How to Manually Open and Close a Garage Door

How to Manually Open and Close a Garage Door

Like many homeowners, you assume your garage door will open and close on command. However, a power outage or a malfunctioning motor can lead to a stuck door. Still, you’ll need to go to work or come home, and knowing how to open and close a garage door manually can limit the interruptions to your daily routine.

Every garage door model features a failsafe, allowing you to open the door without using your garage door opener. This built-in process will work whether you’re inside or outside your garage, ensuring you can still go to work or school and return your car safely to your garage when you come back home. Whether your system needs maintenance or severe weather causes a power outage, knowing how to open or close your garage door manually from the inside or outside can save you time and prevent frustration when things don’t go as planned.

WHY WON’T MY GARAGE DOOR OPEN?

When you click your remote and nothing happens, there could be a few reasons for the issue:

• The power cord is unplugged.
• A power surge or power outage has tripped the breaker.
• The trolley is disconnected.
• The garage door is off its track. 
• The motor is malfunctioning. 
• A torsion spring is broken.

Some of these problems are easy to fix, and you can be back to using your garage door normally in seconds. However, others require repair, which means you’ll need a professional. While you wait for assistance, you can follow our tips to manually open and close your garage door without your remote or opener.

HOW TO OPEN YOUR DOOR FROM THE INSIDE

Follow these steps if you can’t open the door when you’re inside your garage:

1. Locate any locks or latches and ensure they’re in the open position. Otherwise, you won’t be able to raise the door.
2. Unplug the power cord to your automatic garage door opener.
3. Find the emergency release cord, a red-handled object hanging from the door center track.
4. Pull the emergency release cord downward to disconnect the trolley — the rail that connects the opener to the door. You should only attempt to operate the cable if the door is completely closed. 
5. Raise the door by lifting the handle located at the bottom’s center upward. Lift the door as far as possible, then wait a few moments to ensure it stays in place without sliding back down. Never stand directly under an open overhead door. 
6. Upon exiting the garage or backing your vehicle out, close the door by grasping the handle and lowering it to the ground. Slide the lock bar into place to secure the door until you’re ready to open it again or have it repaired. 

HOW TO OPEN YOUR DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE

If you’re having difficulty getting into your garage, you can follow these steps to gain access:

1. If you don’t have another exterior door for accessing your garage, there might be an emergency release kit (also called an outside disconnect kit) at the top center of the opening. You should also have a compatible key to unlock the kit. Outside disconnect kits aren’t standard on all doors, so it may be a good idea to call a professional and have one installed if you don’t have one.
2. Insert and turn the key and pull out the lock tumbler. Pull the cable to engage the door opener carriage’s release mechanism, putting the door in manual mode. 
3. You should see another lock at the bottom of the door next to the handle. Use your key to unlock the door.
4. Open the door by grasping the handle and pulling straight upward. 
5. Upon entering the garage, re-engage the release mechanism by pushing the lever upward with a broom handle or similar object. Use a ladder to gain easier access to the lever if necessary. 
6. Close the door by lowering it to the down position.

HOW TO MANUALLY CLOSE YOUR GARAGE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE

If you opened your garage door normally but it will not close, follow these steps to secure it for your peace of mind:

1. Unplug the power cord and disengage any locks or latches used for automatic mode.
2. Use the handle to lower the door until it is completely closed.
3. Find the emergency release cord, which should hang from the door system’s center track and have a red handle.
4. Pull the cord to disconnect the trolley and use the handle to ensure you can reopen your garage door if you need to.
5. Lower the door again, and lock it to keep everything in your garage safe.

If a spring is broken, your door will likely be too heavy to lift on your own. In any circumstance, the larger and heavier your garage door is, the harder and faster it will fall when you release your emergency pull in the open position. Always find someone to help you before you release your emergency pull so you can protect yourself, your property, your door and other people.

Even if your garage door seems sturdy, you should never stand under it, especially after using the emergency release cord. Your garage door is a heavy fixture and could cause serious injury if it falls. Keep people and objects out of the way, and contact a professional right away if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to use your garage door.

WHERE TO GET HELP OPENING OR CLOSING YOUR GARAGE DOOR

If you’re in or near Gallatin, TN, and need assistance with a malfunctioning garage door, the experienced professionals at EXL Garage Doors can help. Our team leverages more than 25 years of experience to provide full-service garage door solutions, so contact us online to request service today.

Do I Need Insulated Garage Doors in Tennessee?

If you’re considering replacing your home’s garage door, you’ve likely come across insulated door options while researching which type of door best suits your needs and budget. While you can select a standard, stock garage door that can adequately operate and protect your home, having the right garage door can offer an exceptional 93.3% return on investment, according to the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA). The right door will also improve daily living and increase energy efficiency. Not only can insulated garage doors make operations more efficient and convenient, but they’re also available in several designs, sizes and materials to fit your personal style.

Importance of Garage Door Insulation

As a Tennessee homeowner, why would you need insulated garage doors? In Tennessee, many months of the year are pleasant and comfortable, but during harsh winters, temperatures can drop to the low teens and, in the summer, reach blazing temperatures in the 100s. An insulated garage door can help your home maintain comfortable indoor conditions and prevent precious air from escaping to the outdoors.

Tennessee homes can take advantage of garage door insulation, 

Benefits of Garage Door Insulation

Whether your garage connects to your house or stands some yards away, it’s still a vital part of your home and likely acts as a storage area for your cars or belongings. Having insulation on your garage door helps protect the items in your garage that you love and need. Insulating your garage door can also save you money. The reasons to have insulated garage doors are endless, but here are some of the benefits:

• Lower energy costs: While you may not spend a lot of extra time in your garage, attached garages are still part of your home, and you can easily be losing heat or cool air during extreme temperatures — driving up your annual utility costs. The construction standards for your garage are often different than other areas of your home and can allow more gaps, leading to leakages. With a new insulated garage door, you can reduce air loss.
• Added durability: Standard panel garage doors are steel or aluminum wrapped over panel frames, which can be easily damaged by impacts and weather-related damages. The insulation found in garage doors strengthens the materials of the door, which prevents sagging, bending and ripping, and can extend the lifespan of your door. The insulation on the doors also helps them be less susceptible to warping, depending on the material they’re made of, and more sturdy when the sun faces them.
• Improved protection: During times of extreme hot and cold temperatures, vehicles and other items stored in your garage can be negatively affected. Cars subjected to freezing temperatures are unreliable and can have shorter battery lives, thickened motor fluids, low tire pressure, and unpredictable spark plugs or wiring. In warm temperatures, paints, fertilizers, cleaning supplies and vehicle fluids can change consistency or become useless. With an insulated garage door, you can better regulate the temperature of your garage.
• Better moisture control: With a regulated temperature provided by the insulation on garage doors, it’s less likely for your garage to experience significant moisture. The insulation prevents drastic temperature swings from occurring inside your garage, which stops condensation from building up.
• Increased storage space: When you have many items to store because they don’t fit in your home or are seasonal decorations, your garage becomes a go-to space for storage. Ensure your garage receives proper insulation to prevent your belongings from getting moldy or smelling like mildew.
• Reduced noise pollution: With the added layer of insulation and tightly manufactured construction, insulated garage doors tend to have less rattling than lightweight doors and will dampen sounds while the door is opening and closing.
• Easy maintenance: Garage doors with insulation are also reasonable to maintain. Their thickness makes them less likely to scratch or dent from exposure to the natural elements.
• Convenience: Have you ever had to scurry to your car because the outside temperature is unbearably cold or scorching hot? By having an insulated garage door, you can achieve more comfortable temperatures throughout your garage. You can even extend your living space to the garage by creating a more pleasant environment for working out or finishing hobbies.
• Increased home value: Installing insulated garage doors can help improve your home’s value. The added protection, energy efficiency, noise reduction and convenience of a new garage door with insulation make your home more appealing on the market.

Adding insulation to garage doors is smart even if the garage itself isn’t insulated. Overall, the added protection from the insulated doors provides many benefits for homeowners. The initial cost of installing an insulated garage door can be pricey due to the high-quality materials and depends on the size of your door, but you save money over time with lower energy expenses.

When you’re considering installing new insulated garage doors, come to EXL Garage Doors. We’re your local dealer in Tennessee, waiting to help you upgrade your garage. We ensure you get a door that meets your home’s needs while matching its style. Our team is ready to assist with your garage door insulation installation.

CONTACT EXL GARAGE DOORS TO LEARN MORE

At EXL Garage Doors, we offer a wide selection of Clopay garage doors. All our insulated garage doors are available in a variety of colors, materials and styles to fit your personal style and enhance your home’s architecture. You can even customize your garage door to best suit your needs and design aesthetic. To find the ideal Clopay garage door for your home, visit our showroom today to peruse our large selection of residential doors.

For over 20 years, EXL Garage Doors has been providing the most dependable and efficient garage door installations for homeowners throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Franklin and Gallatin. Not only can our team assist you in selecting, designing and installing a new insulated garage door, but we can also help you with any repair or maintenance needs you may have. Schedule services today by speaking to one of our team members at 615-863-5106 or by filling out our online contact form. You can also request a free service estimate.

Wooden Garage Doors: A Complete Guide

Hand-crafted wooden garage doors are made of the finest woods to give your home a beautiful and elevated appearance. With design options ranging from traditional to contemporary, wooden garage doors can be fully customized to seamlessly blend functionality with a style that complements your home’s overall design. Real wood garage doors give your property a stylish appearance that is truly remarkable. 

Benefits of Wooden Garage Doors

Wooden garage doors offer timeless elegance and an impressive aesthetic. In addition to its beauty, a wood garage door features numerous benefits, making it an ideal choice for redoing an existing door or building a new garage. Whether you’re enhancing an existing space or creating a new one, wooden garage doors come with these benefits:

• Design variety: A wood garage door is an attractive option for homeowners that combines elegance and craftsmanship for a beautiful appearance. Wooden garage doors can enhance your property’s overall aesthetic and elevate the design of your building. These garage doors also come in various design options to increase your property’s visual appeal.
• Durability: Wooden garage doors are durable and long-lasting. A wood garage door often uses sturdy and dependable woods, including cedar and hemlock. Real wood garage doors feature dependable construction in which minor scuffs or scratches are not easily visible. They also hold up well over time with continual use, withstanding dents.
• Added value: A wood garage door is a valuable addition to a home that can elevate your design and even increase property value. Garage door replacement is ideal for an older or out-of-date garage door. A real wood garage door can improve the design and functionality of your property and increase the overall value.
• Simple replacements: Many standard wood garage doors use wooden panels, letting you remove or replace only one panel of the garage door at a time. If a section of your wood garage door becomes damaged, you can easily refurbish this individual panel without having to redo the entire garage door. If the wood door is custom, or if it is fairly old, it may be more difficult to replace individual panels without the new panels looking different.
• Energy efficiency: Wooden garage door insulation can help create an energy-efficient garage door that can maintain the temperature of your garage. Wooden garage door insulation can also muffle external sounds for added comfort.

Wood vs. Steel Garage Doors

Wood and steel garage doors are both excellent options when considering a new garage door for your home. Both wood and steel garage doors come with various advantages and disadvantages. Wood and steel garage doors are both customizable and provide an elevated aesthetic to your property. Choosing what garage door is right for you will depend on what features and advantages you may be looking for.

Pros of Wooden Garage Doors and Steel Garage Doors

Wooden garage doors and steel garage doors offer unique benefits while being an excellent renovation to your property. Either option offers these advantages for your home:

• Aesthetic: Wood and steel garage doors add a unique element to your home’s design. In many cases, people may prefer the charm and appearance that a genuine wood garage door offers. On the other hand, steel garage doors can also be an attractive option for those looking for a new garage door in a more modern style.
• Longevity: While a wood garage door can be prone to damage, one of the best benefits of a wood garage door is that you can easily replace individual panels. Working on just one panel allows you to fix a damaged section of your garage door without the need to redo the entire door. While steel doors may be at risk of corrosion or rust, you can easily fix them by changing a damaged panel, as well.
• Insulation: While steel garage doors can have added inulation installed, wooden garage doors have the insulation built in. Wooden garage door insulation can provide increased comfort in your garage by maintaining a more stable temperature. Additionally, an insulated garage may be able to reduce sound transmission for quieter operation.

Cons of Wooden Garage Doors and Steel Garage Doors

While wooden garage doors and steel garage doors are high-quality and provide many benefits, there are a few factors to consider. No matter what material you choose, garage doors will naturally wear down over time and with continual use. Keep these aspects in mind when choosing either garage door material:

• Maintenance: With any garage door, you will need to perform routine garage door maintenance to ensure its durability and integrity. The average garage door is used approximately 1,500 times a year. This continual use of your garage door may make it prone to a broken hinge or damaged section. Addressing any damages or issues quickly and correctly can help ensure the longevity of your garage door.
• Installation: Steel garage doors are often much lighter than wooden garage doors, making them easier to install. When comparing a wood garage door or steel garage door, you will also need to consider if you are looking for manual function or an automatic opener. An automatic option makes operating a heavy wooden door safer. A steel door can function as a manual garage door, but an automatic opener provides convenience.
• Cost: Because a wooden garage door is a bit more complex to install, it may take more time for professionals to put in a wood door compared to a steel one. That installation time can impact the overall cost of your new garage door. Cost can also vary depending on type of wood, if custom designs are used, paint or stain usage, and thickness of the door.

Wood Garage Door Styles

A wooden garage door features many unique design options that allow you to pick the perfect garage door that complements your design and aesthetic. Different garage door styles offer various benefits to your curb appeal. Choosing the ideal garage door style, color, design and size can ensure you achieve a balanced appearance of your property’s exterior.

Traditional Garage Doors

Traditional raised-panel garage doors offer a classic style with sleek, clean lines. Raised panel is a wood-style garage door that features symmetrical raised rectangular panels, creating a unique design and texture. A raised-panel garage door comes in short and long panel options, depending on the overall appearance you are looking for.

Modern Garage Doors

Contemporary garage doors are an ideal addition to modern homes, featuring clean lines for a sleek yet functional door. In some cases, multiple materials, including wood, glass and metal, may create a unique effect and a layered garage door. Contemporary wood garage doors are an excellent way to add a stylish and fresh appearance to your home’s exterior while improving curb appeal. 

Carriage-House Garage Doors

A carriage-house garage door is often referred to as a barn-style garage door. These doors are often featured on modern farmhouses. Carriage-house garage doors have a distinctively unique appearance that combines modern lines with rustic designs. A carriage-house garage door can also complement the design of Craftsman-style homes or any home needing a rustic garage door.

Real Wood Garage Doors at EXL Garage Doors

At EXL Garage Doors, our experienced and trained personnel provide quick and efficient garage door installation and repairs. Our garage door showroom features the latest styles and designs so you can pick the perfect residential garage door style for your project. We provide the highest level of Clopay^® expertise and service to ensure our customers are getting exactly what they are looking for.

Learn more about our garage door repair and installation and call (615) 863-5106 or contact us online today.

Improving the Look of Your Home With a New Garage Door

Installing a new garage door is a valuable investment for reselling your home or improving its curb appeal. Garage doors are functional, eye-catching features of your property. When you choose a high-quality garage door that fits your home’s personality and style, you’ll see staggering results. Everyone who passes will notice your new door, and the value of your home will rise.

How Much Do Garage Doors Increase Home Value?

Remodeling.com compares home improvement projects each year and ranks them based on their cost versus their return on investment (ROI).

In 2020, garage door replacement secured the second slot for the third year running. Replacement garage doors have a 94.5% ROI. In a Clopay® survey from January 2018, 80% of realtors said that replacement garage doors increase home value. A new garage door has several benefits that directly influence how much your home is worth:

• Energy efficiency: Replacing an old garage door can lower your heating and cooling costs. New doors have better insulation, so you’ll conserve more energy in extreme temperatures.
• Security: New garage doors have added technology for your family’s safety. You can set up increased security measures and track activity from your phone. Advanced sensors keep your door from closing if objects, pets or children are in the way.
• Curb appeal: When you install a new garage door, your home gets an instant decorative upgrade.

How Garage Doors Improve Curb Appeal

Ready to pick the replacement garage door that best matches your home’s style and your household’s needs? Your choice tells neighbors and potential buyers that you care about how your home looks. The effort put into your careful decision is clear every time someone views your home.

The colors you choose for your replacement door affect your home’s curb appeal. For example, a black garage door is a modern option that makes a statement about your home. Bold colors provide excellent contrast against more neutral garages.

Replacement garage doors also come in styles that match your home’s aesthetic. Carriage house doors are a fitting choice for Victorian homes, while a glass-panel garage door can be a stunning addition to more modern homes.

Garage Doors to Increase Home Value

EXL Garage Doors sells and services replacement doors from Clopay. Our collection features every style, from classic steel or wood to fully customized doors. When you browse Clopay’s high-quality products on our site, you’ll find the perfect garage door to improve your home’s appearance and functionality.

To help you choose, use our free Door Imagination System. Upload a photo of your garage to see how your favorite styles look before installing them.

EXL Garage Doors also has a showroom in Gallatin, Tennessee, where you can see our Clopay doors for yourself right up close. At the showroom, you can ask our expert team all of your questions. When you’re ready, we’ll send our experts to your home to install your replacement garage door.

Do you want to improve the look of your home and increase its value with a replacement garage door? Call EXL Garage Doors at (615) 863-5106 or come to our showroom today!

3 Most Common Garage Door Problems

When your garage door malfunctions, call a professional for repairs instead of attempting to perform them yourself. Many replacements and adjustments carry a high risk. There are some issues, however, that you can try to remedy at home. It’s important to know the difference in difficulty between clearing the door’s photo eyes of debris and trying to replace heavy parts.

Here are three of the top garage door problems, two of which you can fix yourself and one you should contact a professional to repair:

1. Your Car Transmitter Stops Working or Acts Strange

Transmitters and remotes need batteries, so replace those first and test your remote. Next, follow the instructions in your manual to reprogram your transmitter.

If your garage door opens and closes at random, see if your remote has fallen between your car seats or somewhere else and then put it in a safe place. If the issue persists, your door might be responding to your neighbor’s transmitter. Your manual will tell you how to change your frequency to take care of this problem.

2. The Motor Runs for a Few Seconds but Your Door Stays Put

If you hear your door opener running but nothing happens, check the connection between the motor and disconnect switch. Your garage door opener has a disconnect switch so you can open and close your door manually when the power goes out. Sometimes this comes loose. Open your door, reattach the hook and try operating the door with your transmitter. If problems persist, call in a professional.

When your door opener runs for a few seconds and shuts off without moving the door, check your door for locks. If it has a lock, you’ll see bars across the inside with a knob in the middle. Turn the knob until it clicks to disengage the lock. Running the motor with the lock in place will damage your garage door, so it’s always best to make sure the lock is disengaged before opening your door.

3. Your Garage Door Starts Opening and Then Closes

If either of these things happens to you, the springs that open and close your door need replacement. Depending on your garage door, you might have torsion or extension springs. Both act as a counterbalance for your garage door’s weight, so replacing them yourself is dangerous. It’s also possible that your sensors may be out of line.

Why Garage Door Springs Break

The springs in your garage door have a fixed number of cycles before they need replacement. Excessive use shortens their lifetime, but each one wears out at some point. Installing high-quality springs ensures your springs last as long as possible. Depending on your door, you might have torsion or extension springs. Most new garage doors use torsion springs for double doors and extension springs for single doors, but older models may have tension springs. Worn torsion springs cause your garage door to open partway and then close again. The torsion springs lift your door, so your door will struggle to open after they pass the point of requiring replacement. If your tension springs break, your door will close too fast and slam against the ground. If you think your springs are worn out or broken, avoid using the door until it’s fixed.

Call Us to Repair Your Garage Door

When you experience common garage issues, call the experts at EXL Garage Doors. Eugene has over two decades of experience installing, repairing and performing maintenance on garage doors. Our team is proud to provide the Gallatin, Franklin and Nashville areas with the best service available. If your garage door needs maintenance, call EXL Garage Doors today at (615) 863-5106.

Top Garage Door Trends in 2020

According to the Remodeling.com 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, this is the third year in a row that garage door replacements have held their spot as the second-most-valuable remodeling project. Remodeling.com found that new garage doors are worth 94.5% of their cost at resale.

Modern garage door trends change yearly. Keep style, color and feature enhancements in mind when you choose your new door to maximize its value in the years to come. This guide features some of our favorite 2020 garage door trends.

Garage Door Color Trends

In 2020, homeowners are letting go of their neutral-colored garage doors. Instead of swapping your old door with a neutral one, choose bold colors that pop against your garage. Consider these colors:

• Black: Black doors make a statement and add contrast to your garage in an instant.
• Red: Red doors serve as excellent accents for more neutral garages.
• Blue: Blue garage doors look enchanting against gray and brick homes.
• Brown: Brown garage doors often imitate wood. Their warmth and class catch attention and improve your home’s curb appeal.
• Clopay Color Blast: This feature gives you the option to pick a color from Baer Paints and have it custom primed or painted to match your home design.

Popular Garage Door Styles

When you choose a replacement garage door, you get to choose every detail. Pick the right option for your home while considering what you use that space for, the importance of materials and the effect you want your door to have.

These design details and features are some of the biggest modern garage door trends right now:

• Glass windows: Windows make your garage a bright space for whatever you like to do in there. Whether you work on cars or use part of your garage as a living space, glass windows let the light in. There are a variety of glass styles to choose from, including: clear, frosted, obscure, seeded, rain, narrowed reed faugh, mirrored, tinted, plygal, and acrylic.
• Glass doors: Steel garage door frames with glass panes look modern and serve the same purpose. Some glass doors even utilize insulated glass to maintain an ideal garage temperature year-round.
• Big doors: The size of your vehicles dictates how big your garage door should be. If you store a truck, camper or other large items in your garage, choose tall and wide doors. Keep your large items in your garage to prevent weathering.
• Synthetic materials: Materials like vinyl and fiberglass are cost-effective, durable and customizable.
• Imitation wood: Many homeowners choose doors that look like genuine wood. Wooden garage doors have a warm and traditional feel. Imitation doors made of steel or composite have better insulation and greater water resistance.
• Real Wood: Some homeowners opt for real wooden doors, which we provide completely custom and hand-made.
• Strap hinges and door pulls: Accents decorate your garage door to achieve the effect you want. Place them where they make sense and ensure you have enough. If your garage door is a double, you’ll need two sets.

Replace Your Garage Door

When it’s time to spruce up your home with a new garage door, call the best professionals in Middle Tennessee. EXL Garage Doors has over two decades of experience replacing and repairing garage doors.

We have a showroom where you can decide on the perfect Clopay® garage door style for you. Our team’s expertise means we can “trick out” your replacement garage doors, too. Let us know if you want to hear more about our many options.

If you’re ready to replace your old door with one of the most popular garage door styles of 2020, give us a call at (615) 863-5106 or stop by the showroom today!

Happy Memorial Day!

This weekend we honor the fearless efforts of the brave women and men who fought for the freedom of our country. You will always be remembered!

Happy Memorial Day!

Is Your Garage Door Prepared For Spring

Barn-Style Garage Doors

Barn-Style Garage Doors

-Updated 2/21/2020

Carriage-style garage doors, often referred to as “barn style garage doors”, are one of the oldest and most traditional types of garage doors. Originally, this door style was used as a barn door when people rode horses or traveled in coaches as their primary form of transportation. A carriage door was installed over the doorway of the barn and would widely swing outward to accommodate the size of a carriage. These types of doors were then always known as “carriage-style” or “barn-style” garage doors.

Today, carriage garage doors are an increasingly popular garage door design for traditional and Craftsman-style homes because of their visually clean and pleasing appearance. In the Nashville, TN, area, you can easily achieve simple elegance with a barn-style garage door courtesy of EXL Garage Doors.

What Is a Carriage-House or Barn Style Garage Door?

In their original design, carriage garage doors were crafted from solid wood with iron hinges, large handles and hardware. For added visual appeal, many traditional barn garage doors were designed with window inserts, decorative paneling or crisscrossed, barn-inspired planking. The door was installed to swing open instead of raising upward like today’s barn looking garage doors, to easily allow coaches and horses to enter the space.

While homeowners don’t use a horse and coach as transportation today, classic carriage-house doors are still desired to create a warm and welcoming appearance. Only with today’s technology and construction techniques, barn garage doors are crafted with superior materials and design features for lasting attractive finishes, durability and convenience.

Craftmanship Materials and Colors

With today’s technology and material options, garage door manufacturers can craft carriage garage doors using the finest materials and finishes for superior strength and a long-lasting appearance. Modern barn-style garage doors are made from insulated steel or composite cladding with natural wood for a more traditional look. These garage doors feature exceptional energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and several customizable color and style options.

Our Clopay® steel carriage-style garage doors are available in four stunning factory paint finishes, as well as 100’s of custom Sherwin-Williams specialty paint colors. Or, for a faux wood finish, select either clear or peaky cypress or mahogany in beautiful stain options. Real wood garage doors are also available in a number of stains, factory and custom paint finishes, or primed so that they can be painted later.

Construction Options

Traditional barn garage doors had to swing widely outwards to accommodate the size of a horse and carriage. Thankfully, modern upgrades have reimagined the carriage-style door to suit easy comings and goings for vehicles. Typical carriage garage doors are constructed to open upward as a rolling sectional garage door, but homeowners can customize their barn garage door designs to suit your daily needs.

Hardware Varieties and Design Features

A new barn style garage door for your Nashville home doesn’t have to conform to the traditional standards of a barn door. Today’s barn garage door manufacturers offer several customization options so your carriage garage door can truly stand out and be original. Choose from several wrought iron hardware options like decorative hinges and large handles with more contemporary or classic finishes.

Your carriage-style door can stay a solid, decorative piece or include beautiful window inserts, typically installed in the top panel, to allow peaceful natural lighting into your garage. Window panels can be designed with several decorative insert options and have custom glass installed, including opaque and tinted, to suit your personal tastes.

Install a New Barn-Style Garage Door With EXL Garage Doors

With a new barn-style garage door, your home can become the envy of your neighbors and truly stand out. At EXL Garage Doors, we offer a wide selection of gorgeous carriage garage doors from Clopay with several color and hardware customization options available. Our skilled team of design and installation experts will work closely with you to find styles and materials that enhance your home’s architecture, provide lasting durability and fit your budget. Our team will also install barn door garage openers. You can also take a look at our showroom to find the perfect barn-style garage door for you. 

Request a free installation estimate today for barn-style garage doors by completing our online form or call 615-863-5106 to learn more about our barn-style garage doors and other products.

How to Open a Frozen Garage Door

How to Open a Frozen Garage Door

Winter weather and cool temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable — they can also wreak havoc on your home, including your garage door system. Cold temperatures can cause parts of your garage door or motor to seize and struggle to open, but in extreme cases of winter weather mishaps, water can collect underneath your garage door seal and then freeze and prevent your door from opening. This can either leave you stuck inside your house or left outside in the cold.

Luckily, if your garage door is frozen shut, you don’t need to wait until spring for the ice to melt. By being patient and following a few simple steps, you can release the door and safely leave or enter your home.

Opening a Frozen Garage Door

If you find yourself trapped inside or outside of your garage with a frozen door, do not try to open your door with the garage door opener or it could result in serious damage to both the door and the opener. You can quickly and easily open the door by manually disengaging the door from the opener and removing the ice that’s formed beneath the seal. While it may be tempting to save time by just forcing the door open, it could tear the weatherstripping, which would need to be quickly replaced to avoid future freezes, or damage other pieces of hardware on your garage door.

Manually open your garage door in the cold by following these steps:

• Check that nothing else is stuck or broken: Before attempting to raise the garage door, visually inspect the other components of your garage door, ensuring no other parts are broken or damaged. By attempting to open a door with broken hardware, you could end up causing personal and property damage or harming other parts of your garage door. Do not attempt to open your garage door with the opener if you suspect the door is frozen shut.
• Manually release the garage door: To safely open your garage door, you’ll need to manually open the door by disconnecting the door from the garage door opener. Disengage the door by pulling the red emergency cord. If possible, lift and lower the garage door to remove any frost or ice buildup.
• Remove ice buildup: After releasing the garage door from the opener, if you cannot lift the door yourself, you’ll need to remove the ice buildup beneath the door. One of the easiest methods is to throw some salt at the bottom of the door to melt the ice. Don’t forget to wash away the salt after the door is freed to avoid damage to the exterior of the door. You can also grab a blow dryer or heat gun and, with the tool on its lowest heat setting, evenly guide it across the icy sections until the frost melts. Make sure you don’t let the door get too hot, as it can cause damage. If you don’t have a hair dryer or heat gun, you can try melting the ice by pouring hot water over the bottom of the door or using a tool to chip away at the buildup. If you choose the hot water method, you will then have to be sure to dry up the water before it refreezes beneath the door. If you choose the tool method, be very careful so that you do not damage any parts of your garage door.

Tips to Keep Your Garage Door From Freezing

The best way to navigate wintry weather is to avoid having your garage door freeze in the first place. By performing routine tasks and preventative winter weather maintenance, you can ensure your garage door reliably opens and closes during the cold months. Keep your garage door from freezing by following these tips:

• After snow has piled around the perimeter of your door, proactively remove it and any ice buildup to avoid having the door get too cold and become frozen shut.
• Easily avoid having your door freeze shut by keeping a lining of cat litter or sand under the garage door seal.
• Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door like the springs, tracks, rollers and hinges with lubricant products specially formulated for cold weather.

Contact EXL Garage Doors for Help This Winter

Having a frozen garage door is inconvenient and potentially time-consuming. If you find your garage door refuses to open, contact the professionals at EXL Garage Doors to help you dislodge the door and perform winter weather preventative maintenance tasks. For over 20 years, we’ve been dedicated to offering the most comprehensive, helpful and friendly garage door repair and maintenance services for homeowners throughout the Nashville, TN, area.

Learn more about how to keep your garage door from freezing by calling us today at 615-863-5106 or by filling out our online form to request services.