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5 Common Commercial Overhead Door Problems

The commercial overhead door installed in your building is an important aspect of your business. At one point, it adds aesthetic and value to your property. But, more importantly, your garage door ensures the safety of your office, your employees, and anything stored in there. Thus, commercial overhead doors are built to withstand daily wear and tear or heavy use or business operations. However, such doors can also bring about problems to business owners. In this article, you will get a closer look at the most common problems your commercial overhead door may encounter and how to deal with them.

Common Commercial Overhead Door Problems

1. Broken Torsion Springs

Torsion springs help counterbalance the weight of your commercial door, allowing the operator to raise and lower the door with ease. When these components are broken, it will be difficult or even impossible for your operator to lift the door. A standard torsion spring is rated for a certain number of cycles, usually about 10,000 cycles. Thus, torsion springs can become damaged from use.

Solutions: While it may be tempting to make repairs on your own, it is best to leave this task to an overhead door professional. The garage door torsion springs have a lot of pressure and could put anyone who is not an expert at garage door systems in danger.

2. Worn or Broken Rollers

Garage door rollers are wheels, with ball bearings, that help allows your door to run smoothly and quietly along the metal racks. These rollers can wear away over time due to accumulated debris or dirt and, at some point, lack of maintenance. When broken, it can lead to malfunctioning or unstable garage door which can also compromise the safety of its user.

Solutions: Keep your rollers free of any debris and frequently inspect them for wear and tear. Lubricating them can also help get things back and running. But, in case you are dealing with worn or damaged rollers, consult with a professional for garage door repair service.

3. Damaged Cables

Cables play an important role in the efficient operation of a garage door, especially for doors with extension and torsion spring. Though cables are dependable and resilient, they can be damaged by wear and tear. When the cable is broken, the door will lean toward a broken cable side and will not function properly.

Solutions: Visually inspect cables on a regular basis and call for professional help when if broken.

4. Dented or Damaged Panel

Since your garage door is an important part of the overall operation of your business, a damaged or dented panel should be repaired or replaced immediately.

Solutions: You may have to replace the damaged sections with a new one, but you might also consider replacing it with a new door for better warranty options.

5. Misaligned Tracks

Generally, commercial overhead doors run on metal tracks. When these tracks become worn out, damaged, or misaligned, the door will not function properly. The damage may get worse over time as the rollers can further ruin the tracks. Additionally, the garage door motor can possibly burn out while trying to operate on the tracks.

Solutions: If you notice any damage, reach out to commercial overhead door professionals for repairs. Professionals will repair the tracks or replace the entire track when the damage is severe.

Commercial Overhead Door Repair Services

If your commercial garage door needs professional attention, don’t hesitate to contact Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire. We have professionals trained and experienced in working with different types of commercial garage doors. We also offer installation services, preventative maintenance services, and fire testing services. Contact us today to schedule a service call for your garage door.

April 20, 2021/by Ren

Commercial Garage Door Maintenance Tips Business Owners Should Know

Commercial garage doors play an important role in keeping a safe working environment, as well as ensuring the safety of the materials you store in your warehouse or workplace. Though garage doors are prone to get damaged or malfunction due to improper usage or lack of maintenance, there are several steps you can do to take care of your garage door. A well-maintained garage door can help ensure seamless performance as well as prevent costly repairs. Learn here the commercial door maintenance tips that can keep you from spending money on expensive repairs.

Commercial Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Aside from yearly maintenance visits, managers or even employees can perform visual inspections and basic tests to identify any potential problems with the commercial garage door.

1. Visually Inspect Your Garage Door

Check the door springs, rollers, pulleys, and any other hardware for any signs of damage. Look for frayed cables, bent hinges, loose screws or bolts, worn rollers, rust, and corrosion. If you suspect any problems, contact professionals at Inland Overhead Door immediately.

2. Lubricate The Moving Parts

Keeping the rollers, hinges and all other moving parts well-lubricated can extend the life span of your garage door. Apply a good amount of lubricant like white lithium grease and make sure to wipe off any excess grease. If any of the hinges or rollers are stuck, you can use a penetrating solution to free them. Spray the solution to those parts, clean them off and apply the lubricant. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to lubricate the spring system. Spray the grease on the garage opener’s chain or screw. If the torsion spring becomes rusty, wipe it off with oil.

3. Clear the Rollers Tracks

Accumulated debris can make it difficult for the rollers to slide smoothly every time your door operates. In other instances, larger debris can cause your rollers to pop off the track. So make sure to inspect and clean your rollers to ensure that they will work efficiently. Use a level to make sure the tracks are properly vertical along the vertical sections.

4. Tighten The Hardware

Over time, the hardware on your commercial door loosen up because of their consistent movement. When loose, your door jostles or even falls off its tracks completely. To prevent a more serious problem, tighten all the hardware. Use a socket wrench and a screwdriver to tighten any loose bolts. If you notice any damage to the hardware, call for professional help.

5. Test the Balance

Testing the balance of your door is very crucial to ensure the safety of your door and its opener. An unbalanced garage door will have to work harder and can shorten its lifespan. To test the door, pull the release handle on the automatic opener, then use the manual mode function. Lift the door until it is about halfway. If the door is in proper balance, it should remain in place without your help. If it is the other way around, carefully set it back down and contact professionals. When it comes to spring repairs, it is best to trust professionals.

6. Inspect the Auto-Reverse Feature

Modern commercial garage doors are now equipped with an auto-reverse feature. This safety feature is designed to stop and reverse the direction of the door every time it detects an object in its path or has hit an object while the door is closing. This system is triggered by a pair of photocells located on each side of the door or by a pressure sensor.

Test the photoelectric system by starting to close the door, then passing your leg in the direction of the door. If the door goes up again, then this system is in good condition. Furthermore, to test if the sensor is working properly, place a 2×4 board flat on the ground in the direction of the door. When the door closes and touches the board, it should reverse direction and go up again. If you notice any problems with your auto-reverse feature, schedule the repair with a professional.

Commercial Garage Door Preventative Maintenance Services

Keep your business running efficiently with Inland Overhead Door Company quality preventative maintenance. Our preventative maintenance service ensures that your door will function properly all year long. We have skilled technicians both minor and major repairs on doors, openers, and other hardware malfunctions. Contact us today to schedule inspections.

March 15, 2021/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips

How To Manually Unlock Your Garage Door When The Power Is Out

No wonder that automatic garage doors have provided convenience to their users. With an opener on hand, you won’t have to get in (or out) of your car to open or close your garage door, which is particularly useful during bad weather. However, circumstances like power outage can render your garage door useless and cause a great inconvenience. When this happens, do not panic. When the power is out, this article is about the steps you can take on how to manually unlock your garage door.

How To Manually Unlock Your Garage Door When The Power is Out

Most of the automatic garage doors are equipped with a manual release. This is a system that allows you to manually open your door in case of an emergency or when the power is out. You don’t need to contact a garage door company to solve this problem if you know how to manually open your garage door.

Open Your Garage Door Manually From the Inside

Find any deadbolts, switches, or locks near the outside of the garage door, make sure to disengage them. This prevents them from interfering with you manually opening the door.
Once they are unlocked, disconnect the power for the opener or remove the battery of the opener to successfully open the door.
Then, it is time to locate the emergency release cord. It is a red handle or cord that hangs at the center rail of the garage door track. It is attached to the trolley that joins the arm of the door to the center track. Please note that the emergency release cord should only be used when the garage door is completely closed.
Pull the emergency release handle in a downward motion. This will disengage the garage door from the trolley and allows you to open the door manually.
Now, with moderate force, lift the garage door. Pull straight from the bottom until the door goes up and stops moving. Make sure that the door is securely in place before letting it go or backing your car out of the garage.
Once you have managed to safely get your car out of the garage, close the door. If it has a lock bar, slide lock to prevent accidents.

Open Your Garage Door Manually From the Outside

Almost all garage doors are built with emergency release mechanisms. To unlock your garage door from the outside, you need to look for a small lock. This is located at the center near the garage door. This mechanism should have a key that corresponds to the lock.
Then, unlock the emergency release cord by turning the key and pulling out the lock tumbler. A cord is attached to the lock tumbler upon pulling the entire mechanism. Pull the cord, until your door turns into a manual mode.
Manually, lift up the door straight up and ensure that it stays open before you park your car in.
When you are inside, close the door completely and lock it.

How To Reconnect Your Garage Door Opener After A Power Outage

There are easy steps to reconnecting your garage door after a power outage. Follow the steps below.

Once the power is restored, close the garage door completely. There should be no gaps seen between the floor and the door itself.
Then, firmly press the garage door opener button. If your door has two separate buttons, one that opens the door and the other that closes it. Press the one that would close the door.
Let the opener reconnect on its own and complete the process without interference. The chain should move the trolley into its proper position until it connects with the arm on the garage door.
Your garage should now operate appropriately with just a click of the button. To ensure that everything is running smoothly, allow your door to operate at least twice.
If your garage has no automatic trolley connected to the garage door arms, you can reconnect the opener manually. Simply pull on the emergency release handle toward the door and manually connect the garage door arm to the trolley of the door opener. Make sure to test the door using the remote.

Contact Overhead Door For Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance

In times of unexpected events, like a power outage, and you are faced with the inconvenience of operating your garage door, it would be a good idea to know how to manually open your garage door. However, if your garage door opener is still not reconnected after doing the steps above, you can seek help from our professionals.

Overhead Door of the Inland Empire is committed to providing excellent work and first-rate services. We have a team of skilled professionals ready to assist you in any garage door-related problems. We also offer a 24-hour emergency service. Call us to schedule your garage door repair today.

February 18, 2021/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips

Understanding Commercial Doors

When you visit a building or an establishment, the first thing that you can see is their commercial door. Commercial doors are important as it gives the building maximum security it needs. Aside from protection, they also give the establishment a professional appearance. Commercial doors are durable and reliable and give the business owner peace of mind when it comes to the security of their business.

Materials Used In Commercial Doors

There are different materials used in making commercial doors. These materials vary depending on the needs of the establishments.

1. Steel Doors

This is the most common door used in establishments such as schools, stores, and other commercial buildings, like warehouses and factories. It uses a locking system that helps provide a maximum level of security to a building.

2. Wooden Doors

Wood doors are not only beautiful, but they are also energy-efficient and easy to maintain. This type of door is often used in an interior commercial application. However, wooden doors are not as durable as other materials and they are capable of handling severe weather conditions.

3. Aluminum with Glass Doors

These doors are a great entryway for commercial buildings. A lot of businesses choose this type of garage door because of its sleek, sophisticated, and clean character. Furthermore, aluminum with glass doors are not only durable, but they are also easy to maintain. A simple wiping or polishing is all it needs to maintain its appearance.

4. Fiberglass Doors

Because of their low repair and replacement cost, fiberglass doors are one of the most commonly used in school establishments. They are one of the most durable materials in the market. But, this type of door is often very costly.

5. Glass Doors

These doors have a decorative appearance that entices people passing by commercial space. They are made of safety glass so they are not fragile. However, this type of door requires costly maintenance.

Types Of Commercial Doors

There are four basic types of commercial doors. These include;

1. Overhead Doors

These are the most common type of doors that are suitable for garages or warehouse sheds. They are space-efficient and can be operated manually or with the use of a remote. Furthermore, these doors can be lifted upward via a rail or tack.

2. Roll-up Doors

As the name says, these doors roll up to an overhead coil when lifted. Unlike the overhead door, roll-up doors use thinner slats that provide maximum flexibility allowing the door to move with ease. These doors are ideal in spaces where rails for overhead doors can be an obstruction or the area cannot accommodate the rails. Also, these doors can come in different sizes, shapes, colors, materials, and configurations.

3. Fire Rated Doors

Similar to roll-up doors, fire doors can be lifted and lowered manually or with the use of a remote. However, these doors are more durable than a standard roll-up door. They are made from fire-defiant materials which make them a perfect door for establishments that are exposed to harmful chemicals like petrol. They are fire-resistant which helps prevent the fire from spreading throughout the building.

4. Scissor Gates

These doors are manufactured from high quality and compact steel to provide ultimate protection. Because of that, scissor gates are the most common choice for banks, lending companies, and other related businesses.

The Benefits of Using Commercial Doors

Using a commercial door for your business can benefit you in many ways.

Maximum Security

Commercial doors offer a great amount of security to a certain business or establishment. Because of the high-quality materials used in them, business owners rely so much on their capability of protecting their business from any intruders.

Attractive Appearance

Because of technological advancements, modern commercial doors are made with professionalism and aesthetic designs. They are often available in many styles, sizes, paint, finishes, and materials. Commercial doors improve the curb appeal of a building.

Durability

Manufacturers use high-quality materials in making commercial doors, so they are capable of handling the ordeal of a commercial or industrial building. They are able to withstand severe weather, daily wear, and tear, and even hazards and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

Smooth Operation

Lastly, because of the development in the functionality of commercial doors, they can now be operated smoothly. You can raise or lower your door with the use of remote control. Furthermore, commercial doors today have an alarm system that can alert the owner in the event of a fire or emergency.

Commercial Doors Of Inland Overhead Door Company

Commercial doors are a wise investment that you can benefit from in the long run. So, if you are in the market looking for a commercial door, contact our professionals at Overhead Door, Inland. We have a variety of commercial doors that can be suitable for your business. We also have experienced professionals who can help you with installation, maintenance, repairs, and more. Contact us on 909-572-8997.

January 21, 2021/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips

Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener For Your Home

Garage door openers do not only provide convenience for easy access but they also offer improved security for your home. Today’s garage door openers are equipped with many smart features that can heighten their security features. But, with many of them available in the market, you might be confused about how to choose the right garage door opener for your home. So, here are some factors to consider when buying a garage door opener.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener

Drive Options

The main thing to consider when choosing a garage door opener is the drive type. A drive type refers to the mechanisms that open and close the door. Here are 4 types of garage door openers.

1. Chain-drive openers

They are the most popular, durable, and affordable openers in the market. These drives are most ideal for heavily insulated garage doors, one-piece door,s or oversized ones. However, chain drives are often loud and clunky because of vibration and metal-to-metal contact, making it a problem when your garage is located under a room.

2. Screw-drive openers

They use a long threaded metal rod that looks like a screw to open and close the garage door. This type of opener has a few moving parts making it more reliable, faster, and quieter than a chain drive. But, a screw drive opener requires more maintenance. Usually, monthly lubrication of the screws is necessary to prevent the plastic teeth that catch the threading to corrode. This is also not suitable for larger, heavier doors.

3. Belt-drive openers

A rubber-like belt is used to operate the garage door, making it quiet in operation. Belt-drive openers can be used for light and even heavy materials and require less maintenance. However, this type of garage door opener is often more expensive than the others.

4. Direct-drive openers

Though this opener comes in an overhead rail with a chain, its motor moves along the track, not on the chain. Because of that, this type of opener is extremely quiet in operation and often comes with a lifetime warranty. Though, they are a bit costly.

5. Jack-shaft openers

These openers are mounted on the wall, often next to the garage door and use a motor that drives pulleys and the torsion bar to raise and lower the door. Because of its computerized system, jackshaft openers are the most expensive models of a garage door opener.

Horsepower Options

In addition to the type of opener, a horsepower output should also be considered. This is to determine the weight of a garage door an opener can lift. There are three levels of horsepower available for garage doors.

½ HP models – this is the standard and most popular motor speed for most garage doors because it is cost-effective. This type of motor may be powerful enough to lift most doors, but it can easily wear out when paired with a one-piece, wooden door, or well-insulated door.
¾ HP models – These motors are more capable of lifting heavier doors, such as an extra-insulated door or one-piece, wooden door. They are more durable and long-lasting, but you may have to spend more on extra power.
1 HP models – These motors can provide the highest amount of power and efficiency. They are perfect for extremely heavy garage doors, like industrial doors and oversized ones. But, they may not be worth the added expense, if you are using a standard garage door.

Some Tips For Choosing A Garage Door Opener

Seek referrals from your family and friends who recently purchased an opener. They can give you feedback about the durability and quality of a garage door opener.
Check reviews online from customers. They can give you ideas about the pros and cons of a certain door opener.
If you already have some prospect models, comparing their features can help you curb your choices.
Lastly, make sure to focus on quality. They might be pricier but they can be a great investment.

Seek Professional Help

Since your garage door is a vital shield of your home, keeping it in good condition should be your number one priority, and that includes having a garage door opener that is perfect for your door. If you are still confused with which one is best for you or unsure how to proceed with the installation, you can always seek help from Inland Overhead Door. Our professionals are well-equipped and knowledgeable in choosing and installing the right opener for your home. To learn more about our services, contact us today.

December 29, 2020/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips

Top 5 Most Common Winter Garage Door Problems

A garage can give you the ultimate convenience of not having to deal with dead batteries of your car or scraping off the snow on your windshield. Not only that, but you also won’t have to worry about getting into your car in the morning when you have to go to your work, because it is not freezing cold inside. These are just some benefits of having a garage to keep your car in winter. However, because of its direct exposure to inclement weather, it is probably not a surprise that the cold weather of winter can greatly affect your garage door. This is not uncommon even in areas with mild winter like in South California. Thus as a homeowner, you want to avoid such a scenario. But what exactly does cold weather affect your garage door? This article outlined the most common winter garage door problems, as well as the solutions you can take to prevent any damage.

Most Common Winter Garage Door Problems

Problem #1: Metal Contracts

In general, any metal materials can contract in cold weather. This includes your garage door. When the temperature outside drops, all the metal parts in your garage door (spring, hinges, rollers, etc) can warp or tighten, which will then result in the difficult movement of the door.

What To Do: Lubricate the spring, rollers, hinges, and other metal parts in your door to ensure that they can weather the cold. Regular maintenance is also crucial to have a functional garage door.

Problem #2: Frozen Door

While it is not very common in South California to have freezing weather, it is still possible to happen. The water or moisture that is caught at the bottom of your garage door can freeze when the temperature falls drastically. This can cause your door to lock up and frozen shut.

What To Do: Fortunately, this problem is easy to identify and resolve. First, you should give your door a visual inspection. If you can see ice at the bottom of the door, then you are certainly dealing with a frozen door. You can use a hairdryer or any heat source to melt the ice and dry out the area to prevent it from freezing again. But, be careful not to overheat the metal parts to avoid damaging them.

Problem #3: Hardened Grease

In most cases, lubricants are made to work under hot temperatures. That is why they work efficiently with high-powered machines or equipment. However, greases do not function properly when winter comes. The low temperatures can cause them to harden or thicken the grease which can result in the poor lubricant.

What To Do: Remove any hardened grease from the tracks and rollers and replace it with silicon-based lubricant. Silicone can withstand cold temperatures, so you are sure that your door will continue to function smoothly throughout the colder months.

Problem #4: Worn Weather Stripping

While a damaged weather stripping will not affect the opening mechanism of your garage door, it is a problem that needs immediate attention. The weatherstripping around the edge of your garage door helps keep the cold air out of your living space. However, cold weather and precipitation can damage this material and eventually let the outside temperatures and water to get into your home and cause serious damage and inconveniences.

What To Do: Once you notice a rapid spike in your energy bill, check the weather stripping in your garage door. Replace it if necessary.

Problem #5: Damaged Door Springs

Often, your garage door’s springs break because of wear and tear. But, in most cases, springs break during colder months because of the added tension and pressure of the chilly weather. The cold air can cause the springs to brittle and eventually break. Thus, it is important to have your garage door examined professionally before the winter season starts.

What To Do: Unfortunately, a damaged garage door spring repair should never be a DIY and should be performed by trained professionals only.

Professional Garage Door Services

With proper preventative measures and regular maintenance, you are sure that your garage door will weather the freezing weather of winter. But, in case, your door has sustained damaged in winter, call in professionals of Overhead Door Company.

Overhead Door is the leading garage door company in the Inland Empire. We offer quality garage door repair services, replacement, maintenance, and more. Our professionals will inspect all parts and pieces on your garage door, as well as tighten and lubricate them to ensure that they are in good working condition.

We also offer emergency garage door repairs and so, we are available 24/7. Call Overhead Door Company, Southern California’s garage door professionals today!

November 6, 2020/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips, Uncategorized

How To Replace Your Garage Door Weatherstrip

Have you noticed water, rodents, dirt, and other debris inside your garage? If so, you likely have a damaged or missing garage door weatherstrip. Your garage door comes with a bottom seal that protects the interior of your garage. But, over time, these seals wear out and malfunction.

Usually, garage door weatherstripping problems are an easy fix. However, it is often overlooked because it does not affect the mechanical function of a garage door. Yet, don’t be mistaken. They are definitely important.

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to replace a garage door weatherstrip and help you understand its importance to your garage door as well as your garage.

Signs of Damaged Garage Door Weatherstrip

Over time, the seals around your garage door wear out and will need to be replaced. If you see signs of damage, make sure to act fast. Ignoring the damage may lead to a more serious problem. Keep an eye on the following.

Puddles of water near or around your garage door.
A gust of air that comes through the garage door.
Cracked, bent, or flattened seals.

Replacing Garage Door Weatherstrip

Replacing a garage door seal is a simple task. But before you begin, examine your current garage door seals. Check the type of seal that is already there. Remember that there is no universal garage door seal. So, the seal that you need is based on the type of garage door you have. Make sure to take your time in the preparation process. Failure to do it will result in the difficulty of installing it. After that, you can begin working;

Step 1: Measure the seal

The first step is to know how much weather-stripping you will need to cover all edges of the garage door. Raise the garage door and measure the current seal you have. Do not remove the old garage door weather seal until you already have one for replacement.

Step 2: Remove the old garage door seal

If there are gaskets screwed on the door, use a screwdriver removing both the screws and the gaskets. Do not put too much force on doing this to prevent damage to the garage door which can lead to a costly repair.

Once you have removed the old garage door seal, clean the area with a wet rag to remove any dirt and debris. After that, cut the new weatherstrip using a razor knife.

Step 3: Install the new seal

Carefully place the new seal to the bracket. It should fit tightly. Slide the gasket to the bracket and replace the seals. After that, cut the excess seal at each end of the panel. Be careful not to cut off too much length because you might not be able to get the required length.

Step 4: Test the garage door

Once you are done putting the screws back in place and trimming the seals, test the garage door to make sure that it opens and closes properly. Check if the new door seal is sitting flush with the floor and see if there is any damage along the bottom of the door.

How Important Is Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the process of sealing all the openings around a garage door to keep the weather out. It’s not only the wind that it keeps out but also rain and snow.

While your garage door does the main work of protecting the interior of your home against rainwater, snow, and wind, garage door seals do an important job as well. Your garage door cannot perfectly fit in that opening, leaving a small space around. This space can allow the weather to creep inside your garage, but the weatherstrip stops that. Leaving a small gap or crack unsealed around your garage door can lead to serious damage, especially in colder days. When it rains, and your garage door is unprotected with a seal, the water can seep inside and eventually turn into a layer of ice. You might end up having trouble driving your car out of your garage.

Furthermore, the weather seals around your garage door, when installed and working properly, can improve the entire insulation of your home, helping you to reduce the risk of lost energy.

A weather seal around your garage door, though small, does a tremendous work of protecting your garage from elements. Thus, it is important that it is in good condition.

Get Help From Professionals

When you need assistance with your garage door, contact professionals at Inland Overheaddoor. We have skilled and trusted technicians who can assist you with the replacement and installation of the new weatherstripping. We will properly measure and ensure that the right type of material is used. Our technicians can also provide you a full inspection of your garage door to ensure that your door is in the best working condition. Contact us today to get a free repair estimate.

September 22, 2020/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Prevention Tips

5 Easy Ways To Prevent Floodwater From Running Under Your Garage Door

Flooding, as one of the most common natural disasters in the U.S., can be a nightmare not only for you but also for your property. It can result in serious damage and costly repairs. One of the areas of your home that can have the hardest-hit is often your garage. With its direct exposure to the exterior of your home, your garage is often the first area floodwater seeps through your home. However, the garage is mostly used for storing personal belongings and other important valuables. Thus, it is important to take ways to protect your garage from getting flooded.

Most types of garages are not designed to be fully watertight. And, because of their proximity to the exterior of a home, water can easily creep, seep and run into your garage. Ignoring the problem does not only lead to damage to items stored in the garage, but it can also cause wear to the garage door itself. Thus, it is necessary to find a solution to prevent water from running under your garage door.

How To Prevent Rainwater From Running Under Your Garage Door

Fortunately, several solutions can go a long way in protecting your garage from rainwater. Depending on the location of your garage concerning the driveway as well as other kinds of problems included, there are simple steps you can take to solve the problem.

1. Replace The Door and Floor Seals

On the lower part of your garage door, there is a flexible seal that extends from one side of the door to another. This seal helps ensure that the door is tightly pressed to the floor when it is closed; keeping snow, rain, sleet, and other weather away from your garage.

However, over time, these seals become deteriorated. The tape stripping starts to pull off from the door. The rubber begins to crack and brittle. When the seals are damaged they are no longer functional because water, pests, and insects can seep under the garage door.

Luckily, replacing the door and floor seals is an inexpensive repair. If you notice water seepage in your garage, check the seals first. Replacing the seals should be done every year.

2. Guttering

Aside from installing gutters around the perimeter of your home, it is also important to have one installed up around your garage door.

Gutters allow rainwater to direct away from your home. Thus, adding gutters to your garage is necessary to keep rainwater, that comes from the roof, from seeping under the garage door.

Consider installing gutters along each edge of the garage roof. Make sure that there are attached downspouts that will carry the rainwater away from your garage. Also, you can add some extensions that will help direct water away from the foundation of your garage.

3. Landscape Your Yard

The landscape around your house plays an important role in the flow of the water. If the soil near the driveway is above the level of the driveway itself, the water will accumulate around your garage instead of draining away from it. When this happens, the water tends to seep inside the garage.

If this is the cause of the problem, change the landscape of your yard, making rainwater to direct naturally away from your home. Though rearranging the landscape of your home requires a lot of effort, it is relatively cheap and straightforward.

4. Install A Trench Drain

If you have a yard that slopes down to your garage and not away from it, then you are forced to deal with a serious problem. This will lead the rainwater to pool around your home and eventually seep inside your property. The best way to deal with this is to install a trench drain along your driveway or in front of your garage door. A trench drain channels water elsewhere and helps ensure that you won’t have flooding issues inside your garage.

This is a complex solution but using a trench drain is effective for keeping rainwater away from your garage. But, keep in mind that when installing a trench drain, it should not direct runoff towards your neighbor’s yard, a sidewalk or to dirt slow without vegetation protection.

5. Use Sandbags

Another defense in the event of low-level flooding is to create a barrier using a sandbag. Though a sandbag may not fully seal the area, it can help redirect floodwater away from your property and/or keep you from dealing with serious water damage.

Line the sandbags in your property creating a sturdy pyramid-shaped barrier. Remember not to set the sandbags around your home or in front of your garage as it can cause a water trap between buildings and lead to additional damage.

For Garage Door Weather Protection Services, Trust Inland Overhead Door Company

The above steps can help prevent water from running into your garage. But, if you are concerned your garage door cannot withstand severe weather conditions, Inland Overhead Door Compay is here to help you. We offer free garage door inspections to ensure that your garage is safe from flooding. We will also inspect your garage for any signs of damage and recommend necessary repairs.

If your garage door needs replacement, we have a broad selection of garage doors. This includes hurricane-proof garage doors that can protect your belongings and your garage from destructive elements. Schedule an appointment with us today to have your garage door and garage inspected.

August 25, 2020/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance

Troubleshooting Tips On A Garage Door That Won’t Open

Garage doors have already become the main entryway for many homeowners. But when the door is stuck in a close position, it can be pretty frustrating. You may be tempted to crash it through. But that doesn’t make sense at all. Take a few steps to troubleshoot some safety features of the door that is preventing it to open. It can be the remote control, wires, and electric photo eyes. Read on to learn some tips to troubleshoot a garage door that won’t open.

How To Troubleshoot A Garage Door That Won’t Open

Check if The Opener is Properly Plugged In

First and foremost, make sure that the opener is plugged in. One of the most common reasons why a garage door won’t open is because the electrical cord might be loose or not plugged in properly.

Check if The Garage Is In “Vacation” or “Lock” Mode

“Vacation” mode is designed to keep your home safe while you are away or on a vacation. This mode prevents the remote control from opening your garage door. When the door is not responding, it might have set accidentally to “vacation” or lock mode. If it is in this mode, you may open it for one time using your remote and then unlock it from the wall switch inside the garage.

The Remote May Not Be Working

If you suspect that your remote is not working, you can take several steps to check it.

Inspect the remote battery. Walk into your garage, press the button, and observe the small blinking LED light. If it doesn’t light up, then the battery is dead. You can either use the second remote or replace the battery.

The remote signal may be blocked by radio frequency interference. Radiofrequency interference happens when two or more signals are interfering with each other, causing a conflict. Climb a ladder and check the remote’s signal by trying it directly next to the opener’s motor. If it is properly working, then there be some lights or video game console that is blocking the signal.

Try to reset the opener’s remote. If you can open the door when using the keypad mounted on the wall, you may need to reset the remote. Make sure to read the owner’s manual because resetting the remote differs by manufacturer’s. But it is an easy fix.

Inspect if the Trolley Opener Is Disengaged

The trolley moves together with a chain or a belt which is called a carriage. Trolleys function to push the arm and close the door and at the same time, pulls the arm and open the door. On the other hand, the chain or belt is used to disengage the opener from the trolley. When the opener is disengaged, it will not open or close your door. Check the trolley and reconnect it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check The Garage Door’s Photo Eye

Photo eyes are the small sensors that signal the door to stop shutting when it has detected something along with its path. It is a safety feature that prevents the door from crashing on pets or small children. It has two sensors, a few inches above the floor, and one on each side of the garage door. One sensor aims a beam towards the other. If the beam is interrupted or dirty, the door will not move either way. Clean both electric eyes with a soft cloth or tissue, then open the door again.

Furthermore, if cleaning the eyes did not make the door to change and open, the eyes may be misaligned. These electric eyes should be pointing at each other. Check to see if they are properly aligned. If not, bend it a little at a time and keep clicking the remote until the door opens.

Look for the fine wires that are loose or discarded

There are several points to check; two points that run from the manual switch mounted on the wall and four are running from the back of the box to the locations of the photo eyes.

To identify the wire, hold the remote, then pull the wires a few inches back from their connection points. While pressing the button on the remote, shake the wires one by one. When one wire is loose when you shake it, the door will open. Find the wire and turn off the power to your garage door. Tighten the wire using a screwdriver then turn on the power again. The door should now open and close the normal way.

Caution: Never try to wiggle or shake any wires unless your fingers are far from the connections. If these wires are loose, they may totally get loosen from the connection. Be prepared especially if you are on a ladder.

How To Open A Garage Door Manually

If your garage door is not opening even after doing everything and you need to get your car outside of your garage, look for a red cord that hangs from the track. Pull it and it will release the door from the track. You can now raise the door manually. However, do not pull the cord if the door is stuck open. It might crash down.

Contact Garage Door Professionals

If all these troubleshooting tips fail, contact a professional garage door repairman. Failure to open the garage door may need a professional inspection. There could be gears in your garage door that hinder its smooth operation and may need to be replaced. Or, your opener may have already reached its average lifespan and that you may need to install a new one.

At, Inland Overhead Door, we offer garage door inspection and maintenance services. If you need your garage door opener inspected, contact us today.

July 22, 2020/by Ren

Garage Door Maintenance

Best Home Garage Door Safety Tips

Garages are great for many reasons. It is a perfect place for storage, home projects, and even recreational activities. However, without proper knowledge of the garage door’s functions and proper usage, this large entryway can pose many security and safety threats. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of a garage door to prevent any injuries. Take note of this industry’s best home garage door safety tips to keep you, your family, and property safe.

Garage Door Safety Tips

1. Perform a visual inspection of your garage door monthly.

This is one of the most important garage door safety tips that a homeowner should do to prevent garage door related injuries. Check the springs, cables, pulleys, and rollers to see signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, do not try to remove, adjust or repair cables and springs on your own, as these parts are under high tension and can cause injuries. Contact a trained garage door repairman to inspect or repair the damage.

While inspecting the parts of your garage door, consider testing your garage door reversing mechanism as well. You can check this function by placing an object (a roll of paper towel or board) to the door’s pathway. If the door does not reverse after having contact with the object, then the reverse function is not working properly and that you have to call a qualified garage door technician for repair or replacement.

2. Don’t allow children to play with your garage door remote controls.

Children tend to be curious about everything and your garage door remote control can be one of them. Make sure to keep it out of their reach. The best practice is to mount your garage door control button for at least five feet above the floor. Also, explain to them the dangers of playing with the garage door and the possibility of harming them.

3. Consult your garage door owner’s manual.

Your owner’s manual is a good source of information about your garage door’s function. Learn how to operate the garage door in case of an emergency like power outages, storms, or door malfunctions. You can also learn some door safety tips from your manual.

4. Watch your fingers between door sections

If your garage door opens manually, be careful not to place your fingers between the sections of the door. Also, let your children know not to place their fingers between the garage door sections. To prevent injuries, consider getting a garage door with panels that can’t pinch.

5. Never leave your garage door open or partially open

When closing your door, wait until the door is completely closed. It may come in contact with some objects in its way down and compromise the safety of your property and personal belongings.

6. Never leave the remote control of your garage door inside your car.

One of the most common ways of home invasion these days is by stealing the garage door opener remote. If you have to park your car outside, make sure to keep your remote hidden or take it with you to prevent potential home invasion.

7. Use the vacation mode on your garage door opener

When you have to leave your home for some time, set your garage door opener to a vacation mode. This can help prevent your opener remote from opening your garage door and keep your home safe from intruders or burglars while you are away.

8. Install a smart garage door device

Modern technology has invented devices that can provide added security to ensure your family and property’s safety. Install a smart device that alerts you if your garage door is open, close or someone is attempting to operate the door without your permission. For added security, the application installed in your phone can keep a record of all the operations of your garage door including times and dates.

Contact A Professional For Garage Door Inspection, Repair And Maintenance

Your garage door can do a lot of harm. However, with these garage door safety tips, maintenance, and inspections of your the door itself and its parts can prevent you from injuries. Take this time to inspect your garage door and see if everything is in good working condition. Schedule an annual visit from Inland Overhead Door Company to ensure that your door functions safely.

June 26, 2020/by Ren

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