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6 Easy Ways to Boost the Security of Your Garage Door

Your garage door serves as the gateway to your home, protecting not only your vehicles but also your valuable belongings. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked when it comes to home security. Enhancing the security of your garage door is crucial in safeguarding your property and ensuring peace of mind. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and practical tips to fortify your fortress and increase the security of your garage door.

Upgrade to a Modern Garage Door Opener

One of the first steps to enhance your garage door security is to upgrade to a modern garage door opener. Older models can be more vulnerable to burglars who may exploit their outdated technology. Consider replacing it with a newer, more secure opener that incorporates advanced encryption protocols. These modern openers use rolling codes that change with each use, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal.

Reinforce the Garage Door

Strengthening the physical integrity of your garage door is vital in deterring potential intruders. Start by inspecting the door for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the hinges, tracks, and rollers are in good condition. If you notice any weaknesses, promptly repair or replace the affected parts. Additionally, reinforce the door with a metal bar or a sturdy locking mechanism, such as a deadbolt or padlock, to prevent forced entry.

Install Motion-Activated Lighting

Illuminating the exterior of your garage can significantly enhance its security. Install motion-activated lights near the garage door and along the driveway. These lights will not only deter potential burglars but also provide you with better visibility during nighttime arrivals. Choose energy-efficient LED lights for longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Secure Garage Windows

Windows in your garage can serve as an easy point of access for burglars. Reinforce them with shatterproof glass or apply a security film that strengthens their resistance to breakage. Consider covering the windows with blinds, curtains, or frosted film to obstruct the view from the outside, minimizing the temptation for potential intruders.

Employ a Garage Door Monitoring System

Investing in a garage door monitoring system adds an extra layer of security to your home. These systems allow you to remotely monitor the status of your garage door, receive real-time notifications, and even control it from your smartphone. Some advanced systems also integrate with home security systems, providing a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your property.

Maintain Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to keep your garage door in optimal condition. Schedule periodic checks for misaligned tracks, loose bolts, or any signs of tampering. Lubricate the moving parts to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear. By proactively addressing any issues, you can prevent security vulnerabilities and prolong the lifespan of your garage door.

Your garage door is a crucial component of your home’s security, and neglecting its protection can leave your property vulnerable to theft and intrusions. By following these practical steps, you can significantly increase the security of your garage door and fortify your fortress. Invest in modern technology, reinforce the physical structure, install motion-activated lighting, secure garage windows, employ monitoring systems, and prioritize regular maintenance. By doing so, you’ll create a safer environment for your vehicles, belongings, and, most importantly, your loved ones.

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4 Common Causes of Garage Door Noise

Is your garage door making unusual noises lately? If so, it might be time to call the repairman. If you’re noticing new or strange sounds coming from your garage door when it opens or closes, there could be several reasons why. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Damaged tracks

If you have an old garage door or if there is a good amount of force exerted on it, the tracks may become damaged over time. This can hinder it from opening or closing smoothly and cause a lot of noise. Damaged tracks should be looked at right away and may require you to call a garage door repair company.

Loose chain

A loose chain in your garage door mechanism is another common reason that your garage door may be making a lot of noise. Check to see if it is loose or drooping anywhere because it might be getting stuck while opening or closing. If this is the case with your garage, it’s time to get your chain replaced.

Poor lubrication

Another problem with garage doors is a lack of proper lubrication. If the tracks and chains on your garage door seem to be in fine shape, your issue could be poor lubrication. Call a garage door repairman and ask for suggestions to know what would suit your garage door better.

Door imbalance issues

Is your garage door hanging mid-way before closing? This might be because it’s not balanced properly. This type of imbalance could be causing the strange noise you’re hearing. It commonly creates a squeaking sound when you raise or lower the garage door.

Fixing garage door damage on your own runs the risk of making the damage even worse. It’s always a good idea to call in an expert to take care of any problems you may have. Our team at Affina Door Company is ready to help. Contact us today!

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Get a New Garage Door This Spring

The bad boys that do the heavy lifting and stabilizing of your garage door are the torsion springs.

They’re critical to the process, and they can be a little bit temperamental. We recommend an annual maintenance of your entire system to keep opening and closing a smooth process. Here’s a little question and answer session from us at Affina Door Company to help you take care of those springs.

• I have a broken spring. Can I replace it myself? Possibly, but not recommended. It’s a big job for all but the most experienced DIYer, as it involves the springs, bearings, and the proper tension. Best left to the pros at Affina.

• How do I know a spring is broken? You can’t always see the break at first glance. Most doors weigh between 150 to 250 pounds and without working springs, the garage door opener cannot lift the door. Attempting to use a garage door opener to lift a garage door with a broken spring can cause numerous parts on the opener to break. Whenever a spring breaks, the door will not go up. And that’s when you call Affina.

• Is the spring at risk when it’s opening the door? Garage door springs have the most tension with the door in the down position.

Problems? You know who to call. It’s Affina Door Company!

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Things You Should Consider Before Installing A Garage Door Yourself

Garage doors are tough and strong, but that doesn’t mean they can go without a little love and care.

With a motor, springs, and rollers, your garage door and opener comprise a mechanism that hoists and lowers upwards of 225 pounds for a double door with the click of a button. Like any similar device, a garage door and motor require maintenance – the kind of maintenance and attention you get from Affina Door Company and its professional staff.

Your door and motor should be serviced twice a year. Lubrication of rollers, hinges, and springs keeps parts moving smoothly. The weather seal and bottom seal also need a periodic look. And we’ll make sure your gear drive is doing its job moving that door up and down, while paying attention to the belt or chain

When the system needs some TLC, you will likely know it. If the operation of the door is no longer smooth or unusual sounds catch your attention, it is certainly time for a look-see by our experienced and qualified technicians. Other problems can emanate from an unbalanced door and failure of the automatic reverse. We’ll make sure the door operates properly and at the right speed.

Our knowledge and experience, along with our dedicated team, is what sets Affina Door Company apart from our competitors. We would love to work with you the next time you are looking for service and/or installation of garage doors and gates. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.

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Should I Replace My Garage Door?

Here’s something you don’t hear often: If you do this right, you will probably never have to do it again.

What are we talking about? Replacing your garage door.

Most people don’t pay a lot of attention to their garage door as long as it opens and closes at the push of a button. What a great convenience these automated systems have become and what a pleasure it is to have safety and security at one’s home. But sometimes a new door is necessary.

A quality garage door can last for many years. It should be strong and durable. As it is likely a one-time deal to replace it, it makes good sense to avoid a cheap replacement and to invest a little time in getting this job done right.

Affina Door Company offers you the type of sales, installation, and service you want. And we have a few tips for you as you consider the best way to replace your garage door:

• Stay away from wood doors. They require a lot of maintenance to maintain their shiny look, given their exposure to the weather. If you like the look of wood, a garage door with a composite overlay or fiberglass skin can give you that, plus the durability you want.

• Get your quote in-person. Even though many neighborhoods build to standard sizes, homes can settle. There may be some size and shape issues detectable to a pro. Remember that this may be once in a lifetime. Let’s get it right! And let’s get it from Affina.

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Tips for Maintaining Your Garage Doors

The great Judy Garland had a hit with “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart” and many others (The Coasters, Rufus Wainwright) have covered this jazzy number.

Anyone with a motorized garage door knows the other version: “Bang! Went the Springs of My Door.”

The springs (or single spring, depending on the size of your garage door) provide the muscle and stability of your door. There’s a lot of tension involved in holding a 225-pound door steady as it glides up and down. Usually, for just a few extra bucks, you can not only replace but upgrade the springs.

Garage doors generally use torsion springs. These coiled pieces can usually be found above the door and they’re strong, but not without a lifespan. The average torsion spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles, give or take. Sounds like a massive amount of openings and closings, doesn’t it?

Consider this, though. If you open and close the garage door six times a day, which is a good general average, 10,000 cycles provide a little less than five years of service. Spending an extra $50-100 when you must replace the spring or when you buy a new garage door will get you a spring rated for 20,000 cycles. That’s twice the expected life and less than the cost of a service call.

Good maintenance helps your springs stay healthy. Affina Door Company can help you with that care and with replacement of springs and doors. Call us today for your repair and sales needs!