Tip & Repair Advice for Garage Doors

Most of the time you’ll need to call a professional for garage door repair services, especially if it’s related to the extension or torsion springs. Below is a list of some common garage door issues that you can fix on your own.

  1. Check Old Springs

Look at the springs on the garage a few times a year and search for anything that is broken. You’ll notice if something is out of place if you’re checking the mechanisms on a regular basis.

2. Sagging Garage Door

Older garages, specifically older wooden doors can fall apart pretty quickly. When the door starts to sag, position square rods on the back of the door. Place the rods diagonally from the top to bottom corners as they can be tightened at a turnbuckle.

3. Replace Rollers

Make sure you repair your garage rollers! Check them twice a year as they need to replaced every seven years. If you notice the rollers are chipped or cracked, make sure to replace these immediately.

4. Fix the Weatherstripping

When the rubber weather seal strip on the bottom of the door is chipped or cracked, it needs to be replaced immediately. You can easily make this purchase at any hardware or improvement store.

5. Lubricate Any Moving Parts

Your garage door will function much easier if it’s greased up on occasion. Also it only takes about 10 minutes. Be sure to use white lithium grease on the chains and screws.

In need of a garage door? Give us a call or fill out our contact form for immediate assistance.

 

 

 

When Should I Replace My Garage Door?

Did you know that replacing your garage door increases your return on investment? However, it can be difficult to know when you should replace your garage door. If there’s a small dent or a few scrapes, does this mean you need an entirely new garage door?

Slow Door

If you garage door is extremely slow when you open or close it,it’s time for a new door. It should really only take a few moments between the time you hit the button and the time the garage door opens and closes.

Noisy

It’s easy to differentiate an older garage door from a new one since new garage doors are very quiet. It might be time for a new garage door if you notice a dramatic increase in sound.

Attractive

If your garage door is just downright ugly, don’t second guess purchasing a new garage door. The aesthetics of the exterior of your home is huge! You can easily boost your home’s curb appeal with a modern garage door.

Security

New garage doors feature security elements such as automatic reversal when the garage door comes into contact with a random object. If your current garage door doesn’t offer any safety, get a new garage door.

Constant Breakdowns

This is the biggest indicator that you need a new garage door. Not only is it frustrating to have a garage door break down constantly but it can get expensive to have it repaired all the time. At a certain point you need to ask yourself if it’s worth it to keep having it repaired.

Contact Salem Overhead Door Co. for commercial, residential and emergency garage door services!

 

How to Open Your Garage Door if There is a Power Outage

Automatic garage door openers are extremely convenient but because we use them almost everyday, we often take them for granted. When power outages occur we have no idea how to get our vehicles in or out of the garage. You actually don’t need to call anyone to repair the garage door – it’s pretty simple to get your car in and out of the garage once you figure out how.

Use the Bypass Trigger

If you notice a rope hanging on the inside of your garage, you can use this to manually open the garage. By yanking this rope, the opener disengages from the automatic system. Make sure that you use this only when the garage door is shut because if it’s open, the garage door can shut down extremely fast. This can be quite dangerous to you or the door can break.

Pull the rope as close to the garage door monitor as you can. This ensures that the rope is out of the way while you use the door during manual mode. While it does take more effort, keep in mind that homeowners have been using manual garage door openers for years.

When the Power Turns Back On…

Reattach your garage door to the automatic opener once the power turns back on. Pull the handle at the rope again and pull the door up until it snaps back into place. If you choose to push the button on the automatic opener instead, the spring attachment reconnects when the power open reaches a certain point.

If you’re still having problems with your garage door not opening, contact Sale Overhead Door Co.

Building a Laundry Room in Your Garage

If you’re looking for a laundry room and rarely use the garage, why not use the extra space to store your washer and dryer?

In the winter time, keep in mind that it’s going to be extremely cold so make sure to insulate your garage and avoid drying large items in the garage as the humidity level will increase. However, you can install a dehumidifier.

You must consider the utilities and how to upgrade the electrics. You’ll also need to hire a special contractor for plumbing and gas.

There are plenty of pros and cons to building a laundry room in your garage. For starters, you’re expanding the size of your home and increasing the resale value. The insulation also acts as soundproofing which reduces vibrations from the washer and dryer. However, the garage does get dirty pretty fast so the room needs to be cleaned constantly.

Some other things to consider:

  • Use epoxy paint on the floor
  • Paint the walls & ceiling
  • Incorporate supplemental lighting
  • Add new storage shelves
  • Get rid of any old items that you’ve been hoarding in the garage

Need a New Garage Door

If you’re in need of a new garage door to complement your new laundry room. Give us a call at 978-741-3436. We have years of experience providing both commercial and residential garage door installations and repairs.

Top Garage Door Styles

There are four types of garage doors – swing out, swing up, roll up and slide to the side. If you want a distinct look or you need the ceiling clear, use swing-out carriage-house doors or opt for a more popular option, sectional roll-up doors.

It’s crucial to choose a door that matches your house’s style. Modern roll-up doors typically replicate old swing doors as they feature faux strip hinges on the sides as well as handles which come with a deep groove in the center.

A majority of styles offer panels, trim and other ornate details. Roll-up doors provide a modern look when frosted plastic panels are used.

Wood doors are ideal if you are frequently playing basketball in the driveway because the wood can withstand the basketballs bumping up against the garage. However, they do require repainting very frequently.

Steel doors are perfect if you aren’t looking to do a lot of maintenance. This material is also inexpensive and durable. However, steel does rust so you might need to touch it up if there are any scratches.

Aluminum doors are often replaced by heavy-duty versions with extruded frames and dent-resistant materials. Aluminum is suggested for homeowners who have extra-wide double doors.

Fiberglass doors usually don’t crack or dent and they don’t rust, however, they can break with rigorous impact. Steel end caps are used with fiberglass doors because they improve rigidity.

Vinyl doors are extremely challenging to dent or break which is why they are often promoted as “kid proof.” These types of doors look nearly identical to fiberglass doors but come in select colors. They are also extremely durable and don’t need much maintenance.

4 Ways To Protect Your Garage In The Winter

Having a garage during the winter months can help protect your car & other supplies from freezing temperatures, ice and snow, but what is protecting your garage. You can protect your garage and the supplies stored there by winterizing. Here are a few ways to protect your garage this winter.

Replace Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping creates a seal between the garage door and garage door opening. Over time your garage’s weather-stripping can become brittle and cracked which will allow cold air to make its way between the door and the frame and ultimately into your garage. To fix this remove the existing weather-stripping and any remaining sealant and replace it with a new weather-stripping.

Insulate Garage Walls

Insulated garage doors will keep the harsh winter air out of your garage. Install insulated walls in your garage door. One of the most difficult parts of insulating your garage walls and doors is the installation process. The material has to fit snugly but not be too tightly packed. If you are planning on installing insulation to your garage door & walls make sure to call the professionals to ensure the job is done correctly.

Repair Garage Doors

Make sure your garage is in tip top shape before winter hits. Repair any dents, cracks or holes that could get worse during the long winter months. Sometimes, the best option is to replace your garage doors completely. If you do opt to replace your garage doors you open yourself to a wide variety of options including newly designed fully insulated doors.

Install a unit heater  

Insulation & weather-stripping protection can help keep winter weather out but if you are looking to warm of your garage door from the inside you may want to consider installing unit heater. Unit heaters area a great way to heat a garage that you want to use as a work space throughout the winter. You can choose between gas & electric heaters which usually require minimal space in your garage.

Year Round Garage Door Installation

The temperature are beginning to drop and the hats, scarves, and mittens are getting dug out of storage, it is safe to say the winter is almost here!  But just because the seasons change doesn’t mean your garage doors have to suffer.

Many people thnk just because it is winter means you will need to wait until the warm weather for any garage door repairs, replacement or installations but that is simply not true. At Salem Overhead Door Co. Inc, we provide our exceptional garage door service year round, rain snow or shine!

In fact, winter may be the time you need new garage doors the most! New England winters can be harsh and if you have not replaced your flimsy or broken garage doors. Don’t suffer through another endless winter with old garage doors, contact Salem Overhead Door. In fact replacing your garage doors now could save you hundreds of dollars on your heating bill this winter!

Maybe you just want an update to your home. Beautiful new garage doors can make the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season!

At Salem Overhead Door we pride ourselves on providing the very best in quality & customer service in the business, which is why we provide our service all year round. If you need a garage door replacement or repair this winter make sure to call the trusted garage door professionals at Salem Overhead Door Co. Inc. today!

Add Curb Appeal With A New Garage Door

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Add some curb appeal to your home with a new garage door installation, repair or service. Salem Overhead Door Company can give your home the facelift it needs.

We carry a wide variety of residential garage door so you are sure to find one that fits your home and budget. Some of our top brands include Haas Door, Wayne-Dalton, Clingerman Custom Doors, Richards-Wilcox and many, many more. All of our garage doors are stylish in design with superior efficiency that will add the style you are looking for your homes curb appeal.

Check out our Haas Door, American traditional Series & 600 series or our Cergyman custom wood doors shown above. Or stop by our showroom located in Salem MA to view our entire variety of garage door.

Keep an eyeout for our coupon in this months ValPak or give us a call today to find out all of our priced and deals going on now!

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Why You Need Insulated Garage Doors

Fall is here and that means the air gets crisper, the leaves begin to fall and the temperature begins to plummet. Soon many homeowners will be reaching for the thermostat and turning on the heat. And if you want to keep your utility bills as low as possible don’t forget about one of the biggest doors in your home, your garage door.

Opening your garage door in the winter isn’t like opening your front door, your garage door is much larger and is usually open for a much longer period of time than other doors in your home. This is why having insulated garage door is crucial for keeping the heat in your garage & home during the cool New England months.

They will keep your garage warmer

It’s no surprise that when the weather begins to cool down so does the temperatures in your garage. But by installing insulated garage doors when the temperature drops below freezing you don’t have to worry about your garage getting that cold. In some cases, cars and other equipment that are stored in your garage door are unable to start if garage temperatures get too cold.

Helps with the vestibule effect

If your garage is attached to your home it will act and a “buffer zone” between your cozy homes temperature and the great outdoors. By installing insulated garage doors this buffer zone is able to stay warmer and in turn keep your home at a constant temperature. This way every time you open the door to the garage you aren’t being blasted with cold air.

Creates for quieter operation

Insulated garage doors don’t just help with keeping heat in, they also help with reducing noise. The insulation helps to reduce noise from the outside as well as keeps the door from rattling less during operation.

Now is the time to install your insulated garage doors, you’ll be happy you did come the harsh winter months. Contact Salem Overhead Door Company today to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old Garage Door

Your garage door should last you about 25-30 years if properly maintained. But often times you move into a home and do not know the last time the garage door replaced or maybe the previous owner did not take the proper care of the garage door significantly reducing its lifespan, or maybe you just think it is time for a cosmetic upgrade.

Here are a few ways to know when it may be time to replace that old garage door.

Speed

Have you noticed your garage doors significantly slowing down? It should only take a moment between hitting the opener button and your door beginning to open or close. If you experience a delay it may be time to have your doors examined by a professional who can tell you if it’s time to replace them.

Noise

Garage doors should run smoothly and quietly. As garage doors get older a number of factors lead to an increase in noise of operation. If you begin to notice an increase in how noisily your garage door opens or closes it may be time for a complete overhaul.

Appearance

Your garage doors are some of the most prominent parts of your house that make up a large part of your home’s curb appeal. If your garage doors are outdated and out of style it may be time for a replacement. Replacing your garage doors can is proven to provide a return on investment greater than many other home improvement efforts at the same time as improving your home’s curb appeal.

Breakdown

Are you constantly repairing your garage door? You can invest in replacement parts over and over but eventually, you will reach a point where is may be more cost effective to simply replace the entire system.

Bills 

Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills? You may be losing heating or air conditioning through and outdated and poorly insulated garage door. Now garage doors have an installation to help keep your heat or AC where it belongs in your home.

If you are noticing one or more of these factors with your garage door it may be time for a replacement. Contact Salem Overhead Door Co. Inc. today, one of our skilled technicians will come out to your home or business and perform a full inspection to determine if a garage door replacement is necessary.