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Must-Learn Tips to Open Your Garage Door Without Power

opened garage door

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

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

Here are the Steps to Open Your Garage Door Without Power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Tips to Cautiously Open Your Overhead Door Manually

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

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

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

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

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

Need a Professional Assistance? Call Inland Overhead Door

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

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

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

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

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

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

Causes and Tips

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

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

Check the Outlet/Power Source

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

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

Check the Sensors

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

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

 Check the Track

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

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

Check the Springs

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

Check the Sensitivity and the Limit Setting

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

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

Check the Cables

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

Check the Remote

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

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

Get Help! Inland Overhead Door Company

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

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

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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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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.

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Check Our Simple Tips on How to Clean Garage Doors

Check Our Simple Tips on How to Clean Garage Doors

Most homeowners often give less attention when it comes to cleaning garage doors. The garage door is one important feature of your property and adds value to your building. However, it can face various outdoor elements combating harsh climate including dirt, winds, and debris. Knowing how to clean your garage door will prevent serious issues from happening and can protect your investment as well. With proper care and maintenance and the help of professionals, garage doors can last for more than 15 years.

If you want to boost the longevity of your garage door, try the following tips on how to clean garage doors.

Why Clean Your Garage Door?

Generally, property owners should at least wash their garage door twice a year, in spring and in the fall. In certain circumstances, doors located on buildings where the environment is harsh (e.g. a snowy place or a coastal area), may require cleaning quarterly. This is to prevent excessive exposure to salt which can quickly erode the finish of a garage door.

Check the following benefits of cleaning your garage door.

  1. Cleaning your garage door regularly can prevent rust from forming and extend the life of the door.
  2. It can improve curb appeal. Cleaning can remove dirt and grime that may affect your property’s exterior.
  3. Since the garage door is exposed to different elements such as rain, snow, wind, sun, and dirt, it can make the finish on your door eroded, damaged, or dull. Cleaning can prolong the door’s finish and maintain the integrity of its surface.
  4. When your garage door is clean, it will allow you to inspect and check the inside and out of the door. You’ll be able to see easily if there are minor issues and prevent them from becoming serious.
  5. Cleaning the garage door regularly can help you maintain its warranty.

Garage Door Material and Warranty

Before you begin, know what type of material your garage door has. Is it made of steel, fiberglass, vinyl, wood composite, or wood garage door? Check out the sticker on the garage door which is located on the top panel. You will see the model number and you may type it and search in Google to know the material of your door.

In addition, knowing the warranty info of the garage door is also necessary. Cleaning and maintaining garage doors regularly is a requirement for some warranties. You may void your warranty if the requirements are not being met. For instance, the warranty on your door may require garage door maintenance at least every three months, or twice a year.

Time to Wash Your Garage Door

It’s now time to start the process of washing your garage door. Doing it is quite easy and simple. Moreover, the items you need are just around the area. Take note of the following tips on how to clean garage doors.

#1: You need to get rid of excess dirt and grime on the garage door’s exterior. Before using soap and water, rinse it down first using a garden hose with a sprayer attachment.

#2: You may apply a mild detergent like your car wash soap or dishwasher soap. Use a detergent with a low phosphate (less than 0.5%). Just mix 1 cup of the detergent into a 2-gallon bucket of water.

Then gently wash down your door with a non-abrasive sponge or car washing mitt. This is to prevent damage to your garage door’s finish.

#3: To check that all parts are functioning well and to ensure the quality cleaning of your garage door from top to bottom, use a step ladder.

Consider the following in cleaning your garage door:

  • You can scrub a bit hard or even use your hands to get rid of tough dirt or spots on your door.
  • You can use the bleach-water mixture for tough stains after wiping off all the cleaning solutions.
  • Make sure that you also scrub the weather stripping and trim around the door to prolong its life.
  • Wash not only the exterior parts but the interior parts as well, especially the bottom parts.

#4: You can wax your garage door by applying car wax on your car, particularly steel doors. This is also an important part of the cleaning process. A layer of wax will protect your garage door from the daily wear and tear experiences and repel dirt and grime as well.

Additional Tips in Cleaning

  • Avoid using a pressure washer in cleaning your garage door to prevent damage to the integrity of your door.
  • Avoid mixing your cleaning solution with a bleach-water mixture. If you need to use a bleach solution, wipe off the cleaning solution first.
  • Avoid using abrasive sponges or cloths and even solvents on your garage door. This can cause scratches or damage your door’s surface and corrode the finish. Better to use soft cloths and sponges.
  • Include the other parts of your garage door in cleaning. Don’t overlook the weatherstripping and wipe down photo eye sensors of the garage door opener and garage door tracks as well.

Need Help With Garage Door Maintenance?

How to clean garage doors is a regular and necessary part of property maintenance. You won’t only have a smoother operation of opening and closing your doors, but will increase the lifespan of your garage door.

However, there is no perfect garage door. You may come across some issues or potential problems while cleaning, but worry not! Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire offers repairs and servicing and has highly-skilled professionals who can help you deal with any garage door issues.

For more inquiries, contact our friendly team today! Ready to serve you for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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7 Effects Of Cold Weather On Your Garage Door

7 Effects Of Cold Weather On Your Garage Door

When cold weather sets in, low temperatures can cause various problems to your car. So it’s ideal to securely keep your automobile and other precious items behind a well-functioning garage door. However, winter can negatively impact your garage door. Colder temperatures can cause unwanted issues to your door’s metals, springs, and tracks, making it incapable to work properly. Thankfully, there are ways you can do to solve these problems. But it’s crucial to understand first what effects cold weather can do on your garage door. So please read on to learn about them.

Effects of Cold Weather on Garage Door

Cold weather can affect your garage door badly. A property owner like you must be swift enough to figure out which issue strikes your door.

The following are some of the most common garage door issues in winter:

1. Lubrication Problems

Lubricants are created to help the garage door open evenly and effortlessly. However, cold temperatures cause grease to thicken, which makes the door cease to work appropriately. So without proper lubrication, the door opener and other parts become worn and are more likely to break down.

You can investigate this issue by lifting the garage door manually. If it gets jammed on the way up, then it has a lubrication issue. One way to prevent this circumstance is to use lubricants with a viscosity rating suitable for low temperatures.

2. Broken Springs

Garage door springs generally keep going around 10,000 cycles, and property owners easily forget to carry out regular maintenance inspections on the springs during the restless winter months.

You can inspect the springs by manually lifting the door to approximately the halfway point, then letting go of it slowly. If the door begins to drop, it means you need to replace the springs. Call a professional right away to do the repair job for you.

3. Impaired Sensor

The remote sensor may also be the reason for your garage door system issue. If it is impaired, it might be improperly sending signals to the door’s mechanism. In this situation, it is best to contact an expert to deal with the issue for you.

4. An Issue with the Photo Eye

The photo-eye sensors are fixed on either side of the overhead door, about 6 inches above the flooring. It detects anything that comes into the door’s path while closing. The door stops if there’s an object on its way.

The thing is, photo eyes depend on a particular sensitivity level which causes them to interpret some objects as hindrances that really are not. The following are the situation examples:

  • Photo-eye sensors may detect hardened lubrication as an obstacle.
  • The cold weather can fog up the photo eyes, altering their view and causing them to respond to the condensation as a hindrance.

In these situations, the sensors will notify the garage door not to go up or down when you press the remote. Proper lubrication and cleaning the photo-eye lens are two ways to help resolve the issue. If the problem still persists, you may need to contact a garage door professional.

5. Metal Parts Contract and Become Warp

If you have difficulty raising your door manually, you may check the lubrication if it is not thickened. But if it seems okay, then the metals themselves may be the problem source.

Cold temperatures minimize the space between molecules, making metal parts contract slightly or grow tighter together. This contraction can distort your door’s tracks and cause poor alignment, making it hard for the door to function correctly. Applying lubricants can fix the issue. But if the problem continues, you will have to call a professional.

6. Frozen Ground

This is one of the most irritating winter weather effects on a garage door. Water melts and freezes very often, causing ice formation underneath your door. If water pools and freezes at the base of the garage door, it can freeze the door shut.

Here are some methods you can do to handle this situation:

  • Open the garage door manually with the use of the emergency release cord. Take note that this option doesn’t always do the trick, depending on the degree of the freeze.
  • Using a scraper or other tools, scrape and crack the ice.
  • You can melt the ice using a heat gun, but be cautious in doing it to avoid applying excessive heat to the metal door.
  • Throw hot water along the bottom of the garage door for a speedy repair, but be alert because this process can form a more severe icy area if it freezes again.
  • Once you have managed to open your door, leave it that way. Wait for the ice to thaw if the circumstances are right.

Each of the above-stated methods takes a great deal of time and energy. In addition, there’s no assurance that they will work. The best way is to prevent it from happening by clearing the puddles and snow away from the bottom of your garage door.

7. Frost Between Panels

Most garage doors contain multiple panels that permit them to fold as they go upward. Sad to say, the connection spots between the panels have space for moisture to seep in and eventually freeze. When the panels become frozen, they cannot bend, inhibiting the door from opening.

You can address this issue by applying some of the above-stated methods for handling the frozen ground issue. But you have to be sure not to break your door in the process.

8. Water-damaged Garage Door

Continuous wet and cold weather conditions can cause the door and frame to swell or bulge from moisture absorption, specifically with wooden garage doors. With swollen parts, your door is more likely to get jammed, so you cannot go in and out.

You can manage this issue by maintaining your rain gutters clean, so water does not flow and pours onto the garage door, resulting in swelling.

Need a Garage Door Repair? Contact Inland Overhead Door

Cold weather can cause serious effects to your garage door. And if all the simple repair methods do not work well to fix your door issues, especially if it is a broken motor or severely distorted metal, it is best to seek help from a professional.

Inland Overhead Door has your back. Our company has highly-trained specialists who can deal with garage door problems, from mild to severe. We are ready to give you our service 24/7. Schedule an appointment today to have your door diagnosed and repaired.

For more inquiries about our door services, contact us today!

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Learn About Garage Door Sensor Yellow Light Issues

Learn About Garage Door Sensor Yellow Light Issues

Different issues and malfunctions can happen at any time with garage doors. And one of the issues that cause them to malfunction might be with safety photo eye sensors. Most garages have door sensors that are built-in and serve to prevent accidents from automatic garage door openers. In this article, you will be able to find out what the garage door sensor yellow light issues are. Don’t panic. We will help you fix them. Or you can contact garage door services if necessary.

What does a yellow light mean on the sensor of your garage door?

The garage door has sensor lights to help you determine if there are problems. When the yellow or amber light is turned on, it means that the sending sensor is functioning properly. A garage door opener has sensors, one is a green LED light and a yellow LED light. The receiving sensor has a green light which indicates that it is working.

Moreover, the yellow light indicates that there’s no obstruction or interference between the two sensors. If the infrared beam is obstructed by something or someone, you won’t be able to see a yellow light on the transmitter. Thus, your garage door will stop working.

What can you do to fix the issue?

Here are things you can do to troubleshoot some common issues with your yellow light:

1. For poorly maintained or uneven garage door sensors, try to do the following: 

a. Get a measuring tape and measure the distance from the receiver to your floor and should be six inches.

b. Take note of the measurement in case it’s not 6 inches.

c. Then, try to measure the distance from the transmitter to your floor. The distance should be the same as the receiver.

2. If the transmitter and the receiver are not aligned, try to realign them. 

a. Get a wrench, loosen and tighten the wing nuts at an even distance. This will work but sometimes, after a couple of tries. This will make sure that you can see the beam and the yellow light remains.

3. Get rid of spiderwebs or any dust that could obstruct the lights. Dusting or using a clean towel to wipe off the lens will let you see a beam.

4. If 1 to 3 were done and yellow light still occurs, then check the wiring. 

a. If sensor wires are disconnected, turn off your garage door opener then reconnect them. If it is bad wiring, contact an electrician.

b. If the wires are worn out or frayed, fix them with electrical tape or replace them with new ones.

5. On several occasions, especially if the garage door is old, the safety sensors might not be working well. In addition, the sensors stopped registering signals. Try to change the sensors and see if it will fix the problem.

After replacement and it still didn’t work, the problem might be a logic board failure in the garage door system. It means that the signals from the computer part of the garage door couldn’t reach the motor unit in order to function. You might need a full replacement.

Professional Commercial Garage Door Repair Services LLC

Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire will provide you with certified and skilled Garage Door Repair technicians ready to assist you. They can handle any issues regarding your garage doors. We are open and available 24/7, so we can serve you better especially in times of emergency. Our trusted company has years of experience handling various garage door repairs for several companies.

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Garage Tips 101: How to Lubricate Garage Doors

Garage Tips 101 How to Lubricate Garage Doors

Though your garage serves multiple functions such as protection and storage for your products and equipment, it could also be a source of irritating noise. A noisy garage door can worsen over time and wears down the overall integrity of your door. Luckily, fixing a noisy garage door is now within your reach as a DIYer though this might require a bit of technical knowledge. In this case, knowing how to do proper lubrication of your garage door can save you from hassles. 

Instead of spending big on repairs and even replacement, learn how to lubricate garage doors with these tips. And you will have a quieter and smoother functioning garage door in no time!

What Might Be the Causes of a Noisy Garage Door?

There could be a variety of reasons that might cause this unfortunate matter. Check out these common issues why you might have a noisy type garage door.

  • When garage doors including the garage door parts show signs of wear and tear. The rollers usually get rusty and produce sound. 
  • When the nuts and bolts become loose, it will produce a screeching sound when you open and close your garage door.
  • When the garage door has come off the track, opening and closing it will produce a sound that is louder than the normal sound. If you hear this, the garage door has fallen off-balance and you need to call a professional garage door company. They can help you in fixing the door’s alignment.
  • When moving parts of the garage door need lubrication to function such as hinges and rollers.
  • When you have garage door opener issues, you might need to repair or replace them. A rattling sound is a sign of that.

Choose the Right Type of Lubricant

You can choose and buy the best lubricant for your garage door at any local hardware store. These lubricants can help prevent operating issues and keep the garage door running smoothly. You can use a white lithium or silicone spray with a straw so you can easily spot small moving parts and areas that are difficult to reach.

Best Type of Lubricant

a. Lithium-based lubricants (lithium grease) protect against friction and metal-on-metal contact. A lithium grease product is more likely to stay on the surface so they are good for lubricating rollers, friction points, and rails. This type can resist weather but doesn’t provide much waterproofing. 

Some oil-based lubricants for garage doors are not always the most reliable option. They become less effective in extreme temperatures since they dissipate quickly. Moreover, they leave a sticky or drippy mess. 

b. Silicone-based lubricants (eg. silicone spray) provide moisture resistance and are long-lasting. They work best into coiled springs, tight hinges, and other difficult-to-penetrate areas. They are the best choice for areas with hot summers and cold winters.

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door?

  1. Wear a mask and nitrile gloves for your protection since most of the lubricants are aerosol sprays.
  2. Close the garage door.
  3. Disconnect the opener motor or unplug the garage door from the outlet on the ceiling. Use a ladder.
  4. Just vacuum out the garage door’s tracks. Lubricating the tracks will attract dirt and dust that will create traps and could lead to reduced performance. Then clean the tracks of your garage door with a damp cloth by wiping them down.
  5. Get your garage door’s lubricant. Start spraying the stems and ball bearings on the steel rollers or garage door rollers and not the wheels themselves. No need to grease if the rollers are non-metal.
  6. Spray or grease the garage door spring.
  7. For torsion springs, spray the head plate bearing surfaces, the tube, and coils lightly. Torsion springs rotate while extension springs stretch.
  8. Spray down the two circular metal pieces on each end at the top of the garage door or the outside bearing plates.
  9. Spray at the pivot points of the steel hinges. Don’t grease if your hinges are made of plastic.
  10. If the bearings are visible, spray the pulleys. Since some pulleys have enclosed bearings, no need to grease them.
  11. Lightly spray the top rail that goes to the garage door motor by using a ladder again. No need to grease the chain or the bottom of the rail.
  12. Lastly, just wipe away any excess lubricant.

How often do you need to lubricate a garage door?

Lubricating the garage door and all of the moving parts at least once a year will keep your door in good shape. Lubrication should be part of your regular maintenance to extend the time between garage door repairs and replacements.

 Professional Garage Door Service 

 After doing all you can to lubricate your garage door and its parts and you still hear noises or strange sounds, it’s time to call a professional. At Inland Overhead Door Company, our professionals are experts in garage door troubleshooting. We provide not only services for commercial businesses but also the best products in the entire Inland Empire.

If you have concerns about your garage door, our team can help a lot in getting rid of existing noises and preventing future issues as well. Moreover, get to know more about our Preventive Maintenance Service Program. Please don’t hesitate to call us today. 

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