Preparing for Winter With Garage Door Maintenance
Most homeowners’ garage doors are the main entrance to their homes. Imagine coming home after work or running errands, preparing to relax and enjoy quality time with your family, and clicking your garage door remote only to find the garage door won’t budge. Being exposed to extremely cold temperatures, cool winds and excess moisture, it’s fairly common during the winter in Tennessee for your garage door to freeze shut.
Although finding your garage door frozen closed is inconvenient, this occurrence can be easily avoided by taking the time to winterize your garage door to ensure it functions smoothly and prevent inconvenient breakdowns before the temperature drops.
The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance for Winter
Cold weather can affect the performance of your garage door in many ways. Metal parts contract, causing springs to weaken or snap, while moisture can lead to rust or damage to the weatherstripping. By learning how to winterize your garage door, you can extend its life span, prevent unnecessary repairs and ensure it operates smoothly all winter. Additionally, having an insulated garage door improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss from your home.
How to Winterize Your Garage Door
Your home’s garage is used daily to facilitate safe and convenient entry to your home and store important items like your vehicle, paints and chemicals. Winter weather that seeps into your garage can wreak havoc on your possessions and garage door system, possibly allowing the parts to wear and freeze shut, leaving you stranded outside your garage or trapped inside.
Keep your garage door functional and reliable this winter by performing the following garage door maintenance tasks.
Inspect for Damage and Repair Leaks
Besides the weatherstripping, check your garage door for signs of damage, like cracks or holes that could also allow water into your garage. Also, check that there are no other areas of your home that could impact the quality of your garage, such as clogged gutters, cracked and uneven concrete or poor drainage.
Winter can reveal or worsen minor issues, such as cracked panels, rusted hardware or misaligned cracks. Check for any visible damage, leaks or areas where moisture could seep in. Sealing gaps and addressing these issues early ensures your door won’t fail when temperatures drop. Like poor-quality weatherstripping, any area where water can leak into your garage can negatively impact several pieces of hardware or cause your system to freeze and refuse to open.
Seal the Garage Door and Replace the Weatherstripping
One of the simplest ways to winterize your garage door is by inspecting and replacing old or cracked weatherstripping. The weatherstripping on the bottom of your garage door prevents pests, debris, outdoor elements and water from entering. But with regular use, it will eventually become worn and cracked. Once the weatherstripping is damaged, water can seep into your garage. On a cold night, this water will freeze underneath the garage, preventing the system from opening. Make sure the bottom seal is snug and replace any worn section for optimal protection.
Lubricate Moving Parts
To ensure your garage door always functions dependably, professionals recommend lubricating all moving parts several times per year, especially before the winter season. Use regular-grade machine oil and coat the moving parts of your garage door, including the rollers, track, hinges, bushings and springs. These pieces of hardware can become corroded over time or tighten and stall when the temperature is cool. By keeping them lubricated, you can reduce wear and tear and prevent premature replacement.
If you’re unsure which type of lubrication to use for your garage door, consult with your local garage door professionals to determine which products work best for your system.
Noise Reduction Strategies
If your garage door makes excessive noise during operation, winter is the perfect time to address it. Tighten any loose bolts and lubricate metal components to reduce friction and prevent squeaks, groans or grinding sounds during use.
Remove Track Buildup
Garage door tracks allow the door to raise and lower smoothly and efficiently as needed. But over time, grease buildup and other debris can clog the track and impact the door’s functionality. Too much dirt and buildup in the track will eventually prevent the door from opening or closing. Before winter, clear out any debris to ensure your door always works as expected.
Insulation Solutions
If you’re tired of your garage feeling like an icebox, consider installing an insulated garage door. Insulated doors help regulate the temperature inside your garage, reducing energy costs and protecting any items you store from extreme cold. Adding insulation to an existing door is also an option — just ask our experts for advice.
Preventing Freezing and Remote Control Maintenance
Ice buildup can freeze your garage door shut, leaving you stranded. To prevent this, apply salt or a de-icing solution along the bottom seal. Also, keep your remote control functioning properly by storing it in a warm place when not in use, as extreme cold can affect battery performance.
Purchase a Battery Backup
When a winter storm whips through central Tennessee, there’s a chance the power in your home may go out. Not only is a power outage inconvenient and potentially hazardous, but it also means your garage door cannot open. Many garage door openers are compatible with a battery backup. Some newer garage door openers also come with a battery backup feature installed. If you’re stuck in a storm, you will find that a battery backup is a worthwhile investment.
Investing in a battery backup system ensures you can still open your garage door during a power outage — a common occurrence in winter storms. Be prepared by having an emergency plan in place.
If your power goes out and you do not have a battery backup, to safely get out of the garage, you’ll have to disconnect your garage door from the opener and manually lift it. Easily disengage your door from the opener by pulling the red emergency cord, then lift the door open from the bottom. Once power has been restored, you can reconnect the door to the opener.
Professional Service Benefits
Hiring professionals for winter maintenance guarantees that your garage door is inspected, repaired and prepared for winter by experts. EXL Garage Doors offers specialized services to winterize garage doors, ensuring they are in peak condition all season long.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Create a regular maintenance schedule to stay ahead of potential issues. Routine inspections every few months will help you spot problems early, improve safety and keep your garage door running smoothly.
Choose EXL Garage Doors for Maintenance Before Winter
Don’t get stuck outside this winter with a frozen garage door. Instead, contact the experienced professionals at EXL Garage Doors to help you perform winter-weather garage door maintenance. For over 23 years, we’ve been the best and most knowledgeable garage door professionals throughout the Nashville, Gallatin and Franklin, TN, areas. To schedule garage door maintenance services, call us today at 615-863-5106 to speak to a team member or complete our online form to request a free service estimate.
How to Program Your Garage Door Opener Remote
Unlike most things related to garage doors, programming garage door openers and remotes is something most people can do on their own. Once your door and opener are professionally installed, syncing your opener and remote should only take a few minutes. Learn how to program most garage door opener remotes and be on your way to a safer, more convenient garage experience.
How to Program a Garage Door Opener
Before you set up your remote, it can be helpful to check over the opener and make sure everything is in order. Is it clean and free of obstructions? Does it need any kind of maintenance or repairs? Is it properly connected to the garage door? By checking all this before connecting your remote, you can avoid needing to recalibrate in the future.
When you’re ready to program your garage door opener and remote, you will need to find the “learn” button on the opener. It may also be called “programming.” You may have to remove the opener’s light cover to see it. Once you locate that, you are ready to connect them.
Syncing Your Garage Door Opener Remote
While the remote opener is something of an afterthought to most people, it is the vital aspect that directs the opener to do what you tell it to. Without the remote, you can’t communicate with the opener, which leaves you unable to open or close your garage. Here’s how to find the right remote and connect it to your system.
Step 1 — Choose Your Remote
If your garage door opener did not come with a remote or you want to program a different one, you have many options:
- Traditional fob remote: Most garage doors come with a traditional opener remote that you can program to your liking. It will have a couple of buttons for opening and closing your door and other features like lighting. You may also get a fob remote with your opener, or you can buy a universal one, which operates similarly and has an attached keyring.
- Keypad remote: More and more garage door openers are also coming with keypads, which add an extra layer of security to your entryway. Some of them even come with cameras and microphones so you can see everything that happens on your property and take action immediately.
- Car remote: If your primary use for your garage is parking your car, it makes sense to connect your opener to the car’s internal remote system, if it has one. Most car remotes are similar to traditional remotes in that they have the same buttons for you to program.
- App remote: Some modern garage door openers may even have an app you can use instead of a physical remote. To connect an app to your garage door opener, follow the directions on your smartphone or mobile device.
Step 2 — Gather Your Equipment
Next, it will be helpful to have these things close at hand as you get started:
- Your opener and remote: You will need to operate both of these to complete the connection.
- The user manual: If you can find the manual for your opener or the remote, it will probably have its own set of directions to help you pair it.
- A ladder: If your garage door opener is mounted on the ceiling, make sure you have a ladder to reach it.
- An assistant: Finally, ask someone to be with you in case you need assistance, especially if you are working on a ladder.
Step 3 — Activate the Opener and Remote
Now, it’s time to get to work. Set yourself up near your garage door opener with your remote of choice and:
- Press the “learn” or “programming” button on the door opener until it lights up or starts flashing. From here, you’ll have about 30 seconds to complete the sync.
- For traditional remotes and older opener models, choose the button on your remote you want to represent the “open” command and press it. Your opener should respond with a flash or sound.
- Newer models or models with keypad remotes may request you enter the code the opener will give you. In this case, enter the code and follow the directions.
If that doesn’t work, now may be the time to consult your assistant, the user manual or a professional.
Step 4 — Test Your Results
Once you’ve completed the pairing process, wait a minute and test your remote. If they’re paired, your garage door should open up in seconds. Now, you’re ready to use your garage for storage, protection and more!
Find the Right Equipment at EXL Garage Doors
EXL Garage Doors has spent over 23 years working with families and professionals throughout Tennessee. We create, install and maintain the best-looking, reliably performing garage doors in the state. If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door with a new opener and remote, our selection offers plenty of opportunities to optimize your property. Request an estimate or visit our local showroom to learn more about your options.
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 garage door motor can lead to a stuck garage 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 garage door repair service, which means you’ll need a professional garage door technician. While you wait for assistance, you can follow our tips to manually open and close your garage door without your garage door opener or remote.
HOW TO OPEN YOUR GARAGE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE
Follow these steps if you can’t open the door when you’re inside your garage:
- Locate any locks or latches and ensure they’re in the open position. Otherwise, you won’t be able to raise the door.
- Unplug the power cord to your automatic garage door opener.
- Find the emergency release cord, a red-handled object hanging from the door center track.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 GARAGE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE
If you’re having difficulty getting into your garage, you can follow these steps to gain access:
- 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.
- 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.
- You should see another lock at the bottom of the door next to the handle. Use your key to unlock the door.
- Open the door by grasping the handle and pulling straight upward.
- 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.
- 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:
- Unplug the power cord and disengage any locks or latches used for automatic mode.
- Use the handle to lower the door until it is completely closed.
- Find the emergency release cord, which should hang from the door system’s center track and have a red handle.
- Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the trolley and use the handle to ensure you can reopen your garage door if you need to.
- Lower the door again, and lock it to keep everything in your garage safe.
If a garage door 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
