At the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we’re focused on bringing our customers the highest-quality garage doors regardless of what type of project they are looking to create. While this blog usually focuses on residential projects, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky also has a fantastic selection of commercial garage doors to fit businesses of every shape and size, and, today, we would like to take the time to discuss the differences between the two types.
The Size
It does not take a brain surgeon to figure out that commercial garage doors are generally larger than their residential counterparts. The average residential garage door is between seven and eight feet tall and eight to sixteen wide depending on whether it is a one or two-car garage. Commercial garage doors, on the other hand, can be double, or even triple, in size. For instance, our Model 600 Rolling Door is scalable up to 16×16 feet while our Stromtite Insulated Rolling Door is expandable up to 30 feet both ways.
The Materials
Commercial garage doors take some serious punishment. Therefore, the materials on a commercial door are even more rigid and dent-resistant. Our commercial garage doors are made of everything from aluminum to galvanized steel. Some models even include our Thermacore® technology. Depending on the situation, they might even be heat resistant.
In addition to the door itself, the rollers, tracks, and spring are all made of the strongest materials we carry. The reason being is the usage rate is much higher than that of a residential door. In fact, the difference is astronomical. While a standard residential garage door is opened a few times per day, large warehouses can see their doors rise and fall as many as 50 times per day.
Cost
As you might imagine, there is a difference between the cost of residential and commercial garage doors due to the higher-grade materials and the custom sizing for the larger doorways. Business owners should also factor in the cost of service. As with everything else on your custom, commercial garage door, taking care of it is going to cost a smidge more.
If you have any additional questions on how these garage doors differ, or you are a business owner looking to purchase a commercial door of your own, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky.
Last month, we talked about how to keep you safe from your garage door. For July, The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky is here to show you how your garage door keeps you safe from the outside world. Below are a few helpful suggestions about the precautions you can take and the upgrades you can make in order to turn your home into an impenetrable fortress.
Eye in the Sky
Nobody wants to get caught on camera doing something they shouldn’t be – least of all criminals. Just the idea of spending a few years in the state penitentiary is enough to make them reconsider doing just about anything. Adding a security or video surveillance system is one of the easiest ways to deter any would-be burglars from making your home a target.
If you are not looking to pay a monthly service fee, you might want to consider the discount version – a fake camera. Nobody needs to know it is not connected to anything and it should do a solid job of spooking any criminal that catches a glimpse of it.
OHD Anywhere
Like turning off lights or grabbing our lunch from the fridge, closing the garage door is something we all forget to do from time to time when we are on our way out the house. Now, thanks to the OHD Anywhere® app, you don’t have to worry about driving home to correct your mistake.
The app is simple. All you need to do is attach the OHD Anywhere® sensor to your garage door and download the corresponding OHD Anywhere® app. Once everything is in place, you have full control over your garage door from anywhere. Not only that, but the opener gives you a full history of all your comings and goings.
Stay Frosty
Inlaying a beautiful set of windows is an easy way to give your home some added curb appeal. Adding windows also makes it easier for passersby to take a look inside and see if there is anything that tickles their fancy.
An Alternative? Frosted glass. Sand-blasting gives these windows their translucent appearance, which makes it impossible for intruders to make out what you have stored in your garage.
Hide Your Openers
It should go without saying but make sure to put your remote garage door openers in a safe place whenever you leave your car unattended – especially if you park your vehicle on the street during the evening. It might not be as easy as placing it in the cupholder, but we think the extra effort is worth keeping your vehicle safe.
For more home and garage door security tips, or to upgrade current setup, contact the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky.
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-07-01 11:00:492019-07-01 15:52:11Create the Safest Garage Door Possible
Almost everyone has fallen victim to the trap of thinking they’re a handyman (or woman). You believe something is just a quick fix and you either a) end up breaking said item b) hurting yourself or c) all of the above. At the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we’re all too aware that this happens with garage doors way more than it should. So for Garage Door Safety Month, we’ve listed a few points that will make you reconsider the next time you’re thinking of going all Home Improvement on your garage door.
Number Don’t Lie
The numbers vary a bit, but according to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) – a database maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on all consumer product-related injuries – approximately 10,000 Americans are injured per year in garage door-related accidents. Almost three-quarters of those accidents are due to people putting their limbs in the wrong places at the worst times: fingers between panels, next to the springs, or underneath the rollers. Ouch! On top of that, a large chunk of these come during unsupervised repair attempts.
Don’t Be A Stuntman
In addition to the reckless DIYers mentioned above, there are people who attempt to get creative in the ways they mess with their garage doors. They hang on them like they would playground equipment and try slide underneath them in order to act out some sort of Indiana Jones-style fantasy. Unsurprisingly, this does not end well. An additional 800 injuries occur due to these types of stunts. Just a gentle reminder: YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS NOT A TOY!
Safety Extends To You And Your Home
The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky doesn’t just want to keep you safe from your garage door, we want your garage door to you safe from everything else. The OHD Anywhere® app does just that. Simply connect the sensor to your garage door and you now have full control. OHD Anywhere® allows you to open and close your door with everything from your tablet to your smartphone. No more nervously worrying whether you forgot to hit the opener on the way to work. It also tracks when your garage door is opened. That way, you can keep track of your kids trying to sneak in or out of the house past curfew.
Leave It To The Pros
Diagnosing an issue with your garage is a relatively easy thing to do. It’s either making a funny sound, not opening properly, or not opening at all. Fixing a garage door though? Now, that’s a whole different story. We always recommend calling a professional before breaking out the toolbox and trying to handle it on your own.
In fact, the only test we recommend you run is the 2×4 test. Designed to test the reversing mechanism, it’s as easy as placing a board in your garage door’s path and hitting your opener. If it does not reverse before reaching the board, then it’s once again time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company.
For all the do’s and don’ts regarding garage door safety, or to set up an inspection, call the experts at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today.
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-06-03 08:00:322019-05-14 20:49:54Staying Safe Around Your Garage Door Is As Easy As 1-2-3-4
At the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we want to make sure that you are prepared for every season. Summer is no different. Below, we’ve listed a few tips and products to keep your garage cooler and more hospitable for you, your family, and maybe even a few guests. Read on to find out more!
Colors Count
We’ve talked about how painting your garage door can draw the eye, but color can also serve a practical purpose. You’ve probably heard it before, but light colors reflect light and dark colors absorb it. Simple, right? Consider lightening your garage door a few shades with a fresh coat of paint or swap it out for something made of a lighter wood like a door from our Carriage House Collection.
The Last Airbender
Have you ever walked into your garage and thought “why, is it hotter in here than outside?” The answer is simple – stagnant air. Unlike every other room in your home, your garage does not have the luxury of being pumped full of air conditioning. But fear not, you still have plenty of options when it comes to keeping it cool.
The easiest solution? Install a ceiling fan to keep the air circulating. Even better, consider a ventilation fan. These cost-effective units can suck the hot air right out of your garage door and send it back where it belongs – the outdoors.
To go along with that, you might want to think about partnering your new fan with a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from the air means that the heat will no longer have something to cling to.
Turn It Into a Guest Room
With services like Airbnb becoming more prominent, it’s now easier than ever to make some extra cash by turning your home into a makeshift rental space. If you are not comfortable with that, you can rent out the next best thing – the garage.
Your guests are going to expect more than just a mattress on a floor and an outlet to charge their phone (actually, some might not). Making the room more marketable to prospective renters is as easy as making a quick trip to Ikea. Add a bed, nightstand, maybe a window (which will also help with the airflow), and a rug. Topping it off with a Wind Load door to make your garage feel less like a place where you store your car and more like a cozy bed and breakfast. It won’t be the Four Seasons, but it will make your home into a solid, option for folks traveling on a budget.
Insulation Isn’t Just for the Winter
Insulation normally comes to mind when you’re thinking about the winter but it can be a godsend during the summer months as well. Not only is something like our Thermacore technology perfect for preventing your car from becoming an ice cube during the winter months, but a properly sealed garage door can also keep the sun’s heat from creeping inside and upping your cooling costs.
If you’re looking for more ways to prep your garage for summer, or if you want to upgrade to one of the garage doors mentioned above, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today!
(270) 554-5126
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-05-06 08:00:022019-04-29 20:53:57The Summer Garage Door Overhaul
Springtime is the perfect opportunity to get out and get going on any home improvement projects you might have. It’s also the perfect time to make a few upgrades to your garage door. The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has put together a list of things you might want to consider adding, upgrading, or, at the very least, checking out on your garage door while the weather is perfect.
Weatherproof Now
Even though the mercury is rising and winter may be the furthest thing from your mind, it’s good to do a little bit of planning to prepare for when the cold returns. Consider adding a weather seal to the bottom of your garage door. This heavy-duty strip of rubber does just as good a job at keeping out the snow and cold in January as it does the showers in April.
If you’re looking to go bigger, it may be time to upgrade to a Thermacore® door from the Overhead Door Company. This series of doors features our sandwich construction of steel-polyurethane-steel as well as between-section seals with thermal breaks to reduce air infiltration. That means when you close your garage door, you’re truly sealing out all the elements.
Pay Attention to More Than Just the Door
Torsion springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks are vital to your garage door working properly, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. While making sure your door is sealed for when the seasons change, check on these lesser-known parts as well. While it’s important to make sure these elements are working properly, it’s not something you should try to do yourself – after all, they do have the tension that comes along with holding up a heavy garage door. Always make sure to call a trained professional in order to avoid injury.
Install a Keypad
Even if you already have an opener in every car – and one in the kitchen drawer for safety – a wireless keypad outside your home can still be a wise investment. Despite your best efforts, there will always be those times when one of your openers seems to magically disappear and in those instances, you don’t want to find yourself locked out.
It’s also a great addition if you have kids. Now you don’t have to worry about them forgetting the opener when they leave the house. They can simply punch in the code whenever they return.
Enough with the Noise
What’s the worst part of most garage doors? It’s gotta be the sound, right? Unfortunately for most folks, they don’t have the Legacy® 920 Belt Drive Garage Door Opener. This powerful 24-volt motor has enough juice to silently lift any garage door up to 500 pounds with hardly a peep. That means no more notifying the entire neighborhood when you’re headed into the office extra early on a Monday. Plus, with a battery backup and smartphone capabilities, you’ve got plenty of options to choose for what you want to use as your remote opener.
Interested in finding out more about garage door upgrades? Call us at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky for more tips or to set up your appointment today!
Curb Appeal. The technical definition is the attractiveness of a property for sale and its surroundings when viewed from the street. Translation? It’s when a house has some pop! The easiest way to add to the curb appeal of your home? Sprucing up your garage door! Think about it, it’s the largest, most visible item on the front of your home and it’s usually the first thing people see when they drive by.
Adding visual intrigue to your garage door has its advantages, especially when it comes time to sell. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has listed a few tips to bump up your home’s style to help you attract a few more eyes and dollars when you decide it’s time to move.
A Home Improvement Project That’s Actually Worth the Effort
According to Remodeling.net, adding a new garage door is the number one return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. Adding windows, a new set of hinges, some interesting light fixtures, or a tasteful finish will instantly make your garage door look more distinguished.
And there’s no easier way to figure out which features you want than by using the DoorView® Garage Door Designer App. It’s simple, just upload a picture of the front of your home and start experimenting with our massive selection of garage door styles and features.
Add a Little Color
Slapping a fresh coat of paint, possibly even in a bold color like burnt orange or light blue, will instantly brighten your garage door and set it apart from every other one beige or brown one on the block.
If you’re looking to get even more adventurous, you might even consider our Envy™ Model 956. These doors combine aluminum with glass paneling to instantly give your home the sleek, modern feel of that trendy restaurant you’ve been trying to get reservations at for weeks.
Before You Do Anything, Clean
We’re not just talking about taking a broom and sweeping away the cobwebs and dust around the edges of your garage door – we’re talking about giving it a true deep cleaning.
Consider renting a power washer. It’s amazing what a simple high-powered stream of water can do. When used correctly, it removes dirt and grime that can build up over the seasons leaving certain parts of your home (i.e. your garage door) looking dull. Blasting it with the power washer will not only leave it sparkling clean, but it also makes it easy to paint and upgrade.
If you’re looking for any additional tips on how to add curb appeal to your home, or if you’re looking to upgrade your garage door call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today.
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-03-08 13:20:032019-03-14 16:42:47Curb Enthusiasm: How to Make Your Garage Door More Eye-Catching
We’re in the home stretch of winter folks. That means slushy, sleety, wet, windy, and all-around gross weather is on its way out the door.
Last month, we here at the Overhead Door Company of W Kentucky went over some ways to help you maintain your garage door during the winter. However, to help get you through these fleeting, frosty February days, it helps to know a few additional tricks to keep it from freezing shut.
Sometimes, You Just Gotta Shovel
Shoveling is a pain. We’re not trying to argue otherwise. But there’s a reason we throw on our snow gear and scrape our big plastic shovels against the concrete – it works. If you don’t want your garage door to freeze, you have to try your best to keep it clean. Just brushing away excess ice and snow in between the times when you go out to shovel the full driveway is usually enough to prevent the build-up that causes garage doors to freeze shut.
Feel the Heat
If you keep your garage door clean on the outside, you might as well try to keep it warm on the inside. Keeping a pair of small, sturdy space heaters handy will not only make the morning trudge to your car a bit easier, they’ll also help to keep the weather seal (that’s the fancy name for that thin piece of rubber on the bottom of your garage door) from cracking and the battery in your opener from draining – just make sure to be mindful of the cords and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Look in the Pantry
Ice melt is helpful to have around for the entire winter yet it’s something we usually don’t think about until it’s too late. In those instances when you need something to break down icy build-up, look no further than your pantry for assistance. Both table and Kosher salt are serviceable replacements for the heavy-duty stuff. Just sprinkle a little seasoning near the weather seal, let it marinate and watch as your garage door returns to its former glory.
Just Add Water
If you do go outside one morning and find that your garage door has frozen shut, it’s time to double down on the H2O. Pouring a small amount of warm (not boiling!) water on the weather seal could be the answer to unsticking it and preventing you from having to take more drastic steps.
If you’d like any additional tips or think you might need to replace the weather seal on your garage door, call the trained professionals at the Overhead Door Company of W Kentucky today!
(270) 554-5162
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-02-05 02:11:112019-02-05 02:11:11Simple Tricks to Keep Your Garage Door From Freezing Shut
What’s the easiest way to make a cold winter day even worse? A garage door that doesn’t work. Luckily, we here at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky have seen every sort of garage door disaster imaginable and we know how to prepare for all of them. By following the easy precautions below, your garage door will not only survive but thrive during the later winter months.
The Details Matter
If you used Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky to design your dream garage door, chances are, you put some thought into the details. Maybe you added some windows, interesting metal work, or a particular handle. Regardless of the features, you took your time to make sure that you got the exact look you desired. Don’t let these details fall by the wayside. Take the time to make sure that those windows are properly sealed, the metal is polished, and the handle is free of any snow or ice. After all, they looked amazing when you purchased them, and you want to keep them that way.
Keep It Clean
In case you haven’t heard, wood and water aren’t the best of friends. Same goes for steel and H2O. In addition to harming the functionality, the aesthetic damage to your garage door can be considerable during the frosty months. Warping, rust, and water damage can all be prevented by washing your garage door with a mild cleaner and giving it a wipe down with a soft towel. Just make sure to save this for one of the days when you don’t have to throw on a parka to do it.
Grease it Up
Ensuring your garage door’s moving parts – the rollers, tracks, springs, and hinges – are properly lubricated is imperative during the cold, snowy month. The elements can cause corrosive damage and buildup on everything listed above. This, in turn, leads to friction in your system and your motor having to work much harder than it should. Putting in the effort by adding a little elbow grease – and, in this case, literal grease – can go a long way. Spraying your system, with a thin, even coat of a lubricant like WD-40 should do the trick.
Check the Balance
Balance probably isn’t something that springs to mind when you’re thinking of garage door maintenance. If you think about it, when you’re pulling something straight up that weighs a few hundred pounds, you ideally want to spread out the weight as evenly as possible. Alas, it’s not always that easy during winter time. The combination of water and cold air can cause the metal elements of your garage door to warp which can lead to one side pulling more than the other. If you think this might be the case, check to see, but never, in any circumstance tinker with your setup yourself as doing so can be extremely dangerous.
If you are in need of any repairs, a replacement door, or would like to get more information on how to keep your garage door in tip-top shape this winter, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky at the number below.
(270) 554-5162
https://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://odcpaducah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_wk_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-01-08 18:18:582019-01-08 18:18:58Winter Garage Door Maintenance
Prior to creating your wintery oasis, ensure that all decorations selected for outside display are designed for outside use.Although you may want to use indoor and outdoor lights interchangeably, they are designed to work in certain environments.For example, outside lights are able to withstand windy conditions whereas indoor lights are safety tested to prevent overloading your Christmas trees.
When selecting which electrical cord is best suited for your decorating arrangement, be sure to inspect its insulation to ensure the wrapping is intact.If the protective covering becomes separated from the wires, you can run the risk of possibly causing a power shortage, starting a fire or creating a shock hazard than can cause serious injuries.
All outdoor lights and electric decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).The GFCI helps to thwart electrocution by monitoring the electricity flowing in an out of a circuit and will automatically turn off the power if it detects an irregularity.
Inside Considerations
If you choose candles as a means of creating seasonal ambiance, be sure to keep in mind that they should never be placed near anything that can easily catch fire to include books, bedding, curtains, carpets, etc.
Should your household have the tradition of using a real tree, be sure to water it daily.Dry or brittle needles combined with damaged lights can be recipe for fire.Please keep in mind that the larger the tree, the more water needed to maintain its lush appearance, fresh pine fragrance and avoid a potential fire hazard.
Typically we would encourage you to recycle however, when it comes to gift wrap, simply throw it away as opposed to discarding it into your fireplace.The reason being is because, when burned, these metals can either set off unexpected sparks – similar to those of fireworks – or create airborne particulates which can expose your family to range of health risks.
Things to Keep in Mind
Inflatables and other major appliances – such as your 20’ pre-lit, outdoor snow globe – should only be plugged directly into a dedicated socket.This important step will ensure enough power is available without overloading your entire system.
Relying heavily on extension cords is a clear indication that you need additional outlets.Having a qualified professional address your needs is a lot less stressful and less expensive than realizing and addressing an issue after a major catastrophe.
Refrain from keeping outside and inside holiday lights on when you are not home or when you head to bed.By turning lights off, you are choosing to save energy and extend the lifespan of your decorations.
Your family and friends at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky wish you and yours a merry and bright holiday season and thank you again for putting your faith in us!
At Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky™, we recommend performing some fall garage preparations to both extend your garage door’s life, and to make your garage a more comfortable space as the weather cools. If you’re in need of service or upgrades, give us a call today.
What Separates Commercial Garage Doors from their Residential Counterparts
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyAt the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we’re focused on bringing our customers the highest-quality garage doors regardless of what type of project they are looking to create. While this blog usually focuses on residential projects, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky also has a fantastic selection of commercial garage doors to fit businesses of every shape and size, and, today, we would like to take the time to discuss the differences between the two types.
The Size
It does not take a brain surgeon to figure out that commercial garage doors are generally larger than their residential counterparts. The average residential garage door is between seven and eight feet tall and eight to sixteen wide depending on whether it is a one or two-car garage. Commercial garage doors, on the other hand, can be double, or even triple, in size. For instance, our Model 600 Rolling Door is scalable up to 16×16 feet while our Stromtite Insulated Rolling Door is expandable up to 30 feet both ways.
The Materials
Commercial garage doors take some serious punishment. Therefore, the materials on a commercial door are even more rigid and dent-resistant. Our commercial garage doors are made of everything from aluminum to galvanized steel. Some models even include our Thermacore® technology. Depending on the situation, they might even be heat resistant.
In addition to the door itself, the rollers, tracks, and spring are all made of the strongest materials we carry. The reason being is the usage rate is much higher than that of a residential door. In fact, the difference is astronomical. While a standard residential garage door is opened a few times per day, large warehouses can see their doors rise and fall as many as 50 times per day.
Cost
As you might imagine, there is a difference between the cost of residential and commercial garage doors due to the higher-grade materials and the custom sizing for the larger doorways. Business owners should also factor in the cost of service. As with everything else on your custom, commercial garage door, taking care of it is going to cost a smidge more.
If you have any additional questions on how these garage doors differ, or you are a business owner looking to purchase a commercial door of your own, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky.
(270) 554-5162
Create the Safest Garage Door Possible
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyLast month, we talked about how to keep you safe from your garage door. For July, The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky is here to show you how your garage door keeps you safe from the outside world. Below are a few helpful suggestions about the precautions you can take and the upgrades you can make in order to turn your home into an impenetrable fortress.
Eye in the Sky
Nobody wants to get caught on camera doing something they shouldn’t be – least of all criminals. Just the idea of spending a few years in the state penitentiary is enough to make them reconsider doing just about anything. Adding a security or video surveillance system is one of the easiest ways to deter any would-be burglars from making your home a target.
If you are not looking to pay a monthly service fee, you might want to consider the discount version – a fake camera. Nobody needs to know it is not connected to anything and it should do a solid job of spooking any criminal that catches a glimpse of it.
OHD Anywhere
Like turning off lights or grabbing our lunch from the fridge, closing the garage door is something we all forget to do from time to time when we are on our way out the house. Now, thanks to the OHD Anywhere® app, you don’t have to worry about driving home to correct your mistake.
The app is simple. All you need to do is attach the OHD Anywhere® sensor to your garage door and download the corresponding OHD Anywhere® app. Once everything is in place, you have full control over your garage door from anywhere. Not only that, but the opener gives you a full history of all your comings and goings.
Stay Frosty
Inlaying a beautiful set of windows is an easy way to give your home some added curb appeal. Adding windows also makes it easier for passersby to take a look inside and see if there is anything that tickles their fancy.
An Alternative? Frosted glass. Sand-blasting gives these windows their translucent appearance, which makes it impossible for intruders to make out what you have stored in your garage.
Hide Your Openers
It should go without saying but make sure to put your remote garage door openers in a safe place whenever you leave your car unattended – especially if you park your vehicle on the street during the evening. It might not be as easy as placing it in the cupholder, but we think the extra effort is worth keeping your vehicle safe.
For more home and garage door security tips, or to upgrade current setup, contact the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky.
(270) 554-5162
Staying Safe Around Your Garage Door Is As Easy As 1-2-3-4
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyAlmost everyone has fallen victim to the trap of thinking they’re a handyman (or woman). You believe something is just a quick fix and you either a) end up breaking said item b) hurting yourself or c) all of the above. At the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we’re all too aware that this happens with garage doors way more than it should. So for Garage Door Safety Month, we’ve listed a few points that will make you reconsider the next time you’re thinking of going all Home Improvement on your garage door.
Number Don’t Lie
The numbers vary a bit, but according to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) – a database maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on all consumer product-related injuries – approximately 10,000 Americans are injured per year in garage door-related accidents. Almost three-quarters of those accidents are due to people putting their limbs in the wrong places at the worst times: fingers between panels, next to the springs, or underneath the rollers. Ouch! On top of that, a large chunk of these come during unsupervised repair attempts.
Don’t Be A Stuntman
In addition to the reckless DIYers mentioned above, there are people who attempt to get creative in the ways they mess with their garage doors. They hang on them like they would playground equipment and try slide underneath them in order to act out some sort of Indiana Jones-style fantasy. Unsurprisingly, this does not end well. An additional 800 injuries occur due to these types of stunts. Just a gentle reminder: YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS NOT A TOY!
Safety Extends To You And Your Home
The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky doesn’t just want to keep you safe from your garage door, we want your garage door to you safe from everything else. The OHD Anywhere® app does just that. Simply connect the sensor to your garage door and you now have full control. OHD Anywhere® allows you to open and close your door with everything from your tablet to your smartphone. No more nervously worrying whether you forgot to hit the opener on the way to work. It also tracks when your garage door is opened. That way, you can keep track of your kids trying to sneak in or out of the house past curfew.
Leave It To The Pros
Diagnosing an issue with your garage is a relatively easy thing to do. It’s either making a funny sound, not opening properly, or not opening at all. Fixing a garage door though? Now, that’s a whole different story. We always recommend calling a professional before breaking out the toolbox and trying to handle it on your own.
In fact, the only test we recommend you run is the 2×4 test. Designed to test the reversing mechanism, it’s as easy as placing a board in your garage door’s path and hitting your opener. If it does not reverse before reaching the board, then it’s once again time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company.
For all the do’s and don’ts regarding garage door safety, or to set up an inspection, call the experts at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today.
(270) 554-5162
The Summer Garage Door Overhaul
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyAt the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we want to make sure that you are prepared for every season. Summer is no different. Below, we’ve listed a few tips and products to keep your garage cooler and more hospitable for you, your family, and maybe even a few guests. Read on to find out more!
Colors Count
We’ve talked about how painting your garage door can draw the eye, but color can also serve a practical purpose. You’ve probably heard it before, but light colors reflect light and dark colors absorb it. Simple, right? Consider lightening your garage door a few shades with a fresh coat of paint or swap it out for something made of a lighter wood like a door from our Carriage House Collection.
The Last Airbender
Have you ever walked into your garage and thought “why, is it hotter in here than outside?” The answer is simple – stagnant air. Unlike every other room in your home, your garage does not have the luxury of being pumped full of air conditioning. But fear not, you still have plenty of options when it comes to keeping it cool.
The easiest solution? Install a ceiling fan to keep the air circulating. Even better, consider a ventilation fan. These cost-effective units can suck the hot air right out of your garage door and send it back where it belongs – the outdoors.
To go along with that, you might want to think about partnering your new fan with a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from the air means that the heat will no longer have something to cling to.
Turn It Into a Guest Room
With services like Airbnb becoming more prominent, it’s now easier than ever to make some extra cash by turning your home into a makeshift rental space. If you are not comfortable with that, you can rent out the next best thing – the garage.
Your guests are going to expect more than just a mattress on a floor and an outlet to charge their phone (actually, some might not). Making the room more marketable to prospective renters is as easy as making a quick trip to Ikea. Add a bed, nightstand, maybe a window (which will also help with the airflow), and a rug. Topping it off with a Wind Load door to make your garage feel less like a place where you store your car and more like a cozy bed and breakfast. It won’t be the Four Seasons, but it will make your home into a solid, option for folks traveling on a budget.
Insulation Isn’t Just for the Winter
Insulation normally comes to mind when you’re thinking about the winter but it can be a godsend during the summer months as well. Not only is something like our Thermacore technology perfect for preventing your car from becoming an ice cube during the winter months, but a properly sealed garage door can also keep the sun’s heat from creeping inside and upping your cooling costs.
If you’re looking for more ways to prep your garage for summer, or if you want to upgrade to one of the garage doors mentioned above, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today!
(270) 554-5126
Spring Fling: Easy, Breezy Garage Door Updates
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseySpringtime is the perfect opportunity to get out and get going on any home improvement projects you might have. It’s also the perfect time to make a few upgrades to your garage door. The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has put together a list of things you might want to consider adding, upgrading, or, at the very least, checking out on your garage door while the weather is perfect.
Weatherproof Now
Even though the mercury is rising and winter may be the furthest thing from your mind, it’s good to do a little bit of planning to prepare for when the cold returns. Consider adding a weather seal to the bottom of your garage door. This heavy-duty strip of rubber does just as good a job at keeping out the snow and cold in January as it does the showers in April.
If you’re looking to go bigger, it may be time to upgrade to a Thermacore® door from the Overhead Door Company. This series of doors features our sandwich construction of steel-polyurethane-steel as well as between-section seals with thermal breaks to reduce air infiltration. That means when you close your garage door, you’re truly sealing out all the elements.
Pay Attention to More Than Just the Door
Torsion springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks are vital to your garage door working properly, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. While making sure your door is sealed for when the seasons change, check on these lesser-known parts as well. While it’s important to make sure these elements are working properly, it’s not something you should try to do yourself – after all, they do have the tension that comes along with holding up a heavy garage door. Always make sure to call a trained professional in order to avoid injury.
Install a Keypad
Even if you already have an opener in every car – and one in the kitchen drawer for safety – a wireless keypad outside your home can still be a wise investment. Despite your best efforts, there will always be those times when one of your openers seems to magically disappear and in those instances, you don’t want to find yourself locked out.
It’s also a great addition if you have kids. Now you don’t have to worry about them forgetting the opener when they leave the house. They can simply punch in the code whenever they return.
Enough with the Noise
What’s the worst part of most garage doors? It’s gotta be the sound, right? Unfortunately for most folks, they don’t have the Legacy® 920 Belt Drive Garage Door Opener. This powerful 24-volt motor has enough juice to silently lift any garage door up to 500 pounds with hardly a peep. That means no more notifying the entire neighborhood when you’re headed into the office extra early on a Monday. Plus, with a battery backup and smartphone capabilities, you’ve got plenty of options to choose for what you want to use as your remote opener.
Interested in finding out more about garage door upgrades? Call us at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky for more tips or to set up your appointment today!
(270) 554-5162
Curb Enthusiasm: How to Make Your Garage Door More Eye-Catching
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyCurb Appeal. The technical definition is the attractiveness of a property for sale and its surroundings when viewed from the street. Translation? It’s when a house has some pop! The easiest way to add to the curb appeal of your home? Sprucing up your garage door! Think about it, it’s the largest, most visible item on the front of your home and it’s usually the first thing people see when they drive by.
Adding visual intrigue to your garage door has its advantages, especially when it comes time to sell. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has listed a few tips to bump up your home’s style to help you attract a few more eyes and dollars when you decide it’s time to move.
A Home Improvement Project That’s Actually Worth the Effort
According to Remodeling.net, adding a new garage door is the number one return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. Adding windows, a new set of hinges, some interesting light fixtures, or a tasteful finish will instantly make your garage door look more distinguished.
And there’s no easier way to figure out which features you want than by using the DoorView® Garage Door Designer App. It’s simple, just upload a picture of the front of your home and start experimenting with our massive selection of garage door styles and features.
Add a Little Color
Slapping a fresh coat of paint, possibly even in a bold color like burnt orange or light blue, will instantly brighten your garage door and set it apart from every other one beige or brown one on the block.
If you’re looking to get even more adventurous, you might even consider our Envy™ Model 956. These doors combine aluminum with glass paneling to instantly give your home the sleek, modern feel of that trendy restaurant you’ve been trying to get reservations at for weeks.
Before You Do Anything, Clean
We’re not just talking about taking a broom and sweeping away the cobwebs and dust around the edges of your garage door – we’re talking about giving it a true deep cleaning.
Consider renting a power washer. It’s amazing what a simple high-powered stream of water can do. When used correctly, it removes dirt and grime that can build up over the seasons leaving certain parts of your home (i.e. your garage door) looking dull. Blasting it with the power washer will not only leave it sparkling clean, but it also makes it easy to paint and upgrade.
If you’re looking for any additional tips on how to add curb appeal to your home, or if you’re looking to upgrade your garage door call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today.
(270) 554-5162
Simple Tricks to Keep Your Garage Door From Freezing Shut
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyWe’re in the home stretch of winter folks. That means slushy, sleety, wet, windy, and all-around gross weather is on its way out the door.
Last month, we here at the Overhead Door Company of W Kentucky went over some ways to help you maintain your garage door during the winter. However, to help get you through these fleeting, frosty February days, it helps to know a few additional tricks to keep it from freezing shut.
Sometimes, You Just Gotta Shovel
Shoveling is a pain. We’re not trying to argue otherwise. But there’s a reason we throw on our snow gear and scrape our big plastic shovels against the concrete – it works. If you don’t want your garage door to freeze, you have to try your best to keep it clean. Just brushing away excess ice and snow in between the times when you go out to shovel the full driveway is usually enough to prevent the build-up that causes garage doors to freeze shut.
Feel the Heat
If you keep your garage door clean on the outside, you might as well try to keep it warm on the inside. Keeping a pair of small, sturdy space heaters handy will not only make the morning trudge to your car a bit easier, they’ll also help to keep the weather seal (that’s the fancy name for that thin piece of rubber on the bottom of your garage door) from cracking and the battery in your opener from draining – just make sure to be mindful of the cords and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Look in the Pantry
Ice melt is helpful to have around for the entire winter yet it’s something we usually don’t think about until it’s too late. In those instances when you need something to break down icy build-up, look no further than your pantry for assistance. Both table and Kosher salt are serviceable replacements for the heavy-duty stuff. Just sprinkle a little seasoning near the weather seal, let it marinate and watch as your garage door returns to its former glory.
Just Add Water
If you do go outside one morning and find that your garage door has frozen shut, it’s time to double down on the H2O. Pouring a small amount of warm (not boiling!) water on the weather seal could be the answer to unsticking it and preventing you from having to take more drastic steps.
If you’d like any additional tips or think you might need to replace the weather seal on your garage door, call the trained professionals at the Overhead Door Company of W Kentucky today!
(270) 554-5162
Winter Garage Door Maintenance
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyWhat’s the easiest way to make a cold winter day even worse? A garage door that doesn’t work. Luckily, we here at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky have seen every sort of garage door disaster imaginable and we know how to prepare for all of them. By following the easy precautions below, your garage door will not only survive but thrive during the later winter months.
The Details Matter
If you used Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky to design your dream garage door, chances are, you put some thought into the details. Maybe you added some windows, interesting metal work, or a particular handle. Regardless of the features, you took your time to make sure that you got the exact look you desired. Don’t let these details fall by the wayside. Take the time to make sure that those windows are properly sealed, the metal is polished, and the handle is free of any snow or ice. After all, they looked amazing when you purchased them, and you want to keep them that way.
Keep It Clean
In case you haven’t heard, wood and water aren’t the best of friends. Same goes for steel and H2O. In addition to harming the functionality, the aesthetic damage to your garage door can be considerable during the frosty months. Warping, rust, and water damage can all be prevented by washing your garage door with a mild cleaner and giving it a wipe down with a soft towel. Just make sure to save this for one of the days when you don’t have to throw on a parka to do it.
Grease it Up
Ensuring your garage door’s moving parts – the rollers, tracks, springs, and hinges – are properly lubricated is imperative during the cold, snowy month. The elements can cause corrosive damage and buildup on everything listed above. This, in turn, leads to friction in your system and your motor having to work much harder than it should. Putting in the effort by adding a little elbow grease – and, in this case, literal grease – can go a long way. Spraying your system, with a thin, even coat of a lubricant like WD-40 should do the trick.
Check the Balance
Balance probably isn’t something that springs to mind when you’re thinking of garage door maintenance. If you think about it, when you’re pulling something straight up that weighs a few hundred pounds, you ideally want to spread out the weight as evenly as possible. Alas, it’s not always that easy during winter time. The combination of water and cold air can cause the metal elements of your garage door to warp which can lead to one side pulling more than the other. If you think this might be the case, check to see, but never, in any circumstance tinker with your setup yourself as doing so can be extremely dangerous.
If you are in need of any repairs, a replacement door, or would like to get more information on how to keep your garage door in tip-top shape this winter, call the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky at the number below.
(270) 554-5162
Nine Easy Tips to Seasonal Safety
/in Safety /by Houston WiltseyOutside Awareness
Inside Considerations
Things to Keep in Mind
Your family and friends at the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky wish you and yours a merry and bright holiday season and thank you again for putting your faith in us!
(270) 554-5162
Fall Garage Prep
/in Uncategorized /by Overhead DoorAt Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky™, we recommend performing some fall garage preparations to both extend your garage door’s life, and to make your garage a more comfortable space as the weather cools. If you’re in need of service or upgrades, give us a call today.
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