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Tag: A-1 Door Company

Tips to Keep Kids Safe Around Your Garage Doors

Posted on June 15, 2020 - 2:42 pm by

Your garage doors are a great convenience when it comes to your home’s entryways. But as the largest moving piece of your house, they also pose the biggest risk to safety – especially to children. This is why you need to make garage door safety a priority. There are several ways to ensure that your doors are meeting safety standards, as well as a few ways to practice caution when interacting with overhead doors.

Carefully Store the Remote
One fact about children is this: they love pushing buttons! While you can warn children not to touch the garage door remote, it is likely that they will not be able to resist opening or closing the garage door when unsupervised. To counteract this, you are better off keeping the garage door remote somewhere safe and out of reach for young hands.

Make Sure the Photo Sensors are Working
A key safety function for your garage doors takes the shape of the photo sensors. These devices are located a few inches off the ground and are responsible for detecting when something is obstructing the path of your closing garage doors. These devices do not work when they aren’t aligned properly, so make sure they are pointed at each other first. Next, test that they are functioning by closing your garage doors and waving something like a broom between the sensors. Your garage doors should stop closing as soon as the sensors are blocked. Call a professional if your garage doors fail the sensor test.

Explain That Garage Doors Are Not Toys
A great way to promote garage door safety with your kids is through clear communication. Have a family meeting in the garage, where you clearly explain to them how garage doors are not a part of any games and should not be treated like toys. Make it clear that they should never “ride” the garage door when they are opening, they should never race under the doors when they are closing, and they should never touch the doors when they move.

Stay On Top of Garage Door Maintenance
The best way to ensure garage door safety is by making sure your system is running optimally. From the parts to the opener, it is easy to have peace of mind when you know your garage door products are working as they should be. Consider calling a garage door professional for a tune-up and inspection. It’s recommended that you do this at least once a year, if not twice. These inspections can actually end up saving you money, as an expert can spot small problems before they graduate into large (and more expensive) problems.

Are you ready to stay on top of your garage doors’ safety? Give the experts at A1 Door Company a call today for tips – or to schedule an inspection. As the top garage door service in Richmond, VA, we’ve worked with just about every make and model of garage doors. Allow our team to take a look at your system and explain how to keep it safe for the whole family!

Be “Smart” About Your Garage Door Opener

Posted on May 4, 2020 - 1:39 pm by

Car and mobile phone technologies continue to grow and adapt to the latest innovations, and garage door openers are no different. Manufacturers are always looking to address common garage door issues, like when you lose your garage door opener remote or when you forget whether you have closed your doors. With the power of updated hardware and a Wifi connection, you can upgrade your system to a smart garage door opener.

With LiftMaster’s myQ technology, you can make your garage door opener (most brands made after 1993 are compatible) smart. The myQ app allows you to control your home’s largest access point from the convenience of your phone. Below are some of the top features:

  • Always Know When Your Garage Door is Open
    The myQ app will let you know what the status of your garage door is. If you notice that it is open when it should not be, you can close it with the touch of a button – wherever you are!
  • Get Alerts When Your Garage Door Opens and Closes
    To get confirmation of the daily comings and goings through your garage – like when the kids come home from school – you can receive alerts when your garage door is used.
  • Schedule Closing Times and Control Your Lights
    Avoid any stress of knowing when your doors are closed by setting a time each day for your garage doors to close. Also, myQ light control allows you to preset days and times for the garage lights to turn on or off. This can be helpful for your home’s security when you are away on a trip.
  • Receive Amazon Orders Right in Your Garage
    Tired of worrying about porch pirates or leaving packages in the rain? If you are an Amazon Prime member, you have the ability to receive in-garage delivery by connecting your myQ App with the Key by Amazon App. You can securely receive your Amazon orders in the safety of your garage!

There are a few ways you can make your garage door opener “smart.” If it is already Wifi-enabled, be sure that it’s connected to your internet and you can download the myQ app now. If it is not Wifi-compatible, you can purchase the myQ Smart Garage Hub to connect most garage door opener models to Wifi. Ask a trusted garage door service to help you install it!

In the market for a new garage door opener entirely? We can help there as well! Smart technology is here to make your life easier and help you worry less about your home security. At A1 Door Company, we’ve been upgrading garage doors systems in Glen Allen, VA, for more than 15 years. Call us today to learn how we can help you!

Garage Door Parts That We Offer, If You’re a Do-It-Yourselfer

Posted on January 29, 2020 - 11:37 pm by

If you’re a DIYer, then this blog post
if for you! A1
Door Company supplies a wide
variety of garage door parts and hardware that you can stop by and pick up at
your convenience. Our number one priority is always helping our clients in any
way we can.

We get it – when your garage door
breaks and you need it fixed quickly, a do-it-yourself approach may do the
trick; but only if you’re experienced enough with garage doors! No matter your
situation, always remember that safety comes first – we’re always just a phone
call away! So, when it comes to garage door repairs, our garage
door parts and inventory include:

  • Garage Door
    Openers
  • Garage Door
    Torsion Springs & Extension Springs
  • Logic Boards for
    Garage Door Openers
  • Universal Garage
    Door Remotes
  • Garage Door
    Keypads and Keyless Entry
  • Gear Sprockets
  • Photo Eyes
  • Garage Door
    Rollers & Hinges
  • Garage Door Track
  • Spring Winding
    Bars
  • Garage Door Trim
  • Garage Door
    Weatherstripping
  • Garage Door Storm
    Braces

Many DIY enthusiasts can handle simple garage door repairs in order to keep their garage door operating smoothly. However, more complicated tasks (such as fixing the garage door springs, or replacing the garage door track) should be left to trained, experienced professionals.

Calling upon professional help can
save you time and money in the long run, while also reducing the risk of
injury. Garage door professionals will also have the correct tools, and
knowledge of how to use them, in order to execute the repair quickly and
efficiently. We’re proud to be Glen
Allen VA’s premier garage door replacement and
repair specialists, and encourage you to contact
us to receive a free estimate on your
garage door repair!  

Welcome! We’re Here to Talk About Entry Doors

Posted on December 27, 2019 - 8:49 pm by

Your entry door is the first impression visitors have of your home, so why not make that impression long-lasting? That said, an entry door should be strong yet integrate beautifully within the look and feel of your home.

Homeowners in Richmond, VA might find themselves too busy to think about their front entryway, while they are more often thinking about how they will make it out the door in time to meet their daily tasks. It’s okay, we get it – and, we’re here to help!

Though life can get busy, considering
a new entry door is crucial for your curb appeal, energy efficiency, and home
security – you won’t regret taking the time to check off this task! At A1 Door Company, we have partnered with Provia to install and supply state-of-the-art
residential entry doors throughout Richmond,
VA.

Entry doors come in a variety of
designs and colors. We’re here to make your front entryway the focal point of
your home while keeping your time, budget, and style in mind. Here are a few
reasons why an entry door replacement is beneficial:

  • It’s Decorative – Our entry doors are available in several materials and designs from fiberglass to smooth steel. You can also customize panel patterns, glass, and hardware. Give us a call to discuss your options in detail!
  • Provides Insulation – Newer door seals are more effective at reducing drafts around your entryway. Fiberglass or steel are the recommended materials for residential entry doors because they insulate much better than wood doors.
  • Provides Security – Newer entry doors are installed with security in mind, providing multiple locking systems to prevent forced entry.
  • Weather Stripping – Old weatherstripping allows air to seep through your home, reducing energy efficiency and in turn costing you money. New door installation means new weather stripping which can save you money in the long run.

At A1 Door Company, we offer affordable and energy-efficient entry doors that are designed for maximum durability. Increase your home’s curb appeal and add value with our beautifully crafted low-maintenance front entry doors! Our experienced installers can guide you through your options that best fit your home, style, and budget.

Quick, Listen Up! What You Need to Know About High-Speed Doors

Posted on November 27, 2019 - 7:04 pm by

High-speed doors serve the basic function of a barrier in a commercial building. Their most important purpose is to open and close quickly. Most high-speed doors are power operated and require minimal maintenance. They serve specific functions in industries like food processing, car dealerships, manufacturing facilities, and logistics. They are weather-resistant, secure and provide environmental containment. High-speed doors create operational efficiencies, keep employees safe, and reduce costs.

Here is how a
high-speed door can affect your business…

  • Increased Security: High-speed doors have built-in security functions. They open and close quickly cutting the risk of being able to enter areas of your facility.
  • Saves You Money: High-speed doors open and close quickly, saving you money on HVAC maintenance, heat, and air conditioning costs, as well as reduced repair costs from collisions. These quick-closing doors will help to retain heat or keep a building cool by ensuring the door is not left open for too long.
  • Keep Employees Safer: Quick operation, strong seals, and durable materials keep employees and visitors safe. High-speed doors can segregate areas of their facilities. Some doors even have signaling technology to warn employees of approaching vehicles on the opposite side of the door.
  • Production Efficiency: In a busy warehouse, the last thing a business needs is for people to be waiting too long for doors to open. A high-speed door will ensure the flow of traffic speed is improved whilst also improving security. By controlling the flow of traffic, you are improving the control you have over the business’s space by limiting access, which reduces the chance of unwanted intruders.

A1 Door Company specializes in the installation of high-speed doors for commercial and industrial applications – and they come in a wide variety of materials and sizes! Give us a call to discuss which model of the high-speed door is best suited for your commercial application.

Residential Garage Door Options

Posted on November 18, 2019 - 8:28 pm by

A garage door is a big part of your home’s curb appeal, especially when it’s situated in front of your home! This means that you can not only use the door functionally, but it can also add style and beauty to your home. There are many different styles of residential garage doors to choose from, so make sure you’re picking the right one for your home and budget!

Carriage Style Garage Door

A perfect example of a door that adds
both function and style is a carriage style door. Giving your home a rustic and
classic elegance, it doesn’t look like a traditional garage door… but that’s
only in appearance. These doors can go up and down just like traditional garage
doors, while at the same time giving the illusion that they open from the
center.

Additionally, you can find carriage
style doors made from materials such as wood and steel. A wooden door will not
only add a unique look to your home, but it will also make it stand out from
others in the neighborhood.

Traditional Style Garage Door

Traditional style garage doors appeal
to homeowners who prefer more of a clean, classic look. These doors typically
feature raised rectangular panels that are fully customizable. We offer
traditional style garage doors made of steel that are built for durability but
offer a traditional look.

Aluminum Style Garage Door

Aluminum garage doors offer a unique
look for more contemporary-styled homes. With crisp lines and a sleek design,
these aluminum frames are durable and feature light-filtering glass.
Additionally, aluminum garage doors require little maintenance, are lightweight,
and easy to install. However, aluminum doors can be dented very easily, so if
you live in an area where frequent rainstorms occur, debris or hail could dent
the material.

Not finding what you like? No problem;
we can fully customize your garage door to fit the style of your home! Would you
like to hear more? Give us a call today!

Ding-Dong! It’s Information You Need to Know About Video Doorbells

Posted on October 28, 2019 - 2:43 pm by

With the help of video doorbells, you’ll always know who’s at your door even when you’re not home! Video doorbells are beneficial because they provide an extra layer of security to your home. You’ll be able to tell the deliveryman where to leave your package, see when friends and family have arrived, and know when your children are leaving and returning home.

Video doorbells are web-connected
intercom systems that incorporate a standard doorbell chime with a video camera. Here at A1 Door Company, we offer Ring video doorbells. These doorbells not only buzz to alert you when a visitor is at your home but can also send notifications to your mobile devices showing you video feed of whoever is at your door.

Ring’s video doorbells have a motion sensor that detect any activity on your property which triggers instant mobile alerts, giving you peace of mind when you are away from your home. Additionally, video doorbells are easy to install and setup! Ring doorbells can either be wired up to your home or powered by a rechargeable battery. They also come equipped with the option of recording everything so that it’s captured by the video camera and can be replayed later. This information is then stored on your smart doorbell provider of choice’s could storage system and is accessible at any time.

Do you need help deciding if a video
doorbell is right for your home? Give
us a call today and we’d be
happy to discuss your options! By knowing what is most important to you, we’ll
be able to pick the best device for your specific situation. If having a clear
picture is important, a certain Ring model may be better than another. If you
are interested in having a Ring video doorbell or camera system installed at
your home or business, we’re here to get the job taken care of!

Benefits of Garage Door Screens

Posted on October 22, 2019 - 5:55 pm by

A garage door screen is a beneficial addition to the garage opening that allows for a patio style screen door to be placed inside of your garage door. This addition uses up as little space as possible and is fully retractable, which works with your existing garage door. Garage door screens allow for garages to be used as outdoor living spaces, and can turn your garage into a bright, pest-free living space in a matter of seconds!

In addition to your garage being a safe place to park your
vehicle, you could also use your garage as a workshop and/or office and be able
to breathe in fresh outdoor air while you work! Whichever way you choose to use
your garage, it can be so much more with a garage door screen. Here are a few
key benefits of a garage door screen:

  • Keep
    Pests & Dirt Out    : With the addition of a garage door screen, you will
    be able to let fresh air in while keeping bugs out! Not only will a garage door
    screen help protect you and your home from the effects of unwanted pests, but
    it will prevent leaves, grass, and other debris from easily making their way
    inside, thus contributing to a cleaner space overall.
  • More
    Space & Comfort for Less    : Instead of spending a ton of time and money
    on the design and installation of a pricey new sunroom, patio, or deck,
    consider investing in a garage door screen! This is a much more economical
    option that will allow you to quickly and easily reap the rewards of the
    additional living space, but with lower costs and less of a headache. In
    addition to the savings you’ll experience up-front, it’s likely that you’ll
    also end up saving on energy costs down the line. When the outdoor temperatures
    are right, you’ll be able to effortlessly open your garage door to allow the
    outdoor temperatures to flow inside, which can contribute to lower seasonal
    heating and cooling costs.
  •  Improve Security: If you’re one to
    leave your garage door open for some time, a garage door screen will provide
    you with that added element of security. Garage door screens are a great way to
    add an extra barrier between the valuables in your garage and people passing by.

There are several different options and styles to choose
from when deciding what’s best for your home, but here at A1 Door Company, we’ve found that the
Lifestyle screen is a great place to start! Give us a call today to learn
about our garage door screen options.

Educational Information Regarding Smart Door Locks

Posted on September 25, 2019 - 10:32 pm by

When it comes to securing your home
and your front door, a well-made conventional lock does the job just fine.
However, a smart door lock adds an entirely new dimension to a lock’s utility, security,
and overall convenience!

A smart door lock essentially works as
an electronic lock—using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or an alternative wireless—for your
door. In most cases, you can either use your phone, an app, or a fingerprint on
a touchpad to open the lock. Some locks can also be programmed to automatically
bolt behind you as you leave. Smart
locks offer one or a combination of these
keyless lock/unlock options.

There are many benefits to installing
a smart lock, including:

  • Providing
    temporary access for deliveries, home services, or neighbors
  • Providing
    permanent access for family and friends
  • Prevent extra
    keys from floating around
  • Ability to
    monitor visitors with smart phone app

Smart locks are designed to replace
the bolt lock on your door. All smart lock apps have features that allow you to
be alerted of who’s coming and going and allows you to send virtual “keys” to
family, friends, and visitors such as delivery men. Smart locks are battery operated,
with the average battery life lasting six months to a year – and, you’ll be
alerted when the batteries need to be replaced so you don’t get locked out of
your home!

Despite the benefits, smart locks
aren’t right for everyone, and you should always consider your specific needs
before investing in any piece of smart-home technology. Please give us a call
today with any questions or for a free
estimate on adding a smart door lock to your home!

What Causes Garage Doors to Become Off-Balance?

Posted on August 30, 2019 - 2:04 pm by

As it is often said, living a life of
balance is key when it comes to your health, harmony, and happiness. For some,
it could mean the right repetition of self-care. For others, it could mean a
home that serves as a well-organized safe haven. That said, your garage door
needs proper care too in order to provide you and your family with assurance of
safety. So, in this blog post we will be discussing garage door balance.

A standard garage door can weigh up
to 400 lbs. – which is a lot of weight working against you if a problem should
arise! Garage doors are equipped with two springs; one spring being on either
side of the door. When a garage door closes, these springs are under very high
tension. So, any time there is movement of the garage door, the springs need to
adjust in order to balance the weight of the door. In other words, it is
crucial that the springs be in balance in order to maintain efficient and safe
operation.

The balance of the springs is
what maintains level movement of your garage door. If one spring becomes loose,
that side of the garage door will move at a different speed which then leads to
disproportionate wear (and a lot of noise!) while the door opens and closes.

With any high functioning piece of
machinery, a garage door will experience wear and tear over time which is why
we can’t stress the importance of maintenance enough! Most indications of
garage door repairs can be visible to the eye which is why visual
inspections can sometimes be done by a homeowner.

However, if your garage door
springs are already broken, there are safety issues involved that you should be
aware of! First, you should never pull the emergency release handle when
the door is open because it will come down fast and hard. With the spring being
broken, there is nothing that will slow the door down. Another safety concern
is that if the door is left open, it can fall at any time or someone may try to
close it without realizing that there is an issue. If you must leave the door
open, you should place something sturdy underneath the door on both sides to
help support it, and make sure children and/or pets do not go near it. You
could also have a couple of people hold the door up while you disconnect it
from the garage door opener, and then close it manually.

A garage door that is balanced feels neither too heavy nor too light and remains at whichever level that you choose to leave it at. If a garage door is noticeably out of place it means your door is off-balance. If that’s the case, a garage door professional can come out and assess the springs. Generally, your garage door will call for spring replacement in order to work properly.

It’s imperative to have the balance
of your garage door checked regularly so that it can be adjusted when
required. If you notice any signs that suggest your garage door springs
have become off-balance, please do not hesitate to call A1 Door Company for repairs!

How to Program Your Car Garage Door Opener

Posted on May 24, 2019 - 1:56 pm by

Garage door
experts are naturally the most qualified when it comes to handling projects
regarding your overhead door. In regards to installation or repair, you’ll always
want to call on a professional. Programming your garage door opener, however, is something that most homeowners can typically handle, should
they choose to do it themselves. Garage door opener manufacturers, such as
LiftMaster, make the programming process simple and easy to comprehend.

Manuals can be
a tough read, though, which is why we wanted to help you to program your doors with
the help of some simplified instruction. Continue reading in order to find out
how you can program your garage door opener and remote to meet your needs!

Before you get
to any actual programming, you’ll need to ensure that the light bulb in the
opener is working and functional. The opener’s light is often used as a
programming indicator, so this will need to be operating in order to verify
that everything is working.

  1. The first step to programming your garage door opener is pushing the
    “Smart” or “Learn” button on the opener. The color of the button will vary
    based on the year and model of garage door opener you have, so you may be
    looking for green, red-orange, purple, or yellow. Once this button is
    activated, you should see an LED light turn on.

  2. Next, you’ll want to grab your remote and look for a program button.
    Again, the make or model will vary when it comes to the location of this
    button. On some, it’s found behind the visor clip – which can also be used to
    press the hard-to-reach button. On others, you will need to look for holes on
    the side of your device, using a pin or paper clip to press the button. A light
    will turn on somewhere on the remote to indicate that it’s ready to be
    programmed.

  3. We’d like to say that there’s no rush for the next step, but that wouldn’t
    be entirely accurate. When the program button has been activated, you have
    about 30 seconds to sync up the remote. Turn back to your opener and hit the
    same “Smart” or “Learn” button from Step 1 until you see the light turn on
    again. Then, push on the button on the remote that you would like to control
    the door. Pressing the button once should make the opener’s light blink to
    indicate a successful pairing.

    Note: If the indicator light doesn’t go off, select the button on the
    remote again. Once the light does come on again, do not click the button more
    times.

  4. To complete the programming process, hit any other button on the remote.
    You should see the remote’s light turn off.

And there you
have it! Your garage door should be able to open and close at your command. If
you experienced any difficulty with the steps listed above, or if you have questions,
please feel free to contact the experienced technicians at A1 Door Company. We’re here to
help!

Facts About Residential Garage Door Openers

Posted on May 9, 2019 - 7:30 pm by

Many people tend to not think about their garage door openers
until they stop working. Nothing puts a dent in your day’s plans quite like a
garage door that won’t open! The truth is, however, that garage door openers
serve a variety of purposes – not just lifting and closing your overhead doors.
As technology continues to evolve, garage door openers just become even smarter!

This is why we’re sharing some of the most interesting facts
about residential garage door openers. Knowing more about these pieces of
equipment will help you set a more accurate value for them and prevent any
surprises during your next garage door opener installation.

Openers Can Be Hacked                                                       

While the evolution of technology can be a good thing, it
can also come with some bad. Garage door openers that used a “fixed code”
wireless system to open are vulnerable to breaches. It was discovered years ago
that simple technology from an old toy could be used to open garage doors
without a secure code. We won’t go into too much detail here, but will give the
following warning: if your garage door is more than 5-10 years old, you may
want to contact a specialist to see if you’re at risk of a break-in.

Openers Are Required By Law to Be Safe

If you’re in the market to buy a garage door opener, you can
rest assured that you’ll be making a safe purchase. Because of a tragic history
of injury, lawmakers were pushed to step in and push forward legislation in
1993 that required a minimum level of safety in all models of garage door
openers. This includes sensors that can detect people walking under your door,
which used to be a major threat to children’s safety. Since 1993, however,
incidents with garage door opener-related injuries are pretty much unheard of.

Openers Are Going High-Tech

You’d think something that serves such a simple purpose
wouldn’t become so complex, but that’s exactly what is happening to garage door
openers. The top garage door manufactures are tricking out openers with all
kinds of tech-savvy integrations. This includes Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, the
ability to control the opener through an app, and LED lighting.

Hopefully this information helps you to see your garage door
openers as a valuable tool in your home! New openers add value to your home, as
well as increased function and efficiency. If you’re looking to equip your home
with a new garage door opener, give
the experts at A1 Door Company a call today!

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Service

Posted on April 30, 2019 - 2:40 pm by

We use our garage doors every day, but rarely do we take the
time to examine and inspect their condition and performance. Sadly, we tend to focus
our attention on our garage doors only when they stop working or something goes
wrong. The good news is – this is preventable! By performing frequent
inspections, you can determine whether your garage doors are still functioning
properly and safely. So, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Be vigilant and
look for these 3 signs to see if your garage door needs to be serviced.

Won’t Open or Close

This is the most obvious sign that your garage door needs to
be inspected. There are various reasons for why it’s no longer opening or
closing properly; faulty wiring, misaligned sensors, and more. Before one of
our professional technicians arrives, be sure to double check that nothing is
in the way of the sensors or blocking the door. Sometimes if an item is in the
way of the sensors, your door will not operate properly.

Slow Response Time

Feel like your garage door is taking forever to open or
close? Typically, your garage door should begin to open or close within a
second or two after you pressed the opener or entered your code. If you observe
any delay in the operation, it might indicate that something is wrong with your
door or with the opener, and a few drops of
penetrating oil may make all the difference!

Making a Lot of Noise

A noisy garage door is the result of loose hardware, worn
rollers, or the garage door opener itself. There are simple fixes, but to avoid
the last-minute urgent services, it is better to keep your ears open to the
noise coming from the garage door that seems unusual to you. Don’t worry
though, no matter if it’s day or night, we have 24/7 emergency garage door
service technicians that can help!

If your garage door isn’t working properly, our team of
garage door professionals here at A1
Door Company are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for your free estimate
today!

Garage Door Safety Tips to Practice at Home

Posted on April 19, 2019 - 1:10 pm by

Your garage door keeps your family safe, compliments the aesthetic style
of your home, and can even help you save money on energy bills. You may take it
for granted, however it’s the largest moving object in your home so it’s
important to always ensure you’re practicing garage door safety! Here are a few
garage door safety tips to keep in mind:

Pay attention.  It’s easy to go into auto-pilot when driving, especially
when we’re close to home; but don’t let opening the garage door become a
routine that you overlook! Try putting the remote door opener in a
different place occasionally so that you have to think before systematically
reaching for it. 

Don’t leave
your garage door remote control in your vehicle. Burglars look for this when they want to break into a home, and
having access to it puts them one step closer to getting there! Another thing
to note, never leave this control
within a child’s reach – to them, it’s simply a toy as they are not aware of
the harm it can do.

Don’t leave your garage door partially open. Some
homeowners leave their garage door partially open so their pet cats can
come and go. While this may seem harmless enough, you should fully close your
garage door to prevent damage. If you reactivate a partially open garage
door, it may travel down and subsequently strike an object, damaging the unit.

Perform
monthly inspections. Inspect your
door every month and look for broken springs and cables, check the pulleys and
rollers for wear, and test the reversing mechanism by placing a piece of wood
or another object in your garage door’s path. The door should automatically
reverse when it comes in contact with the object. If it doesn’t do this, or you
notice any other issues, contact your local garage door contractor.

If your
garage door isn’t up to today’s safety standards or is damaged beyond repair,
our team of garage door professionals here at A1 Door Company are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Why Your Garage Door is Not a DIY Job

Posted on March 29, 2019 - 8:33 pm by

They say that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself… This is correct in certain situations that do not apply to DIY (“do it yourself”) work. That being said, there are plenty of situations where a professional should be the person you trust for a given project. Your garage door repairs and/or installation are prime examples of these types of projects.

In today’s world, it’s easy to find DIYers online who claim that you never have to rely on a professional as long as you have your own two hands. While an admirable idea, this is a lofty goal if you don’t have the right tools or years of experience to approach the project in question. When it comes to garage door installation or repair, you risk thousands of dollars in repairs as well as serious hazards to your garage and personal safety.

It’s worth noting that your garage doors are likely the largest moving parts of your home. Overhead doors are known to weigh upwards of 400 pounds, so any parts that are missing or misaligned could resort in a messy situation. Several parts of your garage doors are also under very high tension. If you accidentally release the tension while attempting to make your own repairs, you don’t just risk a serious injury – you also risk death.

Say you are pretty handy and have completed home improvement projects before; while you think you may be able to handle some of the tasks required in a garage door installation, there’s a good chance you forget to include one of the smaller parts or fail to install it properly. Garage door systems are surprisingly complex and only operate when all of the parts are placed exactly where they belong and work correctly. DIY installation could result in your door falling of the tracks, damaging your door, garage and more.

Many turn to DIY work to save money, but a faulty repair job may end up costing you way more than what you would have spent on a garage door service in the first place. Licensed garage door technicians have the experience, tools, and access to parts that the regular homeowner simply doesn’t have. If you think there’s anything wrong with your garage door, it makes financial and safety sense to contact a garage door professional.

This all being said, there are still various maintenance tasks that are safe to do on your own, as long as you use the right tools and complete them at the recommended frequency. At your next maintenance appointment with your garage door technician, ask them what you can do to keep things running smoothly on your own. Your trusted technician can tell you what is safe for DIYers, and what’s best to leave to the professionals.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team by calling (804) 403-7278, or by visiting our website. It’s our pleasure to serve your garage door needs, and keep you and your family safe!

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