Garage Door Buying Guide

A new garage door can significantly transform your home’s appearance. The right garage door keeps your home secure, helps with insulation, enhances curb appeal and lasts for years. Upgrading your garage door lets you enjoy the benefits of a fresh, modern door and keeps you from constantly performing repairs. 

If you’re overwhelmed by getting a new garage door, check out our garage doors guide. We’ve got all the information to help you learnhow to choose a garage door. 

3 Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door

Buying a garage door is a significant investment. You may not be ready to upgrade your existing door if it’s only a few years old, but if you want to improve your home, a new garage door may be a good place to start. If you’re on the fence, here are some reasons to consider replacing your garage door: 

1. Improve Efficiency

New, multilayer garage doors are incredibly energy-efficient, insulating your garage and preventing the heat and cold from traveling through the door. Insulation dramatically reduces your energy bill over time — the less air that escapes through your garage door, the easier it is for your HVAC system to keep your home at a consistent temperature. With a high-quality, energy-efficient garage door, you’ll save money and enjoy a more comfortable home. 

2. Increase Curb Appeal 

An updated garage door will bring new life to your home by elevating its exterior. A garage door replacement can make your whole house look younger and more sophisticated, especially if you use contrasting colors and unique accents. A garage door replacement also has one of the best returns on investment (ROIs) at 93.3%. You’ll enhance your home’s appearance and enjoy a boost in home value with a garage door update. 

3. Fix Wear and Tear

If your garage is approaching the end of its life or has experienced lots or wear and tear, a replacement is probably your best option. While investing in a new garage door is more expensive upfront, you’ll save money in the long run. New garage doors don’t need as many repairs as older garages, meaning you’ll save money on maintenance. If you’re spotting the tell-tale signs you need a garage door replacement, you should consider an upgrade. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door

Several factors will influence your garage door buying decision. The right garage door will meet all of your budget, style and insulation needs without sacrificing comfort. To buy a garage door, you’ll want to determine your preferences and options. Getting a clear idea of what you want will help you narrow your selection. Here are some of the factors you should consider when picking out your new garage door:

Style

Door style will heavily influence the look of your home and garage. Try to choose a style that complements your home’s architecture and existing color. Whether you prefer modern, traditional or carriage house doors, the style you pick will impact your home’s look. 

When choosing a garage door style, consider colors, paneling and hardware. Sleek lines or elaborate hardware can give your door a new personality and transform your home into a cohesive piece. You can also think about how the door opens — does it slide up and down or open outwardly?

Size

Your garage door needs to fit your existing garage structure. Garages often fit one or two vehicles — measure your garage door to find the best fit for your space. A standard single-car garage is around 7-8 feet tall and 8-9 feet wide, with double-car garage doors hitting about 16 feet wide. Getting the right size is crucial for a well-fitting, functional garage door. 

Material

Garage door material affects the door’s price, durability, look and maintenance. Natural wood doors require much more upkeep than other materials, while steel garage doors are ultra-durable. Aluminum is a great, lightweight door option. Aluminum is also resistant to rust, which may be important if you live in a rainy area. Depending on the material you select, you can also get different paneling and window options, further elevating your garage door’s look. 

Finish

Adding a finish to your garage door can transform its look. Steel doors with an Ultra-Grain® finish mimic the luxurious look of natural wood without the upkeep. Bold colors can add a much-needed pop to your garage door without overwhelming your home. Make your door as matte or glossy as you want — your finish options are enormous. A finish is a great way to elevate a garaged door, especially if you want a higher-end look without the cost. A quality finish will protect your garage door and create a sophisticated look. 

Insulation 

There are multiple garage door insulation options to choose from. Homeowners looking to maximize their energy savings or prevent temperature loss in more extreme climates should select a multilayered, Intellicore® insulated door. Intellicore insulation expands to fill all the gaps between garage door layers, sealing your home against heat and cold loss as the outdoor temperatures change. The better your insulation, the more expensive your door will be. However, quality insulation keeps your door quiet and prevents insect intrusion and temperature changes in your garage. 

Budget

Budget is often a deciding factor for homeowners. Not spending enough money can leave you with a less durable and insulative door than you need. The garage door’s cost will increase depending on your finish, layers, material, style, hardware and more. The more insulation you need, the more expensive our door will be. If you’re living somewhere with more extreme temperatures, you’ll want to budget for a door with more layers and insulation to ensure your door holds up and keeps you comfortable. 

Installation

Choosing between DIY and professional installation can also affect your garage door choice. Some experienced homeowners feel confident installing lightweight doors on their own. However, most garage doors are heavy, and it’s often safer to let professionals perform the installation for you. While you’ll pay more for professional installation, you’ll keep yourself safe and ensure the installation is done correctly. 

How Central Ohio Garage Door Can Help

As a full-service, family-owned and operated business, you can trust Central Ohio Garage Door to provide you with the best garage door services around. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, lasting garage doors to our customers, whatever their needs. Customer service is a top priority for our team — we’ll work with you to find a garage door that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations. If you’re interested in installing a top-of-the-line Clopay® garage door, contact us to get started today. 

9 Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open

Perhaps you’ve found that your garage door isn’t working with your remote, or you’re having problems with the garage door opener itself. These issues can have a big impact on your daily life, especially if you use your garage for things beyond just parking your car, like storing kids’ toys or working on projects. When your garage door can operate properly again, you have one less thing to worry about.

Below, we cover several reasons why your garage door isn’t working and what you can do to fix it.

1. Dead Transmitter Batteries

Perhaps one of the most common reasons a garage door remote opener isn’t working is dead transmitter batteries. Having dead batteries means you won’t be able to send a signal from your opener to your garage door.

To check what part of the garage door might need replacing, go to the transmitter on the wall and test it for power. If it still opens your garage door after being pressed, you should only need to replace the battery in your remote. If you have more than one remote, check the other remotes, as they may also need replacing.

The Solution

To change the transmitter batteries, slide open the transmitter’s door and remove the batteries from the back. The door may be screwed shut, so be sure to have a screwdriver handy. After removing the batteries, line up the plus and minus signs and place the new batteries inside the device. Test the transmitter afterward to ensure it works. Then, put the door back.

2. Disrupted Signal

If you’ve replaced the batteries and the garage door doesn’t respond, it may be due to a disrupted signal. A disrupted signal occurs when you click the remote out of range or the antenna is broken.

The Solution

Stand no more than 20 feet away from the garage before clicking the remote button. If you’re too far away, the garage may not respond. If you stand close and the door doesn’t respond, try removing objects out of the way, as something could be blocking the signal.

Perhaps the antenna is broken and requires professional repair. If you can’t fix or realign the antenna yourself, call someone to inspect and fix the problem.

3. Misaligned Photo Eyes

A garage door’s photo eyes help detect objects and people that block the door’s path. This is a safety measure that ensures the door doesn’t close on top of someone or something. Inspect the photo eyes if the garage door opens but fails to close normally when the remote is pressed. When the photo-eye is dirty, the beams become blocked or misaligned, causing a mismatched eye that fails to signal the door to close.

The Solution

Though photo eyes are small, they can quickly become dirty. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to wipe off dirt and residue. Try not to leave excess wetness as that could cause dirt and debris to stick to the photo eye. 

Using a level, you can check the eyes’ alignment by measuring the height of the photo eyes from the ground. Make sure they point in the same direction and angle, as any misalignment could cause your garage door to malfunction or stay open.

After adjusting the devices, test the garage door once more. If you’re still experiencing issues, call a professional to have the door and photo eyes inspected.

4. Misaligned Track

If the metal track on your garage door is misaligned, it could cause gaps or bends between the rollers and rail, creating more significant issues in the future.

The Solution

Test the door to see if it still moves correctly. You might hear a rubbing or scraping noise when the door slows down and hits the spot where it’s misaligned. In this case, it’s best to call a garage door professional to come and inspect your door, as you don’t want to harm yourself trying to realign the track on your own.

5. Blocked Path

A blocked path is one of the most common reasons your garage door won’t open with a remote. When objects like garbage cans, furniture or toys lie in the way of the sensors or the door itself, the garage door will refuse to close thanks to the door’s photo eyes.

In other cases, the track could have gathered debris like rocks, mud or gum. Even the smallest objects can cause interference, so try to inspect the area and figure out what might be causing the issue.

The Solution

Once you’ve inspected the area and located the issue, clear the space of any objects or debris that could cause problems. If you want to prevent future buildup on the metal tracks, try wiping down the area with a damp rag once in a while.

6. Broken Springs

If the garage door doesn’t open, it may be due to broken springs. If you heard a loud bang from your garage, it could be from the springs bursting and the garage door settling. A broken spring means the door will struggle to lift its own weight and may not open at all.

The Solution

Be sure to call in a professional to fix the springs rather than trying to solve the problem yourself. Attempting to repair the springs yourself can lead to severe injury. A garage door professional has the right tools to do the job efficiently and safely.

7. Disconnect Switch Enabled

If you can hear the motor running but the garage door refuses to move, you might have accidentally turned on the disconnect switch. The switch allows you to manually open and close the door after losing power. It usually looks like a rope or knob that can be pulled or turned and could be accidentally unhooked or bumped.

The Solution

To fix the switch, reattach it after using it once you’ve lost power. Try to open the door fully and then reattach the hook. Then, open and close the garage door with your transmitter to ensure all the components work.

8. Door Manually Locked

In other cases, you might have locked the door manually on your control panel and forgotten to unlock it. This might make it seem like your remote doesn’t function when you press it to open the door.

The Solution

The solution is simple — press the lock button on your garage door opener to disengage the lock. If the remote signals that the issue has been solved, you can use the garage door safely. You can also check the wall control panel to ensure the device works. Press the panel after disengaging the lock to ensure you can open the garage door.

9. Remote Needs Reset

Perhaps the remote needs to be reprogrammed due to a disrupted signal. You can reset your remotes to see if the issue fixes itself.

The Solution

Press the opener’s learn button. After holding the remote control for a few seconds, watch for flashing or blinking lights. Test the remote again to check if it works.

When to Contact a Garage Door Expert

Contact a garage door expert if you experience a malfunction you can’t or shouldn’t fix yourself. A broken garage door could cause injuries or property damage, and your technology must perform as it should.

Central Ohio Garage Door can repair your remotes, openers or door should the need arise. We help fix your springs, cables or rollers so your door can open safely and adequately.

Find Quality Garage Door Service and Products at Central Ohio Garage Door

At Central Ohio Garage Door, our company offers quality garage door installation and services along with the highest-quality products you need. As a family-owned business, our customer service representatives can help you find the right services for your garage door opener or remote.

Contact us today to find more information or view our products and services.

How to Manually Open and Close Your Garage Door

One of modern life’s luxuries is a garage door that works on command. Thanks to the motorized garage door opener, your overhead door closes at the touch of a button. Some advanced openers — like LiftMaster models with Wi-Fi connectivity through myQ — can even close your door with an app on your phone.

When the door doesn’t open or close on its own, you may be wondering what to do. In a power outage, you might ask, “How do you open a garage door without power?” If you have a broken overhead door, you could be questioning whether it’s safe to close it by hand. We have your answers right here.

When You May Need to Manually Open Your Garage Door

Perhaps you just pulled in your driveway or are about to leave the house. You hit the garage door opener remote, and nothing happens. Now you’re asking yourself, “How do I leave the house?” or “How can I park my car?”

If you have an automatic garage opener, a power outage is one of the primary reasons your door may be stuck. Another cause might be that the opener remote has a dead battery or is otherwise malfunctioning. In either of those cases, you probably won’t hear any noise from the opener itself.

If your garage door’s mechanical components are intact and functioning correctly, it’s safe to manually open your garage door from the inside or outside. However, if the opener won’t work because the cables are loose, the door has become dislodged from the track or you have a broken spring, it’s not safe to open it manually. When mechanical issues are at play, you’ll probably hear your automatic opener come to life as it attempts to move your door.

If you suspect any damage or have ruled out a power outage or broken remote, it’s time to call a professional like Central Ohio Garage Door. We can get your overhead door moving smoothly, so you can get back to your other priorities. 

How to Manually Open and Close a Garage Door From the Outside

Many homeowners rely on their garage as the primary way to access their homes. So if the overhead door gets stuck while you’re in the driveway, or you have a detached garage, you’re probably wondering how to open your garage door from the outside. Can you manually open a garage door from the outside? Yes. However, if you have a house key and access to the garage from the inside, you might prefer to do it that way, especially if you’re unsure where the key to your emergency release cord is.

If the outside is your best bet, here’s how to manually open your garage door from the outside.

1. Unlock the emergency release: Your garage door should have a small keyhole somewhere near the top. This lock stores the emergency release cable. Use the associated key to unlock it and reveal the cable. Pulling on the cord will activate the release, allowing you to safely open the door by hand.
2. Unlock the door: Toward the bottom of your door, you should have another lock right next to a handle. This lock keeps the door closed, and you’ll need the key to unlock it before you can lift it by hand.
3. Lift the door: Grab the handle at the bottom of the door and lift it. Make sure you pull it all the way up so the springs will hold it in place before you let your car or anyone pass under the threshold. Do not try to force the door open. If it’s not moving relatively smoothly along the track, it could be damaged, and you should not try to open it.
4. Close the door: Once you and your car are safely inside, close the door by pulling it back down from the inside. The garage door is heavy, so move slowly to keep the door steady. Don’t forget to re-lock it. Once the power comes back on, you can also reset the automatic opener.

How to Manually Open and Close a Garage Door From the Inside

If you must leave your home during a power outage or while the opener is malfunctioning, you need a way to open and close it from the inside. Here’s how to open the garage door manually.

1. Unplug the opener: Unless the power is out, unplug the opener first. This safety measure will prevent someone from getting hurt if the motor activates while you’re near the door. 
2. Disconnect the opener: The red emergency release cord hanging from the automatic opener disconnects the garage door from the opener. Pull the cable away from the door, and you should feel and hear it disconnect. The trolley, or the moving component that connects your door to the track, should have an extended spring when the opener disconnects successfully.
3. Lift the door: With the opener safely disconnected, you should be able to lift the door relatively easily. Though the door itself weighs hundreds of pounds, if the springs are working correctly, they should make it easy enough to lift with one arm. Do not try to force it open. Instead, contact a professional who can service the door if you encounter any resistance. 
4. Secure the door: Once the door is open, it should stay there. If it doesn’t, you might have an issue with broken springs or pulleys. If the door doesn’t stay open on its own and you need access to the garage before the technician comes, you can prop it open with a ladder or clamp while you wait for emergency repair service. Or, you can close the door manually by guiding it downward by its handle.

How to Lock Your Garage Door After Opening It Manually

When the power is working, and your garage door connects to an automatic opener, a locking mechanism built into the motor keeps your garage door shut. However, when you operate it manually and it gets disconnected from the opener, the door will slide up and down if someone attempts to move it.

If the power is out for an extended period, and you need to continue using the door manually during that time, you’ll need to lock it through other means. To close your door and keep it secure during these situations, you can place a clamp, such as a C-clamp, on the track just above one of the rollers. This solution will keep the door closed and secure until you’re ready to use it again. You can also use a clamp to keep the door open if necessary.

After your power comes back on or the opener gets fixed, you’ll need to re-engage the automatic opener, which will also let your door lock automatically whenever it closes. Here’s how to do this.

1. Shut the door: After you’ve manually opened the garage door, move it back to the closed position so you can safely re-engage the motor. 
2. Pull the emergency cord: Pull the cable toward the door. Doing so brings the trolley into the connected position, which compresses the spring.
3. Reconnect the trolley: You have two options for reconnecting the door to the trolley. One method is to manually move the door along the track until it slides into position with the automatic opener’s track. If the opener is working correctly, you can also hit the opener remote. The trolley will automatically reconnect with the attachment point. No matter how you do it, you should hear a clicking noise when the trolley reconnects with the opener track.

Contact Us About Our Garage Repair Services

If your opener isn’t working or the door won’t budge, the safest thing to do is call a professional overhead door technician. We offer timely automatic door opener repairs and fix other common issues such as broken cables, springs or hinges that may affect your door’s operation. We can get your garage back to opening and closing automatically and make the whole repair process feel effortless with our friendly, helpful technicians. To request repair service, fill out our online form today.

Common Garage Door Issues

problem with your photo eye sensors

Garage doors are an essential part of many Newark and Columbus, Ohio homes. You might use your garage door several times per day, putting plenty of wear and tear on it as the months and years go by. With too much wear, your trusted garage door could break down, bringing your morning or evening routine to a screeching halt. 

No homeowner wants to experience garage door issues. By watching for certain signs, you can find problems before they get any worse and save money by calling a professional for repairs. Learn more about garage door problems and when you should call a garage door repair technician. 

Common Garage Door Problems

Here are some of the most common garage door problems you might experience:

• Your garage door won’t open: This may be a sign that your opener is malfunctioning. Make sure the opener is plugged in and receiving power. If it’s plugged in, check the breaker to see if you have to make any adjustments. If all is in order, you might need to lubricate some of the moving components of the opener. You may need a professional inspection in case there is a more serious issue within your opener. 
• You hear loud noises: Loud noises are a telltale sign that your garage door is having difficulty opening and closing. Various pieces of hardware like nuts and bolts may have come loose, causing creaking and squeaking noises. You may also have damaged rollers, which can create a grinding sound as they roll through the tracks. Lubricating garage door tracks and hardware can help reduce the noise, but your garage door may need a full inspection to tighten and straighten everything up. 
• You can see signs of damage: Visible damage is a sure sign that your garage door is in need of some care and maintenance. Holes and cracks in your wooden garage door could allow cold air, moisture and even insects into your garage. Dented metal garage doors may close unevenly or cause damage to the opening system. And if your metal garage door has rust, it could be at risk of more problems later on. Your best bet may be to get a new garage door if your current door is damaged. 
• The weatherstripping has deteriorated: The weatherstripping attached to the bottom of your garage door helps keep water and cold drafts outside where they belong. Over time, it can become cracked and brittle and begin falling apart. Find a reliable garage door repair shop to get some quality weatherstripping that can replace your current one. You may need to take some measurements to make sure you get the right length to cover the bottom of your garage door. 
• The garage door closes and then opens: If your garage door starts to close and then opens by itself, you could have a problem with your photo eye sensors. These sensors are part of a safety feature of your garage door that causes it to reverse its direction if something passes underneath. If the sensors are out of alignment or have something blocking the lenses, your garage door might think something is in its path and reverse its direction when you try to close it. 
• There are gaps under the door when it closes: Gaps under your garage door could be the result of bad weatherstripping, but they could also reveal a more serious issue. Your garage door could be out of alignment, and this may only get worse if left unfixed. Your garage door’s limit settings can also be malfunctioning, making the garage door think it closed completely when it still has a few inches to go. 
• You have a broken garage door remote: This may be one of the easiest problems to fix, but it’s important to mention it because it’s one of the most common reasons people have trouble with their garage doors. This could be as simple as replacing the batteries or getting a new remote to replace your broken one. 

How to Troubleshoot a Garage Door

Garage doors are complex pieces of machinery with large springs, cables and intricate components. There are a few actions you can take to keep your garage door running for years and even fix some minor issues before calling a professional. Here are some garage door troubleshooting tips:

• Keep things lubricated: Proper lubrication goes a long way toward having a healthy, functioning garage door. Make sure you use lithium grease or silicone-based lubricant. WD-40 is good for cleaning rust, but it won’t do much good for lubricating your garage door components. Lubricate chains, springs, metal hinges and metal wheel bearings. Wipe away any excess to limit drips onto your car and garage floor. 
• Test safety features: Test your garage door’s safety features every few months. This can give you peace of mind, especially if you have small children or pets. It can also help you know when your garage is developing problems. Pass your foot through the beam to test the photo eye sensor. If the door doesn’t reverse, try aligning the sensors and wiping the lenses with a soft cloth. 
• Observe your garage door: Get into the habit of watching your garage door open and close from different angles. Inspect the cables and springs, listening for unusual sounds. This can help you get familiar with your garage door so you can spot malfunctions before they develop into costly issues. Noticing issues early in the process can save you a lot of money and aggravation. 

When to Call a Professional to Fix Your Garage Door

You can perform minor maintenance tasks yourself, but you should consider leaving the bigger issues to residential garage door service professionals. Garage doors are under a lot of tension from torsion springs, extension springs and lift cables. One wrong move can cause serious injury to you or someone nearby if you’re not careful. Plus, tinkering with your garage door could void your warranty, leaving you with more expensive repair costs than if you had left things to a pro. 

If your garage door is crooked or has dangling cables or broken springs, you should seek professional help. Garage door technicians have the training to fix these issues safely and professionally. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a repaired garage door without dealing with the risks of working on it yourself. You’ll also know they’re getting the job done right. Skip costly mistakes and let the professionals handle your garage door maintenance and issues. 

Call Central Ohio Garage Door to Repair Your Garage Door

Trust the professionals at Central Ohio Garage Door for all your garage door repair and maintenance needs. At Central Ohio Garage Door, we serve locally, which allows us to treat our customers as the family and friends that they are. If you live in the areas of Columbus or Newark, Ohio, you can experience our top-tier customer service and quality repair services. Contact us to request garage door repair service today!

Garage Door Maintenance Guide

As a homeowner, you might use your garage door several times a day, in all types of weather. Your garage door is likely the largest appliance of your home, exposed to the elements and subject to heavy use. These factors are bound to result in wear and tear, which can accumulate into larger issues if left untouched. You can save time and money by catching potential problems early, addressing them before they can worsen. 

To keep your garage door running smoothly, it’s important to plan regular preventive maintenance. Even if you have yet to see or hear any issues, preventative upkeep will ensure optimized performance and a longer life span. Learn all about preventive garage door maintenance below — why it’s important, how often to schedule it and what its primary benefits are, plus the best professional services. 

Garage Door Maintenance: Is It Important?

Garage door maintenance, especially preventive upkeep, is important for several reasons. Neglecting routine upkeep can cause small issues to become larger ones, which are more expensive and time-consuming to repair. You may even have to replace the entire garage door, which you should only have to do after a decade or longer. A failing garage door can lead to safety concerns and major inconveniences. For safety, convenience and monetary savings, you should keep up with routine garage door maintenance. 

Even if you have yet to notice any issues, taking proactive steps will ensure smooth operation. Preventing problems is better than repairing them after they’ve formed. Compare it to your yearly physical — you should go to the doctor at least once a year, with or without symptoms, to check your health. Annual visits matter because medical problems can go undetected in your everyday life. 

The same is true for your garage door — emerging issues can be silent and invisible. It’s best to catch them before they grow into larger concerns. 

How Often Should You Have Your Garage Door Serviced?

You should schedule preventive maintenance at least once a year, before the winter hits — and more often if you notice issues. You may want to plan biannual maintenance, once before winter and once before summer, for added assurance. If you live in an area with extreme seasonal weather, biannual checks are a good idea. Severe cold, heat or humidity can be taxing on any moving appliance. 

You’ll also want to schedule maintenance any time a concern arises. Here are some signs of potential issues to look out for — you need not be a garage door expert to recognize these symptoms. If you notice any of the following, you should plan a garage door checkup as soon as possible: 

• Strange noises: Any grinding, scraping or screeching noises can indicate a track or hardware problem. A quiet garage door lends itself to a more pleasant experience. You may need to oil metal hardware, tighten screws or realign the track. Some of these tasks you can do on your own, but you might want to hire a professional for the best results. 
• Uneven movement: Watch your door as it runs. Does it operate in one smooth motion, or does it jerk, getting stuck in places? If the latter is true, the door will need servicing. Smooth, even movements indicate proper function. Anything else might be a sign of an issue. 
• Light shining through: Wait for the sun to set and stand outside your garage door. Turn the lights on in your garage. If you see any light shining through, air can escape as well. This problem can mean poor insulation, which drives up your heating and cooling bills. To fix this issue, replace the weatherstripping and any worn parts or panels. 
• Water damage: Your garage door is exposed to the elements, which include rain, snow and humidity. These things can cause water damage. On wood doors, keep your eyes open for warping or peeling from water damage. On steel doors, look for rust spots. Water damage can be an eye-sore, but it can also lead to more serious issues over time. You may need a fresh coat of water-resistant sealant. 

Benefits of Preventative Garage Door Maintenance

Scheduling regular garage door maintenance is necessary for any homeowner. Proactive garage door care has many benefits for your safety, convenience and bank account. Some benefits of garage door maintenance include: 

• A longer life span: With routine service, a garage door will last much longer. Small issues, which may go unnoticed, can become irreversible down the road, so it’s important to schedule upkeep whether you recognize any problems. 
• Improved safety: Garage door issues can be dangerous. Doors are heavy, and the springs work under extreme tension. A faulty door may cause injury or leave your home vulnerable to intrusion. Preventive maintenance helps avoid unexpected issues, which means improved safety for your family. 
• Convenience: Preventive maintenance keeps your door working, so you can dodge unfortunate situations. A door stuck open or closed can present a major inconvenience, if not a hazardous situation. You’ll have to wait for emergency maintenance service to arrive, which could take hours or days. In either case, you’ll be stuck either inside or outside the door. Preventive maintenance helps you avoid such predicaments. 
• Money savings: While preventive maintenance is often inexpensive, extensive repairs and replacements are a different story. You can save a lot of money long term when you plan regular garage door maintenance. 
• Energy efficiency: Improving your door’s insulation can reduce your energy bills and increase your energy efficiency. Reduced energy usage is better for both the environment and your wallet. 
• Attractive appearance: Your garage door makes up a large part of your home’s facade. If it looks and operates like new, it’ll add to your home’s visual appeal. On the other hand, a rusting, sticking, screeching garage door can detract from your home’s beauty. Keep up with garage door maintenance for an attractive abode. 
• Increased home value: A beautiful, working garage door contributes to your home’s curb appeal and can increase its resale value. To get maximum value from the real estate market, keep your garage door in top shape. 

Schedule Garage Door Maintenance With Central Ohio Garage Door

Keeping your garage door in the best possible shape is an important investment for any homeowner. You’ll need a knowledgeable, professional service to help you, which is exactly what we offer at Central Ohio Garage Door. We provide expert garage door maintenance and repair services. We’ll make sure your door is well-lubricated, tighten any loose screws and address any other emerging issues. Get in touch with us and request service to maintain your garage door’s longevity and appearance.

If you have any questions about garage door maintenance, feel free to contact Central Ohio Garage Door today. 

How to Winterize Your Garage Door

Homeowners have plenty of work to do to make sure their homes are ready for the harsh winter months. From insulating windows to checking that heaters are functioning properly, there is a sizeable checklist of things to inspect and repair to ensure the cold temperatures stay outside and the warm comforts of the home remain inside. 

Often, people forget to inspect the gateway of the home — the garage door. With its many moving parts and exposure to extreme winter elements, your garage door has a tough task in the winter. Make sure your door is functioning at its peak before winter strikes to potentially save yourself from stressful moments down the line. 

How Your Garage Door Can Be Affected by Cold Weather

Low temperatures, snowstorms, sleet, ice and wind all take a toll on your garage door. One of the effects of cold weather on your garage door is the metal components shrinking. This can put extra friction on the door, forcing the opener to work harder. When your opener works overtime, it can decrease the door and opener’s durability and life span.

If your garage door is wooden, it can absorb moisture from rain and melting snow. This causes the wood to expand, creating pressure between the separate sections of wood. The increase in door size strains the moving parts of the garage door such as hinges and the hardware that holds them together. Moisture can also contribute to your garage door’s metal components rusting. If your garage door is made of metal, rusting can grow into an even bigger issue. 

If your garage is connected to your home, it is also the last line of defense between your living space and extreme winter elements. Cracked weather stripping or an uneven seal allows frigid air to enter your garage and creep closer to the inside of your home. Constant contact with cold temperatures can also result in the garage door freezing shut.

Steps to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter

If your garage door is working perfectly, you can enjoy the convenience it offers without much thought. When it starts to malfunction in any way, the garage door is difficult to ignore until it is fixed. It could even prevent you from entering or exiting your home like normal if it unexpectedly breaks. 

This is especially true in the winter months when an issue is much more inconvenient than during the pleasant days of summer. That’s why it’s wise to make sure your garage door is functioning properly before you experience any mishaps. Get ahead of potential issues, and your garage door could run smoothly throughout the winter months and beyond.

Here are some tips to prepare your garage door for cold weather to make sure your schedule stays on track:

• Tighten the hardware: Your garage door may open and close nearly a thousand times per year. This daily use generates heavy vibrations and constant impact, which could loosen the garage door hardware. Use a socket wrench to make sure all the nuts and bolts are secured. 
• Lubricate the moving parts: Checking that the moving parts of your garage door are well lubricated is a quick and easy way to protect the door’s long-term performance. Use a spray lubricant on every moving part, including the overhead springs. Doing this can minimize unpleasant sounds and the strain on your garage door opener.
• Clean the tracks: Removing debris, gunk and other obstacles from the garage door tracks is another easy measure you can take to prevent malfunctions. You can also check to see if your tracks are level on both sides. If not, consider calling a garage door professional to make necessary adjustments. 
• Inspect the rollers: Damaged or broken rollers can prohibit the smooth functioning of your garage door opener. They can also contribute to loud noises when the door opens and closes. Check to see if the rollers are cracked, chipped or loose. If they are, it would be wise to call a professional to install new rollers. 
• Check the cables: The high-tension cables on your garage door are dangerous to try to adjust yourself. Professionals highly recommend letting an expert fix or replace the cables, but you can still check to see if yours need any work. If you see any loose strands of cable or signs of damage, you’ll know it’s time to request a professional repair. 
• Test the garage door balance: If your garage door is unbalanced, the opener may be forced to use more effort in opening and closing the door, which could result in costly damage over time. Pull the red release handle to disengage the opener and manually move the door to the halfway position. If it falls closed or slides open, your garage door is unbalanced and should be adjusted by a professional.
• Give your garage door some TLC: Applying a new coat of paint or stain to your garage door does more than enhance its visual appeal — it protects it from weather and rust. Before the weather gets too cold, consider repainting or staining your wooden garage door and any exposed metal hinges. Sand and paint your metal garage door to likewise protect it from rust. 

When to Call a Garage Door Expert if Your Garage Door Freezes

If you go to open your garage door and find it won’t budge, it may be frozen shut. Inspect the door to see if you can identify where the issue is located. Most of the time, ice may have fused the door to the ground. If you try to dislodge the ice by kicking the bottom of the door or engaging the opener repeatedly, you could cause damage to the door or opener. 

From the outside of the door, you can try to dislodge the ice by hand with a scraper. Another good method is to use a heat gun and aim it where the garage door meets the ground. Either of these methods may successfully dislodge the door. If you find your garage door still won’t open, there might be another issue that an expert should take a look at. 

Choose Central Ohio Garage Door to Prepare for Winter

At Central Ohio Garage Door, we provide quality service for the communities of Newark and Columbus to cover all your garage door needs. With some routine maintenance work, our skilled technicians can keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come. 

It’s never too early to start preparing your garage door for winter. Now through December 17, we’re running a $60 tune-up deal to help you prepare your garage door for winter. Stay one step ahead of the issues that could arise this season by contacting us today to request an estimate or schedule an appointment for service. 

Signs You Need To Replace Your Residential Garage Door

Residential Garage Door Replacement

Of all of the appliances in your home, your garage door is one of the most important. While garage doors can withstand heavy use for decades, it’s likely that most homeowners will have to repair or replace their garage door at least once during their homeownership. If your garage door is nearing the 15- to 30-year mark, you may start noticing some indications that it’s time for a new garage door.

At Central Ohio Garage Door, we understand that some homeowners may not immediately notice the signs you need to replace your garage door. We’ve created this helpful guide to assist you in highlighting the signs your garage door is broken and the benefits of new garage door installation services.

5 Common Signs You Need a New Garage Door

No one wants to walk into their garage only to discover that it won’t open. Unfortunately, this happens to many homeowners, especially if you neglect the signs you need to replace your garage door. If you spot any of these problems in your home, they may be signs your garage door is broken and needs to be replaced.

1. Your Garage Door Is Very Noisy

One of the most obvious broken garage door signs is increased noise during operation. Virtually all garage door mechanisms will emit some type of sound while opening and closing the door, but they shouldn’t cause a ruckus. If you hear any strange noises that continue to occur during garage door operation, it may signal a problem.

Squeaking or grinding noises could mean a problem with the rollers or a broken spring. Although some noises can be due to hinges that need to be lubricated or nuts and bolts that need to be tightened, many of them either indicate a problem with the door or will lead to problems in the future.

2. You’ve Had Your Garage Door Repaired Multiple Times

When you make any investment in your home, you want your upfront cost to be the only major expense you have to pay. Unfortunately, garage doors can experience mechanical breakdowns due to faulty parts or old age. Some garage doors are also damaged over the years due to accidents or severe weather.

If you’ve already paid to have your garage door repaired or serviced multiple times, it’s highly likely that you’ll continue to need more repairs down the line. These expenses can add up quickly, sometimes reaching a sizeable amount that could have helped you purchase a brand-new garage door with a warranty.

3. Your Garage Door Is Showing Its Age

Ideally, a garage door is an investment that you make once and then refrain from worrying about for at least a decade, if not longer. Many homeowners purchase their house with a garage door already in place, and although it may continue to operate without fail, you should still be wary of a garage door that is more than 10 years old.

Whether you purchased the garage door or bought your home with a garage door, you should have the system assessed when it nears 15 years of age. If nothing else, an old door is likely showing its age in appearance and could be lowering your curb appeal and your property value.

4. Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening or Closing Smoothly

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that as long as their garage door is opening and closing when needed, it’s operating just fine. That isn’t always the case. Your garage door should continue to perform nearly as well as it did when it was first installed. Any instances of the garage door opening or closing unevenly could be signs your garage door is broken.

A garage door should always move smoothly, which means moving too fast or too slow is unacceptable. If the door “stumbles” while it’s operating or opens or closes with a bang, there may be a serious issue with the pulley system which could harm you, your family or your possessions if not resolved.

5. You Notice Obvious Damages, Safety Hazards or Problems With Efficiency

Most garage doors will see various dings, scratches and discoloration over their lifetimes, but don’t ignore larger problems. Damages to the garage door could harm its integrity, while malfunctioning components of the garage door system could cause safety hazards. Older models can also be problematic, as their lack of insulation or energy-efficiency can make your garage feel sweltering hot or frigidly cold.

The safety, security and comfort of your family should always be a top priority. Be sure to address any damages, safety hazards or lapses in efficiency that may limit the comfort, safety or security of your family and possessions. A new, quality garage door installed by a trusted team is an excellent solution that will preserve all three of these priorities.

5 Benefits of a New Garage Door

A new garage door is an investment in your home and your lifestyle, but unlike other investments that may take time to pay off, you’ll immediately experience the benefits the moment your garage door installation is complete. Of the many advantages residential garage door replacement offers, these five benefits are perhaps the most impactful in the short-term and long-term.

1. Long-Term Savings

A new garage door installation is more than just swapping it out with a replacement. Today’s garage doors have substantially improved upon older models, offering a plethora of built-in advantages that save you money in the long run. Most new garage door installation services come with a warranty, immediately saving you money in case an unexpected breakdown occurs.

Thankfully, these new garage doors are also built with the latest technology, yielding them strength and performance that lasts for years. Many models resist damage from the weather and can withstand heavy usage without breaking down. This one-time investment on a new garage door can save you hundreds in repair and maintenance costs over time.

2. It’s Quieter, Smoother and More Attractive

When a home appliance works without issue, it’s sometimes easy not to notice. A new garage door will operate at peak efficiency, opening and closing smoothly without loud, distracting noises. The new garage door will also improve the appearance of your home’s exterior, allowing it to complement the aesthetic without standing out in a negative way.

3. Increased Security, Safety and Efficiency

One vital benefit a new garage door offers is peace of mind. New models are stronger, more durable and more energy-efficient, providing your home with the safety, security and efficiency you desire. A new garage door can help lower your energy bills and reinforce the security of your house.

4. Increased Resale Potential

Many renovations that you make are actually investments in your home’s future. Even if you’re not considering selling your house soon, a new garage door can instantly boost your home’s value. In fact, studies have shown that installing a quality garage door replacement has an average of a 98% return-on-investment.

In contrast, a damaged garage door can harm your home’s curb appeal and potentially lower its perceived value in the eyes of buyers. Issues like faded coloring, damages and poor performance can turn buyers away. Even the presence of an outdated garage door model could leave a bad taste in buyers’ mouths.

5. It Accommodates Other Home Renovations

Once you have a beautiful new garage door installed, you’ll be surprised how much of an impact it makes on your home. Depending on how the type of door you choose is installed and mounted, you may have more room in your garage for overhead lighting or storage. An energy-efficient garage door will also regulate the garage’s temperature, offering more opportunities to use the garage comfortably or store possessions that require a more temperature-controlled environment.

Looking at your exterior, you’ll see the potential to enhance other elements of your curb appeal. From landscaping and decor to exterior paint, window shutters and even a new front door, you’ll discover plenty of creative ways that you can transform your exterior into the home of your dreams.

Contact Central Ohio Garage Door About Our Garage Door Installation Services

Residential garage door replacement is one of the best investments you can make for your home. You’ll immediately enjoy benefits including a quieter and smoother operation, enhanced security and efficiency, and peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable, new garage door that won’t need expensive repairs.

When you spot the signs you need to replace your garage door, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Contact Central Ohio Garage Door and learn about our garage door installation services. We provide the highest level of customer service as well as industry-leading new garage door models that will keep your family safe and secure while improving your home’s appearance.