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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.

Ways to Hurricane-Proof Your Garage Door 

Ways to Hurricane-Proof Your Garage Door

In the United States, when hurricanes strike, they cause massive wind and flood damage costing about $54 billion a year. So it would help if you had sound ways to strengthen your property and its garage.

Indeed, your garage has the largest opening in the home, so it is possible to be in danger when a 300-mile-wide hurricane hits. If you do not have a hurricane-proof garage door, everything inside is susceptible to destruction.

What are the Impacts of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes on Overhead Doors?

Note the following disastrous effects:

1. If your existing garage door lacks adequate reinforcement and the walls are unstable, strong winds and heavy rains could swiftly tear your garage.

2. The heavy wind that howls and blows through your garage could create air pressure inside. And the force of that air pressure could easily collapse your walls or knock the roof into the air.

3. Once the overhead door gets damaged and stormwaters enter the garage, flooding could ruin your drywall and other personal items. Moreover, if the water breaches your property’s foundation, it could jeopardize its structural integrity.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door Against a Hurricane

Below are a few practical tips you can follow to hurricane-proof your garage door:

1. Secure the Door by Attaching Braces

You should obtain door braces, generally long steel or aluminum bars that you can attach to add wind resistance and reinforce your overhead door. The braces help prevent high winds from destroying your garage door and are more affordable than getting a hurricane-rated door.

However, if you own a lightweight or older overhead door, it could still suffer from storm damage even if you install the braces.

2. Decide to Invest in a Wind-resistant Garage Door

Violent winds strongly affect the door’s parts and joints. And a heavy-duty and wind-resistant door could withstand those unwanted effects. So, choose a wind-resistant garage door with the right level of wind rating that perfectly meets your place’s weather circumstances.

Note: Normally, wind code regulations are part of the building code. Areas located in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone must have buildings that can withstand wind speeds of 170 to 180 miles per hour. Homes and businesses should invest in highly-rated garage doors.

3. Consider Investing in an Impact-resistant Garage Door

An impact-resistant door can hold out against the force of usual flying debris along with violent winds.

Suppose your property is located in a coastal area where hurricanes tend to hit with their full strength. In that case, you will need an impact-resistant overhead door for sufficient storm protection. Consult a garage door professional to help you choose the right door that meets your safety and security requirements.

Things to Do to Prepare Your Garage Before an Aggressive Storm

Adequate preparation for your garage is necessary to withstand harsh winds and heavy rains. Consider following the given tips below:

1. The first step is to cover large openings. Close your overhead door. If your garage has windows, fasten some plywood securely to protect them. Ensure your door’s mounting areas and track system are in good shape to hold the door firmly closed.

2. Clear away any debris (like wood, trash can lids, toys, dog utensils, etc.) in and around your garage. They could become destructive during the hurricane and crash into your door. Ensure to move them to a protected site before the tempest hits.

3. Check if there are cracks in your garage. Sealing those cracks with caulk or weatherstripping helps prevent flooding and water damage.

4. Proper drainage is crucial for keeping your garage area free from water. Clear your gutters and think about installing a French drain to reduce the probability of standing water.

5. Do regular garage door maintenance for hurricane safety. Get an annual garage door service to ensure your door is ready enough for any weather-related circumstances.

Contact Inland Overhead Door Company for Garage Door Services

Aside from taking steps to hurricane-proof your garage door, it is highly recommended to seek consultation from a trusted garage door service provider.

Inland Overhead Door Company has a team of skilled professionals who have years of in-depth experience with overhead door installation and repair services. They can surely get the job done right.

We are ready to provide you with the needed services, even in emergencies. We are ready to provide you with the needed services, even in emergencies. Call us today for any door services or learn more.

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What You Should Know in Replacing Garage Door Panels

What You Should Know in Replacing Garage Door Panels

Decades ago, overhead doors had a solid one-piece panel that opened and shut. This type is called a single panel garage door, and it is still being used today, although it is uncommon nowadays due to modern garage door standards.

In this modern time, most commercial and residential garage doors are sectional doors consisting of multiple panels. There are usually three to eight – that bend, allowing the door to roll as it opens and shuts.

If your modern garage door is damaged with dents, cracks, bends, or typical wear and tear, you do not always have to replace the entire door. For instance, if one or two of the said door issues were present on a single panel, you can change that one damaged piece which is cost-effective.

Indeed, replacing a damaged panel is not a too-hard task. However, it is best to leave this job to garage door experts because they can work on the installation speedily using their particular tools and skills. A below-average repair task will only lead to more issues and costs in the future.

Replacing an impaired garage door section can be a practical solution, but not all the time. In some situations, you are better off replacing the whole garage door. As you continue reading this article, you will learn which plan of action to pick when deciding whether to replace one panel or get a new overhead door.

Can I Replace Just the Garage Door Panels

There are five components to think about when determining if you need to repair or replace just the door panels or have a new entire garage door:

1. The accessibility and handiness of the needed door panels.

Firstly, you must verify whether the panels or sections you need are available for your door’s model unless your overhead door is new – it would not be a problem. However, if your door is obsolete, you might have a hard time looking for replacements.

2. The number of damaged garage door panels.

The price of changing more than one impaired section or panel may be the same as having your whole garage door replaced. Panel replacement becomes cost-effective if the said task typically involves only a single panel – a maximum of two.

3. The degree of the damage.

When one of the panels gets impaired, sometimes the performance of other garage door parts or even the whole door itself malfunctions. You have to ensure that the issue is not huge, even if the one section or panel and none else seems damaged. Otherwise, it would be necessary to replace your entire overhead door.

4. The age of your overhead door.

It will not be ideal for replacing a door panel if your whole garage door is old or outdated. Generally, it will be inexpensive in the long run to replace your entire door rather than change one of the panels.

5. The state and color of the other door panels.

When you think you need to replace a panel, the new panel must harmonize with the other boards. If the hue of your door’s remaining panels has already faded, it will be too uneasy to color-match them with the new one. And a color clash may occur.

You may opt to repaint your entire garage door. But, it may be costly, and the price may be identical to replacing the whole door.

Inland Overhead Door Knows Best

As a business owner, you must not ignore any damage your garage door has, even if only one of the panels has issues. Remember, a faulty panel can lead to further severe door problems. Thus, you should correct it right away to avoid more headaches in the future.

However, changing your door panels on your own may be too inconvenient, especially if you only have a little idea about garage door repairs. This is where the Inland Overhead Door Company comes in. We assure you that our specialists are highly skilled in garage door repair services and installation jobs.

In our hands, your garage door is safe. We are at your service, 24/7. Call us today for further inquiries about what we can offer to you.

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Garage Door Rollers: Common Issues That You Need to Know

Garage Door Rollers Common Issues That You Need to Know

Rollers for garage doors are a key component of your garage door system and are very important in making our lives easier. The rod-and-wheel systems are connected to a set of tracks, allowing you to open and close the door smoothly even with one hand. However, they also have a life expectancy since they move up and down the track system a thousand times. As a result, the garage door rollers can also lead to various issues like wearing out and will need replacing at some point.

Knowing what’s causing the problem first can help you determine the best solution for your problematic rollers! Moreover, you can also ask garage door experts for help.

Common Issues of Your Garage Door Rollers

Keep in mind that when your garage door roller, tracks, and other parts are in top condition, it will extend the life of your door and cut down on costly repairs down the road.

Problems with garage door rollers can stem from other garage door part issues or from the rollers themselves. Check out the following common issues with your garage door rollers:

Poor Lubrication

If your garage door rollers and tracks don’t have enough lubricant, it will lead to other problems such as shaky door movement, a loud noise produced from the operation of the door, and roller bearing issues.

These issues can be solved by either lubricating the rollers with silicone spray (or household oil as an alternative) or replacing the rollers if necessary.

Track Issues

  • If the garage door tracks are not well-anchored against the wall of your home, the rollers will usually go off track. Be sure to tighten the brackets to anchor the tracks well.
  • Tracks that have dents can easily be repaired to continue the smooth operation of your garage door. However, heavy damages to the tracks may require replacement.
  • Misaligned tracks happen when a car or a huge object bumps into the garage door. This can cause a gap between the rails and the rollers. Moreover, the misaligned tracks can also produce rubbing noises which can be annoying.
  • An excessive build-up of grease in the tracks will attract dirt and cause rust, thus preventing the rollers from moving properly. This will cause the garage door rollers to slide and not roll. It’s better to clean the tracks of all excessive grease.

Worn Out

If your old garage door has steel rollers, they can wear out. The ball bearings stretch and the roller leans until the roller breaks off.

Types of Garage Door Rollers

The small wheels that ride along the track of your garage door are garage door rollers. There are usually 10-12 rollers for a 7-8 foot high garage door to operate. These rollers allow the door to roll up and down and have a standard fair of roller sizes. You can see and buy them at your local stores. Check out the following types of rollers:

Steel

This type of roller can be lubricated and is built with 10+ ball bearings. The steel rollers can last around 7,000 cycles, or for over five years. However, this type can be noisy especially if it is not equipped with a nylon tire.

Nylon

This quiet nylon garage door roller has a sealed 13 ball-bearing design that is responsible for a smooth door operation which can reduce stress on the automatic opener. The overall performance will be better with nylon rollers and can last a lifetime.

Plastic

This type may come standard with any new-build garage door as a budget-friendly cost option. However, they have no ball bearings and can last only for 2-3 years. Thus, replacement is necessary.

Why should you avoid DIY Garage Door Roller Repair?

If you have a broken garage door roller, you might first think of repairing it because it may seem like a simple repair. The job actually has several steps to take and complete A novice can experience complications along the process and some are pretty dangerous.

Annual maintenance for your garage door helps make sure that all parts and pieces are functioning properly and are in good condition. Several issues can arise such as worn-out gears and belts on the garage door opener or a door going off track. It’s still best to consult garage door experts.

Garage Door Issues: Seek Experts

Our highly skilled professionals at Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire can find the best solution for your garage door problems. No worries, you can count on us to do repairs, service, and maintenance for all types of garage doors and garage door openers! Please contact us today.

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!

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. 

Learn Ways to Create Smart Technology for Your Garage

The future of technology for your garage has been invented and is already changing. This has become essential in today’s properties. In a survey conducted in the United States in 2017, 74% of American respondents stated that they are satisfied with their smart garage door.

Do you still have an old and outdated garage door? Over Head Door Company of the Inland Empire can help you level up your garage door! Creating a smart technology for your garage may be the last bucket list, but this can really boost the convenience and security of your home.

Make Your Garage Smarter

There are things you can do to enhance and use the latest technology for your garage.

1. You can learn more about installing internet-connected devices in your garage.

  • There are advantages to installing these smart devices in and around your garage and all are designed for accessibility and convenience.
  • With a smart garage hub, you can monitor and control not only your home lighting but also your garage door from anywhere. Moreover, it will allow you to get real-time notifications and set schedules with the myQ smart garage App.
  • You don’t need to worry about leaving your garage door open again.
  • Another great smart add- ons for your garage is Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can both link them to your smart garage door openers.

2. You can install motion-sensor lights and security systems in your garage.

  • You can now connect your home’s security systems to motion sensors wherein recording is done only when there is an activity.
  • In addition, if cameras are installed and are triggered, the systems will alert you immediately and check what’s happening. They can also allow you to archive more footage for future use.
  • Lights can also be automatically turned on and off as you are around your garage.
  • Smart lock for your garage also provides keyless convenience and remote access. These are all important in making a smart garage.

3. You can have your parking assistant.

There are gadgets you can use nowadays that have sensors. They can detect objects nearby and can guide you safely when parking. And even if you have more than one vehicle, this laser motion-sensor parking system can prevent and save you from bumping another vehicle or other stuff.

4. Installing a flood sensor in your garage is useful.

Having a flood sensor can keep track of moisture levels and detect whether you have pipe or sewer backup issues.

Smart Garage Door Openers

Another technology for your garage is upgrading your garage door opener. A garage door opener allows you to open your garage door with just the touch of a button. You can control them using your gadgets with specialized apps and monitor everything inside your garage including your door’s status from anywhere.

Tailwind iQ3 is a smart tech garage door controller where you can close or open the door automatically as if like a remote control. Moreover, you can also get alerts whenever your door opens or closes to monitor the safety of your vehicle and garage.

Having a smart WiFi garage door remote is very important in making your garage door safer. The high-tech system can allow you to connect and integrate with your other smart home devices. You can take advantage of your smart opener’s safety features today and choose some security add-ons for your garage.

Seek Trusted Professionals

Creating smart technology for your garage is now possible. Not only will it give you peace of mind knowing that it will make your property safer but will also boost its resale value. So upgrade your property now and experience the power of the latest advancements in your garage.

Overhead Door of the Inland Empire is committed to providing excellent work and first-rate services just for you! We have a team of skilled professionals ready to assist you in upgrading or replacing your commercial overhead door and with any garage door-related problems. We also provide 24-hour emergency services. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your garage door repair today.

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Learn These 4 Steps to Get Rid of Garage Door Rust

Learn These 4 Steps To Get Rid Of Garage Door Rust

A garage door is like a double door that fits within a wall structure or frame and is more durable than sheet metal doors. It protects and secures your home, increases home value, and creates the first impression of your home. It is, however, not exempted from having rust that could lead to wearing out and worst—replacement. 

Rust can spread not only to the garage door opener but the door itself, too. If you begin to see signs of rust, treat the issue right away to prevent it from spreading and being serious. Garage door rust isn’t only unpleasant but can lead to damage if not properly cleaned and taken care of.

Garage Door Rust: Causes and Effects

Rust is nature’s way of reacting to the environment and a form of corrosion. Moreover, rust can appear in anything that is made of iron, steel, or metal, especially if exposed to elements for longer periods and if not coated with rust-inhibitors.

Find out what could cause a metal garage door to start creating rust and its negative effect, too. 

  • Environmental issues can contribute to garage door rust. If you live in the mountains, near industrial areas, or in humid climates, you’ll likely have a tough time dealing with rust.
  • If you live in coastal areas or in the snow belt, saltwater damage can cause rapid rusting of your doors.
  • Another fast rust contributor is when your garage door is exposed to acid or other industrial chemicals.
  • If your garage door lacks regular cleaning, dirt, dust, and grime will begin to accumulate due to impurities. Cleaning at least once a month can help alleviate rust issues. 
  • Pollens can also be mistaken for rust but they can also accelerate rusting. Don’t panic, just give a good wash to your garage door twice a month.
  • The wrong type of paint can cause rust development. A high gloss paint that is easy to clean is necessary. Using a primer first will protect your door’s bottom layer and paint that has a solid protective layer can help prevent rust. Ensure that paint is evenly spread in all areas and parts of the door.
  • Poor quality doors that are often inexpensive are more prone to rusting than good quality doors.

Rust can make the surfaces or components of your door become weaker. It can also cause holes in sheet metal, and interfere with electrical components. Therefore, rust will have an effect on the safety, durability, and effectiveness of your garage door and its components.

Getting Rid of Garage Door Rust

Clean first to stop the oxidation process from going any further. Rust can easily spread so here are a few simple steps to ward off the rust on your garage door.

  1. Eliminate rust by cleaning. Begin with closing your door first and preparing a bucket with warm water and nonabrasive soap. Using a large sponge, scrub the door from top to bottom. Get rid of any accumulated dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris onto your garage door. Then rinse all the soap and towel dry the door before going to the next process of removing garage door rust.
  2. Wipe all the rust-affected parts with a rag or cloth soaked in white vinegar and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. The vinegar reacts with rust, initiating it to disperse. You can use a steel wool pad for scrubbing off the rust on your door. For stains that are tough, you can use other cleaning agents like baking soda or bleach.
  3. Use sandpaper to sand the affected areas and fix the holes usually seen in the lower corners of garage doors or between panels. You can patch up smaller holes by using auto body filler to fill in the gaps. But if the holes are extensive, it’s best to ask for help from garage door specialists.
  4. The final step is to protect against future garage door rust. Make sure to use rust-resistant primer and paint to prevent further damage and preserve your door.

Seek Help From Professionals

Taking care of garage door rust right away will not only boost the curb appeal of your property but can save you from the hassles of replacement. Our professionals can assist you with any kinds of environmental issues affecting your garage doors, particularly those showing signs of rust.

Contact Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire, for any commercial garage door services.

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7 Steps To Align Your Garage Door Safety Sensors

7 Steps To Align Your Garage Door Safety Sensors (1)

Have you had any experience wherein you have to get out of your car just to open and close your overhead door by hand every time you leave or return home? Yes, your garage door isn’t working as it used to be. If this is the case, you may need to align your garage door sensors.

The performance of a garage door depends on its sensor. The emitter (amber light) sends signals to the receiver (green light), which shuts your front door. The led lights on both the sending and receiving sensors will shine continuously when the wiring connections and alignment are exact.

However, if both of them are not aligned, the receiver will not receive the signals from the sender or emitter. As a result, your door will not open or close.

Fortunately, it is not complicated to realign the safety sensors on your garage door. As you go through this article, you will learn to align your garage door sensors by following our step-by-step procedure.

Tools Needed for Aligning Your Garage Door Sensors

Gather the following necessary equipment:

  • Electricity-resistant gloves
  • Screwdriver
  • String
  • Level

Steps on How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Consider following our step-by-step guide on how to align garage door sensors:

Step #1: Turn off Your Garage’s Power Supply 

Disconnect the power supply to your safety sensors by turning off their switch or controller if they are manually plugged into an outlet or shutting off the fuse of your whole garage from your property’s breaker box.

You may not be working with live wires. But still, ensure to wear a pair of electricity-resistant gloves first for personal safety since you are dealing with cables.

Pro Tip: When purchasing electrical-resistant gloves, especially check out their ‘class.’ Rated ‘Class 0 or Class 00’ gloves can hold out against up to 500 volts AC. Thus, providing you adequate protection when aligning your garage door safety sensors. 

Step #2: Loosen The Screws Holding The Safety Sensors

You will be sliding the mounting brackets up and down in the following steps. So you need to unfasten them of the safety sensors by loosening their screws using a screwdriver—no need to take the screws all the way out.

Step #3: Slide Your Garage Door Photo-eye Sensors Downward

After loosening the screws and ensuring that the mounting brackets can easily be slid up and down, move the door sensor smoothly downward with your hands.

Never use a wrench to slide the sensor to avoid leaving marks on its surface. It may interfere with its performance. Slide the sensors as low as possible while keeping them inside the mounting brackets.

Step #4: Connect the String and Secure It by Tying the Knots

Once you have already slid the sensors downward (as low as possible), connect one end of a string to one of the safety sensors and its mounting bracket, then tie the knot tightly and correctly. Doing this step can significantly affect the success or failure of the overall operation.

Take the end of the untied string and roll it around the center of the other sensor, then tie the knot properly. The string from one sensor to the other must be as straight as possible.

Step #5: Check the String if It is Leveled

Check the level of the string by placing a level below it. The line should be running evenly across the garage doorway. You would also have to hold the level against the string for a few seconds.

If the line is level, go to the next step. If not, you may have to adjust one or both safety sensors by sliding their mounting brackets carefully until the level displays that both sensors are aligned.

Step #6: Tighten the Screws

Once both sensors are on the same level, begin fastening the screws. As you tighten them carefully, see that the garage door sensors are not moving from their new position.

After tightening the screws, use the level to ensure that both sensors are not out of alignment.

Step #7: Remove the String

After making sure that both sensors are on the same level, start removing the string. Then turn on the power to your garage to test the sensors if they work fine. If not, you will have to seek help from a professional for garage door repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Garage Door Photo-eye Sensors Work?

Your garage door has two sensors: the emitter and the receiver of signals. They have infrared light, which the naked eye cannot see. Through the infrared light, the emitter sends the signal to the receiver, which begins the process of shutting down your overhead door.

Whenever there’s an obstruction, the sensors will cease the door’s operation to prevent whatever is underneath the garage door from getting damaged.

Why Are My Garage Door Safety Sensors Not Working? 

Here are some of the reasons:

1. There’s excessive dirt on the sensors

2. Connection wires are damaged

3. The sensors have been exposed to direct sunlight for so long

4. The door’s excessive vibrations have affected the sensors

5. Both sensors are incorrectly aligned with one another

6. Improper wiring between the garage door opener and the sensors

How Can I Disable the Garage Door Sensors?

If you observe that your safety sensors are malfunctioning, you have to disable them all together to avoid a possible injury.

1. Disconnect both sensors by manually turning the switch off and pulling the wires that supply them electricity.

2. If your garage door sensors have the bypass-mode option, select that option to disable them.

Seek Assistance from Inland Overhead Door Company

Aligning faulty garage door sensors is not that hard to do. You can get the task done with the right materials and enough time. However, if your building’s garage door concern still exists even after following our step-by-step procedure, then you will have to contact a professional for garage door service.

Inland Overhead Door can inspect and repair garage doors – from mild issues to severe ones for commercial buildings. Our company has a team of exceptionally trained and skilled specialists who can considerably manage any of your garage door issues. We are available mainly in your time of need, 24/7.

Hesitate not to get in touch with us today for more details about our professional services.

10 Tips On How To Prevent Garage Door Issues In Winter

10 Tips On How To Prevent Garage Door Issues In Winter

Many homes and businesses have a garage. And their overhead doors are indeed hard workers. In the course of the year, garage doors run more than 1,000 times. It’s fantastic when you can find solutions to manage common garage door problems, especially in cold temperatures, but it’s more terrific when you can prevent those issues in the first place. So, it is not unfair that you give your door a tune-up from time to time, particularly before the upcoming cold winter months. If you like to keep yourself from having a yearly garage door repair when winter arrives, consider taking the following tips on how to prevent garage door issues in winter.

1. Inspect Your Garage Door’s Seal

Checking the door’s seal is an effortless job and is one of the first steps to assessing your overhead door for the winter. When the night comes, turn on the light inside the garage. Then, go out and stand in front of your garage door to carefully look at it, especially at the door panels, for cracks of light. These fractures of light imply a problem with the door’s seal. See that you replace the damaged or missing weatherstripping parts at the earliest.

2. Clean Up by Brushing and Wiping

Various door issues may occur from needing to clean up the garage door system device. Little debris on the photo-eye lens can lead them to react to something in an unusual way, and improper lubrication can cause difficulty for the moving parts. Dirt and dust in the device can turn those issues into worse conditions.

Regularly brushing off and wiping down the different door parts can do a lot to prevent too-much buildup from happening. Ensure to wipe clean the photo-eye often, and clean off any dusty or dirty metal pieces.

3. Decrease Dirt Buildup by Using a Solvent

You can reduce the amount of dirt accumulation by regularly using a spray solvent. It breaks down any filth that might begin to expand and spread on the mechanism, decreasing the number of cleanup times you have to deal with. Spray the solvent directly onto all the pieces you often need to clean and allow it to do the work.

4. Apply the Right Lubricant for All Metal Moving Parts

Lubrication issues can afflict your overhead door at any period of the year, specifically in wintertime. Since the door has many metal moving parts, ensure to lubricate them using the one rated for the lowest temperature to help withstand the impacts of freezing weather.

Take note the purpose of using a correct lubricant is to make the metal parts operate smoothly and help the device run properly. It also counteracts contracting metal issues. Many garage door experts recommend a silicone-based lubricant for the metal moving pieces.

5. Replace or Fix Broken Parts

Ensure to check the garage door’s tracks, the springs, and other parts. Any broken springs or pieces need fixing or replacing. You may call a professional garage door company to do the repair task for you.

6. Check the Battery in the Garage Door Opener, the External Keypad, and the Remote Batteries

Many owners observe that the battery in the door opener lasts for about a year. So, be sure to change the battery if used for a long time. You would not want to stay outside of your garage on a freezing winter day.

Usually, there is a 9-volt battery beneath the keypad casing for overhead doors with an external keypad. Extreme temperature variations can impact the battery life, so ensure to change the external keypad’s battery at least once a year.

Inspect your remote batteries by simply using the remote to open your garage door. If the door is not working well, try replacing the remote batteries and see if it can open or shut the door.

7. Inspect Your Garage Door’s Balance

Before checking the door’s balance, pull the emergency cord first to disable the garage door. Then attempt to open your overhead door manually. If it doesn’t open easily, there may be a door concern, and a garage door specialist should come to check on it.

8. Check the Roof

The roof may not be the first site you will check, but a missing roof tile can cause leaks that rust the mechanisms and damage your garage door’s electric parts. Call a professional to mend a broken roof for you.

9. Install Proper Insulation

Adequate insulation can make the winter more endurable, no matter how freezing it is. Proper insulation is crucial for the condition of any temperature-sensitive apparatus in the garage. It also prevents heat loss through your garage and helps save energy. Hire a specialist to do the insulation task for you.

10. Examine Your Garage Door Regularly

One best preparation to prevent garage door issues in winter is keeping yourself updated on the condition of the door — inspect the lubricant, the batteries (in the remote, door opener, and external keypad), and the weather stripping.

You may also check for water damage and filthy metal parts. Staying updated can help you discover several issues before they go bad enough to cause you distress.

How Can Inland Overhead Door Company Help?

Inland Overhead Door Company has many years of experience serving many business owners with their overhead door service needs. Whether you need overhead door installation, replacement, maintenance, or any type of garage door issues in winter, our team of professionals can manage it. Our company ensures only to give high-quality products and garage door services.

Contact us today to get an appointment or for further inquiries about our products and services.