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Must-Learn Tips to Open Your Garage Door Without Power

opened garage door

Going home to a malfunctioning garage door can be disappointing. Whether it’s a run-down battery in the remote or a power outage, you should understand how to open and close your overhead door manually.

Learning the right procedure to open your garage door without power will be a significant help. To open it successfully on your own, you will have to recognize the usual causes, typical series of steps, and safety pointers.

Here are the Steps to Open Your Garage Door Without Power

1. Ensure all the springs, cables, and the rest of your garage door system are unbroken.

If the door is already harmed, you might end up impairing it more during the procedure. A broken spring or cable could harm you as well. Once you find any garage door issues, it will be best to contact a specialist for a garage door service and repairs.

2. Ensure your garage door is in the down position or fully closed before trying to disconnect the door opener from the garage door.

Trying to disconnect the opener during the time that your door is in the open position is immensely hazardous and not recommended. If the spring is impaired or not well balanced, letting go of the opener could lead to the garage door shutting with a crash to the ground. It could cause a lot of damage and bodily injury.

3. When you have checked and confirmed there are no issues that need professional repair, you will want to locate the emergency release cord.

This cord has a red handle and will hang from the heart of the overhead door mechanism. If you do not see a red cord, but notice a cord hanging from the heart of the door mechanism, it is possibly the emergency cord. You may use a ladder to get to it.

4. Pull the emergency release cord until the lever goes into a down position.

This process will cause the lever to disconnect from the door opener carriage. Once you released the lever, you can now lift the garage door without any electricity. Move the door up until it’s back to its end. Ensure it’s fully open to avoid having it fall on your car or yourself.

5. If you cannot easily lift the garage door from the floor, you will have to consult a professional.

Have them inspect the door to see if there are any broken parts. A smooth opening shows that the springs are properly balanced, and you can be sure you are not impairing your garage door by opening it without power.

6. Once the door is totally open, you can drive your car into the garage.

Then, you can close the garage door the way you wide-opened it. Push the lever upward and pull the cord towards the garage door motor until you hear a loud mechanism click to reengage the carriage and have your door work electrically again.

More Tips to Cautiously Open Your Overhead Door Manually

Aside from the above-mentioned steps, you may also do the following precautions to ensure safety while manually opening the garage door:

1. Before opening the door on your own, disconnect the power cord from your garage door first even if there’s a power outage.

2. Never attempt to move manually an impaired garage door. Call a professional in this case.

3. Read the owner’s manual to acquire some crucial information about lifting your garage door manually.

4. Never repair broken cables or springs on your own. It’s highly risky.

Need a Professional Assistance? Call Inland Overhead Door

It is indeed frustrating to see your overhead door malfunctioning due to several reasons. If you notice your overhead door is malfunctioning and you are unsure of the exact cause, consult Inland Overhead Door Company at once.

We assure you that our team of overhead door specialists can handle all garage door issues you have. Our services are available even in emergencies, 24/7.

Any questions about our services? Feel free to call us today.

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6 Reasons Why You Need Garage Door Specialists

6 Reasons Why You Need Garage Door Specialists

Residential and commercial garage doors are not for aesthetic purposes only but for security purposes, too. And since most Americans have cars, they use garage doors as their home entry point. Aside from natural wear and tear, opening and closing your garage door frequently may lead to malfunctioning and involve necessary repairs. There’s a tendency for a homeowner to make the garage door a DIY repair project. However, it is still the best option to leave any garage door issues to garage door specialists. They are more familiar with the mechanisms and ins and outs of garage doors. Thus, they can make proper repairs and maintain a well-functioning garage door.

The Need for Garage Door Specialists

If you are wondering why you need to hire garage door specialists in handling garage door repairs, check the following reasons below.

Expertise and Experience

A garage door has several components and mechanisms that only an expert can handle and fully understand. All components of your garage door function consistently and uniformly with each other. Altering just one element can damage or weaken another part without knowing. This may potentially cause harm and danger in the long run.

A garage door professional has both the expertise and years of experience in handling dangerous parts or components of your garage door.

Right Tools

Garage door specialists not only have the skills to repair garage door openers or any garage door issues. But they also have the right tools and equipment for any repairs. Hiring them may prevent expensive and huge repairs in the future. Moreover, this can also prevent you or your loved one from getting injured!

Safety Risks

Since a garage door is large and has a significant weight, neglecting a malfunctioning one can cause several injuries and DIY fixes increase the risk of injuries. Examples are pinched fingers or fingers getting caught in hinges while doing DIY repairs, cuts, and bruises, or even unexpected falls.

Engage a professional in handling your garage door issues to ensure the protection and safety of everyone.

Save Money

You may think at first that the DIY approach to repairing is cheaper. But in reality, it will just make your garage door problem worse and more expensive in the long run.

Furthermore, if your garage door is well-maintained by a professional, it won’t need frequent fixes. This will prevent you from unnecessary expenses and help you save in the long term.

Convenient and Save Time

Garage door specialists are experts in handling repairs for any garage door issues. With their years of experience, they are skilled and qualified to explain issues, assess, and solve your garage door problems quickly. Allow them to do the job and you’ll have more time to do other necessary things.

Insurance and Warranty

Processing insurance can be exhausting and insurance companies only require professionals to handle garage door repairs and maintenance. The same goes with manufacturer warranties, a qualified professional should do the repairs. There would be no additional cost to the homeowner if ever an issue reoccurs.

Moreover, hiring garage door specialists will help you provide the necessary documentation needed for home insurance.

Contact Garage Door Specialists

Leave your garage door worries to our highly skilled and compassionate garage door specialists at Inland Overhead Door Company. We provide garage door installation and repair services and emergency garage door services around the clock!  Give us a call and we get your back! Let our experts help you.

 

 

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Check Out Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close All The Way

Check Out Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close All The Way (1)

Having a smooth functioning garage is so important especially if you opt for safety not only for your property but for your staff, too. Unfortunately, garage doors are not exempted from experiencing issues. And these issues can be an inconvenience to you and others! Understanding the cause is one best ways to solve garage door issues. So please read this full article to find out several reasons why a garage door won’t close all the way. In addition, learn some tips on how to fix them.

Causes and Tips

A garage door consists of different components that can help to have a quiet and smooth door operation. However as mentioned earlier, garage doors are not equally created and are subject to having problems, too. It might be due to a blocked part, out of alignment, or other issues, that prevent the door from closing and being stuck.

Check the following reasons why a garage door won’t close all the way together with their simple fixes:

Check the Outlet/Power Source

The opener sometimes does not operate because of a disrupted power source. Check the outlet for issues such as blowing of fuse or tripping of the circuit breaker. Aside from these sources, also check the GFCI or ground-fault circuit interrupter to ensure a functioning outlet.

Your garage door has a cord or a disconnect switch so you can operate the door manually. If it won’t shut, check if the release cord or switch has not been disconnected accidentally.

Check the Sensors

A safety sensor called photo eye in your garage door detects that something is blocking your door (e.g. person or object) and preventing it from lowering all the way. Moreover, even dirt and dust can sometimes cause a clog to your sensor and can lead to malfunction.

Check if the photo eye needs to be readjusted and try cleaning the eyes with a tissue or a soft cloth. Ensure that nothing is stopping or blocking your garage door from opening and closing.

 Check the Track

If your garage door is crookedly hanging, making unnecessary movements together with an irritating grinding noise, it might have come off its track. Stop using it and let an expert handle the problem.

Moreover, do not forcefully pull if your garage door appears jammed. This could make the vertical tracks bent and the rollers pop out. Leave the fix to the professionals.

Check the Springs

Torsion springs are responsible for lifting your garage door up and down easily. In the long run, the springs will start to weaken and becomes gradually heavy for them. A broken spring can be dangerous and make your door fall without notice. Avoid opening or repairing them yourself and instead, consult a specialist.

Check the Sensitivity and the Limit Setting

The sensitivity of an older door or a newly installed one can either be set too high or too low, leading to malfunction. Check the manual for the manufacturer’s instructions to reset or adjust the sensitivity.

The limit settings determine how far your door will be moved to shut off properly and in the long run, it may also need a tune-up. You may also adjust the knobs if needed until the desired performance has been reached.

Check the Cables

The lift cables counterbalance the door’s weight and hold the tension spring. Like any other part of the garage door, lift cables may also lead to excessive wear, rust, fraying, and corrosion over time which can make your door operate unsmoothly. For this issue, call a specialist as soon as possible and avoid using the door.

Check the Remote

Another safety feature is using a remote for your garage door. If the remote is not working properly, you may need to fix or troubleshoot it.  Travel limits the function of the remote so if you are out of range, you may not be able to use it. Moreover, if the signal is blocked, or the antenna is damaged, the remote may not work properly.

For this problem, ensure that the antenna is visible and apparent and you may need to change the remote’s battery. And as a last resort, you can try to reprogram the remote.

Get Help! Inland Overhead Door Company

It is sometimes easy to repair a garage door that won’t close all the way. However, other issues may need a team of garage door experts like Inland Overhead Door Company. We will help you throughout and get your garage door working again.

We will be willing to serve you 24/7. For garage door repair and services, Contact us today!

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Learn These 11 Tips on How to Secure Your Garage Door

Learn These 11 Tips on How to Secure Your Garage Door

The summer season is the best time for more outdoor activities like picnics and other gatherings. But unfortunately, summertime is also the finest period for burglars. And unsurprisingly, front and back doors (particularly garage doors) are the most familiar entry points for thieves. It only takes a short time for a burglar to break into your property. Re-evaluating how secure your garage door is must be a priority to help make your own place safer and a less appealing target for stealers.

How to Secure Your Garage Door

You can secure your property from break-ins with the following proactive garage door security measures:

1. Put Yourself Into a Burglar’s Shoes

This first tip might sound strange, but why not give it a try? In the evening, make time to walk around outside your garage and the rest of your property. By doing this activity at night, you can get a finer idea of how adequate your exterior lighting is. Then imagine how a thief might get into your own place.

Start creating questions like, “Which areas of my property seem the most at risk?” or “How safe is my garage?” It could be useful and informative to try to look at your own place from a burglar’s perspective.

2. Lock Your Overhead Doors and the Door Between Your Own Place and Garage

If you have a manual garage door, you should always keep it locked no matter what.

However, most homes and businesses nowadays have automatic overhead door openers. Still, it’s a good point to use a padlock clamped on one of your door tracks to keep them closed.

Also, it is a good practice to always lock the door between your home or business and your garage. It may be inconvenient, but helpful to make you feel at ease.

3. Cable Tie Your Emergency Door Release

Automated garage door openers contain an emergency release lever. Typically, it has a red cord connected to it. Its main function is to let you open or shut your overhead doors when there’s a blackout.

A cunning burglar, however, knows what to do. They can make enough space on top of your door to access the lever or cord using a wire hook and pull it. Once they have tampered with the release lever, they could open the door and enter your property.

You can secure the release lever with a cable tie to ensure it is safe from intruders. If there is an electrical failure and you have to utilize the emergency lever, cut off the cable tie and replace it when electricity returns.

4. Remember not to Leave Your Garage Doors Open

Indeed, do not leave your garage doors open if it isn’t necessary, because if you do, you seem to send an invitation for unwanted guests to intrude on your property. People passing by can also easily see your stuff in the garage.

Keep your overhead doors closed even if you’re doing something within your property or living in a safe area. Please, take nothing for granted.

Smart garage door openers allow you to monitor your doors whether they are closed or open using a smartphone app. It may be a bit costly but very convenient in securing your property, particularly while you are away.

5. Upgrade Your Obsolete Garage Door Opener

If your door opener is out of date, your garage is more unsafe and prone to a break-in. Clever burglars could gain access to your garage using a device that could simply crack your older opener’s access code.

Moreover, if your neighbor has the same access code as yours, they could open your garage door by accident using their remote button.

So, it would be best if you had a modern automatic garage door opener model that uses the latest technology. Its ‘rolling code’ system generates a new code each time you press the remote button, so it is much more secure.

Also, it’s much less noisy and energy-saving than the old models.

6. Place a Cover Over Your Garage Windows

Intruders could get a good look inside your garage through the overhead door windows, side windows, and even the outer garage service door window. So covering the windows entirely is one good option.

You could also install blinds or curtains exactly made for garage windows. If you prefer getting some light from the sun in the garage, you could put a frosted design over your windows. It allows sunlight in while concealing your stuff inside.

7. Improve Your Property’s Exterior Lighting

A property with deficient exterior lighting becomes a more choice target for thieves. You must ensure that all entry points into your own place are well-lit to keep your property secure.

Today, motion-sensor lights are the best choice for home or business owners. It’s both an energy-efficient and cost-effective method to protect your property.

Ensure to strategically install them around your garage and within your property, approximately 10-12 feet above the ground. A quality motion-activated exterior lighting can detect movement up to 26 feet away.

Do not forget to include your outer lighting inspection on your maintenance checklist.

8. Always Inspect if Your Garage Doors are in Good Shape

Worn garage doors put your property’s safety at risk. Burglars could simply break into your garage through any gaps or openings they see. Hence, inspecting the condition of your doors regularly is a must.

If you are much concerned about your property’s security, do not hesitate to replace your outdated garage doors with modern ones. Feel free to consult a garage door expert to know which door option is best for you.

9. Re-enforce Your Property’s Entry Points

Check all entry points into your home or business, including garage service doors or side doors, the door leading into your building, the front and back doors, and all the windows. They should be sturdy, with a deadbolt lock.

Ensure to keep your garage doors locked, even when you’re present in your building.

10. Never Leave Any Valuables in Your Garage or Cars

One simple tip to bear in mind is to avoid leaving high-value items, including your garage door remote, in your garage or inside your parked vehicles. Store them in the most secured area in your building.

11. Install A Garage Security System

According to experts, properties with an established highly-visible security system are less likely to be picked out by burglars. Thus, placing an alarm system in your garage makes as much sense as having an alarm system in your home or building.

Placing security cameras above the entry points of your garage is another great choice. There are high-quality but affordable motion-activated cameras on the market these days. They start recording as soon as someone approaches or a vehicle pulls into the driveway – even at night.

You can sync your security cameras with your smart home systems as well as smartphones, so you can monitor your garage even when you are away.

Schedule a Consultation with Inland Overhead Door Company

There’s no more unpleasant feeling than discovering your garage or another part of your property has been broken into. Thus, making your garage and garage door more functional and secure is a top priority. No worries, the Inland Overhead Door Company has your back.

Our highly-trained door specialists know how to handle any of your overhead door concerns. If you have further questions about our garage door security system or any of our services, feel free to call us today. Our team is available to serve you in emergencies, 24/7.

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Learn The 6 Advantages of Vinyl Garage Doors

Learn The 6 Advantages of Vinyl Garage Doors

Are you faced with the choice of selecting the right material for your garage door? You might consider purchasing vinyl doors as a gatekeeper of your home. Vinyl garage doors are an exceptional choice if you are looking for a quality garage door material but it has economical and aesthetic value as well.

To assist homeowners like you, please keep reading to find out more information on vinyl garage doors.

Check This Out: What is Vinyl?

A.k.a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl is one of the most widely produced synthetic plastic polymers worldwide. It doesn’t contain any wood compared to composite materials but can still be shaped, cut, routed, and milled similarly to wood with standard tools. Moreover, it can be heat-formed as well and is useful in the construction of doorways and windows.

Vinyl garage doors are usually made with a strong metal frame and packed with insulation made from polyurethane.

Diving Into Advantages

Vinyl garage doors are now becoming a popular choice among homeowners for a more appealing home and a more functional garage. In addition, there are numerous advantages to owning this type of material for your garage door. Learn the important points below:

Durability

It may sound surprising but vinyl garage doors are sturdier in many ways and are resistant to damage. Furthermore, scratches are less noticeable on vinyl. Any blemishes are hard to spot since these doors have entirely one color only.

This type of material is an ideal choice, especially for a large family with kids. Whatever your little ones throw at a vinyl door, it’s manageable and can be handled.

Nonetheless, it is necessary to note that vinyl can also crack or become brittle when challenged by cold temperatures and forceful impact.

Maintenance

Vinyl garage doors require a little maintenance like steel garage doors. They don’t need regular painting and are rust-resistant but can have a maintenance-free finish. They are easy to clean, just occasionally wash with soap and water.

However, it is important to note that regular mechanical maintenance is recommended to prolong the life of the garage door.

Weather Resistance

Vinyl garage doors are adaptable, flexible, and a better option for coastal regions. Why?

  • They are rust-proof.
  • Vinyl doors don’t warp especially in a humid environment.
  • They are highly resistant to wind, sand, and salt air.
  • They can tolerate weather conditions that are extreme.
  • Since they contain UV resin or are UV resistant, vinyl garage doors are safe from fading.

Appearance

Vinyl garage doors appear to be smooth, glossy, and clean like steel garage doors. Moreover, they offer different options for customization which include window options and panel designs. Usually, beige and white are a few color samples for vinyl doors. But if you want a bolder shade or design, you can opt for another type of garage door material.

Cost

Vinyl garage doors are a cost-effective type of garage door material. They prove to be better in terms of investment in the long run since they are rust and damage resistant.

Insulation

This type of material does not come with insulation but insulating materials can be installed with a vinyl garage door. This can help not only in preventing heat loss through the garage but higher energy bills as well.

Some materials like Vinyl garage doors can be packed with insulating materials such as Wayne Dalton garage door Model 8700 or the Durafirm Collection doors. They have polyurethane insulation which provides thermal efficiency and protection from the noise outside.

Moreover, they are also safe from dents and rust and can be a better escape from wood door maintenance due to their vinyl skin.

Commercial Garage Doors

Are you looking for a quality garage door for your property? It’s time to ask and get in touch with our experts. We will be more than happy to help you decide on the right garage door. Contact Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire to find out more about different garage door types.

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Learn About Belt vs Chain Garage Door Opener

Learn About Belt vs Chain Garage Door Opener

When your garage door opener breaks, consider having it replaced with either belt or chain garage door opener. Those two are the most common types of openers that a property owner will likely encounter. To assist you with the best option, let’s tackle some advantages and disadvantages of belt vs chain garage door opener.

Chain vs Belt Drive

  • Chain Drive Garage Door

To open the garage door, this type of drive belt uses a chain that is made of metal. This chain is attached to the tension spring that lifts the heavy door up and down and this chain drive requires less space. Moreover, this type is widely used in residential garages since it’s readily available and affordable.

  • Belt Drive Garage  Door

To open the garage door, this type of garage opener uses a rubber belt. Opening and closing the door triggers the rubber belt to slide a trolley.

Pros and Cons for Belt vs Chain Garage Door Opener

Belt Drive Pros and Cons

  • Since belt drive garage doors are made of rubber, they are more silent to operate.
  • They are readily available online and in various home improvement stores.
  • They are more durable which means that these belt drive garage door openers can manage significant lifts.
  • Replacing and installing a worn or broken belt drive is much easier than a chain drive.
  • Belt drives are easy to maintain because you don’t need to lubricate them regularly.
  • However, belt drive garage door openers are usually pricey because of the type of materials used to construct the

Chain Drive Pros and Cons

  • Chain drives can last for years if properly maintained.
  • Even if humidity or temperature varies, they are not subject to performance issues.
  • They are readily available in a variety of retailers, from megastores to smaller stores such as local hardware stores.
  • These openers are more affordable since they are constructed from inexpensive steel. Moreover, the replacement of parts in the future will be less cost-effective.
  • However, there are some disadvantages of chain drives:
  1. Since chain drive openers are durable and with consistent performance, they operate noisily. Especially if your car garage door is attached to your home or near your bedroom, the noise from metal friction can wake up your kids!
  2. When you open or close your garage door, sometimes it will create vibrations and lift in a shaky manner. This is because of the nature of the chain mechanism.
  3. Chain drive openers need regular maintenance every six months due to the presence of steel. So they should be kept free from excess dirt and moisture as they could lead to rust.

So Which is the Best Garage Door Opener?

Most experts choose belt drives to be the best product, however,, they tend to overlook many other factors that are valuable to the homeowner. In addition, your reasoning should also consider the size of your garage and also the weather conditions in your place. If you want to get the perfect garage door opener, you have to know your personal preferences and must account for what you really need.

With this article on belt vs chain garage door opener and with some advice from garage door professionals, you can now make an informed decision regarding which type should be installed in your home.

Seek Help From Professionals for Garage Door Installation

This guide can help you choose the appropriate type of opener in your garage. Though you are now aware of the pros and cons of belt vs chain garage door opener, you may still tackle more details with experts. Be it chain or belt garage door, our company can help you decide which one is best for your property.

And whenever you need assistance in purchasing a new opener or just identifying the right option for your home or office, our team at Inland Overhead door is always ready to help. You can trust our company and we make sure to provide not only quality garage doors but the best services for your garage door needs!

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Know the 6 Types of Garage Doors and Their Features

Know the 6 Types of Garage Doos and Their Feature

It is fantastic to have fancy front entry doors that certainly get all the attention of your guests. But actually, it’s the garage doors that could make your property’s curb appeal. Indeed, the first thing people see as they pass by or pull off is your garage door’s wide appearance. So, you will desire to select thoughtfully which type of garage door you want to get installed. As you read this article, you will learn about the most usual types of garage doors and their features and what to consider for your property improvement. 

Types of Garage Doors

There are six most common types of garage doors to choose from. Also, you should decide which door material and color you want to use. And if there are particular choices like placing windows, insulation, and hardware you want to include.

1. Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors are the most well-known in the United States. This garage door style has panel sections connected with hinges that allow the door to bend and curve when it ascends or descends. The wheels at each side of the panels roll to run the door on a vertical track as it opens and closes.

Sectional doors are low maintenance and made mainly from steel. Aluminum and wood doors are also available. They can be insulated or non-insulated and customized according to your preferences.

2. Roll-up Garage Doors

Roll-up doors are the best option if you have limited ceiling space. They are made of steel sheets and do not move on a horizontal track system. Instead, the steel sheets roll up above the inside of the door opening.

Roll-up garage doors have two options: insulated and high-performance units. Insulated overhead doors are energy-efficient, which is better for the environment. High-performance doors offer both regular and insulated ones and can be installed without springs. These doors can endure heavy usage.

3. Slide-to-the-side Garage Doors

As the name implies, the slide-siding garage door slides horizontally to the side to open the entrance. It usually runs on a track. This type of door was initially used for garages with not enough headroom.

Slide-to-the-side garage doors do not need balancing springs. They also have a built-in retractable motor to automate its operation without requiring a ceiling-mounted mechanic.

4. Side-Hinged Garage Doors

These garage doors, also known as ‘swing’ garage doors, are a traditional design of overhead doors hinged at the sides that mostly open outwards. They look like barn doors and are generally made of timber. Commercial-type steel doors are available, too.

Recently, there has been more demand for these traditional doors, particularly if your garage has limited headroom. You may operate side-hinged garage doors with appropriate conversion arms.

5. Tilt-Up or Up-and-Over Canopy Garage Doors

Canopy garage doors use a spring mechanism at the top, raising the door panel at the side and sticking out a third of the door to form a canopy. Property owners use this garage door as a single-solid piece up-and-over door and are the easiest to install.

6. Tilt-Up or Up-and-Over Retractable Garage Doors

Retractable garage doors open vertically by raising the single-piece door panel upwards. Differently from canopy frames, the retractable type opens on horizontal tracks that move back into the garage. When it is entirely open, it lies parallel to the ceiling of your garage. 

This door design needs more space than canopy models. Also, they are more complex to use than other styles and are usually more costly.

Seek Assistance with Overhead Door Company

If you are unsure which garage door type perfectly fits your business property, do not hesitate to communicate with a professional. Indeed, let Overhead Door Company answer your questions.

Our company has a team of highly-skilled specialists and offers the most efficient services to meet our clients’ needs. 

We are available 24/7. Get in touch with us today for more details about our garage door products and services. 

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