Tag: garage door material

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tips for Maintaining a Functional Garage Door in Cold Weather

Cold weather can take a toll on your garage door, affecting its functionality and lifespan. From frozen components to increased wear on moving parts, the winter season introduces unique challenges that require a bit of extra care. Maintaining your garage door during colder months is essential to avoid disruptions and costly repairs. This guide provides practical tips for keeping your garage door in optimal condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity even in frigid temperatures.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining a functional garage door during the cold months. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, rusted components, or worn-out rollers. Pay close attention to the weather stripping at the bottom of the door, as it can become brittle and cracked in low temperatures. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems as the weather gets colder.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract and become less flexible, leading to increased friction and potential damage. To keep your garage door operating smoothly, regularly lubricate all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks. Use a high-quality, weather-resistant lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. Avoid using grease, as it can thicken in cold temperatures and hinder the door’s movement.

Check the Balance

A properly balanced garage door is essential for efficient operation, especially in cold weather. To test the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls, it may need adjustment. An unbalanced door can put extra strain on the opener and other components, leading to potential malfunctions. If you’re unsure how to adjust the balance, consult a professional.

Seal and Insulate

Proper sealing and insulation are key to maintaining a functional garage door in cold weather. Ensure that the weather stripping is intact and forms a tight seal when the door is closed. Consider adding insulation to the garage door if it’s not already insulated. This can help maintain a stable temperature inside the garage, protecting the door’s components from extreme cold and reducing energy costs.

Keep the Sensors Clean

Garage door sensors can become obstructed by dirt, ice, or snow, causing the door to malfunction. Regularly clean the sensors with a soft cloth and ensure they are aligned correctly. If the sensors are blocked or misaligned, the door may not open or close properly, posing a safety risk. Keeping the sensors clean and in good working order is essential for reliable operation.

By performing regular inspections, lubricating moving parts, checking the balance, sealing and insulating, and keeping the sensors clean, you can ensure your garage door remains functional and reliable throughout the cold weather months. Taking these preventive measures will help avoid unexpected issues and extend the lifespan of your garage door.

Posted on by

5 Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors in Winter

As winter approaches, ensuring your home is energy-efficient and well-protected from the cold becomes a top priority. One often-overlooked aspect is the garage door, which can have a significant impact on your home’s overall comfort and efficiency. Insulated garage doors are a smart investment, offering numerous advantages during the colder months. From improved energy efficiency and vehicle protection to reduced noise and increased durability, insulated garage doors provide both practical and long-term benefits for homeowners.

Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the main benefits of insulated garage doors in winter is improved energy efficiency. Insulated doors help to keep the heat inside your garage, preventing it from escaping and keeping your garage warmer during the colder months. This can result in lower energy bills and a more comfortable environment inside your garage.

Protection for Your Vehicle

Insulated garage doors provide better protection for your vehicle during the winter months. By keeping the temperature inside your garage more stable, insulated doors can help prevent damage to your vehicle from extreme cold. This can help to extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the risk of issues like frozen batteries or engine fluids.

Reduced Noise

Insulated garage doors also offer the benefit of reduced noise. The insulation helps to dampen sound, making your garage quieter when opening and closing the door. This can be especially beneficial if you have a living space above or adjacent to your garage, as it can help to minimize noise disturbances.

Increased Durability

Insulated garage doors tend to be more durable than non-insulated doors. The insulation helps to strengthen the door, making it more resistant to dents and damage. This can help to extend the life of your garage door and reduce the need for repairs or replacements in the future.

Improved Comfort

Overall, insulated garage doors can help to improve the comfort of your home during the winter months. By keeping your garage warmer and more comfortable, insulated doors can make it easier to access your vehicle and belongings in cold weather, making your daily routine more pleasant.

Insulated garage doors offer a range of benefits that go beyond just energy savings. By maintaining a stable temperature inside your garage, they protect your vehicle, reduce noise, and enhance the overall durability of your garage door. Additionally, they contribute to a more comfortable home environment, making winter more bearable and your daily routines easier. With their combination of energy efficiency, protection, and comfort, insulated garage doors are a worthwhile upgrade for any homeowner looking to prepare for the colder months.

Posted on by

5 Garage Door Materials and Their Benefits

When it comes to choosing a garage door, the material you opt for can have a significant impact on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your home. Various garage door materials offer distinct benefits that cater to different preferences and needs. Let’s explore some of the most common garage door materials and the advantages they bring.

Steel: Strength and Durability 

Steel garage doors are renowned for their exceptional strength and durability. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide excellent security for your home. Additionally, steel doors require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient and long-lasting choice.

Wood: Classic Elegance 

Wooden garage doors exude timeless elegance and charm. They offer a warm and inviting look that can enhance the curb appeal of any home. Wood can be customized with various finishes and designs to match your home’s architectural style. However, regular maintenance, including staining or painting, is necessary to preserve their beauty and prevent damage from moisture.

Aluminum: Lightweight and Rust-Resistant 

Aluminum garage doors are a popular choice due to their lightweight nature and resistance to rust. They are ideal for modern homes and come in a variety of sleek designs. While aluminum doors may not be as sturdy as steel, they are low-maintenance and can be a cost-effective option for those seeking a contemporary appearance.

Fiberglass: Low-Maintenance and Versatile 

Fiberglass garage doors are known for their versatility and low-maintenance requirements. They can mimic the look of wood without the same level of upkeep. Fiberglass doors are resistant to dents, corrosion, and cracking, making them an excellent choice for coastal areas or regions with high humidity.

Vinyl: Longevity and Resilience 

Vinyl garage doors are prized for their longevity and resilience. They are highly resistant to dents, rust, and fading, making them a practical choice for areas with extreme weather conditions. Vinyl doors are available in various colors and styles, allowing you to personalize your garage door to suit your home’s design.

Selecting the right garage door material involves considering factors such as durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and climate. Each material brings its own set of benefits, catering to different preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize strength, elegance, or low maintenance, there’s a garage door material that can perfectly complement your home.

Posted on by

6 Garage Door Design Trends for Modern Homes

When it comes to modern home design, every aspect plays a role in creating a cohesive and stylish look. Garage doors, often overlooked, are actually a significant element of a home’s exterior. They can enhance curb appeal, add character, and reflect the overall design aesthetic. Let’s explore some garage door design trends that are perfect for modern homes.

Sleek and Minimalist

Clean lines and simplicity are hallmarks of modern design. Garage doors with a sleek and minimalist look align perfectly with this aesthetic. Opt for flat panel designs, neutral colors, and minimal hardware to achieve a contemporary and uncluttered appearance.

Glass and Aluminum Combos

Glass panels combined with aluminum frames are gaining popularity in modern garage door design. They infuse the exterior with a touch of modernity and allow natural light to enter the garage space. Frosted or tinted glass adds an element of privacy while still contributing to the overall aesthetic.

Custom Colors and Finishes

Modern homes often feature bold color schemes or unique finishes. Garage doors can be customized to match these design choices. From vibrant hues to wood grain finishes, the options are diverse, allowing homeowners to make a statement that complements the rest of the home’s exterior.

Contemporary Hardware Accents

The hardware on your garage door can make a significant difference in its overall appearance. Opt for contemporary hardware options, such as minimalistic handles and sleek pulls. These subtle accents can contribute to the modern aesthetic while adding a touch of sophistication.

Vertical and Horizontal Lines

Playing with lines is a key element of modern design. Incorporate garage doors with vertical or horizontal panel arrangements for an interesting visual effect. These lines can complement the architectural lines of the home, creating a cohesive look.

Smart Integration

Modern homes often embrace technology, and your garage door can be part of this integration. Smart garage door openers and connectivity features not only add convenience but also align with the forward-looking nature of modern design.

Garage doors are no longer just functional elements; they are essential design features of modern homes. By embracing sleek designs, glass and aluminum combinations, custom finishes, and contemporary accents, you can elevate your home’s exterior and create a striking first impression. Keep these trends in mind when selecting a garage door that perfectly complements your modern home’s aesthetic.

Posted on by

Installing Garage Doors with Windows in NJ

Are you looking to upgrade your garage door? If so, there are plenty of contemporary designs available that can add both beauty and value to your home. The trendiest option is the model with windows – perfect for enhancing visibility while remaining a unique addition in New Jersey neighborhoods. This style has become increasingly popular due its aesthetically pleasing design!

When you’re considering a new garage door, windows can be the perfect choice for letting in light while simultaneously keeping out dirt and dust. But before making any decisions, it’s important to think through all of your options and determine if they are right for you – not to mention whether or not installation is feasible.

What To Consider a Garage Door with Windows

Making the right choice for a new garage door in New Jersey is very important, and will be integral to your safety and daily life. Therefore, before you make any decisions on the type of door you want, you have to consider various factors. Here are some key points that should guide your decision-making process:

Neighborhood Security

Your NJ home’s security is paramount, particularly since your garage door windows can be a major target for burglars. An intruder may break the glass or spy on what assets you own in your garage with a simple glance. If you wish to maintain visibility via windows in your garage, investing in a surveillance system might be necessary.

Local Laws

Before starting any construction projects in your neighborhood, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that are currently in place. Whether you’re allowed to install garage door windows or not is something best discussed beforehand with your HOA (if you have one) and professionals so that you don’t waste time or money.

Previous Door and Space

When considering a garage door with windows, the kind of door you had previously will affect your choice. Overhead sliding doors generally require an opening system on the garage ceiling. Replacing the current garage system entirely can be costly, time consuming and burdensome; however, if there’s enough space to accommodate sliding garage doors then it would be more cost-efficient to acquire inserts instead.

Affina Door can help identify your needs and provide you with doors that would make your life comfortable! Contact us for a free quote and consultation.

Posted on by

Why Your Garage Door Material Is Important

Choosing the right garage door material is important for more reasons besides the aesthetic.

You can find garage doors in a number of different materials like wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum. Each option has it’s pros and cons, especially when it comes to your budget and climate. With Affina Door Company, we can give you valuable insight into which type of garage door material is right for your home. 

Wood

Wood garage doors are a great option if you’re interested in a more unique or rustic look. While beautiful, it’s also one of the pricier options and requires maintenance and upkeep in order to preserve the look. These types of garage doors are best for mild climates since severe temperature changes, rain, and humidity can warp or rot the wood. 

Steel

Steel garage doors are one of the most popular choices on the market. These doors are light-weight and durable, and one of the cheaper options available. You can find them in a number of design styles and work well in all climates. However the bottom of the door can rust over time and it’s not a good insulator. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass garage doors are perfect if you want the look of a wooden door without the hassle of cost and upkeep. These types of doors won’t warp or rot like wood, so they’re a great option for warmer, humid climates, except for those with high winds.

Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are very light-weight and fit best with more contemporary and modern homes when paired with glass. They work well in any climate, but aluminum isn’t the most durable option and can dent easily. It’s also low-maintenance but severe damage will require a specialist to fix it.

Our team at Affina Door Company has the knowledge and experience to help you understand the best garage door options for you. You can contact us for a free quote and consultation whenever you’re looking for garage door service and/or installation.