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2024’s Premier Garage Door Opener: Unveiling Our Top Selection

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:43:39 GMT

A dependable garage door opener is a linchpin of home security and convenience, and LiftMaster's cutting-edge solutions have positioned it as the go-to brand for 2024, offering state-of-the-art technology and reliability. (LEARN MORE HERE: www.liftmaster.com )

1. The Evolution of Garage Door Openers

Garage door openers have come a long way, evolving from simple, manually-operated mechanisms to today's high-tech options that blend seamlessly with smart home ecosystems. The 2024 standards highlight advanced security, user-friendly design, and energy efficiency.

2. What Sets LiftMaster Garage Door Openers Apart?

LiftMaster has built a stellar reputation for its diverse range of reliable openers, each boasting innovative features that cater to the modern homeowner's needs, including superior connectivity and unparalleled security features.

3. Smart Homes Meet Smart Garage Door Openers

Today's Wi-Fi openers, especially those equipped with myQ technology, offer more than convenience. They integrate with your smart home network, providing real-time alerts, remote access, and the ability to set schedules for your garage door, enhancing both security and functionality.

4. Explore LiftMaster’s Real-World Applications

LiftMaster's myQ technology not only offers enhanced convenience and security through its smart features but also demonstrates high compatibility with other smart home devices, enriching user experiences, as shared in numerous testimonials.

5. Installation and Maintenance Advice

Achieving the best performance from your garage door opener requires professional installation, which ensures safety and functionality. Regular maintenance, including simple steps like checking alignment and lubricating moving parts, will extend the life of the unit.

LiftMaster stands out as the top choice for 2024, delivering significant improvements to daily life through advanced security features, ease of use, and smart home integration. Discover the benefits of upgrading to a LiftMaster garage door opener. Visit us online to explore our products or schedule a professional installation and start enjoying a smarter, more secure home today.

Navigating Garage Door Repair vs. Replacement

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:37:23 GMT

Faced with signs of wear or malfunction, homeowners are often caught in a quandary: to repair garage door blemishes and breakdowns or to invest in a brand-new door. It's a decision that intertwines considerations of cost, convenience, and curb appeal.

The latest Cost vs. Value report brings a new perspective to this debate, highlighting garage door replacement as the top home improvement project for return on investment. Understanding this dynamic can illuminate the most cost-effective path forward, whether it leads to a fresh installation or a simple fix. (View Report: VIEW COST VS. VALUE REPORT )

1. Garage Door Repair Cost Factors

When it comes to repair costs, homeowners can expect a range based on labor and parts, with variations depending on the repair's complexity—from simple spring replacements to more extensive structural repairs. A full replacement entails higher costs, influenced by the choice of door material, design, and installation labor. Don't overlook hidden expenses such as removal and disposal of the old door or potential structural alterations needed for the new installation.

2. There’s More Beyond the Price Tag

The aesthetic impact of a garage door extends beyond its price tag. A new door can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal and property value, offering a fresh look with color options that seamlessly blend with your exterior. Energy efficiency also comes into play, with modern insulated doors promising long-term savings on energy bills, contributing to the overall value of your investment.

3. The Value of Investing in Your Garage Door

Per the Cost vs. Value report, garage door replacement ranks as a top home improvement for return on investment, often recouping a significant portion of the expense at resale. Beyond improving curb appeal, a new garage door offers enhanced security, reduced maintenance costs, and the integration of smart technology—advantages that solidify its long-term worth.

4. Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

Consider repairs for minor damage or if budget is tight, but if you're facing extensive damage or your model is outdated, replacement might be the prudent choice. Evaluating the extent of damage and the functionality of your current setup is key to deciding whether a quick fix or a new door is necessary.

5. The Art of Balancing Cost-Effectiveness

Industry professionals often suggest that investing in a new garage door can dramatically improve home appeal and functionality. Before-and-after cases consistently show increased homeowner satisfaction and property value post-replacement. In summary, balancing cost-effectiveness with these benefits is crucial in your decision-making process.

If you're weighing repair versus replacement, reach out for a professional assessment to make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.

How to Insulate My Garage

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 21:38:25 GMT

You put consideration into insulating you home, because you want to be comfortable no matter what the season. But did you know that you should also insulate your garage?

Here are some tips on how to insulate your garage.

“Why should I insulate my garage?”

Insulating the walls, ceiling, and doors of your garage can help reduce the energy consumption for your entire home.

It will keep the garage cooler in summer, and warmer in winter, and reduce outside noise. Insulation will also help protect the interior of your home from harmful fumes emitted by cars, gasoline, and other chemicals stored there. It is an easy project that can reap many benefits.

“I want to know how to insulate my garage!”

Once homeowners realize they need to – or want to – insulate their garage, this is one of the first questions they ask. Let’s start with the garage door.

Garage Door Types

These are flexible insulation, like fiberglass insulation, can be inserted into the frames surrounding the panels.

These are rigid insulation, like foam board, can be cut to size and inserted into the recesses between the frames

Reflective insulation or foam board can be attached with adhesive or tape to the inside of the garage door.

“What do I need to insulate my garage door?”

The tools and materials you need to insulate your garage are few. Mainly, you need:

The insulation itself, whether in board panels or rolls, dependent upon the application
A way to fasten the insulation to the door: tape or adhesive
A utility knife to cut insulation to size

Garage door insulation kits are also available.

Beware that installing insulation adds extra weight to your garage door, which may put an extra strain on lifting mechanisms or spring tensions. Once insulation is installed, your garage door may need a professional adjustment or springs repair .

Garage Insulation: How To

Insulating your garage is easiest prior to the installation of drywall when the framing is still exposed.

The first step is to air-seal the walls, blocking gaps, cracks, or holes.
Seal around outlets and switches with silicone caulk. Run silicone caulk around the garage where the framing meets the floor to seal out fumes.
Once air-sealed, roll out fiberglass insulation , also called batt and blanket insulation, and attach it to the walls according to manufacturer directions. For the wall shared by the living space, install the fiberglass insulation with the vapor retarder called kraft facing with the paper side facing the wall and the fuzzy side facing you.
For the rest of the walls, install the insulation with the kraft facing with the paper side facing you so that it will butt up against the drywall once the garage is finished off. Roll or blow insulation into the garage attic or ceiling.

Alternative types of garage insulation can be blown in or sprayed on. Sheep wool insulation offers an environmentally friendly, natural option.

“Who Can Help Me Insulate My Garage?”

At G&S Garage Doors, we often get asked, “How do I insulate my garage.”

We can give you tips and resources on how to do it yourself, or we can do the job for you.

Check out our range of aesthetically-enhancing garage doors and our array of garage door openers and accessories like remote controls, wireless key entry, and smart home technology that can make your life easier.

If you have questions or need a new garage door, please contact G&S Garage Doors .

My Garage Door Won’t Close: What Do I Do?

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 21:19:12 GMT

Nothing is worse than coming home and finding that your garage door won’t close.

Having a garage is a nice convenience, but it can be a nuisance when things go wrong with your garage door. Knowing what the issue is can help you determine if it’s a problem you can tackle yourself or if it’s time to call for assistance.

Just like any door, your garage door is meant to open and close.

A garage that’s left open can lead to theft, weather damage, and other problems. Don’t leave your valuables exposed or your home unprotected if you find that your garage door won’t close.

To help you troubleshoot your garage door issues, here is a list of simples fixes you can try.

1. Scan the Area

If your garage door is stuck, or not closing properly, the first step is to check for obstructions. It’s important to check if there’s something under the door, or blocking the safety sensors.

Sometimes, rusted or damaged rollers can cause the door to bind in its tracks. Replacing them, or lubricating them with silicone lubricant can correct this problem.

2. Check the Safety Sensor

If your garage door isn’t closing properly, there’s a good chance that the safety sensors need adjustment or re-alignment. The safety sensors are the electronic eyes that prevent anything from being crushed when the door closes.

If there’s nothing blocking the door and sensors, check to make sure the safety sensor is clean and properly aligned.

3. Try the Wall Sensor

If none of these resolve the issue, move on to the wall station of the garage door opener. Try to press and hold the interior wall station, using constant pressure until the door closes and touches the ground.

If the door successfully closes at this point, then you know the issue lies with the safety sensor.

Sometimes the electrical circuit boards, inside the photo safety sensors, get shorted when wet or during a power surge or lightning strike. You can clean and re-align the sensors yourself. No professionals are needed!

Related: How to Repair a Garage Door

4. The Close Limit Switch May Need Adjusting

Your garage door has set-limit switches that tell the motor when to stop running–both during opening and closing. This is a necessary feature which prevents it from closing on someone or something, causing harm or damage.

Adjusting the close-limit switch can help prevent your door from behaving erratically. Most garage door openers have a screw feature on the motor, which allows you to adjust just how far the door descends.

5. Use the Manual Release Cord

Most garage door problems can be traced back to the sensor. If that’s not the case, try using the manual release cord.

Located on the garage door opener, this cord should release the garage door opener from the doors so you can lower it down manually. Your door should be equipped with a handle towards the bottom. This will help you lower the door once it’s released from the opener.

Contact G&S Garage Doors

No one knows garage door repair like we do.

If all else fails, it’s time to call in a professional technician. G&S Garage Doors will be able to identify the issue and answer any questions you may have.

Our team of experienced repairmen will have your garage door working (and closed!) again in no time.

Insulated Garage Doors vs Non-Insulated

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 21:02:19 GMT

Your garage may be the largest space in your home, yet have the least insulation.

That’s why you ought to consider the benefits of insulated garage doors vs. non-insulated.

1. Save Energy

With the current global emphasis on energy efficiency, insulated garage doors vs. non-insulated ones make sense.

Your garage is one of the least energy-efficient rooms in your home, with its many gaps and air leakage.

This can cause adjacent rooms, either beside or above your garage, to become less energy efficient themselves.

Garages are not considered “living spaces,” so their construction and insulation standards are different than in your home. Insulating your garage and garage door can increase your energy efficiency, and you’ll notice a difference in your energy costs each month.

>>>Related: Clopay Guide to Insulated Garage Doors

2. Reduce Noise

Having an insulated garage door vs. a non-insulated garage door can create a quieter home.

For one, insulated garage doors are heavier and thicker, which can block out road and other outside noise.

Insulated garage doors can be sturdier in construction than lightweight doors, and are less like to rattle as they travel along their tracks. Insulation can dampen the noise of raising and lowering the garage door.

3. Protect Garage Contents

Without insulation, your garage is subject to extreme heat and cold temperatures, which can play havoc on your car, lawn mowing equipment, paints, and other items stores in the garage.

From extreme cold, your automobile might incur shorter battery life, thickened fluids and lower air pressure in tires. An insulated garage door vs. a non-insulated one can increase the interior temperature up to 42 degrees warmer.

>>>Related: Protect Your Garage with Garage Door Insulation

4. Increase Comfort

Passing from your home to your garaged car in summer or winter, you’ll notice a difference between an insulated garage door vs. a non-insulated one and enjoy the added comfort of a more temperate interior climate.

If you use your garage for hobbies or repairs, you will enjoy a warmer or cooler environment in winter or summer also. Go a step further to insulate the walls and ceiling of your garage as well as your garage door, and caulk air leaks and gaps.

5. Understand R-values

Insulated garage doors, like insulated windows, are assigned what is called an R-value , rated by their efficiency at reducing heat flow. A Higher R-value means better efficiency.

The insulating qualities of your garage door can be affected by the type of material of which your garage door is constructed (wood, aluminum, steel, etc.) and the type and thickness of insulation used.

Learn More About Insulated Garage Doors vs. Non Insulated

Here in Virginia, we’re lucky to have a more moderate overall climate, although we can be subject to occasional temperature ranges from the 100s to below zero. That’s why we carry Clopay Garage Doors, considered to be the best in the industry, with R-values available up to R-20.4, the highest for any garage door on the market.

We invite you to take a look at the multitude of styles and insulating values offered in our selection of Clopay garage doors . Contact G&S Garage Doors today to learn more.

Should I Heat My Garage?

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 21:02:17 GMT

Normally when you think of a garage, you don’t think of heat and air conditioning.

Most garages are unheated, whether they are attached to the home or separate. There are, however, reasons to consider “Should I heat my garage?”

Why Should I Heat My Garage?

When it’s cold outside, your garage is also cold, and dashing from the car to the home is uncomfortable. Heating your garage allows you to travel from the warmth of your home to your car without bundling up to the max. It also increases the interior temperature of your car for added comfort.

Since a garage may share a wall with an interior wall of the home, an extreme difference in temperatures can cause the attached room to feel colder. In addition, every time the door to the garage opens and closes, heat is lost to the outside, increasing fuel costs.

Cars and equipment stored in the garage operate better and have a longer life when they are not subject to extreme cold. And car batteries are more likely to start when not frozen. Chemicals, paints and oil fare better as well.

A number of homeowners have a workshop in their garage where they can work on projects like home and auto repairs and crafts. Heating the garage not only enables comfortable access in the dead of winter, it also allows work on chilly evenings for those who like to work on projects year-round.

Homeowners sometimes convert their garage into additional living space for a family room, in-law suite or extra bedroom. When a heating system is already in place, this process is much easier. In addition, while renovations are taking place, the space is much more comfortable and accessible.

How Can I Safely Heat My Garage?

Should I heat my garage? How can I do so safely?

The easiest way to heat a garage is with a portable heater, but these are not recommended due to safety reasons. They can easily cause a fire with their proximity to textiles and chemicals, and can be forgotten or left unattended inadvertently.

And do not include your garage into your home’s duct system and furnace. Regular furnaces aren’t designed to work properly in lower temperatures.

Options to safely heat your garage include:

Unit Heaters
Forced-Air Units
Infrared Heaters
Convection Heaters
Ductless Heating and Cooling
In-Floor Heating
Radiant Electric Ceiling Panels.

Most come with controls to regulate the interior temperature. Forced-Air Units blow warm air, so if woodworking is a hobby, it may stir up sawdust.

Don’t Overlook Garage Insulation

Heat will quickly dissipate from your heated garage if your ceiling, walls, and garage door are not insulated. There are a number of ways to insulate your garage including:

rolled fiberglass insulation (batt and blanket insulation)
blown-in and sprayed-on insulations

Natural fibers like sheep wool insulation can also be used.

Ask G&S Garage Doors

If you are asking “Should I heat my garage?” and would like to review heating options, please contact G&S Garage Doors . We can give you ideas on how to insulate and heat your garage yourself or do the job for you.

In the meantime, check out our full line of garage doors and our array of garage door openers. G&S Garage Doors is proud to serve homeowners throughout Northern Virginia.

How Can I Safely Heat My Garage?

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 20:27:16 GMT

There’s nothing worse than dashing out into the frigid winter air to get into your icy-cold car . And your car is in the garage!

One option to increase comfort and provide safety for items housed in your garage is to heat your garage. However, before you plug in the space heater, it’s important to ask, “How can I safely heat my garage?”

It may be convenient, or a quick solution to grab a space heater with open coils, but don’t . This type of heating device is not optimal for a garage. There are a lot of chemicals and solvents located in a garage, and oily rags that could quickly ignite. In addition, a space heater can be easily forgotten and left on with nobody around to monitor it.

There are better ways to safely heat the garage.

»Related: How to Heat a Garage

How can I safely heat my garage?

Consider these options:

You can install a forced air garage heater that blows heated air, rather like a furnace does. Look for a 45,000 Btu size for heating a two-car garage and at 60,000 Btu size for a three-car garage. Generally, a forced air heater runs off of natural or LP gas, so it would need to be installed close to a gas line.

Since warm air rises, the blown air will be warmer closer to the ceiling and it can be lost when the garage door is open. In addition, the moving air can stir up dust and particles, especially if woodworking projects are done in the garage.

An infrared heater is available in both gas and electric models, both of which can safely heat your garage. Purchase a “low intensity” infrared heater and avoid “high intensity” models that glow red. These are normally not approved for residential installation.

This type of heater does not blow air, it radiates heat and can heat up objects close to it quickly. Keep all objects at least 4 feet away from the unit at all time. Both the room and the concrete floor will absorb the heat, so you feel warm throughout the garage. Most are installed near the back of the garage.

»Related: 6 Best Garage Heater Reviews

With radiant floor heat, heating coils are installed into the floor of a garage, generally when the garage is being built. Radiant floor heat rises up from the floor to warm from the ground up. It is quiet, safe and efficient. However, this system can be slow to heat and does not work well in garages with a lot of air leakage.

»Related: Best and Worst Garage Heaters

Ask G&S Garage Doors

If you are asking “How can I safely heat my garage?” and would like to review options for heating systems, please contact G&S Garage Doors.

And don’t forget your garage door insulation . Without it, your heater won’t work as efficiently as it could.

G&S Garage Doors offers a full line of garage doors and an array of garage door openers, serving customers throughout Northern Virginia.

My Garage Door Won’t Open All The Way: What Do I Do?

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 20:27:13 GMT

When your garage door won’t open all the way, it can seem like the end of the world. A broken door can block the entry to your home, keep your car stuck in the garage, or pose a potential safety hazard to you and your family.

Your garage door has two simple jobs: to go up and come back down again. When one of those is thrown off, it leaves you with an unnecessary headache and the question, “What do I do now?”

Not all garage doors are created equal, but over time, they can all become susceptible to a variety of different issues. If you’re the victim of an unopening garage door, this is just the guide for you.

1. Check to See if the Photo Eye is Blocked

The photo eye is the safety sensor on your garage door. It detects if a person or object is blocking the door from lowering all the way.

2. Make Sure Your Opener is Plugged In

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Of course, my garage door opener is plugged in!”

It may sound ridiculous, but it never hurts to check. Sometimes your garage door opener will fail to operate if its power source is disrupted.

Problems like tripping a circuit breaker or blowing a fuse will prevent your outlet from working. Check these sources, as well as the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), to make sure your outlet works.

3. Watch Out For Broken Springs

Broken springs are the #1 source of customer calls for garage door repair companies.

A garage door with broken torsion springs can fall rapidly without warning, and can be very dangerous. If you suspect your door has broken springs, NEVER try to open it or repair it yourself. This is best left to professionals with the right skills and equipment.

4. Your Cables Have Snapped or Popped Off

Garage door lift cables hold the spring tension, and counterbalance the weight of the door. Just like the torsion springs, they make it easier to lift a large, heavy garage door. Some people are unaware of these cables until something goes wrong.

Since garage doors operate by a series of counterweights, springs, and pulleys, they’re extremely difficult and dangerous to repair by yourself. Avoid using the door and call a service technician as soon as possible.

5. Adjust Your Sensitivity

No, we don’t mean you personally!

Sometimes, in a newly installed or older garage door, the sensitivity can either be set too low or too high causing the door to malfunction. Take a look at the manufacturer’s directions to reset the sensitivity.

Once you adjust the close force and limit switch to the proper setting, you should be good to go!

6. Make Sure Your Remote Is Working Properly

If your garage door won’t open with the remote, you may need to troubleshoot. There are a few things that can cause this problem:

You may be out of range
The signal could be blocked or the antenna damaged. Make sure the antenna is visible and hanging down from the motor.
You may need to replace the remote battery. This is especially true if your garage door opens with a wall switch.
As a last effort, try reprogramming the remote.

7. Adjust the Limit Setting

The limit settings on your garage door determine just how far to move the door to close it properly. Just like any aspect of your door, the limit setting on your garage door may need a tune-up over time.

Adjust the knobs as necessary until you’ve received the desired performance.

8. Your Door May Be Off Its Track

Does your garage door appear to be hanging crookedly, jerking, or making a grinding noise when you move it? If you’re eventually unable to open it, your door may have come off its track. In this case, stop using it immediately.

If the door appears to be jammed, avoid forcefully pulling it up or down. This could bend the vertical tracks and pop the rollers out, The door is susceptible to serious damage and could be potentially hazardous if you continue to use it.

This fix is definitely best left to the professionals.

9. There’s an Unseen Obstacle

Checking for obstructions to your garage door’s operation seems like it would be the first thing you’d check for. If the door opens or closes halfway, or reverses for no apparent reason, there may be something preventing its operation.

10. Make Sure You Haven’t Disconnected or Locked the Motor

Garage doors come with a disconnect switch or cord, so you can operate your door manually in the event of a power outage. Check to make sure that it hasn’t been unintentionally disconnected.

If the motor is running, but the door won’t budge, your garage door may be locked. Locate the knob or handle on the motor and use that to disengage the lock.

G&S Garage Doors is Here to Help

No one knows garage door repair like we do.

G&S Garage Doors provides high-quality garage door services in northern Virginia. We repair a wide range of garage doors, springs, and openers.

Let our team of garage repair specialists take a look at your problem. We will provide a lasting solution that will keep your garage door going up and coming down for years to come.

12 Ways to Prevent Garage Break-Ins

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 20:27:11 GMT

Entry through your garage door is one of the ways criminals can access your home and steal items stored in your garage—if you’re not careful. Even though you lock your doors and windows, the garage entryway is one area that is often overlooked.

Here Are 12 Ways to Prevent Garage Break Ins

1. Never leave the garage door open

Whether you’re stepping out for a walk or mowing the lawn, these few minutes that the garage door is open offers access to people to see the valuable tools and household items you have stored in your garage and potentially gain access to your unlocked car and your house itself.

Make it a habit to always close the garage door after entering or exiting, or install a timer to automatically close the door.

2. Securely lock your garage door

Make sure that your garage door has adequate locks to prevent easy garage break-ins. Use a deadbolt, a programmable lock, or install more than one lock. Be sure to activate your lock whenever you come and go from the garage.

3. Take your garage door remote with you

Never leave the remote control for your garage door inside your car. It’s far too easy for someone to break into your car, get your address and use your remote to open your garage door and gain access to your home.

Whether you are at work, out shopping or playing, or simply have your car parked in your driveway, take the garage door remote inside with you. An option is to acquire a key fob remote that remains on your keychain.

4. Cover windows

If your garage has windows, install shades or curtains, or frost windows to prevent thieves from looking inside your garage. If they can see what’s inside, or know that you are not at home because the cars are out, they are more likely to break in.

5. Choose a solid garage door

If your garage door is flimsy or in disrepair, it is much easier for someone to break into your home. Choose a metal, fiberglass or solid wood garage door as a fortress against crime.

6. Install high-quality locks

Install a secure deadbolt lock on the door leading to your home’s interior. That way, if someone does break into your garage, they won’t easily be able to access your home. Install high-quality locks on your garage doors as well.

7. Play the radio

People are less likely to break in if they think that someone is in the garage. To prevent garage break ins, play a radio when you’re not home to give the appearance that someone’s home.

8. Install motion-detecting security lighting

A well-lit garage can help deter thieves who are looking for an easy mark. Install motion detectors to turn on security lighting whenever activity is sensed around your garage doors.

9. Install security cameras

Take security to the next level by installing security cameras to watch your property. Just the fact that you have a security camera will turn away potential criminals.

10. Install a garage alarm

Just as with a window alarm, a garage alarm will sound if a garage door is tampered with. Loud alarms will both scare away potential thieves and alert you to unwanted activity around your home.

Garage alarms can also be linked to local alarm companies and police departments for additional garage door security.

11. Install a garage door lock timer

People often forget to lock their garage door, or think they’ll be right back to lock it. Eliminate this worry and prevent garage break ins by installing an automatic garage door lock set on a timer. You set the elapsed time after which the lock will activate.

12. Disengage your emergency release

Did you know that someone can stick a coat hanger under your garage door and trip the emergency release? Prevent garage break ins by using a zip tie hack to disable your security system, or remove the emergency pull. Teach everyone in the family how to open the garage door in case of emergency.

Contact G&S Garage Doors

At G&S Garage Doors , we’re concerned about your safety. That’s why we offer things like these 12 ways to prevent garage break ins. We also sell and install top-quality garage doors, garage door openers, accessories and security features, and repair garage doors.

For more than 25 years, we’ve been serving customers throughout the Northern Virginia area. Give us a call and let us help secure your home.

The 3 Latest Advancements in Garage Door Technology

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:12:53 GMT

Technology is amazing, and it is mind-boggling—even to us as garage door specialists—how many ways even something as simple as a garage door can be influenced by technology.

For example, here are the 3 latest advancements in garage door technology.

Advancement #1: Smart Garage Doors

There are a number of technologies today that can open, close and monitor your garage door. The simplest one is a remote garage door opener you keep in your car to open and close the door. Going a bit more advanced, you can connect your garage door technology to a smartphone app and get pinged if the door is left open, or open and close the door remotely. Technology can also be added that will open your garage door automatically when you drive up.

The ultimate experience, and the latest advancement in garage door technology, is to tie your garage door into your entire Smart Home technology package. This will enable you to program your garage door to close on a timer or schedule, lock or unlock remotely, provide you with notifications, offer keyless entry, operate lighting and security features like alarms, and more.

Advancement #2: Insulated Garage Doors

The walls on your home are insulated, however, many people don’t consider insulating their garage as well. When you think about it, your garage door is the largest entry door to your home and offers the biggest amount of heat loss whenever it is opened. It can also provide a wide space for heat loss that can impact your home’s energy efficiency based on the R-value.

9 R-value designates the speed at which heat is transmitted. A higher R-value indicates a slower transfer of heat, and a higher insulation value. You want a high R-value when choosing your insulated garage door.

Installing an insulated garage door, or insulating your existing door will not only greatly reduce the amount of heat transfer (in summer or winter), it can offer quieter operation, and overall, increase the strength and durability of your garage door.

Advancement #3: Solar Garage Doors

Now that electric cars are becoming more popular, so are the ways to charge them.

One of the latest advancements in garage door technology is to install a garage door that is made from solar panels—a solar garage door that can store energy throughout the day and recharge your car in the evening, with zero emissions. It is sustainable, clean and efficient.

Once you arrive home, you simply plug your car into the stored energy to recharge it for the next day. Although not widely available yet, this technology is certainly making an inroad into the future.

Contact G&S Garage Doors

At G&S Garage Doors, we like to keep up with the latest advancements in garage door technology so that we can provide the latest and greatest options to our clients. The use of technology can ease our lives, save us money, and help our environment.

Technology can be defined and implemented in a number of ways that can include automation, mechanics, robotics, wireless operation, engineering and computerization.

Do you have the latest advancements in your garage door? If not, contact us at G&S Garage Doors.

If you would like more information about connecting your garage door to technology, or simply need a new garage door, opener, or garage door repair, contact G&S Garage Doors. We provide garage door services for both residential and commercial clients located throughout Northern Virginia.

Garage Door Accidents (Statistics & How to Prevent Them!)

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:57:38 GMT

Unfortunately, many people are injured each year by their garage doors, so as garage door experts, we’d like to talk about garage door accidents–the statistics and how to prevent accidents in your home or workplace.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) has reported statistics on garage door accidents showing that more than 2,000 people per year are crushed by garage doors, and more than 7,500 people are pinched during garage door operation. Only about 100 of these are caused by personal negligence, like a child or pet trying to dash under a closing door.

Children can sometimes play games with the garage door, daring themselves to try to make it to the other side as the door closes, often playing with the remote control. If they don’t make it across, the door can pin them to the ground or crush them. Several deaths each year are reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from this behavior, even from garage doors that do contain an automatic reverse feature.

Glass breakage is another cause of garage door accidents. Many of the older doors do not contain shatterproof or shatter-resistant glass windows. There are upwards of 800 people each year who visit the emergency room with cuts caused by garage door glass.

The remainders of those accidents are caused by mechanical failures within the garage door equipment itself or from the lack of safety features that can aid in preventing potentially-dangerous safety problems.

t Do you want to know the most common garage door accident?

It is backing the car out of the garage and forgetting to open the garage door altogether! Either the driver forgets to open the door or begins backing out before the door has had time to open fully.

How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents at Home

Some of the most common ways to protect yourself at home is by installing a garage door with photo-eye or pressure-sensing door retractors.

But even this is not enough.

To truly protect your family, you need to regularly inspect your garage door mechanisms.

$ Every month, watch as the garage door opens and closes to ensure that it moves smoothly and does not exhibit any unusual behavior or sounds like creaks or grinding noises. Look for unusual movements like stuttering or side-to-side motion.

$ Check the red-light sensors for obstructions. Objects left in their path can cut off the light beam that is intended to cross from one side of the garage door opening to the other. Ensure that the beam is correctly adjusted and test it by moving an object in front of the beam as the garage door is closing. The door should stop and re-open when it senses a break in the beam.

$ Visually inspect the system itself: the springs, the hinges and the door panels themselves which could fall off and cause injury.

Be aware that pinching most often occurs when fingers get caught in the spring mechanisms on the sides of the doors, between the rollers and tracks, or between the door panels that fold up when the door is opening. Since the mechanical pressures are great, pinching can lead to serious injuries.

Small children should always be kept away from the garage doors when they are in operation. Install pinch-proof garage doors to help prevent these types of injuries.

How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents at Work

Preventing garage door accidents at work is similar to preventing garage door accidents at home. Install safety mechanisms like light sensors, and perform a visual inspection every month to ensure proper operation. Look for rust, damage and wear on the rollers, springs, cables and mounting hardware.

Check for items that may have fallen into the garage door track, like a shovel or broom handle. This can cause the door to open or close incorrectly, throwing the door off of its intended track. Garage doors at workplaces can be much larger and heavier than those used in homes, so crushing injuries are more likely to be more severe.

If a door is seen to be malfunctioning or has come off of its track, do not attempt to fix it on your own. Call in a professional, like G&S Garage Doors.

Trust G&S Garage Doors

For sales, installation, replacement, repair or inspection, trust G&S Garage Doors. We are proud to serve the families and business owners of Northern Virginia with exceptional service, and can provide you with statistics on garage door accidents and ways to prevent them. See our list of services for more details.

Are Insulated Garage Doors Worth It?

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:10:48 GMT

If you want to add comfort to you home, you may wish to look into installing an insulated garage door. It can help with cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

Before you jump, you may want to ask yourself, “ Are insulated garage doors worth it? ”

What is an Insulated Garage Door?

What Difference Can an Insulated Garage Door Make?

An insulated garage door is purchased with the insulation already installed within it. This creates an insulating barrier between the interior of your home and the outside elements. While there are many styles of insulated garage doors, the ones made of fiberglass with a foam core maybe your best option rather than a metal door that conducts cold or heat easily.

The long interior common wall that lies between your garage and your home is one of the largest sources of heating and cooling loss in your house. An unheated and uninsulated garage allows cold or hot air to penetrate into the adjacent space, creating a dissidence between temperatures. Just having insulation in the walls isn’t enough.

The garage door is one of the largest openings, and can affect the thermal envelope or R-value, thus affecting your interior temperatures and thereby, your heating and cooling costs to a small extent. It won’t make your home warm, but it will make it warmer.

An insulated garage door completes the thermal barrier in an insulated garage, keeping a more regular temperature inside the garage. This can also allow you to heat or cool the garage and use it year-round in comfort. It’s like adding an additional room to your home.

Are insulated garage doors worth it? They are .

▶ Installing an insulated garage door isn’t enough if there are other air leaks in the garage. Check around seals, windows and gaskets for air flow, and seal these areas to create a more energy-efficient environment.

Add Beauty to Your Home

Another benefit of installing a new, insulated garage door is the beauty it can add to your home. There are many styles and colors from which to choose that an accent or blend in with your home’s style and palette. Installing an insulated garage door could be worth it from this standpoint alone!

Block Sound

An insulated garage door can also provide excellent sound insulation. The inside of your home will be quieter without penetration of the outside noises.

When Should I Consider Installing an Insulated Garage Door?

The best time to make this decision is when you need to replace your existing garage door. It makes sense at that point to invest in an insulated garage door. It will be worth it in the long run. And if you are looking at comfort inside the home or utility bills, installing an insulated garage door could make sense at any time.

Contact G&S Garage Doors

If you want to know whether insulated garage doors are worth it, contact G&S Garage Doors. Our garage door experts will be glad to walk you through the benefits and costs of installing an insulated garage door on your home.

Don’t forget that we also provide garage door repair and sell garage door accessories and remote controls. We are your one-stop shop for all things related to your garage.

Contact G&S Garage Doors today.

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My Garage Door Won’t Close: What Do I Do?

1. Scan the Area

2. Check the Safety Sensor

3. Try the Wall Sensor

4. The Close Limit Switch May Need Adjusting

5. Use the Manual Release Cord

Contact G&S Garage Doors

Insulated Garage Doors vs Non-Insulated

1. Save Energy

Your garage is one of the least energy-efficient rooms in your home, with its many gaps and air leakage.

>>>Related: Clopay Guide to Insulated Garage Doors

2. Reduce Noise

3. Protect Garage Contents

>>>Related: Protect Your Garage with Garage Door Insulation

4. Increase Comfort

5. Understand R-values

Learn More About Insulated Garage Doors vs. Non Insulated

Should I Heat My Garage?

Normally when you think of a garage, you don’t think of heat and air conditioning.

Why Should I Heat My Garage?

How Can I Safely Heat My Garage?

Options to safely heat your garage include:

Don’t Overlook Garage Insulation

Ask G&S Garage Doors

How Can I Safely Heat My Garage?

There are better ways to safely heat the garage.

How can I safely heat my garage?

Ask G&S Garage Doors

My Garage Door Won’t Open All The Way: What Do I Do?

4. Your Cables Have Snapped or Popped Off

5. Adjust Your Sensitivity

6. Make Sure Your Remote Is Working Properly

7. Adjust the Limit Setting

8. Your Door May Be Off Its Track

9. There’s an Unseen Obstacle

10. Make Sure You Haven’t Disconnected or Locked the Motor

G&S Garage Doors is Here to Help

12 Ways to Prevent Garage Break-Ins

4. Cover windows

5. Choose a solid garage door

6. Install high-quality locks ﻿

7. Play the radio

8. Install motion-detecting security lighting

9. Install security cameras

10. Install a garage alarm

11. Install a garage door lock timer

12. Disengage your emergency release

Contact G&S Garage Doors

The 3 Latest Advancements in Garage Door Technology

Advancement #3: Solar Garage Doors

Contact G&S Garage Doors

Garage Door Accidents (Statistics & How to Prevent Them!)

t Do you want to know the most common garage door accident?

How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents at Home

How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents at Work

Trust G&S Garage Doors

Are Insulated Garage Doors Worth It?

What is an Insulated Garage Door?

What Difference Can an Insulated Garage Door Make?

Add Beauty to Your Home

Block Sound

When Should I Consider Installing an Insulated Garage Door?

Contact G&S Garage Doors

6. Install high-quality locks