Ten Things Everyone in Your House Should Know About Garage Door Safety
Garage Door Safety Tips for Everyone in Your House
You may not think about your garage door as a potential hazard, but it’s one of the largest and heaviest machines working in your home. These are some safety tips for everyone in your house.
Ten Things Everyone in Your House Should Know About Garage Door Safety
- The garage door and garage door opener are not toys. They are dangerous if misused and can cause serious injury or even death.
- Children should never be allowed to play with the garage door or its operating system. Children should never stand, run, or play under or near any garage door, especially when the door is open or moving.
- Adults should not allow children access to the garage door opener systems including remote controls or push button wall controls. The push button wall control for a garage door operating system should be mounted at least five feet off the floor out of the reach of small children.
- Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door.
- When opening or closing the garage door, always keep the door in view until the door is fully opened or fully closed. Make certain that no adults, children, or animals try to enter or exit while the door is closing.
- To avoid injury, keep fingers and hands away from door sections when the door is opening or closing.
- To ensure safe operation, keep your garage door properly maintained. Annual maintenance by a trained service technician is recommended.
- Remember that your garage door opener uses electricity which can shock or kill if mishandled.
- Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables. These are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or even death.
- If someone has backed into the garage door, it’s a god idea to have the door inspected and, if necessary, repaired by a trained service technician. Even if the door does not appear to be severely damaged, the operating system may have become misaligned and wear prematurely which can create a dangerous environment.
To learn more about maintenance you can do yourself, check out our blog.
Reprinted with the permission of Garage Door Care.
Sometimes a Service Call Is All You Need
What May Seem Like a Major Problem May Only Require a Service Call
Recently, we had a customer call wanting a second opinion about a garage door system that wasn’t working properly. One of the owners was complaining because their old, wooden garage door with an equally old motor would not go down unless the wall button was held with constant pressure. Not knowing the cause, she called the store where the unit was purchased and they sent their “authorized independent contractor” to diagnose and fix the problem. Upon arrival, the technician told the owner “Your door and motor are so old they can’t be fixed. You need to buy a new one.” Not knowing any better, she did. Later that day, her husband arrived home and hears the story. Immediately, he called us for a second opinion. We told him that his issue sounded simple and that a routine service call may fix the problem. Hopeful, the owner cancelled the replacement order and our tech went out the next day.
When our tech arrived, he found loose photo eyes (sensors that cause a door to not operate if they sense an obstruction) that might have caused the motor not to function properly. He also noted that the drive chain on the motor is so loose, which could be causing the motor up/down limits to be off. Finally, he noticed missing screws in several hinges that caused the door to wobble as it moved. Each of these issues were quickly and easily addressed and the door soon operated properly for just the cost of a maintenance service call.
Before replacing any door or associated equipment, we recommend a service call to assess the situation. Because, what may seem to you as a problem that only a new door and motor will fix, may simply be a few small things that can easily be fixed by a professional.
Style Your Front Door for Autumn
HGTV Magazine Features Clopay Doors
Home editors at HGTV magazine show you how to transition your front entry from summer to fall with a ready-made combination of products and colors that invite guests to come on in!
The team selected Clopay’s Arbor Grove Collection fiberglass front door painted Sherwin-Williams “Witching Hour” black as the backdrop, and pumped up the surroundings with cheerful, poppy color pillows and a hardwood bench that could easily be warm weather holdovers.
Brass is definitely making a comeback, evidenced by the ornate handleset, hammered style doorbell, and Luna Clear glass pendant porch light the team picked to inject a warm, golden glow into the scene.
We love how the arch detail in the front door panel became the basis for the repeating scroll pattern on the welcome mat, doorbell, table, bench, and house numbers. It ties the entire look together.
Want to extend the glamour to your garage? Clopay’s steel black garage doors coordinate with its painted black front doors.
Clopay Gallery Collection steel carriage house garage door.
Pick up the October issue of HGTV magazine or visit these websites for additional product information.
Front door: https://www.clopaydoor.com/entry-door
Handleset: https://www.homedepot.com
Doorbell: https://www.lampsplus.com
House numbers: https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com
Porch light: https://www.schoolhouse.com
Door mat and hexagon pillow: https://www.wayfair.com
Polka dot pillow: https://www.denydesigns.com
Table and bench: https://www.grandinroad.com
How Not to Repair a Garage Door
There is a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Repair a Garage Door – A Cautionary Tale
It’s a fact: I don’t like to pay someone else to do something that I can do better. Well, at least that’s the theory. The reality is that I’m cheap, and I hate to let my money go on long trips without me. So, I often repair things that I should never mess with, just to save a few bucks. A classic example of my penny-pinching foolishness dates from about 1986, when I tried to repair my own garage door.
I didn’t have a fancy automatic garage door back then. I just had a manual unit: drive up, get out, lift the door, get back in, drive in, get out, close the door. Everything was fine with my little garage door, but I felt that it could be a tad easier to lift. So, I decided to adjust the spring tensioning mechanism myself. Who needs a professional, right? Mull on that last line for a few minutes…
Garage doors are heavy, and without the springs, all you’ve got is dead weight — too heavy to lift. To adjust the door, I had to tinker with the spring coiling components — it’s the coiling process that makes the door easier to maneuver. When I reached what I thought was the ideal balance of tension and torque, I lifted the door. It went up nicely. So far, so good, I thought. I made a few more tweaks and then lowered the door. That was a mistake.
As I lowered the door, all the spring support went completely slack. Suddenly, I had 300 pounds of wood crashing down on me. I slowed the door’s descent a bit, but it wasn’t enough. The door fell with a crash, and my left hand was mashed to the ground — pinned between the door and the concrete floor. I couldn’t budge the door an inch, and since it was well into the nighttime — and I was in pain — I had to holler and yell to be “rescued.” No man ever likes to be rescued. It’s just not dignified.
To this day, I still like to repair things, but I’ve learned my lesson about messing with spring-loaded slabs of wood at nighttime. My hand healed nicely, and I eventually got over the indignity of being rescued. But, no matter how much I might be tempted, I’ll never take a wrench to a coiled-up spring again. Words to live by… with an emphatic emphasis on “live.”
To schedule a repair done by a qualified professional, click here.
Clopay Garage Doors Rated No. 1 in Quality in Builder Survey
Clopay Garage Door Quality Beats the Competition
Residential home builders are placing a greater emphasis on product performance for the brands they use, according to Builder magazine’s 2014 Brand Use Study.
Independent market research firm Readex interviewed 74,669 builders, builder/developers and general contractors to measure brand familiarity, use, and preference in 69 different product categories.
Builders ranked product performance as the most important factor in selecting a garage door brand, followed by warranty, price, availability, ease of installation, manufacturer’s reputation, and the builder’s relationship with the installing dealer.
Clopay offers an extensive portfolio of overhead sectional garage doors constructed in wood, steel, composite, and glass. Styles include historical carriage house designs, contemporary, and traditional raised panel looks. Since 1996, Clopay is the only residential garage door brand to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Custom Door & Gate is a proud to be a local dealer of Clopay garage doors. Please explore our site to learn more about our products or schedule a service call.
Is Your Garage Door Ready to Roll? Recent Survey Says ‘No.’
Garage Door Maintenance is Crucial for Long Life
Does your garage door creak, squeak, or groan when you open or close it? If so, that isn’t a good sign. But noticing this is the first step to fixing what could become a major home repair issue.
Newly released survey results show that you’re probably not alone with your maintenance concerns. The online survey was conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the International Door Association (IDA), the world’s largest association of professional garage door and access systems dealers and installers, and its consumer website GarageDoorCare.com. It reveals that 82% of Americans who own a house with a garage/garage door may be taking the maintenance of the largest and heaviest moving object in their home for granted. Consider this:
- 54% have never had a garage door and/or garage door opener safety check performed by a professional garage door/dealer installer.
- 47% have never had a garage door professional inspect or service their garage door(s).
- 34% admit that no one in their household has ever personally tested the safety features of their garage door(s) and/or garage door opener(s).
- 27% say that their garage door’s hinges and rollers have never been lubricated.
- 12% say that they are not at all sure when their garage door’s hinges and rollers were last lubricated.
Does any of that sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be that way. Regular and proper maintenance is the answer. We recommend you think of garage door maintenance in the same way you think of regular oil changes for your car – a scheduled task that ensures your devices continue to perform safely and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and maintenance appointment.
Why Choose an IDA Professional?
IDA Professional Certification Ensures Higher Standards
International Door Association (IDA) members are the ‘All Stars’ of the door industry. By selecting an IDA garage door professional, you’re selecting a dependable, trustworthy, and safety-conscious business that can cater to your specific needs. They are experienced and pride themselves on workmanship. They’re the ones who know the federal, state, and local codes and regulations – and they make certain that their work always meets those criteria. Their business and their employees are insured, giving you peace of mind. They are also e financially stable – they work out of stores and offices; not from the back of pick-up trucks. They will be there for you today and they’ll be there for you tomorrow.
These are the men and women of the garage door industry who have dedicated themselves to professionalism and safety. They know doors, openers, and gate operators both old and new, because they and their staffs are committed to continued education. They have chosen to operate their businesses by the IDA Code of Business Conduct, which signifies their commitment to quality, excellence, and customer service. IDA dealers are local business men and women who are dedicated to serving and supporting the communities in which they live and do business.
Custom Door & Gate is proud to be certified by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA).
To locate an IDA Garage Door Professional in your area, please enter your ZIP code and select the desired search radius.
Easy Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Whether or not you’re planning to sell your home, a little curb appeal goes a long way. From the house, to the yard, to the garage door, the exterior of your house says a lot about you – even from far away. Here are a few tips on how to boost the curb appeal of your home.
- Clean – Instead of new siding or a fresh coat of paint, try a low-pressure house wash, then pressure-wash your walkways and driveway. You may also want to have your windows cleaned, inside and out, for them to really stand out.
- Level – In order homes, it’s important to pay attention to pathways, including driveways, walkways, steps, and porches, leading to the house. Over the years, these structures can become uneven bringing safety and water flow concerns to the forefront. Repairing these items before they become serious problems can prevent costly replacement in the long run.
- Trim – Be sure your grass, flowers, garden, and shrubbery are trimmed and neat. Trim any sagging tree limbs that may be blocking the view of your home or inhibiting natural light from streaming into your home. In the fall, rake up any dead leaves and spread mulch throughout your garden beds.
- Color – If the exterior of your home needs more than a washing, new paint, siding, or trim can do the trick. Choose complementary colors that give a clean look. Once done, periodic maintenance of your new exterior will guarantee it looking good for years to come.
- Doors – Updating your garage door and front entry doors is a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal. According to Remodeling magazine, replacing your garage door can increase your home’s value by 4%..
- Details – One cost-conscious idea for updating a garage door is new hardware or decorative windows to create a custom appearance. In most cases, only the top section would need to be replaced to add windows for a bright new look.
To learn more about our doors, check out our product page.
Join Us at the Southern Ideal Home Show: September 26 – 28
Visit Custom Door & Gate on the Red Carpet at the
Southern Ideal Home Show
If you’re building a home or looking to change your current garage or entry doors, come see us at the Southern Ideal Home Show, this weekend, September 26-28 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
You can find us at the ‘Ask the Experts Pavilion’ on the red carpet. You’ll be able to see our products first-hand – including a display of a full size garage door and complementing entry door. In addition, our experts will be answering your questions and offering specials only available at the home show.
We hope you’ll stop by so we can show you our new residential garage and entry door options, and give you ideas on how you can add beauty, comfort, and value to your home.
2013 Southern Ideal Home Show
Custom Door & Gate will once again be participating in the Southern Ideal Home Show, the Triangle’s largest Home & Garden Event. Our booth is located at the Ask the Experts Pavilion and will feature Clopay® Garage Doors and Entry Doors.
The Show runs from Friday, September 27th through Sunday the 29th and is located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
The Fall Edition is your one stop shop for all of your home improvement needs. Vendors will include experts in building and home improvement, outdoor living, interiors, kitchen & bath and will also include a Home and Kitchen stage where local experts will share their favorite tips, tricks and recipes in the kitchen and throughout the home.
“Like” us on facebook and get entered to win a LiftMaster® MyQ® Conversion Kit, valued at over $300. This new technology allows you to control your garage door from a smartphone or computer from anywhere in the world!
Look for us this weekend and ask about our Home Show Specials! We’d love to help with your home improvement project.
