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The Secret to Converting Your Garage into More Living Space

702Padmin on June 8, 2021

The garage is typically the best place to look for extra space in a crowded home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to convert a garage in 2021 ranged from $5,957 to $22,892. Converting a garage can be complicated and trading a usable space for more living quarters comes with risks. A garage conversion can be a lot of work, but here are some secrets to navigating this potentially costly, time-consuming project.

A Garage Can Become Any Type of Room

If you obey local requirements, you can turn your garage into any type of living space. It can be turned into a new bedroom, a studio apartment, playroom, family room, office, or art studio. You’re typically only limited by your budget, and perhaps zoning restrictions depending on your locality (to be covered later).

Finishing a Garage Can Add Value to Your Home

Converting a garage can add value to your home, depending on the extent of the work. The increase in home value can recoup up to approximately 80% of the cost of the project. However, a garage remodel can also reduce home value, especially if your neighborhood has limited street parking, the project severely limits storage space, or is illegal.

What to Consider Before Converting You Garage

Numerous factors can help determine if converting your garage is practical or even legal. Here are several of them:

  • Legal Issues: Your municipality may have technical and legal standards that differ between garages housing vehicles or storage and being living space. Requirements may include provisions to replace parking stalls and turning it into a habitable, conditioned space.
  • Permits: Building codes may require permits for building or moving walls, adding windows, and installing new sewer, water supply, and drainage lines as well as modifying your electrical system.
  • Insulation: Garage walls and ceilings are typically not insulated, meaning conditioned air will be lost and comfort is determined by outside temperatures. If there’s no insulation, drywall must be removed before insulating materials are added.
  • Heating: You may extend existing ductwork, install fan-driven wall heaters, or electric baseboard heating to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 70°F.
  • Raising the Ceiling: Garage renovations often include raising floors, making it difficult to achieve the minimum 7½ feet of ceiling height.
  • Floor Coverings: A bare garage floor is generally not suited for a living space. Homeowners often raise the floor with engineered wood, laminate, tile, or luxury vinyl planks.
  • Electrical Outlets: Wall outlets must meet the most current spacing standards, so you don’t have to reach any chords more than 6 feet from an outlet. Add or change outlets as needed.
  • Non Load-Bearing Walls: Furnaces, water heaters, and laundry areas should be hidden by non load-bearing walls for both aesthetics and safety.

Garage Remodeling Alternatives

Garage conversion isn’t always the most feasible way to add living space. If there are parking or zoning restrictions, you could go with a basement remodel, which is more affordable, but can eliminate even more storage space; or an attic conversion in which you have existing space with typically more ceiling height.

Install a New or Insulated Garage Door

People considering a garage conversion don’t often think first about their garage door. Older doors are typically not suited for supporting the conditioned environment of a living area. Your options include installing a new garage door or a well insulated garage door.

Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas

We carry all types and brands of garage doors, specializing in installation, repair, and replacement. No matter what type of project you have in mind, our technicians will help meet your goals. Call 702-637-2700 for more information.

 

What Causes Garage Doors to Randomly Open?

702Padmin on May 26, 2021

One of the most common problems with garage doors is when they randomly open or reverse while closing. Many homeowners ask the pivotal question, “Why would my garage door randomly open?” There are a few possible answers. If a garage door opens on its own, and doesn’t obey your commands, here are some reasons why:

Dirty/Blocked Sensors

Photo-eye sensors are quite reliable but also responsive to any type of debris or blockage. If your garage door randomly opens midway, check whether the sensor itself is dirty or smudged. Also check whether leaves, dirt, snow, or ice have built up around the door or near the floor sensors.

Solution: If the issue is caused only by something blocking the sensor, the solution is as simple as clearing debris, wiping it off, and ensuring it’s clean so there’s a clear signal.

Misaligned Sensors

When you’ve cleaned the sensors and still notice the garage door opening at random, check whether the safety sensors are aligned properly. These sensors work by directing a beam of light across the door opening; when the beam is blocked, the reverse mechanism is triggered. A misalignment happens when one sensor is not pointed directly at another. The receiving sensor will display a green LED if it is working; when this indicator goes off, flickers, or starts to dim, something needs to be fixed.

Solution: Push the sensors back into alignment if possible. But a technician may have to fix the sensor position or repair a bent or otherwise damaged track that has affected the sensor.

Transmitter or Remote Issue

Sometimes, you might find that the garage door opener remote doesn’t trigger a response. Transmitter issues can occur as well. Sometimes these are due to radio frequency interference. Radio waves are used to open a garage door, but a faulty transmitter can block these from triggering your door to close, or this can trigger your garage door opener at random.

Solution: Change the batteries in the remote; if that doesn’t fix the issue, try the wall panel to see whether there’s a problem with the garage door remote. However, if the problem still isn’t fixed, there may be a problem with the transmitter, in which case you’ll need a professional to inspect the system.

Damaged Electrical Circuits or Wiring

Power outages, electrical surges, and severe weather can damage electrical circuits and garage door opener parts. Your garage door can then operate erratically. Damage to the wiring that runs from the motor unit to the wall-mounted opener, and the sensors, can short circuit or lose insulation. Wires may also be damaged by rodents, shovels, or a nail or staple.

Solution: Electrical issues can be difficult to fix, and dangerous. Once you find a potential issue after inspecting the system, hire a garage door electrical professional to fix the problem.

Broken Springs

Your garage door might not close properly because a spring has worn out and broken. Garage doors rely on heavy-duty springs to support their weight and won’t close properly without them. Replacing a spring on your own is dangerous, as garage doors are heavy and an unstable spring can easily injure you.

Solution: Inspect the springs to identify any problems. Contact a professional if you see a gap in the spring or it is rusted or severely worn. Do not touch it. Have a technician replace the spring right away.

Crossed Signals

If garage door opener troubleshooting hasn’t revealed any potential causes, there may be crossed signals. This can occur when a neighbor is using the same frequency or code that’s used to open your garage door. In some cases, a nearby radio, appliance, or other wireless devices may interfere with the system, making you think you have a broken garage door remote or other problem.

Solution: Check if there any wireless devices are interfering with your garage door opener. If so, you can try resetting the code. Also, see whether your close neighbors have the same type of garage door and ask them to open it. If yours opens at the same time, reprogram the remote.

Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas

Our technicians are always available to assist if you experience issues with your garage door, remote/clicker, garage door opener, or safety sensors. If your garage door opens on its own and you can’t figure out why contact us 24/7 at 702-637-2700 and we’ll send a technician out to help.

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The Most Common Causes of Garage Door Damage

702Padmin on May 6, 2021

A broken garage door can seem like a sudden and unexpected occurrence. But oftentimes the damage is caused by common underlying issues, most that result from everyday wear and tear. By knowing what parts most often break down, you can address issues before they lead to safety concerns and expensive repairs.

Causes of garage door damage homeowners may or may not be aware of include:

Broken Springs

The more frequently you use your garage door, the faster the springs will wear out. Springs help balance the door as it moves up and down. When they break, the door may be crooked, not move up all the way, or even come crashing to the ground. Plus, a snapped spring can fling debris all over the room, potentially causing property damage and severe injuries.

Blown Fuse

A blown fuse can cause your garage door to suddenly stop. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem with the garage door opener or your electrical system. Fixing a fuse problem yourself is risky and can lead to more damage. It’s, therefore, best to call a professional to diagnose and fix it.

Dead Batteries

Many people seek major garage door repairs when all they need is a new battery. This applies to garage doors that run on batteries, which need to be charged regularly. You never want to leave your garage door with a lack of power, so make sure to charge or, if necessary, replace dead batteries to avoid further problems.

Worn Rollers

Rollers are important pieces of hardware that allow your garage door to move effortlessly on the track. Worn rollers can be a safety hazard and prevent your door from running smoothly. It may be jerky when opening or closing. Bad rollers also increase vibration, which can damage other parts including the door. Since rollers naturally wear out over time, it’s important to inspect them regularly or when there are changes in performance.

Misaligned Track

The metal tracks your heavy garage door slides in should be secured, but constant movement from frequent use can cause them to shift. An alignment problem can cause more damage to the tracks and result in a complete malfunction of the garage door. Visible track damage, bent tracks, and gaps between the track and rollers are clear signs of a track alignment problem.

Broken Cables

Garage doors are in part supported by wire cables. Every time the door opens or closes, the cables are under a great deal of stress. Over time, this can cause them to break. Damaged, decayed cables should be replaced immediately. This is much easier for a professional than a major garage door repair.

Worn Out Hinges

Hinges rarely break but they do wear out. When this happens, garage doors tend to become noisy. You can lubricate hinges with oil to help extend their life. Excessive noise can also mean other components are beginning to wear, so this should be taken as a sign to inspect the system and either lubricate or replace worn parts such as hinges, bearings, sheaves, nuts, and bolts.

Electrical Issues

An electrical problem can be as simple as a dead battery in the remote control. There are also electrical connections to consider, which may affect a sensor for the garage door opener or the opener itself. Look for frayed wires, water damage, or blocked/misaligned photo eye sensors as well. If your garage door has persistent issues that can be tied to electrical problems, the underlying cause may be with a breaker, junction box, or elsewhere in your electrical system.

Contact Precision Garage Door of Las Vegas

We provide garage door repair near you and fix all major garage door brands. Our technicians are highly trained, prompt, and arrive with garage door parts in Las Vegas to correct any issues in a single visit. Call 702-637-2700 and we’ll come and fix your broken garage door and any underlying causes.

6 Surprising Reasons Why a New Garage Door Can Be Cost-Effective

702Padmin on April 23, 2021

Investing in a new garage door is a big decision. But when repair costs add up, there’s no guarantee how much longer the door will last, and when your old system is unsafe or inefficient, it’s time for a replacement. Homeowners often balk at the idea of replacing a garage door. But doing so can be cost-effective in several ways.

  1. Appearance Impacts Value

A worn-out garage door and/or one with mechanical and safety issues can reduce your property’s value. You can get a decent return on investment upon resale if you’re selling your home. You can also match its architectural style with the options that door manufacturers offer. According to Remodeling Magazine, garage door replacement recoups the most cost of any home improvement (on average, 98.3% nationally as of 2018).1

  1. Energy Efficiency

An older garage door may not only be using more energy. It could be letting in outdoor air, causing your HVAC system to work harder, which drives up utility costs. Modern garage doors are often made of high-quality materials and are sealed against air leakage (a common focus of garage door reviews). You can even choose a model with an R-value suited for your climate, while weatherstripping also improves energy efficiency. In fact, you can continue to save energy, and money, long after installation.

  1. Safety

New garage doors come with photo-eye sensors that sense objects in the way of the door. If a ball, car, child, or pet are in the path, the auto-reverse feature will activate to prevent damage or injuries. A replacement will also protect against theft as it’s much easier to break into older garage doors. Modern technology is a benefit as well since Wi-Fi-enabled garage doors can send real-time alerts to your phone whether someone accidentally left the door open or there is a potential break-in.

  1. Insulation Helps Control Garage Temperature

Insulation is one of the perks mentioned earlier. In addition to improving energy efficiency, it can also make your garage a more comfortable place to be. Keeping outside air out and preventing indoor air from escaping can mean your garage is several degrees cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It’s then possible to spend more time in your workshop or convert your garage to a living space to accommodate a wide range of needs.

  1. Reduced Maintenance

An older garage door requires more upkeep and sometimes repairs every few months. Exposure to the elements over time may mean you need to paint it each year. Worn nuts and bolts, damaged mounts, and broken garage door springs add up and lead to other issues caused by uneven movement and vibration. Once your garage door is replaced, less time and effort will be required to maintain it, and this should be the case for many years.

  1. Warranties

New garage doors are typically warrantied for several years after installation. Any repair service you possibly need is carried out by experienced professionals. The warranty should cover defects on all parts in the system. For example, Precision Door Service of Las Vegas covers all parts it supplies and installs for up to 10 years or until your home is sold.

Contact Precision Garage Door of Las Vegas

We supply and install products from leading garage door manufacturers, including Clopay, C.H.I., and Wayne Dalton. Garage door openers, including our own PDS Garage Door Openers, are available as well; and we repair/replace springs, rollers, cables, and other garage door parts in Las Vegas. To learn more about our services, and how a new garage door can be cost effective, call us at 702-637-2700.

Source:

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/

 

Best Ways to Identify Your Garage Door Springs

702Padmin on April 8, 2021

 

Your garage door would be hopeless without its springs. Garage door springs allow garage doors to open and close smoothly. Garage doors are deceptively hefty, and the springs do most of the heavy lifting. If garage door springs are getting used every day, it is not uncommon for them to get worn out and need a replacement.

When you contact a professional garage door spring replacement service, it can be very helpful to know what type of springs your door uses.

Types of Springs

There are two main types of garage door springs. While both types have their positives, the spring you should use will ultimately depend on what is best for your garage door.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are most common for newer garage door installations. They are located on the wall above your garage door, and they run horizontally. The spring itself is installed on a metal shaft with two aluminum drums placed on either end of the shaft. The drums carry the cable that lifts or lowers your garage door, but all of the force behind the cable pull is created from the torsion spring.

When garage doors close, they coil up the torsion spring. This leads to a large buildup of tension and energy within the spring. When the garage door needs to be open, the spring releases all of this energy by unwinding and providing the garage door with the power it needs to be lifted.

Extension Springs

Extension springs usually come in pairs. They run along the tracks of the garage door and include cables and pulleys. Unlike torsion springs, extension springs expand when garage doors close. The taut springs release their tension when the doors open by shrinking back to their natural state.

Garage Door Spring Color Coding System

It is also useful to know what type of torsion or extension spring you have in your garage. Torsion springs are typically broken out into two categories: left-wind and right-wind. A left-wind spring is red and unwinds in a clockwise direction, while a right-wind spring is black and unwinds in a counterclockwise direction. It is important to know the difference between these two springs so that you know which direction to place them.

Extension springs have a much more elaborate color-coding system. The color of your extension spring will indicate how much weight the spring can lift. The colors for extension springs are:

  • Tan – 100, 200, & 300 lbs.
  • White – 110, 210, & 310 lbs.
  • Green – 120, 220, & 320 lbs.
  • Yellow – 130, 230, & 330 lbs.
  • Blue – 140 & 240 lbs.
  • Red – 150 & 250 lbs.
  • Brown – 160 & 260 lbs.
  • Orange – 170 & 270 lbs.
  • Gold – 180 & 280lbs.
  • Light blue – 190 & 290 lbs.

Take a look at the springs in your garage to determine what type of springs you currently use, and how much weight they can hold.

Contact Precision Garage Doors

Precision Garage Doors is the premier provider of garage door repair in Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Henderson. If you are having problems with your garage door springs, give us a call today!

 

What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break

702Padmin on March 19, 2021

Broken springs can cause your garage door not to work and put you in great danger. Understanding some of the reasons that the springs in your garage door can malfunction may prevent damage to other garage door parts and save you a lot of money in repairs.

Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Malfunction

The torsion springs connected to your garage door are some of the most important parts that help it lift and close properly. When your door stops working correctly, it can be difficult to pinpoint the issue, especially when it comes to the springs in the door. There are various reasons as to why garage door springs malfunction, some of which you can prevent by having your door regularly maintained.

Standard Wear and Tear

The most common cause for broken torsion springs and other garage door parts is standard wear and tear. These springs take brunt of the lifting for your garage door, which is why they can start to degrade rather quickly. If the torsion spring in your door has been installed correctly, it should last upwards of 8,000-10,000 cycles. A single cycle is the act of opening and closing the door. If you have a couple of cars in the garage or drive a lot, the amount of cycles you use can add up quickly. The limit of 8,000-10,000 cycles is typically used up in 1-2 years. Certain extended-use springs can last 3x as long.

causes garage door springs break

Improper Maintenance

While the springs in your garage door will invariably break from wear and tear, poor maintenance can cause this to occur much more rapidly. In practice, maintenance should keep your springs in good condition, extending their operating life. If maintenance isn’t done well, it’s possible the issue might be overlooked, leading to a broken spring and possible damage to the garage door.

Rust Buildup

Another common cause of torsion spring failure is the buildup of rust. This causes more friction when the spring coils move and also weakens the metal. If rust occurs more quickly than it should, the springs in your door might not last as long, which only serves to waste your money. Spraying these springs with WD-40 several times each year should keep rust at bay.  If you ever require services for garage repair in Las Vegas to address rusty springs, make sure you choose a reputable company.

Heavy Garage Door

If the torsion springs aren’t rated to handle your garage door’s weight, they will likely fail sooner than expected. A spring issue should be suspected if the door suddenly seems to become heavier. The springs support the door’s weight as it opens and closes, so if it’s heavier than usual or tilted, a torsion spring is likely worn out, which will lead to further damage and breakage if the spring is not replaced. Another symptom of worn springs is when the door closes faster than usual.

Torsion Spring

When a torsion spring on one side is worn or broken, it will put strain on the opposite spring, eventually causing it to break as well. It is important to periodically inspect the springs. If gaps develop in the coils, it means part of the spring has unwound. You should contact a professional for garage door repair right away before there’s any further damage. 

Incorrect Spring Used

Garage door springs are sold in specific lengths and wire sizes. Using the incorrect model will not only cause your garage door to not function properly. It will also likely lead to the wrong spring failing sooner than it was designed to. Standard- to large-sized doors should have one spring on either side to split the weight load. Installing one long spring across the door is not advised unless it is an extremely small, light garage door.

Contact Precision Garage Door Service of Las Vegas

We replace broken springs and garage door parts for all brands of garage doors. Our live operators are available 24/7 in case you have an emergency. Las Vegas area customers can depend on us any time their garage door malfunctions or they need maintenance, tune-ups, and safety inspections. We also install new garage doors and guarantee professional, high-quality service. To request immediate repairs or get a free phone or in-home estimate, call 702-637-2700 today.

 

When Do Garage Door Rollers Need to Be Replaced?

702Padmin on March 5, 2021

Important components in your garage door system, garage door rollers connect the door to the tracks so it can open and close properly. These rollers feature a rod and wheel design and tend to experience wear and tear over time; worn/damaged rollers can strain the garage door opener and decrease its lifespan. But how do you know when they need to be replaced? Continue reading to find out when the right time for roller replacement is.

How Long Do Garage Door Rollers Last?

Garage door rollers are rated by cycles. One cycle is defined as a single opening and closing of the garage door. Assuming garage doors are opened 3-5 times per day on average, that equals about 1,500 times per year. Rollers that are rated for 10,000 cycles therefore last from 6-7 years. They should be replaced if near the end of their rated lifespan. To be sure, check the owner’s manual or other documentation that came with your garage door system. It will tell you the service life of rollers and other components.

Importance of Replacing Garage Door Rollers

Worn, bent, or loosened rollers can slow your garage door down. It can become jerky and eventually get jammed, preventing it from fully closing. A stuck garage door can prevent you from getting in and out of your garage and provide thieves, pests, and rainwater with a way in. At the very least, bad rollers will strain the garage door opener to the point it too needs to be replaced.

Signs Garage Door Rollers Need to Be Replaced

There are a few common signs that mean it’s time to replace your garage door rollers. These include:

  • Visible damage, such as cracking and chipping.
  • A bent or loose connection between the roller rod and wheel.
  • Broken seals on rollers with ball bearings.
  • Unusual noises, such as squeaking and grinding.
  • The garage door is crooked or slow.
  • Excessive vibration when operating the garage door.

These signs usually mean it’s time for roller replacement. If the rollers are noisy, they may just need lubrication, but it’s important to check for damage or rusted rails, which must be addressed by a garage door repair professional.

Types of Garage Door Rollers

The different types of rollers on the market, and their pros, cons, and expected longevity, include:

  • Nylon rollers: The most expensive, but perform well, are the quietest and, depending on quality, can last from 12-20 years. Given their longevity, the cost of nylon rollers may well be worth it.
  • Plastic rollers: The most basic type of garage door rollers, plastic varieties last just a few years. They have no ball bearings and consist of a plastic wheel around a steel shaft. 
  • Steel rollers with ball bearings: These are the noisiest but can last 10-15 years. In older models there’s a tendency for the metal around the bearings to stretch, eventually causing the ball bearings to fall out or the roller to break off.
  • Steel rollers without ball bearings: Basic rollers that last 2-3 years at the most. However, people often choose them for their affordability and the absence of noise caused by ball bearings.

Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas

Whether you have a broken garage door roller or your door isn’t running as smoothly, contact us for professional garage door repair. We provide garage door roller replacement throughout Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Our team is working to protect customers during the coronavirus pandemic with no contact service, sanitized equipment, and social distancing, while our technicians wear proper masks while servicing your garage door. If you’re experiencing a roller problem, call the most trusted Las Vegas garage door service at 702-637-2700 today.

My Garage Door Fell Off Track!

702Padmin on February 19, 2021

Garage doors can go off-track for many reasons. In fact, this is not an uncommon problem. But it can have serious consequences if not addressed by a seasoned professional. Attempting a quick DIY fix on off-track doors will only cause more trouble.

Under no circumstances should you wait to fix an off-track garage door. Or, even worse, try to operate it. The door can come crashing to the ground, spreading debris across your garage and driveway. Being several hundred pounds, a garage door can cause serious damage and personal injury too.

A technician can often correct the underlying problem if there’s a misaligned panel or a roller has come loose. The issue may therefore be resolved quickly, which is great if your car is stuck inside or left outside exposed to the elements. Stop your garage door as soon as something isn’t right, and call your local garage door repair contractor. They can identify any of the following reasons your garage door fell off track:

Broken Springs

When a spring fails on one side of the door, the other side will be forced to carry the load. The door can then run off the track. Garage door springs are designed to last for several years. But they carry the most load of any component. If there’s a worn or broken spring, your best option is to call a professional with experience in spring repair.

Broken Rollers

Severely worn rollers can fall off their mountings. If one or more rollers are faulty, your garage door can go off track. The reason is the garage opener will struggle to open and close and the door will run unevenly, straining garage door rollers to the breaking point. Additionally, worn roller treads can cause rollers to pop out, while dirt or a lack of lubrication can cause problems too.

Loose Tracks

The screws, hinges, and bolts anchoring the track to the system can loosen, causing the track to shift as the garage door opens and closes. The track may then be unable to hold the rollers in place. In many cases, tightening parts, cleaning the track, and/or lubricating it can resolve the problem. It’s first important to examine the system to find a simple fix or determine if you need professional assistance.

Damaged Tracks

The tracks are molded specifically to accommodate the shape of the rollers. Dents can form as the garage door bumps into them, tools or equipment inadvertently strike them, or you hit a track with a garbage pail or storage container. Small dents can sometimes be fixed with a hammer or rubber mallet and a wood straightening block. Heavily damaged tracks should be replaced by a garage door repair professional.

Missing Parts or Hardware

There are many nuts and bolts that hold your garage door and its components together. If any loosen to the point they fall out (potentially causing key hardware components to go with them), you may or may not notice it. But they certainly have an effect. Any changes in function or a misalignment can cause the garage door to run of its track.

Obstruction of Track

The garage door is so heavy that any obstruction can have a big impact. It may just be a collection of dirt and dust. A rake handle can unknowingly fall onto the track. Any type of debris can make its way in there as your garage door is in motion. The best way to avoid problems is to periodically check the tracks for obstructions and to lubricate them during garage door maintenance.

Broken Cable

Cables cushion the weight of the door while supporting it. Under normal conditions, garage door cables last a long time, but wear and tear eventually lead to breakage if the cable isn’t replaced in time. The garage door can go off track when one or both cables fail. Although simple, cables serve a very important function in your garage door system.

Damaged Door

Damage to the top or bottom of a garage door panel is another reason for off track doors. A strong enough impact can force it free as well. For example, you accidentally hit the door with your car. The level of damage can vary greatly depending on the impact. Whenever the door is off the track, contact a garage door technician to assess the full scope of the damage, provide the appropriate repairs, and ensure it is safe to use.

Contact Precision Garage Door Service of Las Vegas

Our certified garage door technicians are here to help if your garage door fell off its track. We have the experience, tools, and equipment to safely restore it and repair any issue, no matter how big or small. Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Green Valley, and Boulder City, our team is trusted for high-quality garage door installation and repair as well as garage door safety inspections. Live operators are available 24/7 to take your call. Call 702-637-2700 for emergency service.

 

10 Tips for Buying a New Garage Door

702Padmin on February 12, 2021

Since a good garage door can last several decades, you might not know how to buy a new one. Homeowners often decide to upgrade so they can enjoy modern garages. But it may be time for a replacement if your garage door is crooked, squeaks, or has other issues.

When you decide that garage door repair is no longer enough, even shopping for a standard garage door comes with numerous challenges. Here are ten tips to help you get started.

1. Know the Average Price of Garage Doors

With a new garage door, cost is affected by the type of model, its size, and features, and accessories. Here, we’ll consider double 16- x 7-foot doors of different materials. An aluminum garage door, on average, costs from $1,500 to $2,000. Steel doors cost from $750 to $3,500 and include single-layer non-insulated models and units up to three-layers thick.

Wood, while its distinct look, costs about $1,200 to $4,000. A few types of wood garage doors are moisture-resistant, including cypress, cedar, and redwood, although they still require maintenance to prevent garage door issues. However, you can save in upfront costs and maintenance with a composite wood door that looks just like real wood but costs $1,200 to $2,200 on average.

2. In-Person Quote

Always have a knowledgeable salesperson visit your home. No two garages are exactly alike, so you won’t cut any corners by ordering a garage door online or by phone. Have a professional measure the opening. Its size, shape, side clearance, and headroom must be precisely measured to match your design needs. A salesperson can answer all your questions, address every factor, and help you find the most affordable option.

3. Insulated or No?

Your garage door covers a large surface area and affects the overall energy efficiency of your home. To make matters worse, most garages don’t have heating. If you have an attached garage, an insulated door is the best option for temperature control, efficiency, and noise reduction. Upgrading from extruded polystyrene to polyurethane insulation can cost up to 20% more, but raises the garage door’s R-value from R-9 to R-18.

In addition, modern units are more tightly sealed to eliminate a garage door gap. This prevents air leakage and keeps out dust, pollen, and bugs. It also helps protect your garage door and garage from the elements.

4. Add to Home Resale Value

When choosing a garage door and its features, budget according to the impact on home resale value. Garage doors tend to retain more value than other renovations. It’s also very likely you’ll get a higher sale price on your home from potential buyers. Plus, replacing a residential garage door doesn’t take much time.

5. Purchase High-Quality Springs

Torsion springs support the garage door when it opens and closes. They are rated by the number of cycles in their expected lifespan. While standard torsion springs have a 10,000-cycle rating, for a few extra bucks you can buy 20,000-cycle springs. These can last years longer, especially when you consider the number of times you open and close the garage door each day. High-quality springs are much less likely to fail prematurely.

6. Use a Professional to Install

A garage door installer may charge a few hundred dollars for labor. This is worth it because going the DIY route with garage doors can cost a lot more. There are many complex parts. Installation also requires using special tools to wind the spring. Then there’s all the work of removing the old door, discarding materials, and making sure the new one works. A contractor can do this in about four hours and address any problem that arises.

7. Purchase a Strong Motor

Unless you have a lightweight garage door, a higher horsepower motor is the best way to go. You’ll need that power to keep the door working reliably. This is one reason to work with a garage door designer, as they can help choose the right motor for your system.

8. Don’t Cut Corners on Door Quality

Poor quality can leave you with all kinds of problems, from garage door noise and vibration to reduced operating life. Inferior materials can be less insulating. That can make your garage less comfortable to work in and adjacent rooms noisy. A poor-quality garage door can even create security risks as it may be easier to break into. Therefore, investing in quality is essential, and can even ensure the door blends with your home stylistically.

9. Good Rollers Equal Less Noise

Nylon rollers are quieter and high-quality ones aren’t hard to find. While you’d think steel is more durable (and it is), it tends to corrode over time. Stainless steel rollers also cause steel to run against steel, generating more noise. Containing more ball bearings, nylon rollers are ultra-quiet. Nylon also holds up in a variety of conditions. Whatever you do, stay away from cheap plastic rollers; they’ll only last a couple of years under the weight of a garage door.

10. Purchase Door and Opener Together

When replacing old garage doors, it’s wise to get a garage door opener at the same time. An older system will fail at some point. You can have the same contractor install both, possibly with savings on labor. Some companies offer package deals on new garage doors and openers. Another advantage is modern openers are quieter, more efficient, and come with a more diverse choice of features, such as lighting, remote monitoring, and Wi-Fi control.

Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas

We install and repair garage doors of all types from leading manufacturers. Help is also available for choosing a standard garage door or custom model for your home. Whether you need help picking a material, style, or garage door colors (we have light or dark garage doors and everything in between), we’re here to help. Our repair technicians can assist if your garage door squeaks, is crooked, or fails. Contact us at 702-637-2700 for a friendly quote, a lifetime warranty, and competitive pricing.

 

How to Remove Rust from a Garage Door

702Padmin on December 24, 2020

If your steel garage door has rust, it has already begun to corrode. It is not uncommon for a garage door to start rusting at the bottom where contact with rain and corrosive materials is more likely. Don’t procrastinate if you see evidence of oxidation. It can spread quickly, reduce curb appeal, and possibly lead to expensive repairs. Fortunately, you may be able to remove the rust. Continue reading to learn how to remove rust from a garage door in Las Vegas.

Removing Rust from Your Garage Door

If you have a modern garage door, it is most likely resistant to rust. Older steel doors, on the other hand, tend to corrode over time. When you inspect your garage door, start at the bottom where rust is most likely to appear, and look elsewhere for any spots of corrosion.

To remove rust safely and successfully before there’s a serious problem, follow these steps:

  • Close the garage door and turn off the electrical supply to the garage door opener.
  • Clean the door with a cloth soaked with warm water and soap, starting at the bottom or where you see the most rust. The door should then be allowed to dry.
  • Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe the rusty section. Then use a steel wool pad to scrub the rust and help it dissolve; it’s important to be thorough as any leftover spots can spread again.
  • Using sandpaper, sand down any part of the garage door where there is rust. Continue sanding about 2 inches around areas of oxidation.
  • Use a metal bonding agent to fill any holes in the door and wait for it to dry. Sand the filled area with a fine-grit sandpaper. When the process is complete, wipe off any dust to make sure the surface is smooth and clean.
  • After the door is sanded and filled, apply a zinc chromate primer to prevent additional rusting, and wait until it is dry to paint the garage door.
  • Using a rust-resistant paint that matches the color of your garage door, apply a coating that protects it from future corrosion. It’s best to paint the entire door to prevent freshly painted areas from standing out, or flashing.
  • Some types of doors may require specific painting products or rust-removal/painting methods. Check with the manufacturer or owner’s guide if there are any specific requirements for your garage door model and brand.
  • Spray painting is commonly used for garage doors. If applying a spray paint, use painter’s tape and newspaper to protect areas surrounding where you applied the primer. You can also apply the paint directly using a paintbrush or roller (but be sure the paint is applied smoothly to avoid drips).

When Should I Not Remove Rust?

If there’s so much rust attempting to remove it risks damaging the garage door, consult a professional first. Another reason is if the door is protected under a warranty that covers rust removal. Proceeding yourself then risks voiding the warranty. Your garage door manufacturer will fix the problem at no cost anyway, so it’s best to have a skilled contractor handle the job.

Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas

Trusted to repair all brands of garage doors, we provide all the service you need to keep your garage door in top shape. We’ll take care of any rust issues as well. Our company is providing garage door repair, replacement, and installation during the coronavirus pandemic, having implemented social distancing, sanitization, and mask/PPE recommendations to protect our customers and technicians. Schedule no-contact Las Vegas garage door service by calling us at 702-637-2700 today.

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