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Your Top 5 Questions About Garage Door Openers Answered

Garage door openers were first made in the 1920s, but the keypad made them more popular after World War II. With the rise and growth of suburbs, the market for garage doors and garage door openers grew even more. A garage door opener is the motorized tool that lets you open and close your garage door. Most openers are turned on and off by a wall switch or a remote button.

Here are the top 5 questions you might have in mind about garage door openers, along with expert answers.

What are the Different Types of Garage Door Openers?

Chain drive and belt drive are the two main types of garage door openers available in the US. The former is considered a premium option, are more expensive, and they usually have a chain and a metal wire. Belt drive garage door openers use a metal-reinforced belt made of rubber. Because of its quiet nature, it works best in homes where the bedroom or living room is close to the garage.

Is There A Universal Motor that Fits All?

No. In the US, most garages have either a 1/2 or 3/4 horsepower motor. If a garage door is properly balanced, the amount of force needed to lift it shouldn’t be very much. For a good balance, you’ll need to lift about eight to ten pounds.

Can I Buy Garage Door Openers from Hardware Shops?

Hardware shops that sell tools, equipment, and big boxes might have garage door openers. Even though this might seem helpful, it’s much better to talk to a professional garage door installer. They can look at the space and recommend the best door opener based on your custom requirements.

Can I Install Garage Door Openers Myself?

If you are equipped with the right tools and equipment needed for garage door installation, you can certainly do so on your own. If you plan to DIY install the opener, remember it is not an easy task at all!

It would be better to hire a professional to help you place the opener. They usually know how to install a wide range of garage doors and door openers in residential and commercial settings. Why waste time, and energy, and maybe get disappointed when you can just call a pro?

Are Garage Doors Vulnerable to Intrusions?

This popular question shows how important homeowners think safety and security are. You want to ensure that no one can get into your garage when you are away or sleeping.

You can be sure that your garage door is always safe in more than one way. Many types of modern garage door openers have an on/off switch that can keep the door from being opened by remote control. This can make it harder for any sort of intrusion to hack your door with a device that tries to guess the code.

Unplugging the opener when you leave for a longer period is a simple way to keep your garage safe while you are away.

Why Hiring A Certified Garage Door Technician Is Important

The garage door is the largest entryway into your home and contributes to the curb appeal of your property. To withstand severe weather and preserve your home’s opulent appearance, you’ll have to keep it in excellent condition. Get expert assistance to help extend the life of your garage door rather than attempting to fix it yourself. Find out why you must hire a certified garage door technician for your overhead door by reading on.

Who’s In Your Garage?

Three factors come to mind when hiring a garage door solutions provider: trust, experience, and professionalism. Skilled garage door specialists possess all three of these characteristics and more. Certified garage door technicians undergo rigorous training and are knowledgeable in modern installation and maintenance techniques. When a certified technician visits your house, you are assured of the best quality and service. Pioneers in the industry provide customers with an extraordinary level of service, value, assurance, and trust.

Peace of Mind

Professionals recognize the value of thoroughness and peace of mind. They are appointed after relevant background checks and drug tests, in addition to being certified and having received the necessary training. They provide clients with value, comfort, and peace of mind. Only the best technicians are sent by garage door solution providers to install or fix the garage system.

Trust

Customers expect a business with integrity and a good reputation when it comes to trust. Because of this, professional technicians prioritize clients. Customer feedback is important to them, so they establish only top-notch work and hire qualified technicians who will convey the same values of integrity, diligence, and accuracy to customers.

Experience

Years of expertise in garage door repair, installation, and maintenance are available from certified technicians. They give you advice on how to best personalize your garage door choices so that your house and possessions are even safer. For increased customer satisfaction, they provide the most cutting-edge garage door systems available and will take you through all of their incredible features.

It’s important to keep your skills current and up-to-date in addition to being certified. In order to remain up to date with garage door trends, smartphone applications, and other topics, certified garage door technicians attend periodic training.

Time Savings

If you want to fix your own garage door, it takes time to learn the right way to do it. That means your door won’t be fixed as quickly and you’ll have to spend more of your free time learning how to fix it. You don’t have to waste your free time trying to fix it yourself. Instead, you can hire a professional garage door expert to do it. A qualified overhead garage door expert can quickly figure out what’s wrong and fix it. You can get your door fixed more quickly and worry less about it.

Professionalism

It matters who is in your garage, safeguarding your family, valuables, and house. An efficient garage door system is more than just a requirement for your home. It’s a financial commitment to the security of everything you value. Hire only experienced providers to help you maintain what’s important. A certified garage door technician provides a complete range of services to satisfy all of your garage door requirements, always keeping safety, excellence, and quality in mind.

Why Having A New Garage Door Can Save You Money

A new garage door is an investment because it not only improves the appearance of your home, but also has a number of long-term financial benefits. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward roller door or a side-hinged garage door, you can benefit from saving money in the numerous ways discussed in this post.

Reduced Heat Loss

Why add to the expense of heating your home by using an outdated, worn-out, or broken garage door? A garage can lower the property’s overall temperature if it is connected to your home. However, you can stop more heat from escaping with a new, insulated garage door—thanks to the thermal characteristics of the high-quality materials used. Garage door installation, when done properly, minimises gaps that cause draughts, thereby enabling you to keep more cold air out. All of this points towards reduced energy costs!

Theft Prevention

There are many essential items that are often kept in garages. It could be your tools, camping gear, or just some items in boxes that you don’t have space for at home. Whatever you store in there will cost money to replace if burglars break in.

Brand new garage doors are equipped with advanced locking mechanisms. When it comes to locks and related technologies, what was once regarded as secure has become obsolete. Additionally, thieves are more likely to be deterred by newer, stronger materials as opposed to older, dented ones with already weakened structural integrity. A bonus of using a new garage door is a cut in your insurance premium, as many providers offer good deals for a safe and secure parking facility compared to open streetside parking.

Low Maintenance Costs

Having trouble with an uneven up-and-over door? Or do you have trouble locating the cause of the grating and squeaking noise you hear every time you enter the garage? Repairing and maintaining old garage doors is expensive, and the cost only rises with time.

You won’t have to think about any of the ongoing maintenance issues you previously battled with if you invest in a new garage door. Enjoy a smooth, properly working garage door for many years by ceasing your frequent trips to the hardware store.

Efficient Automation

If you appreciate having a new automated garage door, there are numerous ways to save your hard-earned money in the long-term. The operation of a new electric garage door will be smoother, resulting in fewer errors and problems, and because they are more energy-efficient than ever, your expenses should eventually go down. Even though it may only amount to a smaller monthly savings, when added to the savings we’ve already mentioned, it will add up over time.

A new garage door can save you money directly and indirectly. If you have an outdated, less secure, and difficult to maintain garage door, it is time that you narrow your options to some of the most modern garage doors available on the market. It not only provides monetary savings but also adds to the aesthetics of your home and creates a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.

How To Prepare For Garage Door Repair

We don’t think much about garage doors until one day they stop working and we’re late for work. This doesn’t usually happen all at once, and a number of typical garage door problems could be to blame. When garage doors are about to break, they let you know months in advance by opening slowly or grinding to a stop in the middle of opening, only to strangely start up again.

In most cases, garage door repair is a better option than getting a new one. You can fix the garage door’s tracks, extension springs, and pulley wires on your own, but it’s always a good idea to hire a pro to make sure the job is done right.

You might wonder if there is anything you should do before a garage door technician comes to your house. Even though a garage door solutions provider will come fully equipped, there are a few small things you can prepare in advance to make the job easier for both parties.

Clear Your Driveway

Technicians can park as close to your garage as possible if you move your car out of your driveway. This not only makes it easier to move big tools and doors, but it also makes it safer because they don’t have to carry all that heavy equipment and tools very far.

Clean Garage Interior and Exterior

You don’t have to get rid of everything in your garage or even clean it up. Since not everyone uses their garage for the same thing, technicians are used to working in different situations. But when they get there, toys, gardening tools, and old car parts falling out of the door might make it hard for them to move around.

Taking the time to clear out a good amount of space by the doorway and remove any things that are in the way outside of your garage, like hanging baskets. This will help the technicians get the job done faster and get out of your way without accidentally damaging your things.

Don’t DIY Dismantle Your Old Garage Door

Even though you might think you’re trying to get the job done faster, you’re really just putting yourself in danger. Experts are skilled, have many years of experience, and have been trained in safety to fix and remove garage doors. If you don’t know how to do it, you might hurt yourself or someone else when you try to take apart your garage door.

It’s annoying when your garage door breaks down when you don’t want it to. Garage door repair and reuse is always the best and most environmentally responsible things to do. But if your garage door can’t be fixed, you can find replacement garage doors. Get in touch with a garage door expert when you need to fix or replace your garage door. Look for help, get free estimates of costs, and check customer reviews before you hire one. More importantly, prepare your premises for the technician to have a hassle-free professional repair in no time!

6 Reasons To Consider A Roll Up Garage Door Opener

You have a lot of choices when it comes to garage doors. There are sectional doors, roll-up doors, doors that slide to the side, side hinged doors, tilt-up canopy doors, and tilt-up flexible doors. The type you choose will depend a lot on how you plan to use your garage door and where it will be installed. Most domestic doors are either sectional, side-hinged, or tilt-up, and any of these will usually do. If your garage door will be used in a commercial setup, such as a store, or in a place where safety is very important, you should probably go with a rollup garage door. Let’s check out 6 reasons to consider a roll up garage door opener.

Room for Storage

A roll up garage door opener is beneficial, not just because it is durable. When they are open, roll up garage doors take up a lot less room than any other type of garage door. Most other doors cover the whole room and are a few feet below and aligned with the ceiling. This leaves you with less room to store things and fewer ways to light the interior.

Improved Safety

All of the parts of a roll-up garage door opener are enclosed, including the springs. This makes them less likely to break when hit by a moving car. With a roll-up garage door, you can reduce the chance of damage to the door and cars, and more importantly, you can make the area around the door safer for people.

Insulation Properties

Most of the time, roll-up garage doors and openers are sealed. They are made of a mix of metal and foam and have sealed edges. By separating places with different temperatures, these design features help the door save money on energy costs. The door’s insulation also acts as a good sound barrier between two rooms that are next to each other.

Low Overall Cost

Even though roll up doors and openers are more expensive than other options, they cover the overall costs in the long run because they last longer and are safer. Their strong construction also makes them less likely to be broken into, which saves money and offers peace of mind.

Flexible and Accessible

The aluminum grille roll up is a type of roll-up garage door that offers greater flexibility in terms of access. This choice is great for stores where you want people to be able to see what you have for sale, but you also want to keep your inventory from being stolen. Most of the time, they are used in mall shops and storefronts on the street where only a sheet of glass stands between goods and possible thieves.

Appearance

Roll up doors look more mechanical than sectional or flip-up garage doors. In fact, if you drive through most neighborhoods, you probably won’t see many garages with roll-up doors. However, there are times when you might see a roll-up door in a residential setting.

If your business or store needs a high level of protection or if you open and close the door a lot, you probably need a roll-up style garage door. If you are looking to add storage space to your garage, and to enhance garage safety and security, roll up garage door openers are a perfect fit.

Residential Vs. Commercial Garage Door: How Do They Differ

Residential garage doors form the front-facing part of a property. They’re something you’ll see when walking past a row of houses or coming home after a long day. You’ll thus want a residential garage door that enhances your curb appeal. With commercial garage doors, however, performance comes first and foremost. These doors are designed mostly for function over form. However, many homeowners do assume that commercial garage doors are built to a higher standard than residential doors; this is not always the case. Often – and with a reputable garage door specialist – both commercial and residential garage doors are built to last, with the largest difference between the two being that the commercial door is merely larger than the residential one. But what other differences exist between residential and commercial garage doors? We discuss them here.

Size

As we’ve mentioned, the key difference between a residential garage door and the commercial one lies in their size. A standard residential garage door usually goes up to seven feet, although taller and shorter doors are available depending on your design needs. Commercial businesses, on the other hand, require taller doors since supplies will need to pass through during loading and unloading. Your residential property will not likely need a commercial-sized door unless you have a detached garage with a higher opening. However, you should be sure that you really need a commercial-sized garage door on your residential property, as they are more expensive than residential garage doors.

Appearance

Another key difference between residential garage doors and commercial ones is the design options offered for each. Commercial garage doors can be tweaked after installation with features such as glass panels, but there is a limit to how creative you can be with the design. One of the reasons for this is that an intricate design for a commercial garage door is just not practical, and can also clash with stipulations provided by federal law.

You can get more creative with your designs for residential garage doors, which are available in a range of material options such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, composites, and more. Commercial garage doors mostly only are made of aluminum or galvanized steel.

Functions

There are certain functions that commercial garage doors possess that are not available for their residential counterparts. One such function is the commercial electric operator system. At the end of the day, while they can be just as strong as their commercial counterparts, residential garage doors are simply not meant for the high traffic that commercial garage doors must handle, and the difference in functions between both reflects that.

Commercial vs. Residential Garage Doors – Which Is Right for You?

For the most part, a commercial garage door is best for a commercial setting. If you are a residential property owner, it’s also important to keep in mind that such doors may be against the standards and regulations of your local homeowner’s association. While both commercial and residential garage doors have their benefits, these benefits are meant for their specific spaces. As efficient as a commercial garage door is, for instance, it probably will not fit into a residential setting. Whatever you need, however, be it a garage door opener or garage door installation, Total Garage Door Solutions can help you out.

Morrisville, NC

Having issues with your residential and commercial garage doors in Morrisville, NC? Garage door issues in Morrisville, NC are easily solved with Total Garage Door Solutions. Known in the Triangle area for our reputation of honoring our customers with expert, dedicated service, we’re here to help you fix any problems you have with your garage doors swiftly and affordably.

Industries We Serve in Morrisville, NC

Run a commercial service? You’ll know that elements of commercial-grade properties have to deal with a lot, and garage doors are no exception. You’ll need tough, durable garage doors to deal with the heightened wear and tear faced by commercial properties. It can be frustrating to find a commercial service provider you trust, but Total Garage Door Solutions works with a variety of industries, as listed below, and we’re well-equipped to help you find a solution that works for you.

  • Repair Shops
  • Small Businesses
  • Fire Departments
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Restaurants

Residential and Commercial Services in Morrisville, NC

A garage door is an essential feature of any property, be it residential or commercial. Your garage door protects your garage itself, the valuables and items stored within, and might even serve as an entryway to the main part of your property. It’s what stands between the outside world and you, and protects you from various threats to your security. You always want a garage door that’s working in tip-top condition. We can help you with the following areas:

  • Garage Door Repair: Is a part of your garage door giving you problems? If you’re looking to fix it but are not sure where to begin, let us know. We’ll help you figure it out with specific, professional advice that you can trust.
  • Garage Door Installation: If you’re looking to install new doors on your property, we offer a variety of door types from sheet, to aluminum glass, to sectional. We’re here to help you find what you need.
  • Garage Door Opener: Your garage door opener is what your garage door hinges on – a jammed or defunct one can cause all sorts of issues, so if it needs fixing or replacing, don’t hesitate.
  • Garage Door Maintenance: Help your garage door remain in optimal condition with regular maintenance. Your garage door has faced wear and tear over the years and it’s no wonder that it needs some upkeep every now and then.
  • Garage Door Replacement: There is also the possibility that your garage door needs to be replaced completely. If this is what you’re facing, we can talk you through your options.
  • Emergency Garage Door Repair: With no extra charge for weekends or off-hours as well as 24/7 availability, you can have peace of mind knowing that your garage door emergencies won’t have to be something you deal with for long.

Why Choose Total Garage Door Solutions in Morrisville, NC?

For two decades, Total Garage Door Solutions has provided accurate, expert service to our customers in Morrisville, NC, as well as the rest of the Triangle area.

If you have any questions about our garage door repair and installation services in Morrisville, NC, feel free to contact us today!

Holly Springs, NC

Total Garage Door Solutions is here to help with any issues you may have with your garage doors in Holly Springs, NC. Our service is prized in the Triangle area, and our reputation of honoring our customers with expert, professional advice and work has made us a family name in North Carolina. Garage door issues in Holly Springs, NC are fully solved with us!

Industries We Serve in Holly Springs, NC

If you run a commercial service, you’ll know that commercial-grade garage doors have to deal with much higher traffic than regular residential garage doors. What you’ll need is a tough, durable door that can cope with the added demands of the commercial line. It can be tough finding a commercial service provider you trust, but Total Garage Solutions has experience working with a variety of industries and can help you find a solution that works best for you. We serve the following industries:

  • Repair Shops
  • Small Businesses
  • Fire Departments
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Restaurants

Residential and Commercial Services in Holly Springs, NC

A garaged door is an essential feature of any property, be it residential or commercial. Your garage door protects your garage itself, the valuables and items stored within, and might even serve as an entryway to the main part of your property. It’s what stands between the outside world and you, and protects you from various threats to your security. You always want a garage door that’s working in tip-top condition. We can help you with the following areas:

  • Garage Door Repair: If you’re facing an issue with a part of your garage door but are not sure where to begin to fix it, let us know. We’re here to help you figure out the problem.
  • Garage Door Installation: Looking to add a new garage door to your property? We work with a variety of door types ranging from aluminum glass to sheet, to sectional.
  • Garage Door Opener: Your garage door opener might just look like a hinge, but it’s a key part of your door itself. A jammed or defunct door opener can lead to all sorts of issues, so don’t hesitate if you need to fix or replace the one you have.
  • Garage Door Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help your garage door remain in optimal condition. Your garage door has faced wear and tear over the years and might benefit from some refreshing.
  • Garage Door Replacement: There is also the possibility that your garage door needs to be replaced completely. If this is what you’re facing, we can talk you through your options.
  • Emergency Garage Door Repair: Our 24/7 availability and no extra charge for weekends or off-hours mean that your emergency garage door repairs can be dealt with swiftly and with minimum fuss.

Why Choose Total Garage Door Solutions in Holly Springs, NC?

Total Garage Door Solutions has been providing expert, accurate service to our loyal customers in Holly Springs, NC, and the rest of the Triangle area for over two decades.

If you have any questions about our garage door repair and installation services in Holly Springs, NC, feel free to contact us today!

Garage Door Replacement Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham NC

If you’re looking for fast, efficient garage door repairs and replacement, Total Garage Door Solutions is the place for you. Enjoy expert care at affordable prices, no matter the size of the job you need. Looking to repair a defunct door or install a door entirely? We’re here to help, whether you’re based in Raleigh, North Carolina, or beyond.

Understanding Garage Door Replacement

Our garages are a key feature of our property. They are where we keep our vehicles safe, as well as store a bunch of other things. For some properties, they also provide an entryway to the main building. Whether it’s to provide protection and security from the weather or other elements, your garage door is a necessary feature of your property. Difficulties in closing your garage door can result in damage to your vehicles, other items you might be storing in your garage, as well as your garage itself. It could also compromise the safety of your household. If you encounter any issues with your garage door, don’t hesitate – contact the experts today to help you conduct the necessary replacements or repairs.

How Our Garage Door Replacement Specialists Can Help

Whether you need a total replacement of your garage doors, or just to replace the spring or panels, Total Garage Door solutions can help you with all of your replacement and repair needs. We will be able to assess your situation and let you know what would best suit you and your property. Once we’ve found the problem, we will work to solve it speedily for you. You won’t have to worry about delays in communication or work when you engage our Garage Door Replacement Specialists – with their years of experience and efficient manner, they’ll get your job done for you in no time.

Why Choose Garage Door Replacement Services by Total Garage Door Solutions?

Looking for dependable garage door services for your home and commercial properties? Total Garage Door Solutions has precisely what you need. If you’re located within Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and the outlying Triangle areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your garage door replacement services. We’re a family-owned, local business with two decades of experience in the industry, and we’ll be able to help you with whatever you need. Our stellar combination of knowledge and expertise means that you’ll get to enjoy service that’s accurate, fast, and impeccable. We put our customers first and we don’t skimp on quality, concern, or service. Our assessments are specific, precise, and informed, and your garage door issues will be over and done with in no time.

So, whether you need garage door repairs, installation, openers, or any other services, come on down. We’ve built a reputation for diligent, honest work that honors the diverse needs of our customers and exceeds their expectations every time. Your garage door troubles are no match for our garage door solutions – try us out and you’ll see why!

For more information about our garage door replacement services, feel free to contact us today!

Garage Door Opener Repair Vs. Replacement: A Cost Comparison

Garage door openers can start acting up between 10 to 15 years of their lifespan. Depending on the situation, choosing to fix your garage door opener instead of getting a garage door opener replacement is the cheaper option, but this is not always the case. Knowing whether you should replace instead of repairing your garage door opener can save you money in the long term. But how should you know whether you should repair or replace it? We discuss it here.

When You Should Repair

  • When your garage door opener is relatively new, but causing issues. In such a case, your garage door opener should be repairable after a professional conducts a thorough inspection. What could be causing the problem might include loose parts or disconnected wires – either way, the fix should be relatively simple and your garage door opener should be working again with no problem.
  • Your garage door opener is still under warranty. A warranty should offer you protection if something happens to your garage door opener within its time frame. However, you should note that warranties will cover malfunctions and not errors or tampering.
  • If your repair bill does not exceed $300 and is a one-off thing, it should be worth it. Any more than that, however, and you should probably look into getting a new garage door opener instead.

When to Replace

  • Your garage door opener is over 12 years old and often in use. In some homes, the garage is the main entryway to the home. You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you are unable to close or open your garage door. If your current garage door opener is causing frequent problems, a replacement might be more cost-effective and will spare you headaches.
  • You will eventually have to replace a garage door opener in the future, and if your bill is over $300 for repairs, you might as well have a replacement done now.
  • If your garage door was not installed properly, it will serve as a hazard to you, your family, and your belongings. A professional garage door specialist will be able to help you identify if your door’s issues were the result of improper installation, and help you replace your garage door opener the right way.
  • If you have an older garage door or garage door opener, you might want to get a new one with upgraded features such as a silent door or one with the technology to connect to your home.

Should You Replace or Repair It?

Whether it is more cost-effective for you to replace or repair your garage door opener depends on a number of factors. If your garage door opener is older, goes through a lot of use, and is giving you frequent problems, it might be time to replace it. If you have a newer garage door opener, a repair job should do the trick. If the costs of your repair are high, you might also want to replace it instead. Lastly, if you are looking for upgraded features, a replacement would be more suitable than a repair.