Should My Gas Logs Turn Black?
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Gas Logs and Fireplaces – Douglasville GA
As nights get shorter and cooler, we’re drawn to our fireplace for warmth and companionship just like generations of people since our ancestors learned to create fires. Back then, as the fire died people threw another log on. But now, when our gas logs start to blacken we raise our eyebrows. What’s going on? Is that supposed to happen?
Gas Logs and Fireplace Issues
No. Gas logs are not supposed to get soot on them. If you’re noticing blackening on your logs, ask yourself these trouble-shooting questions.
- Are the logs each in their prescribed position? It is very important to check your log positioning, when they are out of place the fire may not burn as cleanly as it should.
- Are the gas ports clean and unobstructed? If not, the fire could be burning unevenly resulting in soot production.
- Are your air vents or shutters clean and clear? Gas log fireplaces are engineered so that given the proper amount of oxygen, the flame will burn beautifully and not produce much soot. Keep the vents or shutters dust and debris free for better operation.
- How old is your fireplace? Aging can result in deterioration of some parts. If your device is getting old, have it inspected by a professional.
Gas Log Fireplace Experts – Metro
Gas fireplaces can be an efficient and attractive part of your home, but for optimal safety and efficiency, ensure the proper maintenance. As with any gas appliance, the safest bet if you have any questions is to contact a professional at Metro Garage Doors.
In Atlanta, Metro Garage Doors is the perfect choice for your gas fireplace maintenance. Their knowledgeable staff will inspect and clean your logs and ports and make sure you’re set for a relaxing, worry-free evening around the fire. Contact us today to explore our products and services.
Read MoreAttic Insulation Saves You Money and More
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Attic Insulation – Douglasville GA
Have you ever thought about the impact your attic has on the rest of your home? This space is an often forgotten area, but it is an entry point for cold drafts. This is a problem to consider, especially with the cold nights the winter months will soon bring.
One solution is to have a professional install quality insulation. With the help of certified Metro Garage Door home professionals, this can be one of the most effective solutions available.
Insulation Solutions and Benefits
Why You Need Attic Insulation:
- Many homes, especially older homes with attics, have minimal insulation, which could result in a higher energy bill.
- Extra installation is a one-time expense, making it a cost-effective solution. The usual response to a cold home – turning up the heat – is an expense you pay every month.
- Adding insulation makes your home more energy-efficient, thus potentially reducing your heating bill.
- The attic is often one of the most convenient areas in a house in which to install insulation.
Other Benefits of Insulating Your Attic:
- Your insulation in this space (or lack thereof) can determine the comfort level in the rest of your house.
- Adding or increasing insulation can create a more consistent climate in your home. In other words, experience fewer annoying chills, and stay warmer this winter.
- Better insulation could lead to you using less energy to heat your residence. This could extend the life of your furnace, while also doing a bit of good for the environment.
Attic Insulation Experts – Metro Garage Doors
Insulation is the key to an energy-efficient home, and the attic is the starting point. Let experts at Metro Garage Door help you get started today.
Read MoreWhy did my garage door come off its tracks?
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There are a number of reasons why a garage door could come off its tracks and hit the ground. Probably you are asking yourself “Why … Read More
Read MoreTop 5 Ways to Upgrade Just About Any Garage
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Despite what we would all like to think, our basic needs have essentially remained the same throughout the ages. Regular meals, a roof over our … Read More
Read More7 Ideas for Repurposing Your Garage This Summer
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Summer is nearly here, which means we’re ready to spend our days and nights outdoors here in the Portland-Vancouver area. Many homeowners take these nicer days to transform their garages into additional living spaces that combine indoor and outdoor living.
While there are endless ways to remodel your garage, here are some great designs we’ve seen:
1. Home Gym
Instead of pumping iron in a hot, windowless basement, moving your equipment to the garage can provide a more inspiring space to get your workout. You can enjoy natural light through garage windows and fresh air when the garage door is up.
2. Tiny Guest House
You’d never know this used to be a garage! This bright space includes living room furniture, a bathroom, and a sleeping loft. If you decide to convert your garage to a tiny house, don’t forget to insulate your garage to keep the warm air contained during our cold northwest winters.
3. Lounge
In this converted garage, your friends might never want to leave. Fill the space with comfy chairs, table games, a TV to watch your favorite teams, and even a bar if there’s room. During the summer, keep the garage door up for a fun indoor-outdoor space.
4. Art Studio
Bring the natural light in by moving your art studio into the garage. You won’t have to worry about ruining your nice floors and can find inspiration from the outdoors. Plus, with the right garage storage, your studio will never feel cluttered.
5. Home Office
A home office in the garage is more isolated from the rest of the house, so you can get work done with fewer distractions. To make the most of the space, add shelving for storage and skylights for natural light. Consider installing a new garage door to match your stylish new space.
6. Living Room
When your garage looks this good, you’ll never want to leave. Create an additional living space in your garage with fresh paint, stylish furniture, and comfortable flooring to match the rest of your home. Embrace outdoor living during the summer by extending the room beyond the garage door.
7. Home Theater
All you need is a big screen, sound equipment, and comfy furniture to turn an empty garage into a movie theater. Keep it closed and warm during the winter, or keep the door up to host a summer movie night for your neighbors and friends.
These are just a few of the many ways people have repurposed their garages. If you don’t want to commit to an entire makeover, you can also incorporate garage doors into your home with unique designs.
Whether you’re looking to redesign your garage or find the perfect garage door to complete your space, contact Larry Myers Garage Doors in Vancouver or Portland today for a free estimate. Our experts are excited to help you create the garage of your dreams.
Read MoreShould You Add Windows to Your Garage Door?
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The simple answer: it’s up to you! Garage door windows have a way of adding additional curb appeal to your garage door and home, not to mention letting in more natural light to the space. However, depending on what you have inside, garage windows could create a security issue if people can see through them.
Follow us as we take a look at pros and cons of this garage door design, and decide for yourself whether to install windows in your garage door.
Pros
- Lots of natural light
- Curb appeal
- Cohesive with the house
Brighten up a dreary garage by adding a row of windows to your garage door. You won’t need to use as much electricity during the day as natural daylight will fill your space. In addition to more light, this upgrade adds additional curb appeal and can boost your home’s value if you decide to sell it.
As a design feature, you can customize your garage windows to match the style of the rest of your house. Manufacturers like Clopay offer unique shapes and sizes of residential garage door windows that can add visual interest and complement larger windows on your home.
Cons
- Privacy concerns
- Spring balance
- Not available for all garage doors
The biggest concern for garage door windows is privacy. If you can see out, that means someone can probably see in. Several manufacturers give the option of frosted glass windows, so you can enjoy the natural light while keeping your garage safe.
Windows can throw your garage spring system out of balance because they affect the weight of the door. Double check with your garage door window installers to make sure your spring will work properly with the new windows. Unfortunately, if your garage door is older, the manufacturer might not make the exact windows to fit your panels. Many have also updated how windows and doors fit together.
Contact Us
Our garage door experts and enthusiasts at Larry Myers Garage Doors are happy to discuss garage door designs like adding decorative windows. If this option isn’t available but you still want windows for your garage, you could consider installing a new garage door.
Give us a call in Vancouver, WA at 360-695-0625 or Portland, OR at 503-761-5674 to learn more about the available garage window options.
Read MoreCurrently, the best buy on the market in electric garage door openers is the 8550W
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Is your garage opener starting to feel its age? Could this be the time for you to change it? But which garage door opener model … Read More
Read MoreHere are some good reasons to replace your old garage door opener
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Does your garage door opener look like something used by Fred Flintstone? Do you have to go through all sorts of contortions with your opener … Read More
Read More4 Risks to Look Out for During Garage Door Safety Month
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Did you know that June is Garage Door Safety Month? Started by the International Door Association (IDA) and Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), Garage Door Safety Month aims to bring awareness to the safety risks that garage doors can pose. To help ensure you and your family are using your garage door safely, we have complied four common garage door safety risks and tips to avoid them.
Falling Garage Doors
When garage doors are well-installed, they’re also balanced in a specific way, so homeowners often don’t realize how heavy they are. In most homes, the garage door is the largest and heaviest piece of moving equipment. It can cause severe injury if it were to fall. Here are a few tips to help prevent a garage door from falling:
- Never try to enter or exit your garage while the door is in motion.
- Perform a monthly reversal and balance tests on your garage door – Check out IDA’s Garage Door Safety & Maintenance Guide for more information on these tests.
- Ensure that everyone in your household is familiar with your garage door’s emergency release.
Pinch Hazards
Pinch hazards are one of the most common types of garage door injury. Garage door springs, rollers, tracks, and panels can all badly pinch a finger or hand if not handled properly.
To avoid this type of injury, never place your finger in between door sections, near tracks, or around rollers while the door is in motion. If you have young children, you may want to consider pinch-resistant door panels.
Garage Door Remotes
Your garage door remote makes entering and exiting your garage quick and easy, but it is important to make sure you are handling your garage door remote safely, especially if you have children. Make sure that your children know that your garage door and remote are not toys. If possible, keep your garage door remote and wall control push button out of reach of young children – at least 5 ft from the ground.
Lastly, make sure the garage door is visible when you’re operating your remote or wall control. Never open or close your garage door when you cannot see the door.
Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Some homeowners may prefer to perform their own garage door maintenance rather than seek out the assistance of a professional. While some maintenance is DIY friendly, installation of a new door and any fixes to rollers, springs, cables, and tracks should always be left to a licensed garage door repair professional. Remember that a properly installed garage door is much safer than an improperly installed one.
When maintained properly and handled with care, garage doors do not pose a threat. Remember to follow these garage door safety tips and have your garage door serviced regularly. If you are in the Portland or Vancouver area and your garage door is due for a check-up, contact our garage door maintenance experts today!
Read MoreHow to Open Your Garage Door During a Power Outage
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An unexpected power outage can quickly make everyday tasks inconvenient. If you have an electric garage door opener, a loss of power can cause the opener to malfunction or stop working altogether, leaving you locked into or out of your garage. In the event of a power outage, use the following steps to safely and easily open and close your garage door.
1. Locate Your Garage Door’s Manual Release
Almost all residential garage doors have an emergency bypass that allows you to open and close the door in the absence of power. Most manual release triggers are a rope with a red handle on the end, located near the center rail. If possible, familiarize yourself with your garage door’s manual opening process before you need to use it. If you are confused about the location of your manual release, refer to your garage door opener’s manual or contact a Portland garage door repair professional.
2. Place Your Garage Door in Manual Mode
Once you locate your opener’s release, it is time to put your garage door in manual mode. With your garage door in the down position, give the release lever a strong pull. Many emergency release levers require a good amount of pressure to engage. If door is still difficult to open, lower it back down and give the release cord another solid pull.
3. Lift the Door
With the garage door in manual mode, it is now time to lift it. Use both hands to lift the door all the way up and have a tall piece of wood on hand that will be used to prop the door open. Even if your garage door seems to hold in place when lifted, any vibration could cause the garage door to shift and fall. If your garage door is large, you may need the help of a family member or neighbor to lift it safely.
4. Keep Your Door in Manual Mode
If the power is going to be out for a significant period of time, it’s a good idea to keep your garage door in manual mode. If you are planning to stay in this setting for a while, make sure to pull the release rope down toward the back of your garage so that it does not get caught on the tracks.
5. Reattach Your Garage Door
When power is restored to your home, you will likely want your garage door connected to power as soon as possible. Ensure that your garage door is down and give the release cord a solid pull to reattach it. It is important to make sure your garage door is unlocked when you are reattaching, as your door’s lock bar can potentially cause damage to your opener if engaged. Once your garage door is reattached, go outside your garage and use your opener to confirm that the garage door is connected and operating normally.
Important Tips to Remember:
- Do not use your garage door’s manual release when the door is open. If your garage door is open when you use the emergency release, there is a chance that the door will come crashing down. If possible, only engage the release cord when your garage door is in the down position.
- Make sure your garage door is locked. When your automatic garage door opener is disconnected the door is not securely shut unless you slide the manual lock bar.
- Ensure everyone in your home is familiar with your garage door’s manual feature. In the event of a power outage, you want to be sure that every family member is able to operate your garage door safely in manual mode.
A power outage may be inconvenient, but knowing how to use your garage door manually will ensure that the outage doesn’t slow you down. If power outages are frequent in your area, you may want to consider investing in a garage door opener that has a battery backup. For more garage door repair tips for Portland and Beaverton homeowners, make sure to visit our blog.
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