How to Tell if Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken

As you may be aware, one of the reasons your garage door may not be working correctly can be a broken garage door spring. However, you may be unsure of how to tell if a garage door spring is broken or know what to do if your garage door spring breaks. Here’s what you need to know about your garage door springs and what to do about them if they break.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Your garage door has one of three types of springs: 

• Most residential garage doors have one or two torsion springs, which you will find above your garage door when it is closed. 
• Some garage doors — usually those with limited overhead space — have two extension springs located at either side of the garage door along the rails that stretch when your door is closed. 
• The third spring is a Torque Master exclusive only to Wayne Dalton garage doors and the spring is hidden inside a tube located above the door when it is closed. 

All three types of springs have the same purpose — to work as a counterbalance to help lift a garage door that can weigh hundreds of pounds. When you close your garage door, your torsion springs wind up, generating powerful potential energy that they then use by unwinding to roll your garage door upon command. If these springs break, it will be very difficult or impossible to open your door. 

Ways to Know if a Garage Door Spring Is Broken

The most obvious sign your garage door spring is broken is that it’s difficult or impossible to raise your garage door. Another is your garage door opener lifts your door about 3 inches and goes back down. However, if you still have one functioning garage door spring, your door may still work. 

This is a very dangerous situation to be in because operating on one spring will put a lot of damaging stress on your door. More importantly, if someone pulls the emergency release while someone or something is under the door, it could drop suddenly, doing serious damage. If you have one spring on your door, the cables will not stay tensioned and look like they are broken.

For this reason, it pays to know if you are dealing with a broken torsion spring. One sign can be a loud pop coming from your garage with no other noticeable source. Another sign can be that one of your garage door cables has come loose, even if it does not appear to be damaged. The combination of both of these signs — or either of these signs with a door that is behaving erratically in some way — is a strong indication that you have broken a garage door spring. 

How to Prevent Broken Garage Door Springs

Although every piece in your garage will experience wear and tear, there are ways to prevent your springs from breaking and extend their life expectancy. The more attention you give your door, the fewer problems you’ll encounter with it. 

You can help prevent broken garage door springs with:

• Regular lubrication: Rusted springs will quickly stop working. You should plan to lubricate your springs at least twice a year. If you live in a humid area, you may need to lubricate your door’s metal parts more often.
• Attention and inspections: Keeping a close eye on your springs can help you spot an issue early on. Pay attention to how your door opens and closes. If its movements are jerky or it seems to be straining, you should look at your springs. Additionally, you can start to open the door and stop it about halfway up. If the door continues to move, your springs probably need maintenance. 
• Investments in quality: Always remember that you get what you pay for. It’s essential to look for repairs, parts and services from a trustworthy business. Choose pieces designed to last and opt for springs with longer life expectancies. 

Typical Lifespan of Garage Door Springs

You can determine how much life your springs have left by the number of cycles they perform. Garage door springs typically last between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. 

On average, most springs last between 3 and 5 years. However, if you only use your garage twice a day — when you’re leaving and coming home — your springs will probably last longer. If you have multiple cars in your garage coming and going throughout the day, you may need to replace your springs sooner. 

What to Do if You Suspect You Have Snapped a Garage Door Spring

If you think one of your garage door springs is broken, you should replace it as soon as possible. As mentioned above, operating on one spring can be extremely dangerous. You should hire a professional to replace the spring, as you are working with a part that is responsible for holding potentially hundreds of pounds in place, and this could present a safety issue to the untrained. Installing the wrong spring can also be very dangerous. Most important of all, DO NOT OPERATE YOUR GARAGE DOOR WITH A BROKEN SPRING. 

If you’re located in the Portland, Oregon, metro area or in or around Vancouver, WA, our experts at Best Overhead Door will be happy to come by and replace broken springs. Just give us a call at (503) 620-1205 or contact us online to request service today.

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How to Maintain a Wooden Garage Door

Your wooden garage door adds warmth and style to your home’s facade. It accentuates your home’s originality and charm, elevating any architectural choices. If you want your garage door to look and function like it’s brand-new, you’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance. Some tasks you can take a few moments to do on your own — others may require professional service. Either way, simple preventive maintenance can save you a great deal of time and money in the long-run. Learn how to properly maintain your wooden garage door.

Why Should You Maintain Your Wooden Garage Door?

Maintaining your wooden garage door has both visual and practical benefits. It can improve the appearance and function of your door. When you keep up with regular maintenance, you’ll likely notice the following results:

• Keeps its nice appearance: Proper maintenance will keep your door beautiful, preserving its original look. Remember that your garage door makes up a large portion of your home’s facade. A clean, well-kept door will boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
• Increases the lifespan: Your door will have a longer lifespan with regular care and maintenance. You’ll be able to postpone repair and replacement much longer. Simple preventive care will save you time, energy and money in the long-run.
• Improves overall performance: Maintenance also ensures your door can operate as it should. When you take appropriate measures, your door will be able to withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.

Difference Between Steel and Wooden Garage Door Maintenance

Steel and wooden garage doors require different maintenance. Both materials are sturdy and robust, but each has unique qualities. For instance, steel is prone to dents and corrosion, while wood is prone to cracking or warping under harsh weather conditions. To maintain your wooden garage door, you’ll need to sand and stain once every couple of years. You might also choose to reapply paint to perk up the appearance. In addition, you’ll need to replace any damaged parts, including panels or hardware.

How to Maintain Wooden Garage Doors

Keeping a wooden garage door like-new in appearance and function requires some maintenance. Follow all of these steps to keep your door in top shape. Some steps you can tackle yourself, while others are best left to the professionals. Before making any major alterations, like repainting or refinishing, contact your Authorized Dealer to ensure your warranty will stay valid. Here are some things you can do to maintain your wooden garage door.

1. Sand and Smooth the Wood

First, make sure to remove any peeling or chipping wood. Clear away any splintered wood pieces and paint chips. Use a paint scraper to remove loose or peeling paint. Rub sandpaper on the exposed surface. As you sand, try to apply even pressure. Otherwise, you may end up with gauges or dips, producing an uneven surface.

A smooth base will ensure an even coat of finish or paint. Resand the door at least once every few years or after an especially harsh season. Extreme heat, cold or humidity can degrade wood’s quality, which makes sanding necessary.

2. Keep the Door Clean

Built-up moisture, dust or dirt can cause warping or bending. Cleaning your door will make it look nicer, reduce damage risks and decrease how often you need to re-stain. A quick wipe-down is all it takes. When you clean the door, use regular dish soap and warm water, along with a cloth or soft sponge. Wipe down all components to remove dirt, dust and grime. If you notice mildew, use a special mildew-removing solution. You may want to wear gloves and a mask for your health and safety.

When you clean, avoid abrasive scrubbers, which may remove the wood’s finish. You should also refrain from power washing, though using a regular garden hose is usually fine. Use this method to clean your garage door at least once a year or so. If you live in a harsher climate, you might want to clean your door more often.

3. Add a Coat of Finish or Paint

You’ll want to reapply a durable, weather-resistant stain every few years. This refreshes your door’s appearance and helps protect it from the elements. A garage door faces exposure to every outdoor element — wind, rain, humidity, beating sun, snow, ice, as well as extreme hot and cold. It needs proper protection to withstand those conditions. Consult with the manufacturer to make sure you’re using a safe stain for your door’s wood. To refinish your door, follow these simple steps:

• Clean the door with soap and water to clear away any grime or debris.
• Let the door dry — you might need to give the door a day or two to dry off.
• Use a brush or roller to apply the stain onto the wooden surface.
• Let the stain coat dry.
• Go over the wood with a dry brush. This will remove any excess stain.

If you want to renew the look of your garage door, you may choose to repaint. You can choose a color that better suits your taste or fits modern trends. Like a coat of finish, a new coat of paint will offer added protection to the wood surface. If you lack the time or materials to repaint your door, you might consider hiring a professional service. To repaint your garage door, be sure to clean and sand the surface first. Use masking tape to cover any non-wood elements, and let the door dry between coats.

4. Lubricate Metal Elements

It’s important to apply a lubricant to all metal parts and hardware elements. This allows for smoother operation. If you notice any unusual noises or sticking as your garage door opens and closes, the metal elements may need lubrication. These effects can be annoying, but they also signify serious issues. Ignoring strange sounds or uneven movement can shorten your door’s lifespan.

Applying lubricant when needed allows for convenient, quiet operation and lengthens your door’s lifespan. The harsher an environment you live in, the more often you should take this precaution. You may want to ask the manufacturer what type of lubricant to use. Avoid thick grease, which can clog the tracks and result in built-up dirt. When you’ve chosen the right lubricant and you’re ready to apply it, follow these steps:

• Make sure all nuts and bolts are tightened. Replace any worn or broken metal components.
• Check your rollers to ensure they’re sturdy and aligned, not wobbly.
• Wipe the track clean using a damp rag.
• With the door open, lubricate the hinges, rollers and ball bearings.
• Lubricate the metal springs and plates, as well as the top of the rail.
• Avoid any nylon or plastic elements and wipe away excess lubricant as you go.

While many homeowners apply lubricant as a do-it-yourself task, you may opt to hire a professional service. This will ensure the use of the proper lubricant and minimize any risks. A professional tune-up will include reapplication of lubricant.

5. Inspect for Signs of Pests

A wooden garage door can be a target for wood-consuming pests. Termites, snails, slugs and beetles can wreak havoc on your door. Check for tunnels and holes in your garage door’s surface. If you notice signs of pests, you might use an insect repellent spray or poison trap. Be sure to keep these chemicals away from children and pets. You may need a garage door repair service to fix pest damage. It’s best to catch these issues as soon as possible before large sections of your door become compromised.

6. Inspect Working Parts

Check all of your door’s working elements, including hardware, sensors, openers and tracks. Open and close your door, watching for any snags and listening for unusual sounds. Whether or not you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to hire a professional service to examine the technical elements of your door. A preventive tune-up can save you from expensive repairs later down the road. A professional service will:

• Examine elements to ensure proper function.
• Re-tension springs.
• Tighten nuts and lags.
• Re-align the track if needed.
• Lubricate moving elements.
• Perform a safety inspection to make sure the door’s sensors are working.

Does Your Wooden Garage Door Need Repairs or Replacement?

While some conditions require nothing more than a little elbow-grease, others may necessitate professional repair or replacement. If you notice any of the following conditions, contact an expert garage door repair or replacement service:

• Warping
• Extreme cracking
• Aging materials
• Operational issues

In any of these cases, a professional may replace single elements or the entire door. Sometimes, you can resolve an issue by replacing just one panel or technical part. If the damage is too severe, however, you may need to replace the entire door.

Protect Your Wooden Garage Door With Proper Maintenance

Your wooden garage door adds to your home’s beauty and value. You want to keep it looking good and operating well for as long as possible. With regular maintenance, you can preserve the appearance of your door and extend its lifespan. Simple maintenance tasks yield long-term results. For all your garage door service needs, contact Best Overhead Door today.

How to Clean Your Garage Door

Your garage door is one of the most important and practical features of your home. Cleaning your garage door is a way to invest in that crucial amenity. The experts at Best Garage Door have created this guide to help you learn more about the importance of cleaning garage doors. Read on to discover how to properly clean your garage door.

Why Should You Clean Your Garage Door?

Here are a few of the reasons you should clean your garage door:

• Extend your garage door’s life span: Your garage door takes a beating throughout the year. Rain, snow, dirt and salt can do a number on your garage door, wearing it out prematurely. Clean your garage door to remove these harmful substances and keep your garage door working for years to come. 
• Keep it looking great: When you pull up to your home, you want your garage door to enhance the beauty of your facade. Cleaning your garage door enhances your home’s curb appeal. This is important if you’re selling your home or thinking of selling it soon. Protect your garage door’s finish and prevent rust by cleaning your garage door. You can impress potential buyers and increase your satisfaction with your home’s visual appeal with a beautiful-looking garage door. 
• Discover other issues: Cleaning your garage door provides a great opportunity to inspect it. After you clean all the dirt and grime from its surface, you’ll have a better view of the hardware, finish and other components. You may discover some areas that need attention. Use this time to inspect the rest of your garage door, including the rollers, roller tracks, cables and springs. 
• Protect it from future damage: When it comes to garage doors, issues add up and can lead to costly repairs. A dirty garage door can contribute to other garage door issues down the road, so clean it to reduce your chances of more problems. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Garage Door?

We recommend giving your garage door a routine cleaning session every spring and fall. Cleaning in the fall prepares your garage door for the impending harsh weather. Giving it some spring cleaning removes the built-up grime it accumulates over the winter. You could take it a step further and clean your garage door seasonally. We know life is busy, so try your best to clean your garage door at least every fall and spring. 

You can take part in different garage door cleaning methods at different times of the year. Several tasks come together to give your garage door a complete cleaning over the course of the year. You may prefer giving your garage door a standard cleaning once or twice per year and save projects like repainting and re-staining for every other year. Find a regimen that works for you and your schedule. Over time, you’ll fall into a rhythm that will keep your garage door in great shape. 

How to Properly Clean Your Garage Door

It’s essential that you clean your garage door the right way. Here’s how to properly clean your garage door:

• Use non-abrasive sponges: Think of your garage door like your car. You wouldn’t use a rough sponge or cloth on your car. Treat your garage door the same way. A non-abrasive sponge or cloth will protect your garage door’s finish while removing dirt and grime. With a soft cleaner, you can use extra force without worrying about damaging the finish. 
• Mix the right cleaning solution: Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean your garage door. This solution will be strong enough to remove grease and dirt, but it’s also gentle enough to preserve your garage door’s finish. Using this gentle cleaning solution with non-abrasive sponges is a great starting point for cleaning your garage door. 
• Rinse with a gentle hose: After scrubbing your garage door with a non-abrasive sponge and mild cleaning solution, you’ll need to rinse it off. Connect your garden hose to a nearby spout and use the water to rinse off all the suds and dirt. No need to use any attachments, as the pressure from the hose should be enough to get the job done. 
• Dry with a clean and soft cloth or towel: Make sure you dry your garage door after rinsing it off. If you’re researching how to clean a metal garage door, remember that water contributes to rust in metal garage doors. Wooden garage doors can absorb water, which can lead to bulging and warping. Drying your garage door with a clean and soft cloth is key toward keeping it clean and protecting it from other issues. 
• Clean the inside and outside: Cleaning the outside of your garage door is obvious, but remember to clean the inside, too. Some of the dirt and grime from your garage floor can make its way to the lower section of the inside of your garage door. While you’re cleaning the outside of your garage door, remember to give the inside some attention. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Garage Door

To ensure your cleaning remains successful, take a look at the following garage door cleaning practices to avoid:

• Pressure washing: The force exerted by pressure washers is too much for your garage door’s finish. It could remove the paint or stain from your door, which does more harm than good. Remember that with garage doors, gentler is better. 
• Abrasive sponges and cloths: Cleaning your garage door is all about protecting the finish. Abrasive sponges and cloths run the risk of scratching the finish. This can result in ugly scratches and scuffs on your garage door instead of the beautiful final product you’re seeking.
• Detergent and bleach solutions: Bleach is great when removing stains from white laundry. It is also an effective cleaning agent for some of life’s toughest messes. But when cleaning your garage door, bleach has the opposite effect. It can discolor your stain and even do permanent damage to wood. You’re better off sticking with the mild detergent and water mixture. 
• Air drying: Water can contribute to rust on metal garage doors and warping in wooden garage doors. Make sure you have a soft drying cloth nearby to remove the water from your garage door after cleaning and rinsing. 

Maintain Your Garage Door With the Help of Best Overhead Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential to improving its life span and its appearance. As you clean your garage door, you might realize it’s in need of some repairs. If you’re in the Portland or Vancouver area and need garage door maintenance services, Best Overhead Door is the company for you. 

We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so we are experts when it comes to keeping your garage door in great shape. We even offer brand new residential garage doors if you think it’s time to invest in a new door that will last you for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a garage door service visit or learn more about our other services.

Tips for Maintaining Your Garage Door’s Warranty

Your home’s garage door is most likely the primary entry to your home, the first line of home security and an improvement to your daily functions and energy efficiency. Having a garage door warranty is essential and can protect homeowners from installation defects that could later cause property damage or personal injury.

Clopay® offers a one-year installation warranty, covering garage door replacement from one of their Authorized Dealers or Master Authorized Dealers. With an Authorized Dealer, Clopay is guaranteeing work completed by skilled, knowledgeable, honest and capable technicians. This warranty begins the day the installation was completed and is not applicable to new construction.

Having a garage door warranty is great assurance for homeowners to know they always have dependable repair or replacement services for the first year. However, voiding your warranty could mean paying out of pocket for replacement expenses that would normally be covered.

So the question is, how can you maintain your garage door warranty? Here are some good places to start:

• Your Clopay warranty will not cover damage related to or resulting from alterations or attachments to the automatic opener or photo eye sensor. They also won’t cover damage resulting from improper garage door use, like operations beyond the rated capacity or other abuses by anyone other than the Authorized Dealer.
• The warranty will be void if you decide to have your garage door installed by anyone but an Authorized Clopay Dealer.
• Your warranty will also be void if the installation is performed without using the supplied installation hardware or failure to properly install the opener reinforcement.

If you’re ever unsure about what is covered under your warranty or want additional information, reach out to your Authorized Clopay Dealers at Best Overhead Door, LLC. Also, to ensure you’re guaranteed warranty coverage, don’t forget to register your door through Clopay.

Additional Clopay Garage Door Warranties

With Clopay garage doors, you not only have the benefit of having a defective door replaced within one year of installation but with normal operation and good care and maintenance, Clopay also offers warranties for:

• Paint
• Hardware
• Springs
• Sections and Delaminations
• Windows

Depending on the style and design you choose, these warranties can range anywhere from three years to a lifetime. To guarantee you always receive guarantees, consult your Authorized Dealer anytime you wish to make any alterations to ensure it won’t violate the warranty. Then, have your technician perform annual maintenance to keep all parts and hardware in good working condition.

Have Questions? Contact Best Overhead Door Today

Maintaining your garage door’s warranty can be tricky, but with proper installation and care, you can be assured of coverage for the lifetime of your garage door. If you’re considering installing a new garage door, we offer a wide selection of durable and custom Clopay doors, all backed by their one-year installation warranty. Our reliable services are available for all residents throughout the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, areas.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our offerings and warranties by completing our online contact form or calling our office at (503) 620-1205.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for the Winter

A good garage door should last you year after year, even through the change of seasons and multiple daily cycles (opening and closing). But there are threats to your garage door in winter that you may need to address.

Getting your garage door stuck is always bad, but when your garage door is stuck in winter, it can create all sorts of problems. Leaving a garage door open in winter allows warm air to escape your home, driving up energy costs and allowing anything in your garage, like your car, to be fully subjected to the elements.

To help you with your garage door winter maintenance, here’s what you need to know about why you should winterize your garage door and how to prepare a garage door for the winter.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Garage Door?

Why is winter such a problem for garage doors? There are several reasons. For one, cold weather can simply put stress on a garage door. Your garage door is made of a lot of moving parts that must work in tandem to lift a door that may weigh hundreds of pounds. If the lubrication dries out or the door becomes denser due to the cold, that’s more work for springs, rollers and other components.

Heat transfer is also a problem. If your door is not properly insulated, warm air can escape your home through the garage door. This means it is much harder to heat your home, and the energy costs can really add up during the winter.

Then there’s snow. Not only can snow collect on a door and make it harder to open, but snow means moisture, which can get into the various parts of your garage door mechanism, freeze and cause them to stick. Moisture can even damage the sensitive electronics in your keypad or garage door opener.

Why You Should Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter

Winter brings cold, wet weather with it. Preparing your garage door before winter gets underway helps keep that cold, wet air out of your home. Think of winterizing your garage door as part of your routine maintenance tasks. A bit of effort today will pay off in the long run. 

Help Your Garage Door Last Longer

You use your garage door daily, often multiple times a day. The more attention you give it, the longer it will last, which can help you save money in the long run. Instead of rushing out to buy and install a new garage door, you can enjoy the one you have had for years, then decide to replace it when the time is right.

Keep Your Home’s Energy Bills in Check

If your garage is attached to your home, ensure the door is ready for winter. A bit of winter prep can keep the cold air from entering your garage and seeping into your home. Your heating system won’t need to work so hard, so your energy bills won’t skyrocket. When your garage stays relatively warm, the warmth can transfer into your home through the shared wall.

Prevent Burst Pipes

Your home may have piping that runs through the garage. If the door can’t close and the garage becomes very cold, the water in those pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to break or burst. You may end up with a mess on your hands and a hefty plumbing bill. Winterizing the garage can prevent the pipes from freezing.

Secure Your Belongings

The garage is often an extra storage space full of your possessions. Winterizing the door makes you feel confident that your belongings are stashed away safe and sound, under lock and key.

Tips to Prevent Garage Door Damage in Winter

You can see how important it is to maintain and protect your garage door in the winter. Here are some garage door cold-weather maintenance tips to consider. Ideally, you should take these steps at the end of fall, just as winter is approaching, but if you haven’t done these things yet, you should go ahead and do them even if winter has already arrived.

1. Check the Weather Stripping

If you are trying to prevent snow, moisture and cold from getting into your garage, quality, intact weather stripping is critical. Even a small crack or gap in your weather stripping can render it basically useless. Take the time to examine the frame and bottom of your garage door and make sure the weather stripping is completely intact. If there are any cracks, gaps or loose pieces, call for repair immediately.

2. Lubricate All Moving Parts

Get some approved garage door oil and lubricate the springs, rollers, tracks and any other moving parts that require it. New lubricant is less likely to show cold weather effects like drying or freezing.

3. Get Rid of the Snow

If there’s ever any snow on or around your door, get rid of it immediately before it melts or freezes. Have a snowblower, shovel or other snow removal tools handy so you can quickly remove snow as soon as it appears.

4. Check Your Photo Eye Sensors

This is related to tip number three. One way that snow can affect your garage door is by covering up the sensors that tell your door if someone is underneath it.

This is an important safety feature, but if enough snow builds up on one or both of these sensors, they cannot make the connection that tells your door it is okay to operate. If your door is not coming down or appears to be going back up intermittently, make sure snow or other debris on the sensors is not the culprit.

5. Test the Door’s Balance

An unbalanced overhead door can strain the garage door opener, keeping it from operating as it should or causing unnecessary wear. You can test your garage door’s balance by disconnecting it from the opener, then opening and closing it by hand. Close the door halfway, then let go. It should stay in place. If it rolls closed or flies open, it’s unbalanced.  

If your garage door is unbalanced, one of the springs might be loose or broken. Leave the repair job to a professional, as adjusting the springs on your own can be dangerous.

6. Seal Any Holes and Cracks

Cold air can seep into your garage through cracks in the door, windows or walls. Walk around your garage and inspect the walls and doors for visible cracks or holes. If you see any, fill them with caulk. You can also use steel wool to plug up larger holes. Sealing the cracks and holes will help to keep pests and rodents from making your garage their home for the winter.

Making Sure Your Garage Door is Winterized

While you can take steps right now to get your door ready for cold weather, there are also some long-term measures you can take so you don’t have to worry as much about your door every year when winter rolls around.

One of these steps is to get an insulated door. A door with quality insulation has many benefits. It gives you a more durable door, prevents warm air from escaping in the winter and keeps cool air in during the summer, meaning you save on energy costs all year long.

Best Overhead Door offers Clopay® garage doors with Intellicore® insulation, tough, great-looking doors with high R-value cores that effectively block or reduce the transfer of heat. We are happy to offer you an estimate on one of these doors, as well as to discuss installation.

If you do not have an automatic garage door opener yet, it is a good idea to invest in one that’s suitable for winter use. We have state-of-the-art LiftMaster® garage door openers that can resist the effects of cold weather. In addition, our garage door openers with MyQ® smart technology allow you to open your garage door from anywhere and even schedule your door to open automatically at a given time, meaning you never have to get out of your car prematurely and expose yourself to the elements.

Contact Best Overhead Door Today

Another excellent way to make sure your garage door winter preparation is sufficient is to schedule preventative garage door maintenance with a trusted professional. If you are in the Portland, Oregon, metro area or Vancouver, Washington, let that professional be Best Overhead Door. We have been providing these communities with great garage door service for three decades and are well-known for our commitment to customer service.

We’re happy to schedule regular garage door maintenance to prepare you for the change of seasons, with a full inspection, parts lubrication, debris removal and general steps to make sure your garage door gives you reliable service all winter long. To set up affordable, professional garage door maintenance now, contact Best Overhead Door today.

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Home Improvement Projects With the Best ROI

These days, television is filled with home improvement shows featuring remodeling and decorating on both a large and small scale. Everyone is talking about installing new hardwood floors, knocking down walls and replacing old pipes. It all sounds great, but most people don’t have the luxury of renovating their entire home all at once. And, the truth is that this approach to home improvement isn’t always the smartest.

Whether you’ve recently purchased your home or you’re contemplating a move, it’s important to weigh the renovations you want to do with their potential for return on investment (ROI). What does that mean? The ROI is the amount of value any given renovation or repair will add to the overall value of your home — either in equity or when you decide to sell it.

While some renovations can — and should — be done simply because they are meaningful to you and your family, if you have multiple projects to tackle, you should prioritize them to make the most of your time and money.

Reasons to Invest in Home Improvement

Homeowners tackle improvement projects for many different reasons. Some projects have short-term benefits while you won’t see a return on others until you sell the house. Here are some of the most common reasons for investing in home improvement.

1. Maximize Curb Appeal

A home’s curb appeal is how it looks on the outside. There are a lot of elements that play into curb appeal, but generally, the three things that are the most important to consider when you’re improving your home’s curb appeal are the front door, the exterior materials such as siding and the landscaping that surround a home. This can also include your garage door if your garage is attached to your house and visible from the street.

Many people wouldn’t think twice about the appearance of their front door or how many bushes they have in the yard. But when it comes to a home’s value, first impressions can make or break the sale of a home. Not only that but even if a potential buyer is willing to give a home with less-than-desirable curb appeal a shot, they may not be willing to pay as much for it.

Of course, one of the more immediate benefits of curb appeal is that you can enjoy the beauty of your home’s exterior every time you drive up after a long day of work or on the weekends relaxing on the porch with a glass of lemonade. There’s nothing like pulling into your driveway and immediately relaxing as you take in beautiful bushes, high-quality siding and a well-chosen paint color.

2. Improve Resale Value

Curb appeal is just one way to improve your home’s appeal to potential buyers if you’re ready to put it on the market. However, you shouldn’t wait to think about improving your home’s resale value until the For Sale sign is in the yard — by then it’s probably too late. The perfect time to make improvements to your home is on an ongoing or as-needed basis. After all, if you’re going to put money into renovations, you should be able to enjoy them yourself.

While any improvement you make to your home will add what’s called “intrinsic value,” which is a personal value you place on that specific feature or improvement, not all upgrades will add monetary value to your home. As you make changes and improvements, do your research and make sure you know which projects are more likely to yield results when you go to sell your home.

Many homeowners get confused by this because they mistakenly believe that their own personal preferences reflect the preferences of other people. For example, many people believe that adding a pool to their backyard is a great way to improve a home’s resale value. However, this just isn’t true.

Yes, there are other people out there who would like to own a home with a pool. But, for other potential buyers who may not want to deal with the upkeep or have the time to swim, it may be a burden and turn them away from your home’s potential. We aren’t saying avoid pools — if your family will enjoy it, then go for it. Just make sure you have realistic expectations when it comes to how different projects affect the way other people see your home.

3. Improve Efficiency

Improving your home’s overall energy efficiency can give you both short- and long-term benefits. In the short term, it will reduce your monthly energy costs. When you improve your home’s energy efficiency by adding insulation or replacing old windows, you’ll also make your home more comfortable. After all, there’s nothing worse than freezing your way through winter because your windows are 50 years old.

Today’s home buyers are also more interested in eco-friendly home features. If you’ve put money into new windows, doors and insulation, you’ll definitely pique the interest of potential buyers. However, if you haven’t paid for upgraded windows, don’t worry just yet. There are some basic things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency in the short-term. Have your heater and HVAC serviced to make sure they’re running at optimal condition. Consider upgrading your thermostat, adding weather stripping around your windows and doors, improving your home’s insulation or even installing a new insulated garage door. Any of these options will be cheaper than new windows, but push down your home’s energy costs — all while making you more comfortable.

4. Build Equity

Equity is the market value of your home minus whatever you still owe on it. While you don’t have control over market values, you do have control over the value of your property. Think of it this way — having a mortgage is like having a savings account you can’t touch. That means it’s going to build up over time because you aren’t constantly tempted to take money out of it. If you are simultaneously paying down your mortgage while you make improvements to your home, over time, this will improve your home’s equity because its value will increase while the amount you owe will decrease.

This can be an especially valuable strategy for first-time home buyers and those who have purchased a home that needs a lot of repairs, however, it’s important to remember that building equity in a home is a long-term strategy for financial success. Only 10 percent of homes that have been owned for less than a year will have any significant equity attached to them. But, if you’re invested in staying in a house for several years and making improvements along the way, you’ll likely see some equity build up over time, assuming there aren’t any significant changes to the real estate market in your area.

Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off

As any homeowner can tell you, when it comes to home improvement projects, the work is never done. There’s always something that needs to be repaired, updated or replaced. How is a homeowner supposed to preserve their sanity and their bank account when there’s so much work to be done? 

The key to a successful home improvement strategy is to prioritize. Figure out what’s important. Obviously, you need to make your home comfortable for you and your family now. There’s no reason to put off improvements that will significantly contribute to your overall comfort and happiness while you live in your home. But, once you’ve met your family’s needs, the best way to prioritize your projects is to look at those that will help you build equity into your home and ultimately get you the best ROI when you do put your house on the market in the future.

It’s also important to note that when you’re looking at the statistics on home improvement projects and their ROI, the percentages are based on the amount spent on the project. It’s important to understand national averages, as well as what’s common in your area, because these will ultimately impact your home’s own ROI.

1. New Garage Door

In 2018, REMODELING Magazine reported that replacing a garage door can net a homeowner a 98.3 percent ROI at a $2,000 cost. In some locations, homeowners who opted for a new upscale garage door even found themselves recouping more than 100 percent of their expenses. Why is a garage door such a big deal? Curb appeal is a big part of it. When a home has great curb appeal, it makes potential buyers more interested in what’s on the inside and more willing to pay what the home is worth. A beautiful garage door can be a great way to hint at a beautiful interior. Not only that, but a garage door is a relatively inexpensive home improvement to make, which makes it more feasible for many homeowners.

If you’re replacing your garage door, make sure you choose one whose design and price point are in keeping with your home. An upscale door is a beautiful feature to add to any home, but if you own a mid-century ranch, you probably ought to avoid a door that looks like it belongs on a Victorian carriage house. Consider working with an experienced garage door company to determine which door and price point will provide the most value and appeal for your home.

2. Siding

Giving the exterior of your home a fresh new look can spruce up curb appeal and add equity all at once. Yes, siding can be an investment, but it’s one worth making because it will give you a strong ROI when you go to sell your home. Vinyl siding has been found to have a 75 percent ROI at $10,000, with its fiber cement cousin cashing in at a whopping 83 percent ROI.

Not only does siding give you a high ROI when you go to sell a home, but you’ll save on maintenance costs over time. Vinyl siding doesn’t need to be painted, so as long as you choose a good quality product, it’s going to give your home a clean, fresh look for a long time. Fiber cement siding is more expensive up front, but one of its biggest benefits is that it has a high-quality appearance that can be appealing to a lot of people. Vinyl siding has come a long way and can make your home look very nice, but fiber cement siding adds an extra “something” that can be irresistible to buyers.

3. New Roof

No one wants to spend a rainy day getting cozy with their mop and wash buckets. But if you neglect your roof, that’s exactly what’s going to happen. The lifetime of a roof varies, depending on what it’s made of, but if your roof is approaching the 20-year mark, it may be time to start planning for a new one. The good news is that the average ROI on a new roof is 109 percent at a project cost of $8,150. No one is going to buy a leaky house, but buyers are willing to pay for a home that’s being protected by the elements.

While most roofs are designed to last 20 to 25 years, it can be challenging to figure out when it’s time for a new one, especially if you don’t know when the current roof was installed. With a little detective work, you can easily spot potential problems and then determine whether or not it’s time to call in a professional. Your home may be ready for a new roof if:

• Shingles are missing, misshapen or covered with moss.
• Your energy bills have gone up.
• You can see sunlight shining through into your attic.
• You find stains on your ceiling or walls.

4. Insulation

If you find yourself sweating profusely while your air conditioning is running or spending the winter wearing your parka and gloves indoors, it may be a good idea to improve your home’s insulation. Many homeowners often overlook this one because you can’t see insulation. But we guarantee it will make a difference in your home’s overall energy efficiency. Redoing or improving your home’s insulation will result in an average 76 percent ROI at $2,000. That’s appealing to potential buyers and, as the current homeowner, it’s guaranteed to immediately save you money on energy bills.

5. Flooring

If you’ve watched even just one home improvement show on TV, then you’ve heard the hype surrounding hardwood flooring. And with good reason. Hardwood floors are a widely appealing feature because it can make even a simple home look “high end.” It’s also easier to keep clean than carpet and, if you have family members with allergies, hardwood floors make it easier to keep allergens at bay and your loved ones comfortable.

Not only are hardwood floors widely viewed as one of the most practical flooring options on the market today, but their ROI for homeowners is huge. If your home has existing hardwood floors and you opt to have them refinished, you’ll likely see a 100 percent ROI when it comes time to sell. If you have old flooring replaced with new hardwood floors, you can expect somewhere around a 91 percent ROI. Flooring is a project that some homeowners tackle themselves, which can also save money in the short-term. Whether or not you should tackle a new floor on your own will depend on your budget and your abilities.

These five suggestions are some of the most highly recommended home improvements you can make if you’re looking to maximize your ROI when it comes time to sell. However, it’s certainly not a comprehensive list. In addition to these big-ticket items, homeowners should also consider replacing their front entry door, tackling mid-range kitchen remodeling projects, adding or updating a wooden deck, a two-story addition or a basement remodel. All of these projects have been found to average over a 70 percent ROI for homeowners.

Should I Hire a Contractor or Try to DIY?

While some of these home improvement projects are relatively straightforward, taking on projects can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you aren’t the next Bob Villa. Even projects that are less expensive can quickly add up and put a strain on your wallet if you aren’t careful. So what’s a homeowner to do?

Some projects will make more sense to tackle yourself. However, everyone has different skills and abilities. Not only that, but some projects should never be done on your own.

As a general rule of thumb, you should always hire a contractor if:

1. The Job Could Destroy Your Home

For example, if you have a leaking pipe and you attempt to repair it yourself, you could potentially make the leak worse, leading to serious water damage in your home. If you hire a plumber, they’re experienced and licensed, meaning they should be able to fix the problem without creating a bigger problem. And, even if they do make a mistake, they would be financially liable for it — not you.

2. The Job Requires a Permit

If your locality requires a permit to tackle the home improvement job you have in mind, then it’s best to call in a professional. This could include building an addition on to your home or dealing with anything linked to your home’s utility lines.

3. The Job Could Be Dangerous

Projects that involve electrical work, roofing or something with the potential to be hazardous to you. As a general rule of thumb, you should call in a professional for:

• Garage door installation and repair
• Structural repair, including drywall, foundation, roofing and anything that alters your home’s architecture
• Electrical and plumbing, including repair and replacement of wires and pipes or installing major fixtures like tubs
• Renovations, including new doors and windows or putting up or taking down walls
• Restoration, including clean up after water or fire damage

While there are home improvement projects that require a knowledgeable professional, there are plenty of things a homeowner can do on their own to improve their property. Not only that, but they don’t have to be things you already know how to do. You can watch videos online, talk to a knowledgeable friend or family member or visit your local hardware store for tips and training. The amount of work you can take on will certainly depend on your time and abilities, but in general, homeowners can tackle projects including:

• Painting, sealing and refinishing, including indoor and outdoor paint, refinishing decks and other wood finishes
• Landscaping, including planting and maintaining grass, shrubs, flowers and tree trimming
• Outdoor upkeep, including window washing, cleaning out gutters and cleaning debris off of the roof and yard
• Installation and maintenance of sprinklers and drains, which keep your landscaping alive and direct excess water away from your foundation

Owning a home is about having a warm, comfortable place to make memories with your loved ones. Nothing beats the excitement of updating and improving the place you raise your children, celebrate holidays and come home to after a hard day of work. Being a homeowner isn’t always easy and, if you lose sight of what’s important, you may become more focused on the work and money than what really matters.

At Best Overhead Door, our goal is to take the stress out of garage doors. We are your one-stop shop for garage door repairs and installation. Serving the Portland metro area, as well as Vancouver, we’re dedicated to walking with you through the entire process of purchasing a garage door — from choosing the design and color that best suits your home all the way to installation and maintenance.

A high-quality, reasonably priced garage door is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. If you’re ready to make this investment, we’re ready to help. Request an estimate or contact us today for more information.

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Can Your Garage Door Be Hacked?

Your garage door is a major entry point into your home, so it is only natural to wonder — can garage doors be hacked? Are garage door openers secure? You may have heard stories about criminals using loose garage door opener remotes to get into unsuspecting people’s homes. If this is true, what can you do to stop your garage door from being hacked?

Can Garage Door Openers Be Hacked?

The truth is that if you have an older garage door, it can indeed be hacked. The original mechanism for garage door openers was a series of dipswitches set in random directions. This created a unique code that the garage door opener would respond to when a remote with the corresponding code was activated. The problem was that this type of system was child’s play for a criminal to hack. They could do this in many ways. Another common way is for a thief to break into your car and to use the remote on your visor. If you park outside, either lock your remote in the glove box or buy a mini remote that you can leave on your keychain.

They could use a brute force approach, or simply driving through a neighborhood with a remote set to a particular code and firing it at every door until they found one that opened. Or, they could use a “code grabber,” a small electronic device that would allow them to intercept a remote’s signal and steal the code for their own use to open the garage door at a more convenient time — for them, not for you. So how can this type of garage door hacking be prevented?

Modern Garage Door Openers and the Rolling Code

Fortunately, if you have a new garage door opener, you don’t have to worry about it. Eventually, garage door opener manufacturers caught on to the fact that criminals were having a very easy time bypassing their system and getting into people’s homes through their garage doors, so they invented what is called a rolling code system.

The rolling code system or LiftMaster’s® Security+ 2.0®, safeguards garage access with every click, a new code is sent to the Garage Door Opener, ensuring the door does not inadvertently open. Along with the built-in PosiLock® that electronically protects against forced openings and they Alert-2-Close, signals when a door is being closed by MyQ®, will assure you the safest garage door opener on the market.  If you have a keycode, that stays the same unless you change it. This renders the code grabbers and loose remote brute force approach useless because even if a criminal got the correct code, it would be different the next time they tried to use it.

Upgrade to a Security+ 2.0 Garage Door Opener Today

If you have an older garage door opener without a rolling code system, you are vulnerable. Fortunately, if you are in the Portland, Oregon, metro area or the Vancouver, WA, area, Best Overhead Door can help. We have a wide range of high-quality garage door openers with reliable security systems based on rolling codes. We also offer smart garage door opener technology, like LiftMaster’s MyQ® system, which allows you to control your garage door from anywhere you can get a wireless signal. It also alerts you whenever anyone opens or closes your garage door at any time for added safety and security.

For an estimate on a modern, safer, rolling code garage door opener, contact Best Overhead Door now.

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Does My Garage Door Need Regular Maintenance?

Does My Garage Door Need Regular Maintenance?

Many homeowners choose to forego routine inspections and maintenance for their garage doors because they can function many years without noticeable problems. This lack of maintenance can lead to inconveniences, like being stranded inside or outside of your garage — and can lead to costly emergency repairs or frequent technician visits. As the primary entrance for most homes, the garage door is estimated to operate over 1,800 times per year for average homes.

To ensure your garage door is always in top-notch condition, garage door professionals recommend having a garage door tune-up at least once per year. Having regular garage door maintenance can improve safety conditions, reduce repair costs and increase the life expectancy of the garage door opener and garage door parts and hardware.

Best Overhead Door Preventative Maintenance

When you trust the trained professionals at Best Overhead Door, LLC for your annual routine maintenance, you’re guaranteed affordable and comprehensive services that will keep your garage door in safe operational condition. For our customers, we offer a special annual garage tune-up rate of only $79 — which is much less expensive than having emergency repair services performed. When our technician visits your home, they’ll perform the following checks:

• Look over the spring system and assess signs of excessive wear or rust.
• See if the springs have relaxed over time and need to be re-tensioned.
• Tighten nuts and lags or other hardware.
• Remove excess debris buildup from the photo eye sensors and tracks.
• Align the tracks, ensuring they’re straight and tight.
• Apply grease or lubricant to moving parts.
• Inspect cables, drums, shafts, bottom fixture, bearing plate and spring anchor attachment.
• Perform a 25 Point safety inspection on the door and 21 point safety inspection on the opener.

After performing a check on all systems and hardware, our technician will put your garage door through an additional cycle, noting any obvious signs of needed repair. Also, during these checks, your maintenance professional will make any necessary repair recommendations to ensure the safety and proper operation of your garage door.

Homeowner Garage Door Maintenance

When you’re between annual maintenance checks, you should be paying attention to your garage door’s daily operations and noting any unusual garage door behavior or noises. As a homeowner, you should note the following:

• Debris buildup: With access to the outside, your garage door tracks and photo-eye sensors can accumulate excess dirt and debris buildup, which can impact proper garage door functions.
• Parts maintenance: As the door moves, parts can become loose or lose lubrication. As needed, make sure to tighten or replace any loose or missing parts and keep the chain and springs well-lubricated to prevent rust buildup.
• Unusual noises: Note if your garage door begins making loud noises aside from the normal operating sounds, such as rattling, grinding or shaking.

6 Benefits of Regular Garage Door Maintenance

You receive numerous benefits when you schedule regular garage door maintenance. Here are the top six benefits:

1. Prevents significant repairs: Routine door maintenance can help you avoid major repairs. Service technicians can detect minor problems and provide a repair solution before they become significant. Addressing these problems early saves you money in the long run.
2. Maximizes your door’s life span: A garage door can last a minimum of 15 years with proper maintenance. Maintaining your door ensures you get the maximum amount of years from it before you must replace it. When you repair the minor issues, you keep it in good condition.
3. Ensures everyone’s safety: Broken garage doors can cause injuries if they become stuck or fall. Routine inspections can detect any problems that would cause your door to break before it happens.
4. Enhances security: Most homeowners use their garage as the main entrance to their home because it’s more convenient. But, if your door malfunctions, it can serve as an entry point for intruders. You can enhance your garage and home security by maintaining your door’s functionality.
5. Keeps your system updated: Technology is constantly evolving and improving. You can incorporate these new features into your system to prevent intruders and system breakdowns.
6. Increase your home’s value: When you have a well-maintained garage door, it increases your property’s curb appeal and value. You can preserve your door’s aesthetics by addressing scratches, dents, fading paint and other issues as soon as possible.

How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?

As long as your garage door is functioning correctly and you haven’t noticed any issues, an annual maintenance visit is all you need. However, once you notice any problems, you should schedule repair services. Some signs that your door needs repairs include the following: 

• Your door won’t open or close: When your door won’t open or close or only does it halfway, it may have a part that needs replacing.
• Your door is making unusual noises: If your garage door makes loud, odd noises, it needs repairs.
• Your door is off-balance: A sagging garage door or one that closes unevenly can indicate that it’s off-balance. You can test your door’s balance by turning the opener off and manually opening or closing the door halfway. If the door continues moving up or down after you let go, it’s off-balance and a professional needs to inspect it.
• Your door has a slow response time: It should only take a few seconds for your door to open or close. If your door appears to be straining or taking longer than usual to open or close, contact a professional to diagnose and solve the issue.
• Your door comes off its tracks: The rollers allow your door to open and close smoothly. If they come off the tracks, it will be dangerous and difficult for you to operate your door. If your garage door is off track, do not operate it and call a service technician immediately, as the door may pose a safety risk.

Call Best Overhead Door for Your Annual Tune-Up and Other Repair Needs

To keep your garage door in proper working condition, call the experts at Best Overhead Door to perform your routine garage door maintenance. We have nearly 30 years of garage door installation, repair and maintenance experience and guarantee all of our customers throughout Portland, OR, and Vancouver a hassle-free, reliable, affordable and friendly experience. To schedule our annual maintenance services, fill out our online form or call us at (503) 620-1205 to set an appointment with one of our team members.

In addition to annual maintenance, Best Overhead Door can repair or replace your garage door. We can service all parts of your garage door, including the springs, cables and the opener. When you entrust us with maintaining the condition of your door, you can be confident that we will keep your door in excellent condition and ensure everything functions properly.

To schedule our annual maintenance or other repair services, fill out our online form or call us at (503) 620-1205 to set an appointment with one of our team members.

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Benefits of a Custom Garage Door

When you have the right type of garage door, utilizing the latest designs and features, you can add to your daily productivity, add curb appeal and home value. Most homeowners opt for a standard garage door to simply get the job done: reliably opening and closing the garage as they come and go.

Findings in REMODELING magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report show that replacing a garage door not only improves a home’s curb appeal, the project generates the best return-on-investment (ROI) when it comes to recouping cost at resale. The report indicates that spending $3,470 for an upscale garage door replacement can yield an estimated $3,411 at resale – a 98.3 percent return on investment.

With a custom garage door, you can achieve that high return and let your home positively stand out in your neighborhood. Benefits of a custom garage door also include:

• Size Options: With stock doors, your garage has to adhere to the available garage door sizes. But custom doors can be manufactured to fit any size or shape. Your door can be fitted to allow for extra storage or be crafted large enough to let a recreational vehicle maneuver in and out of the garage with ease.
• Design and Material Flexibility: While white, aluminum or steel garage doors are traditional and help your home blend in, a custom door can be manufactured from wood or steel and designed with custom colors, hardware and styles to help your home be bold and stand apart. With Clopay® customization options, you can craft a stunning wood door with Knotty Alder, Spanish Cedar, White Oak, Ironwood or African Mahogany, incorporating windows if desired and available in seven popular stains and colors.
• Added Insulation: Garages aren’t typically constructed with the same insulation requirements as living spaces, so precious heat or cool air can easily escape through your garage door, costing you extra in monthly bills. Standard garage doors are flimsy aluminum-wrapped panels that don’t feature added insulation. With Clopay custom garage doors, each is hand-crafted with four or five-layer construction and is insulated with polystyrene.
• Warranties: Most custom garage doors will feature warranties or guarantees from the installation and manufacturing companies. Many garage installers will offer guarantees on workmanship or labor to perform future repairs as needed. At Clopay, they’re proud of their work and stand behind it by offering a five-year construction guarantee, a two-year warranty on stains and a one-year warranty on paint for all of their custom garage doors.
• Unique Opening Mechanics: Did you know that you can have your garage door open on a different mechanical lift — having the door open like an airplane hangar or swing open vertically? Most standard doors are limited to running on a single track, while custom doors can operate with a bit of added flare.

Design and Install a New Custom Garage Door With Best Overhead Door, LLC

To fully revamp the exterior of your home, invest in a new custom Clopay door. With the help of the design specialists at Best Overhead Door, any design you dream up can be fully executed and hand-crafted by artisans at Clopay using the finest materials. For nearly 30 years, Best Overhead Door has been the premier garage door company in the Portland Metro area and Vancouver, WA — achieving superior quality and service results for all of our garage door products. To begin designing your custom garage door today, speak to one of our specialists at (503) 620-1205 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.

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How Long Should a Garage Door Last?

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Many homeowners take advantage of the reliability of their garage door, expecting the door and opener to operate optimally for a lifetime. Homeowners know how long the roof should last, and appliances like the hot water heater, but how long do garage doors realistically operate? With proper maintenance and care, you can expect your garage door to last a minimum of 15 years.

Garage Door Lifespan – How Long Do They Last?

While garage door warranties vary, many manufacturers offer a warranty for their products for typically three years. How long your garage door will last largely depends on daily usage, but also depends on the construction, door quality, maintenance and local climate. With these considerations, most doors will last 15 to 30 years. Garage door openers should reliably perform for 10 to 15 years.

Another component that affects the longevity of a garage door is the torsion and extension springs — largely responsible for the smooth opening and closing of your garage door. The torsion springs are located above the door when it is closed and the extension springs run along the side of the horizontal tracks. Like the breaks in a car, the springs are usually the first thing that breaks and need to be replaced, but when replaced, it can last another 10,000 cycles or more. The spring lifespan is measured in garage door cycles, which is the one-time opening and closing of the door. A standard spring is designed to operate for 10,000 cycles, however there are high cycle options that a spring can last 100,000 cycles or more.

Life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates to these approximate daily usages:

• Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
• Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
• Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
• Eight times daily should last about 3 years

If your spring breaks, it is usually a good time to replace the other moving parts on the door, assuming your sections or panels are in good condition.

Factors That Affect Your Garage Door’s Life Span

A garage door could meet or exceed its anticipated life span, or you may need to replace it sooner than expected. Several factors can impact how long a garage door will last:

• Weather: Constant exposure to rain, snow, wind, sleet and other climatic conditions can take a toll on a door. If you live in a flood-prone area, rising waters can cause significant damage to the entire door system.
• Usage: How often do you open and close your garage door each day? More frequent operating cycles place a heavier demand on the springs, cables, opener and other components, which can accelerate the door’s deterioration.
• Maintenance: Like most mechanical objects, garage doors need regular service to keep them functioning properly and prevent costly repairs. An annual inspection by a professional technician can maximize the door’s life span. 
• Door type: The materials used to manufacture the garage door will affect its longevity. Steel products are typically the most durable and are less vulnerable to denting or chipping. Fiberglass doors represent the smallest market segment and are usually the weakest.

When to Replace an Old Garage Door

By updating your garage door, you can also improve your daily functionality and add curb appeal and style to your home. Garage door replacement tops the list of home improvement with the best return on investment at resale, but homeowners hoping to get the biggest bang for their buck need to invest their upgrade dollars wisely by choosing a design that fits the architectural style and price point of their home. Findings in REMODELING magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report show that replacing a garage door not only improves a home’s curb appeal, the project generates the best return-on-investment (ROI) when it comes to recouping cost at resale. With proper maintenance, your garage door typically only needs to be replaced every 15 to 30 years, but if you’re unsure if it’s time to replace your garage door, consider:

• If wood garage doors are cracked, warped and damaged or have cosmetic issues like peeling paint or holes
• Check if aluminum doors have noticeable dents and dings
• Does the garage door sag or is it near the end of its lifespan?
• If the door shakes or is noisy during normal operations
• If the garage door is slow to respond or difficult to open or close
• Are you making frequent repairs or noticing broken or rusted parts?
• If you simply want improve the look or curb appeal of your house
• If you change the way you use your garage and need more insulation

Ways to Increase Your Garage Door’s Life Span

While many of the factors that impact a door’s life span are out of your control, you can take several steps to help it last longer:

• Examine safety features: Your door should have a sensor-activated auto-reverse mechanism to keep the door from crashing to the ground. Ensuring your door system has the correct safety features and verifying that they are working properly can help prevent door damage.
• Inspect hardware: The door’s springs, cables, pulleys, bolts and other hardware can loosen over time. Checking these items can help your door function correctly and lower the damage risk.
• Test the door’s balance: A properly aligned door will operate smoothly, reducing the likelihood of mechanical issues that could shorten its life span.
• Clean and lubricate moving parts: Well-lubricated components generate less friction, reducing the chance of premature wear. 
• Wash the panels: Keeping the panels clean will prevent dirt and corrosion from harming the finish and causing the door to deteriorate faster.
• Clean the tracks: The tracks and rollers allow the door to move smoothly. Cleaning them regularly will contribute to a longer garage door life span.
• Care for the weatherstripping: The rubber weatherstripping at the bottom and sides of the door keeps dirt, debris and insects from entering the space. Ensuring that this feature stays intact — and replacing it when necessary — will help to preserve the door. 

Do You Need a New Garage Door? Contact the Pros at Best Overhead Door

Are you a resident of the Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, areas in need of a new stylish and durable garage door? If so, We offer estimates via phone, email and video conferencing or we can bring our showroom to you with hand samples and brochures. We’re a local company with over 30 years of garage door sales, installation and maintenance experience. We’re open to all residents of the metro area and we stock a full selection of Clopay® garage doors — guaranteeing the best quality construction and modern design. We can educate you so you make the smartest ROI for your house. To learn more about our products and services, complete our online contact form or call us today at (503) 620-1205 to speak to one of our specialists.

Request an Estimate

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What to Do if Your Garage Door Is Off-Balance

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Garage doors were created to have even and smooth operations when opening and closing, but too often, due to lack of proper maintenance and spring wear, garage doors can become off-balance. The balance of your garage door is managed by the tension of torsion or extension springs. These springs make raising and lowering garage doors easy. When a garage door is off-balance, it means the springs either don’t have enough tension to counterbalance the door’s weight or they are exerting too much pressure.

The garage door opener strains when it is off-balance, which will drastically shorten its life. Operating the door when it fails or the power goes out can also be hazardous. This can cause serious injury or death. Signs your garage door is off-balance include:

• Door closes hard
• Odd sounds may happen during the operation
• The garage door takes a long time to open or close
• The garage door won’t open at all
• There is visual sagging on one side of the door

Performing a Balance Test

If you’re unsure if your garage door is balanced, there is a simple test you can perform to evaluate the quality of your door:

• Close the door from the inside.
• Detach the garage door from the opener using the red manual release rope.
• Move the door open and closed manually.
• Then lift the door halfway and release. If it stays in one place, it is properly balanced. If it closes or snaps open, the door is off-balance.

What Can Cause Your Garage Door to Be Off-Balanced?

Over time, general wear and tear have an effect on your garage door’s springs. Factors that might damage your springs are weather, lack of lubrication and dust or dirt. Your garage door could also be off the tracks, or there may be an issue with the springs. When the garage door moves, the springs must adjust to balance the weight. If they don’t, this will cause your garage door to be off-balance.

If one spring is damaged or becomes loose, that side of the door will not be in-balance, causing the two sides to move at different speeds. You will hear a noise when this starts to happen. The more they are out of sync, the more noise it often makes. 

If you start seeing the signs of wear and tear on the springs, it is a good idea to replace them as soon as possible, before the springs break. The best method to realign garage doors is by calling in a professional. These springs are under a lot of tension, so they require expert skill to replace or adjust.

What Are the Types of Garage Door Springs?

There are different types of springs, depending on what kind of door you have. But we can break them down into three main types:

• Torsion springs: This type of spring is generally best suited where torque is applied from two directions. A clothespin also has a torsion spring. Although these are a lot smaller, the principle is the same. A garage door torsion spring is usually located at the top of the door.
• Extension springs: The extension springs are located on both sides of the door and are responsible for the balance. They stretch and shrink depending on the weight of the door. Not all garage doors have them, but most residential ones do. The springs are coiled up, and they have a hook or loop on both ends. Variations of them are also commonly used on trampolines.
• Torque Master springs: The Wayne Dalton garage door has a spring inside a tube above the door when it is closed. These springs are made exclusively by Wayne Dalton for their garage door range. The spring is used for safety purposes to prevent the door from dropping uncontrollably. 

Performing a Balance Test

If you’re unsure if your garage door is balanced, there is a simple test you can perform to evaluate the quality of your door:

• Close the door from the inside.
• Detach the garage door from the opener using the red manual release rope.
• Move the door open and close it manually.
• Raise the door halfway and release it. If it stays in one place, it is properly balanced. If it closes or snaps open, the door is off-balance.

When the Garage Door Is Off-Balance

After performing a balance test at home and finding the door is unbalanced, you should call a professional garage door repair company immediately. Do not attempt to try using the garage door until the balance is fixed to avoid unnecessary opener or part breakages. Also, it is not recommended for homeowners to attempt repairing the garage door springs.

As you learned, different types of springs are responsible for raising and lowering your garage door — extension and torsion springs are the most common. Extension springs are considered the more dangerous of the two because they can snap and become dangerous projectiles. You’ll find these springs on the side of the door running along the tracks. Torsion springs will be running horizontally above the door.

Regardless if the issue is caused by your torsion springs or your extension springs, a professional is the best option when a garage door needs fixing. They have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to safely remove and replace your garage door springs. With an off-balance garage door, other components might also be damaged, and a technician will be able to quickly identify and repair those parts.

Risks of Not Fixing an Off-Balanced Garage Door

Once the springs start to deteriorate or one component has an issue, a chain reaction occurs. To compensate for the worn part, the rest of the mechanical components in your overhead door opener take the strain. Eventually, whole sections will need to be replaced instead of just one item. 

The strain can also cause the door to act erratically and even drop when you least expect it. This can be dangerous if there is anything or anyone under the door when this happens. The best advice is to call in a professional as soon as you notice any signs of damage or strain on the door.

Call the Experts at Best Overhead Door, LLC

If you’re ever unsure about your garage door repairs, rely on the proven experience at Best Overhead Door. For nearly 30 years, we have safely, affordably and reliably fixed and installed garage doors throughout Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. For all of our customers, we even offer emergency after-hour services.

We can visit your home, chat on the phone or have a video conference if you prefer. To streamline the process for you, we even bring our showroom to you with samples and brochures and can offer a free estimate. 

In addition to our repair expertise, we also offer a wide selection of high-quality Clopay® garage doors designed with the best materials available and tested to withstand variable climates and conditions. To learn more about our maintenance plans or schedule services, complete our online contact form or call us at (503) 620-1205 to speak to a specialist.

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How Often Should Your Garage Door Be Serviced?

Your garage is most likely the primary way your family enters your home — homeowners use their garage door 1,500 or more times per year. Most homeowners make the mistake of only having their garage door inspected when a part or component breaks. To keep your garage door in proper working condition, professionals recommend having regular garage door service on your door once every year. 

Benefits of Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Regularly scheduled maintenance for your garage provides numerous benefits to ensure this convenient feature lasts.

Cost Efficiency

Your garage door will most likely show signs of use years after installation. You may notice more minor issues such as loud creaking or the pin pad not working. These smaller problems are routine for technicians and typically take only a few hours to fix. 

When you regularly schedule residential garage door maintenance checks, professionals can assess these problems and look for any potential significant issues from your garage door. Fixing these complications now saves you a considerable amount of money down the road when they turn into much more significant matters without the proper care. Schedule regular maintenance to save money by avoiding having to replace your entire garage door. 

Appearance

Regular residential garage door maintenance can restore your garage door to look brand-new. With every annual tune-up, your garage door gets a refresh as technicians make necessary repairs and replacements. Professionals can also ensure your sensors are clean enough to continue working.

Home Value

A well-maintained garage door can increase the value of your home. If you plan to move in the next few years, you can benefit from regularly scheduled door maintenance appointments. These technician visits allow your door to undergo significant and minor repairs that enhance its appearance and mobility. These changes can extend the door’s life, making your home more desirable for potential buyers. 

Security

Any technician’s top priority during a maintenance appointment is ensuring that a garage door provides as much safety as possible. Since families use garage doors as entrances to their homes, safety features are crucial at all times. 

During a regular maintenance visit, professionals check the tracks that attach the door to the inside of the garage. They assess that the tracks fully support the weight and motion of the door so it will not become uneven over time. These steps ensure you and your family are safe as you pass through the garage threshold daily. 

Annual Garage Door Tune-Up

When you call the professionals at Best Overhead Door for your annual maintenance check, we’ll send a trained and knowledgeable technician to your home to perform a visual inspection. They will have your garage perform a cycle to check for any obvious signs of wear or damage. After seeing a cycle, the technician will clear dirt and debris from the photo eye sensor or in the rollers and tracks that can prevent proper door functionality.

At this time, the technician will inspect all parts for signs of excessive wear and tear, tighten any loose lags, screws or nuts and adjust any misaligned parts. 

These garage door parts include: 

• Sections
• Garage door springs
• Tracks
• Cables
• Bearings
• Rollers
• Drums
• Spring anchor bracket
• End bearing plates
• Center bearing
• Hinges
• Torsion tube
• Top and bottom fixtures
• Horizontal and vertical tracks

Our annual maintenance includes properly lubricating all moving parts and checking the balance and operation of the garage door. Then we test the garage door opener and adjust the limits and force settings as needed while performing a safety check making sure it will be trouble-free for a long time.

A garage door annual maintenance contract is excellent for gaining peace of mind.

When Is the Best Time to Service Your Garage Door?

After the harsh cold of the winter seasons, you can start to schedule garage door services in spring. These warm months with longer days give technicians more time to assess any repairs or maintenance your door needs after handling months of heavy snowfall. 

The environment can have a lasting impact on the longevity of your garage door. Servicing your garage door in spring allows professionals to make repairs that can provide benefits throughout the year until the winter months arrive. You can then start the cycle of regular maintenance. But if you notice any concerns with your garage door any time of year, it’s best not to wait to schedule maintenance services.

What to Look for When Checking Your Garage Door

During your annual maintenance visits, you should listen and note any unusual garage door sounds or mishaps. As a homeowner, look for and perform the following:

• Unusual sounds: While doors can be noisy, note if your door is making odd sounds like creaking, rattling or grinding.
• Door balance: Disconnect the door from the opener and see if it will stay halfway open by itself. Only a professional should make a spring adjustment.
• Debris buildup: As needed, remove dirt and buildup from your tracks and rollers.
• Lubricate Parts: Keep the garage door opener chain or screw, bearings, rollers, hinges and springs well-lubricated to ensure proper functionality and prevent rust buildup.
• Tighten hardware: As the garage door moves, parts can become loose or fall out. Check hardware and tracks occasionally to ensure nothing needs tightening.
• Maintain door quality: In addition to a reliable garage door, you also want to maintain the look of your door. For wood doors, check them often for water damage and warp. Also, look for cosmetic fixes like chipped or peeling paint. If you have a steel door, look for rust that can be sanded, primed and painted. As needed, wash the garage door with a mild, all-purpose cleaner.

For Your Annual Garage Door Service, Trust Best Overhead Door

To guarantee your garage door is continuously operating smoothly, trust the professionals at Best Overhead Door, LLC with your annual garage door tune-up. Our company has over 30 years of experience repairing and maintaining garage doors for residents in the Portland Metro area and Vancouver, WA. For our customers’ convenience, we also offer emergency 24-hour services. Schedule your garage tune-up today by completing our online form or calling us at (503) 620-1205.

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Do Garage Doors Need to Be Inspected?

For most of us with garages, the only time we give much thought to our garage door is when it breaks down. As long as it is opening and closing on command and not making an excessive amount of noise or behaving erratically, we assume everything is fine. But do garage doors need to be inspected? The answer is yes, and here’s why.

The Importance of an Annual Garage Door Safety Inspection

A garage door system has many moving parts, and moving parts are designed to wear out. Even if your garage door seems to be working fine, you could have a worn-out torsion spring, frayed cable or another failing part, which could be an accident just waiting to happen. If you have a situation where some part of your garage door system snaps while you’re using it, it could create a safety issue. Checking warning labels on your garage door is a great first step to keeping your garage door operating properly, but a professional inspection is the best way to make sure your garage door is ready for the upcoming seasons. 

With an annual inspection, we can identify any worn-out or failing parts and replace them before they become a serious problem. This could potentially help you avoid a very costly repair that could follow should those parts fail suddenly and without warning.

Regular garage door maintenance can also help extend the life of your door. Garage doors that are improperly maintained have to work harder, putting more stress on the system and shortening its lifespan.

How often do garage doors need to be serviced? It couldn’t hurt to call for a maintenance inspection at the beginning of every season, but you should at least call for a professional maintenance check once a year.

Signs You Made Need a Garage Door Inspection

Often, your garage door will “tell” you something might be wrong. It’s better to have a professional service technician check out the issue before it becomes a significant and expensive door repair. 

Examples of the many signs that call for an inspection include:

1. Unusual Noises

Your garage door will make “normal” mechanical sounds during opening and closing. However, if the noise is louder than usual or you hear popping, groaning or grinding, it could indicate a problem that requires further investigation.

2. Failure to Open or Close Completely

If the door gets stuck during raising or lowering, there could be a problem with the track, springs or alignment that needs attention. 

3. Slow Movement

Is your garage door opening faster or slower than usual? This likely means that key components like the rollers, tracks or hinges need oil. Lubrication is part of the annual inspection and service process. However, you may need to do it sooner if you’re experiencing performance issues. 

4. Reverses Direction

Garage door systems have a built-in safety mechanism that causes a closing door to reverse direction when encountering an object in its path. If your door suddenly changes direction when nothing is blocking it, there could be a problem with the motion sensors that trigger this feature. A service technician can get to the bottom of the issue.

5. Rusted Springs

The springs play a crucial role when raising or lowering a garage door. As they age, they can develop rust that impacts their performance and makes them unsafe. An overhead door inspection will reveal the extent of the damage and whether it’s time for a spring replacement.

6. Crooked Appearance

Does your door look crooked or uneven? It could mean that one of the cables has loosened from the drum. This can occur due to the door opening or closing too quickly, which could result from a malfunctioning opener, or if it strikes an object during operation. A garage door professional can perform a drum inspection and pinpoint the exact cause and remedy the situation. 

Best Overhead Door for Annual Garage Door Maintenance Inspections in Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, and the Surrounding Areas

Because we want your garage door to operate safely and efficiently at all times, we offer a very affordable annual garage door inspection and tune-up. When we get to your house for your tune-up, we will take you down through our complete garage door inspection process and general garage door safety for homeowners.

Our Garage Door Saftey Inspection Checklist includes: 

• Re-tensioning your torsion springs
• Tightening any loose nuts or other parts
• Clearing any debris from your rollers
• Tracks or under the door
• Lubricating all moving parts
• Making sure your door is properly
• Aligned and adjusted
• Inspecting all parts for wear to see if they need replacement
• Checking the surrounding component for safety hazards
• And more!

We will also perform a garage door opener inspection to make sure it is adjusted correctly as well as your photo eye sensor system to make sure it reverses in response to an object under the door to avoid damage or injury.

Once we make sure your door is in optimal working condition and have installed any replacement parts you may need and request, we can give you tips on how to maintain your garage door health yourself  so it lasts for years to come.

If you haven’t had a tune-up or inspection of your garage door in over a year, there’s no time to waste. Contact us at Best Overhead Door to request an inspection/tune-up appointment today.

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Instructions for Painting and Maintaining Your Best Custom Wood Carriage House Doors

To the Homeowner:

Please note that our custom wood doors are made to our high standards with top quality products. We DO NOT provide a finish on our custom wood doors. The finish warranty is the responsibility of the painting company you choose and the finish should match the quality of our doors to maintain the beauty and integrity of your investment. Below are instructions that we recommend to you, the homeowner, to pass on to your painting contractor. We recommend that you NOT use dark stains or colors. These absorb heat and can cause excessive cracks and bows in the wood.

Warranty:

Best Overhead Door, LLC warranties our custom wood doors for one-year parts and labor. We DO NOT warranty the finish. That is the responsibility of the company YOU choose to finish your door. We require that each custom wood door is completely finished to the standards below before we will install the door. Not doing so voids the warranty on the door entirely. Delays in finishing that allow the wood surfaces to be exposed to moisture or contaminants, improper storage or transportation or allowing the surfaces to be damaged or exposed will void the warranty.

Some coatings are NOT recommended. Oil paint, Alkyd paints, Wood Shake or Wood Shingle paints, Vinyl acetate acrylic co-polymer, Vinyl acetate (PVA), or Vinyl Acrylic paints.

Preparation:

Preparation is a critical step when you paint a garage door. Whether or not you know how to repaint a garage door, before you start, all surfaces must be clean and free of any dust, oil or other contaminants. Any scars, scratches, etc. that occur while the doors are transported or after storing or handling must be properly sanded out to the original condition. A light sanding of all surfaces with a very fine grit sandpaper is recommended to ensure the best finish possible. If you try to repaint a garage door without the proper preparation first, the paint will not go on evenly and will not look right.

Priming:

All surfaces must be primed before applying the finish coats. These include the interior and exterior surfaces and all edges, six (6) surfaces in all. Certain woods require special primers/paint to prevent tannin stains from bleeding through the finish coats.

Please consult with your painter or paint company when selecting your paint products for the appropriate products. Remember, you have an exceptional door that deserves an exceptional finish. It may be tempting to attempt to paint without priming, as it can be very time-consuming, but there is no point in trying to refinish a garage door without priming first. The paint may not adhere to the door, and you may damage the surface of the door in some cases as well.

Painting:

Painting is the most important stage of this process, so it’s important to take great care to make sure you do it correctly. We recommend a high-quality exterior grade 100% Acrylic Latex finish Paint. Apply primer. Then apply an exterior grade, paintable clear caulk around the edges of all trim boards. Then, apply 2 (two) finish coats according to manufacturer’s label and allow proper drying times between coats. Please follow the paint and primer manufacturer’s label instructions exactly. Both your paint supplier and your garage door dealer can help you determine the right color and type of paint for your garage door. Make sure you have a paint you are confident you will be happy with so you will get the custom garage door you want in the end.

Finishing with Stains or Clear Coats:

Even if you know how to refinish a garage door, you’ll want to take special steps if you are using stain instead of paint. This is because you may find using the wrong stain can be a problem much more difficult to correct than using the wrong paint. For stains, select stains that are appropriate for the type of wood used for your door. Be sure to consult your painting professional or supplier to determine if the stains and varnishes are compatible with the woods used. First, stain all 6 surfaces of each panel (if using a stain) and allow proper drying time according to manufacturer’s specifications. After staining add an exterior grade, paintable clear caulk around the edges of all trim boards. Then apply the first coat of varnish to the outside and edges of each section and allow recommended drying time. The back of the door panels does not need to be. This allows the door to “breath” should any moisture get into the door. Varnish should be Exterior Alkyd type (Marine type varnish). Sand all varnished surfaces and edges with 320 grit sandpaper (smooth face finish only) and clean all dust from the door. Apply the second coat and allow the door to dry according to manufacturer’s instructions. Doors are ready to hang. If NOT using a stain, apply a third coat of varnish and allow the door to dry. Doors are now ready to hang.

How to maintain and refinish your wood door:

Please annually inspect your door. This inspection includes all surfaces and moving parts. Improperly aligned rollers or tracks need to be repaired to help avoid wear on the wood surfaces that will affect your door. If repainting your door, you will need to have the surfaces sanded and re-primed following the same steps as listed above. If your door is stained and varnished or varnished only, the steps needed depend on the wear shown. Please consult your painting professional or paint company and follow the steps recommended by them. Following these steps can greatly extend the service life of your custom wood door and help maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior. If you’re not sure when to refinish a garage door, you can always consult with your local garage door dealer, who is likely to have experts on staff who can advise you.  Generally, it is a good idea to refinish whenever you notice significant wear on your garage door surface.

For More Information, Contact Best Overhead Door Today

Best Overhead Door has decades of experience providing garage door service in Oregon, and we urge you to take advantage of our knowledge. When you order a high-quality Clopay® garage door from Best Overhead Door, we can customize it so it comes in the right color or stain to match your home’s exterior décor and/or your overall style.

Over time, however, that finish may wear down and require repainting to protect your garage door and restore a cohesive, appealing look to your home’s exterior. If you have any questions on how to get a new Clopay garage door or how and when to refinish your current door, give us a call today at (503) 620-1205 or contact us online now.

We are available for emergency and 24/7 calls at (503) 707-0848. You can also schedule service or request an estimate online. We serve the Portland metro area as well as Vancouver, WA. We look forward to helping you with your garage door needs.

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How to Choose a Garage Door Dealer

How to Choose a Garage Door Dealer

There are a variety of sources you can turn to to purchase or obtain garage door products, the most popular of which is the door dealer professional, such as an International Door Association (IDA) Dealer. IDA Garage door dealers are often the most reliable and dependable source for several reasons. These include experience, knowledge and – most importantly – the fact that IDA Dealers make their living by selling, installing and servicing door systems.

Safety: A Primary Concern

A garage door is often the largest moving object in a home or commercial business facility. An improperly installed door and operator system can exert tremendous force when the door closes. This could lead to the entrapment of children or adults and subsequent injury – or worse. Therefore, selecting the right person to install and service your door and/or operator is an extremely serious decision. It is not one that should be taken lightly!

Selecting Your Dealer

There are thousands of door dealers in business today. What can you do to assure yourself of selecting the right one? We’ve provided these five checkpoints for you to use:

1. Experience

Experience is a simple way to identify a garage door dealer you can trust to provide you with the right garage door. A garage door dealer that has been in business for decades has the technical knowledge and experience needed to ensure your garage door is installed and functioning properly. Of all the five checkpoints, this is perhaps the easiest to validate. How long has the company been in business? If a new company, do the principals have experience in the door and operator industry? How much?

2. Workmanship

This may be the most important checkpoint. And it is also easy to verify. Does the door dealer have satisfied customers? If so, do they have letters of recommendation from their customers? Depending on the project, you may want to talk to a customer or two. If you look online and can’t find any positive testimonials about this dealer, it’s not necessarily a red flag as some companies don’t feature testimonials on their website. However, if the dealer cannot put you in touch with any satisfied customers, that’s probably a sign you should look somewhere else.

3. Code and Regulatory Compliance

There are numerous requirements pertaining to safety and the installation of a garage door system. Federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be followed. Ask the dealer you select about how they comply with the codes in your city. This one is a deal breaker. Federal, state and local regulations are created for the safety and protection of homeowners and should be followed at all times. If your dealer cannot show that they comply with all federal, state and local regulations, you should walk away immediately.

4. Insurance Coverage

It is important to you that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance. If they don’t have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal. If the dealer tries to explain to you that they are not required to carry insurance for some reason, it may be best to walk away. Whether there is truth to that or not, you can generally expect that most reputable garage door dealers will carry the proper insurance and would be willing to comply with your request.

5. Financial Integrity

Depending on the size of your project, financial integrity of a door dealer can be very important. Although this is a sensitive issue, a dependable, honest door dealer won’t mind telling you about the basic financial integrity of their company. The important thing is transparency. While you shouldn’t necessarily expect a garage door company to open their books for you, they should still be open and honest about most matters. If you’re not comfortable with the way your dealer behaves or responds to your inquiries, go somewhere else.

Selecting the right door dealer is as simple as asking a few questions. The most important deals with the issue of reliability. Is the dealer dependable, trustworthy, and safety-conscious? These questions take only moments to answer, and yet they can help you avoid tremendous problems in the future.

Choose Best Overhead Door for Garage Doors in Oregon

If you’ve been looking for garage door dealers in Tualatin, Oregon, or surrounding areas, Best Overhead Door has everything you need. With over 30 years of experience and countless testimonials from satisfied customers, you can be confident you’re choosing a garage door dealer you can trust. In addition, Best Overhead Door is a Clopay® Master Authorized garage door dealer.

Many consider Clopay garage doors among the top garage doors in the country for their attractiveness, durability and style, and Best Overhead Door has a wide range of them to choose from. Our installers all go through the same strict training process, so you know we will install your door correctly the first time. If you don’t want to spend any more time worrying about how to choose a garage door dealer in Oregon, contact Best Overhead Door today.

Give us a call today at (503) 620-1205 or contact us online. You can also schedule service or request an estimate. For emergencies or after-hours service calls, please call us at (503) 707-0848.

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How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home

When you envision taking your home’s curb appeal up a notch, chances are you envision a gorgeous, expensive landscape or an upgrade to the front entrance. You may not give much thought to replacing your garage doors, but a recent study proves that might be the first thing to consider. Among all home remodeling projects that cost less than $5,000, replacing garage doors made the top five for having the highest return on investment. In fact, garage doors can increase the total value of your home by 4 percent.

But curb appeal and an increase in your home value aren’t the only two reasons to replace your garage door. If you have living space above your garage, or use your garage as a work or storage space, protection from extreme temperatures and weather conditions is important. Older garage doors, with years of wear and tear, may not be giving you the optimal amount of protection.

Attached garages impact energy costs, regardless of whether your garage is heated or air-conditioned. Replacing your garage door gives you the opportunity to get a sturdier door with a higher level of insulation, or R-value. You’ll also reap the benefits of energy savings from keeping the cold air out in the winter and the cool air inside in the summer. In addition to having an impact on temperature, a new garage door can also do a better job of keeping moisture out of your garage.

In addition to keeping moisture out, new garage doors can also help you keep unwanted visitors out. Research shows 9 percent of burglaries that occur at residential properties in the United States gained access through the garage. Assuming you choose to upgrade your garage door opener along with your doors, you have the opportunity to purchase the latest in garage door security technology, too — choose from keypads, motion sensors and other features that help keep you and your loved ones safe. As a result, your home insurance company may offer a benefit for installing new garage doors with these features.

Garage doors can last 30 years or more if you take care of them properly, so choosing a garage door for your home isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Once you’ve decided this is a project to take on, where do you start? Do you know what to look for in a garage door for your home? We’ve gathered all your tips for choosing the best garage door in this blog post.

Determine What Size Garage Doors You Need

To determine the size of your door, you must first measure the opening width then the height. If there is a high spot in your floor, you want to measure it at that point as most garage doors are made of steel and need to sit level in the opening. You add different sizes of bottom astragal to help seal the bottom.

If you’re installing new tracks and a new opener, you’re going to need to consider a few additional measurements. On each side of each opening, you need a minimum of 3¾ inches for the vertical tracks. Don’t forget — that means doubling it to a minimum of 7½ inches for any side space between two doors. Then, you need to consider the headspace, or the measurement of the space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling. For a standard track, you need 12” and if you need less, you’ll need a Low Headroom Track (you can get away with as little as 3’). If you have a tall ceiling you may also consider a High-Lift track, where your door goes straight up the ceiling before it turns and goes along the top of the ceiling. This saves space for things like a car lift or even room to make extra shelves for storage.

Lastly, you need to measure the backspace, or the distance between the door opening and the back wall of the garage. This measurement needs to be the height of your garage door, plus 18 inches. Or height of door plus 3’ for a garage door opener.

Do I Need an Insulated Garage Door?

The No. 1 reason you use your garage is likely to be “to park my car.” Depending on the additional uses, you may want to invest in a door with more insulation or made of a particular material that will be tough for any intruders to break into.

Consider the following questions: Does your garage double as your workshop? Do you use it for storage? If so, what kind of things do you store? Is it an attached garage? If so, does it double as an entryway? Is it a standalone garage? If so, will it be doubling as a shed to store garden and lawn care accessories? These are just a few things to consider as you’re thinking about the use of your garage space.

In addition, you may live in a very cold or very warm climate where insulation may be important. Insulation in your garage door can help protect your cars and other valuable belongings protected from extreme temperatures. Insulation is especially important to consider if you have an attached garage, as these garages have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of the home. Furthermore, if you have living space above the garage, additional insulation in garage doors can help regulate the temperature in that room without breaking the bank.

Do You Need a Wind-Rated Door?

Two of the features you’ll want to consider are insulation and stability — specifically, if you could benefit from having a reinforced garage door. If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, your building codes may require you to have garage doors with a WindCode rating. This rating assures you your door can withstand heavy winds and storms, and is less likely to buckle under the pressure of a bad storm. The door and its tracks are made with some additional features that won’t interfere with aesthetics, but will make the garage door more durable in a storm.

Select a Material

Climate also plays a role in the type of materials that would work best for your garage doors. What are garage doors made of, anyway? You have a few choices — natural wood, fiberglass, steel and composite, aluminum and glass and vinyl. Here is some background information on each of these materials.

• Steel doors are the most popular and come with a variety of styles, insulation, window designs and paint options. Different window placements can make for a great modern look. With the flexibility, you can find a door for every budget. The toughness makes them a great fit for people in areas where high winds or where security are a concern.
• Aluminum and glass garage doors can add a modern flair to your home. Choose from solid aluminum or glass panel doors, depending on the amount of privacy you desire. Resistant to rust and corrosion, these doors are built to last
• Natural wood is a favorite among many. It offers a beautiful, rustic and unmatched appearance. You can even customize a door to fit the look of your home. However, they do require a little more maintenance, as wood is prone to splitting and cracking. Depending on the finish you choose, you may also need to re-stain or repaint after a certain amount of time.
• Fiberglass, on the other hand, is resistant to rust, denting, splitting and cracking and offers durability and a standard level of insulation that’s tough to beat. Unfortunately, with fiberglass, the cost can be quite a bit higher.
• Vinyl garage doors are durable and low-maintenance. They do have some customized styles to choose from. They are every resistant to rust and are a great option for the homes on the coast.

Set Your Budget

Unless you have access to unlimited funds, you’re going to need to set a budget. Try to set a budget range, so you have some flexibility, as your decisions regarding features, materials, insulation, etc., will influence the cost. It’s important to know what you can afford to spend so you can prioritize if you can’t afford to get absolutely everything you want.

Choose From Styles of Garage Doors to Match Your Home

When you’ve reviewed the options of what materials garage doors are made of and have made a choice, it’s time to choose from the many styles of garage doors. While you can choose whatever style garage door you prefer, we recommend choosing one that matches the style of your home.

• Modern home styles look best with modern and contemporary garage doors. These doors usually bring together elements of metal, glass and maybe even wood, to create a fresh, clean, up-to-date look that complements your home. An AVANTE™ or a MODERN STEEL™ door looks great on this style of home.
• Craftsman or mission-style homes, among others, are a perfect match for “barn-style” garage doors, also known as carriage-house garage doors. These doors usually feature windows, and sometimes two-tone paint, as well as unique hardware. The RESERVE® WOOD, CANYON RIDGE®, COACHMAN® or GRAND HARBOR® collections are perfect for this style of home.
• Traditional homes are a perfect match for traditional, raised-panel garage doors. This simple, traditional type of garage door complements a variety of home styles and provides flexibility when it comes to color and insulation options. Try the CLASSIC™ WOOD or CLASSIC™ collection doors for these homes.
• Historical homes and homes with unique flair may be the best fit for custom garage doors. Depending on your home’s style and your personal preferences, custom garage doors may provide the uniqueness that flatters your home. The level of customization available varies from brand to brand and will come with a higher price tag.

Pick the Right Color

Now that you’ve selected your material and the style of garage door, it’s time to give some thought to the color. Some people prefer to match the color of their home as closely as they can, while others choose another color altogether. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure the color you choose complements the color of your home. We mentioned new garage doors can have a positive impact on your property value and curb appeal — don’t ruin that by choosing an offbeat color combination.

Local dealers are a great resource when it comes to choosing a color that will match or complement the color of your home. Clopay also has a Color Blast® program that gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of Sherwin-Williams® paint color options that are specially formulated to adhere to steel, aluminum, vinyl and plastic. Solar reflective paint maximizes energy efficiency, and the color finish is backed by a five-year warranty — no paint for five years? That’s a win.

Consider Additional Garage Door Features

While the style of garage doors you choose will dictate some of the look and feel, there are additional features available with most styles that can add some unique flair and function to your garage doors.

• Insulation is important. While there are some materials that naturally insulate better than others, you always can add insulation to your garage doors. Clopay’s Intellicore® insulation technology is one step ahead of the rest, offering an injectable insulation foam that expands to fill the entire space. This insulation not only protects your garage from extreme temperatures, but also from noise — boasting R-values up to 20.4 and a noise reduction of up to 16 decibels. Choose from single, double or triple layers of insulation — the higher the number of layers, the higher the R-values.
• Windows are a decorative feature that are appealing to many. Even one strip of windows along the top of a garage door can add character — and light to filter into a garage that may be an otherwise dark space. The downside of adding windows is that they take away from the insulation. However, if you live in an area where extreme temperatures aren’t a concern, the aesthetics of windows just might be a feature worth considering.
• WindCode-rated doors are important to consider because they not only protect your garage from extreme climates, they also give you additional protection against intruders. The additional security features in place on these doors make them a sturdier option — without sacrificing the look. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, your local codes may require a certain type of feature to ensure your garage doors can stand the weather. If that’s the case, WindCode-rated doors are an easy way to comply, while still getting the style you want.
• Hardware and handles may be small, but they are a big deal when it comes to garage doors. Whether you’re a minimalist and believe less is more, or you like the look of having hardware to add extra visual interest, you have options. Give some thought to what you prefer, and know that if you like hardware and handles, it’s available without getting those carriage-house garage doors.
• Garage door openers have come a long way. Maybe you already have a traditional garage opener you’re planning on keeping, or perhaps you were just thinking about buying a standard opener for your new door. Battery backup is one basic feature that isn’t available on many older models. This feature is great, because you never have to worry about being stuck in your garage during a power outage. On the other hand, if you crave the latest technology, you may want to spend some time looking into Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled garage door openers — that’s right, no more waiting until you’re in that magical range. Now, you can control your garage door from an app on your smartphone.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance and Care

Choosing and installing your new garage doors is only the beginning. Once the new doors are part of your home, maintenance and care kick in. When you’re considering maintenance and care, it’s important to fully understand the details of your garage doors’ warranty. How long is the warranty? What does it cover? Are there any restrictions to the warranty? Do you need to do anything to activate the warranty once you’ve purchased the garage doors? The last thing you want to do is accidentally void the warranty by doing — or not doing — something simple.

In addition to the warranty, don’t forget to ask what level of routine maintenance is recommended to keep your garage doors in their best working condition. It’s important to make sure your garage doors are working properly, so research what needs to be checked, and how frequently. Also, learn what you can about your new doors and opener and how everything works — that way, in between maintenance, you can conduct a visual inspection to make sure everything looks good and is working the way it should.

Finally, if you’ve chosen a painted or stained door, eventually you’ll need to repaint or re-stain. Before you purchase, ask about the process of painting — is it something you can do yourself? If so, are there guidelines? Is there a timeline for how long the paint or stain will last? You want to make sure you fully understand what you need to do so you don’t end up using the wrong type of paint or missing an important guideline that puts you back in the market for a new garage door.

Best Overhead Door — Your Partner for Selecting the Perfect Garage Door

At Best Overhead Door, we know you wish you could see the new doors on your home before they’re installed, just to be sure they’re exactly what you want. That’s why we developed an online design tool that does just that. Our online lookbook gives you the opportunity to see all the styles of garage doors in one place. Then, once you’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites, use our door imagination system to upload a photo of your garage and try them on. You can change everything, from the style to the color, and even the hardware. This tool is sure to give you a true vision of how your new doors will make your home look.

At Best Overhead Door, we provide customers throughout the entire Portland metro area and Vancouver, Wash., with quality garage door services. Whether you are building, remodeling, retrofitting or repainting your home or business facilities, we would love to help you. If you use one of our online tools and would like to get a quote — or just want to talk to one of our garage door experts as you’re deciding what garage doors are best for you — call us at (503) 620-1205 or fill out our online contact form. You can also request an estimate through our online form, or reach us on weekends and evenings by calling (503) 707-0848 and we will be happy to assist you. We would love to have the opportunity to help you find the perfect garage doors for your home.

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