If you are like many homeowners, then it is likely
that you use your garage door more than you use your front door. This makes it
critical that you are aware of your garage door’s condition, and that you have
it repaired when necessary so that your garage door does not fail when you need
it most (such as when you are trying to leave for work). Yet, how will you know
if your garage door needs servicing? Here are just a few of the warning signs
that can indicate that your garage door needs to be repaired.
Slow
Response Times
A clear sign that something has gone wrong with one of
your garage door components is if your garage door is acting slower than it
used to. If you press the button and your garage door does not seem to want to
open on the first try, or there is a delay before it starts opening, this can
indicate problems with your garage door opener or clicker. There may also be
cause for concern if your garage door moves slower than it used to within its
tracks, as this could indicate mechanical problems that could cause your garage
door to fail.
Your
Garage Door Shakes or Moves Inconsistently
Your garage door is intended to open and close
smoothly. If your garage door starts shaking while it is opening or closing, or
if it seems to falter for a moment on its way up or down its tracks, then it is
imperative that you have your garage door repaired right away. Broken parts are
likely causing your garage door to struggle to function properly, and this could
lead to a complete collapse, which can be disastrous.
One
Side Moves Faster
If one side moves faster than the other when your
garage door is opening or closing, this could indicate that one of your garage
door’s springs has broken, and it is now relying on one spring to operate. You
will want to have your garage door repaired before the other side breaks and
your garage door stops working altogether.
Contact us
to learn more about the signs which can indicate that your garage door is in
need of repairs.
Are you looking to make your loading dock safer and
more efficient? Consider installing a dock leveler. A dock leveler is a metal
platform located at the edge of your loading dock. By raising or lowering
the platform, you can handle any height differences between a loading dock and
a trailer. Dock levelers also allow forklifts and pallet jacks to be used in
loading and unloading trailers.
There are many types of dock levelers to choose
from. When choosing a dock leveler, here are a few things to consider:
What type of dock leveler do you need?
There are two types of levelers: pit levelers and edge of dock levelers.
Pit levelers are built into your loading dock. As
a result, pit levelers are more expensive than edge of dock levelers because
part of the dock floor may have to be removed during installation. However,
pit levelers can handle many different sizes of trailers.
Edge of dock levelers are attached to the dock face. Edge
of dock levelers are usually cheaper than pit levelers because installation is
easier. However, an edge of dock leveler has less range of motion than a
pit leveler. As a result, they work best when servicing trailers with
fewer height differences.
Do you need a mechanical or hydraulic dock leveler?
Hydraulic dock levelers work automatically while mechanical ones require an
employee to use a chain or other mechanism to activate it. Hydraulic levelers
are a bit more expensive, but don’t require any physical effort to
operate. In addition, mechanical dock levelers usually need more
maintenance and repairs than hydraulic levelers.
What type of loading equipment are you using? Do
you use forklifts or pallet jacks when loading or unloading trailers? Edge of
dock levelers will put a bit more wear and tear on your loading equipment than
pit levelers.
To help you decide which option best fits your budget, your
facility, and your trailers, contact
us today. Our experienced technicians will help choose the
product that best fits your facility and needs.
Broken garage door springs are one of the most common repairs we deal with. Maybe you too are dealing with a broken spring and are wondering what happened. If so, it could be due to one of these common reasons.
Normal Wear and Tear Normal wear and tear accounts for the bulk of garage door spring problems. Torsion springs are designed to last for around 10,000 cycles. A cycle involves opening your door and then closing it again – something you probably do multiple times each day. If you come and go frequently or your garage door has some age on it, this is likely the reason.
Improper Maintenance As with any working part, your springs require frequent lubrication. Dry springs produce more friction each time your door is raised and lowered. Over time, this additional friction will cause your springs to wear out much faster than they would otherwise. It might also cause problems with how your door functions.
Your springs are already exposed to the elements, and
are therefore susceptible to developing rust. Regular lubrication will help
prevent rust, and will also keep any that has already formed from getting any
worse. At a minimum, you should oil your springs at least twice a year. When
doing so, remove any superficial rust with a wire brush.
Shoddy Installation Some contractors take shortcuts during installation in order to save money. For example, they may install only one spring when they actually need to use two. They might also use a smaller spring than what is recommended for your door, or install poor quality parts.
At R&S Erection of Concord, we never take shortcuts. We use only the highest quality parts, and choose those that are recommended for your door’s size and type. Our highly-trained technicians will ensure your satisfaction during each and every service call. If you need garage door repairs or installation, please contact us.
Does your business facility have a loading dock? If it does, a loading dock seal or loading dock shelter will save money, protect your products, and improve worker safety. If you are looking to install a loading dock seal or shelter, here are some things to consider:
What are loading dock seals and loading dock shelters? Loading dock seals are pads that are built around the entrance of a loading dock. When a trailer backs up into the loading dock, the loading dock seal will create an airtight seal between the trailer and the loading dock.
A loading dock shelter is similar to a loading dock
seal, but instead of using pads, it uses curtains that run along the side of
the trailer.
What are the benefits of a loading dock seal or shelter? There are several benefits. First, a loading dock seal or shelter will reduce any loss of heat or cool air. By reducing spaces between the trailer and your loading dock, your facility loses less heat or cool air. Second, a loading dock seal or shelter will protect your workers from the elements. Either product will keep rain and wind from entering your facility, making it easier and safer to load or unload a trailer. Third, a loading dock seal or shelter will keep contaminants out. A properly installed seal or shelter will stop dust and vermin from entering your facility.
What should you consider when installing a loading dock seal or shelter? There is no “one size fits all” solution for loading dock seals or shelters. Instead, it needs to be customized to fit your needs. There are several things to think about when buying a loading dock seal or shelter:
The type of seal you need. Loading dock seals are usually more airtight than loading dock shelters. However, the size of trailers being serviced, physical dimensions of the facility, and brand/model of loading dock seal/shelter also play a role.
What types of trailers are using your loading dock? A loading dock seal will reduce the size of your loading dock and is only appropriate for certain size trailers. Loading dock shelters can be used for many different sized trailers.
What type of equipment is being used to load or unload your trailers? Forklifts and pallet jacks are more likely to damage loading dock seals than loading dock shelters.
How much space do you have around your loading dock? Loading dock seals take up less space than loading dock shelters.
While loading dock seals and shelters can protect your
products and workers while keeping costs down, they work best when they are
customized for your facility. If you are thinking about installing a loading
dock seal or shelter, contact
us today. We can help you choose the right product for
your business and properly install it.
Whether you are a homeowner or a professional business owner, maintaining the safety and function of your garage door is critical. Scheduling an annual inspection by a professional garage door service company can save you both time and money. Before trying to tackle a garage door repair or service issue yourself, consider hiring a professional who can assist and advise you on how to maintain your garage door for peak performance.
Safety
A garage door or garage door opener in need of repair or service can pose a serious safety risk to members of your household or to employees at your business. These risks can cause serious injuries that can and should be avoided. A garage door professional can inspect your system and note any points of concern and address them proactively.
Security
Garage doors offer an entry into your home or business. When the garage door and opener are in optimal condition and performing properly, your home and business are well-secured; however, even minor issues with your door or opener can create an easy opportunity for theft or vandalism. Regular inspection and service by a garage door professional who can make necessary repairs and advise you on potential security issues will give you the peace of mind you need as well meet the requirements of your homeowners or business insurance policy.
Symmetry
Garage doors roll up and down on rails that balance the weight of the door equally on both the left and right sides. This symmetry means that both sides of the rail system have the same parts that are the same age. When one part fails on one side, it is highly likely that the matching part on the other side is also close to failing. A professional garage door service inspection can identify and replace failing parts on both sides of the rail system at once, thus eliminating the time and cost of a second service call.
R&S Erection of Concord can help you take action before your garage door fails. Call us today to schedule a garage door service inspection. Our trained professionals will inspect your garage door and opener and advise you on how to keep your system in top condition.
Whether you are considering an automatic gate system for your residence or business, hiring a reliable professional to install your gate system is important. R&S Erection of Concord is just that company. We will create a gate system that best suits your needs and will design in accordance to specific environmental conditions, safety concerns, and security requirements that are unique to each application. You can be assured that your new system will provide you years of reliable, low maintenance service.
Commercial
Automatic Gate Systems
Commercial automatic gates systems are not only designed to provide controlled access but also designed to keep people from getting out. For example, prisons have multi-level automatic gate systems for take-ins, visitors, and parolees. Gated communities often install automatic gate systems to control access and exit as well.
Most often, commercial automatic gate systems utilize heavy-duty magnetic locks with electric strikes. Access control can be managed in a variety of ways:
Security guards
Cards
Keypads
Proximity devices
Keys
Free
Exit Systems
Free exit systems make exiting the premises
user-friendly, such as those installed at storage facilities and underground
parking. There are several types of automatic gate system designs to meet every
conceivable application. While they offer free exit, the entrance can be
controlled in a number of different ways.
By attendant
Magnetic Cards
Remote attendant
Keypads
Biometrics
The cost of these units will be determined by the type of access/exit strategies you wish to install. If you choose to install swing gates, you need to consider the cost-effectiveness. Businesses that benefit most from these types of free exit systems include subdivisions, residential communities (gated), and apartment complexes, as well as commercial and industrial entities. Costs will vary greatly based on the size gates you install as well as the number of cameras, telephone systems, or radio controls associated with the system.R&S Erection of Concord will help you design the most cost-effective automatic gate system that is right for you.
There are
various types of free exit systems available, such as:
Swing arms
Swing gates– single swing & dual
swing
Rolling gates – single slide and dual
slide
Residential
Automatic Gate Systems
From driveway sensors to rolling gates to swing gates, the biggest factor in deciding what type of automatic gate system is right for you is your budget. Residential automatic gate systems can be controlled and monitored in various ways as well:
By keypad – each person gets their own
unique code
Remotely via camera feed – grant
access
Remotely via cell phone monitoring
Biometrics
Costs will also vary greatly based on the types and
size gates you install, the type of monitoring, and accessibility, as well as
the type of locking mechanisms.
Gate
Operators
R&S Erection of Concord services many different types and brands of gate operators. Through years of service and installation, we know which operators provide years of reliable service and will recommend operators that are proven to be tough and reliable.
Questions
You Should Ask
You will have many questions during the planning
stages. Below are some guidelines to
help you ask the right ones:
Clarify what features are included in monitoring your system
Clarify your accessibility requirements – both local and remote
Inquire as to the ongoing cost of maintenance
Question any add-ons on the proposal and determine if they are a necessary
Considering the speed at which technology changes, be sure to inquire about the cost of software updates
Once R&S Erection of Concord has a thorough understanding of what your requirements are for an automatic gate system, they can start designing the perfect system for you. Contact us today for a free estimate!
For many people, their garage door is actually the
most common way they enter and exit their home. If you use your garage door
more than your front door, it is critical that you take proper care of your
garage door so that it doesn’t break down on you when you need to leave your
home. How will you know when your garage door is in need of servicing or
repairs? Here are a few signs you can look out for that indicate you may need
professional garage door service and repairs.
Your
Garage Door is Running Slower Than Normal
If your garage door seems to take a long time to open
or close, this could indicate a problem with the motor or electrical system. If
you notice that it takes a long time for your garage door to start to open
after you press the button, this could indicate an electrical issue, or it
could simply indicate a problem with your transmitter. Either way, if your
garage door doesn’t appear to be operating properly, you should have it
inspected and repaired before you encounter further problems.
It
Makes Strange Sounds
Another sign to be on the lookout for indicating
problems with your garage door is if it suddenly starts making a great deal of
noise when it’s operating. While garage doors are by no means quiet, they
should not suddenly start making excessive amounts of noise, and they should
not make any creaking, groaning, or straining noises. These sounds likely
indicate a mechanical problem or a problem with your motor, and you will want
to have it looked at before your garage door stops working altogether.
It
Does Not Sit Evenly on the Ground
It should also be a cause for concern if your garage
door doesn’t sit evenly on the ground. This can mean that your garage door is
slightly off the track which could put unnecessary strain on the motor.
Regardless of the cause, you shouldn’t ignore a garage door that is not sitting
properly as this can lead to mechanical or safety issues.
Contact us
to learn more about the signs you can be on the lookout for indicating that
your garage door may be in need of repair or replacement.
Keeping your home safe and secure is an important
task. One of the best ways to secure your house is with an automatic gate. Here
are five reasons to consider adding an automatic gate system to your home.
Security
An automatic gate system will make your home much more
secure. It discourages intruders and allows you to control who has access to
your property. It also keeps your children and pets safe when they are outside.
You won’t need to worry about your kids running into the street or strangers
entering the yard. The safety and security that an automatic gate provides make
it a worthwhile investment.
Add Curb Appeal
A driveway gate makes a beautiful addition to your
home’s exterior. Automatic gate systems are available in a variety of
materials. You can choose a gate in almost any style you like. You’re sure to
find one that will complement the design of your home and make it stand out. In
doing so, you’ll give your home an attractive new look and boost your
property’s curb appeal.
Increase Property Value
A boost in curb appeal means a boost in home value, so
installing an automatic gate will add value to your property. Many potential
buyers will appreciate this feature, and it will be an attractive selling point
if you ever decide to place your home on the market.
Privacy
Besides restricting unauthorized access, an automatic
gate increases your family’s privacy. The proper fencing will ensure that your
neighbors cannot see into your yard or your home. The only people who will have
access to your home are those you invite inside.
Convenience
With an automatic gate system, you’ll never need to
get out of your car in bad weather to open the gate. You also don’t need to
worry if you forget to close the gate. You can operate the gate remotely with
the touch of a button.
Contact us to learn more about adding an automatic gate system
to your home.
If you’re looking for a simple way to add value to your home, replacing the garage door may be the solution. Installing a new garage door offers several benefits to your home. Keep reading to learn four reasons to consider it.
Frequent Repairs Garage doors typically last for about 10 to 15 years. As they get older, they may begin to break down more frequently. The cost of repeated service calls begins to add up over time. If your garage door needs to be repaired again and again, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
Safety and Security A new garage door can increase the safety and security of your home, especially if your existing garage door is an older model. Modern garage doors come equipped with several important security and safety features. You can install a garage door with a revolving entry code, ensuring that it only opens for you. A Wi-Fi connection allows you to monitor and operate your garage door with your smartphone.
Improve Energy Efficiency A cold garage can make the surrounding rooms feel colder, too. Installing an insulated garage door can reduce the heating and cooling costs for your whole house. Insulation helps to maintain the temperature in your garage. It keeps cold air outdoors and warm air inside. Select a new garage door that has a high R-value for the best results.
Give Your Home a New Look Remodeling your home is expensive, time-consuming, and often inconvenient. A new garage door will give your house a makeover for a fraction of the time and money. Attached garages comprise up to one-third of a home’s exterior facade. You can choose a garage door in almost any color or style you like, giving your home an attractive new look and increasing your curb appeal.
A new garage door adds beauty and value to your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.
As of 2017, 63% of all houses have a garage or carport. Garages, especially ones attached to the home, offer homeowners convenience, safety, and security when leaving and returning home.
But what good is your garage if the door springs have gone bad? Without proper maintenance, your garage loses all its glamour and glory.
Not sure how to tell if your garage door springs need replacing? You’ve come to the right place. We have the most popular signs it’s time to replace your garage door springs – check it out below.
Types of Garage Door Springs
If you’re new to learning about garage doors, you may not know there is more than one type of spring. You’ll need to know about both to determine which kind you have and the signs each one needs replacing.
Torsion Springs
Made with tightly wound coils of metal (also known as torque springs), torsion springs are the most common type of garage door springs. These springs cause the torque which lifts the garage doors up.
There are two main ways to tell if you need to replace your torsion springs. The first is to disconnect your garage door opener and manually raise the door. If the door doesn’t stay in an upright position by itself, your torsion springs aren’t doing their job.
While your garage door opener is disconnected, move the door to a mid-level position – this is halfway between fully open and fully closed. If the door stays in this position, you don’t need to worry about replacing the torsion springs yet.
But if the door begins to lower on its own or feels heavy, it’s a sign the springs are starting to break. In contrast, if the door feels unusually light, you might need to check the sizing of your torsion springs for your garage door.
Torsion springs last anywhere from four to nine years. This depends on how often you use your garage door, though.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are the most common residential garage door spring. Two extension springs, which are attached to the garage door tracks, run perpendicular to the door. Although most extension springs come in pairs, some garage door openers have one single spring between the tracks.
When your garage door opens or closes, the springs expand and contract. As the springs expand, they absorb energy. Once the door closes, they “charge”, releasing the energy when the door opens again.
You can test to see if your extension springs need replacing in almost the same way you test torsion springs, though there are ways to see if your springs have already broken.
The first way is to look at the physical springs – are there any gaps in the coils? If so, this is a sign the steel the springs are made from has given out. This means they can’t create the tension they need to open or close the garage door.
You can also check to see if both sides of your garage door are still aligned. If one side appears higher or lower than the other, one of the extension springs have given out and can’t open or close that side of the door anymore.
Other Signs
In addition to the specific signs for each spring mentioned above, there are a few more worth mentioning. If you notice:
Rust or Corrosion
If you don’t regularly maintain your garage doors, there’s a good chance corrosion and rust have weakened the garage door springs. Once this has set in, your springs needing replacement aren’t far behind.
Think about how often you use your garage doors. Do open and close the door every morning and night when you leave and return for work? Or is it mostly used for storage with the occasional opening?
Depending on how often you open and close your doors will determine how stretched your springs get. If you use your garage door on a daily basis, those springs are getting more and more stretched every day.
Over time, those springs will lose their elasticity – just like a stretched rubber band. If you’ve had our garage door springs for a while, it’s a good idea to check how their elasticity is doing.
You can do this by disconnecting the garage door opener and manually open the door. As we mentioned earlier with torsion springs, if the door can’t stay open by itself, they’ve probably lost their elasticity.
Unusual Noises During Operation
Do you hear loud and unusual noises when you try to open and close your garage door? Anything making noises which have you questioning their performance is worth checking out.
Garage door springs shouldn’t make any moaning or grinding noises. Although you can remedy this with by lubricating them, it will only fix the problem temporarily. It’s likely you’re springs are damaged and need immediate replacing.
Uneven Opening
We mentioned the alignment of your garage door earlier in the article. Take some time to watch your garage door open and close. Does one side move faster than the other?
If so, one spring has already checked out with the other not far behind. Any uneven opening or closing is a clear sign you need to replace your garage door springs.
When to Replace Garage Door Springs
Having a garage door opening is one of the most convenient parts of owning a home. It makes for safe comings and goings, plus protects your car or personal belongings from outside weather.
But if your garage doors stop working, it’s likely due to your garage door springs needing replacement. Luckily there are plenty of signs to tell in advance if you need to replace the springs, most of which we covered in the content above!
Want to join the automatic garage door community or think you need service on your garage doors? Make sure to check out our residential services and see how we can help!
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