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3 DIY Garage Door Makeovers You’ve Got To See

In this latest edition of the Larry Myers Garage Doors blog, we offer three DIY ideas to help you spruce up your garage door and stand out in your neighborhood. Read on for crafty garage door inspiration!

1) Gel Staining

DIY Gel Stained Garage Door

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What you’ll need:

  • 1 can of Gel Stain
  • 1-2 large paint brushes
  • Power Washer – not mandatory, but makes painting easier!

If you have a power washer, spray down your garage door to remove chipped paint, dirt, or small spots of rust. It’s okay if you don’t have a power washer; simply hose down your door and wipe clean with vinegar.

Once your door is clean and dry, it’s time to paint! All you have to do is apply an even coat of gel stain* across the entire garage door, let it dry, and… you’re done! Some garage doors only require one coat of gel stain, while others, usually those that are white or off-white, may require more. You should be good using just one can of gel stain, which usually costs about $15-$20.

Just like that, $20.00 and three hours later, your gel stain garage door makeover is complete!

2) Building a Garage Canopy

Now, we’re onto the next challenge: building a garage pergola. This DIY project is a bit more technical, so please reference this DIY garage door canopy guide for exact tools, measurements, and instructions.

DIY Garage Canopy

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You will want to make sure that you measure your garage door dimensions and buy or cut your rafters accordingly, especially if you have more than one door. All of you hardware nerds out there – this garage door makeover is the one for you!

3) Creating Faux Detailing

Sometimes, all you need to spruce up your house is a garage door facelift. These decorative simulated windows, door hinges, and handles will give your garage door the subtle elegance you’ve been looking for!

See for yourself! Check out this garage door makeover before and after:

DIY Garage Detailing

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These decorative garage door kits add depth and contrast to your door, acting as a quick, easy solution to your average garage door. Play around with style, placement, and color to give your garage door your own unique touch. While you’re at it, check out these helpful tips to giving your garage door a makeover with fresh paint.

Looking for More?

Your DIY garage exploration doesn’t have to stop here. Learn how to childproof your garage, create bike storage, and even use your garage as a mini greenhouse!

If you have other questions about your garage door, don’t hesitate to visit Larry Myers Garage Doors in Portland, OR, or give us a call today!

*Anytime you decide to paint, stain, or gel your garage door you need to read the manufacturer warranty and painting instructions so you don’t damage the door or void the warranty.

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Garage Door Tune Up Benefits

Garage Door Tune-up –Metro Atlanta

It’s winter in Atlanta Georgia. Therefore as the temperatures continue to drop make sure your garage door doesn’t do the same. Many garage doors act as a primary entrance to your home. If this is the case for you, your garage door could open and close an average of 100 times per month. We are Metro Garage Doors and we provide the highest-quality garage door tune-up in the Metro Atlanta area. Our technicians are professional, courteous, reliable. They are also able to perform maintenance tune-ups on all makes and models of garage doors. This includes both residential and also commercial garage doors. February is the perfect time to get your Garage Door serviced. Give us a call today and schedule your garage door tune-up.

Benefits of a Garage Door Tune-up -Metro Atlanta

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home. When signing up for a garage door tune-up you will receive many benefits including:

Lower Utility Bills: When your garage door has a damaged seal, the door will not insulate your home as designed. This means your heating and cooling bills will increase. With a Garage Door Tune-up maintenance from Metro Garage Doors, our technicians are able to make sure all gaps are properly sealed. This will help lower utility bills as well as secure your home and belongings.

Improved Safety: As the equipment on your garage door starts to age, the major components begin to malfunction and breakdown. The average garage door weighs around 175 pounds. Do you have a malfunctioning spring, hinge, track or bracket? If so this could lead to a devastating disaster from property damage to personal injury. With a Garage Door tune-up from Metro Garage Doors, our technicians will tune up all major components of your garage door, therefore ensuring your safety.

Extend the Equipment Life of your Garage Door: There are many reasons for your garage door to breakdown; one of the biggest threats is the Georgia weather. The winter months can bring ice and freezing temperatures. This can cause the springs to dry out, cables can become brittle and the springs can rust. Having your garage door maintenance done during the winter months can save you money, improve your safety and extend the equipment life of your garage door.

Metro Garage Doors performs a complete equipment tune-up including cleaning, tightening, lubricating and repairing all major components of your garage doors. Don’t let the winter weather get the best of your garage doors, contact us today!

Metro Garage Doors –Douglasville

At Metro Garage Doors, we have been serving the Metro Atlanta area in the garage door industry for over 25 years. We know garage doors are an extension of your home and in many instances act as the main entrance to a home. That is why we take pride in ensuring the safety and quality of your garage door. When it comes to your home and its safety don’t forget your garage doors. Many homeowners are not aware of a garage door problem until there is a complete breakdown leaving the door stuck in the down position or the door crashing to the ground.

When it comes to your garage doors trust the experts at Metro Garage Doors for your garage door service and repair. Contact us today and schedule your garage door tune-up.

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How to Get Rid of Mice in the Garage (And Keep Them Out!)

During the cold weather months, it’s not unusual for mice to begin their search for warmth and food, and your garage could be providing both.  Keeping pests out of your garage isn’t just for your own peace of mind. Mice can carry dangerous parasites and diseases. Plus, they can chew through electrical wiring, build nests, and even chew holes through your walls.  Here’s how to get rid of mice and keep them out.  

How to Get Rid of Mice

If you already have mice in your garage, these methods can help remove them.

Set Traps

Setting mouse traps is a tried and true way of taking care of a mouse infestation. In the interest of child-proofing your garage, we recommend avoiding poison and using peanut butter, corn flakes, or cheese in your spring traps. Still, getting small fingers and faces stuck in traps can be painful, so be sure to keep children and pets away,

Use Natural Methods

If you’re looking for a more humane way of getting rid of mice in your garage, there are plenty of natural remedies available. Mice don’t like spearmint, peppermint, cloves, or anise oil, so placing the oil on cotton balls where you find the mice can deter them. You can also use mothballs and used cat litter to keep mice out of your garage.

Call an Exterminator

If you have a serious mouse infestation, you may want to contact an exterminator. They have professional experience removing mice and can help you find ways to keep mice out in the future.

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage

Whether you’re trying to get rid of mice or just want to prevent them from coming in the future, these tips will help keep mice out of your garage.

Remove Clutter

Mice love clutter. Whether it’s finding hidden places to burrow or stored pet food or birdseed to eat, clutter means potential hiding spots and potential food. Keeping a clean garage makes is less desirable to mice. Make sure to store anything the mice could consume in hard plastic containers, and if possible, try storing items off the ground.

Keep Trash Sealed or Covered

It’s best not to store trash in your garage, but if you do, be sure that the trash cans have tight sealing lids. You’ll also want to be sure there are no holes or cracks in the trash container.

Seal Up Entry Points

Did you know that most mice only need a quarter of an inch to squeeze through an opening? Check the perimeter for any cracks or openings and seal them to prevent mice from being able to squeeze through.

Install a Garage Door Rodent Guard

Garage door rodent guards can help prevent mice and other pests from squeezing under your garage door seal. Not only does it prevent pests from squeezing through, but many are made of materials that critters can’t chew through.

We hope that you found these tips to be helpful! If you have any questions about rodent control or would like to troubleshoot an issue you’re having with your garage door, don’t hesitate to give us a call. As your local garage door experts in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas, we’re always happy to help.

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How to Get Rid of Mice in the Garage (And Keep Them Out!)

During the cold weather months, it’s not unusual for mice to begin their search for warmth and food, and your garage could be providing both.  Keeping pests out of your garage isn’t just for your own peace of mind. Mice can carry dangerous parasites and diseases. Plus, they can chew through electrical wiring, build nests, and even chew holes through your walls.  Here’s how to get rid of mice and keep them out.  

How to Get Rid of Mice

If you already have mice in your garage, these methods can help remove them.

Set Traps

Setting mouse traps is a tried and true way of taking care of a mouse infestation. In the interest of child-proofing your garage, we recommend avoiding poison and using peanut butter, corn flakes, or cheese in your spring traps. Still, getting small fingers and faces stuck in traps can be painful, so be sure to keep children and pets away,

Use Natural Methods

If you’re looking for a more humane way of getting rid of mice in your garage, there are plenty of natural remedies available. Mice don’t like spearmint, peppermint, cloves, or anise oil, so placing the oil on cotton balls where you find the mice can deter them. You can also use mothballs and used cat litter to keep mice out of your garage.

Call an Exterminator

If you have a serious mouse infestation, you may want to contact an exterminator. They have professional experience removing mice and can help you find ways to keep mice out in the future.

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage

Whether you’re trying to get rid of mice or just want to prevent them from coming in the future, these tips will help keep mice out of your garage.

Remove Clutter

Mice love clutter. Whether it’s finding hidden places to burrow or stored pet food or birdseed to eat, clutter means potential hiding spots and potential food. Keeping a clean garage makes is less desirable to mice. Make sure to store anything the mice could consume in hard plastic containers, and if possible, try storing items off the ground.

Keep Trash Sealed or Covered

It’s best not to store trash in your garage, but if you do, be sure that the trash cans have tight sealing lids. You’ll also want to be sure there are no holes or cracks in the trash container.

Seal Up Entry Points

Did you know that most mice only need a quarter of an inch to squeeze through an opening? Check the perimeter for any cracks or openings and seal them to prevent mice from being able to squeeze through.

Install a Garage Door Rodent Guard

Garage door rodent guards can help prevent mice and other pests from squeezing under your garage door seal. Not only does it prevent pests from squeezing through, but many are made of materials that critters can’t chew through.

We hope that you found these tips to be helpful! If you have any questions about rodent control or would like to troubleshoot an issue you’re having with your garage door, don’t hesitate to give us a call. As your local garage door experts in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas, we’re always happy to help.

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Selecting the right garage door company

Do we measure up? We want you to be happy.  Use these tips from International Door Association to help you find the right company. Try us out, full guarantee.

There are a variety of sources you can turn to to purchase or obtain garage door products, the most popular of which is the door dealer professional, such as an International Door Association (IDA) Dealer. IDA Garage door dealers are often the most reliable and dependable source for several reasons. These include experience, knowledge and- most importantly- the fact that IDA Dealers make their living by selling, installing and servicing door systems.Safety: A Primary Concern
A garage door is often the largest moving object in home or commercial business facility. An improperly installed door and operator system can exert tremendous force when the door closes. This could lead to the entrapment of children or adults and subsequent injury – or worse. Therefore, selecting the right person to install and service your door and/or operator is an extremely serious decision. It is not one that should be taken lightly!There are thousands of door dealers in business today. What can you do to assure yourself of selecting the right one? We’ve provided these five checkpoint for you to use:
Experience

  • Workmanship
  • Code and Regulatory Compliance
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Financial Integrity
Experience
Of all the five checkpoints, this is perhaps the easiest to validate. How long has the company been in business? If a new company, do the principals have experience in the door and operator industry? How much?
Workmanship
This may be the most important checkpoint. And it is also easy to verify. Does the door dealer have satisfied customers? If so, do they have letters of recommendation from their customers? Depending on the project, you may want to talk to a customer or two.
Code and Regulatory Compliance
There are numerous requirements pertaining to safety and the installation of a garage door system. Federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be followed. Ask the dealer you select about how they comply with the codes in your city.
Insurance Coverage
It is important to you that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance. If they don’t have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal.
Financial Integrity
Depending on the size of your project, financial integrity of a door dealer can be very important. Although this is a sensitive issue, a dependable, honest door dealer won’t mind telling you about the basic financial integrity of their company.Selecting the right door dealer is as simple as asking a few questions. The most important deals with the issue of reliability. Is the dealer dependable, trustworthy, and safety-conscious? These questions take only moments to answer, and yet they can help you avoid tremendous problems in the future.

 

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How to Grease a Garage Door

After working in the garage door installation business for over 45 years, we’ve learned that nobody likes to listen to the squeaks and screeches of their garage door. Thankfully, eliminating annoying noises is easier than you might think. Follow this guide to learn how to grease a garage door and get rid of those squeaks for good.

What Kind of Grease Is Best for Garage Doors?

Before we tackle those garage-door screeches, we must find the right kind of grease. One of the most common mistakes people use when trying to grease their garage door is using oil-based products, like WD-40. Contrary to popular belief, WD-40 de-greases surfaces and won’t aid in reducing unwanted noises.

Instead of WD-40 or other oils, use a lithium-based grease, which usually comes in a spray can. You’ll notice that, unlike oil-based sprays, a lithium garage door lubricant will appear thick and won’t drip.

If you’re unable to find a lithium-based spray, use a lubricant with a silicone base. Although it’s not as effective as lithium grease, silicone-based spray is a much better option than oil.

Position Your Garage Door

Once you have found a quality lithium-based grease, you can position your garage door. Make sure that the door is closed and disconnected from the motor to ensure the door doesn’t move as you’re applying the grease.

Clean the Tracks

Before you start greasing, you’ll want to clean out the garage door tracks, located on either side of the door, with a wet rag. You can also wipe down your tracks with a cloth sprayed with WD-40.

A note about tracks: You don’t need to grease them! The only place on your tracks you may ever want to lubricate is the point where the track curves, near the top of the door, where the screws are located. If you’re noticing squeaks from this area, you’re welcome to grease it, but, usually, you should avoid lubricating your tracks all together.

Grease All Moving Parts

Now, you’re prepared to start lubricating your garage door. Pay specific attention to these parts as you begin the process:

Hinges: To lubricate the hinges of your garage door, it’s best to lift the door up manually generously spray each hinge as it bends open.

Rollers: The rollers of your garage door are small, circular pieces attached to the end of your hinges. They are usually made of metal or plastic and help your garage door roll up and down the track. If your rollers are plastic, there is no need to grease them (though you might want to replace them every few years).

Metal rollers, on the other hand, have ball bearings that should be lubricated using the small hose attachment that comes with your spray can. After you’ve greased the inside of your roller, be sure to wipe away any excess garage door lubricant.

Springs: Your garage door spring will be located at the top of the door, towards the center. If you have an extension spring, which stretches as the door opens, don’t worry about lubricating them; they come pre-coated and should be good to go. But if you have a squeaky torsion spring, which is wound instead of stretched, grease it up! Generously spray the coils of the spring.

Note: It’s common for springs to bend out of shape. If you’re having a problem with your springs and grease doesn’t seem to do the trick, contact your local garage door service department. We’ll get your door up and running in no time!

Bearing Plates: The bearing plates are the rotating discs located on either side of your spring. While you’re greasing your torsion spring, spray the bearing plates as well.

Lock and Arm Bar:

Your lock should be in the middle of your garage door, while your armbar is the large bar at the top of your door. Spray the lock and keyhole with grease, then lubricate the armbar.

Rail and Pulleys:

Finally, you will want to grease the rail and pulleys of your garage door. Only lubricate the top of the rail, where the trolley creates friction by moving back and forth; the bottom of the rail does not require lubrication. Simply spray the grease along the top of the rail and spread around with a rag.

Like your rollers, the pulleys at the curve of your garage door track will have metal ball bearings that should be lubricated. Use the thin tube attachment to coat the ball bearings on the inside of each pulley.

Note: DO NOT grease the chain connected to your garage door. If you want to give your chain attention, spray a cloth with WD-40, then wipe down the chain with the oiled cloth.

Call Your Neighborhood Experts

If you’re still unsure about the right methods or lubricants to use when greasing your garage door, or if you have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Portland, Oregon based team specializes in garage door repair and maintenance, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about greasing your garage door at home.

*Door lube at Home Depot, Lowes, and other hardware stores is known as “chain and cable fluid.”  You can also lube the chain on the garage door opener.

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Attic Insulation

Can attic insulation save you money?

During the winter months in the south, the idea of hibernating in the comfort of your toasty home can be compromised due to the lack of attic insulation. I often wondered why my house was so cold even after setting the thermostat to 78 degrees. Even during the most frigid nights, a cold draft can make its way through the attic causing the upper level of the house to be cool. In Douglasville, Georgia there are plenty of expert insulators to help keep out the drafts and help keep electric bills at bay.

This was the first insulation ever in my house, so I decided to solicit the services of a trusted professional. The benefits of insulating the attic will save money over the long run and it will regulate the temperature in the entire house. Not only will your house stay warm in the winter, but it will also keep it cool during the summer months as well.

The best kind of insulation to use in the attic of a Douglasville home varies. Foil, spray foam, fibers glass bats or dry loose-fill blown-in materials can be used to insulate the home. What’s great about the latter is the materials are blown into the crevices of the attic, blocking cold winds and heat loss. The loose-fill materials are made out of wool, fiberglass, and cellulose.
Metro Garage Door Repair provides free estimates and reasonable rates.  With professional insulation, total energy costs can decrease by 25%.

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Garage Door Noises

What are garage door noises?

Garage door noises are a big nuisance and the sooner they are dealt with, in order to prevent persistent garage door squeaking it is very crucial and advisable to hire the services of a professional expert.  Professional expert is a well trained and qualified technicians who is experienced and have immense knowledge of all garage door problems and therefore they will help you have a long lasting garage doors solutions to your noisy door.  In Douglasville GA Metro Garage Door Repair is the best that offers high quality exceptional garage door services.

When garage door start making noises do an inspection to identify the source of the noises, in most cases garage door noises are caused by old and worn out garage door component that needs only a replacement to solve the problem. However in some cases tightening the hinges and nuts using a socket wrench get rid of the garage door noises. When tightening the nuts and hinges do not over tighten them because a little space for play.  Clean metallic moving parts using a spray solvent because they might be rusty and corroded, make sure you use a spray solvent that has anti corrosive effects to prevent rust.

Lubricate metallic moving parts using either grease or silicone that is design for outdoor use because it has protection from humidity and changing temperature hence protect the garage door in future. Lubricate tracks,springs, hinges, roller bearings, opening mechanism and chain if your garage door has a chain lubricate them thoroughly. It is recommended to lubricate your garage door parts every after 6 months.

Open and close the garage door severally to enable the lubricant penetrate all parts, closing and opening enables you to establish if there is still a garage door noises if there is still squeaking lubricate it again. Clean the excess lubricant using either old towel or rugs to prevent accumulation of debris in due time.

Contact Metro Garage Door to set up an appointment today!

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How Insulation Makes Your Home More Comfortable

If you’ve noticed that your home is not as comfortable as it used to be during the colder nights, it may be time to upgrade and add to your attic insulation.

Here are good reasons to consider adding to your attic insulation now:

1. It will keep your home warmer and more comfortable.

Heat rises, and the warmth your fireplace and furnace generate may be lost through your poor attic insulation. If insulation is old, it can’t fend off the cold as well. It can settle and shift over the years, so there may be gaps in the material where heat is escaping and the outside chill is entering. If your attic is unfinished and the insulation is visible, take a look. If it appears to have been disturbed at all, call a professional for an evaluation.

2. Your energy bills can be lower.

Adding or upgrading insulation means your furnace will not have to work as hard during the cold nights. If your home is more efficient at regulating a cozy indoor temperature, your furnace can take a break… and you’ll see a nice break in your monthly heating costs!

If your home systems are working overtime just keep your home comfortable, contact us today for help with upgraded insulation!

Metro Garage Door is your home insulation experts in Douglasville, GA.

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How Insulation Makes Your Home More Comfortable

If you’ve noticed that your home is not as comfortable as it used to be during the colder nights, it may be time to upgrade and add to your attic insulation.

Here are good reasons to consider adding to your attic insulation now:

1. It will keep your home warmer and more comfortable.

Heat rises, and the warmth your fireplace and furnace generate may be lost through your poor attic insulation. If insulation is old, it can’t fend off the cold as well. It can settle and shift over the years, so there may be gaps in the material where heat is escaping and the outside chill is entering. If your attic is unfinished and the insulation is visible, take a look. If it appears to have been disturbed at all, call a professional for an evaluation.

2. Your energy bills can be lower.

Adding or upgrading insulation means your furnace will not have to work as hard during the cold nights. If your home is more efficient at regulating a cozy indoor temperature, your furnace can take a break… and you’ll see a nice break in your monthly heating costs!

If your home systems are working overtime just keep your home comfortable, contact us today for help with upgraded insulation!

Metro Garage Door is your home insulation experts in Douglasville, GA.

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