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10 Tips For Storing All Those Holiday Decorations

January 14, 2019Garage, Garage Storage, Storage

If you’re like millions of people across the United States, you love decorating your home and/or business during the holidays. As a matter of fact, 43% of decorators are so anxious to get their holiday decorations up that they start hanging lights before Thanksgiving!

While the process of setting up your holiday display is probably something you look forward to, we’re willing to bet that taking down your display isn’t something you enjoy as much.

Having to store all of your lights and ornaments, stuffing your artificial tree into your garage… The process can get so overwhelming that many people resort to just throwing everything onto their garage floor and pushing the pile off to the side until next year.

Resist that temptation!

Save Time With These Storage Techniques

To ensure that your holiday decorations last you a long time and to save you hours setting up your decorations next year, follow these storage tips!

Keep your sturdier ornaments in freezer bags

We love packing away our more heavy duty ornaments in freezer bags before dropping them into storage containers. This allows us to keep them from rubbing too aggressively against other ornaments which can cause paint chipping. The bag’s transparency also allows us to easily find what we’re looking for.

We can’t stress enough that this trick is best suited for ornaments that aren’t too damage prone. A freezer bag won’t provide much in the way of impact protection.

Hang artificial wreaths

Wreaths, artificial or real, can be expensive. That’s why it’s important that yours don’t end up stuffed at the bottom of a box somewhere where they can get bent and ruined.

The safest way to store your wreaths is by hanging them.

You can do this by placing them on a nail in your garage or by using a clothing rack or similar safe hanging spot.

Wrap your artificial tree in shrink wrap

Artificial trees are great because they save you from the hassle of having to go out each year to purchase a new tree that’ll shed all over your house.

To keep your artificial tree safe from the elements until next winter and to maximize your garage space, shrink wrapping is a good way to go.

Shrink wrapping shouldn’t ruin any of your branches so don’t let that keep you from trying this trick. When you unwrap your tree next year, it should look as good as new after a quick fluffing.

An old belt can also keep your artificial tree in check

Don’t have shrink wrap? Want to limit your use of plastics for environmental reasons?

Then leverage old belts to whip your unruly tree into shape.

You may need 3 or 4 belts depending on the size of your tree but if that’s not a problem you can cut down on the amount of room your tree takes up significantly with a quick wrap.

Use cardboard when storing string lights

The top annoyance of most people’s holiday decorations storing process is putting away string lights. They’re hard to wrap, they get tangled, bulbs break…

To get your lights stored fast and to save a ton of time untangling things next year, wrap your lights around old scraps of cardboard before putting them into storage.

If you do, you’ll avoid tangles and reduce the risk of your light’s wiring getting bent which can ruin your light string.

Put your garland inside of empty water bottles

If your home or business went heavy on the garland this year, it’s important to know that if you don’t store it right, you’re going to end up with tangles that are very hard to remedy.

The way to avoid that fate is as easy as pouring your garland into empty water bottles. A single bottle should fit up to two strings.

Use egg crates for small, fragile ornaments

Have small ornaments that are breakable and mean a lot to you? Put each of them into their own individual slots within an egg carton.

Once they’re in place, shut the crate and tape it closed.

Egg cartons are designed to protect (you guessed it) eggs. That same design will keep your holiday decorations safe in storage.

Store leftover wrapping paper in garment bags

Wrapping paper can get costly depending on the number of presents you have to wrap each year. While most people end up having a ton of wrapping leftover at the end of the holidays, the elements take their toll throughout the year which can leave your paper unusable.

To keep your wrapping paper in pristine condition for the next 11 months, throw all of your spare rolls in an old garment bag, zip it up and hang it.

You can even put other paper products like cards, gifts tags, and more in your bag to afford them the same level of protection.

Safely stack ornaments by using red plastic cups

Dumping a bunch of glass holiday decorations on top of each other in a box is a recipe for some to get crushed under the weight of others.

To help keep your storage container organized and your decorations safe, put your items in red plastic cups before placing them into storage. Doing this will offer your fragile decorations an extra layer of protection that will prevent breakage in the event that items shift over the course of the year.

Label storage containers based on your unpacking order

When you throw all of your holiday decorations into random boxes, you’re left trying to remember where you put your lights or other things you want to work with first when starting work on your holiday display.

Save yourself time and organize your decorations into containers based on the order that you want to use them.

Doing this will make it so you can easily access what you need imminently next year without the guesswork.

Wrapping Up Tips For Storing Holiday Decorations

Armed with our tips for storing holiday decorations, you’ll preserve the value of your lights, ornaments, and other essentials for years. You’ll also ensure that decorating next year will be low on pain and big on fun!

Now that our storage tips have your garage looking great on the inside, let’s talk about its outside. Specifically, its door

If your garage door isn’t performing as well as it could be, it can slow down your whole day. To make sure that your door is working properly and safely, there’s no better team to call than R&S Erection of Concord.

Our team specializes in everything from residential garage doors to commercial commercial doors and beyond.

Let us provide you with the outstanding service that so many of our customers have come to love over the years.

Commercial Doors

Choosing The Right Commercial Door For Your Business

November 15, 2018Commercial Doors

Your business is coming together, and soon it’ll be ready to open and operate. But first, you need to choose the right commercial door for the job.

The SBA estimates that more than 600,000 new businesses open each year. If you’re opening one of them, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the equipment you need to succeed. Taking a new business from opening to profitability is much easier when everything is running smoothly.

As you buy equipment and hire workers, it’s easy to let your commercial doors become an afterthought. But in many businesses, your commercial doors will get used every day, and are an important part of operations. With the wrong kind of door, things can get held up, reducing your ability to meet client demands.

Make sure you choose the right commercial door for your company by reading this guide first!

How Commercial Doors Differ from Residential Doors

It’s tempting to think that just any old door will work. But in a business, your needs are different than in a home.

The size is an obvious different: many commercial doors need to be bigger than those used in residential locations. However, the use is also very different for a commercial door.

For example, if you’re buying a door for a loading dock, you need one that can withstand being opened and closed far more often in a given day than a residential door. It might also need to stand up to accidental collisions from heavy equipment like forklifts.

Most commercial doors are thicker than residential ones, and have insulation to maintain energy efficiency. If you have a temperature-controlled building, you’ll want to be sure that heat or cool air isn’t getting lost through the door.

You’ll also need a door that resists dents and bending in case there’s a collision. The hardware also needs to be more durable, as does the lift function on a commercial garage door. Basically, they need to be able to stand up to heavy, frequent use over many years.

Choosing the Best Commercial Door Style

Which type of commercial door will best meet your needs? It depends on the nature of your business. Here are a few of the most common commercial door types.

High-Speed

If you have a lot of traffic going in and out of a door, a high-speed option can make things more efficient. They also help prevent temperature loss by reducing the amount of time for outside air to get in, and vice versa. They can even reduce the transfer of dirt from outside to inside your business.

Garage

An overhead garage door is necessary for warehouses and any business with a loading dock. In fact, if your company needs a large door opening for any reason, the garage door is a good fit.

However, there’s also more than one kind of garage door. For example, you can choose between a steel roll-up door and a sectional door. Some companies make garage doors in all different sizes to meet the exact needs of your business.

Since these doors are large, you’ll probably want an insulated option if you need to control the temperature inside in any way. If you’re going to be running a showroom space or a space where visibility matters, consider a see-through, full-visibility garage door to let light in and showcase your products.

Storefront

If you’ll be opening a retail space, you’ll need a storefront door. These can come in many different styles, although they don’t generally need to be as big as a garage door.

Your storefront door needs to be attractive, since it’s one of the first things customers will see when they arrive. They also need to be durable, since they’ll be opening and closing hundreds of times a day, potentially. Finally, they should be easy to repair in case of damage or wear and tear.

Fire

Fire doors are a requirement if you’re running a company. They offer a way for customers and employees to get out in the event of a fire, and they also help block the fire from spreading. You should also consider installing doors that will close whenever a fire alarm goes off, to help contain the fire.

Other Commercial Doors

There are other commercial door styles, but most of these have specialty uses. For example, you can get cold-storage doors if you’re operating a climate-controlled space that needs to maintain a certain low temperature. Or, you can use a grill instead of a door for complete visibility and security. The right choice will depend on your business, and you’ll probably need to install different kinds of doors in different areas.

Choosing the Best Commercial Door Material

There are a few materials that are commonly chosen for commercial doors, for good reason. Chances are, you’ll want one of these for your business’s doors.

Glass doors are more durable than you might think: they even resist dents. Of course, they do shatter under enough force. But they give a sleek, attractive look to a space like a showroom.

Aluminum doors have a similarly modern, appealing look. You can also choose many different colors or textures for the finish. However, they’ll quickly dent under pressure.

Fiberglass doors are limited in insulation value, but they also resist corrosion from salt in the air. You can paint them or choose a number of different finishes, even faux wood.

Finally, steel doors are ideal for strength and durability. They don’t require much maintenance, and they’re easy to insulate.

Choosing the Best Commercial Door Company

Now that you have an idea of what kind of commercial door to choose, you need to pick the best company to install it.

Experience and reputation are two of the most important factors to consider. If the brand has a track record of doing good work, they’re probably a good choice for you.

If you need a great source of commercial doors and installation services, we’ve got you covered. Check out our work gallery to see more about what we can do.

Garage Door DIY, Garage Doors

8 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Garage Door Paint Color

October 24, 2018Garage Door DIY, Garage Doors

Your garage door paint color is more important than you think.

In fact, most people assume their garage door paint color should simply be white. However, when you consider the sheer size of your garage door in relation to your home, it’s a large surface that can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic.

This is not only good for the look of your home, but a strong first impression may even help you sell it in future.

Read on to discover some important tips for choosing the right color.

How To Choose A Garage Door Paint Color

You don’t have to be an expert designer to make your home look good.

All it takes is a few steps and a process of elimination to find out exactly the right color for you.

Cross The Street

When most people start this process, they’ll usually go to their driveway and look at the door from there.

This is still too close.

The best way to get a full picture of your home and how it appears to others is to cross the street and look at it from a distance. This way, you can easily take in all of the home’s colors and begin getting a stronger idea of what you have to work with.

If it’s been a while since you took a photo of your home, this is the perfect time to do it. It will be a great reference to look at when you go into the store looking for paint colors.

Consider the Seasons

Your home on a bright sunny day will look different during the cold winter. This will also have an effect on how your garage door looks over the course of the year.

When looking at your home, think about the surrounding trees and flowers. What colors do they bloom in the spring and fade to in the autumn?

If the changes are very dramatic then light greys or darker colors are your best option as they provide excellent backdrops to the colors around your home.

If your lawn is more clear, then your colors can be bolder without contrasting with anything as the year goes on.

Look At Your Home’s Facade

Every home is different and has features which can be customized to suit your preferences.

When considering the color of your garage door, think about the front of your home in terms of the colors you can see. Is it built with red brick and wooden frames? Or is it mostly white with a few accents and a dark roof?

A good trick is to draw your house as simple rectangles and triangles on your computer filled in with a color that matches each section. From there you can try changing the garage door color to see which works best or looks the most interesting.

As you play around, consider the following stylistic options available to you.

Go Bold

Some people are afraid to go for a vibrant color. However, what they don’t realize is that it can add a lot of character to your home and make it stand out for all the right reasons.

For example, a red brick house with dark wooden trims could easily have a bold red garage door to add a pop of color.

As long as the color complements the rest of the home you should definitely consider richer colors if it’s something you know you would like.

Match the Trim

If you’re concerned about making the wrong choice and want to keep things simple then simply look at your home’s trims.

This is an easy way to guarantee that your garage will match the rest of your home while still adding a nice touch of color.

Enhance

Of course, you can also reverse this logic and elevate your home by repainting the garage door and the trims as well.

This works very well if the front of your house is simple and only consisting of one or two materials like brick and wood or stone and plastic.

For example, imagine a white home with a white garage and black shutters and trims. Painting the garage a navy blue would look a bit odd, but if you also change the shutters and trims to the same blue, the entire house will look much better.

Plus the addition of color will help it stand out and look clean and modern.

Avoid Opposing Colors

Another tip for choosing garage door paint colors is to look at a color wheel. These are a simple way to see if the colors you’re thinking of using can work together or not.

For example, green is the opposite of red so a green garage door on a red brick house will not look good at all.

If you want help balancing colors, there are also plenty of other online resources that can help you match complimentary colors together.

Use Swatches and Samples

If you get stuck and really can’t decide on a color, then head to your local hardware store and grab some color swatches.

By holding them up against the walls and trims, these will give you a good visual on how the color will look compared to the rest of the house.

You can also get some material similar to your garage to try painting yourself to see how it will look.

Give It A Go

Considering a new garage door paint color takes a little bit of imagination and time.

But once you find the perfect shade and apply it, your home will look significantly more modern and new.

Check out our range of garage door services if you are looking for a fresh change or read our blog for other useful hints and tips.

Automatic Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers

9 Reasons for Replacing a Garage Door Opener

September 27, 2018Automatic Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers

9 reasons for replacing a garage door opener There are many things consumers think about when they want to do some home improvement. Perhaps they want to renovate the kitchen or set up a home entertainment center with surround sound.

Replacing a garage door opener is often overlooked in the home improvement decision-making process. There are many important reasons why you should consider replacing yours.

The Benefits Of A New Garage Door Opener

Read on to find out why replacing your garage door opener will benefit you!

It’s Broken

It may seem obvious like an obvious reason for replacement, but many people neglect to replace their garage door openers when they break. Instead, they opt to repair it themselves, manually open their doors, or park outside the door if they can no longer open the door.

If your garage door opener is broken, now is the best possible time in which to replace it. Opening and closing your door manually is a huge hassle. The repair needs to be done anyway, and putting it off means you’re not getting full use of your home.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Did you know that your garage door opener uses electricity even when you are not actively using it? Garage door openers are always on standby to receive the signal from your garage door remote to open, so they are always using electricity.

This type of electricity use is termed a “phantom load” and costs households up to $200 in added electricity usage per year. That’s quite a bit of money for an appliance that you are not actively using.

There’s good news about phantom loads for homeowners who are trying to keep their energy usage down: garage door opener manufacturers are creating energy efficient openers to reduce phantom loads.

So while investing in a new garage door opener has a cost up front, it will save you money in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about your energy usage.

Noise Reduction

Let’s face it, older model garage door openers are loud. This is a great feature for parents who want to catch their teenage children in the act of sneaking out or breaking curfew. For everyone else, loud garage door openers are an annoyance.

Today’s screw drive and belt drive garage door openers provide homeowners with a much quieter door opening experience. If your garage door opener lets the whole neighborhood know you’re home, consider replacing it.

Keypads

Have you ever forgot your garage door remote, or has the battery on it died? In those times, you likely had to get out of your car and use a key to open the door, and then manually open the door all the way in order to park your car.

It’s frustrating, but luckily you don’t have to do that forever.

New models of garage door openers offer keypads that are mounted on the wall outside the garage for easy opening and closing. All you have to do is punch in the code and the door will open. No key, no manual opening.

Backup Battery

Garage door openers are connected to your home’s electricity as its source of power. This basic power setup works well for homeowners in areas with reliable electricity. Homeowners in areas that have frequent power outages due to thunderstorms, ice storms, or brownouts from heatwaves are not lucky.

Situations that cause power outages are typically ones in which you prefer you and your car to be safe in your garage.

Modern garage door openers have the option of added battery backup systems that the opener will rely upon in the event your home is without power.

Replacing A Garage Door Opener Means Increased Security

Older garage door openers make it easy for thieves you access your home. This is because they rely on remotes that have a fixed code, so a thief can bring a remote to your home and change the code until it opens your door.

This is also the reason why many homeowners accidentally open their neighbor’s garages when they mean to open their own. This leaves your neighbors’ homes vulnerable to theft.

Newer models use a different code every time you open or close the door, making it extremely difficult for uninvited visitors to gain access to your home.

Safety

If your garage door opener was installed prior to 1993, then it may have an issue that puts you, your family, and your pets at risk.

Garage door openers manufactured since 1993 are required to have a safety reversal feature that stops the door from closing in the event that something or someone is stuck under the door. This is achieved through the placement of sensors a few inches above the floor that triggers the door to reverse whenever the sensors detect something under the door.

If your garage door does not have this feature, then you should seriously consider replacing your opener to prevent injury to your family. It also protects against liability should a neighbor’s child or pet get stuck under your garage door.

Updates In Technology

Modern garage door openers add increased security and convenience to your life. Many permit you to open or close your door from anywhere through an app and Wi-Fi.

Did you drive off this morning and can’t remember if you shut your garage door when you left? Just open the app and close the door without having to lose time at work. You can even ask the app to alert you if you’ve left the garage door open.

This is also beneficial if you have something delivered but can’t be there. Just open the app and the person dropping off the delivery can leave it in your garage.

Increase Your Home’s Value

Today’s homebuyers have a lot of options available to them. If you want to sell your home, or if you’re thinking you will sell soon, a garage door opener with the latest technology and safety and security features will increase the value of your home.

Contact Us For More Information

There are many changes you can make to your home, but replacing a garage door opener has multiple benefits for you and your home. Not only can it make your life more convenient, but it can also help protect against intruders and reduce your electric bill.

If you have any of these issues, consider replacing your garage door opener to improve your quality of life.

Check out our blog for more information about garage doors and your home.

Garage, Garage Cleaning, Garage Safety, Maintainance

10 Tips For Creating Space In Your Garage

August 29, 2018Garage, Garage Cleaning, Garage Safety, Maintainance

10 tips for creating space in your garage Do you wish you had more space in your garage? You’re not alone in your thinking.

A study conducted back in 2015 revealed that about 25 percent of American homeowners have a garage that’s too cluttered to fit a car. And while not everyone wants to fit a car in their garage in the first place, the study is an indication that many people wish they could have more space in their garage, regardless of what they choose to use that space for.

Creating space in your garage isn’t necessarily as difficult as it might seem. There are ways to make space for yourself if you’re willing to put in the time to do it.

Here Are 10 Helpful Tips For Creating Space In Your Garage

Throw out items you don’t need

This tip is usually easier said than done. But one of the ways to go about creating space in your garage is by simply throwing a bunch of stuff out.

Spend a Saturday afternoon going through everything you keep in your garage and getting rid of things you don’t need anymore. Everything from those old Christmas lights that don’t work to that old lawnmower you’ve been trying to fix for years now can go.

By throwing out items you don’t use, you can free up more space for the things you do use.

Find storage bins for all the stuff in your garage

The average homeowner has a little bit of everything in the garage. From sporting equipment to holiday decorations, the garage tends to be the place where homeowners throw anything they don’t want inside their houses.

It’s OK to use your garage for this purpose. But everything in your garage should be placed neatly into storage bins rather than just chucked inside the garage on a whim.

A storage bin filled with sports balls will take up much less space than a bunch of balls just randomly scattered throughout the garage. Bins will help keep things organized while also allowing you to keep your garage space safe.

Create storage space on your ceiling

Stand in the middle of your garage and look up. Do you see all that unused space above you? That is where you should be keeping the majority of the things you don’t use on a regular basis.

Whether you choose to build a little attic space above your garage or you hang hooks that can hold things like ladders and bikes, use the ceiling area in your garage to its full potential. It can double your garage space in some cases and allow you to make the most of it.

Hang tools up on the wall

Do you have tools laying all over your garage right now? From rakes and brooms to hammers and screwdrivers, most homeowners have dozens and dozens of tools in their garage.

Rather than putting them wherever you feel like it, devote one of your garage walls to your tools and hang them up on it. Outside of saving you space, it’ll also help keep your tools organized.

You’ll be able to find any tool you want at a moment’s notice when they’re not all over the place.

Put up shelves on the walls

In addition to hanging your tools on one of the walls in your garage, find a space on a separate wall for shelves.

Your shelves can be used to hold the storage bins that you have in your garage. They can also be used to hold other boxes and containers you might have on the floor right now.

The shelves will protect your possessions in the event that water ever makes its way into your garage. They’ll also keep everything more organized while making the most of your wall space.

Come up with different zones within the confines of your garage

If you have a particularly large garage that is difficult to organize, try breaking it down into different zones. Each zone can provide a specific set of items with their own place.

For example, one zone might be set aside for your vehicles. Another zone might be set aside for seasonal items. A third zone might be set aside for tools and so on and so forth.

By breaking your garage down into zones, you can cut down on the amount of clutter you have and make sure everything has a specific place in your garage.

Make a workbench that folds up and down

Do you currently have a big workbench in your garage that’s taking up entirely too much space?

Replace it with a workbench that attaches to the wall and folds up and down when you need it. Chances are, you probably only use it once or twice a week anyway. So why allow it to monopolize the entire garage?

Place heavy workbenches and other large items on wheels

If you insist on having a heavy workbench or another big item in your garage, put it on wheels so that it’s easy to move around.

If your workbench is stationary, you’re going to have to plan the rest of your garage layout around it. But if you attach wheels to it, you can move it around as needed to free up space at certain times.

Consider building a shed if you have the outdoor space for it

If you’ve followed most of these tips and are still struggling as far as creating space in your garage, you might need to do more than just organize your garage. You might need to build a new structure to give yourself more space.

Building a shed is a great way to open up space in your garage. You can also purchase a smaller outdoor cabinet to house some of the tools that might otherwise end up in your garage.

Install a garage door that doesn’t waste any space

Is your garage door taking up space in your garage when it’s open or preventing you from making the most of your ceiling area?

A new garage door might do the trick and free up the space you need. It’ll also make it easier for you to access your garage whenever you want.

Take a look at some of the latest garage doors to see how they could benefit your home.

Start Creating Space In Your Garage Today

Creating space in your garage might seem like a lost cause right now. But with a little bit of creativity, you can find the space you need and make the inside of your garage look a whole lot better.

You can also make the outside of it looking better by installing a new garage door to it. It’ll improve the curb appeal of your home while making it easy to get in and out of your garage.

Check out our blog for tips on choosing the right garage door for your home.

Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors

How To Fix A Squeaky Garage Door

July 30, 2018Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors

how to fix a squeaky garage door

There are few things more annoying than hearing the ear-piercing squeak of your garage door every time you come home or leave your house.

Plus, a squeaky garage door is often an indication of a larger and more serious structural issue. In short, it’s something you need to take care of as soon as you can.

In this post, we’ll tell you the best DIY methods when it comes to learning how to fix a squeaky garage door. We’ll also let you know when it’s time to get a professional to come work on your squeaky garage door.

Read on to learn more.

Get the Right Materials

If you want to know how to fix a squeaky garage door, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need:

Old rags
A step ladder
Grease designed for garage door
Wrench
Solvent
Silicone-based lubricant spray
New garage door rollers (if needed)

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to do some diagnostic work.

Identify the Problem

The first place for you to take a look is the hinges on your garage door. You should also inspect the tracks, the wheels/rollers, and the mechanism that actually opens the door.

This is where you should also consider replacing rollers–especially if you notice they’re damaged or coming loose. Check out a tutorial on how to make that happen here.

We suggest using nylon rollers as opposed to steel ones. Why? Because they’re much lower maintenance and more durable.

Now is also the time to knock away and thoroughly clean off any visible debris. This may be what’s responsible for a squeaky garage door–and it’s a nice easy fix if that’s all that’s required.

Screw in Loose Nuts

Next up, grab your wrench and carefully tighten any loose nuts and hinges. You’ll need to take care not to tighten them too much, as this can cause serious damage.

Now is also the time to get out the spray solvent you purchased. This is what you should use to properly clean off the rust or corrosion on your moving mechanisms.

For this reason, when you’re buying your spray solvent, you need to make it a point to look for options that contain anti-corrosive properties. One of our favorites is this Rust Release Spray from WD-40.

If you notice that your door has an excessive amount of rust and dirt, you may want to let the solution soak in for a few minutes. Just make sure you completely wipe it down with a rag afterward.

Properly Lubricate the Mechanisms

Now that you’ve cleaned off your mechanisms with the solvent spray, it’s time for the most important step in learning how to fix a squeaky garage door.

Now is the time to properly lubricate all the parts that you suspect might be the source of the squeaking. It’s alright to use a heavier amount of lubricant than you might initially think you’ll need.

When you’re looking to purchase the right kind of lubricant for your garage door, look for either silicone spray or grease that’s designed for use on a garage door.

There are some areas, however, that many homeowners often miss. Make sure you properly spray the tracks and springs of your door. Don’t miss the bearings, either.

You need to make sure that you spray the exterior of the door. This is because your door is often impacted by high heat and humidity levels. Properly lubricating it won’t just help you to eliminate the squeaks–it will also extend the overall life of your door.

Once you’ve done this, open your garage door and close it several times in succession. This actually works the grease or lubricant into the parts that need the most attention. Plus, you’ll be able to hear whether or not you’ve properly tackled the squeaky garage door.

If it works, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your garage door. Your last step is to wipe off the excess grease with your old rag.

Help! My Garage Door Is Still Squeaking

So, you’ve done everything in this post. You’ve even repeated the process again, but you’re still dealing with a squeaky garage door.

In some cases, the problem may simply be too big for you to fix on your own. You may need to invest in larger replacement parts, or your garage door opening mechanism may need replacing altogether.

If this is the case, it’s the time to call in the professionals. You don’t want to waste your time–and more importantly, your money–replacing or working on parts that aren’t actually the source of the problem.

Plus, no matter how much of a skilled DIYer you are, some issues within your garage door are just too dangerous for you to fix yourself. Ending the squeakiness of your garage door isn’t worth putting your own safety in jeopardy.

We’re here to help you to properly identify the problem and fix it correctly the first time around.

Getting Professional Help for a Squeaky Garage Door

From making sure that you start with the right tools, to using the right kind of anti-corrosion spray, we hope this post has helped you learn how to fix a squeaky garage door.

Of course, we also hope it’s made it clear when it’s no longer safe to tackle the problem on your own.

If you’ve reached that point, go ahead and give us a call. Spend some time on our website, too, to learn exactly how we can help you to tackle a squeaky garage door.

When you’re ready, get in touch with us to schedule a proper consultation and set up an appointment.

Automatic Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers, Garage Doors

The Benefits Of Going From A Manual To An Automatic Garage Door

June 27, 2018Automatic Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers, Garage Doors

the benefits of going from a manual to an automatic garage door

Our front door isn’t our front door any longer. Most Americans use their garages over 70% of the time to enter and exit their homes.

Just about all new homes and most homes built within the last 20 years or so come with an automatic garage door. Older homes may not.

If you’re still manually lifting your garage door, you are missing out on the added convenience and security of electric garage doors.

Here are a few of the benefits that come with installing or replacing an automatic garage door.

An Automatic Garage Door Provides Easy Access

An automatic garage door means easy access to your garage. Pushing the button on the wall opens the door just that simple. These units come with a garage door remote that clips onto your car visor.

You don’t get out of your car to open the door. You drive right on in. No more running to the garage door in the rain. No more straining to lift the door yourself.

Keyless Entry

Most electric garage doors also come with a keypad outside the garage. Set a pin and you don’t need the garage door remote at all.

Older children love the independence it gives them to be able to come home from school and not worry about fiddling with house keys.

Then there are times when you need to send someone to your house while you are away. It could be a friend, babysitter, or repair person.

You can provide them the keypad pin. You can always reset the pin after they have left to keep your garage secure.

Or, you can set a guest code for temporary users. Guest codes only work for a period. After your set time is over, the code no longer works.

Keyless entry is great for vacations. Whoever you have charged with picking up the mail and watering the plants doesn’t need a key.

Technology

The technology behind an automatic garage door lends itself to many conveniences such as automatic closing and control from your smartphone.

Automatic Closing

The automatic closing feature means you don’t need to remember to close the door or press the garage door remote a second time. The garage door closes itself.

This is a great thing if you have kids who come and go from the garage. Also helpful if you tend to forget to close the garage door. No more getting to work and worrying that the garage is open.

Smart Phone Apps

You can control many electric garage doors using an app on your smartphone. Using the app, you can close your door from anywhere. The app can also notify you when the door is open.

Added Security

The remote controls and keypad provide a bit of added security. Only folks with either the garage door remote or the pin code can access the house.

Those who are security minded will be sure to keep their cars locked and the remote hidden under the visor.

Garage Door Remote Controls

Thieves can try to access your remote control using a remote control code scanner.

To thwart this, some garage door openers have rolling codes in the remotes. The code changes every time you press the button. So, only you can access the garage.

Some remotes come with a feature called vacation mode. Vacation mode disables the remote controls. You can only open the garage door from the inside. Would-be thieves can’t use a scanner to access your garage.

From the Car to the House

If you park your garage, there is the added security of not leaving your car to walk into the house.

Say you’re coming home late at night and have bags to unload. You can make multiple trips in and out of the house, leaving your car door and private garage door open.

This can be a lifesaver if you have kids or pets that ride with you. You can leave your little one napping in her car seat while you unload the groceries.

Safety Sensors

Automatic garage doors have sensors that detect objects, people, or animals on the threshold. The door won’t come down on any of these. The door will stop once it senses something in its path.

It goes without saying that those of us with children and pets appreciate this feature. It’s also beneficial for those with medical conditions that could slow movement or cause falls.

Automatic Lighting

An automatic garage door comes with built-in lights. When you activate the door, the system turns on an overhead light.

Some electric garage doors have outside lights that light the driveway in front of the garage. This added light comes in handy at night or during inclement weather.

Cost Effectiveness

Even with all the features and technology, even an older automatic garage door is efficient. It does not use a lot of electricity. It uses very little power until you activate the opener. That event only lasts for about 15 seconds.

Along with being cost-effective to run, electric garage doors don’t require expensive maintenance. If you maintain it per the manufacturer’s instructions, you should spend little time and money on garage door repair.

Even if you do require a service technician to come out and troubleshoot a problem, maintaining your door opener should minimize the repair costs.

Any Style of Garage Door is Compatible

Any style garage door is compatible with an automatic opener, including canopy, sectional, and roller garage doors.

If you don’t want to replace your existing manual garage door, you can retrofit it. You don’t have to make any sacrifices to your home’s style or character.

Is It Time for an Automatic Garage Door?

It’s difficult for most of us to imagine life without your garage door opener. We appreciate the obvious convenience as well as the added security that an automatic garage door provides.

If you are looking to update your California home with an automatic garage opener, please contact us. Likewise, if your current opener needs maintenance or replacement, we’d love to help you.

Loading Dock, Maintainance

Safety Maintenance Tips For Your Loading Dock Equipment

May 29, 2018Loading Dock, Maintainance

Using the right loading dock equipment for the job is just the first step of having a safe workplace.

Without the right preventative measures set in place and the proper training, however, you are allowing the risk of numerous safety hazards that could have been avoided.

Keep reading and we will share some general safety tips with you, as well as some important safety maintenance tips for your loading dock equipment.

General Tips to Avoid Accidents

Some of the most common accidents that take place in loading docks are:

Overexertion Injuries
Slip and Fall Accidents
Trailer Separation Accidents
Forklift Accidents
Falls from the Dock

All of these accidents can result in consequences such as; facility, product, and equipment damage, employee injuries, and even death. This can lead to a number of other problems, like lawsuits and even bad reputations.

In this article on Safety and Health Magazine’s website, they report that about 25% of reported warehouse accidents are from loading docks. The following tips will help you cut down on these accidents.

Keep Pedestrians Out of and Away From Loading Areas

Keep employees, vendors, and pedestrians away from loading docks.

You can increase security by connecting alarms to doors and trailers and by having a watch present during operations.

Conduct Regular Safety Audits

The most important part of workplace safety is not only having the right equipment but also performing regular preventative maintenance.

According to this article by OSHA, workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer over 800 deaths per year and over 18,000 other injuries.

It is imperative to have your equipment in top working order to prevent liability.

Keep Loading and Unloading Area Clean

Regular sweeps, cleaning up debris, and properly tending to spills are all crucial elements of maintaining a safe work environment.

With the right attention to detail, you can make the work environment a much safer place all around.

Make Sure Employees Are Trained Properly

Having employees trained properly and well rested will ensure that they are as alert as possible during their work shift.

Make sure that your employees are given frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. You can check the United States Department of Labor for laws in your state regarding minimum paid rest periods.

Preventative Maintenance Checklist for Loading Dock Levelers

Aside from checking the general condition of the loading dock equipment and your surroundings, you can increase safety and prevent accidents by making a maintenance checklist that you can use to perform regular maintenance on equipment.

Continue reading for some tips that will help you keep your leveler in safe working order.

Always Check the Dock Doors

Replacing doors can be very costly, so always check, maintenance, and repair dock doors as needed. If you do end up replacing them, make sure and look for high impact dock doors, that are made to deflect damages in the first place.

Upgrade Loading Dock Equipment Frequently

Whether you upgrade from mechanical to a push-button operation, or you are simply replacing restraints and dock bumpers, regular upgrades can prevent wear and tear from getting the best of you.

Upgrade your loading dock equipment as needed and perform regular inspections of dock bumpers, seals, and other parts on a regular basis.

Check Seals and Shelters

Having seals and shelters that are worn out or damaged can cost you money, and make life miserable for employees in extreme temperatures.

Perform regular checks on upper and lower seals to ensure that they are sealed effectively. Swing-out style doors should have proper protection to seal the gap in the hinge when doors are open.

Keep the Upper Plate Clean

Clean upper plate, lower rollers, sides, and curb angles on a regular basis, to keep everything operating smoothly.

Keeping a tight running ship is always the best way to prevent slips and keep equipment in great condition for as long as possible.

Check Roll-Out Deck, Roll-Out Plate, and Snap Rings

Always check to see if the push-in bar and roll-out plate assemblies have been damaged. Also, check to make sure all your snap rings are there and that they are not damaged, and there is no damage to the clips on the axles and rollers.

Inspect Welds

Make sure the welds are still intact under the top plate of the leveler. It is a good idea to check dock leveler after use to make sure it is operational, and no unwanted sounds or vibrations are present.

Check All Springs

The springs in the safety leg system should be checked on a regular basis, as well as any other springs. What you want to look for is visible wear, breakage, and elongation of the springs.

Forklift Safety Tips

Did you know that there are approximately 855,900 forklifts in operation in the US alone? Out of those forklifts, did you know that 11% of them will be involved in an accident in the average year?

It’s true. Around 61,800 non-serious accidents, 34,900 serious injuries, and 85 deaths per year happen in forklift accidents.

According to statistics, 70% of these accidents could have been avoided with proper training and policy.

Here are some forklift safety tips, that will help ensure safety while operating forklifts, and here is an additional checklist that we found on Linkedin Slideshare as well that you may find helpful.

Perform Daily Inspections

Daily inspections of equipment and operating environment can help avoid potential accidents that could have been prevented. Regularly inspecting equipment can also alert you to any mechanical problems before they arise.

Only Allow Qualified Operators to Drive Forklifts

Only allow individuals over the age of 18 with the proper training, licensing and authorization to operate forklifts. This is one of the worst contributing factors to forklift accidents.

Maintain Load Stability

Always inspect load for balance and stability. Keeping your loads symmetrically stacked, with a low center of gravity will help ensure a safe loading and unloading workday.

Stay within Forklift Capacity

Stay within parameters set by the load capacity displayed on the rating platform. Allowing the machinery to be overloaded not only creates added stress on the equipment, it can also easily cause accidents.

Stay Attentive

Maintain a clear visibility, stay aware of your surroundings, and slow down for pedestrian crossing areas. Treating every move like it could potentially cause an accident is a great way to prevent danger.

Also, not allowing employees to carry phones, headsets, and other distractions will ensure that they stay focused on their jobs, and performing at their peak potential for your company.

Loading Dock Equipment Summary

It is a known fact that the likelihood of accidents increases with the presence of faulty equipment. Without conducting frequent preventative maintenance inspections, you could be doubling your chances of accidents and injuries.

The steps on this list should help you know what to look for in your daily inspections, and keep your equipment in the best working condition possible.

Hopefully, our efforts to communicate these tips will help you prevent problems that could potentiate from worn out equipment, and stop accidents before they happen.

We carry a full line of loading dock equipment on our website in the case that you are replacing your loading dock equipment or expanding your operations.

Make sure and check out our blog on dock seals to learn why it is safer and better all around to go with one. Don’t forget that you can contact us anytime if you have any questions.

DIY Repair, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors, Maintainance

Extending The Life Of Your Old Garage Door

April 19, 2018DIY Repair, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors, Maintainance

extending the life of your old garage door

The garage may only be a small portion that makes up your home, but over the course of the day, it does so much. If you’re like most folks, you take your car in and out pretty frequently, at least twice a day, if not more.

All the use your old garage door gets means that wear and tear develop over time. For an old garage door, this means the chances of breaking down increases.

There are ways to preserve your garage and keep in working in prime condition. Read on and learn more about various tricks that help extend the life of your garage door with only a little effort on your behalf.

Use with care when dealing with an old garage door

Using care is obvious, but many people don’t realize the importance of going easy with their garage door.

That means exercising care by:

Not opening and closing the door repeatedly
Not allowing children to play with the garage door opener

The less you open your garage door unless absolutely needed, the longer it’ll last. If you have an alternative door to use when going in to get something stored in the garage (and not driving anywhere), it’s even easier to maintain the life of the door.

This might sound like a difficult habit to break, but once you get into a routine of only using your garage door when absolutely necessary, you’ll avoid further problems and keep it around longer.

If you live in an area where cold weather affects your buildings, pay attention to how you can keep your garage in prime condition. Learn how to winterize your garage and keep it safe, no matter how much the temps drop.

Evaluate the balance once a year on your garage door

Every garage door has a balance that keeps it working properly. This allows the door to open and close automatically, without you worrying about it not closing fully.

Evaluating the balance on the garage door is important because it prevents further problems from occurring. Catching the problem early on means it’s easier to fix and usually cheaper.

It’s time to have a professional look at your door if you notice problems such as:

The garage door doesn’t close fully
The door isn’t closing evenly
There are issues getting it open

There’s no reason for your old garage door to not work properly if there are issues with the balance. All it needs is TLC from a professional who knows how to fix them, and you’ll find it works as good as new.

Ensure the system stays clean and check performance

Garage door systems can run into problems if they haven’t gotten cleaned recently. Similarly, noticing an issue in the performance and neglecting to have to fixed contributes to further problems.

Because your garage door is outside, it withstands the elements and a variety of other things that could get into the system. Dirt, gravel, and other elements sometimes blow into garages and can get into the system.

Make sure your garage area is kept free of birds nest, spider webs, and other forces of nature that create issues when left unattended. Doing so prevents a host of problems and makes your life easier.

Check out the performance and make sure everything works normally. Don’t just do a quick once-over when you’re pulling out.

Make time to open the garage door and examine if it’s slow, not pulling back all the way, or showing signs of neglect somewhere. Old garage doors that are starting to show signs of neglect in certain areas cause further problems and create strain.

Once your garage door is straining, it’s putting pressure on other parts, causing certain areas to pull double duty to get the door open or closed. Correct it early on before it becomes an issue, and you won’t need to worry about having to replace the whole door later on.

if you’re looking for a change of pace, check out our blog on high-speed doors, and see if this is the best option for you.

Have a professional assess your garage door

Many people put off having a professional come to their house to check out how everything is working. They usually find it an unnecessary expense and want to save money, thinking nothing is wrong.

This sounds like a good idea, but it’s important to have everything checked out for your safety. A garage door that works properly protects you and your family from having items stolen, keeps your cars safe and dry, and prevents unwanted visitors from getting in.

Make time to have someone come out and check on your garage door. If you notice a small problem, you’ll prevent it from turning into something bigger. Garage doors that don’t close properly are dangerous to have around, especially if you have children or pets.

Besides that, you won’t have to tread carefully and worry about how much longer your door lasts, or take care of maintenance yourself, with the help of a professional.

Make getting your garage door serviced an annual checkup, and see how simple it is to keep this extension of your home safe.

Learn more

When you think of your garage door as an extension of your home, and an important storage unit for the whole family, you understand the importance of keeping your old garage door in working order. Checking for problems and calling a professional when routine maintenance is needed helps you preserve the life of your door.

If you’re looking for a serviceman to help get your garage back on track, troubleshoot problems, or want a new door installed, let us help. Contact us, and see how we can assist you in keeping your “second home” in prime condition.

Automatic Gates

Choosing the Perfect Automatic Gate for Your Home

March 20, 2018Automatic Gates

choosing the perfect automatic gate for your home

Are you thinking about having an automatic gate installed for your home?

There are many reasons why some homeowners prefer automatic or electric gates to manual ones. Number one would be security, as electrically controlled gates offer better protection against thieves, vandals, and so on. They can also be fitted with CCTV or audio intercom for controlled access.

Another reason is convenience. If you find getting out of your car just to open and close gates annoying, then installing an automatic gate is a great idea. Plus, it’s a good way to keep pets and children safe, especially if you live in an area with busy roads.

If you’ve decided to go for an automatic gate, your next step is to consider which one is right for your needs.

Don’t worry! With this guide, you can choose the best electric gate for your home.

What’s Your House Style?

Cape Cod, country French style, Mediterranean, contemporary…these are just some of the many different house styles that you may be familiar with.

Whatever style your home, it’s best if you choose an automatic gate system that doesn’t clash with the overall look of your property.

Keep in mind that your gate is probably the first thing visitors to your home will see. If you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, an electric gate will help increase your home’s curb appeal.

And even if you never plan to sell your home and just want people to admire your “humble abode,” a great-looking gate with high-tech safety features is a worthy investment.

It’s best, of course, if you can hire a company that can custom fabricate your electric gate. That way, you can make sure it truly fits the style and design of your home.

Swing or Slide?

Do you want an automatic gate that swings or slides?

Sometimes, it’s not up to you. For example, a swinging gate isn’t the best choice if it has to swing toward an upward slope. You also have to check the length of your driveway if you’re considering a gate that swings inward.

For a gate that swings outward, you need to make sure your street doesn’t have heavy vehicle traffic. And if you’re thinking of sliding gates, you have to factor in the curvature of your boundary wall.

If you can’t quite decide, don’t panic! Your trusty gate installation company should be able to help you pick the right one for your property.

How Will You Get In (or Out)?

Since we’re talking about automatic gates here, we won’t cover manual access. Instead, we’ll focus on the different types of entry or exit methods an electric gate allows.

One access method is by code, electronic key, or swipe card. Yes, they’re kind of fancy. But they’re one of the best options if you’re keen on keeping your property secure and away from prying eyes.

Another access method to consider is a remote control, which is the same method used for opening garage doors. Remote control access is perfect if you’re okay with letting guests enter your gate even without you going out to greet them.

Last, but not least, is intercom access. It works best when combined with a security camera, in order to be able to see visitors before allowing them through your gate.

Of course, there are other features, such as retinal scans or fingerprint checks you might want to think about. It all depends on how much you value your privacy and security.

What’s Your Power Source?

How you will power your electric gate is another thing you’ll need to think over. Are you okay with running electric cables from your house to your driveway? Or is it possible for your gate to be solar-powered?

And you need to factor in how often your area experiences power outages. If it’s frequently, make sure you don’t forget about manual overrides. You don’t want to be stuck inside or outside of your home if there’s a sudden blackout.

What’s Your Budget?

Some electric gates can be costly. The type of material and design have a lot to do with how expensive an automated gate can be. Before you set your heart on a top-of-the-line electric gate, decide on your budget, so you won’t be surprised when a company gives you an estimate.

But don’t go too cheap, either. You don’t want to pay a little at first, only to spend a lot of money on maintenance and repairs. Aim for an electric gate that gives you the best value for your money.

Who Will Install Your Automatic Gate?

Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right automatic gate for your home. You want to make sure you enjoy your brand new gate without worrying it will break down or not work as well as it should.

Plus, if you work with the right company, you don’t have to worry as much about choosing the perfect electric gate for your home. With their years in the business, they will be experts in the field and able to point you in the right direction.

Now, if you’re currently evaluating installers and still haven’t decided on which one to choose, there are certain things to look out for. Customer service, price, and experience are good starting points that will help your decision making easier.

If your family or friends have recommendations, don’t forget to check them out. The important thing is you choose carefully, as it’s your home’s security at stake.

Looking for the Best Automatic Gates?

Don’t stress about it! If you follow our guide, you’ll have no trouble picking the perfect automatic gate for your home.

Just remember, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics if your main concern is security. Electric gates can be custom fabricated.

If you’re worried about your budget, contact us to discuss your options. We offer high-quality residential and commercial gates at reasonable prices.