There are plenty of reasons to upgrade your garage door. Style, functionality, tech, savings, you name it. Below, the Overhead Door of Western Kentucky has listed a few things you can look and listen for when you’re trying to decide if you need a garage door upgrade. Repairs Add Up At the Overhead Door Company, […]
Easy Preventative Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garage Running Smooth
The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky is always looking to save you money when we can. The easiest way to do so is by giving you the knowledge to keep your garage door running smoothly with these six tips on preventative maintenance. Read on to find out how to save on garage door repair.
Before Your Start
Before you start working on your garage door, make sure you follow some steps to be safe. If you’re not sure how to safely do garage door preventative maintenance, please call the Overhead Door Company of [insert city], and we’ll get the job done for you.
Follow these steps for safe garage door maintenance:
- Unplug the door: Make sure to unplug your door so that it does not start moving while you’re working on it.
- Use Clamp Locking Pliers: If you are planning to work under the door, attach clamp locking pliers below the rollers to ensure the door won’t move.
- Don’t touch the torsion spring: These have enough power to seriously injure you if handled improperly. Call a professional instead.
Inspect Your Garage Door Parts
Now is your chance to look over everything. Check your rollers for chips, make sure your tracks are level, and test your sensor using the two-by-four test mentioned in last month’s blog. Now is also a prime opportunity to replace the batteries in both your outdoor keypad and your remote openers.
Checking the basic parts of your garage door goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly. Garage door checks like the one described above make preventative maintenance an easy task, but if you’re not sure about what the individual parts should be doing, the Overhead Door Company is here to help.
Tighten Loose Ends
The natural motion of your garage door can cause nuts and bolts to become shaky. A simple twist with your wrench should keep them in place until the next check-up. If you notice a particular one becoming repeatedly loose, it could be indicative of a larger issue. If this is the case, jump on a quick call to see what we can do for you.
Grease the Tracks… and Roller… and Spring
Making sure everything on your garage door is properly lubricated is by far the easiest way to prevent wear and tear and add years to the life of its components. Before you grease, make sure to wipe down the areas to remove gunky buildup and debris. Next, be sure to know the difference between lubricants so you can coat your setup properly.
- Lithium Grease: Thick lubricant applied to the flat surfaces — like the tracks — to prevent friction.
- Silicone Spray: Applied to the rollers and hinges leads to smooth operation.
- WD-40: An alternative to silicon spray that has to be applied with more frequency because it is alcohol-based.
Replace the Weatherstripping
We’re always singing the praises of having a solid weatherstrip on the bottom of your garage door. It helps to regulate temperature, keeps out critters, and prevents water from seeping in during showers and snowstorms. For an even greater seal, consider adding similar stripping to all four sides.
For Anything Else, Call Us!
We know there are still probably a few items on this list you still might feel uncomfortable performing yourself. That’s where we come in. The Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky is here to help with any garage door preventative maintenance to keep you from having to spend big down the road.
Everything You Need to Know Before Converting Your Garage
Chances are you haven’t been leaving the house much over the past two months. It’s given you the opportunity to clean your house and work on a number of those nagging projects that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to complete. But now it’s time to take it up a notch. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri has compiled a list of things for you to consider before you decide whether converting your garage into a living space is the right move and what garage maintenance comes with it.
Get In The Zone
If you plan on making big adjustments to your garage, you have to get the proper paperwork. Requirements vary depending on your location but you typically need to attain what’s called a conversion permit from your city’s zoning department. Depending on the specific renovations you plan on making — such as raising the floor, adding windows, or putting in a bathroom — you may be required to attain additional permits. Typically, contractors will take care of the paperwork, so this note is directed towards the DIYers out there.
Specific zoning requirements include:
- Adding a window to allow natural light and air
- A ceiling that is at least 7 ½ feet high
- Maintain a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Make sure all electrical outlets are properly spaced
Consider The Cost (And Benefits)
A full-scale garage overhaul and garage maintenance does not come cheap. Adding insulation, finishing floors, and putting in windows all come with significant costs. If you plan on adding plumbing, plan on adding between $10,000 and $20,000 to the cost. That may seem like a lot, but typically, you are able to recoup around 80% of the cost in added value to your home. If you live in a tourist destination you can offset the cost of your renovations, mortgage or living expenses by renting the converted room out on Airbnb or VRBO.
Do You Have Space?
If you’ve got people staying in your garage that means your car — along with everything else you store in your garage — has to be stored somewhere else. That means you’ll need either a spacious driveway or neighborhood with an abundance of street parking. If you live in an area with extremes in temperature, you need to take the proper precautions to protect your vehicle. Also, make sure either your attic or basement can handle the influx of items. Often times, converting your garage can be the impetus to getting rid of unnecessary junk that has built up over the years.
Do You Have The Right Garage Door?
Transforming your garage to a habitable room requires the right garage door. A Thermacore® door from the Overhead Door Company is the perfect piece to kickstart your remodeling project. With its sandwich constructions, these doors were built to keep the temperature of your garage regulated (perfect for complying with the permit above). Set up an appointment with the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today and take the first step to creating the converted garage you’ve always wanted.
The 5 Things You Should Know Before Buying A New Garage Door Opener
The average American opens their garage door roughly 1,500 times per year. Once you factor in that the average garage door weighs between 200 and 400 pounds depending on the material and size, you start to get an idea of how hard your opener is working. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has a guide to garage door openers filled with the information you need to know when you’re selecting a new one for your home.
You’ve Got Options
If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it’s bound to happen at some point. You’ll be on your way to work and your garage door won’t open. Your first thought is to go on Google and click on the first garage door repair company you see. However, only the Overhead Door Company has options and expertise to make sure you’re on your way out the door in a timely fashion. Here are some options we provide:
- Chain Drive: This is the OG. A chain drive uses a metal chain attached to a motor to raise and lower your door. Though this is one of the most economical and inexpensive versions of the garage door opener, it’s also one of the loudest. If noise is a concern and your garage door is connected to your home, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Belt Drive: Swap out that chain for a belt and you arrive here. Nearly as cost-efficient and none of the noise. These openers generally have fewer parts as well so maintenance is a breeze.
- Screw Drive: A screw-drive opener uses a threaded steel rod to move the lifting mechanism. As the rod rotates, it drives the trolley along the track to raise or lower the door. It is In between the chain and belt drive in terms of noise and closer to the chain drive in terms of maintenance.
- Direct Drive: No belt. No chain. Nothing. With a direct drive garage door opener, the motor is the opener because it’s installed inside the trolley and uses a gear wheel to guide the trolley along a fixed chain.
Wild Horses
Just like your car, the power of garage door openers is measured in horsepower. Almost every option on the market ranges from ⅓ to 1½ horsepower. When choosing the horsepower of your new opener, there are two factors that you need to consider:
- How much does my door weigh: As mentioned above, the weight of your garage door can vary based on the type of material. The math here is pretty simple, heavier door = more needed power.
- Can the other components handle the power: If you are looking to purchase a new opener and/or door, know you might have to upgrade your hardware — the roller, tracks, springs, etc. You need to make sure your setup is able to evenly distribute your new opener’s power. If not, you’re putting unnecessary pressure on these parts and they’ll wear out faster.
You Only Need Half
In most cases, your garage door should only require a motor with a ½ horsepower. This is the industry standard that can lift most metal and vinyl doors quickly and reliably. If you plan on purchasing a door made of a heavier wood — like the Carriage House Collection — or an ultra-modern glass model — such as Overhead Door’s 511 and 521 models, you might need something with more power.
Invest In Quality Now
It might be tempting to opt for the cheapest opener you come across while searching online. However, this could end up costing you more money down the road. Cheap openers that don’t evenly distribute weight tend not to last as long which means you could be shelling out for a new system sooner than if you had paid a little extra up front.
The Original and Still the Best
We don’t mean to brag, but the Overhead Door Company wrote the book on garage door maintenance, garage door repair, and garage door installation. Our founder, C.G. Johnson, invented the electric garage door opener in 1926 and OHD has made a commitment to innovating ever since. Our staff is trained to work exclusively on garage doors and can help get you exactly what you need to update your garage — from the door to the opener to everything in between.
Feel free to reach out to one of our technicians for more information about how the Overhead Door Company can help you or call today to set up an appointment.
7 Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal This Spring
The start of spring is the perfect time to boost the curb appeal of your home. The weather is cool, the grass is green, and the front of your home is bursting with possibilities. It’s the perfect time for a little bit of spring cleaning! And no, that doesn’t mean you have to break out your vacuum. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky has listed 7 project to make your home more eye-catching and more valuable. Keep reading to find out how.
Numbers on the board
Have you ever been to a new neighborhood and had difficulty finding the home you’re looking for. Google Maps is letting you down and none of the houses have clearly-labeled numbers. Don’t be that house. There are so many interesting options on today’s market that there’s no need to stick to a drab wooden slab with small numbers. Whether modern, made of metal, neon or surrounded by grass, pick an address plaque that will set you apart from every other house on the block.
Paint It (Anything But) Black
Refresh any part of your home with a brand new coat of paint. Adding a new coat of paint to your home’s exterior can increase its value up to 5%. Even smaller items — shutters, light fixtures, even patio furniture — become far more eye-catching when bathed in a new veneer of matte or high-gloss. If you are really trying to make an impact, consider a bright pop of color.
Power Washing
If you already like the color of your home but are still looking for a refresh, consider powering washing. Using a high-powered stream of water, you or a professional can strip your home of its winter grime. While you’re at it, do the same to your driveway. Removing stains and or leftover salts from the winter will make your concrete look like new and help to extend its life.
Knockin on a Heavenly Front Door
What the one thing on your home that everyone interacts with? Your doorknob of course! For less than $50, you can purchase a new knob and knocker that will have everyone talking. You also want something to compliment your new paint job.
Box Out
Show off your green thumb by adding hanging flower boxes to your windows. The extra pop of greenery will instantly make your home look more hospitable and make you look like a professional botanist. Make sure to measure everything in great detail before you start building and think about what type of flowers would complement the outside of your home. The species will dictate how many holes you will need to allow it to retain the necessary amount of water.
Fix Your Driveway
A smooth, even driveway is the best way you can improve your home’s curb appeal. Imagine, a freshly-paved pathway of gorgeous concrete guiding the eye to all the other updates you’ve made to the front of your home.
Add a New Garage Door
With the exception of adding a new kitchen, a new garage door has the biggest impact on increasing the value of your home. Contact the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky to learn about the newest style or download the DoorView app to check out what your dream garage door would look like.
Garage Door Repair Winter Hacks
In case you need reminding, we’re in the middle of winter. In other words, we’re in the middle of garage door repair season. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, it’s all happening and it’s taking its toll on your garage door. Cold weather can have a lasting impact on your garage door, but the worst is when the freezing temperatures make your garage door freezes to the ground. Now you’re stuck waiting for the repairman (who’s running late because remember, it’s winter and everyone and their mother is getting their door fixed too) or trying to chip it out yourself and making, what is already a damaged door, worse.
At the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, we want to make sure you’re never stuck waiting for a garage door maintenance team. Below are four easy tricks to help a winter garage door catastrophe from happening and what to do in case it does happen.
- Get a Heat Source – Adding a heat source to your garage can help keep your garage door from sticking to the ground due to ice or moisture.
- Replace the Seal – Having a fresh weatherstripping seal on your garage door will help keep things running smoothly. Reach out to your local garage door company to see what weatherstripping works best for you.
- Use Salt – Using standard kitchen salts are easier on your garage door than the heavy-duty sidewalk salt. Kosher salt can also keep ice away from your weatherstripping and help keep your garage door from getting stuck.
- Call an Expert Garage Door Repair Company – If nothing else works, get your garage door maintenance company out to your home or business to take a look at what’s going on.
Bring the Heat
Adding a space heater to your garage is an easy way to ensure two things: your morning walk to the car will be a little more bearable and your garage door will be less likely to stick to the floor. To avoid increasing your electric bill, look for battery-powered models you can run throughout the day. A simple, cheap fix like this can save you from calling a garage door repair team when winter garage door problems happen. But in case a winter vortex does hit, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky is ready for all your winter garage door maintenance needs.
Replace the Seal
The weatherstripping on the bottom of your garage door is usually the first thing to go when the weather turns icy. Even the best weather-resistant seals need to be replaced after a few years. When purchasing a new one, opt for a version made of the heaviest, thickest rubber available. Not only will these be less likely to crack and stick as the temperatures fluctuate, but they will also prevent water from creeping inside. If you’re having trouble finding the best weatherstripping or aren’t sure how to get it on your garage door, reach out the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Pass the Salt
Ice melt is essential for survival during midwest winters. However, the premium stuff you sprinkle on your driveway isn’t ideal for putting directly on your weather seal as it can wear down the rubber even faster than the elements. Instead, reach into your pantry and pull out the iodized or kosher varieties to keep those garage door maintenance men at bay. Both do a great job at ridding your garage door of icy debris without any of the unpleasant side effects of the heavy-duty stuff.
Let the Experts Take Care of It
If you’ve taken all the proper steps and your garage door still freezes shut — to the point where you feel uncomfortable messing with it — let one of our garage door specialists come out and handle it. Or, if your door is looking a little worse for wear, consider replacing it before next winter. Either way, give us a call at (270) 554-5162 today!
Do You Hate the Cold? So Does Your Garage Door.
It’s that time of year again. Jack Frost is nipping at your garage door and you need to take the proper steps to protect it so it makes it to the spring. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky, has 4 tips to keep your garage operating at peak performance for as long as there is snow on the ground.
Seal the Deal
The weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door might be its most underrated feature. This small strip of rubber does a whole host of jobs: it prevents moisture from sneaking in, regulates the temperature, and keeps the door from freezing to the ground. That’s why this winter, you need to show it some respect by clearing off any icy buildup. If it does freeze, douse it with warm water and let it sit. It should be back to normal in a matter of minutes.
Lubrication
Lubrication is essential for your garage door year-round. Normally, you would only have to worry about greasing up the hinges, roller, tracks, and springs every three months. During the winter, that should increase to once every six weeks. But don’t worry, It’s a relatively simple process that only takes ten minutes to complete.
First, make sure your garage door is down and the power to the opener is unplugged. Next, give the aforementioned parts a gentle wipe down with a rag to clean any dirt or debris. Finally, apply an even coat of lithium-based grease — best because the mixture adheres to the metal with ease — and you’re all set. The benefits are plentiful: your garage door will run smoothly, be protected from the elements, and make far less noise than if you left it untouched.
Check For Material-Specific Damage
Different garage doors take different types of damage. If wood absorbs too much water, it rots. Metal rusts. Even plastics can be adversely affected by driveway salts. Knowing the signs of decay and what to look for can be the difference between replacing a panel and the whole door.
Protect Your Tech
The electronic components of your garage door — the opener, keypad, and photoelectric system (that fancy laser that tells you if anything is keeping your garage door from closing) — are all more susceptible to having their batteries drained during the winter. Switching them out mid-winter will drastically decrease the chances of waking up to a dead battery and your car trapped in your garage.
To set up an appointment, schedule a repair, or get a little more advice about how to care for your garage door this winter, call Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today.
4 Holiday Decorating Tips
With the holidays upon us, many Americans will take the time to make their homes, yards, and offices look seasonally-appropriate. While decorating is a fun way to show your holiday spirit, the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky wants to make sure that you do it properly. Below we have included a list of tips on how to decorate in a safe, energy-efficient manner.
Have a Plan
Decorating your home isn’t like decorating the tree, you can’t just haul everything out and hope it all fits. When plotting your decorations, especially your lights, you need to take into account the resources you have at your disposal — like how much room you have and how many sockets are close by. Also, with regards to lights, check the packaging to see how many strands you are able to connect and then safely plug into a single outlet. Doing so will ensure that you have a sparkling display instead of a fire hazard.
Torn and Frayed
Speaking of fire hazards, now is also the time to double-check the condition of your wires, plugs, and electric-powered decorations. After spending months in the attic, bulbs can crack and wires can fray meaning that sparks could fly – and not in a good way. Thoroughly inspect everything you want to put up and repair or replace anything that is not up to code.
Consider the Ladder
Once you have the lights and decorations picked out, it’s time to get the proper gear to hang them. Chances are you will need a ladder to reach the tippy-top of the tree and the frame of your home. Instead of using a metal ladder, which can conduct electricity, consider using a wood, rubber, or plastic one as a safer alternative.
Once you are up there, make sure you have someone on the ground holding you down. Even if you have the sturdiest ladder in the world, it is still good to have a buddy at the base to provide extra stability and peace of mind.
Hit the Lights
Once your home is ready for Santa and his sleigh, you should be good to go, right? Well, not quite. Just because your house can light up the night sky doesn’t mean you should do so all the time. The average American household can increase its electric bill by up to $200 for the month of December if they choose to turn on their lights every night. Instead of paying a hefty bill, pick and choose certain days to light up — your wallet and the environment will thank you.
For more decoration tips, or to get a new garage door for the holidays, contact the Overhead Door Company of Western Kentucky today!