June is National Garage Door Safety Month

With June declared National Garage Door Safety Month by the International Door Association (IDA), now is the perfect time to check your garage door to make sure that it's safety features are working properly. Your garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in your house. And since families use the garage door to come in and out of the house more than any other door, you want to make sure that all of the garage door opener's safety features are properly working. And one of those key items are the safety beams.

Garage door safety beams, also know as photos eyes, are used to protect people, pets and property. Since the early 1990's, all automatic garage door openers manufactured for installation and use in the United States are required to have photo eyes that stop and reverse the garage door if a child, an animal, or other object passes in front of the sensors. When properly working, they will detect a moving object that either passes through the garage door opening or if something is obstructing the door opening. The photo eyes are considered a failsafe type of safety device.

The garage door opener will not close the garage door using normal means with the electric opener if a problem occurs within the safety system. The easiest way to determine if your photos eyes may be faulty is by placing an object directly in between the path of the two beams and then (standing away from the door) and pressing the remote or wall button to close the door. If the beams are working properly, the garage door will not close and the lights on the opener will flash.

To read more about the operation of garage door safety beams or purchase new beams/sensors for your Sears Craftsman, Liftmaster, Wayne Dalton, Chamberlain, Genie or other brand garage door opener, go to: http://www.stardoorparts.com/Garage-Door-Opener-Safety-Sensors-Beams-s/99.htm

How to Program Your Garage Door Keypad

While a garage door keypad used to be considered a luxury item not installed on most homes, homeowners today are taking advantage of this technology in record numbers. Families love the keypad because school-age children can use it to enter the house without carrying a key and other homeowners appreciate the convenience and safety features in case they forget their own keys. Because a garage door keypad is easy to install with just about any garage door, you’re not alone in enjoying this former luxury on your own home.

However, problems can arise when you forget your pass code or when your door isn’t opening anymore. When these situations occur, it may be time for you to replace your battery or reprogram your garage door keypad.

Although the process of programming the keypad is not difficult, you do need to know the brand and model of garage door that you have in order to be most effective. Some garage doors can be reset through a remote control, while most others must be programmed by the keypad or through the door motor itself.

Program via the Garage Door Motor

Some garage door keypads require that the pass code be reset by working with the garage door motor itself. If this is the case, you’ll need to use a ladder to reach the motor inside the garage door. On the motor itself, locate the small button that works as the device’s program/reset. This should be found either underneath or to the side of the wires that connect to the garage door opener wall console.

As soon as you’ve pressed the reset button, go to the garage door keypad to enter your new pass code number combination and then press the enter key 2 to 3 time consecutively. The door should then activate. If this does not work you can find detailed programming instructions on your manufacturers website.

Program with the Garage Door Keypad

For some wired versions your garage door keypad can program your door directly from the keypad, you’ll need to know the combination provided for your door in order to reset the pass code. The most commonly used keypad code for reprogramming is to hold the “8” and “#” buttons simultaneously. Next, enter the code “357,” followed by the “enter” key if you don’t have the specific combination provided by your garage door manual.

Once you have entered these initial keystrokes to reprogram the door, you’re ready to enter your desired new pass code combination. Press the keypad’s “enter” button to complete and confirm your code change. Again if this does not work please consult the manufactures website or help lines.

Program with a Remote Control

This is the least common method. But If your keypad must be reprogrammed via a remote control, you’ll need to double check with your garage door opener instruction manual to find what combination of buttons must be pressed in order to complete the process. The most common control sequence is to press and hold the “send” and “#” buttons simultaneously for about five seconds.

Once you’ve held these two buttons, you’ll need to go directly to the garage door keypad. Use the keypad to press the “enter” button before typing in the number combination that you want to use as your new pass code. Complete the reprogramming process by pressing the “enter” button once more.

Whichever method you use to program your garage door keypad, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t touch your keypad, remote control or door motor for at least 20 seconds. If you press a button too soon, you may accidentally reset your pass code once again.

Making Your Garage a More Versatile Space

Your garage might be the perfect place to park your car, but what should you do if you want to get more out of the space? If you are trying to brainstorm ideas for turning your garage into a versatile space that goes beyond vehicle storage, there are some tips that you should know before you get started on the transformation.

Parking Your Cars

The first step is to determine how many cars you would like to park in your garage. This will give you a better idea of how much room you have to work with when you are turning your garage into a more versatile space.

If you are hoping for a lot of storage space, assess whether you could park your vehicles outside. Be aware that it is still possible to utilize storage space in your garage if you choose to use it to park multiple vehicles.

Organize the Space

Small spaces like garages need to be organized to ensure that the space is used as efficiently as possible. If you plan to store several different types of items in the garage, start out by organizing these items according to type. For example, kids' items should be grouped separately from exercise equipment.

Storage containers are helpful when you are organizing your garage. Choose containers that are made for tight spaces.

Expand Your Storage Space

Make the most of every last inch of space in your garage by installing shelves and overhead storage. Be sure to install overhead storage according to the included instructions. Never store heavy items that exceed the weight limit associated with an overhead storage shelf.

Hanging up tools instead of keeping them in a toolbox also allows you to make the most of your space. Hang bicycles on the wall to keep them out of the way without losing the ability to easily access them when the weather warms up.

Create Zones

Your versatile garage can be separated into different zones to allow you to complete a wide range of activities in this space. The space along each wall offers you a place to start. Work benches can be situated along a wall with hanging tools. Exercise equipment can be stored in another area along the wall along with bicycles. Rolling storage containers, toolboxes or project carts can be utilized in multiple zones due to their portability.

Take Care with Electronics

If you are picturing a home office or den in your garage, be careful with the electronics that you plan to keep in the space. Garages are generally not protected against extreme temperatures and electronics may be damaged by temperature fluctuations.

Your garage space may not be living up to its potential. Use these tips to make the most of your garage.

Quick Fixes for Common Issues with Garage Doors

Certain garage door problems require the intervention of a specialist. If you come home from work to find your door hanging askew on its hinges, you may want to call a professional to take a look at the problem before you break out your toolbox. But most common garage door problems can be solved in a matter of minutes with a little bit of light troubleshooting. If you can learn to fix the following problems yourself, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Garage Door Will Not Open or Close

A garage door becomes a garage wall when it won’t open, and it turns your garage into a carport when it won’t close. There are several things that can cause a door to stick, so tackle the troubleshooting in a logical, orderly fashion until you identify the problem

• Check your remote opener batteries and also make sure there is nothing blocking the safety sensors
• Look for anything in the tracks preventing the door from traveling smoothly
• Clean any gunky lubricant slowing the door’s progress

If the lubricant turned out to be the problem, consider looking for a different brand that can hold up against a variety of weather conditions.

Garage Door Won’t Open and Close Evenly

Most home owners that have garage doors utilizing extension or stretch style springs have faced this problem at least once. You try to open or close the door, and it’s like trying to close a difficult set of blinds. First one side drops and then the other. This can be frustrating, but there are some factors you can check before calling a repairman. First, make sure there aren’t any obstructions in the way by cleaning off your tracks. If that doesn’t work, try the following steps:

• Check spring quality – they should all be of equal length and flexibility
• Identify your sticking points – check those points for visible damage
• Check garage door cables – look for frying, breakage and signs of wear

Relentlessly Noisy Garage Door

You don’t want to wake up your neighbors with a squealing garage door, and noisy operation can be symptomatic of a serious problem. More often than not, however, it merely signifies the need for additional lubrication. Oil your tracks with proper lube to put an end to the screeching. If you already keep up with that aspect of maintenance, clean off your tracks to make sure debris in the oil isn’t the source of the noise. One important note: use only oils specifically made for garage doors or general-purpose lubricants like JB80 or one of our specialty lubes. Using heavy weight grease or machine oils can slow your door down and cause more problems.

Remote Control No Longer Works

If you can’t get your remote control to open the door, your first order of business should be to replace the batteries. Brand names and generics are interchangeable in many areas of life, but reputable, brand-name batteries are typically superior to generics. If those are not the source of the problem, check the following:

• Battery contacts – make sure your battery contacts aren’t too dirty to establish a connection.
• Reprogram the remote – directions to reprogram your remote to your garage door opener can be found on the manufactures webpage.
• Do a reset – take the batteries out of your remote and unplug your garage door opener, for about a minute each, to initiate a full reset. Often, this is all it takes to get a garage door remote control working again.

If you are uncomfortable with performing any of these repairs or maintenance items please call a garage door technician.

How to Update Your Garage Door’s Look

When looking for ways to enhance the curb appeal of their home, people often overlook one component that can make a dramatic difference: the garage door. Regardless of the size of your garage door, it has a major impact on the outward appearance of your home. Replacing it entirely is expensive, but there are ways to update and upgrade it to make it look fresh and new. We've rounded up five of the best options for updating your garage door’s look:

Repaint It: Repainting your garage door will have a very positive impact on the overall appearance of your home. Simply giving it a fresh coat of the same color paint can work wonders. If you're really looking to mix things up, you should consider trying an entirely different color. For an even more dramatic look, switch to a two-tone design. It's easy to find complementary shades that look great on garage doors. Always use exterior paint that works with whatever material your garage door is made out of, and remember to wash, sand and prime the door first to ensure that the new paint looks as vibrant and stylish as possible.

Add a Trellis Topper: This isn't something you see every day, but some especially handy homeowners have taken to mounting beautiful trellises just above their garage doors. If you have a green thumb, you may even be able to convince some climbing plants to grow up there too. There aren't kits available for this kind of thing, so you'll have to come up with a design yourself. It's a fun DIY project that really refreshes the style of your home.

Add Windows: If your garage door is made out of easy-to-remove panels, you're in luck. You can easily add new windows to the door to liven up its appearance. There are kits available to help and they include everything you need. In terms of style, you can take your pick from windows made out of translucent glass, plexiglass, plain glass and other materials. Some styles include texturing, inlays and other eye-catching features, so the sky is really the limit.

Try a Garage Door Poster: Like most people, you've probably never seen a garage door poster in action. That doesn't mean they don't work or aren't worthwhile options to consider. Garage door posters are kind of like wallpaper for your garage door. Many styles, colors and patterns are available when it comes to these weather-resistant posters, which are typically sold in kits that have everything you need to mount them.

Install New Hardware: Transform your basic garage door into one that looks downright fancy with new garage door hardware. Your local home improvement store should carry hardware kits that are specifically designed for garage doors. They're often called decorative garage door hardware kits, and many styles are available. At the very most, you'll have to drill a few small holes. From there, just screw in the hardware, and you'll be all set!

Whether you try one or several of these suggestions, you're sure to love the way your garage door and home look when you're done!

Tips to Quiet Down Your Garage Door

A loud garage door can be quite annoying, especially for people who may be trying to sleep nearby. Fortunately, in many cases, noisy garage doors can be fixed easily and quickly. If you’d like to quiet down your garage door, the following useful tips may be able to help:

1. Tighten the Hardware. When a garage door is activated, it vibrates. This can cause screws and bolts to loosen in the system, which can lead to a noisy door. You can remedy this problem by using a socket or adjustable wrench to tighten all of the screws and bolts in the system. When tightening hardware, be sure to check for any worn out parts that may need to be replaced.
 
2. Lubricate Moving Parts. Rusty parts and/or a lack of lubrication can also lead to noisy garage doors. To prevent this, you can apply a garage door lubricant onto your system's moving parts about two or three times per year. Be sure to wipe away any old grease before applying new lubricant. Some of the areas you will want to lubricate are:
• Roller Stems
• Steel Rollers
• Springs
• Pivoting Portions of Garage Door Hinges
• End Fixture Area Bearings
3. Replace the Rollers. Metal rollers can make a lot of noise when they roll up and down the tracks of your garage door. If this is what is causing your door to be loud, consider replacing your metal rollers with rollers made out of nylon. Nylon rollers are much quieter and they don’t need to be lubricated regularly. However, since replacing rollers can be a bit tricky, you may want to have a professional do this for you.
 
4. Replace the Hinges or Springs. Many garage doors become loud due to worn-out hinges or springs. In some cases, greasing the hinges will help. If it doesn’t help, you may need to replace them. Additionally, if the coils in the springs become bent, they will rub together and cause an annoying noise. In this case, the only solution is to replace them.

However, if you need to replace your torsion springs located at the top of the door, you should have a professional handle the problem. Replacing or adjusting these springs can be very difficult and dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.  Do not attempt to repair or adjust torsion springs yourself.

If you have a noisy garage door in your home, you have probably found that it can be very annoying. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to remedy your problem. In fact, if you follow the useful tips described above, you will have a quiet garage door in no time at all!

If you are uncomfortable with performing any of these repairs or maintenance items please call a garage door technician.

Spring Garage Door Tune Up

As you work your way down your spring home maintenance to-do’s, don’t forget to add spring garage door tune ups to the list. Annual inspections help ensure reliable, quiet operation of the door as well as home safety. A neglected garage door can become noisy and pose significant security and safety risks to you and your family. The average garage door does up and down over 1000 times a year! So you can only imagine the wear and tear that occurs from regular use. Some things to focus on during your garage door tune up are:
Inspect Your Door’s Hardware:

1. Tighten Nuts and Bolts- Garage door hardware can loosen. Inspect and tighten any loose roller brackets as well as the bolts that hold the rails to the support brackets.
2. Inspect Rollers for Wear and Tear- Nylon rollers crack and chip as they deteriorate while steel rollers tend to tilt as they weather. We recommend buying replacements if they are worn but do not remove the bottom roller bracket as this is under high tension and should only be replaced by a professional.
3. Inspect the Lift Cable for Wear- Look for broken cable strands but do not replace it yourself. This cable is under very high tension and should only be replaced by a professional.

Maintain Springs, Chains and Seals:

1. Lubricate Springs, Chains and Screws- Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers, torsion springs, end bearings, center bearings, locks and tracks as needed. By lubricating your garage door in the appropriate places, it will make the opener operate quieter and smoother. This can also help extend the life of both the opener and the door.
2. Replace Weather Seal- Over the harsh winter, your weather seals have been tested and can become brittle and worn. Replace the seal to ensure another year’s worth of protection. Through weather proofing and insulating the garage door, it can save you on your utility bill and remain drier throughout the winter months and cooler during summer.

Test Your Door’s Capabilities:

1. Balance- Disconnect the automatic opener from the door by pulling the opener release handle. Then manually lift the door halfway. A well balanced garage door will hold that position. If it rides up, the springs are under too much tension. If it falls, the tension needs to be increased.
2. Auto Reverse- Place a 2" x 4" board (laid flat) under the middle of your garage door and try to close it. As it impacts the board it should stop and reverse within 2 seconds. If your door does not reverse please refer to your garage door openers manual for instructions.

Keeping your garage door safe and functional is an important part of owning a home. Use spring as a time to inspect and replace any pieces of your door that may not be functioning or are weathered from the winter. It will not only save you money in the long run, but also give you piece of mind as you drive your car into your garage each night.

If you are uncomfortable with performing any of these repairs or maintenance items please call a garage door technician.