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Learn More About Garage Door Flood Vents

Learn More About Garage Door Flood Vents

Flooding and the use of garage door flood vents are two essential topics that need proper discussion if you own a commercial property. You may desire to scrutinize your flood policy if you have flood insurance and your place is in a flood area. Expect water damage to your property during severe storms and violent flooding. Thus, updating your flood insurance and elevation certificate, and placing Engineered ICC Flood Rated Vents could be more efficient to protect your property throughout a flooding incident.

Know What A Flood Vent Is

FEMA-compliant and ICC-ES Certified Engineered Flood Vents safeguard homes and buildings throughout floods by inhibiting hydrostatic pressure accumulation. This can knock down walls and foundations. The mitigation method known as Wet Floodproofing lets floodwater flow openly through a crawlspace or garage.

What are the Types of Flood Vents?

Flood vents that are constructed out of marine grade stainless steel (T316L Stainless Steel) are able to stand up to usage in severe marine and chemical environments.

1. Engineered Flood Vents:

  •  ICC-ES certified
  • Have attained the needed regulations, design guidelines, and performance standards
  • Have been proven as flood vents and have a flood coverage rating depending on the performance

2. Non-Engineered Flood Vents:

  • Not appropriate as flood vents
  • Have not undergone any of the needed tests to certify as an engineered flood vent
  • Only act as an air vent

Garage Door Insulated Flood Vents

Application

The overhead garage door models are designed for typical overhead doors and other entry doors that close and open daily. A built-in CAM system permits the garage door to function as usual, while the flood vent remains locked. Owners use this sequence for a garage where flood protection is necessary, but do not want an air ventilation system.

Flood Protection

The door vent stays fastened closed until it encounters flood water. Entering water raises the internal floats which unfasten and let the door turn around open. This system permits the floodwater to enter and exit through the opening, alleviating the pressure from the foundation walls. Validated flood debris clearance is shown with a 3″ diameter vent when the flood door is triggered.

Insulation

The garage door vent contains a 2″ insulated core with an R-value of 8.34. Also, it has a weather stripping that lines the whole door vent frame. It helps keep the garage cool and the door vent insulated.

Contact Inland Overhead Door

Indeed, installing garage door flood vents is crucial to prevent much damage to your property during severe flooding. If you have further questions in mind about garage door flood vents or you have other overhead door issues that you cannot solve on your own, do not hesitate to get in touch with Inland Overhead Door Company.

We have a team of experts who are knowledgeable enough to handle any garage door problems. Inland Overhead Door is available to serve you, even in emergencies. Contact us today for more info.

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Learn These 11 Tips on How to Secure Your Garage Door

Learn These 11 Tips on How to Secure Your Garage Door

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

How to Secure Your Garage Door

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

1. Put Yourself Into a Burglar’s Shoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Cable Tie Your Emergency Door Release

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

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

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

4. Remember not to Leave Your Garage Doors Open

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

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

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

5. Upgrade Your Obsolete Garage Door Opener

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

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

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

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

6. Place a Cover Over Your Garage Windows

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

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

7. Improve Your Property’s Exterior Lighting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Re-enforce Your Property’s Entry Points

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

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

10. Never Leave Any Valuables in Your Garage or Cars

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

11. Install A Garage Security System

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

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

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

Schedule a Consultation with Inland Overhead Door Company

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

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

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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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How To Fix An Uneven Or Sagging Garage Door

OPM How To Fix An Uneven Or Sagging Garage Door

Average garage doors weigh about 150 pounds, and they open and close more or less 1,500 times a year. What a great deal of heavy lifting! So you should not be surprised if your door shows unwanted issues now and again, or worst, a broken garage door! One of the most common overhead door concerns that homeowners encounter is a sagging or uneven garage door. Not fixing it immediately can lead to a potential hazard and an expensive repair. In this article, you’ll learn how to adjust or troubleshoot a garage door unevenly.

How to Fix an Uneven Garage Door

If your door seems to shake every time it closes or opens, something may obstruct the tracks. Inspect and remove any blockages you discover. Wipe down the tracks if necessary.

If it still doesn’t work, you may suspect that the spring system (extension springs or the torsion spring) brings excessive or insufficient tension. Note that enough tension given by the springs is what makes a balanced garage door. So in this situation, you will have to seek assistance from a professional to work out the issue.

1. Detecting an Unbalanced Garage Door

Take a look at the following signs of an unbalanced door: 

  • The door seems odd or uneven when closing or opening
  • Your garage door sags when fully open
  • The door creates a strange sound when opening or closing 
  • Your overhead door takes a lot of time to open or close
  • Your door doesn’t move at all (it seems too weighty for the opener to shift)

2. Knowing the Awful Consequences of an Unbalanced Garage Door

Your door opener is usually the one that goes through a tough time when you have an unbalanced garage door. When it’s compelled to raise more weight than it could handle, eventually, other parts like drive gears, carriages, sprockets, and couplers will begin to malfunction until the entire machine collapses.

Another awful result is that the spring or cable could fracture. And like a broken door opener, it will make your garage door unusable until you can call an expert to repair it.

3. Performing a Balance Test

It’s an excellent idea to perform a balance test occasionally. It takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require any tools at all. Here’s what you need to do:

  • First, close the door. 
  • To make your garage door move freely, disconnect it from the opener. You do it by pulling the manual release rope. 
  • Manually raise your overhead door to the halfway position and release it carefully. If properly aligned, it will stay in place. It’s alright if one or each side of the door slightly shakes.
  • Reconnect your garage door to the opener. 

4. Managing an Unbalanced Garage Door

Generally, the cause of an unbalanced door is the issue on the garage door springs; that they are giving insufficient or excessive tension. And adjusting them is undoubtedly risky. So resolving this problem by yourself is not highly recommended. 

Contact a certified specialist at once if you notice any unbalanced garage door signs or it doesn’t pass the balance test.

The garage door deteriorates as it ages, which sometimes causes sagging. One best solution for it is to upgrade your overhead door. If it’s a minor issue, you can get do the following to diagnose the problem:

  • Check the roller tracks if there are damaged or flattened areas. You can fix them with pliers.
  • Find out if the brackets carrying the hinges and the rollers are sufficiently tight. If not, you can retighten them with a basic screwdriver.
  • Find out if the hinges between the parts of the garage door are secured and firmly fixed in place. If not, you can also tighten them with a basic screwdriver. And if broken, you can purchase the replacements at a nearby local hardware shop. 
  • Using lithium-based or silicone-based grease, lubricate the track and the rollers. Do not use WD-40 as it surprisingly won’t work as a lubricant. Instead, it will remove the grease.

If the steps mentioned above don’t fix the issue, your garage door is perhaps unbalanced. Do the balance test to find out. As we tackled, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional to help you deal with an unbalanced garage door. 

Contact the Specialists

For an uneven garage door that couldn’t be fixed, contact the specialists at Overhead Door. You can count on us whether it’s for inspection, a major fix, a replacement, or even a slight repair. 

Contact us today!

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The Advantages of A Fire-rated Overhead Door In Commercial Buildings

The Advantages Of A Fire-rated Overhead Door In Commercial Buildings

Your business can be vulnerable to fire. When a fire hits your property, it can be very destructive. Fire extinguishers, alarms, and detectors can help protect your building and its occupants, but they can only go so far. A fire-rated door can provide optimum protection. It can restrict the spread of fire and protect your business. In this article, you will learn the advantages of using a fire-rated overhead door. 

What is a Fire-rated Door?

A fire-rated door is specially designed to prevent or slow the spread of fire and smoke. It is made of fire-resistant materials like steel, timber, glass, or vermiculite boards gypsum. Though the door will eventually burn through in a fire, they can resist flames for a specified period of time. By blocking the fire and smoke, occupants can have time to exit the building. Also, it gives firefighters some time to handle the situation. This also helps minimize the overall property damage.

The Advantages of a Fire-rated Door 

When installed correctly and maintained, a fire-rated door can give your facility excellent protection. Here are the clear benefits of a fire-rated commercial overhead door. 

Minimize damage and recovery cost

Because fire-rated doors can contain the fire to the affected area, it helps lessen the damage to your property. This door prevents fire to spread and cause damage. As a result, your business can recover quickly, not to mention lesser repair costs. 

Limit the spread of smoke and toxic gases

Though flames can pose serious threats to people, smoke and toxic gases released during a fire outbreak, can be lethal. Inhalation of smoke can lead to organ damage, or worst, death. Fire-rated doors are designed to seal harmful gases and smoke in the affected area. This helps lessen the effects on the human respiratory system. For properties that store hazardous materials, a fire-rated door is an important fire strategy. 

Enhanced Security

Fire-rated doors also provide the benefit of enhanced security protection. They are built with resilient materials which make them more durable than other commercial overhead doors. 

Where Should I Install Them?

Installing a fire-rated door in your commercial building will definitely give your property optimum fire protection. Install fire-rated doors in these openings without breaking easy access;

  1. Entrance and exit ways that connect to halls or corridors
  2. Access door that opens to elevator shafts and stairwells.
  3. Doorways that divide two separate areas. 
  4. Doorways that separate hazardous areas. 

Choosing Fire-rated Doors

There are different types of doors available in the market. Each door comes with its own rating and manufacturer’s instructions. When choosing the type of shutter door, you need to choose the one that supports the requirements of your building. You may need a higher fire-resistant door if your industries and factories include chemicals, agriculture, food storage, and other sensitive products.  

Fire-rated Commercial Overhead Doors of Inland Overhead Door Company

Fire outbreaks can happen anytime and anywhere. Installing a fire-rated door is an effective way of protecting the occupants and your property from severe damage. 

Inland Overhead Door Company can help you find the right fire-rated overhead door. We have a wide range of rolling doors that meet demanding fire safety standards as well as aesthetic requirements. Call us today for a FREE garage door quote.

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Celebrate Garage Door Safety Month With These Tips

June has been designated as Garage Door Safety Month by the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), and it is the best time to ensure that your garage door works safely. Here are the tips and tricks for garage door safety this month to ensure your garage door works securely and you and your employees are safe.

Tips for Garage Door Safety This Month

Because garage doors are often the largest moving objects in homes and businesses, there are thousands of garage door-related injuries reported each year. With this in mind, it is crucial to know the best practices to stay safe around garage doors.

1. Avoid placing fingers between door sections

One of the most common garage door-related injuries that occur is pinching caused by the door’s sections. The report says this incident happens over 7,000 times every year.

Watch your fingers when around garage doors. Avoid putting them between the door sections or you may consider installing pinch-resistant garage door panels.  Teach small children not to play around the garage door.

2. Use tamper-resistant door brackets

The bottom brackets of the garage door are connected to the door’s spring, which is under a lot of tension. A tamper-resistant bracket helps reduce the risk of injury from the door itself as it can prevent loosening of brackets by untrained professionals.

When adjusting any garage door parts, it is always best to leave it to a trained garage door professional.

3. Consult the manual

Every type and model of a garage door and opener have their specific safety instructions. So, make sure to always check the owner’s manual. It is also best to learn the door’s emergency release feature.

4. Visually inspect your garage door

Commercial garage doors are composed of different parts; the garage door’s springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. These parts of the door wear out and break, which can often lead to serious injuries. So it is important to visually inspect your door to check signs of wear, at least once a month.

Springs can squeak and create some noise. This is because of normal wear and tear. In this case, the door springs need some lubrication. But if the problem persists, call for professional help.

Check the brackets, rollers, and pulleys. When any of these are loosened or removed, they can create potential safety problems. Do not attempt to repair or adjust the damage on your own. These parts are under a lot of tension and should be handled by a garage door repair technician.

5. Test the door automatic reverse

Your garage door system has an auto-reverse that allows the door to reverse automatically once it comes in contact with any obstructions. Thus, preventing any serious injuries.

Test your door’s reverse mechanism at least once a month by placing a one-inch board on the floor or on the door’s path. The door should reverse once it hits the board on its way downward. If not, call a garage door professional for repairs.

6. Avoid DIY garage door repairs and installation

Installation, repairs, and replacement of the garage door should be done by a certified garage door professional and not by an untrained individual. DIYing may just put you at risk and lead to costly repairs.

Remember to always be careful around a garage door and make sure to follow these garage door safety tips.

For commercial garage door repair, maintenance, and installation services, contact Inland Overhead Door Company.

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5 Common Commercial Overhead Door Problems

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. 

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Top 5 Most Common Winter Garage Door Problems

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!

 

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Best Home Garage Door Safety Tips

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. 

 

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