New Garage Doors Can Help You Sell Your Home
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Importance of Garage Doors
Many folks do not see the garage doors as an integral part of their homes
which makes them abandon and neglect this area of their home to their
detriment. They only know about the importance of the garage door when
they are planning to sell, while some never know the importance of this.
No matter how homeowners might view your house when you are about to sell
it, you can astoundingly increase your home appeal by changing your
garage door in a matter of hours. The term curb appeal is a term which is
synonymous with real estate practitioners to improve the appeal of a home
to increase its market value.
Enhance your curb appeal
This is necessary because it is the first thing that people take note of
before entering the home. It will definitely make the house more
appealing. New garage doors will include style, productivity and security
to your home. Generally a new garage door will guarantee the appeal of
your home increasing the value of your home. You might overlook your
garage door, but it’s a sure way to increase the value of your home.
There are several factors which you must consider before changing your
garage door which will increase the value of your home. You can choose to
have a garage door which has large windows and strategically placed will
overhaul its look and make it more appealing. You can also consider the
sort of material to choose. You can choose a door made of wood,
metal and so on which will create a distinct style to your home and also
instantly increase the sale price of your house.
Your decision making about selling your home starts with the Garage Doors
which suits your home style. If you are interested in changing your garage
doors you will be surprised at the wonderful choices available for your
pick and with remarkable designs to increase your curb appeal.
Contact Metro Garage Doors in Douglasville, GA for your free estimate.
Feel free to visit our new showroom too.
Garage Door Opener Safety
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Garage Door Opener Safety
Strict safety standards regarding the manufacture of garage door openers
ensure that only the best garage door openers are available to
consumers. You tend to take the convenience of a garage door opener for
granted until it doesn’t work or an accident occurs. The novelty of a
garage door that goes up and down as the push of a button fascinates
children and they like to play the openers a lot. Some children made a
game of trying to get in and out of the garage before the door closed.
This led to accidents where children were injured leading manufacturers
to develop safer features to add to the opening devices.
Governments also played a part in the development of safety features that stopped
garage doors from closing when there was something in the way. Today,
garage openers contain a safety feature that will automatically open the
door all the way when the door hits something on the way down. Since
1993, laws have been in place that require all manufacturers to equip
the automatic garage door openers with photoelectric and
pressure-related sensors. The installation of sensors causes garage
doors to stop the closing operation when they come in contact with an
object. As soon as they hit something, they reverse direction.
The photoelectric sensors contain electric eyes on both sides of the door
about six inches from the ground. If anything crosses the path of these
eyes while the door is closing, the eyes will stop the operation. With
the pressure related sensors, the door has to hit something before it
stops. The problem is that the weight of garage doors hitting a small
child can still cause a lot of injuries. Although garage door openers
have been greatly improved, owners should still make sure that there are
no small children playing in the area when they are opening and closing
their garage doors.
In order for the sensors to work properly, your garage door needs to be kept in good condition. You will need to check them often and keep them lubricated. The doors manual will usually
have instructions on how to perform maintenance on it. You will have to
review the door itself and the torsion springs.
Contact Metro Garage Door today! They can help you make an informed decision on the safest garage door opener for your family.
Read MoreGet your Garage Doors Ready for the Summer
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Garage Door Maintenance
The average garage door has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, it needs regular maintenance to enhance its reliability and durability. One of the issues you should watch out for is Mother Nature’s weather patterns. Douglasville’s summer is anything but good news for your garage door.
How the Summer Heat affects Garage Doors
Most of the garage components are made of metals like steel and aluminum.
These are the likes of the garage door tracks, rollers and springs. As
temperatures rise, the metals expand. It’s a natural law. When the metals
expand, they reduce the size of the clearance gaps between the moving
parts. Smaller gaps mean more friction and resistance, and higher risk of
breaking. If the metals do this for every degree rise in temperature, you
can imagine what will happen in the intense summer heat of Douglasville,
GA. As such, you need to do some servicing and lubrication before the heat
comes knocking on your garage door.
Protect your Garage Door
There are a number of steps that can be taken to protect your garage door
from the searing summer heat. When lubricating and servicing garage doors
before temperatures rise, you should leave nothing to chance. Everything
applies, from applying a fresh coat of paint to reduce heat absorption to
lubricating moving parts to prevent wear and tear, and eliminate those
loud noises and screeches. This will go a long way in saving you from
incurring huge expenses in repair costs. The rust on steel garage doors
can also be removed. All it needs is some sanding of the damage, applying
a primer and additionally painting over to solve the problem. And when the
servicing is done right, your garage door will be able to maintain its
elegance and reliability for decades to come.
Servicing the garage door does more than enhance its durability and
efficiency. It can also help to keep an unconditioned garage comfortable,
especially during that sizzling summer afternoon. It even helps manage
house temperatures in the living spaces located above the garage.
Contact Metro Garage Doors in Douglasville for your service appointment.
Read MoreAdding insulation to your home makes sense
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Home Insulation Upgrades
It is not just about reducing your utility bills, there are so many other reasons to making your home energy efficient by adding insulation. Certainly low utility bills is great but here are other great reasons for adding insulation.
Saves you money
You may think that your attic has plenty of insulation but the truth is, it is barely enough. Also, with time, insulation can settle which makes it less effective and less energy efficient. The good thing is that you can add insulation to keep the climate controlled air inside the house where it belongs.
Most homeowners are not aware that heating and cooling cost take up almost 50 per cent of energy bills and when you make your home energy efficient by adding insulation, it saves you lots of money on utility bills.
Improve your resale value
Most home buyers are looking for an energy efficient home, therefore, you can set your home apart by adding insulation in the crawlspace or attic to make it energy efficient. Installation of insulation makes your home to look better increasing its resale value.
Increased Indoor Comfort
Eliminating drafts not only saves you money but it also makes your home comfortable to live in. Instead of having overly cold or warm rooms in winter and summer which will tax the cooling and heating system trying to keep up, you can simply add insulation and you will end up with a comfortable and energy efficient home.
There are not many things that will help you save money as well as make your home comfortable, therefore, you should take advantage of the few available ones. Adding insulation makes you feel comfortable and saves you lots of money in terms of energy bills. Besides adding value to your home, installing insulation offers a great return on your investment.
Contact Metro Garage Door today to have them take a look at adding insulation to your home.
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Attic Tent: Benefits that will Leave you Wanting Nothing Less
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Attic Tent – Douglasville, GA
Many homeowners all over Douglasville, GA have struggled to find a solution that can offer perfect insulation around attic door openings without finding one. This struggle as seen numerous homeowners move from one seeming-to-be solution to another in search of a lasting remedy. This has made the problem even worse, a factor that may have made many to give up. However, that will no longer be a problem to Douglasville, GA households because the attic tent has a long lasting solution to the problem.
The Attic Tent Benefits
Attic tent refers to a specifically engineered insulator that is designed in a way that it hinders air transfer between the living room and the attic area. Basically, it is the only available practical solution to the problem that has lasted since overhead attic entries were first used in homes.
Through engineering technology the attic tent has been designed in such a way that it enhances reduction of air loss. In turn, this plays a crucial role in reduction of the cost incurred in energy and thereby helps those owning it to save the finances that would have been wasted in energy. It also enhances a safe and easy accessibility of an individual into his or her attic. Another benefit is the fact that it helps to keep blown insulation up whenever anyone opens the attic stair door. As a result the attic does not remain on the ground. Note that it has light weight, its durable, virtually airtight, and the installation process is very easy.
Do you live in Douglasville, GA and have been having a similar attic problem? Well, the Attic Tent offers you a perfect and long lasting solution. Don’t let the problem bother you – Contact Metro Garage Doors today for your appointment.
Read MoreWhich Garage Door is Right for Me? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
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Choosing a new garage door is a major decision and the right choice can add significant value to your home. With so many options available, we know how tough it can be to make the choice. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful garage door buying guide.
When starting the process of buying a new garage door, begin by asking yourself the following questions:
1. Do I want the garage door to be a focal point of my home?
A stylish garage door can be a stunning focal point of your home’s exterior. Elements like color, windows, raised panels, and hardware can add visual interest and amp up curb appeal. Some homeowners prefer not to draw attention to the garage door; choosing a simple door and painting it the same as the rest of your exterior will make it blend in with the rest of the home.
2.What material do I want?
When it comes to residential garage doors most customers opt for wood or steel. Each option has its pros and cons: wood garage doors are classic and beautiful but require more upkeep than a steel door; steel garage doors are often more modern in style and are less affected by rain, humidity, or heat, but have fewer design options available.
3.Should I buy an insulated garage door?
If you use the garage for storing items that are sensitive to cold, spend a lot of time in the garage, or have a lot a street noise, then opting for an insulated garage door is a wise choice. Insulation helps keep your garage warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and quieter year-round.
4.How much do I want to spend on a new garage door?
A standard double garage door (16ft x 7ft) costs between $750 – $6,000 including installation. Steel doors are generally on the less expensive end of the range ranging from $750 – $3,000. Wood doors are generally in the range of $1,200 – $6,000. Your budget for a new garage door can help narrow down your options.
5.Should I care about the manufacturer or is it all the same?
Manufacturers matter when it comes to garage doors. You want to choose a brand with a reputation for quality. Northwest Doors, C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Clopay, and LiftMaster are a few great options to consider.
Hopefully, these garage door buying tips have given you a little more insight into what you’re looking for in a garage door. Take a look at our portfolio to see some of the work we’ve done or send us a message to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you find the perfect garage door for your home.
Read MoreProactive Steps to Avoid Costly Garage
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You may have recently installed a new door for your garage; or, maybe you’ve been trying to do maintenance on a garage door that’s showing the first signs of trouble. Whether your garage door is brand new or on its last leg, there’s one thing that’s for sure: garage door repairs can be costly—and you want to avoid them.
Depending on the condition of your garage door, it may be impossible to avoid garage door repairs entirely. However, by being proactive and taking small, consistent steps, you can save money on garage door maintenance costs in the long run. Review our maintenance tips below to find out how.
Know Your Garage Door
In order to address problems early, you’ll want to understand the basics behind your garage door. We’ve created this handy infographic outlining the anatomy of a garage door. When you understand the basics behind how something works, it’s easier to catch and diagnose a problem early on.
Address Problems Early
By addressing small problems early on, you can avoid the bigger, more costly repairs down the line. Right when you identify a potential issue, such as issues with your garage door opening, squeaking, or scraping, reach out to a professional. Service technicians like those at Larry Myers Garage Doors offer same day service and repairs, and can quickly address the smaller problems that may lead to bigger, more costly issues later on.
Keep Your Garage Door Lubricated
Hinges and rollers should be lubricated on a semi-annual basis, preventing rust, squeaks, and other more major issues. You’ll also want to be sure your door tracks and door seal surfaces are adequately lubricated:
- Door tracks should be lubricated with a small amount of silicone spray at least once a year. We recommend chain and cable fluid, which can be purchased at stores such as a nearby Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Door seals often stick to the ground during the colder, dryer months, so try applying a small amount of paraffin wax.
Test in Manual
Once a month, test your garage door in manual mode. Turn off your automatic door opener and then pull down your garage door manually. The door should move freely and be easy to lift; if it’s difficult, this may signal a problem. If it hangs lower on one side, you may need to contact a professional to have it rebalanced.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
We hope that you found these tips to be helpful! Need help running through these steps? Or, have you identified a potential problem with your garage door? Reach out to us, your local garage door experts in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas.
Read MoreIs My Garage Safe? Garage Safety Tips
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While many of the technological improvements in overhead door design have improved garage safety, there are still steps you can take to keep your family safe from the inherent dangers of garage doors.
Get to Know your Garage Door
We recommend having your garage door professionally installed by a company you trust, but once you’re up and running, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the functions of your garage door. Consult your garage door installation expert or your owner’s manual to learn how to use the garage door’s emergency release feature. From there, take a look at the springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys so you’ll notice any changes that require future maintenance.
Do Monthly Safety Checks
Performing monthly safety checks and routine preventative garage door maintenance can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe. This garage door safety checklist can help:
Check Springs, Cables, Rollers & Pulleys
After you’ve familiarized yourself with the mechanisms of your garage door, be sure to check them each month for signs of wear. If you notice any changes, contact a professional garage door repairman, as these parts are under high tension and can be dangerous.
Test the Reversing Mechanism
You should also check the garage door opener’s reversing mechanism to make sure that this feature is still functioning properly. Place scrap wood or a roll of paper towels in the door’s path while closing it, and if the door does not reverse after contacting the object, you’ll want to call a qualified garage door professional to make repairs, as this is one of the most important safety features if you have small children or pets.
Check Garage Door Balance
To test the garage door balance, you’ll want to use the release mechanism to manually operate the door. Lift the door three or four feet. If the garage door is properly balanced, it should lift smoothly and stay open. Because an unbalanced garage door may fall after it’s lifted, be sure to be mindful when performing this test. If you determine that the door is out of adjustment, you’ll want to contact a qualified garage door technician.
Practice Common Sense Safety
When it comes to overhead doors, adhering to garage safety practices can help eliminate many of the inherent dangers. In other words, don’t allow children to play with garage door openers, don’t leave your garage door partially open, and don’t place fingers between garage door panels.
Have additional safety concerns? Reach out to the garage door experts at Larry Myers for all of your service, repair, and safety needs.
Read MoreUsing Your Garage as a Mini Greenhouse
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As spring in the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area draws near, many people have gardening on their minds. As you know, your garage doesn’t just need to be your carport. We’ve talked about different ways to repurpose your garage in previous blogs, showing how your garage can second as anything from a home gym to a tiny guest house to an art studio. However, did you know that your garage can also be used as a mini greenhouse, too? Well, it can!
In this edition of the Larry Myers Garage Door blog, learn how your garage can help give your green thumb a boost!
Supplies
For starters, you’ll need:
- Trays or pots for your plants
- Potting soil
- A thermometer to ensure temperatures optimal for growing
- Plant lights or grow lights
- A timer for your lighting
Make a Gardening Plan
Decide what you want to grow and what will grow well in your space. Do you want an indoor vegetable garden? An herb garden? The world is yours!
Considerations to make include how much natural sunlight comes in, heat sources, and the amount of space you have. Some great garage greenhouse-friendly options to consider include:
- Cool season crops, such as carrots, lettuce, broccoli or carrots
- Warm season crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash
- Herbs, such as basil, cilantro, chives, dill, parsley, and dill
Bring the Light In
In order to make your greenhouse as successful as possible, you’ll want to bring in as much natural sunlight as you can. Aside from grow lights, ways to bring in natural light include:
- Installing a glass garage door;
- If possible, adding windows in exterior walls; and
- Using reflective material on the garage interior to bounce sunlight coming in.
Environment Control
Depending on the types of plants you plan to grow, you’ll often need some source of heat for the colder months and access to fans in the winter months. If your garage isn’t heated, space heaters are great alternatives, as are heating mats placed under your seedling trays.
Garage insulation maximizes the efficiency of your home garage, and helps tremendously with temperature regulation. Learn more about choosing the right insulation for your garage; we’re always here to answer your questions.
Protect the Floor
When you’re watering your plants, your floor is likely to get quite wet. You’ll want to have a proper drainage system and waterproof your garage floor with floor tiles.
Pest Control
If you’re gardening in your garage, you’ll want to keep those pests out of your growing plants! Hop on over to our blog about how to keep pests out of your garage, and be sure to check your plants regularly for bugs and infestations.
How Can We Help?
If you have any questions, want to install a glass garage door or update the insulation for your garage, please feel free to reach out to us, your local garage door experts. Happy gardening!
Read MoreDon’t Get Hung Up: Garage Door Repair Services
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Garage Door Repairs
What do Olympian bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and Metro Garage Doors have in common?
For starters, they both have a home in Douglasville, GA a beautiful city in the heart of Georgia.
Secondly, they have expert experience. Some say that practice leads to perfection, but this isn’t always true. Thoughtful practice and tending mindfully to detail is what makes perfection. That is where Elana and Metro meet in Douglasville.
Metro first opened its (garage) doors in 1992. Through the years, they have carefully honed their garage door sales business by practicing excellent customer service. Not only do they sell the top brands of garage doors, accessories, and parts, but they also understand that every customer matters and satisfaction is a top priority.
Certified Expert Garage Door Technicians
Trained, certified technicians offer free “replacement” estimates and attend to their customers’ needs in a timely manner with limited same-day and Saturday service available. Because they use quality parts and skilled service technicians, they feel confident in offering and honoring warranties on their services and parts.
Of course, anything with moving parts is going to be subject to normal wear and tear. Sensors, springs, lights, alarms, and all those other little parts that make garage doors go up and stay up when they’re supposed to are quite important. These parts also prevent them from closing down on prized bicycles and priceless loved ones. They need preventive maintenance to keep them operating smoothly and effectively. This is another area where Metro excels.
Garage Door Preventative Maintenance
Metro will schedule preventive maintenance for your garage door system so you don’t have to worry about getting hung up when you’re in a hurry because your garage door is stuck up—or down. Regular maintenance assures that the sensors are aligned properly so that your door will stop or reverse when necessary. This will ensure that when you raise the door, it will stay where you put it or go on up as it should.
When you are looking for top quality garage doors, installation, or repair in the Douglasville, GA area contact us. We’d be glad to help you select a door that best suits your needs and style. We’ll install it, or repair it. We’re confident you’ll be satisfied with our expert performance.
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