safe haven in the event of a snow or rainstorm, and it should perform like one. You can prepare for the possibility of downed power lines by getting a backup battery for your garage door opener. Come see the team at Custom Door & Gate to browse garage door openers or request an estimate today. 

What Is the Best Residential Garage Door Style for You?

Garage Door Styles Explained

Your home should reflect your style, and what better than your garage door to custom-fit your aesthetic? As one of the most prominent visual parts of your home’s curb appeal, your garage door has the potential to upgrade your house’s exterior. If you’re not sure which garage door style might best match your home’s aesthetic, we’ve got options for you.

Traditional Garage Doors

For a classic house, you might consider a more traditional garage door. We provide the Classic™ collection of garage doors by Clopay® to complement your home’s natural appeal. Available in a wood or steel build, these overhead doors are a simple option with room for customizing. You can maintain the elegant, timeless appearance of your home with a traditional door made to fit what you like.

Looking for a traditional garage door with hybrid features? Clopay’s new Bridgeport™ Steel design has recessed steel panels with three-layer Intellicore® construction for improved durability. You can show unique style with either of these traditional garage doors. 

Contemporary Garage Doors

Lovers of a modern home aesthetic will enjoy what a contemporary garage door can do for their curb appeal. If you want your house to stand out, try Clopay’s Avante® steel and glass overhead doors. You can bring natural light into your home and still retain your privacy with options to customize the glass coloring. 

If your house features natural wood siding or modern architecture, Clopay’s Reserve® Wood Modern garage doors are a standout addition. You can customize this handcrafted model with different splicing designs or stain colors like cedar or mahogany. 

Carriage-House Doors

The rustic look of a farmhouse can find the perfect touch with a unique carriage-house door. Clopay’s Reserve® Wood Limited Edition overhead doors feature a traditional carriage-house design with the functionality of an automatic door. You can customize this design with different paint, stain or window options to fit any aesthetic.

A carriage-house garage door meets farmhouse fashion with modern automation. Clopay’s Canyon Ridge® Carriage-House Doors give your home the best of both worlds. For an energy-efficient door with steel construction, this style is a strong option. 

Choose Your Garage Door Style With Custom Door & Gate

There are many garage door styles to choose from, and the team at Custom Door & Gate takes pride in helping customers find the perfect look for any home. Whether you’re shopping for garage door styles with windows or prefer the modern look of solid wood, we can help. Get started on enhancing your property’s curb appeal and customizing your garage door by requesting an estimate today!

Cost Vs. Value 2021

The Cost Vs. Value of a Garage Door Replacement in 2021

Many homeowners like to keep busy by working on home improvement projects. Over time, the costs of those projects can add up fast, but there is one that stands apart from the rest with its high return on investment (ROI) and relatively low cost — garage door replacements.

First impressions and curb appeal make a significant difference for potential and current homeowners. That’s why exterior projects like garage door replacements have a strong ROI. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value results, garage door replacement is the top-ranking home improvement project to invest in within the U.S. With 93.8% of the cost recouped, replacing garage doors is one of the most affordable home improvement projects to make right now.

Garage door replacements also rank number one for highest-ROI home improvement projects in Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina, and number two in the South Atlantic region. More specifically, the report analyzed the cost of replacing a garage door and the cost recouped from the resale value. Raleigh, NC, for example, has a 96% cost recouped, with the cost of replacing a garage door around $3,915 and a resale value of $3,759. 

A new methodology was used to calculate the 2021 results compared to the prior Cost vs. Value reports, including real estate agents answering a more robust survey with questions relating to location. While home improvement standbys like adding a deck, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or installing new windows still pay off, the national average cost recouped for even the best of these is more than 20% lower than that of a garage door replacement.  

If you’re thinking of changing your home’s exterior to add value and increase its curb appeal, replacing your garage door is a great place to start.

Add Value to Your Home With Custom Door & Gate

The ROI of new garage doors makes them an attractive investment, and garage door replacements are an excellent way to quickly improve your property’s curb appeal. Whether you need to buy a new door or just want to upgrade, there are many options you can choose from. 

At Custom Door & Gate, we have a wide variety of doors available so you can find one that suits your home in function and fashion. We are proud to offer Clopay^® real and faux wood, carriage house and walk-through style doors. We also provide insulated doors, which have become popular due to their energy efficiency.

Want to get the greatest garage door replacement value? Replace your garage door with Custom Door & Gate and upgrade your home’s first impression and curb appeal. Our experts will guide you through the entire process, from selection to installation. Contact us today to get started!