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Tag: Residential Garage Doors

Keeping Your Garage Safe in Indianapolis

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Garage Door Security 101

Even the most modern garage doors can be vulnerable to evildoers seeking to do your family harm. Garage Door Doctor would like to impart to you some practical wisdom to keep your home and garage safe, secure, and out of harm’s way! You’ll be thanking yourself for taking these precautionary measures. Don’t let garage security be something you wish you’d have done! With that said, here are our best recommendations for keeping your garage locked up tight.

Keep Your Garage Locked Up Tight

Hold it right there, we just said that twice! That’s right, because it’s that important. If you have an old garage door that you need to manually open and close (first of all, hello from the future! We have automatic doors now!) it goes without saying that you need to lock it up when not in use. That being said, however, even modern garage doors are not immune to being opened by someone with ill intent. If you plan on going out of town for an extended period of time, it may not be a terrible idea to place a padlock on the inside of your garage door that would inhibit it from opening. Even if your garage door sustains damage from someone trying and failing to pry it open, that will be a favorable alternative to someone making off with all of your tools.

Assess Your Garage for Burglary Potential

Something handy that you can do is to take a few moments and take on the role of burglar. Look at your garage and think about how somebody could try to break in or take advantage of a weak spot. If you could think of a way in, rest assured that someone who makes a living out of theft can think of it too. You might just see a crack in the armor if you take a moment to assess your property.

Do Not Leave Garage Doors Open Unattended

Imagine removing an entire wall of your home, free for anyone walking or driving by to see all of the things you’ve stored away, and just letting it sit there for hours, unattended? That is essentially what you’re doing if you leave your garage door open unnecessarily. We’re sure you’ve seen this before around Indianapolis — someone was taking the groceries in and forgot to close the garage door, or somebody was working in the garage, then ran out to get something that should only take “a minute or two.” You would be surprised how easy it would be for a passersby to casually walk up to an open, unattended garage, and pick and choose from your belongings like it’s a buffet. Always be aware of the state of your garage door!

 

Update Your Old Garage Door Opener

More recent models of garage door openers are difficult to take advantage of, but older models can be vulnerable to tampering. If you’ve had the same garage door opener for years, have never changed the code, or aren’t even sure how it works, you need to call your friends here at Garage Door Doctor. We can determine the safety value of your garage door opener, and recommend a replacement if we think it is necessary. There are several smart garage door openers available today that let you remotely control your garage doors, making it easy to check the status of your garage from your smartphone! Now that is handy.

Pro Tip: Consider using a garage door opener that attaches to your key-chain. Leaving a garage door opener in your car is just about as safe as leaving the keys to your house on the front porch.

Invest in Appropriate Exterior Lighting

Having exterior lighting around your garage can be an incredibly simple deterrent for potential thieves. Motion-activated lights behave like little sentries that you can set around your home, making your house a less-likely target for exploitation. You’ll want to install these lights high enough that a burglar couldn’t simply walk up and unscrew them, defeating their purpose.

Replace Damaged Garage Doors

If you’ve been living with a damaged garage door, then you really need to give us a call! Garage Door Doctor has been serving the Indianapolis area for years, and we love taking care of our neighbors. Having a damaged garage door only puts you at risk for a burglar having a free-for-all in your garage. If you notice any gaps or openings around your garage door, contact us today, and we’ll come out to your home for a free inspection and estimate on getting you fixed up with a new garage door.

Be Careful of What You Store in Your Garage

We know, it’s incredibly tempting to store things willy-nilly in the garage for the mere convenience of it. However, if you’re storing something very valuable in the garage, even if you leave valuable items inside of unlocked cars, they become prime targets for break-ins. If you have something particularly valuable, try to consider a better place to store it than in the garage.

Help Your Neighbors By Being a Good Neighbor

Can we agree that we’re all in this together? If you notice anything suspicious about a neighbor’s garage, live up to the high expectations set by the great people of Indianapolis and communicate with them! When a garage door has been open for hours on end, with nobody in sight, give your neighbor a call or go knock on their door and make sure everything is okay. You would hope that your neighbors would do the same for you, right? Of course, if something seems fishy or dangerous, don’t put yourself at risk, but use discretion, and be a good neighbor. That’s what we’re all about at Garage Door Doctor.

Call Us For a Free Inspection!

If you need a new garage door or just want to make sure that your current garage set-up is optimized for safety, give us a call and we’ll come out for a free inspection. We love serving Indiana with superior garage door repair, maintenance, and replacement. We look forward to hearing from you, and stay safe out there neighbors!

Preparing For Garage Door Installation Service

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Installation.

Maybe you’ve noticed the signs that indicate you need a garage door replacement or maybe you just want to enhance the look and curb appeal of your home with a new, modern garage door — whatever your reasoning for garage door installation your new door will ready for installation before you know it!

Garage door installation requires a lot of planning. Our technicians need a safe working environment to ensure proper installation and to avoid any setbacks. If we can’t access the garage, objects are in the way, or we have no electrical access, the installation may be delayed.

Preparing For Your Upcoming Garage Door Installation

What can you do to help ensure a smooth professional installation? There are a few simple steps you can take that will make the garage door installation process easier for you and our crew of garage door technicians.

1. Clear Your Garage

The first thing you will want to do to prepare for garage door installation is to clear your garage. In order to properly install a new garage door system, there cannot be any vehicles or obstructions in your garage. It is helpful if you move vehicles out of the garage and to a spot far enough away that still allows us to park our work vehicle near the garage door opening and work around that area without risking any damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, you’ll want to clear any other equipment or objects in your garage that may get in the way. Lawnmowers, sporting equipment, garbage bins, and other items that are near the garage door or the garage door tracks should be moved outside of or to the rear of the garage. As a safety measure, have at least one foot on each side of the garage door track and fourteen feet back into the garage clear. This will ensure there is plenty of room for our technicians to set up a ladder, remove your existing door and opener, and set up and assemble the new door and opener system.

2. Make Sure We Have Access

In order to replace your existing garage door system with a new one, our team will need access to your garage. Therefore, it is important to be present, at least for the beginning of the installation process. Once we have access to your garage, you are free to go about your normal routine, just make sure that you remain reachable in case any questions arise.

3. Keep Your Pets Inside

If you have pets, make sure they have a safe place to stay while the installation is going on. While our garage door contractors enjoy seeing your friendly furry companions, far too often customers let their pets roam free during the installation process. This is dangerous for both your pet and the installation team. It is easy to trip over a pet or drop large objects. Your pet may even find something interesting to chew on that may in fact be dangerous. To avoid these risks, simply make sure you keep your pets inside or in a safe area away from the garage door.

4. Watch Your Kids

Children are often curious about what goes on during a garage door installation, but they need to remain a safe distance away from the garage area. It is not safe for children to be playing or hanging around the garage area during the installation process. Removal of your existing door and the installation of your new garage door includes items under spring tension, heavy items, overhead items, and power tools. This being the case, the only people that should be in the garage or the area of the installation are the trained and experienced garage door contractors.

5. Choose A Spot For Your Wall Console

Typically, wall consoles or keyless entry pads are placed next to the personnel door that enters the garage, on the garage side of the wall. Exterior keyless entry pads are normally installed on the left side exterior jamb of the garage door that is closest to the personnel door into the garage. If you would like a special location for the wall console or keyless entry pad for your garage door system, be sure the garage door contractors are aware of your preferred location

By doing your part to prepare for garage door installation service will make the process go that much more smoothly and efficiently. The garage door contractors on the job will truly appreciate that you took a few moments to follow these simple suggestions.

Request An Estimate For Garage Door Installation

If you are in need of a garage door installation service, you can count on the team at Garage Door Doctor. Our trained and experienced technicians will work promptly and efficiently to replace your existing door and opener system will a new one that will last for years to come. If you would like to receive an estimate, contact us!

Helpful Tips For Fall Garage Door Maintenance

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

The Midwest is known to have some brutal cold winters, and one of the last things you will want to do when the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling is clean or fix your garage door. That’s why the fall is a great time to finish up any remaining preventive maintenance so you’re not stuck with a faulty garage door system in the winter.

Luckily, we put together four fall garage door maintenance tips to ensure be worry-free as Old Man Winter approaches.

Tip #1: Clean Up

While there is still some sunshine and temperatures are still up in the fifties, make sure to give your garage a good exterior and interior cleaning.

  • Use a power washes to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris
  • Wash the garage floor with soap and water to get rid of any fluids, dirt and debris from the road, or stains that may be building up.

Extra Tip: Make sure that the lenses of your garage door photo eye sensors are clear, free of any dirt, dust, and debris.

Tip #2: Lubricate Moving Parts

As intricate systems of metal moving parts, garage doors need lubrication to work smoothly. The owner’s manual of garage door system should contain detailed lubrication information.

  • Make sure that the tracks and rollers operate without any issues.
  • Ensure that the torsion spring above the door is well lubricated.
  • Spray all moving parts with a lubricant to help create a quiet, reliable operation.

Tip #3: Check Seals and Weather Stripping

The corners, bottom, and sides of your garage door are most likely to let cold air in during the winter, causing your heating bills to spike when left unattended.

  • Double check to ensure that your weather stripping and seals are in-tack, not worn out, and show no signs of weathering or cracking.
  • Consider adding or replacing insulation to your garage door if it’s not already insulated — some new garage doors even come insulated.

Tip #4: Inspect The Track For Dents

It is common for garage door tracks to be damaged over time, especially after repetitive use. Before the winter season, do your due diligence to make sure that the track is in good condition.

  • Thoroughly inspect the track in search of nicks, dents, and other damages.
  • Ensure that the rack is clear and that the door is running smoothly along the rails as it should.

Get Professional Garage Door Preventive Maintenance

The tips above are just a few ways to ensure your garage door is ready for the upcoming weather, however, you cannot go wrong with professional maintenance from the experts at Garage Door Doctor. Contact us to learn more.

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide For Your Garage

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Now that the cold winter conditions are behind us and spring is finally here, many people have already begun their spring cleaning routine. From washing kitchen floors, vacuuming and dusting the bedroom, to reorganizing the living room — there are several tasks to knock out that will help revitalize the look of a home and feel of a home. However, amidst all of the areas in a home that are included in a spring cleaning routine, there is one area that is often overlooked or skipped.

Garages and the extra space they offer is a great addition to any home. However, the use of garages has developed into something more than just their intended purpose of housing cars. Many homeowners use their garages to store a variety of items and belongings. From old clothing, furniture, and appliances to out-of-season holiday decorations, there is no guessing what you may come across in a garage. If you are like most homeowners, your garage can certainly act as a “catch-all” for just about any item you can think of. Before you know it, garages can become a cluttered, unorganized mess. Sometimes, garages can become so cluttered that there is no longer any room to park a car. Plus, with the nasty conditions we had this winter it is likely that salt, water, mud, and debris was transferred into your garage. This makes the spring an ideal time to clean a garage and get it ready for summer!

Spring Cleaning Tips For A Garage

Cleaning a filthy and cluttered garage can be a daunting task, but it should not be left out of your spring cleaning routine. To assist homeowners, we put together some helpful tips to quickly declutter, clean and organize a garage this spring-cleaning-season.

1. Create a plan and set goals

Before starting any big home cleaning project it is important to first establish a course of action before tackling tasks. Simply putting garage cleaning on your spring cleaning to-do will not always be enough. Before you start cleaning out your garage, take a moment to analyze the area to get a good idea of what needs to be done. Create a checklist of certain tasks you want to accomplish and things you may want to get rid of. If you really want to be motivated, try setting some goals. Maybe those goals are fitting two vehicles inside instead, or creating enough space to install new garage cabinets. Creating a detailed cleaning plan and setting specific goals will help you get a better understand of what you want to accomplish.

2. Set aside enough time

Depending on how cluttered and messy your garage is, it is unlikely that you will be able to fully clean it in a few hours. Most garage cleaning projects can be knocked out in a weekend, or back-to-back days. Be sure to set aside enough time to sort, clean, and organize items and areas in your garage. If you want to make the cleaning process go by faster, consider asking a friend or family member for help! Be sure to provide them with food and drinks for helping you with a less than glamorous task!

3. Take everything out

In order to effectively clean and tidy up a garage, it is usually easier and less overwhelming to remove everything from inside of the garage to start the cleaning process. While this may seem like an exhausting and time-consuming task, it is ultimately worth doing if you want to have a tidy garage this spring and summer. The more you take out, the easier it will be to give your garage a top-to-bottom cleaning. Try to take out as much as you can — vehicles and all. If the weather allows, you can place the items from your garage in the driveway or yard. When removing items from your garage, take the time to group them five different categories: keep, sell, trash, donate, and recycle.

4. Don’t be afraid to let go

When sorting through the items and placing them into different categories, don’t be afraid to add things to the “sell” and “trash” piles. Many people choose to hang on to certain items and belongings due to the fear of potentially needing it in the future. If you come across items you are unsure about, consider whether you will be using the item again in the near future, and whether or not it’s worth the occupied space and extra clutter. When you clean out your garage and throw away unwanted or unnecessary items along the way, it will be much easier to decide whether an item is worth keeping or selling.

5. Start cleaning

Once the garage is finally free of vehicles, items, and other clutter you can start cleaning the areas that would otherwise be hard to reach, such as the walls, floor, and garage door. These areas of the garage tend to be very filthy, especially after the winter. Although most homeowners don’t spend too much time in their garages, cleaning these main areas will help your garage look more appealing and comfortable. Follow these steps to give your garage a tidier look.

The walls

Over time, garage walls can become covered with dirt. This can be an eyesore, especially with white walls. Before scrubbing down the walls, first use a vacuum cleaner with a hose to remove any cobwebs or layers of dust that is calcified to the wall. Next, use a bucket of water with a mild detergent to start washing the walls. To quickly clean your walls, begin at the bottom of the walls, working your way to the top in horizontal layers. After reaching the top, lightly wipe away excess water to avoid streaks and stains.

The floors

The garage floor is likely covered with stains and debris, especially after the winter season. Start cleaning your floors by sweeping them, ensuring to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Then using a garden hose and cleaning detergent, wash and scrub the flooring. Once that is done, finish by rinsing. If you garage does not have a floor drain, be sure to remove and dry any excess water remaining. If unsightly stains remain, consider hiring a garage floor coating service.

The garage door

Start by using a broom or brush to rid your garage doors of any loose dirt or debris. With the garage door close, spray the outside of the door with a garden hose to do a majority of the cleaning. After, use soapy water and a sponge to wipe both sides of the door down. Give extra attention to any stains that require it. Once the door is dry, be sure to quickly inspect areas that may need garage door maintenance or repair. Be sure to wipe the photo eye sensor lenses to ensure dust and debris isn’t getting in the way. Lubricate rollers, chains, and other parts as necessary.

6. Determine the best layout

Now that your garage is clean and tidy, it’s time to find a home for the items and belongings in the “keep” pile. If there are items that you frequently use in the garage, such as a fridge or recycle bin, be sure to place it near the door for easy access. To ensure you have enough room for vehicles, park them inside the garage and start transferring items neatly into organized areas or spaces.

7. Create extra storage space

One of the reasons garages become so cluttered is because there is not enough space to store items. However, there are many simple storage solutions to create more space in your garage. Consider installing garage cabinets and shelves, hang your tools on a pegboard. Taking things off of the floor and putting them into shelves and cabinets will clear up more space for other items and appliances.

8. Schedule garage door maintenance

The winter can take a toll on a garage door and the garage door opener. It is recommended that garage doors receive yearly routine service to keep it running smoothly. And now that you have a clean garage, it is the perfect time to schedule a garage door inspection with a professional garage door repair company. Scheduling routine maintenance with a garage door service company will make sure that your door is correctly balanced and aligned, properly lubricating rollers, hinges, and other necessary parts, and ensure that there is no visible wear or damage.

9. Prevent future clutter

Once your garage spring cleaning is finished,, you will want to make sure that all of your hard work pays off by maintaining its tidiness and organization. Do your best from allowing clutter to reclaim the space in your garage. Use the cabinets and storage shelves to keep clutter off of the garage floor. Be sure to sweep and hose down the garage floor to keep it free of dirt and debris.

Hopefully, these tips will help you with your spring cleaning routine and a cleaner, more appealing garage. Be sure to remember this blog to repeat the same routine next spring, for a clutter-free garage all year-round!

Need service for your Indianapolis Garage Door?

Now that the temperatures in Indianapolis are looking more and more promising, this is the perfect time to start spring cleaning your home and garage. When you finishing your cleaning routine it is best to have a garage door service come out and inspect it to ensure it is operating properly. When you need garage door service in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas, you can rely on Garage Door Doctor! Whether you are in need of garage door replacement, repair, maintenance, routine service, or garage door installation — whatever your needs are, the experts at Garage Door Doctor can help. Request Indianapolis garage door service today!

Choosing The Right Residential Garage Door

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

For many homeowners, garage doors are an important part of their lives. In fact, many potential buyers have garages on their checklist of wants and desires they are looking for while shopping the real estate market. And, for those who are putting their home for sale on the market, most homeowners realize that garages and garage doors are an essential factor in a home’s curb appeal. Of course, the exterior finishing and landscaping materials can surely make a difference, but a garage door is a huge factor due to taking up a large portion of a home’s exterior.

Because garage doors play such an important role in the security of our homes, curb appeal, and home accessibility, choosing the best garage door for your home can be difficult. With the variety of styles, colors, and materials continuously growing more varied to meet customer demands, choosing a residential garage door has never been more challenging for homeowners. That is why we decided to put together this guide on how to choose the right residential garage door.

If you are someone who is the market for garage doors but constantly are asking yourself, “Which garage door should I buy?”, then this guide is a great starting point!

Importance of choosing the right garage door

Before we dive into the core details, we thought it would be best to go over some of the reasons why making the right garage door choice is so important. As mentioned above, garage doors can increase the value of a home. In fact, garage doors are one of the most eye-catching and appealing home improvement projects for potential buyers. And, according to the National Association of Realtors, a garage door improvement project comes with an estimated project recovery value of 87 percent. Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home anytime soon, a new garage door is still a great investment for homeowners, especially if their current door is malfunctioning, outdated, or broken.

Choosing the right garage door is important due to the various ways a garage door actually impacts our lives at home. Think about it, garages are the largest area of a home, meaning a garage door is likely the main focal point for people driving by, which is why choosing a door with the right design is important. Additionally, being such a large surface, a garage door has a significant effect on the insulation of homes. If insulation and heating and cooling costs are a concern, it may be best to choose an insulated garage door. Another concern is safety —  due to the size and location of a garage door, many thieves and burglars will target garages. However, newer garage doors are much better at hampering intruders. And lastly, choosing a garage door that is safe is important to ensure that accidental injuries are avoided.

How to decide what’s the optimal garage door for your home

Now that you know why choosing the right garage door is important for homeowners, it’s time to move on to how homeowners decide what the optimal garage door is for their home is. A good start in deciding is for homeowners to consider what type of statement they want their garage door to make. For example, homes that have gray or beige exteriors will look tidy and aesthetically pleasing with the addition of a white door. In contrast, homes that are white should feature a garage door in a color that helps create color contrast and dimension. Additionally, there are many different types of garage doors to choose from, some better complementing homes than others. Check out a brief overview of the three common garage door options so you can choose which door is right for your home!

Aluminium garage door

Aluminum garage doors look great with contemporary homes. Although aluminum is a lighter material of steel, these garage doors are dent resistant and hold up well during all four seasons.

Benefits of aluminum garage doors

  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Less strain on torsion spring, garage door opener, and other parts
  • Comes in a variety of styles, can be embossed, and is paintable

Steel garage door

Steel garage doors are a top choice for many homeowners. And the best part, steel doors can be manufactured to look like wood!

benefits of steel garage doors

  • Extremely durable
  • Available in a variety of styles and colors
  • More affordable than other materials

Fiberglass garage door

Fiberglass doors are a great alternative option for homeowners looking for durability, but not a steel garage door. Like some steel doors, fiberglass doors can be manufactured to closely resemble wooden garage doors.

benefits of fiberglass garage doors

  • Perform better in harsh environments
  • Can be less expensive than other materials
  • Available in many styles, colors and wood-like finishes.

Steps to choose a new garage door

As mentioned, purchasing a garage door can be a daunting task for many people. While knowing the different types of garage door materials will help with the decision, there are still many questions that homeowners need to answer before pulling the trigger on a new door. To make sense of it all and find the garage door that best fits your home, follow these simple steps.

Step #1: Understand options

As you saw above, there are a variety of materials, styles, and colors of residential garage doors that are available for homes. It is important to have an idea of which brand of garage door you want, the impact the garage will have on curb appeal, the style options and material choices available, which features are important, insulation benefits, and even the budget you are willing to invest into a new door.

Step #2: Determine Materials

Perhaps the most important factor of garage door selection is choosing the material. As mentioned above, there are multiple garage door materials that can be used for residential applications. All doors are not the same, and each material of garage doors has its advantages and disadvantages.

Step #3: Decide on insulation

If you have an attached garage or a garage that is adjacent to any kind of living space, like a kitchen or bedroom, it may be a good idea to choose a garage door that is insulated. Insulated garage doors will help those rooms remain comfortable, even when you live in a climate with harsh winters or summers. Plus, insulated doors are often much quieter.

Step #4: Think about the future

A garage door selection is one that should last and remain appealing for many years. You’ll want to consider choosing a garage door that is durable, able to withstand harsh weather conditions, long-lasting, and won’t require much maintenance or repair.

Step #5: Hire a garage door installation company

Once you’ve done your research and have determined, and decided on, specific factors, you are ready to find a local garage door company that specializes in garage door installation.
They will be able to provide you with expert advice and garage door services, leaving you with a beautiful, appealing garage door.

We hope that this brief guide will make choosing a residential garage door for your home much easier. A garage door is a big investment and choosing the right one for your home is essential to its security, curb appeal, energy-efficiency, and many other factors!

Looking for Marion County garage door installation?

If you are thinking about buying a new garage door in Indianapolis, or in other Marion County areas, there is not a garage door company that is trusted more than Garage Door Doctor! For many years, our team of experts has been providing Indianapolis with garage door repair, maintenance, and installation services. We are proud to install Haas Garage Doors, including the Haas American Tradition Series, in homes throughout Indiana. Our team of trained professionals can provide timely service for all garage doors! We are ready to help you select the perfect garage door for your home, like the Haas Model 360. And, we can even help develop your customized Haas garage door for your Indianapolis home. To learn more about our garage doors, or for help choosing the right garage door for your home, contact the team at Garage Door Doctor.

Preparing Your Garage For Winter

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Autumn has officially begun! The leaves are changing, the temperature is cooling down, and our weekends may be filled with football. While fall is a fun and exciting time of the year it won’t be long before it is over. That’s right, the winter season is right around the corner. If you live in the Midwest, you know that winters can be unpredictable. Without warning, a random foot of snow can easily ruin your plans by making you stay inside due to the tundra-like conditions.

As winter creeps closer, homeowners will begin preparing their home to withstand the cold, snow, and wind that accompanies the lengthy season. While homeowners spend all this time and money getting their homes ready for the upcoming cold, they often forget to get their garages ready, too.

Winter Preparation For Garages

Yes, you read that right. Maybe you have never heard of getting your garage ready for winter, but the truth is, this space needs as much care as the rest of your home and property. While most homeowners don’t spend their spare time in their garage, especially in the winter, there are several things you can do to make your garage a more comfortable space and ensure that it is in great condition when Spring arrives.Check out a few tips for getting your garage ready for winter.

Garage Door Maintenance

Most people aren’t concerned with their garage door openers until it stops working. And, the last thing you want is for your opener to stop working in the middle of a snowstorm, leaving you stranded in the cold. Before it gets too cold, perform a quick inspection of your garage door opener. Check to ensure the following:

  • The track is clean and lubricated properly
  • The springs show no signs of wear, rust or damage
  • The automatic reversal system works efficiently

Unless you really know what you’re doing, you should only perform a visual evaluation of your garage door and opener. The adjustment of springs, repair, and the replacement of a garage should be left to a professional garage door service.

Keep the cold out

Keeping outside air out of your garage is important, especially during the winter. If you have an older garage, there is a good chance there is nothing stopping the cold air from getting in. And, if you have an attached garage, the cold air could be constantly altering the temperature of your home, causing energy bills to skyrocket. Before the cold arrives, be sure to check your garage door’s seals to ensure there are no tears or other signs of damage. If they aren’t already, consider weather-stripping and caulking the windows and entry doors within your garage.

You can also replace your old garage door with a new, insulated one. An insulated garage door will help create a more comfortable and energy efficient garage. Insulation will keep the warm air from escaping, and the cool air from entering. These doors also offer quieter operation as well as increased durability.

Waterproof Flooring

As we mentioned, winters are unpredictable and can bring unplanned accidents. A harsh winter can cause snow and ice to build up outside of your garage, and when the snow or ice melts, the water could end up entering your garage causing a flood. To be safe, you can waterproof the floor of your garage. While waterproofing won’t stop floods from happening, it will help mitigate some of the damages caused. Plus, when the snow and ice on your car melts in the garage, you can rest assured knowing it won’t cause any damages.

Heat things up

While an insulated door will help keep the heat in and the cold air out, if you really want to keep warm from the frosty Midwest winter, you may want to consider adding a heater to your garage. If you solely use your garage for vehicle and clutter storage, then heating might not be a worthwhile investment. However, if you use your garage as a family space, workout room, or man cave a heater might be a nice addition as it will maintain a comfortable and stable temperature.

Professional Garage Service Indianapolis

If you live in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, you know that our winters are not very pleasant. Be sure you start getting your home and garage ready for the cold. If you want to schedule garage door maintenance, contact the professionals at Garage Door Doctor. Our team specializes in the repair, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial garage doors. We also carry and install reliable, insulated garage doors that will help keep your garage warm this winter season. For more information, or to receive a free consultation, contact Garage Door Doctor today!

Pros and Cons: Attached Garages

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

If you’re remodeling your current house, building a new house, or planning a move and shopping the housing market,  there is a good chance you will experience (or already are experiencing) an overwhelming amount of decisions.

With all the decisions that come with our homes, it can often be easy to overlook ones that are more important than most people realize, like the decisions that come with garages. Today, garages have become pretty standard with most houses as they bring many benefits, including the protection of your vehicles. If homeowners don’t have a garage, they may still be debating whether to add one to their current home or start shopping for a new home that has one. However, when it comes to garages, most people do not think about whether or not they prefer an attached or detached garage.

Both detached and attached garages come with an extensive list of advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately neither is worse than the other, it is solely based on personal preference and what priorities are most important to you.

Since you most likely have never really thought about which type of garage you prefer, we are going to help you by highlighting the unique features that each option offers, starting with attached garages.

Attached Garages: An Overview

Attached garages didn’t become a popular trend until the 1950s. Most houses that were built before then do not have an attached garage unless there was one added during a home remodel. Nonetheless, there are many benefits to garages that are attached to homes, which has been proven true from how popular they have become over the past half-century. The size of attached garages can vary, but the average size can have enough space for one to two vehicles. Whether or not an attached garage is right for you can depend greatly on your personal needs as well as the area and the neighborhood you live in. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of attached garages:

Advantages of Attached Garages

  • Easier to build. If you’re adding an attached garage to your home and are starting from scratch, they are much simpler and cost-effective project. Think about it: you already have one, if not two walls that will make up half of the garages framework. Compared to a detached garage, an attached garage will most likely take less time and cost a bit less.
  • Easy access. This may be a given, but attached garages are much more simple to access than a detached garage. It’s more convenient and time-efficient, as you can easily go back and forth between the garage and the house. Easy access becomes an important factor, especially if you choose to keep an extra fridge in the garage or use it as an extra workspace. Having this type of accessibility can be extremely convenient for homeowners.
  • No more walking through weather. An attached garage can be a real luxury, especially during the harsh Midwest winters. Whether it is snowing, raining, or there are high winds, there’s nothing more beneficial than being able to access your garage without having to go outside. During these terrible weather conditions, attached garages give you the advantage of being able to park your car safely and access your home without being exposed to the conditions outside.
  • Allows more yard space. Unlike detached garages, attached garages do not take up as much open yard space. If you have children or pets, this can be a huge advantage as it allows for more space to play. Also, the yard space that is saved from having an attached garage can be used for a garden, swimming pool, fire-pit, trampoline — there are plenty of options!
  • Visually large appearance. In a previous blog, we covered how garages can increase your home’s curb appeal, but attached garages can also make your home appear larger. If you’re someone who has a small home and are interested in making it appear larger than it actually is, an attached garage can do just that. Sometimes, depending on the size of your home and garage, an attached garage can appear to double the size of a house.
  • Cheaper utilities. Since you have utilities already set up in your home, it will be much simpler and cheaper to extend them into your garage if it is attached. The same goes for electricity, too.

Disadvantages of Attached Garages

  • Higher security risk. Although this is often overlooked, attached garages bring slightly less protection and security than a detached garage does. This is simply because if a trespasser can access the garage, it is much easier to gain access into the house it is connected to, which is not possible with detached garages. However, there are plenty of ways to help prevent and protect your garage from theft.
  • Difficult to build in certain neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods feature houses that are built closer together, usually offering a more narrow backyard space. If you live in these types of neighborhoods or live on a small lot, there may not be enough space to add a garage to your home. Many smaller lots with long and narrow houses are better off building a detached garage instead.
  • Less privacy. This is more based on personal preference, in addition to what you use your garage for. Some homeowners utilize garage space based on personal lifestyle, needs, and preference. If you solely use your garage for car storage and parking, then this really isn’t something that you should worry about. However, if you use your garage space for an office, gym, or getaway from the main house, it is easier for family members to pop-in and causes distractions.
  • May look odd on older houses. As we mentioned earlier, attached garages didn’t take off until the 1950s. Since older homes weren’t designed or built to have a garage, it can often be difficult to add one. If you do add a garage to an older home, it may look odd and visually unappealing.

Pros and Cons: Attached GaragesAs you can see, there are plenty of pros and cons to attached garages. Keep an eye out for our next blog, as we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of detached garages to help you decide which is best for your home. Whether you choose an attached garage or not, you’re going to need a high-quality garage door as well as a professional garage door installation company to complete your garage. If you live in Indianapolis, or in the surrounding areas, you can count on Garage Door Doctor for all your garage door repair and installation needs! Garage Door Doctor offers 24/7 emergency service, so they’re always ready to help their customers. For more information or receive a free estimate, contact the team at Garage Door Doctor!

Six Ways To Upgrade Your Garage

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

In today’s world, one thing that a lot of us have in common is wanting more space in our homes. We are always trying different strategies in an attempt to upgrade our homes, whether it’s remodeling the kitchen or redecorating the living room. But why are garages often overlooked when planning an upgrade to your home?

Most people think of the garage as just a place to park their car, and maybe somewhere to store all their extra clutter. However, a garage can be more than just a storage area, and its potential is often underused. Let’s take a look at a handful of ways you can upgrade your garage and utilize its space.

Get Organized

Working on more garages than we can count, we know how disorganized garages can become. But there are many different options available for getting your garage organized. Wall organizers can be extremely helpful and can cut down your garage clutter in no time by removing items off the floor and placing them onto the walls. This not only gives you easy access and storage for your items, but it also creates much more floor space. If your garage has space, installing ceiling storage is a great way to organize items that were originally stored in your garage.

Epoxy Flooring

If you’re going to upgrade your garage, you should consider improving the floor. For those who have an old garage, the flooring is most likely concrete and may have some oil stains and cracks here and there. Overall, looking at the floor makes your cringe. Sure, you can take the time to power wash the stains off and scrub the floor clean, but you’re still left with an old concrete floor.

Epoxy flooring is a trend that has taken off with garages. A lot of new or upgraded garages will contain epoxy flooring. Sealing a garage floor with epoxy is very common for car collectors and vintage car restoration fanatics. This flooring makes messes much easier to clean and is more visually appealing than a concrete floor. Sealing with epoxy will give you a garage floor you’ll appreciate every time you step foot on it.

Install Cabinets

While wall organizers work great for storing and organizing items in your garage, they are limited to the amount of weight they can hold and what they can store. Adding cabinets to your garage is an efficient way to store small items, as well as items that are bulky. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets turn vertical space into innovative storage possibilities, getting everything off the garage floor and into a cabinet, safe behind a door. Cabinets can either be fitted or mounted for more stability, or free-stand cabinets are a good option for garages that move around a lot to meet the necessary demands. Getting custom made storage cabinets for your garage will allow for effective usage of the vertical space wherever it is needed. Custom cabinets can vary from floor-to-ceiling; base cabinets under a countertop; upper cabinets over workspaces, vehicles, or belongings; enclosed cabinets with drawers; or a combination of them all! Even if your garage is small, you can still upgrade it by adding upper cabinets, providing sufficient and functional storage in addition to parking accommodation.

Invest in Insulation

Heating and cooling costs can end up getting expensive, especially if you have a garage. Although garages can open and shut, they still allow air in, which ends up changing the temperature of the garage. When a garage is attached to a house, it can affect the temperature inside of the home. An insulated garage door will conserve energy, keep your garage warmer, be less likely to come out of alignment, and will be significantly quieter than a door without insulation.

Even if you take the time to insulate your door, there are still other issues you may face if your garage is attached to your house. If your garage has concrete walls, cold air can still be transferred to your garage and home. Insulating the ceiling and walls of the garage will help stop the fluctuation of temperatures in your house, lowering the energy bills, even if the temperature changes inside your garage.

Forget the Remote Opener, Use a Smartphone

Our phones are an important part of our lives. Studies have shown that we use our phones more than four hours each day, so why not open your garages with one? There are many garage door openers that use this technology so that your garage can be controlled in the palm of your hand, no matter where you are. Garages can open and close with the tap of a button, but having your phone serve as a remote, you’ll never have to worry about losing those tiny openers that only work within a certain range. Even if your current garage door opener doesn’t have the wireless smartphone technology, special sensors are available to pair with your current opener, giving you the same functionality.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

In a previous blog, we explained how garage doors can improve your home’s curb appeal. In most cases, garage doors are the first thing people see when arriving at a home that has one, so it’s important to make a good impression. No garage upgrade is complete if the door is old or requires consistent troubleshooting or maintenance. By upgrading to a new garage door that perfectly captures the idea you have in mind, you can instantly transform your home’s curb appeal. Some new garage doors even come with insulation, which will end up saving you money on your energy bills. Upgraded garage doors also make for better security, making it harder for intruders to get in than it would be with a bad-fitting or faulty garage door. Lastly, upgrading your garage door and opener will save you time and money by requiring significantly less maintenance than what an older one would need.

Call the Garage Door Doctor

When you’re upgrading your garage and are looking for a new door or opener, contact Garage Door Doctor! We perform garage door installations throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We carry a variety of residential garage door types, like raised, recessed, and flush panel doors, accent plank doors, and carriage house stamped and overlay doors. We also offer installation of reliable Liftmaster garage door openers.

Let Garage Door Doctor help complete your garage upgrade with our wide selection of modern doors and openers. For more information, contact our team today!

Three Signs You Need A New Garage Door

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

There are many different reasons to get a new garage door, however, if yours is exhibiting any of the signs we’re going to talk about today on the Garage Door Doctor blog, it’s likely that getting a new garage door for your Indianapolis home is going to be essential.The good new is, we don’t only offer our services in Indianapolis, so if you’re in Bargersville, Camby, Geist, and Mooresville, we can help you with all of your garage door needs. Keep reading to learn the signs you should be paying attention to that can alert you that it’s time for a new garage door.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Garage Door

Frequent Breakdowns And Constant Noise

If you’re finding that your garage door is breaking down on a regular basis or it’s not opening or closing the way it was intended to, it may be time for a replacement. In addition to frequent breakdowns, loud noises are not only annoying to listen to, but they can also indicate that your door is no longer functioning correctly, and it may even be a sign of a safety hazard. If the problem goes beyond a simple repair by a professional, it may be time to opt for a new door instead of multiple service calls.

Out-Of-Date Design

In the same way that a new garage door can enhance the look of your property, an outdated door can drastically decrease the curb appeal of your home. Whether the design of your current door is simply old-fashioned or you have a door that has paint chipping or the wood is splitting, this is a sign that you need an updated garage door. You can find all of the new, modern designs for garage doors when you shop with us. Whether you’re looking for a door that has raised panels, recessed panels, a carriage house overlay, or even accent planks, we have many of the most popular designs available for you to purchase for your home.

Lacks Efficiency And Safety Features

Along with updated designs, newer garage doors have safety and efficiency features that older doors don’t have. Newer doors will provide you with standard features such as insulation, weather strips, bottom seals, and more. Newer doors also commonly have safety features, such as sensors, that reduce the likelihood of the door closing on someone or something that’s stuck under the door.

Instead of simply tolerating your old garage door, maybe it’s time to think about upgrading to take advantage of all of the benefits that come with getting a new door. Garage doors are a heavy piece of machinery, and keeping an old, unsafe door can not only make using your current door frustrating, but it may increase the risk that something will go wrong with the door, which could potentially be harmful to a loved one.

Don’t continue to put off getting a new garage door for your Indianapolis home. Call Garage Door Doctor today to learn more about upgrading your door. We look forward to hearing from you!

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Your garage door serves as more than a tool to keep the components of your garage protected from the elements. Your garage door is often a focal point of the front of your house, and it can either add to or detract from your home’s curb appeal. If you’ve been thinking about having a new garage door installed, call Garage Door Doctor. We can install a beautiful, residential garage door that will dramatically improve the look of your Indianapolis home. If you’d like to completely revamp the curb appeal of your home, we have a few more tips for you on how you can boost the exterior look and feel of your home.

Top Tips For Adding Curb Appeal To Your Home

Make Your Front Door Pop

Aside from your garage door, your front door is probably the most noticeable feature of your home—or at least it could be! Getting a front door with a unique design or painting your front door a fun color is a great way to draw attention to your home’s entrance. Even if you’re not up for replacing or painting your front door, you can add decals to the door that say things such as, “welcome,” or “hello.” You can also add decorative wreaths that you update throughout the year based on the season. The possibilities to make your front door pop really are endless.

Update Your Mailbox

If you have a mailbox in front of your home, there’s no need to keep the standard, metal mailbox that has been outside your home for the last 15 years. A mailbox is an easy item to replace and you can find one that suits your own style and even shows off a bit of your personality. You can even add a flower box around your mailbox to make it more of a focal point.

Add Window Boxes

Speaking of flowers, adding window boxes to the windows in the front of your home adds more of a three dimensional look to the exterior, and it also adds to the color of your home. Make sure that you pick flowers and plants that will complement your home’s color scheme.

Build An Arbor Or A Picket Fence

Adding an arbor to the ground where the walkway to your front door meets the sidewalk in front of your home will act as a beautiful entryway to your property. If you’d like to add a little more definition and security to the yard in front of your home, a white picket fence is the epitome of curb appeal.

Add Art

Outdoor art can consist of birdbaths, sculptures, metal cutouts, wind chimes, and fountains. Find pieces that fit your personal style and preferences, while also keeping with the theme and colors of your home.

If you’re ready to boost the curb appeal of your home, call Garage Door Doctor to have a new, residential garage door installed, and try some of our other tips listed above. We offer our garage door services in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.