HOW TO FIND A GOOD GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Your garage door is a vital part of your home. It guards one of the biggest rooms where some of your most needed (and expensive) items are stored. Yet, as important as our garage doors are, they are often taken for granted. We simply expect them to work every time we need them to. When they don’t, it’s nice to have access to a reliable and trustworthy garage door service that is both affordable and available whenever you need them, even if it’s after-hours.

It’s never a good time to have garage door problems!

Have you noticed? Garage doors seem to “act up” when we need them to work their best. You might have tried to leave for an important job interview but the garage door wouldn’t open. Or, you might be hosting guests for dinner and wind up embarrassed when your garage door almost falls down on them. It’s vital that you have access to a full service, licensed, bonded, and insured Welby, CO garage door repair crew that you can call upon whenever needed. While there are some minor repairs and adjustments that you can do yourself, a proper garage door repair expert is essential for safe and regular garage door performance, all year long.

Garage doors are not indestructible

We tend to think of our garage doors as so strong and so sturdy. After all, they are so big and made of metal or wood. Here at Welby Garage Door Repair we knowhow this is simply not the case. We see garage doors regularly that are damaged, broken, in disrepair or neglected. Many things can cause a garage door to need service. Age, use, poor or no maintenance, abuse, weather and lots more. Our Welby, CO winters often prove quite cold and our summer temperatures can hit the 100 degree mark. All this temperature fluctuation can take its toll on your garage door.

Aren’t all garage door repair services the same?

Well, they all do have one thing in common; they work on garage doors. Other than that, there can be a world of difference between one shop and another. You might not need garage door repair right now. You might need a new installation for a part you bought and don’t really have the time to connect. You might be interested in upgrading your opener unit and have questions about the different models. Maybe your garage door is making alarming sounds and you would like some free estimates or a free consultation as to how to fix it. You might have had a bad experience with a previous garage door service person that makes you hesitate to call upon another one.

On the other hand, you might need garage door service right now. Maybe your teenage child backed up into your door while learning how to drive. You might have come home to an already open garage door and need to have this problem fixed before it happens again. The answer to all of these issues is to have round the clock access to true garage door professionals. Follow our tips and you’ll soon have one that you can work with now and for years to come.

Poll your friends and co-workers

People love to give their opinions. If service was good or bad, they want to tell others. You might start by asking your co-workers, family members and friends what they do when they need garage door repair. If you hear a plethora of bad or good things about one company in particular; make a mental note of that shop.

Check Angie’s List and the BBB

Both of these firms are privately owned and are NOT government agencies. Both sell memberships and tend to favor their own paying members. On the other hand, if problems do arise, they WILL “spill the beans” on the company in question and you can find quite a bit of information on some firms by simply making a phone call or going online and looking at reports. A particular shop or company does NOT have to be a member to be legitimate but they shouldn’t have a lot of unresolved customer disputes or complaints on file. If they do, consider this a red flag and move on to the next one!

Make some calls

Whether you need a garage door repair service right now or not, it’s always smart to have a local Welby, CO company ready to come to your aid. The goal is to find at least one shop or company that meets your standards and add them to your smart phone contacts list. Don’t be afraid of using the phone – you are not selling anything as YOU are the potential client. Ask questions and get answers! If anyone seems hesitant to answer the phone or to give you a firm answer, move on to the next one.

Ask about credentials. Is the company licensed? Are they bonded and carry insurance? Do they offer emergency help and if so, when is it available? Do they give price quotes and are they free and without conditions? Do they sound eager and helpful or in a hurry to get you off of the phone? Is their work guaranteed? Do they offer any customer testimonials or referrals?

Don’t look for cheap!

No one wants to pay more than they have to but going the “discount” way can backfire on you. If someone says that they are not licensed or don’t carry insurance because they are passing the savings on to you – run! In most cases, they are not well established or they were disqualified for a licensed and you are risking the safety of your loved ones and the well-being of your garage door by using their services. This doesn’t mean that proper garage door repair can’t be affordable – it often is! You really CAN have your cake and eat it too – just call and ask around until you discover the right garage door repair shop that meets ALL of your criteria!

Aricle source here: HOW TO FIND A GOOD GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT YOU HAVE MOLD SPORES IN YOUR GARAGE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

We don’t normally think much about our garage when the subject of mold developing comes up in conversation, but mold can indeed plague your garage, just as it can appear in any other places in your home. But the good news is, if you suspect there is garage mold present, it’s often less difficult to eradicate it from your garage than from other parts of your house. The worst problem you’ll face regarding mold removal ~ besides applying the correct disposal methods and taking the proper safety precautions ~ is making sure that you get all of it. When it comes to your whole household, this can sometimes involve excavating of the surrounding walls and of the perimeter ~ and this can be very expensive. On the other hand, finding and removing mold from your garage walls is much easier than uncovering and eliminating mold from all the inside walls of your entire home.

The strategies needed for putting a stop to garage mold are the same as for foiling any other kind of mold. Mold grows in a dark, moist, unventilated environment. Accordingly, you’ll prevent mold by 1) making your garage as dry as you can, 2) not allowing the garage to get totally dark, and 3) making sure it’s continually well-ventilated.

Stop the Mold in its Tracks, Right Now

If your garage is not made out of metal or other mold-hindering materials, then be more meticulous to prevent mold from penetrating your garage. First, reduce the air’s moisture content. Buy an air dehumidifier. Daily, make it your goal to keep the garage well-ventilated: Leave your garage door open whenever you’re around, to air it out regularly.

Keep all moisture out, so mold won’t get a chance to develop. Water can enter if there are any leaks. Therefore, always keep the roof of your garage in tiptop condition. Allowing fresh air in, and maintaining your garage overall, will preclude garage mold from ever forming in the first place. Sunlight will also help keep mold away.

Remove the Mold from Your Garage

Garage mold can cause respiratory problems for some folks, if they’re sensitive to it. If so, then wipe it out. Eradicating mold from your garage isn’t easy. During the process, mold spores will get stirred up, which can be irritating to some people. Avoid any possible complications: Hire an expert who will do a thorough job.

Starting from Scratch?

If you’re building a brand-new garage, then build it from materials that are inhospitable to mold. First, construct it with metal (not wooden) studs. Metal studs will necessitate additional tools and expertise, but a savvy contractor with in-depth experience won’t have any trouble constructing a fine-quality garage.

Regarding siding, pre-coated aluminum or vinyl are ideal for the garage walls. If you choose materials besides wood, you’ll thwart the possibility of mold spores, and also ward off any wood-eating pests.

Take Preventative Measures: Maintain Your Garage Door

Your garage door plays a bigger part in your property’s value and curb appeal than you’d think. If you keep your garage door in good shape, you’ll protect your garage for many years to come. To prevent mold effectively, an insulated garage door makes the most sense.

If you desire to make your garage door last a long time, then if you choose construction materials of outstanding quality, your garage door will be exceptionally resilient. Garage doors these days are better than those of decades ago, because they’re manufactured according to stricter safety standards. For instance, a prime-quality garage door provides a successful barrier that maximizes heat-transfer reduction. Garage door sections and hardware of extraordinary-quality garage doors often come with superior warranties.

Lubricate. Without lubrication, your garage door springs will eventually rust, and the coils will bind. Always lubricate the garage door hinges, rollers, and springs. At least annually, before winter arrives, lubricate the springs. Don’t choose anything too heavy, because that will attract grime. Use a top-name brand; a light coating is all that’s needed. Take a close look at the garage door opener’s main gear, also, and lubricate it with white lithium grease.

Keep it in working order.

1)     Operate the garage door one full cycle (open and close), making sure it moves smoothly.

2)     Examine the automatic reversing garage door opener feature: While the door’s on the way down, grab it, giving it a little resistance, and see if it will reverse. If it doesn’t, then the opener’s sensitivity needs adjusting.

3)     If your garage door doesn’t reverse, or if you notice any other problems, hire a garage door specialist in Welby.

Keep it clean. To extend the life of your garage door, wash it at least yearly. On both sides, use a sponge with clean water and mild dish soap. Rinse well. Don’t forget the garage door opener sensor eyes: Cleanse them with a clean, dry cloth. Keep the space around the sensors free of cobwebs, dirt, and stray objects.

Keep it balanced. Twice per year, check the garage door’s balance:

1)     Disconnect the garage door from the opener: Pull down the rope, which is hanging from the opener; this disconnects the door so you can lift it by hand.

2)     The garage door should balance about 3 or 4 feet from the floor. If there’s any resistance, if it’s too heavy, or if the door still won’t stay up, the spring requires adjusting.

3)     Read your owner’s manual for how to reattach the garage door to the garage door opener.

Establish a routine maintenance schedule. Once each month, investigate every element of your garage door system. Replace worn parts. Tighten loose bolts. If you hear any strange noises when the garage door opens or closes; if you discover any problems with pulleys, wires, cables, or springs; then you must track down a garage door repair professional. It’s best to schedule an annual inspection with a legitimate garage door repair company.

DON’T EVER adjust the spring tension on your garage door by yourself! Garage door springs pack a punch, so if they’re not correctly serviced, they can cause injury or even be deadly. The bottom brackets (to which the cables are attached), the cables, and the drums all have great pressure behind them. If any components need adjustment, repair, or replacement, hire a reputable garage door technician. If you’re in Welby, Colorado, choose a trustworthy local service such as Welby Garage Door Repair.

Aricle source here: IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT YOU HAVE MOLD SPORES IN YOUR GARAGE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Spring System vs. Pulley System

Unless you are experienced with garage doors, you might not know some of the differences between the key components which work together to help your garage door open and close in a way that is smooth and controlled. Better yet, you might not even be quite sure of what the different components are which cause your garage door to operate properly – which of course means smoothly and safely. The garage door is meant to protect the items in your garage, and even to provide shelter. Many people opt to use their garage as a living space. Or at least, they decide to use their garage as a workshop. The point is, they spend time in there and they want it to be safe. A garage door provides security.

The garage door should open and close without any problem. Different parts work together to make this happen. The team at Welby Garage Door Repair provides services in and around Welby, CO. If you are in this part of the country, be sure to call with any garage door repair or installation questions. This company has provided information regarding spring systems and pulley systems, so that people who want to know more, like you, can be informed and can have information that has come from the right source.

Pulley Basics: What You Need to Know

Let’s start with some basics. First of all, what is a pulley system? What role does it play in the functioning of a garage door? Here is how garage door works in relation to pulleys: the garage door springs, specifically, the extension springs, count on the system of pulleys and cables so that they can lift open the garage door and close it smoothly. A primary cause of garage door operating failure entails the pulleys becoming worn out. This will cause the extension springs to be unable to operate correctly. What will happen is this: the ball bearings will break down, and the pulley will begin to brush against the track angle. Or, the pulley will end up splitting and the rivets will fail. This in turn impacts the garage door cables, which will stick. So the pulley has a very important job in terms of the operation of a garage door.

Pulley Problems

How can you know that there is something wrong with your pulley? One sure sign is that the garage door will open some of the way, and then just stop completely. The garage door might end up sticking, and you will hear noises that sound as though something is scraping. You might notice a cable being broken. These are concerns that are best handled by garage door repair experts. It’s a difficult task for someone attempting a DIY job. Most garage door repair experts will warn customers to be careful when trying to make repairs or changes to the pulleys. Replacing pulleys is a task that is mandatory to do when the garage door is in the open position. So now that you know some of the basics about garage door pulleys, let’s get into garage door springs.

Garage Door Extension Springs

Hopefully you see the connection between pulleys and garage door extension springs. The springs rely on the pulley system to safely do their job. Extension springs, specifically, operate by expanding and contracting when an overhead garage door opens or closes. This is unlike tension springs, which operate by turning. Extension springs use a longer cable than a torsion spring would use. Extension springs can also end up being the cause of a jerking motion with a garage door. Torsion springs seem to be the more commonly used option and provide more controlled, stable movement. This isn’t to say that torsion springs are any better than extension springs – this is just one of the differences between the different spring types. It is important that as a property owner, you have an idea of the different parts that work together in the overall functioning of your garage door. This way, you can have an idea of what to look for if you think that something might be wrong with its operation.

Most parts of the garage door work in sync with each other so that you have a safely operating garage door. When one component fails to work, or ends up becoming worn, it can cause damage to the garage door or to other parts. For this reason, it is important to have the phone number of an expert that is local to your area, so you have someone you can always get in touch with when assistance is needed. Let’s say one part of the operating system fails. The damage could be minor. You might just have to swap out one part with another. But the damage could be more severe, and it could come to light in the form of the garage door crashing down. Imagine if your springs snapped. Think about the damage which could be the end result. The spring could snap and hit a person, causing a lot of pain and injury. Or the spring could snap and break the windshield on your car. No, it might not completely shatter the windshield, but it could cause a chip that ends up leading to the glass breaking completely. If a garage door were to fall, there is no saying what could happen in terms of the damage. A child could be under the garage door when it happens. To avoid dealing with issues like these, it is important to be mindful of your different garage door parts. Welby Garage Door Repair has provided this information in an attempt to help people everywhere, not just in Welby, Colorado.

Talk with an expert!

If you think something is wrong in relation to your pulleys or springs, get on the phone with a licensed and insured expert. They will be able to come to do an inspection, and fix any potential problems!

Aricle source here: Spring System vs. Pulley System

Living Smart: DIY Garage Door Maintenance

By Staci Giordullo

 
(TNS)—You don’t have to be an expert to extend the lifespan of your garage door. In fact, there are a few simple DIY tasks that will keep any garage door looking good and running smoothly for years.

Check the tracks, rollers and hinges

It’s important to give your garage door a once-over every once and awhile.

There are a lot of moving parts on a garage door — from the chain that moves it up and down, to the rollers that bring it up, to the hinges that allow it to bend. All of these items need to be inspected for wear and tear. All it takes is for one of these items to break or go off track for the entire system to fail.

Tighten all screws and bolts
 
It’s worth paying attention to all of the moving parts of the garage door, but specifically loose bolts and nuts, which can cause larger problems. The opener is likely loud on its own, but if things are loose, such as the connection from the motor to the ceiling, the sound is likely going to be amplified. Check all the connecting nuts and bolts to be sure that they are tight.

Apply lubrication liberally
 
The biggest preventive maintenance task a homeowner can do is making sure that all the moving parts of the garage door are well lubricated.

Obviously, the less friction you have when the door opens, the less work the opener has to do, and the longer that motor will last. It’s worth noting that not just any lubricant will do, so be sure to invest in one designed specifically for garage doors.

“(Homeowners) want to use a spray grease, and if they go to the garage door section of the big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, they can usually find a good garage door lubricant,” says Jon Jacobs of Sound Door Services in Seattle. “WD-40 is not great to use for garage doors.”

Be sure to lubricate all the moving parts, such as the hinges, rollers and the bearing or pulleys.

To maintain your home’s curb appeal, it’s important the garage door looks its best.

To rid it of grit and grime, you can wash steel and aluminum door surfaces with a mild household detergent and then rinse with water. In harsh or coastal environments, apply a quality car wax to the front side of a steel door surface twice a year, immediately after cleaning, to help maintain the finish.

Paint the garage door

Your garage door is exposed to the elements the same way the exterior of your home is, but it has the added challenge of also moving and vibrating several times a day. If the paint is flaking off, this added movement will accelerate your need to paint.

Painting the garage door can likely be accomplished in a weekend. Make sure that you prepare the door for paint before you start the process by removing any dirt, caulk, flaking paint, oil, wax, mildew and rust. A steel garage door can be painted with a high-quality acrylic latex exterior grade paint. Do not use any type of oil-based paint or Alkyd modified acrylic latex paint.

Article Source: Living Smart: DIY Garage Door Maintenance

Related Article: Five Must-Know Things about Garage Door Repair