Blog - Plano Overhead Door

How to Identify Common Residential Garage Door Repair Needs

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:55:55 GMT

Garage doors are among the biggest moving parts in your home. When something goes wrong, it can disrupt your entire day and pose safety hazards. Homeowners searching for residential garage door repair in Dallas, TX , often notice problems during harsh weather changes or after years of everyday use. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we want to help you spot issues early and keep your garage door working safely and smoothly.

Common Signs Your Garage Door Needs Attention

Knowing when residential garage door repair is needed can save money and prevent accidents. Some warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. If your door makes loud noises, sticks, or doesn’t open and close easily, repairs are likely needed.

Unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking often mean that residential garage door repair is required for parts such as rollers, springs, or hinges. Doors that wobble or move unevenly may be off track. These and similar signs all suggest it’s time for a careful inspection.

Broken Springs: A Frequent Problem

Springs do the heavy lifting in residential garage door repair. They help your door open and close smoothly. Over time, Texas heat and humidity make springs break down faster. If your garage door feels very heavy or won’t open, a broken spring may be the cause.

Trying to fix springs without proper tools can be dangerous. A snapped spring can cause serious injuries. It’s best to contact a pro who understands residential garage door repair and can replace springs safely.

Off-Track Doors and Their Dangers

Bent or blocked tracks easily lead to doors coming off track. A door that leaves its track won’t move right and could collapse. Hot Dallas summers cause metal tracks to expand, making the problem worse.

If you notice your door is crooked or stuck, residential garage door repair is needed. Don’t try to force the door, as this risks further damage and injury.

Opener Problems and Sensor Issues

Garage door openers make modern life easier but often need repairs. When the remote or wall button stops working, or the motor grinds but the door doesn’t move, you may have an opener problem.

Sensors play a crucial safety role in residential garage door repair. Texas storms or high humidity can affect sensor alignment. If the door won’t close or reverses unexpectedly, check for dirty or misaligned sensors. Professional help ensures correct repair and keeps your family safe.

The Impact of Texas Weather

Dallas weather is tough on garage doors. High heat, fast temperature swings, heavy rain, and storms all speed up wear. Metal parts rust faster, springs lose tension, and wooden doors swell or crack. These conditions increase the need for residential garage door repair and regular inspection.

As the weather changes, inspect your garage door for signs of damage or excess noise. Routine checks and early maintenance help avoid bigger repairs.

DIY Risks: Why Professional Help Matters

Watching online videos might make residential garage door repair seem easy, but it’s often unsafe. Springs, cables, and heavy doors involve serious risks. Homeowners without special tools or training could cause more damage or get hurt.

Hiring a licensed expert ensures garage door repair is done safely and correctly. Professional work prevents later breakdowns and extends your door’s life.

How Timely Repairs Save Money

Small problems become expensive if ignored. Fixing minor track issues or replacing a worn roller is much cheaper than installing a whole new garage door. Routine care and residential garage door repair protect your equipment and keep things running easily.

A trusted professional catches small issues early, often before you even notice a problem. This proactive approach limits downtime and prevents your day from being disrupted by unexpected garage door failures. By addressing problems quickly, you save money and avoid sudden, costly emergencies that could impact your home and family.

Choose Local Expertise for Peace of Mind

Dallas homeowners benefit from working with local professionals for residential garage door repair. A trusted provider understands Texas conditions and knows how to fix problems unique to this area. Experts use the right parts and offer dependable service.

Using a local company also ensures a fast response when emergencies happen, giving you peace of mind during stressful situations. Local professionals are familiar with Dallas neighborhoods, so they can arrive quickly and address your concerns without delay. Good customer support and expert repair help keep your home secure, and having someone nearby makes future maintenance and follow-up even more convenient.

Get Reliable Garage Door Solutions in Dallas!

For fast, safe, and affordable garage door repair in Dallas, TX, call on professionals who care about your family’s safety. Plano Overhead Garage Door has years of experience with residential garage door repair and offers local expertise Dallas homeowners can trust. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a disaster. Contact us today and protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind!

Four Stylish Garage Door Designs Perfect for Garage Door Installation in Murphy, TX

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:42:00 GMT

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we specialize in professional garage door installation services for Murphy, TX , delivering quality and style to every home. Serving Murphy residents from our Plano, TX base, we know the local architectural styles, climate considerations, and design trends that make each installation perfect. Call us today at 972-422-1695 to schedule your consultation!
Here are four key insights you should know when considering garage door installation services and why choosing us makes all the difference.

1: Choosing Materials That Work for Murphy’s Style

One of the most important decisions in garage door installation is choosing the right material. In Murphy, where homes often reflect suburban and transitional architectural styles, durability and aesthetics both matter:

Steel is one of our go-to materials. It's strong, low-maintenance, and versatile in finish.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, mimics wood grain very well without the risk of warping or rot, a great choice if you love the organic look without the upkeep.
Wood is a classic pick for curb appeal, though it requires more maintenance; with proper care, it can last for decades.

We help Murphy homeowners weigh the benefits of each. Whether you want the energy efficiency of insulated steel or the visual warmth of a wood-look fiberglass door, our garage door installation services are tailored for you.

2: Design Styles That Match Murphy Neighborhoods

Murphy, TX, features a blend of suburban, craftsman, and modern homes. With our garage door installation services, we offer styles that complement those architectural aesthetics:

Carriage‑house doors give a timeless, traditional look that works beautifully with craftsman and suburban homes.
Shaker-style doors bring clean lines and a modern farmhouse feel, ideal for Murphy’s contemporary suburban builds.
Sectional doors with panel designs or grooves can enhance the house’s proportions and curb appeal.

We don’t do commercial or roll-up doors, we focus exclusively on quality residential installations.

3: Customizing Color, Windows & Hardware for Maximum Curb Appeal

One of the most powerful ways to boost your home’s visual impact is through customization. Our garage door installation services include design options that let you personalize:

Paint colors: Popular choices for curb appeal include matte black, forest or sage green, warm taupe, classic white, and rich brown wood tones. These shades can create drama or subtle harmony depending on your home’s exterior.
Windows: Adding windows—such as row or carriage-style inserts—brings light into your garage and contributes to a more elegant, dynamic façade.
Hardware: Decorative hinges, handles, or clavos add character, especially on carriage‑house or shaker styles, making your garage door feel like a custom piece.

When you choose our garage door installation services, we provide more than just a door—we deliver expert design guidance. Our team works closely with you to select the perfect colors, window styles, and hardware that complement your home’s aesthetic while enhancing the character of Murphy’s neighborhoods.

4: Long-Term Value and Maintenance

Choosing the right garage door now can pay off in the long run. With our garage door installation services here’s how you get lasting value:

Steel doors with insulation are energy efficient, low maintenance, and built to last.
Fiberglass doors resist moisture and don’t require frequent repainting, making them ideal for long-term, low-effort upkeep.
We don’t just install—we service, help with color-matching, and provide guidance on care, so your door stays beautiful and functional for years.

Because we’re based in Plano and serve Murphy directly, our response times are quick, and our local knowledge ensures the installation process fits the community’s style and climate.

Upgrade Your Home Today with Expert Garage Door Installation!

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we take pride in offering premium garage door installation services. With our deep understanding of local architectural styles, material expertise, and custom design capabilities, we help you make choices that enhance both beauty and function. Whether you're aiming for a modern carriage‑house look, a warm wood-like vibe, or a sleek, energy-efficient steel door, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to elevate your home’s curb appeal? Give us a call at 972‑422‑1695 today or visit our contact page to schedule a free design consultation and estimate. Let’s bring your vision for garage door installation to life.

Top Signs You Need Residential Garage Door Repair in Murphy, TX

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:10:00 GMT

Our garage door should work smoothly every day. If it starts acting up, Plano Overhead Garage Door is here to help with residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX. Call us today at 972-422-1695 for quick and reliable service.

Why Paying Attention to Your Garage Door Matters

A garage door is more than just an entry point. It protects your home, adds curb appeal, and keeps your family safe. When problems arise, ignoring them can lead to bigger issues. Residential garage door repair is not just about convenience, it is about safety and preventing costly damage.
Regular attention to your garage door also helps you avoid sudden breakdowns that disrupt your daily routine. By noticing small changes early, you can schedule repairs before they become emergencies, saving both time and money.

Common Signs You Need Repair

Knowing the warning signs helps you act before a small issue becomes a major problem. Here are the top signs to watch for:

Unusual noises: Grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds often mean worn parts.
Slow operation: If your door takes longer than usual to open or close, it may need adjustment.
Door not staying open: A door that drops suddenly can be dangerous and signals spring problems.
Jerky movements: Shaking or uneven motion often points to track or roller issues.
Sensor malfunctions: If the safety sensors fail, the door may not stop when it should.

Each of these signs is a clear reason to schedule residential garage door repair before the problem worsens.
A garage door that shows even one of these issues should not be ignored. Acting quickly ensures your family’s safety and prevents unexpected breakdowns that can leave you stuck at the worst time.

Risks of Ignoring Garage Door Problems

Delaying repairs can create serious risks:

Safety hazards: A faulty door can injure family members or damage vehicles.
Security concerns: A door that does not close properly leaves your home vulnerable.
Higher costs: Small issues often grow into expensive repairs if left unchecked.
Reduced lifespan: Ignoring maintenance shortens the life of your garage door system.

By acting quickly, you protect your home and save money. Plano Overhead Garage Door specializes in garage door repair and ensures your system works safely.
Homeowners often underestimate how fast a minor problem can escalate. What starts as a squeak or slow movement can quickly turn into a complete failure, leaving your garage unusable until professional help arrives.

How Plano Overhead Garage Door Helps

Our team has decades of experience serving Murphy homeowners. We provide fast, reliable residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX, with a focus on quality and safety. Customers choose us because:

We respond quickly to service calls.
Our technicians are trained and certified.
We use durable parts for lasting repairs.
We offer honest pricing with no hidden fees.

When you call 972-422-1695 , you get a team that cares about your home and family.

Preventive Care for Your Garage Door

Regular maintenance reduces the need for emergency repairs. Here are simple steps you can take:

Inspect monthly: Look for loose hardware, worn rollers, or frayed cables.
Test balance: Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it does not stay, springs may need adjustment.
Clean sensors: Dust or dirt can block the safety sensors.
Lubricate moving parts: Keep rollers, hinges, and springs working smoothly.

Even with good care, problems can still arise. That is why residential garage door repair is essential when issues appear.

Why Murphy homeowners trust us

Homeowners in Murphy know Plano Overhead Garage Door for dependable service and lasting results. Our team understands local needs and provides solutions that fit each home. Whether it is a noisy door, a faulty sensor, or another issue, we handle repairs with care and precision.
We focus on keeping every garage door safe, reliable, and simple to use. That dedication is why families continue to choose us for residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX.

Educational Insight: When to Replace vs. Repair

Sometimes repair is enough. Other times, replacement is the smarter choice. Here is how to decide:

Repair: Minor issues like worn rollers, loose hardware, or sensor alignment.
Replace: Major structural damage, outdated systems, or repeated failures.

Our technicians will guide you through the options. We never push unnecessary services. Instead, we focus on what is best for your home. Choosing residential garage door repair ensures you get expert advice on whether repair or replacement is the right move.

Take Action Today for Peace of Mind

Do not wait until your garage door fails completely. If you notice unusual noises, jerky movements, or sensor problems, call Plano Overhead Garage Door at 972-422-1695 .
For more details, visit our page on garage door repair companies in Murphy, TX .

Ready for Reliable Service? Contact Us Now

Your garage door deserves expert care. Plano Overhead Garage Door is here to provide fast and dependable residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX. Call 972-422-1695 or visit our contact page to schedule your service today.

Garage Door Installation Services in Dallas, TX: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:56:00 GMT

A new garage door is a significant investment that enhances your home's curb appeal, security, and value. However, the installation process is far more complex than it appears. Many Dallas homeowners, tempted by the prospect of saving money, attempt a DIY installation only to encounter a host of problems. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you see why professional garage door installation services in Dallas, TX , are not just a convenience but a necessity for the safety and longevity of your door.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Garage Door Installation Services

Improper Measurements and Planning

One of the most frequent and critical errors occurs before the first piece of hardware is even unpacked: incorrect measurements. A garage door must fit its opening with precision. Even a miscalculation of half an inch can lead to a door that doesn't seal properly, operates loudly, or fails to function altogether. Gaps allow North Texas pests, dust, and extreme temperatures to enter your garage, impacting energy efficiency. Proper planning also involves assessing the garage's structure to ensure it can support the door's weight and the torsion spring system. This foundational step is where professional garage door installation services in Dallas, TX, provide immense value , guaranteeing a perfect fit from the start.

Compromising on Safety and Hardware

Garage doors are the largest moving object in most homes and are under immense tension, especially the high-torsion springs. A common and extremely dangerous DIY mistake is attempting to install or adjust these springs without the proper tools and knowledge. A slipping spring cable or a broken spring can release catastrophic force, leading to severe injury or property damage. Furthermore, using incorrect or low-quality hardware substitutes can compromise the entire system's integrity. When our professionals perform garage door installation services, they use the right springs, cables, brackets, and rollers designed for your specific door model, ensuring safe and reliable operation. For a reliable garage door installation, using the correct, manufacturer-specified components is non-negotiable.

The Critical Importance of Track Alignment

The tracks on either side of your garage door are its guiding system. If they are not perfectly parallel and plumb, the door will bind, jerk, or become stuck. Misaligned tracks place undue stress on the opener and other components, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This is a delicate process that requires a keen eye and specialized tools to ensure every bracket is securely fastened and every section of track is aligned to the millimeter. This precision is a hallmark of expert garage door installation services, preventing operational issues and noise down the line. The risks of getting this wrong extend beyond mere inconvenience, highlighting why a professional approach is crucial for every homeowner's project.

The Hidden Costs and Risks of Improper Installation

Choosing to forgo professional installation might seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but it often leads to far greater expenses. An improperly installed door is a safety hazard, risking damage to your vehicle or, more seriously, injury to your family. It also suffers from a significantly reduced lifespan as components wear out prematurely due to misalignment and stress. Perhaps most importantly, most garage door manufacturers will void their warranty if the door is not installed by a certified professional. This leaves you solely responsible for the cost of any future repairs or replacements. Protecting your investment requires the skill of dedicated garage door installation services to ensure everything is done correctly and safely from day one.

Why Choose Plano Overhead Garage Door as Your Professional Solution

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we have seen the consequences of these common mistakes firsthand. Our team of certified technicians is trained to avoid every single one. When you choose our garage door installation services in Dallas, TX, you get a seamless process from precise measurement to flawless final adjustment. We handle the heavy lifting and the hidden dangers, so you don't have to. Our expert team uses only the highest quality parts and follows stringent safety protocols to ensure your new door operates smoothly and safely for years to come. Trusting your project to a professional ensures you avoid the common pitfalls that plague DIY attempts, making professional garage door installation services the smartest choice for your home and family.

Schedule Our Garage Door Installation Services in Dallas, TX

Don't risk the safety, efficiency, and warranty of your new garage door. The complexities of installation demand a level of expertise that only a trained professional can provide. For a flawless installation that guarantees performance and peace of mind, contact us today to schedule your professional service.

Budgeting for Residential Garage Door Repair in Coppell, TX

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:23:00 GMT

Budgeting for home repairs can feel stressful, especially when something as essential as your garage door stops working. Many homeowners seeking residential garage door repair in Coppell, TX, want clear guidance on expected costs, how to plan, and how to feel confident about the work. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we provide simple, practical advice that fits real-life situations. Contact us today to speak with a friendly team member who can help you get started.
We also know that homeowners want to avoid unexpected expenses. That’s why this guide breaks down common cost factors, repair options, and smart ways to budget for garage door repair. Whether it’s a stuck door, broken spring, or noisy operation, understanding your options helps you make informed decisions. Families across the area rely on our garage door repair services to deliver dependable results, making every repair experience smooth and worry-free.
If this is your first time exploring Garage Door Repair Services in Coppell, TX, this guide covers the essentials in a clear, practical way. You’ll also find helpful planning tips and strategies to save money over time, even when unexpected issues arise.

Understanding Typical Garage Door Repair Costs

Repair costs can vary widely, but most homes typically require a few predictable types of fixes. Understanding these common repairs makes it much easier to plan ahead for Garage Door Repair Services. The price you pay usually depends on several straightforward factors, including the type of repair, the age and condition of your door, and any parts that need replacement. Fortunately, most issues fall into familiar patterns, allowing homeowners to budget and prepare for service without unnecessary stress or surprises. By knowing what to expect, you can approach residential garage door repair, with confidence and peace of mind.

Common Cost Factors

Type of repair.
Age of your door.
Type of opener.
Spring Conditions.
Need for replacement parts.
Service timing or urgency.

Each of these affects the price of residential garage door repair. Knowing them ahead of time takes the pressure out of the process. Homeowners often learn that regular care can reduce the need for major work later.

Small vs. Large Repairs

Smaller problems such as sensor alignment are usually affordable. Larger issues like broken torsion springs can cost more. This is why budgeting early for garage door repair makes sense. Simple steps now can prevent bigger costs later.

What Homeowners Often Pay For

While every home is unique, there are common repairs that most families experience. Understanding each helps you plan for garage door repair in Coppell, TX, without surprises.

Spring Replacement

Springs do the heavy lifting. When they break, the door will not open safely. Spring replacement is one of the most frequent needs for anyone seeking residential garage door repair.

Roller and Track Repairs

Rollers help your door move smoothly. When they wear down, noise increases and movement slows. Track alignment issues can also interrupt daily routines. Families who rely on consistent use often schedule garage door repair to fix these problems quickly.

Opener Troubleshooting

Openers can fail due to age, wiring, or internal components. This is another reason why many homeowners call for Garage Door Repair Services. Some even explore new opener options or modern features after repairs. We also provide expert guidance on selecting new garage door styles, and you can explore available options online .

How to Plan Your Budget Effectively

Many people want clear direction when preparing for residential garage door repair. The planning process can be simple with a few steps. These keep your budget manageable and your home operating smoothly.

Set Aside a Home Repair Allowance

A small monthly amount can protect you from surprise costs. Because garage doors are used daily, this allowance often becomes helpful for homeowners needing residential garage door repair at unexpected times.

Compare Repair vs. Replacement

Sometimes major damage suggests replacement may be more cost-effective. When reviewing long-term value, homeowners often revisit their plans for residential garage door repair. We can help you decide the right path for your family.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular care reduces long-term costs. Homeowners who maintain their systems often need fewer emergency calls for garage door repair.

Ready to Book Your Garage Door Repair?

If you’re considering residential garage door repair in Coppell, TX, our team is ready to help. We provide reliable service, clear communication, and practical advice every step of the way. Families looking for a simple, stress-free approach to garage door repair services in Coppell, TX, can count on us for support. Many local homeowners have questions about timing, materials, and long-term planning, and with our guidance, managing Garage Door Repair Services in Coppell, TX, becomes straightforward and predictable. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team and book your next service.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door with Professional Garage Door Repair Company

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:03:00 GMT

When your garage door starts acting up, it can be more than just an inconvenience, it’s a safety concern and a potential security risk. For homeowners in Murphy, TX, knowing how to choose the best garage door repair company is crucial to ensuring your home’s entryway stays safe, functional, and looking great. With so many providers out there, selecting the right company can be overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know to make a confident choice—focusing on common wear points of garage doors, preventative repair strategies, and why partnering with Plano Overhead Garage Door makes all the difference.

Understanding Common Wear Points of Your Garage Door

Key Parts That Need Attention in Garage Door Repair Services

Garage doors have several critical components subjected to daily wear and tear. Knowing these typical trouble spots helps you understand why professional garage door maintenance and repair are vital. The most common wear points include:

Springs: Garage door springs handle the heavy lifting of the door. Over time, tension lost through repeated cycles causes breakage, leading to the door’s inability to open or close properly. Springs are dangerous to handle without proper tools and expertise, making professional replacement essential.
Rollers: Rollers allow smooth movement along the tracks. When worn or damaged, they cause noise and jerking movements, negatively affecting door operation and potentially damaging other parts.
Tracks: Misaligned or bent tracks can prevent the door from moving freely. Debris buildup can also obstruct the rails, stressing the opener and springs.
Openers: The motorized mechanism that controls door movement requires regular tuning. Worn gears or malfunctioning sensors can interrupt normal function or cause safety hazards.

Identifying issues with these parts early can save homeowners from costly replacements or injury risks later. Plus, a reliable garage door repair company in Murphy, TX , will explain the state of each part during service visits, keeping you informed.

Preventative Repair Strategies Offered by Plano Overhead Garage Door

How Plano Overhead Goes Beyond Repairs to Protect Your Investment

When searching for a dependable garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, it’s worthwhile to consider those that take a proactive approach. Plano Overhead Garage Door stands out because their services focus not only on fixing existing problems but also on preventing future issues through:

Part Replacement: From springs and cables to rollers and weather stripping, Plano Overhead replaces worn parts with quality materials, restoring reliable function and boosting longevity.
Adjustments: Sometimes, your garage door issues stem from minor misalignments or imbalances. Plano Overhead technicians expertly adjust springs, tracks, and opener settings for smooth, safe operation.
Inspections: Regular inspections catch problems before they escalate. Plano Overhead offers comprehensive safety inspections, identifying hidden wear and recommending timely maintenance.

Together, these preventative strategies form a smart maintenance regimen. Homeowners who schedule routine check-ups with Plano Overhead enjoy fewer emergency repairs, safer doors, and extended system life.

Why Choose Plano Overhead Garage Door as Your Garage Door Repair Company in Murphy, TX

Partnering for Long-Term Home Maintenance and Peace of Mind

Finding a garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, that feels like a trusted partner makes a big difference. Plano Overhead is more than just a repair service; they’re committed to long-term relationships with homeowners. Here’s why this matters:

Expertise and Experience: Plano Overhead technicians bring years of specialized experience serving Murphy and surrounding areas. Their knowledge means faster, more accurate diagnoses and repairs.
Transparent Pricing and Communication: There are no surprise fees or vague assessments. Plano Overhead provides upfront quotes and detailed explanations, so you’re never in the dark.
Customer-Centric Approach: The team listens carefully, respects your schedule, and ensures your garage door works safely before leaving your home.

If your garage door is showing signs of wear—rattling rollers, slow opener response, noisy springs, or misaligned tracks—don’t delay. Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door , a trusted garage door repair company to schedule an inspection or repair service. Their expert team delivers exceptional garage door repair services in Murphy, TX, that protect your home’s safety and convenience.

Benefits of Investing in Custom Garage Door Installation in Dallas, TX

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:28:00 GMT

When it comes to enhancing your home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency, custom garage door installation in Dallas, TX, is a wise investment. Unlike standard options, custom doors allow homeowners to select materials, designs, and finishes that perfectly complement their property. For Dallas homeowners looking to upgrade or replace their garage doors, choosing a trusted provider like Plano Overhead Garage Door ensures professional results, attention to detail, and certified technicians.

1. Consider Your Home’s Curb Appeal

A custom garage door installation can dramatically improve your home's exterior appearance. From traditional raised-panel styles to modern contemporary designs, selecting the right door can transform your façade. Think about color coordination, texture, and the style that matches your home’s architecture. Not only does this enhance curb appeal, but it also increases property value, making it an investment that pays off in the long run. Success stories from Dallas homeowners show how a well-chosen custom garage door can become the centerpiece of a home. For instance, one Plano resident replaced a plain, white garage door with a carriage-style door finished in deep walnut. This simple change elevated the home’s overall look, impressed neighbors, and even contributed to a faster resale when they decided to move. Another homeowner chose a sleek, aluminum modern-style door, giving their house a contemporary edge while maintaining durability. You can see similar transformations through Plano Overhead’s garage door installation services .

2. Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a significant advantage of custom garage door installation in Dallas, TX. Insulated doors help regulate garage temperatures, which can directly impact your home’s overall energy consumption. Materials like insulated steel or composite panels reduce heat transfer, keeping your garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer. For homeowners with adjoining living spaces or workshops, this feature can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable environment. Additionally, high-performance doors often come with durable weatherstripping and sealant options, helping prevent drafts and moisture intrusion. Some Dallas homeowners have reported a 10% reduction in energy bills after upgrading to an insulated custom garage door, making it a wise long-term investment. Investing in energy-efficient solutions ensures long-term savings while contributing to a greener home.

3. Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials

Selecting the right material for your garage door is crucial for longevity and minimal upkeep. Options range from steel and aluminum to wood composites and fiberglass. Steel doors offer durability and security, while wood composites provide aesthetic warmth without the constant maintenance of natural wood. Fiberglass can mimic wood grain while resisting dents and fading. For homeowners in Dallas, where summers can be hot and humid, choosing a material that withstands extreme weather is key. Steel doors with protective coatings resist rust and warping, while composite doors maintain their appearance without annual staining or painting. By selecting materials wisely, homeowners can enjoy beautiful doors without ongoing stress or repair costs.

4. Match Functionality With Style

A garage door should not only look good but also function reliably. Custom garage door installation allow homeowners to pair design preferences with advanced technology, such as automatic openers, smart home integration, and safety features. Plano Overhead Garage Door offers a wide selection of openers for garage doors designed for seamless performance and convenience. Consider the everyday use of your garage. If your door sees frequent traffic, prioritize durable hardware and efficient openers. Safety sensors, quiet operation, and smartphone-controlled access are features that modern homeowners increasingly value. For families, these enhancements improve convenience and ensure the garage remains safe for children and pets. A properly installed custom door guarantees smooth operation and long-term satisfaction.

5. Work with Certified Experts

Professional installation makes all the difference when it comes to custom garage doors. Certified technicians bring experience, knowledge, and precision, guaranteeing your door looks great and functions flawlessly. Plano Overhead Garage Door has served Dallas homeowners for decades, offering meticulous installation, expert guidance, and superior customer service. Working with a trusted team minimizes risks such as misaligned tracks, unbalanced doors, or faulty openers. From initial consultation to final inspection, expert installers handle every step efficiently and safely. Their attention to detail ensures your investment is protected and provides peace of mind for years to come. Testimonials from satisfied Dallas clients consistently highlight the professionalism, speed, and quality workmanship provided by Plano Overhead’s team.

Additional Tips for Choosing Your Custom Garage Door Installation in Dallas, TX

Evaluate Your Neighborhood : Consider the style of neighboring homes to ensure your custom door complements the area.
Maintenance Requirements : Ask about paint touch-ups, rust protection, or composite finish care to plan for minimal upkeep.
Budget Wisely : Custom doors range widely in price. Consider the return on investment in terms of energy efficiency, aesthetics, and property value.
Future-Proof Features : Smart openers, Wi-Fi integration, and battery backup systems add convenience and reliability.

Taking the time to evaluate these factors ensures your custom garage door installation not only looks stunning but also functions seamlessly for years.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to a custom garage door is more than just an aesthetic decision; it’s an investment in your home’s security, energy efficiency, and overall value. From choosing the right materials and style to ensuring proper installation, each step contributes to long-lasting results. Dallas homeowners looking for professional guidance and top-quality service can contact Plano Overhead Garage Door to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate. Take the first step toward transforming your home today. Call us at (972) 422-1695 to explore custom garage door options and see why so many Dallas homeowners trust Plano Overhead Garage Door for their installation needs. Contact us now to learn more about custom garage door installation in Dallas, TX.

Things to Consider Before Garage Door Installation Services

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 20:15:00 GMT

Installing a new garage door can significantly enhance both the curb appeal and functionality of your home. Whether you are upgrading your existing door or installing a new one, understanding what factors influence your choice can save you time, money, and frustration. Flower Mound, TX, offers a unique climate and neighborhood aesthetic that impacts your garage door decision more than you might think. If you’re thinking about garage door installation services, this article will walk you through the top five considerations to keep in mind before making your final decision.

1. Material Matters: Choose What Works Best for Your Home

Understanding Garage Door Materials

Garage doors come in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Common options include steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Steel is durable and low-maintenance, while wood offers a classic look but requires regular upkeep. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, ideal for humid climates, and fiberglass provides a modern aesthetic with good insulation.

Climate Considerations in Flower Mound

Flower Mound experiences hot summers and occasional storms, so choosing a material that withstands heat and moisture is crucial. Steel doors with a rust-resistant coating or composite wood alternatives are popular choices among homeowners seeking reliable garage door installation services.

Budget vs. Longevity

While wood may look luxurious, it can be costly to maintain. Steel and aluminum offer a balance between affordability and durability. Plano Overhead Garage Door helps clients weigh these options to find the best fit for their budget and lifestyle.

2. Insulation: Keep Your Garage Comfortable Year-Round

Why Insulation Is Important

Insulated garage doors help regulate temperature, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workspace.

Local Weather Impact

In Flower Mound, fluctuating temperatures make insulation a smart investment. A well-insulated door can prevent heat from entering during summer and retain warmth in winter, reducing your energy bills and enhancing comfort.

R-Value and Door Construction

The R-value measures thermal resistance—higher values mean better insulation. Plano Overhead Garage Door offers a range of insulated options with high R-values, ensuring your garage door installation services meet both comfort and efficiency standards.

3. Style and Curb Appeal: Match Your Home’s Aesthetic

Garage Doors as Design Elements

Your garage door is one of the most visible parts of your home’s exterior . Choosing a style that complements your architecture can boost curb appeal and even increase property value.

Popular Styles in Flower Mound

From carriage-house designs to sleek modern panels, Flower Mound homeowners often opt for styles that reflect their personal taste while adhering to neighborhood aesthetics. Windows, decorative hardware, and color choices all play a role.

HOA Guidelines and Restrictions

Many Flower Mound neighborhoods have HOA rules that dictate acceptable garage door styles and colors. Plano Overhead Garage Door is familiar with local regulations and helps clients navigate these requirements during the Garage Door Installation Services process.

4. Windows and Smart Features: Function Meets Innovation

Adding Windows for Light and Style

Windows can enhance the look of your garage door and allow natural light into the space. However, they should be placed strategically to maintain privacy and security.

Smart Technology Integration

Modern garage doors can be equipped with smart openers, remote access, and security features. These upgrades offer convenience and peace of mind, especially for busy families or tech-savvy homeowners.

Safety and Performance

Smart features also include motion sensors, auto-reverse mechanisms, and battery backups. Plano Overhead Garage Door offers advanced systems as part of their Garage Door Installation Services, ensuring your door is safe, secure, and future-ready.

5. Professional Installation: Protect Your Investment

Why Professional Installation Matters

A garage door is a complex system involving springs, tracks, and motors. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions, safety hazards, and voided warranties.

Warranty and Long-Term Value

Most manufacturers require professional installation to honor their warranties. Plano Overhead Garage Door’s certified technicians ensure your door is installed correctly, maximizing its lifespan and performance.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

With decades of experience serving Flower Mound and surrounding areas, Plano Overhead Garage Door understands the unique needs of local homeowners. Their garage door installation services include personalized consultations, expert recommendations, and top-tier workmanship.

How Plano Overhead Garage Door Services Simplify Your Decision

When you hire Plano Overhead Garage Door for your garage door installation services, you’re partnering with local experts who understand Flower Mound’s unique demands. Our team helps you select the right material, insulation, and style tailored to your home and budget. We provide a detailed consultation to explain how each option functions in your local climate and what will best fit your family’s lifestyle. Plus, our professional installation ensures your new garage door operates smoothly and meets all manufacturer standards. If you’re ready to get started with your garage door installation services or replacement in Flower Mound, TX, don’t settle for less. Trust Plano Overhead Garage Door for expert guidance, quality materials, and flawless installation. Call us now at 972-422-1695 to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to enhance your home’s safety, efficiency, and beauty with the perfect garage door. Your ideal garage door awaits!

Guide to Choosing a Garage Door Company in Flower Mound, TX

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:47:00 GMT

When it comes to home maintenance, the garage door is often overlooked until it stops working. As a homeowner in Flower Mound, TX, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly is essential for both convenience and safety. Garage doors are complex systems with springs, cables, tracks, and openers that all require proper care to function correctly. Partnering with a reputable garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, for regular maintenance can prevent minor issues like misaligned tracks, worn springs, or malfunctioning openers from escalating into costly repairs. Regular inspections not only extend the lifespan of your garage door but also improve home security, reduce the risk of accidents, and maintain energy efficiency by keeping the door properly sealed. By investing in professional maintenance, you’re protecting both your home and your family while ensuring your garage door operates reliably year-round.

Why Regular Maintenance From a Trusted Garage Door Company in Flower Mound, TX, Matters

Regular maintenance from a trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, is essential to keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely. Many homeowners overlook small issues until they turn into expensive repairs. Partnering with a professional garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, ensures that potential problems are identified early, prolonging the life of your garage door and preventing inconvenient breakdowns.
Key benefits of regular maintenance include:

Prevent Costly Repairs: Early detection of worn springs, misaligned tracks, or damaged openers can save hundreds of dollars.
Enhance Safety: Functioning sensors, well-lubricated parts, and properly balanced doors reduce the risk of accidents.
Improve Security: A professionally maintained garage door ensures your home stays protected.
Extend Lifespan: Routine inspections and upkeep prevent unnecessary wear and tear on door components.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your garage door operates reliably every day gives you confidence and convenience.

By choosing a reliable garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, you’re investing in safety, performance, and long-term savings for your home.

Common Garage Door Issues That Start Small and Become Expensive

Even minor garage door problems can quickly turn into costly repairs if left unaddressed. Homeowners in Flower Mound, TX, often underestimate the impact of small issues like squeaky noises or slow operation. A professional garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, can identify these problems early, preventing bigger expenses down the line. Common issues that can escalate include:

Misaligned Tracks: Causes uneven movement, door jamming, and extra stress on springs and openers.
Worn or Broken Springs: Can lead to dangerous malfunctions and even complete door failure.
Noisy or Malfunctioning Openers: Often indicate motor strain or worn components that, if ignored, require full replacement.
Damaged Rollers or Hinges: Small cracks or wear can result in rough operation and more significant damage over time.
Faulty Sensors: Can compromise safety and prevent the door from operating correctly.

By scheduling regular inspections with a trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, homeowners can catch these issues early, saving money and avoiding inconvenient emergency repairs.

Why Annual Garage Door Maintenance Matters

Scheduling annual maintenance with a trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly and inconvenient emergency repairs. Routine inspections and tune-ups ensure that your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently throughout the year. By addressing small issues early, homeowners can avoid unexpected breakdowns that may disrupt daily routines or compromise home security.
Benefits of annual maintenance include:

Early Detection of Problems: Identifies worn springs, misaligned tracks, or faulty openers before they escalate.
Improved Door Performance: Ensures the garage door opens and closes smoothly without straining components.
Enhanced Safety: Confirms sensors and auto-reverse functions work properly to prevent accidents.
Reduced Long-Term Costs: Prevents minor issues from turning into major repairs or full component replacements.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your garage door is maintained by a professional garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, gives confidence and convenience year-round.

Regular maintenance keeps your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, in top condition, extending its lifespan and protecting your investment.

Safety and Security Benefits of Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Ensuring your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, is properly maintained goes beyond smooth operation; it directly impacts the safety and security of your home. A professional garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, can inspect and maintain critical components like sensors, remotes, and moving parts, preventing accidents and keeping your family and property protected.
Key safety and security benefits include:

Working Safety Sensors: Prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.
Functioning Remotes and Keypads: Ensure secure access and prevent unauthorized entry.
Well-Lubricated Moving Parts: Reduce wear and tear, minimize noise, and ensure smooth operation.
Properly Balanced Doors: Prevent sudden drops or malfunctioning that could cause injury.
Enhanced Home Security: A well-maintained garage door acts as a reliable barrier against intruders.

By partnering with a trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, you’re not only protecting your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, but also improving overall safety, reliability, and peace of mind for your household.

Plano Overhead Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Plano Overhead, a trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, provides comprehensive maintenance services to ensure your garage door operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. During a typical service visit, their experienced technicians follow a detailed checklist to address all critical components of your garage door in Flower Mound, TX.
A typical maintenance visit includes:

Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts: Rollers, hinges, and springs are lubricated to reduce friction and extend component life.
Check Door Balance and Alignment: Ensures smooth operation and prevents unnecessary strain on the opener.
Test Auto-Reverse and Safety Sensors: Confirms that all safety features function correctly to prevent accidents.
Tighten Hardware: Bolts, screws, and brackets are checked and tightened to reduce vibrations and noise.
Examine Weather Stripping: Replace worn or damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and protect against the elements.
Inspect Garage Door Opener: Evaluates motor performance, chain/belt tension, and remote functionality.

Don't wait for a small issue to become a major problem. Contact us , your trusted garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, for a comprehensive maintenance check today. With over 40 years of experience, our team is dedicated to keeping your garage door in top condition.

How to Know It’s Time for Garage Door Repair in Coppell, TX

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 03:48:00 GMT

A reliable garage door is essential for both security and convenience. When it malfunctions, the issues can quickly become frustrating and even dangerous. That’s why homeowners should recognize the signs that it’s time for professional garage door repair in Coppell, TX. Contact us today at 972-422-1695 to schedule your service with Plano Overhead Garage Door. Our team has been serving Coppell with dependable repairs and installations for decades, ensuring that families stay safe and comfortable.

Warning Signs Your Garage Door Needs Attention

Identifying problems early can save you from bigger, more expensive repairs later. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to consider garage door repair.

Grinding or Unusual Noises

Garage doors are designed to move smoothly with minimal noise. If you begin to hear grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds, this often signals worn-out rollers, loose parts, or misaligned tracks. Ignoring these noises can turn a simple issue into a major repair. Scheduling garage door repair early prevents costly damage.

Delayed or Inconsistent Response

When you hit your remote or wall control, the door should respond right away. If there’s a noticeable delay, the problem could stem from the opener’s wiring or the motor itself. Professional garage door repair can quickly identify and correct these electrical issues.

Sagging or Uneven Door Panels

A door that looks uneven or struggles to close properly may indicate spring or cable issues. This type of problem not only affects the door’s performance but also raises safety concerns. A sagging door is heavier on one side, placing strain on the opener and creating hazards for anyone walking underneath.

Increased Energy Bills

Older garage doors with poor insulation can allow drafts inside. When your heating and cooling systems work harder to keep up, your energy bills rise. Upgrading insulation or repairing seals through professional garage door repair can save you money while keeping your home more comfortable year-round.

Why DIY Garage Door Repairs Can Be Risky

Attempting to handle garage door repairs on your own may seem cost-effective, but it comes with major risks. Springs and cables are under extreme tension, and even a small mistake can lead to serious injuries. Opener repairs can also be dangerous without the right tools or training. Plano Overhead Garage Door strongly recommends professional service for any garage door repair in Coppell, TX. Our technicians know how to handle these complex systems safely, protecting both you and your property.

Repair or Replace? How to Decide

Sometimes a simple repair is enough. Other times, replacement is the smarter choice. Here’s how to know which is right for you:

If your garage door is less than 10 years old and only has minor wear, a repair is likely the best option.
If the door is more than 15 years old and requires frequent service, replacing it may provide better value.
If safety is compromised—like with broken springs, damaged panels, or faulty openers—replacement often makes sense.

Plano Overhead Garage Door offers honest evaluations with no pressure. When you need garage door repair in Coppell, TX, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best decision.

Why Choose Plano Overhead Garage Door

Homeowners in Coppell trust us for our long-standing reputation and high-quality service. For over 45 years, Plano Overhead Garage Door has been serving the Coppell community with professional, reliable solutions.

Here’s what makes us the preferred choice for garage door repair in Coppell, TX:

Certified technicians with extensive training and experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Same-day service available for most repairs.
Commitment to safety and long-term performance.

More Than Just Garage Door Repairs

Plano Overhead Garage Door doesn’t just repair doors, we also offer installations, replacements, and preventative maintenance. Whether you want a quieter opener, stronger springs, or an energy-efficient upgrade, our team is here to help. Explore our full range of garage door services available . With so many options, you can feel confident knowing we have a solution that fits your home.

The Importance of Timely Service

Delaying garage door repairs can lead to higher costs and safety hazards. For example, ignoring a failing spring can cause the door to stop working altogether. This can trap your vehicle inside the garage or even pose injury risks. By scheduling garage door repair promptly, you save yourself stress and avoid emergency expenses.

Protect Your Home and Family Today

Your garage door plays an important role in your daily routine. From security to convenience, it’s one feature you can’t afford to overlook. Plano Overhead Garage Door proudly serves Coppell, TX, with reliable repairs, maintenance, and installations that homeowners can count on. Call us at 972-422-1695 now for your free quote or send us a message to schedule professional garage door repair in Coppell, TX, today.

Garage Door Repair Company in Highland Village, TX: 5 Tips

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:51:00 GMT

When it comes to safeguarding your home and protecting your investment, your garage door is often overlooked until a problem arises. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we specialize in keeping your garage door operating smoothly and efficiently. As a trusted garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we provide expert maintenance and repair services designed to prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs. Don’t wait for a breakdown, call us today at 972-422-1695 to schedule your inspection and keep your garage door in top condition.

In this article, we will share five key facts about how regular maintenance can save you money and provide a seasonal checklist to keep your garage door in top shape.

1. Early Detection Prevents Costly Repairs

A small problem with your garage door, such as a worn-out spring or misaligned track, may seem insignificant at first. However, these minor issues can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. As your reliable garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we recommend regular inspections to catch these problems early.
For example, a loose roller may only cost a few dollars to replace, but if ignored, it can damage the entire door mechanism. Regular maintenance allows us to identify and fix these issues before they become costly emergencies, saving homeowners hundreds of dollars over time. Routine maintenance can reduce major garage door repair expenses by up to 40%.

2. Extends the Life of Your Garage Door

Routine maintenance is essential not only for avoiding expensive repairs but also for extending the life of your garage door. As a trusted garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we know that components such as springs, cables, and rollers experience natural wear over time. With timely lubrication, proper alignment, and necessary part replacements, you can significantly improve the durability and performance of your garage door while preventing unexpected breakdowns.
At Plano Overhead Garage Door, our maintenance plans are designed to keep your garage door operating smoothly for years. Investing in routine inspections and upkeep ensures you get the most out of your garage door, reducing the need for full replacements and saving you thousands in the long run

3. Energy Efficiency Reduces Utility Costs

A poorly maintained garage door can affect your home's insulation, letting in drafts that increase heating and cooling costs. Seasonal inspections can detect gaps, weather stripping issues, or faulty insulation panels.
As a leading garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we advise homeowners to schedule maintenance twice a year—spring and fall—to optimize energy efficiency. Simple fixes like sealing gaps or tightening tracks can reduce your utility bills, putting more money back in your pocket each month.

4. Safety and Liability Prevention

Garage doors are heavy and dangerous when malfunctioning. Broken springs, frayed cables, or misaligned tracks can cause serious injuries. Regular maintenance is not only a cost-saving measure but also a safety necessity.
By choosing Plano Overhead Garage Door, a trusted garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, you ensure your family and property are protected. Our trained technicians check all safety features, including auto-reverse sensors and manual release mechanisms. Avoiding accidents not only saves on medical expenses but also prevents potential legal liabilities.

5. Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

To maximize cost savings and performance, we recommend following this seasonal garage door maintenance checklist:
Spring & Fall Checklist:

Inspect and lubricate rollers, hinges, and tracks.
Check door balance and alignment.
Test auto-reverse and safety sensors.
Tighten loose bolts and screws.
Examine weather stripping and insulation.
Replace worn-out springs or cables.
Remove debris from tracks and clean the door surface.

Following this straightforward checklist can help prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, a trusted garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we provide comprehensive maintenance plans that cover all these essential tasks efficiently, ensuring your garage door functions smoothly and reliably throughout the year.

Why Choose Plano Overhead Garage Door?

As your go-to garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, we provide expert services with a focus on prevention, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. Our maintenance plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each home, giving you peace of mind and a fully functional garage door. When you invest in regular maintenance with us, you’re making a smart financial choice while keeping your home safe and secure.

Save Money, Stay Safe

Regular garage door maintenance is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment, reduce utility costs, and prevent injuries. By working with Plano Overhead Garage Door, a trusted garage door repair company in Highland Village, TX, you can catch minor issues early, extend the life of your door, and save money over time.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes an expensive repair. Schedule your seasonal garage door maintenance today by visiting our contact us page or calling 972-422-1695 . Let us help you keep your garage door running smoothly, efficiently, and safely all year long.

How to Choose the Right Residential Garage Door Installation in Coppell, TX

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:08:00 GMT

If you're considering residential garage door installation in Coppell, TX, you're not alone, more homeowners are recognizing how essential the right garage door is for safety, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Whether you’re replacing an old model or completing a new build, your garage door makes a powerful first impression. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we’ve seen how the right design and material can elevate a home’s exterior while standing strong against unpredictable Texas weather. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular garage door styles, weigh the pros and cons of different materials, and highlight key considerations for local homeowners. Let’s make sure your next garage door installation in Coppell, TX, is a decision you feel confident about.

Popular Residential Garage Door Styles

One of the first things to consider in your residential garage door installation is the style. Garage doors are more than functional, they’re an extension of your home’s architectural character. Here are a few popular residential styles to consider:

Carriage Style

These doors are inspired by the old-fashioned carriage house aesthetic. They often feature decorative handles and faux hinges, evoking a timeless, rustic charm. Carriage-style doors suit traditional or farmhouse-style homes and are available in various finishes and materials.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary garage doors are sleek, minimalist, and perfect for modern homes. Often constructed with clean lines, glass panels, and metal frames, they offer a refined, upscale appearance. They’re a popular choice for residential garage door installation, especially among homeowners looking to add sophistication and elegance.

Traditional Style

This classic option is always in demand for garage door installation in Coppell, TX. With raised panels and simple lines, traditional doors offer versatility that complements most home exteriors. You’ll find them in steel, wood, and composite finishes, making customization easy. Choosing a garage door style is not just about aesthetics. It’s about ensuring the exterior of your home communicates the same quality and care you put into the interior.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Garage Door: Pros and Cons

Your next big decision in residential garage door installation in Coppell, TX, is choosing the right material. Different materials offer unique advantages depending on your budget, design preferences, and local climate.

Steel

Pros: Durable, low-maintenance, available in multiple styles and finishes, good insulation options.
Cons: Can dent easily, especially with frequent impact or hail.

Steel is the most used material for garage door installation, and for good reason. It balances affordability, strength, and design flexibility, making it ideal for many homes in the area.

Wood

Pros: Beautiful, natural appearance; customizable; adds warmth and character.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, can be costly, and is susceptible to moisture and weathering.

Wood doors are a luxury choice that adds instant curb appeal. However, with Coppell’s humid summers and occasional storms, they may need more upkeep than other options.

Fiberglass

Pros: Lightweight, resistant to rust and corrosion, mimics the look of wood without high maintenance.
Cons: Less insulating, can fade or crack in extreme temperatures.

Fiberglass is a great alternative for homeowners who want a wood look without the hassle. It performs well in moderate climates but may not be the best for extreme heat.

Aluminum

Pros: Lightweight, rust-resistant, modern aesthetic, great for larger doors.
Cons: Dents easily, less insulating unless paired with a foam core.

Aluminum doors are often chosen for contemporary homes in Coppell, TX. They’re especially attractive when paired with frosted or tinted glass panels for a high-end look.

Weather and Curb Appeal: Local Considerations

When planning a residential garage door installation in Coppell, TX, local weather and curb appeal go hand-in-hand. Coppell experiences hot summers, occasional hailstorms, and mild winters, all of which should influence your choice.

Energy Efficiency: With sweltering temperatures for much of the year, insulated garage doors are key. Look for doors with high R-values to reduce heat transfer, especially if your garage is attached to your home.
Storm Durability: Steel and reinforced aluminum doors tend to hold up better against hail and high winds, making them smart choices for Texas weather.
Curb Appeal: A well-chosen garage door can increase your home’s value and aesthetic appeal. In a neighborhood like Coppell, where property appearance matters, picking a door that complements your home's style is an investment in both beauty and resale potential.

By factoring in both design and functionality, you ensure that your residential garage door installation in Coppell, TX, enhances your home in every way.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

When you're ready to upgrade your garage door, trust a local expert like Plano Overhead Garage Door to walk you through every option, material, and feature. With decades of experience serving Coppell homeowners, they provide trusted guidance from start to finish. Call Plano Overhead Garage Door today to schedule your free consultation and make your residential garage door installation in Coppell, TX, a seamless experience.

Custom Garage Door Installation in Coppell, TX: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:44:00 GMT

When it’s time to replace your garage door, many homeowners ask the same question: Should I go with a basic model or upgrade to something custom? The answer often depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and what you want out of the investment. With custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX, you're not just enhancing your home’s appearance, you’re also improving its function and value. At Plano Overhead Garage Door , we help homeowners in Coppell choose the perfect garage door design to fit their needs and budget. Contact us today at 972-422-1695 to learn how custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX, can elevate your home.

What Makes a Garage Door “Custom”?

A custom garage door isn’t just about style, it’s about fit, function, and flexibility. Unlike standard models, custom doors are built to your specifications. This means you can choose everything from the size and color to materials, window designs, insulation, and smart features. With custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX, you’re getting a product that’s made specifically for your home. Homeowners can select from a variety of materials, such as natural wood, aluminum, steel, or modern glass panels. Custom hardware, decorative accents, and built-in smart systems are all options to make your door one of a kind.

Why Homeowners Choose Custom Garage Door Installation in Coppell, TX

You Get More Design Flexibility

With a custom garage door, the possibilities are wide open. You’re not limited to cookie-cutter options like white or almond finishes. Instead, you can select paint colors that match your home’s exterior or wood stains that complement natural textures. Whether you want a traditional carriage-style look or a sleek, modern glass finish, it’s all possible with custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX. In addition to looks, you can select design upgrades like:

Custom-shaped window inserts.
Decorative ironwork.
Extra-wide or tall sizing.
Insulated cores for better energy efficiency.

Your Home Value and Curb Appeal Go Up

Garage doors take up a large portion of your home’s front-facing structure. A well-designed custom garage door can completely change the visual impact of your home. In fact, according to national real estate data, homeowners who invest in custom doors can recoup up to 94% of the cost at resale. That means garage door installation in Coppell, TX, isn’t just a home upgrade, it’s a value boost that pays off in the long run. Prospective buyers notice beautiful, well-fitted garage doors right away.

You’ll Enjoy Better Performance and Security

Beyond looks, a custom door performs better. You’ll get stronger materials, better weather sealing, and options for high-security locks and sensors. Custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX can also include quiet openers, wind resistance, and even battery backups for power outages.You won’t find this level of performance in most mass-produced doors. With a custom solution, you’re investing in convenience, peace of mind, and lasting durability.

You Can Add Smart Technology

Today’s homeowners want smart homes and that includes garage doors. Custom doors can be outfitted with Wi-Fi-compatible openers, smartphone controls, motion-sensor lighting, and even auto-close scheduling.Whether you're coming home late at night or need to let someone in remotely, custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX, gives you total control from anywhere.

How Custom Differs from Standard Garage Door Installation in Coppell, TX

Standard doors typically come in limited sizes, styles, and finishes. They may work fine for simple replacement jobs or tight budgets, but they don’t offer much in terms of customization or performance upgrades. By contrast, custom garage doors are built to suit your exact garage opening and home design. You’re not adjusting your home to fit the door, the door is tailored to your space. Standard models also lack the rich detail and materials you get with a custom build. While a basic door might serve the purpose, it rarely delivers long-term satisfaction or visual appeal.

Getting Started With Garage Door Installation in Coppell, TX

Thinking of taking the next step? Start by browsing options using our garage door selection guide . From classic wood finishes to ultra-modern frosted glass designs, you’ll find inspiration that fits any style or budget. We make the process easy:

Schedule a free in-home consultation.
Choose your door design, material, and smart features.
Let our team handle precise measurements and installation.
Enjoy lifetime warranties and support from our expert technicians.

We take pride in delivering high-quality garage door installation in Coppell, TX, with unmatched customer service.

Why Trust Plano Overhead?

Plano Overhead Garage Door is one of the most trusted names in garage door installation in Coppell, TX. With more than 45 years of experience, our locally owned team has installed thousands of custom garage doors for homeowners across the region. Here’s why customers choose us:

Free estimates and consultations.
No-pressure sales approach.
Lifetime warranties on all new doors and openers.
Quick turnaround and professional workmanship.
Over 2,500 5-star Google reviews.

Unlike national chains, we understand the local architecture, weather, and community preferences of Coppell. We’re proud to be the go-to choice for custom garage door installation in Coppell, TX.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The answer is yes; if you value appearance, comfort, performance, and resale value. A basic garage door might get the job done, but a custom solution enhances your home in every way. You’ll enjoy better curb appeal, smoother operation, and increased energy savings.Plus, with so many design options available, your garage door will reflect your style, not just function as an afterthought.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior?

Call us at 972-422-1695 or get in touch now for a free custom garage door quote. Plano Overhead Garage Door proudly serves Coppell, TX, and surrounding communities with expert installation, local service, and lasting quality.

What to Look for in a Garage Door Repair Company in Murphy, TX

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:43:00 GMT

When your garage door malfunctions, you need a trustworthy garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, that offers dependable, timely service. Whether you face a stuck door, broken springs, or faulty openers, finding the right experts is crucial to protect your home and ensure smooth operation. Plano Overhead Garage Door understands the unique needs of local homeowners. This article will guide you through what to look for in a garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, so you can make a confident, informed choice.

What Sets a Great Garage Door Company Apart

When it comes to choosing a garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, settling for anything less than the best can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. To avoid headaches down the road, there are several essential factors you need to consider that guarantee quality service and lasting results.

Licensing and Insurance: Don’t let your garage door repairs become a gamble. A fully licensed and insured company proves that its technicians meet strict local standards and have the professional expertise to handle any repair safely and correctly. Insurance is equally important; it protects your property and shields you from liability if accidents or damage occur during the repair process.
Warranties and Guarantees: Trustworthy garage door repair companies back their work with solid warranties on both parts and labor. These warranties aren’t just a piece of paper; they’re a promise of quality and a safety net protecting you from future breakdowns or faulty installations. Before you commit, always ask about the length and coverage of these guarantees to ensure your investment is fully protected.
Local Experience: When your home is in Murphy, TX, local expertise isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity. Local technicians have an intimate understanding of the area’s unique climate challenges, from the scorching summer heat to sudden storms, and how these affect your garage door’s performance. Plus, they’re familiar with the typical architectural styles and popular door models in Murphy, meaning they can tailor repairs and maintenance advice specifically for your home’s needs, ensuring smoother operation and longer-lasting results.
Emergency Service Availability: Garage door issues rarely follow a 9-to-5 schedule, they can happen at the worst possible times, leaving your home unsecured or your routine disrupted. Choosing a company that offers 24/7 emergency repair services means you’ll never be left waiting or worried. Fast, reliable emergency response not only restores your door quickly but also helps prevent further damage and potential security risks.
Using Genuine Parts and Quality Materials: The quality of parts used in your repair directly affects the performance and longevity of your garage door. Top-tier companies use only genuine, manufacturer-approved parts designed for your specific garage door model, not cheap substitutes. This ensures a safer, more reliable operation and fewer repeat issues.
Customer Service and Reputation: Exceptional customer service is the backbone of any reputable garage door repair company in Murphy, TX. From your first phone call to the final inspection, pay attention to how you're treated. Are the staff knowledgeable, responsive, and respectful of your time? Look for companies with a strong track record of positive reviews, testimonials, and referrals.

By focusing on these critical factors, proper licensing and insurance, strong warranties, deep local experience, emergency service availability, trusted customer service, and the use of genuine parts, you’ll be well-equipped to select a garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, that delivers dependable, top-quality results that keep your door running smoothly for years to come.

The Advantage of Local Knowledge in Garage Door Repair for Murphy Homes

Local knowledge plays a crucial role when choosing a garage door repair company in Murphy, TX. Technicians who are familiar with the area understand how the region’s specific climate, hot summers, humidity, and occasional storms, affects garage door materials and mechanisms. This insight allows them to provide repairs and maintenance tailored to withstand Murphy’s weather conditions, helping to extend the life of your garage door.
In addition, Murphy’s unique residential styles and the popular garage door models in the area influence the types of repairs most needed. Local experts have hands-on experience with these specific doors, which means they can diagnose issues more quickly and apply solutions that fit your home’s exact requirements.
Finally, hiring a local company means faster response times and more personalized service. A nearby garage door repair company in Murphy, TX, can reach your home quickly in emergencies and provide the kind of attentive care that only a trusted local business can offer.

Ready for Expert Garage Door Repair?

Don’t wait until a minor garage door issue turns into a costly problem. Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door today for fast, dependable garage door repair in Murphy, TX. Our licensed technicians are here to provide expert service backed by strong warranties and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Call us to schedule your service and experience the difference of a trusted local garage door repair company in Murphy, TX.

Garage Door Replacement Tips from Flower Mound, TX, Pros

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:09:00 GMT

If you’re a homeowner in Flower Mound, TX, considering whether it’s time to replace your garage door, you’re not alone. As a trusted garage door company, we often get calls from residents unsure about the signs of wear and when a full replacement is necessary. Whether you’re sprucing up your property for resale, settling into a new home, or managing multiple properties, understanding the condition of your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, is key to safety, functionality, and curb appeal.

Signs Your Garage Door May Need to Be Replaced

Not every creak or cosmetic flaw means your garage door needs replacing. However, here are some common signs that it may be time:

Frequent Breakdowns: If you're constantly calling for repairs , it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new system.
Outdated Design: An older, worn door can drag down your home’s appearance—and energy efficiency.
Excessive Noise: Rattling or grinding sounds may indicate structural issues or outdated openers.
Sagging or Warping Panels: This can impact performance and pose safety risks.
Lack of Modern Features: If your garage door doesn’t support smart technology, backup battery systems, or modern safety sensors, a new door may be worth considering.

Benefits of a New Garage Door for Flower Mound Residents

Replacing your garage door in Flower Mound, TX, offers a variety of advantages:

Enhanced Curb Appeal: A new door can dramatically improve your home's exterior.
Increased Security: Modern garage doors are built with stronger materials and better locking systems.
Energy Efficiency: Insulated models can help control temperature and lower energy bills.
Higher Property Value: A new door is an affordable upgrade with a solid ROI.
Peace of Mind: Reduced maintenance and better reliability make a noticeable difference for busy families and property managers.

Special Considerations for Flower Mound Homeowners

Living in Flower Mound means dealing with a mix of hot summers, humidity, and occasional storms. All of these can impact the lifespan of your garage door. A garage door company in Flower Mound, TX, like ours, understands local conditions and can recommend the right materials and models built to withstand North Texas weather.

Why Work With a Professional Garage Door Company?

Choosing a professional garage door company isn’t just about installation—it’s about ongoing support, local expertise, and personalized service. Here’s why it matters:

Correct Installation: Poor installation can reduce the lifespan and efficiency of your door.
Expert Recommendations: Get matched with the best garage door options for your needs and budget.
Warranty & Service: A reputable garage door company in Flower Mound, TX , will stand behind their work with solid warranties and responsive service teams.

Ready to Upgrade Your Garage Door?

Whether your current garage door in Flower Mound, TX, is showing signs of age, or you're just ready for a fresh look, the experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door are here to help. Our locally owned and family-operated garage door company in Flower Mound, TX works on all models of garage doors and openers . We proudly serve the Flower Mound area with award-winning service that homeowners, new buyers, and property managers trust. Call us today at 972-422-1695 to schedule your free estimate and experience the Plano Overhead difference!

Garage Door Repair in Coppell, TX: How to Identify and Fix Common Issues

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:32:00 GMT

A malfunctioning garage door can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience to a major problem if not addressed promptly. If you're dealing with issues like a stuck door, strange noises, or malfunctioning sensors, you may need garage door system repair in Coppell, TX, to restore your garage door to full functionality. Understanding the most common problems with garage doors and their potential causes can save you time and money when you need garage door repair in Coppell, TX. In this blog, we’ll explore typical issues and solutions, providing helpful tips to maintain your system and when it’s time to call a professional like Plano Overhead Garage Door.

The Most Frequent Garage Door Problems and Solutions

Garage doors have many components that can wear down over time. In this section, we’ll highlight common issues and provide simple solutions for garage door repair to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely.

Broken Springs

Garage door springs balance the door’s weight and enable smooth operation. When they break, the door may refuse to open, or you might hear a loud bang. A broken spring often requires garage door system repair in Coppell, TX.

Solution: Replacing broken springs is a specialized task. A professional can replace the springs safely, ensuring proper operation.

Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

Misaligned tracks can cause the door to jam or make unusual noises during operation. This problem often happens due to rough handling or wear.

Solution: Minor misalignments can be fixed by tightening bolts. However, severe damage may require track replacement. Keep tracks clear of debris for smooth operation.

Worn-Out Cables

Over time, garage door cables wear out, fray, or snap, leading to poor functionality or a safety risk.

Solution: Replacing cables is best left to professionals due to the high tension they’re under, preventing injury and further damage.

Unusual Noises

Grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds often indicate problems like worn rollers or loose hardware.

Solution: Regular lubrication and tightening loose bolts can help. Replacing worn rollers will reduce noise and restore quiet operation.

Faulty Garage Door Opener

A malfunctioning garage door opener can prevent the door from operating. Issues can stem from damaged gears, power problems, or worn parts.

Solution: A repair or replacement of the opener’s parts is necessary. If the opener is outdated, upgrading may be the best option.

Sensor Issues

If your garage door sensors are misaligned or dirty, they may cause the door to reverse unexpectedly, creating a safety risk.

Solution: Cleaning and realigning sensors usually solves the problem. If not, sensor replacement may be required.

When to Call for Expert Garage Door System Repair in Coppell, TX

If your garage door is showing signs of malfunction, such as unusual noises or difficulty opening and closing, it’s time to call for garage door system repair in Coppell, TX. A professional technician will inspect your garage door, diagnose the issue, and provide an effective solution to get your door back in working order. Addressing these problems early with garage door repair in Coppell, TX, can prevent further damage and ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely.

Why Delay? Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for Quick Repairs

Don’t let a small problem turn into a major headache. Whether it's a broken spring, misaligned tracks, or a faulty opener, Plano Overhead Garage Door has the expertise to fix it quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for reliable garage door system repair in Coppell, TX, and restore the safety and functionality of your garage door!

Broken Garage Door Repair in Flower Mound, TX: Common Causes

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 15:08:00 GMT

Homeowners rely on their garage doors daily, making it essential to understand what causes them to malfunction. Whether it’s spring failure, motor issues, or track misalignment, a broken garage door in Flower Mound, TX , can disrupt your routine and compromise home security. In this article, we’ll identify the most common causes of garage door problems and offer tips to prevent them, ensuring your door stays in optimal condition for years to come.

Why Garage Doors Break

Your garage door is a complex mechanism made up of multiple moving parts, all working together to provide seamless functionality. Unfortunately, several factors can lead to damage, requiring professional broken garage door repair in Flower Mound, TX. Let’s explore the most common causes:

1. Spring Failure

Springs are crucial for lifting and lowering the garage door. Over time, torsion or extension springs can weaken due to wear and tear, eventually breaking. Common signs of spring failure include:

A loud snapping noise when the spring breaks.
Difficulty in manually lifting the door.
The door not staying open when raised.

Routine maintenance can help identify weakening springs before they break. Ensure you schedule regular inspections to avoid unexpected failures.

2. Motor or Opener Malfunctions

The garage door opener motor powers the entire system. If it’s not functioning correctly, your door may fail to open or close. Common motor issues include:

Faulty wiring.
Overheating due to excessive use.
Obstruction in the sensor system.

To avoid motor failure, keep the area around your opener clean, ensure sensors are aligned, and check the power source regularly.

3. Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

Tracks guide your garage door as it moves up and down. When tracks become bent or misaligned, the door may get stuck or operate unevenly. Causes of track problems include:

Impact from vehicles or heavy objects.
Loosened hardware due to vibrations.
Rust or debris buildup.

Inspect your tracks frequently and clear any obstructions to prevent long-term damage. For severe misalignment, contact a professional technician for broken garage door repair in Flower Mound, TX.

4. Worn or Frayed Cables

Cables work alongside springs to support the door’s weight. Over time, cables can fray or snap, making the door unsafe to operate. Preventative maintenance, such as inspecting cables for visible wear, can help mitigate this issue.

5. Weather and Environmental Factors

Flower Mound, TX, experiences fluctuating temperatures and occasional storms, which can take a toll on garage doors. High humidity can lead to rust, while extreme temperatures can affect the door’s components. Using weather-resistant materials and applying protective coatings can help your garage door withstand environmental challenges.

Practical Tips to Prevent Garage Door Issues

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Professional inspections can catch problems early and extend your garage door’s lifespan.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant on springs, rollers, and tracks to reduce friction.
Test Safety Features: Regularly check sensors and auto-reverse functions for optimal performance.
Keep Tracks Clean: Remove debris and ensure tracks are aligned to avoid operational issues.

When to Call a Professional for Broken Garage Door Repair in Flower Mound, TX

While some minor maintenance tasks can be done yourself, others require the expertise of certified professionals. If your garage door shows signs of malfunction, trust the team at Plano Overhead Garage Door for reliable service.

Contact Us for Expert Garage Door Repair

Experiencing garage door issues? Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for fast and dependable broken garage door repair in Flower Mound, TX. Our expert technicians are ready to assist with all your garage door needs.

Choosing Accent and Image Options for Your Garage Doors

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:53:00 GMT

Finding the perfect garage door for your home involves more than just functionality—it’s also about enhancing your home’s curb appeal. A garage door often serves as one of the most prominent features of a property’s exterior, so selecting the right accents and images can significantly influence your home’s aesthetic. Whether you're designing a modern, rustic, or traditional facade, today’s diverse options allow homeowners to personalize their garage doors to match their unique style. Read on to learn more.

Why Accents and Images Matter

When considering accents or other elements for your garage door, it’s important to think of the door as an extension of your home’s design. Accents, such as decorative hardware or unique finishes, have the power to transform an ordinary garage door into a distinctive architectural element. Additionally, incorporating imagery, like embossed designs or window styles, can add depth and character while complementing your home’s style. These design choices don’t just boost visual appeal; they also contribute to creating a cohesive look that ties the architecture and exterior features together.

Popular Accent Options for Garage Doors

Accents provide homeowners with a way to add personality and detail to their garage doors. A popular choice includes decorative handles and hinges, which evoke a carriage-house charm that works beautifully with traditional or cottage-style homes. For a modern home, metal accents designed with sleek, minimalistic lines offer a refined, contemporary touch. The choice of finish is another vital aspect of accents. From natural wood tones to bold, painted colors, finishes can be tailored to match other features of your home, such as the front door or shutters. For a rustic or farmhouse-inspired look, distressed or stained finishes are especially popular. By thoughtfully selecting accents, you can make a bold or subtle statement that aligns perfectly with your design vision.

Adding Imagery for a Custom Look

Beyond accents, image options provide homeowners with the opportunity to take a more personalized and tailored approach to garage door design. These options allow for greater creativity and customization, enabling homeowners to choose designs, textures, and finishes that complement the overall style of their home while reflecting their unique preferences. Some popular garage door image options include:
Frosted Glass Panels – Provide a sleek and modern appearance while allowing natural light to filter through.

Wood Grain Finishes – Offer the warmth and charm of natural wood without the need for extensive maintenance.
Carriage House Designs – Perfect for a timeless, classic aesthetic that adds character and elegance.
Geometric Patterns – Create a contemporary feel with clean lines and unique designs.
Custom Murals or Artwork – Showcase your personality with bold, artistic visuals that make your garage stand out.

These options not only enhance curb appeal but also ensure your garage door is a seamless extension of your home’s design. This level of creativity not only elevates curb appeal but also provides a sense of individuality for homeowners who enjoy expressing their unique style.

Combining Functionality With Design

While selecting accents, it’s essential to consider their practicality and durability. High-quality materials ensure that decorative handles, hinges, and finishes can withstand weather exposure over time. Similarly, window options should balance beauty with function by using materials that resist cracking or discoloration. By partnering thoughtful design with durable construction, you can create a door that stands the test of time both visually and functionally.

Tips for Choosing Your Garage Door Accents and Images

Selecting the right accents and images for your garage door can elevate its overall style while ensuring it complements your home’s architecture. Here are some tips to guide your choices:

Coordinate with Your Home’s Exterior Style

Choose accents that reflect and enhance the existing aesthetic of your home. For traditional homes, consider classic elements like carriage-style hardware or vintage finishes. For modern designs, sleek accents with clean lines and contemporary textures work best.

Consider Color and Contrast

Accents such as handles, hinges, and trim should either blend seamlessly with the garage door or provide a tasteful contrast. Opt for colors and finishes that harmonize with your home’s paint, trim, or other elements for a polished appearance.

Think About Material Quality

Prioritize durable materials like stainless steel or powder-coated finishes that resist rust and wear. This ensures that your accents remain attractive and functional even after exposure to weather elements.

Explore Window Design Options

Adding decorative or frosted windows can enhance the visual appeal of your garage door. Consider designs that allow natural light in while maintaining privacy. The shape, placement, and trim of the windows should match your overall aesthetic.

Personalize With Images or Custom Details

For a unique touch, explore custom graphics, patterns, or etchings that resonate with your personal style or neighborhood’s character. Whether subtle or bold, these choices can make your garage door a true focal point.
By following these tips, you can ensure your garage door accents and images contribute to a cohesive, high-quality look suited to your individual preferences and home needs.
Accent and image options provide endless opportunities to customize your residential garage door in a way that enhances not only its visual appeal but also its alignment with your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the subtle elegance of a modern aesthetic or the charm of a rustic approach, today’s options make it easier than ever to achieve the look you desire. By selecting the right combination of accents and images, you can transform your garage door into a stylish, well-integrated feature of your home—one that balances form and function impeccably. Choose details that reflect your tastes and enjoy the lasting impression your upgraded garage door will leave.
Contact our team today to learn more.

Customization Ideas for Residential Sectional Garage Doors

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:23:00 GMT

When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal of your home, don't overlook the potential of your garage doors. Sectional garage doors not only provide security but also serve as a prominent design element that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your property. Today's blog post will dive into a range of creative ideas for customizing your sectional garage doors, allowing you to personalize and transform them into stunning focal points that reflect your unique style and taste.

Colorful Expressions: Painting and Staining

The color of your sectional garage doors can make a significant impact on the overall appearance and curb appeal of your home. Choosing the right color can enhance your property’s aesthetic and create a cohesive look. Painting or staining your garage doors in vibrant or subtle hues is a simple way to refresh and modernize the exterior of your home. Think about colors that complement your overall design style and exterior features.
For a rustic charm, warm earth tones like browns, tans, or deep reds can blend naturally with the landscape. Alternatively, bold, contrasting shades such as navy blue, charcoal gray, or even black can create a contemporary, eye-catching effect that stands out while adding a sense of sophistication. Additionally, lighter tones like whites or creams can provide a clean, fresh look, especially for homes with traditional or coastal-inspired designs. Whatever you choose, the right color can turn your garage doors into a stylish focal point for your home’s exterior.

Windows and Inserts: Adding Style and Light

Incorporating windows and inserts into your sectional garage doors not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also brings practical benefits, like allowing natural light to filter into your garage space. This added light can make your garage feel more open, welcoming, and functional, transforming it from a purely utilitarian area into a brighter, more versatile space. You can choose from a variety of window styles, including square, rectangular, or arched designs, to perfectly complement the architectural style of your home, whether modern, traditional, or somewhere in between. For added customization, frosted or decorative glass options provide privacy while still allowing soft, diffused light to flow through.

Hardware Accents: Enhancing Style and Functionality

Hardware accents can provide an extra touch of sophistication and functionality to your sectional garage doors, elevating their overall aesthetic appeal. By incorporating decorative handles, hinges, and faux straps, you can transform a standard garage door into a charming, carriage-style focal point for your home. These accents not only enhance the visual appeal but also allow you to customize the design to complement the architectural elements of your home. For instance, you can match the style and finish of the hardware to your front door, outdoor lighting fixtures, or even window frames, creating a cohesive and polished look. Whether you prefer a timeless, rustic vibe or a more modern, elegant aesthetic, hardware accents offer versatile options to suit your taste and enhance your home's curb appeal.

Decorative Panels: Adding Texture and Depth

For a truly unique and personalized touch, consider incorporating decorative panels into your sectional garage doors. These panels can feature intricate patterns, bold geometric designs, or even personalized custom artwork that reflects your style and personality. Whether you prefer modern, minimalist designs or ornate, traditional motifs, decorative panels can be tailored to complement your home's overall aesthetic. They not only add texture and depth but also create a visually striking focal point that enhances your home's curb appeal, making it stand out in the neighborhood. Plus, with a wide range of materials and finishes available, you can ensure your garage doors are both functional and stylish.

Smart Technology: Convenience and Security

Take customization to the next level by integrating smart technology into your sectional garage doors. With advanced features like remote control access, smartphone connectivity, and motion sensors, you can enjoy the ultimate convenience of operating your garage doors from anywhere. Imagine being able to open your garage for a delivery while you’re at work or ensuring the door is securely closed with just a quick check on your phone. These features not only enhance ease of use but also improve security, giving you peace of mind whether you're home or away. Plus, motion sensors add an extra layer of safety by detecting movement and preventing accidents, making your garage smarter and safer for the whole family.

Seasonal Accents: Celebrating Festivities

Let your sectional garage doors reflect the spirit of the seasons and special occasions by turning them into a canvas for festive decor. Add wreaths, garlands, or decorative banners to celebrate holidays, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your home. You can also showcase seasonal artwork, such as autumn leaves, spring flowers, or snowflakes, to match the time of year and bring a cheerful, personalized touch to your garage. These temporary accents are easy to attach and remove, making it simple to update the look of your doors throughout the year.
With these creative customization ideas, your sectional garage doors can become more than just functional entryways – they can be a reflection of your personal style and an extension of your home's overall aesthetic. Explore the possibilities, unleash your creativity, and transform your garage doors into statement pieces that make a lasting impression. If you have additional questions about your sectional garage door, contact our team at Plano Overhead Garage Door for more information.

Essential Considerations For Adding a Garage to Your Home

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:42:00 GMT

Adding a garage to your home can significantly enhance its value and functionality. Whether you're looking to increase your property's storage capacity or simply want to protect your vehicles from the elements, a well-designed garage can meet those needs. However, before embarking on this project, there are several factors to consider to ensure a seamless and successful addition.

Assess Your Needs and Budget

The first step in planning for a new garage is to thoroughly assess your specific needs and budget. Determine the primary purpose of the garage. Will it be used solely for parking vehicles, or do you need additional space for storage, a workshop, or recreational purposes? Understanding your requirements will help you decide on the size and layout of the garage. Next, establish a budget that accommodates construction costs and any additional features you desire, such as built-in storage solutions or climate control. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses may arise during the construction process, so allocate extra funds to account for these possibilities.

Compliance With Local Building Codes

Before construction begins, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local building codes and zoning regulations. These codes dictate various aspects of garage construction, such as size limits, setback requirements, and permissible materials. Contact local building authorities to ensure your plans comply with all necessary regulations. Obtaining the required permits before starting construction is essential to avoid legal complications.

Location and Orientation

The location and orientation of your garage should be chosen carefully to enhance functionality and convenience. Consider factors such as property boundaries, access to the street, and the overall layout of your home. Positioning the garage close to the main living areas can provide easy access, while also ensuring it does not impede curb appeal. Additionally, consider the direction of prevailing winds and the path of the sun throughout the day to maximize energy efficiency and natural lighting.

Exploring Garage Door Types

Choosing the right door is crucial, as it not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also contributes to the security and energy efficiency of your garage. When choosing a garage door, it's important to consider the various types available: sectional, roll-up, slide-to-the-side, and tilt-up canopy doors. Each type boasts distinct characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different needs and preferences.
The most common form of garage doors is sectional due to it's reliability, maximizing storage space, and affordability. Sectional doors are a popular choice among homeowners due to their smooth operation and excellent insulation capabilities. These doors typically consist of multiple panels that glide along tracks, allowing for easy opening and closing. Their design also provides a tight seal, helping to keep your garage insulated during extreme weather conditions, which can be particularly beneficial if you use the garage for more than just parking.
Roll-up doors are another fantastic option, especially for those looking to maximize ceiling space. They are constructed from steel or aluminum slats that roll up neatly into a compact coil above the opening. This design is particularly advantageous in garages with limited headroom, as it allows for maximum clearance. Moreover, roll-up doors are known for their durability and low maintenance. However, roll-up doors have limited aesthetic options and are typically more expensive and harder to service than sectional doors.
On the other hand, slide-to-the-side doors offer a unique and traditional appearance that can add charm to any garage. These doors slide open horizontally, which limits storage space along the walls. They can be customized with various materials and finishes, allowing homeowners to match the door to their style. However these doors are typically the most expensive due to requiring customization. Installing a garage door opener is also more expensive and difficult to achieve on garage doors that slide open horizontally.
Tilt-up canopy doors are an excellent budget-friendly option for those with space constraints inside the garage. They operate by tilting outward which allows for maximum space inside the garage for oversized vehicles and storage. While they may not provide the same level of insulation as sectional doors, they still offer a reliable and cost-effective choice for many homeowners. The downside of tilt-up garage doors is the dangerous nature of having one solid garage door the size of a wall that can fall and cause damage as the garage door deteriorates over time. Tilt-up garage doors are also harder to balance and do not work well with many garage door opener models that are typically not designed to operate a solid garage door that balances differently than sectional garage doors.
When selecting a garage door, it's essential to consider the style and material and the security features of each option. By evaluating these factors, you can find the perfect garage door that suits your needs while enhancing the overall look of your home.

Professional Garage Door Installation

Investing in professional garage door installation ensures that your door operates safely and efficiently. Experienced installers possess the expertise and tools necessary to handle complex installations, which can prevent future issues and costly repairs. A professional installation also guarantees that all components, such as springs, tracks, and openers, work in harmony, providing a seamless user experience. Moreover, they can offer valuable advice on door maintenance and longevity, further enhancing your investment.

Incorporating Sustainable Features

As environmental concerns grow, incorporating sustainable features into your garage design can contribute to energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider installing LED lighting, solar panels, or energy-efficient insulation to minimize energy consumption. These features benefit the environment and can reduce utility bills and increase the overall value of your home.
In summary, adding a garage to your home is a significant investment that requires careful planning and consideration. By focusing on your needs, adhering to local regulations, and selecting the right materials and features, you can create a functional and attractive addition that enhances your lifestyle and your home's property value.
For more info about this, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

Insulating Your Home Garage Doors Before Winter Arrives

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:45:00 GMT

As the temperature begins to drop, preparing your home for winter becomes a top priority. Proper insulation can significantly impact your home's energy efficiency, comfort, and overall utility bills. In this blog post, we'll explore why you should insulate your garage doors before the cold season sets in and how professional assistance can make the process seamless and effective.

Benefits of Insulating Your Garage Doors

Insulating your garage doors offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond simply keeping the cold air at bay. A well-insulated garage door is an effective barrier, helping to maintain a stable internal temperature, which is especially important during extreme weather conditions. Garage door insulation creates a more comfortable environment in the garage and the adjacent living spaces by reducing heat loss.
Moreover, an insulated garage door can also help mitigate noise pollution, providing a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere in your home. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a busy area or near a main road, as it can significantly reduce the sound of traffic and other disturbances. Additionally, insulated garage doors often come with increased durability and resistance to wear and tear, which can enhance the overall longevity of your investment.

Maintaining Comfort and Protecting Your Belongings

For those who utilize their garage as a workspace or gym, maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial for productivity and overall comfort. An insulated garage door plays a significant role in this by helping to keep the space usable throughout the winter months. It effectively protects your activities from being disrupted by unexpected cold snaps, ensuring that you can continue your projects or workouts without the discomfort of frigid temperatures.
Moreover, if you store valuable items, tools, or your vehicle in the garage, proper insulation becomes even more critical. It helps shield these assets from cold-related damage, such as the risk of freezing liquids in machinery or vehicles and the potential for corrosion that can arise from fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. By investing in insulation measures, you're enhancing your immediate environment and safeguarding your belongings, which can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Increasing the Lifespan of Your Garage Door

Garage doors endure a lot of wear and tear, especially in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations. Insulation plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of your door by significantly reducing the strain on its mechanisms, which is often caused by cold drafts or condensation. When external temperatures fluctuate, poorly insulated doors can suffer from increased wear and tear, leading to potential malfunctions over time. Conversely, well-insulated doors effectively maintain a stable internal environment, making them more durable and resilient against the elements. This durability minimizes the need for repairs and contributes to energy efficiency by preventing heat loss, saving you money on energy bills. Ultimately, investing in quality insulation measures for your doors can lead to long-term savings on maintenance and replacements, while also enhancing the overall comfort of your home.

Professional Installation: A Smart Choice

Professionals ensure that the installation is executed flawlessly, with precision and care, preventing any gaps that could undermine the insulation's effectiveness and lead to energy loss. By choosing to work with an expert, homeowners can save time and gain peace of mind knowing that their garage doors will be properly insulated for optimal energy efficiency and comfort.

The Insulation Process

When you hire a professional, the insulation process begins with a thorough inspection of your current garage door setup. They analyze the material, size, and style of your door to recommend the most appropriate insulation solution. Options may include sealing the gaps between the garage door and the exterior trim by adding vinyl or wooden components, replacing the garage door with a more insulated garage door, replacing the bottom weather seal between the floor and the garage door, along with other options.
Adding insulation kits to the interior of your existing garage door panels can be done by homeowners, but it is important to note that any additional weight will add stress to the panels and springs that balance the garage door. Adding insulation to the interior of the panels often results in accelerated wear and tear due to the garage door not being designed to handle the additional weight of the insulation. Even though interior insulation kits seem lightweight, they can make a huge difference in the balance of your garage door and how it functions. Insulation kits are also often susceptible to losing their adhesion in extreme temperature changes, and most DIY insulation options produce temporary solutions while causing accelerated wear and tear.
For this reason, having a garage door installed that comes insulated from the manufacturer is always the best option. If insulation is added to the interior of the garage door panels, the spring must be adjusted to rebalance the garage door to prevent the garage door opener from experiencing excess wear and tear. Garage door springs should never be adjusted by homeowners and are extremely dangerous as the springs are under extreme amounts of tension. For this reason, adding insulation to the garage door panels should only be performed by professionals.

Act Now to Enjoy a Cozy Winter

Taking measures to insulate your garage doors before winter is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable living environment. It helps maintain a consistent temperature inside your garage and conserves energy by reducing heat loss, which can lead to lower heating bills. Proper insulation protects your assets, such as vehicles, tools, and other belongings, from the harsh winter elements, ultimately saving you money in the long run. Additionally, opting for professional installation gives you peace of mind, knowing that the job is completed with precision and expertise. Skilled professionals can assess your garage's unique needs and recommend the best insulation materials and techniques for maximum efficiency.
As winter quickly approaches, now is the perfect time to take action. Investing in your home’s comfort and efficiency enhances your daily living experience and contributes to the longevity of your property. Don't wait until the cold sets in—ensure your garage is ready to handle the winter chill!
For more info, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

The Benefit of Going to a Professional for Garage Door Parts

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:44:00 GMT

When it comes to maintaining the functionality and safety of your garage door, sourcing replacement parts is crucial. While many homeowners may consider purchasing parts online or from large retailers, visiting a dedicated garage door service company offers significant advantages. In this blog post, we'll explore why visiting a garage door service company for replacement parts is beneficial and often essential for ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and safely.

Expertise and Knowledge

One of the primary benefits of visiting a garage door service company is the expertise offered by the professionals on-site. They possess comprehensive knowledge about various garage door models, mechanisms, and the specific parts required for repairs or upgrades. This level of expertise ensures that you receive the correct parts tailored to your specific garage door system, diminishing the risks of purchasing incompatible or substandard components. Additionally, knowledgeable staff can offer valuable advice on maintenance practices and troubleshooting tips, enhancing your overall understanding of garage door functionality.

Quality Assurance

When you purchase replacement parts from a garage door service company, you are more likely to obtain high-quality components that meet industry standards. Garage door service companies typically maintain a stock of parts from reputable manufacturers known for their durability and efficiency. These high-quality components are specifically engineered to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and reliably. This stands in stark contrast to many online options, where the quality of parts can vary widely and may be difficult to ascertain. When purchasing parts online, customers often struggle to distinguish between genuine, high-quality products and subpar alternatives that could lead to more frequent repairs or replacements. By choosing a service, you can feel confident that you are investing in parts that will last longer and perform better, ultimately saving you money on future repairs or replacements.

Accessibility and Convenience

Visiting a local garage door service company provides immediate access to the needed parts. Instead of waiting for shipped items from online retailers, which can sometimes lead to delays in repair work, you can quickly browse inventory and purchase your required components in person. Many garage door service companies also offer installation support, which means you can have your new parts installed with minimal hassle. The convenience of having a one-stop shop for purchasing parts and receiving professional installation services cannot be overstated.

Personalized Service

In today's fast-paced world, personalized service is becoming increasingly rare, often overshadowed by automated systems and impersonal interactions. However, garage door service companies often pride themselves on providing customer-centric experiences that stand out in this environment. When you visit in person, you have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about your specific needs with a knowledgeable representative. This individual is trained to take the time to listen to your concerns, ask relevant questions, and thoroughly understand your situation to ensure you find the right parts and solutions tailored to your requirements.
This face-to-face interaction fosters a trusting relationship, as it allows for a deeper level of communication and understanding. It also creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable seeking follow-up support and advice as needed, knowing that your concerns are being addressed by someone who genuinely cares. Having a reliable source for your garage door needs is invaluable, especially in emergency situations where timely assistance can make all the difference.

Comprehensive Warranty and Support

One major benefit of obtaining replacement parts from a garage door service company is the extensive warranty and support that typically come with your purchase. When you buy parts through a reputable service, these components typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that guarantees their quality and performance for a certain period. This warranty not only provides you with peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of defects or failures but also reflects the commitment of the garage door service company to customer satisfaction. Furthermore, should you encounter any issues with the installed parts, the knowledgeable staff can assist you in troubleshooting and resolving any problems effectively. This level of support is often lacking when purchasing parts online, where customer service can be limited and responses delayed, leaving you with uncertainty regarding the quality of your investment.
While it may seem tempting to seek out replacement parts for your garage door online or at general retail stores, the advantages of visiting a dedicated garage door service company are clear. From access to expert knowledge and high-quality components to the convenience of immediate service and personalized care, the benefits of investing in a garage door service company far outweigh the alternatives. For the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your garage door, consider making the trip to your local garage door service company for all your replacement parts. Your garage door—and your peace of mind—will thank you. If you need garage door parts for your garage door, contact our team at Plano Overhead Garage Door for more information.

Common Issues With Sectional Garage Doors

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 02:27:00 GMT

Sectional garage doors are an excellent choice for residential properties, combining style and functionality to enhance curb appeal. These doors consist of several horizontal panels that can smoothly glide upward, providing efficient space-saving options while ensuring secure access to your garage. In this blog, you will learn about several common issues encountered with sectional garage doors, discuss their potential impacts, and offer tips for effective maintenance. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and tools to guarantee the safe and smooth operation of your garage door, providing you with peace of mind and convenience. Recognizing and addressing these typical issues is vital for homeowners in effectively maintaining their doors and ensuring safe functionality.

Misalignment Problems

One of the most common issues that homeowners face with sectional garage doors is misalignment. Over time, factors such as wear and tear, temperature fluctuations, and even accidental bumps can cause the door panels to shift slightly. This shifting often leads to noticeable gaps between the sections, which can affect the door's overall appearance and functionality. Moreover, this misalignment can prevent the door from opening or closing smoothly, potentially creating safety hazards or causing unnecessary strain on the garage door opener. Regularly checking the alignment of your garage door is crucial, and making timely adjustments can help maintain its performance. It's advisable to inspect the door at least once a month and to consult a professional if significant misalignment is detected. Taking these proactive steps not only prolongs the life of your garage door but also enhances the security of your home.

Spring Malfunctions

The springs in sectional garage doors play a crucial role in the smooth operation of the door, enabling it to lift and lower with minimal effort. These springs are under significant tension, which allows them to counterbalance the weight of the door. However, over time, these springs can wear out or break due to regular use, environmental factors, or corrosion, resulting in a door that becomes difficult to operate or even poses a risk of falling unexpectedly. If you start to notice any unusual noises, such as squeaking or grinding sounds, when opening or closing the door, it could be an early warning sign that the springs are failing and require immediate attention. Additionally, if the door feels unusually heavy or does not open smoothly, this could also indicate spring issues. It’s vital to address any spring-related problems promptly to ensure the safe operation of your garage door and to avoid any potential accidents or injuries.

Opener Failures

The garage door opener is a vital component that controls the intricate mechanisms for opening and closing the garage door. This device is essential for convenience and the security of your home, as it allows for easy access while keeping unwanted visitors out. If the opener fails, it can render the door completely inoperable, causing frustration and potential safety concerns. This failure might be due to various factors, including electrical issues that disrupt power flow, faulty sensors that prevent the door from recognizing obstacles, or a dead remote control battery that leaves you unable to operate the door from a distance.

Weatherstripping Deterioration

Weatherstripping is often overlooked but plays a vital role in sealing the garage door. Over time, this material can deteriorate, leading to drafts, water leaks, and increased energy costs. Regular inspection and replacement of worn weatherstripping can enhance the door’s insulation and protect the garage from the elements.

Cable Issues

The cables that assist in lifting the garage door can become frayed or snap over time due to regular wear and tear. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, heavy usage, and lack of maintenance can accelerate this deterioration. When these cables fail, it can lead to the garage door falling unexpectedly, posing a significant safety risk to the homeowner and anyone nearby. It's crucial for homeowners to take proactive measures by regularly inspecting the cables for signs of damage, such as fraying or rust. Additionally, if any issues are detected, seeking professional assistance for replacement or repair is highly recommended to ensure the garage door operates safely and effectively.

Noise Problems

Excessive noise during the operation of a garage door can indicate underlying issues that may require immediate attention. Such noise could arise from various factors, including poor lubrication of the moving parts, misaligned components that hinder proper function, or worn-out hardware that needs replacement. These issues not only lead to disruptive sounds but can also affect the overall efficiency and lifespan of the garage door system. Routine maintenance is crucial to address these concerns. This process should include thorough lubrication of all moving parts, careful inspection of components for alignment, and adjustments as needed. Additionally, checking for any signs of wear and tear on hardware such as springs and rollers can help keep noise levels to a minimum while ensuring the garage door operates smoothly and reliably over time.
Sectional garage doors serve an essential purpose in home safety and convenience, and being aware of potential issues can save homeowners time and money in the long run. Regular maintenance, quick attention to unusual signs, and prompt repairs can keep these doors functioning optimally. If a problem seems too complex to handle independently, consult a professional company , such as Plano Overhead Garage Door, for more info.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:49:00 GMT

Garage door springs are an essential component of every garage door system, providing the necessary tension to lift and lower the door smoothly. Despite their importance, these springs often go unnoticed until a problem arises. Identifying the signs that your garage door springs need to be replaced can prevent inconvenient and potentially dangerous situations.
In this blog, we will discuss the key indicators that your garage door springs may need replacement and why timely maintenance is crucial.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before diving into the signs of wear and tear, it's essential to understand the two main types of garage door springs — torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door. They work by winding and unwinding to lift and lower the door. These springs are known for their durability and ability to handle a significant amount of weight.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are installed on either side of the garage door, running parallel to the track. They extend and contract to balance the door's weight during operation. While these springs are generally less expensive, they are also more prone to wear and tear.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Difficulty in Opening or Closing the Door

One of the most apparent signs that your garage door springs may need replacement is difficulty in opening or closing the door. If the door feels heavy or requires more effort than usual to lift, the springs may be losing their tension. Conversely, if the door falls quickly when closing, the springs might be failing to support the door's weight properly.

Unusual Noises During Operation

Garage doors should operate relatively quietly. Loud creaking, popping, or snapping sounds can indicate that the springs are wearing out. These noises often result from the metal components rubbing against each other due to a lack of tension or lubrication.

Visible Wear and Tear

Regularly inspecting your garage door springs for visible signs of wear and tear can help you catch problems early. Look for gaps or distortions in the coils, rust, or fraying in the springs. These issues can compromise the springs' integrity and lead to failure if not addressed promptly.

Uneven Door Movement

If your garage door appears to be opening or closing unevenly, the springs may no longer be providing balanced tension. This imbalance can cause one side of the door to lift higher than the other, leading to further strain on the door's components and potential damage.

The Door Stays Open or Closed

A properly functioning garage door spring should allow the door to stay in any position when operated manually. If the door refuses to stay open or closed and instead moves on its own, the springs may not be able to provide the necessary tension to hold the door in place.

Slow Response Time

Garage doors should respond promptly to the opener's commands. If you notice a delay in the door's movement after pressing the button, the springs could be struggling to handle the load. This delay can indicate that the springs need to be replaced.

The Door Is Crooked

A crooked garage door is a clear sign that something is wrong with the springs. If one side of the door is higher than the other when opening or closing, it suggests that the springs are not providing equal tension. This imbalance can lead to further complications and damage if not addressed.

The Spring Has Reached Its Lifespan

Garage door springs have a finite lifespan, typically measured in cycles. A cycle is defined as one complete opening and closing of the door. Most springs are rated for a certain number of cycles, and once they reach this limit, their performance diminishes. If your garage door springs are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, it's wise to consider replacing them proactively.

The Importance of Timely Replacement

Replacing worn-out garage door springs is not just about convenience; it's also about safety. Springs under tension can snap unexpectedly, posing a serious risk to anyone in the vicinity. Additionally, a malfunctioning garage door can lead to further damage to other components, resulting in costly repairs.

Preventing Accidents

Broken garage door springs can cause the door to fall rapidly, potentially causing injury or damage to property. By identifying and addressing the signs of wear early, you can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your family and belongings.

Preserving the Door’s Mechanism

Worn-out springs can strain the garage door opener and other components, leading to premature wear and failure. Timely replacement of springs helps maintain the overall health of the garage door system, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

Avoiding Costly Repairs

Ignoring the signs of failing garage door springs can result in more extensive damage that requires costly repairs. By addressing spring issues promptly, you can avoid larger repair bills and prolong the life of your garage door.
Recognizing the signs that your garage door springs need to be replaced is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door. Difficulty in operation, unusual noises, visible wear, uneven movement, and other indicators should not be ignored. Regular inspections and timely replacements can prevent accidents, preserve the door's mechanism, and save you from costly repairs.
If you suspect that your garage door springs require replacement, contact us . Make sure to prioritize the maintenance of your garage door springs to enjoy seamless and secure operation for years to come.

Benefits of Promptly Repairing Your Sectional Garage Door

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:14:00 GMT

A well-functioning garage door is an integral part of any home. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also provides security and convenience. A sectional garage door, with its sleek design and smooth operation, is a popular choice among homeowners. However, like any mechanical system, it can experience wear and tear over time. Addressing these issues promptly can offer several benefits.

Ensuring Safety and Security

Safety should always be a top priority. A malfunctioning garage door can pose significant risks to the safety of your family and property. For instance, a door that doesn't close properly can become an entry point for intruders, compromising the security of your home. Additionally, a door with faulty sensors or springs can unexpectedly close, potentially causing injury. By repairing your sectional garage door promptly, you ensure that all safety mechanisms are functioning correctly, providing peace of mind.

Enhancing the Lifespan of the Door

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your sectional garage door. Components such as springs, cables, and rollers are subject to wear and tear. Ignoring minor issues can lead to more significant problems, which might necessitate costly replacements. Addressing repairs early helps maintain the door’s optimal functionality, ensuring it serves you well for years to come.

Improving Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained garage door can contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home. Many sectional garage doors come with insulation features that help regulate the temperature inside the garage. When the door is damaged, it can lead to gaps and leaks, allowing cold air in during winter and hot air during summer. This can increase your energy bills as your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. By ensuring that your garage door is in good repair, you can preserve its insulating properties and save on energy costs.

Maintaining Aesthetic Appeal

Your garage door is often one of the first things people notice about your home. A door that is in disrepair can detract from the overall appearance of your property. Timely repairs ensure that your garage door looks its best, enhancing your home's curb appeal. Whether you plan to sell your home in the future or simply take pride in its appearance, maintaining your garage door is essential.

Preventing Inconvenience

A malfunctioning garage door can be a significant inconvenience. Imagine being unable to open or close your garage door when you need to leave for work or return home. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can prevent these frustrating situations. Ensuring that your sectional garage door operates smoothly allows for seamless access to your garage, adding to the convenience of daily life.

Cost Savings

Delaying repairs to save money may seem tempting, but it can actually result in higher costs in the long haul. Neglected minor issues have the tendency to snowball into major problems, demanding costly repairs or even the complete replacement of your garage door. Opting for prompt repairs not only helps you steer clear of these significant expenses but also lets you uphold the functionality and aesthetics of your garage door at a more affordable price.

Protecting Your Vehicle and Belongings

Many people use their garages not only for parking their vehicles but also for storing valuable items such as tools, equipment, and recreational gear. A garage door that doesn’t close properly can expose these belongings to theft or damage from the elements. By ensuring that your garage door is in good working order, you protect your investments and keep your possessions safe.

Enhancing Home Value

A well-maintained home is often more appealing to potential buyers. If you plan to sell your property in the future, having a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing garage door can add value to your home. Prospective buyers are likely to appreciate the attention to detail and the care taken to maintain all aspects of the property, including the garage door. Ensuring timely repairs can thus be a wise investment in your home's future marketability.

Ensuring Manufacturer's Warranty

Many garage doors come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers certain repairs and replacements. However, these warranties often require regular maintenance and prompt repairs to remain valid. Neglecting to address issues can void the warranty, leaving you responsible for all repair costs. Keeping up with repairs ensures that your warranty remains intact, providing financial protection in case of major malfunctions.

In summary, promptly repairing your sectional garage door offers numerous benefits, including enhanced safety and security, extended lifespan, improved energy efficiency, maintained aesthetic appeal, and prevention of inconvenience. Additionally, it can lead to significant cost savings, protect your valuable belongings, and even enhance the value of your home. By staying proactive and addressing minor issues before they escalate, you ensure that your garage door continues to serve you effectively and efficiently.
For those seeking expert assistance, contact our office today. Professional repair services are available to diagnose and fix any issues with your sectional garage door, allowing you to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained home.

Plano Overhead Garage Door: A Legacy of Excellence

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:12:00 GMT

Plano Overhead Garage Door has proudly clinched the Consumer Choice Award in the Garage & Overhead Doors category, solidifying its reputation as a leader in garage door sales and services in the Dallas area. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, distinguishing us from our competitors.
Since our establishment, Plano Overhead Garage Door has been dedicated to providing top-notch service and innovative solutions to our customers. Winning the Consumer Choice Award is not just an honor but a reflection of our relentless pursuit of excellence. This award is particularly meaningful as it is based on the feedback and satisfaction of the very community we serve, highlighting our dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
Our journey to this prestigious recognition has been marked by several other awards and accolades, showcasing our consistent performance and reliability in the industry. Over the years, we have been recognized for our exceptional service, high-quality products, and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers. These awards are a tribute to our skilled and dedicated team, whose hard work and passion drive our success. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, from the initial consultation to the final installation and beyond. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including garage door repair, replacement, and maintenance, ensuring that every customer receives personalized and efficient solutions.
We understand that a garage door is a critical component of any home, providing security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. That's why we go above and beyond to ensure that our products and services meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
As we celebrate this Consumer Choice Award, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers for their trust and support. We look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence and delivering outstanding service to the Dallas community for years to come.
Consumer Choice Award has been North America’s largest organization to hold independent surveys to assess customer satisfaction and brand equity. Plano Overhead Garage Door is another example of a brand that customers believe in, endorse, and are proud to associate with. To learn more or to contact Plano Overhead Garage Door please visit: www.PlanoOverhead.com or https://www.ccaward.com/award-winners/dallas/best-garage-door-sales-services/plano-overhead-garage-door/.

Navigating Sectional Garage Door Installation for Your Home

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:53:00 GMT

Installing a new sectional garage door is a significant investment in enhancing your home's curb appeal and functionality. Not only does it improve your home's security, but it can also enhance its aesthetic appeal and potentially increase its value. However, the process from design to installation and continued maintenance involves a series of important steps. Understanding these steps can help homeowners make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition through each phase of their garage door upgrade.

Design Considerations

The first step in professional sectional garage door installation is choosing the right design that suits your home’s architecture, personal preferences, and budget. Today’s market offers a wide array of materials, styles, and customization options, ranging from traditional to contemporary looks.

Material Matters

Your choice of material can significantly impact not only the appearance of your garage door but also its durability and maintenance requirements. Common materials include steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, each offering different benefits and aesthetic appeals. Steel doors are known for their strength and security, wood doors offer a classic appeal with higher maintenance needs, aluminum doors provide a modern look and resistance to rust, while fiberglass options are known for their durability and energy efficiency.

Aesthetics and Functionality

When considering the design, think about how the door will complement your home's existing architectural elements. Consider elements like window placements, panels, and color. Additionally, functionality plays a key role; for instance, if insulation or noise reduction is a priority, specific models cater to these needs, enhancing the comfort of your home. Alternatively, if security is your primary concern, options with reinforced steel or multi-point locking systems may be preferred.

Consider Customization Options

Customizing your sectional garage door to fit your unique vision and needs is a great way to add character to your home. From decorative hardware, colors, windows, and panels to insulation levels and smart technology integration — customization empowers homeowners to design a garage door that functions well and complements their home’s style.

Installation

Once the design is finalized, the next step is the installation, which is best left to professionals. Proper installation is crucial for the door to function correctly and safely, and it requires specific tools and expertise.

Choosing the Right Installer

It's vital to select a reputable and experienced installer. Look for companies with solid track records, positive customer reviews, and the necessary credentials and insurance. A professional installer will ensure the door is installed correctly and also be familiar with local building codes and regulations, ensuring that your new door complies with all legal requirements.

What to Expect during the Installation Process

Before the installation begins, a technician will first assess your garage's opening size and shape and adjust the tracks accordingly. An installer will also make any necessary repairs or improvements before installing the door to ensure it operates correctly.

The Installation Process

The installation process involves several steps, starting with the removal of the old door, if applicable, and ending with the meticulous installation of the new sectional door, ensuring every part, from the tracks to the springs and opener, is correctly aligned and secured. The process typically takes a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the installation and any unforeseen challenges that may arise.

Continued Maintenance

After the installation, ongoing maintenance is key to ensuring your new garage door continues to operate efficiently and safely for years to come. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your door but can also prevent potential accidents and costly repairs.

Routine Checks and Maintenance

Homeowners are encouraged to perform regular inspections of their property, vigilantly searching for any indicators of deterioration, imbalances, or unfamiliar sounds that may suggest a need for maintenance or repair. Such routine checks are crucial for ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of various home components. Specifically, when it comes to maintaining a garage door, periodic cleaning of the door and its tracks is essential to remove any accumulated debris, dust, or dirt that could interfere with its operation. Additionally, applying a suitable lubricant to the moving parts, such as hinges, rollers, and springs, can significantly reduce friction and prevent wear, thereby enhancing the door's smooth operation. Beyond these simple tasks, it is highly recommended to enlist the services of a professional for an annual inspection and servicing of the garage door system.

Addressing Issues Promptly

Any issues, no matter how minor they may seem, should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage. Attempting to repair complex parts like springs or the automatic opener yourself can be dangerous and is not recommended. Instead, enlist the help of professionals who have the expertise to carry out repairs safely and effectively.
Investing in a new sectional garage door enhances your home’s appearance and provides functional benefits and a potential return on investment. Understanding the design considerations, relying on professional installation services, and maintaining your door regularly are crucial steps to ensure a successful and long-lasting upgrade. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process and enjoy the benefits of a new sectional garage door in your home. If you're considering installing a sectional garage door on your home, reach out to our professionals at Plano Overhead Garage Door to ensure a successful project.

Why Investing in a New Garage Door Is a Good Project for ROI

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:19:00 GMT

When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners are often faced with a myriad of choices, each promising to enhance their property's appeal and value. From kitchen renovations to bathroom remodels, the options can seem endless. However, if you're looking for a project that offers exceptional return on investment (ROI) while simultaneously boosting curb appeal and functionality, look no further than upgrading your garage door. Surprising as it may seem, a new garage door has emerged as a top contender for maximizing ROI. Read below for the reasons why investing in a new garage door can be a good project for ROI.

Curb Appeal Enhancement

Your garage door occupies a significant portion of your home's facade, making it a focal point of curb appeal. An outdated or worn-out garage door can detract from your home's overall aesthetic appeal, creating a negative first impression for visitors and potential buyers. By investing in a new garage door, you can instantly transform the look of your home, enhancing its curb appeal and increasing its attractiveness to passersby and prospective buyers alike.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Modern garage doors are designed with advanced insulation materials and weather-sealing technologies, which help improve energy efficiency. By upgrading to an energy-efficient garage door, you can reduce heat loss during the winter months and minimize heat gain during the summer, thereby lowering your home's energy consumption and utility bills. This added benefit appeals not only to eco-conscious homeowners but also to budget-minded buyers looking for cost-effective homes with lower operating expenses.

Enhanced Security and Safety

A new garage door isn't just about aesthetics—it's also about security and safety. Older garage doors may lack the robust security features found in newer models, making them vulnerable to break-ins and unauthorized access. Modern garage doors come equipped with advanced security features such as rolling code technology, sturdy locking mechanisms, and motion sensors, providing homeowners with greater peace of mind. Additionally, newer garage doors are designed to meet stringent safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries caused by malfunctioning or outdated equipment.

Increased Home Value

Garage door replacement ranks among the top home improvement projects in terms of ROI. This means that you can expect to recoup the majority of their investment when you sell your home, making it a financially savvy decision. A new garage door can significantly enhance your home's appraised value, allowing you to command a higher selling price in the competitive real estate market.

Quick and Cost-Effective Installation

Unlike major home renovation projects that require extensive time and resources, installing a new garage door is relatively quick and cost-effective. Most professional garage door installation companies can complete the job within a day, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. Additionally, the upfront cost of a new garage door is considerably lower compared to other high-ticket home improvement projects, making it accessible to homeowners with varying budgets.

Versatile Design Options

Today's garage doors are available in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their appearance to complement the architectural style of their home. By selecting a garage door that harmonizes with your home's design aesthetic, you can enhance its overall visual appeal and cohesiveness. Choose a color that matches the paint scheme of your home or one that adds a bit of contrast for a bolder look.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Unlike other exterior home features that may require frequent upkeep and maintenance, modern garage doors are designed to be durable and low maintenance. High-quality materials such as steel, aluminum, and composite wood resist corrosion, warping, and fading, ensuring long-term performance and aesthetics. Routine maintenance tasks such as lubricating hinges, inspecting springs, and cleaning surfaces are simple and can be easily performed by homeowners or professional technicians.

Future-Proof Investment

Investing in a new garage door isn't just about immediate returns—it's also about future-proofing your home against depreciating factors. As technology continues to evolve and consumer preferences shift, having a modern and well-maintained garage door can enhance your home. Additionally, a new garage door can differentiate your home from neighboring properties. Upgrading your garage door is not only a smart investment in terms of ROI but also a strategic decision that can enhance your home's curb appeal, energy efficiency, security, and value. With a relatively low upfront cost, a quick installation process, and a wide range of design options to choose from, investing in a new garage door offers unparalleled benefits for homeowners looking to maximize their property's potential. So, why wait? Elevate your home's value today with a stylish and functional garage door upgrade that delivers long-lasting returns. Feel free to reach out to us for further information on upgrading your garage door. Our team is here to assist you with selecting the perfect style and features to enhance your home's curb appeal and security. Contact us here at Plano Overhead Garage Door to begin your journey to a new, improved garage door!

Belt Drive vs. Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:23:00 GMT

In the quest for the perfect garage door opener, homeowners often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of belt drive versus chain drive mechanisms. Both types come with their unique advantages, making the decision anything but straightforward. This guide is designed to shed light on the key differences between these two popular options, helping you choose the right one for your home. From noise levels to durability, cost, and even smart home compatibility, we'll walk you through what you need to know to make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're installing a new garage opener for the first time or considering an upgrade, understanding these fundamentals is crucial in selecting an opener that aligns with your priorities and needs. Noise Level Belt drive openers are favored for their quieter performance compared to chain drive models, making them particularly suitable for attached garages or residences with living spaces above. The belt drive mechanism utilizes a rubber belt, ensuring not only quietness but also smoother door operation. Conversely, chain drive openers rely on a metal chain for door movement, which can lead to a louder operational noise level when compared to the quieter belt drive alternatives. Durability The metal chain utilized in chain drive systems typically lasts longer than the steel reinforced plastic belts used in belt driven systems. However, many belt-driven systems come with sealed, self-lubricating drive gears that may outlast the plastic exposed gears that entry level chain driven openers typically utilize.
Chain driven garage door openers are better suited for heavy lifting on oversized garage doors, but belt driven openers offer smoother operation with typically comparable durability. Because chain and belt driven openers come in entry level and high end models, be sure to pay attention to the warranty offered on the motor and components when considering durability. Speed and Smoothness Chain drive openers are known for their jerky motion as the chain moves the door up and down due to larger cogs on the plastic drive gears. On the other hand, belt drive openers are recognized for their smoother operation due to their smaller enclosed drive gears, allowing for quick and quiet opening and closing of the door. If you prioritize speed and efficiency in your garage door opener, a belt drive system might be the optimal choice for you. Cost Belt drive openers might come with a higher price tag at the start, but they typically lead to reduced maintenance expenses in the long run due to their durable and quieter operation. Chain drive openers are often more cost-effective than belt drive models, but it's vital to consider balancing the initial cost with potential future maintenance and replacement outlays. Installation and Maintenance Both belt drive and chain drive garage door openers, commonly used for residential garage doors, need professional installation to guarantee optimal functionality and safety. While both types require periodic maintenance, there are nuanced differences. Chain drive openers typically necessitate more frequent lubrication of the metal chain and exposed plastic gears to ensure smooth operation. On the other hand, belt drive openers may require occasional replacement of the rubber belt due to wear and tear over time. Adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines is crucial in extending the longevity of your garage door opener and ensuring its continued reliable performance. Compatibility with Smart Home Technology As smart home technology continues to gain popularity, a growing number of homeowners are seeking garage door openers that seamlessly integrate with their current systems. While both belt drive and chain drive openers can be incorporated into smart home setups, they might necessitate distinct hardware or accessories for successful integration. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the compatibility of your preferred opener with your existing smart home system prior to finalizing a purchase decision. This proactive approach ensures a smooth transition and optimal functionality for your smart home setup. Choosing between a belt drive and a chain drive garage door opener involves careful consideration of several factors, including noise level, durability, speed, cost, installation and maintenance requirements, and compatibility with smart home systems. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what best fits your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Understanding the distinctive features and benefits of each can lead you to the right choice for your home. Remember, the best garage door opener is the one that aligns with your priorities and seamlessly integrates into your daily life. Reach out to the experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door to learn more.

Advantages of Sectional Garage Doors

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:48:00 GMT

Whether you’re updating an existing garage or in the process of building one, selecting the right garage door is crucial. With numerous options available, sectional garage doors have become a preferred choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Let’s explore why these innovative doors may be the perfect addition to your garage, offering practicality, style, and efficiency all rolled into one superior design.

Enhanced Space Utilization

One significant advantage of sectional garage doors is their space-saving design. Unlike traditional up-and-over doors, sectional doors open vertically and are divided into sections, which then slide up and along the ceiling. This mechanism is ideal for tight driveways or garages that face directly onto a street, as it allows you to park your vehicle close to the door without impeding its operation.

Superior Security

Security for your home or business is paramount, and sectional garage doors come engineered to provide peace of mind. Their construction offers minimal points of penetration, making it challenging for unwanted visitors to gain access. Coupled with sturdy locks and robust materials, a sectional garage door is a veritable fortress against intrusions.

Excellent Insulation Properties

If you’re looking for energy efficiency, sectional doors can significantly contribute. Many models come with thick insulation that prevents heat loss, making them a smart choice for attached garages or workshops where temperature control is essential. This insulation also adds the benefit of noise reduction, keeping exterior sounds at bay and maintaining a tranquil environment inside.

Varied Design Options

Style should never be compromised for functionality, and thankfully, sectional garage doors meet both criteria head-on. They come in a wide range of colors, materials, and finishes, from sleek steel to warm wood grains, ensuring your door complements your home’s aesthetic effortlessly. This variety also extends to features such as windows or patterns that can be incorporated to enhance natural lighting and visual appeal.

Durability and Low Maintenance

Constructed from multiple panels, sectional doors are less prone to dents and damage compared to single-panel doors. Their quality build and modern manufacturing processes result in a durable product with a lifespan that more than justifies its investment. Moreover, they require less maintenance, saving you time and additional costs over the years.

Seamless Operation

Thanks to advanced technology, the operation of sectional garage doors is smoother and quieter than ever. This is particularly true with the addition of automated openers, which allow you to open and close your garage door at the push of a button. The sophistication of these systems ensures that the door moves effortlessly and securely every time while adding convenience to your daily routine.

Weather Resistance

For those living in areas with extreme weather conditions, sectional doors provide excellent protection against the elements. Their design includes weatherproof seals that prevent water, leaves, and debris from entering your garage. This tight seal is particularly beneficial during heavy rain or snow, ensuring your interior stays dry and clean regardless of the weather outside.

Safety First

The design of sectional garage doors prioritizes safety with several built-in features. Most doors are equipped with anti-drop mechanisms that prevent the door from crashing down in the event of a failure, protecting property and individuals. Additionally, modern sensors can detect obstacles and reverse the door’s direction to prevent accidents and damage.

In the quest for the right garage door, the merits of sectional doors are hard to overlook. They represent an amalgamation of design, functionality, and security, which makes them a smart investment for modern living. Whether you prioritize space, style, or security, sectional garage doors offer a solution that caters to a broad range of needs without sacrificing the comfort and convenience that homeowners value.

Adopt the smarter approach to your garage with a sectional garage door and experience the myriad benefits it offers. You’ll wonder how your garage ever functioned without it. Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door to learn more.

The post Advantages of Sectional Garage Doors appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Garage Door

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:02:00 GMT

A garage door is a critical part of your home’s security, safety, and curb appeal. It’s easy to take garage doors for granted, but when they start malfunctioning or showing signs of wear and tear, you need to take action quickly. Replacing a garage door can be a significant investment, but it’s necessary after a certain point in time, and the benefits are worth it.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs that it’s time to replace your garage door so that you can make an informed decision and keep your home safe and secure.

Safety Concerns

The most important reason to replace a garage door is your safety. If your garage door is showing any of the following signs, it’s time to consider a replacement: if you hear any grinding noise from the door opener, it can indicate that the door is not balanced properly on its track, and there is a risk of it falling, causing potential harm or injury.
If the door doesn’t stay in place or falls suddenly, it poses a significant safety hazard. Your safety should be your primary concern when it comes to garage doors, and any situation where you feel insecure or unsafe should be dealt with immediately.

Energy Efficiency Issues

If you notice a significant increase in your heating and cooling bills, your garage door may be the culprit. Older garage doors are not energy-efficient and allow air to escape, causing higher energy bills.
If you notice that your garage is colder than the rest of your home or too hot in the summer months, you might want to consider replacing your garage door. A new garage door can be insulated, which will help you save on your overall energy costs.

Worn Out and Damaged Door

Over time, garage doors become worn out and damaged, especially if they face harsh weather conditions. They may get rusted, dented, or scratched, and you may experience difficulties opening and closing them.
If you have to frequently repair small issues with your garage door, this can indicate that you need to replace your door soon. A new garage door will help improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your property’s value, and give your home a more updated and modern look.

Outdated Technology

Modern technology has improved garage door openers and remote control systems. If you’re still using an outdated model, your garage door may not be as secure as it should be. Newer models have advanced security features such as rolling codes and encrypted signals that work to make your garage more secure.
Additionally, they have features that make them more convenient, such as Wi-Fi capability, which lets you operate your garage door from your smartphone.

Excessive Noise

A noisy garage door is not only irritating but is also a sign that it’s time for replacement if lubrication adjustments don’t solve the problem. Replacing your garage door will decrease the noise level, increase your home’s security and safety, and help you improve its energy efficiency.
A garage door is a crucial part of your home, and if you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to consider a replacement. Replacing your garage door may be a considerable investment, but it’s worth it given the benefits you receive in return. A new garage door improves your home’s curb appeal, enhances security and safety, improves energy efficiency, and eliminates excessive noise. Contact the team at Plano Overhead Garage Door to get a comprehensive inspection of your garage door and decide on the best course of action. A safe and secure garage door is the first step in making sure your home is safe and secure.

Understanding the Components of a Garage Door

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:49:00 GMT

A garage door system consists of several key components that work together to facilitate smooth and reliable operation. Understanding these components is crucial for both maintenance and troubleshooting. Here are the main elements of a typical garage door system.

Door Opener

The garage door opener typically consists of an electric motor housed in a sturdy casing mounted on the ceiling. The motor is equipped with a gear mechanism that translates its rotational motion into the linear movement required to open and close the door. Door openers are available in various types, each with its unique characteristics.

Springs

Springs provide the necessary counterbalance to the door’s weight. Torsion springs, mounted horizontally above the door, twist and store energy when the door is closed, releasing it to assist in lifting the door.

Extension springs, located vertically on both sides of the door, stretch and contract to achieve the same effect. These springs are meticulously calibrated to counteract the gravitational force acting on the door, making it feasible for both manual operation and smooth functioning with an opener.

Tube

The torsion tube, often overlooked, is a critical component connecting the springs to the door. It provides secure housing for the torsion springs. Its primary function is to distribute the force the springs apply, ensuring that the door operates with balance. This tube acts as a conduit for the energy stored in the springs, facilitating controlled and synchronized movement during the opening and closing phases.

Drums

Garage door drums, located at the ends of the torsion tube, are pivotal in the cable and spring system. These drums facilitate the winding and unwinding of cables as the door moves. The cables are intricately connected to the bottom of the door, wrapping around the drums to enable controlled and smooth movement.

The proper functioning of these drums is essential for maintaining tension in the cables and preventing slack, contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the garage door system.

Panels

The aesthetic and structural face of the garage door is composed of panels. These panels, often made of durable materials like steel, wood, or aluminum, are hinged together to allow flexibility during the door’s movement. The choice of panel material impacts not only the door’s appearance but also its insulation properties and overall durability.

Tracks

Tracks serve as the guiding rails for the smooth movement of the garage door. These tracks are meticulously aligned to facilitate the rollers’ movement. The tracks are installed vertically and horizontally, creating a carefully designed path for the door to follow. Proper alignment is crucial for preventing friction, ensuring the door moves along a predetermined trajectory without any deviations.

Rollers

Rollers are the silent contributors to the door’s movement, attached to the sides of the door and traveling within the tracks. These small but robust wheels, commonly made of steel or nylon, play a pivotal role in reducing friction between the door and the tracks.

Well-maintained rollers ensure that the door glides effortlessly, contributing to the overall smooth and noiseless operation of the garage door system. Regular lubrication is essential to prolong the life of the rollers and maintain optimal functionality.

Safety Sensor

Safety sensors are the guardians of garage door operation, enhancing safety by detecting obstacles in the door’s path. These sensors are positioned near the floor on either side of the door and emit an invisible beam. If anything interrupts this beam while the door is closing, the sensors trigger the opener to reverse the door’s direction.

This crucial safety feature prevents accidents and injuries, especially in households with children or pets.

Emergency Cord

The emergency cord, often overlooked until needed, provides a manual lifeline in case of power outages or opener malfunctions. Usually distinguished by its red color, the emergency cord hangs down from the opener mechanism. When pulled, it disengages the door from the automatic opener, allowing for manual operation.

This feature ensures that homeowners can still access their garage even in adverse conditions, providing an essential backup mechanism for continued functionality.

Do you need garage door services? Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for more information.

The post Understanding the Components of a Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Signs Your Garage Door Torsion Springs Need Replacing

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:55:00 GMT

Garage door torsion springs play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of your garage door. Over time, these springs can wear out and lose their effectiveness. This can lead to some problems with your garage door. Once torsion springs wear out, they can pose a safety risk to you and your family.

That’s especially true if the torsion springs break. That’s because torsion springs coils are under a lot of pressure. To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, torsion springs should be replaced from time to time.

Because of that risk, know the warning signs that show you need to replace your torsion springs. The list below provides five warning signs. If you’re dealing with any of these signs right now, replace the torsion springs on your overhead garage door.

Problems With Opening or Closing the Door

If you’re worried about your garage door, pay attention to the way it opens and closes. One of the most obvious signs of worn-out torsion springs is difficulty in opening or closing your garage door.

If you notice that your door is becoming increasingly heavy to lift or doesn’t close smoothly, this could be a sign that the torsion springs are no longer functioning properly. This issue may worsen over time. In fact, you may notice that you can no longer open or close your garage door.

Excessive Noise From the Garage Door

When your garage door is functioning properly, you shouldn’t hear any unusual sounds coming from the garage door opener or the springs. If you notice an increase in noise when opening or closing your garage door, this could be a sign of faulty torsion springs.

Over time, these springs can stretch out and lose their tension. This can lead to a grinding or scraping noise as the door opens or closes. This noise can be a sign that the springs are struggling to provide the necessary balance and support.

Sagging or Misaligned Garage Door

If your garage door doesn’t feel right when you open it, check out the way it’s hanging. When torsion springs start to deteriorate, you may notice uneven movement of the garage door. As the springs lose their tension, one side of the door may move faster or slower than the other.

This can cause your garage door to become imbalanced. You may even notice that your garage door sags in the middle or leans to one side. This can put unnecessary strain on the garage door opener and other components, which can lead to the need for other costly repairs.

Visible Wear and Tear on Springs

When protecting your garage door, inspect it several times a year. These inspections should include the torsion springs. Routine inspections of your garage door torsion springs can identify signs of wear and tear.

If you notice any visible damage like cracks, gaps, or rust on the springs, this is a good indication that they should be replaced right away.

Older Springs

Torsion springs aren’t designed to last forever. Their actual lifespan can depend on their usage and maintenance. If you have had your garage door for a significant amount of time and haven’t replaced the torsion springs, do that as soon as possible.

By replacing the springs before they fail, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure the continued smooth operation of your garage door.

Don’t take chances with your garage door. If your torsion springs are showing any of the signs described above, give us a call. We are here to handle all your garage door repairs and maintenance needs. Let us know of any questions or concerns you may have.

The post Signs Your Garage Door Torsion Springs Need Replacing appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Surprising Yet Common Garage Door Myths

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:44:00 GMT

Garage doors are essential to any home, providing security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. However, several misconceptions or myths about garage doors often lead homeowners to make ill-informed decisions. Addressing these myths is crucial to ensure that individuals make informed choices regarding selecting, maintaining, and using garage doors.

All Garage Doors Are the Same

One common myth about garage doors is the belief that all garage doors are essentially the same. This misconception overlooks the wide variety of materials, styles, and mechanisms available in the market.

Garage doors come in various materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

They also come in different styles, including traditional, contemporary, and carriage house designs. Additionally, there are different mechanisms, such as swing out, swing up, roll up, or slide to the side. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in selecting the right garage door that suits one’s specific needs and preferences.

Garage Door Doesn’t Need Insulation

While it’s true that some homeowners may not prioritize garage door insulation, especially in temperate climates, insulation plays a significant role in regulating temperature, preventing energy loss, and protecting belongings stored in the garage.

Insulated garage doors help maintain a stable temperature inside the garage, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals using the garage as a workshop or a living space extension. Moreover, insulation can also help reduce noise, making the garage a more peaceful and comfortable environment.

A Garage Door Opener Is Just a Luxury

Some homeowners consider a garage door opener as a luxurious addition rather than a necessary convenience. However, garage door openers offer practical benefits such as ease of access, enhanced security, and added safety.

With the press of a button, homeowners can conveniently open or close the garage door without having to manually lift it, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with physical limitations.

Moreover, modern garage door openers come equipped with advanced security features such as rolling codes and automatic lights, providing an extra layer of protection for the home.

Garage Doors Can Endure Anything

There is a common misconception that garage doors are indestructible and can withstand any external force or weather conditions. However, like any other part of a house, garage doors are subject to wear and tear over time.

Harsh weather elements, frequent usage, and lack of maintenance can lead to various issues, including dents, rust, misalignment, or mechanical failures. Regular maintenance, such as lubrication, inspection of springs and cables, and addressing minor issues promptly, is essential to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the garage door.

Garage Doors Don’t Pose Any Dangers

The notion that garage doors don’t pose any dangers underestimates potential risks. Improper installation or malfunctioning mechanisms can lead to severe accidents, such as entrapment or crushing injuries. Additionally, lack of maintenance may result in faulty sensors or broken springs, further increasing the risk.

Furthermore, children playing near garage doors are susceptible to accidents, especially when the doors close unexpectedly. Maintaining safety sensors and educating individuals about the potential hazards associated with garage doors ensures the safety of those using them.

Anyone Can Install a Garage Door

There is a misconception that installing a garage door is a simple DIY task that anyone can undertake. In reality, installing a garage door involves technical knowledge, specific tools, and precise measurements. Improper installation can lead to various issues, such as misalignment, uneven movement, or even safety hazards.

It’s crucial to seek professional assistance from certified technicians who have the expertise and experience in garage door installation to ensure the proper functioning, safety, and longevity of the door.

One such expert is Plano Overhead Garage Door . We focus on the installation, inspection, and repair of sectional doors. Contact us now for more information.

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Jackshaft Garage Door Opener: A Guide

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:54:00 GMT

With garage door openers, there are three main types : belt-driven, chain-driven, and jackshaft, or side mount. Jackshaft openers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and space-saving benefits. Take a closer look at jackshaft garage door openers.

What Is a Side Mount Garage Door Opener?

A jackshaft opener is a device installed on the side of a garage door rather than overhead on the ceiling, like many traditional openers. It consists of a motor and a set of gears controlling the opening and closing of the garage door. Unlike traditional openers, jackshaft openers are on the wall above the torsion bar, leaving the ceiling space free for storage.

How Is a Jackshaft Different From Other Types?

One of the main differences between a jackshaft opener and a traditional opener is that the former uses a cable system. In contrast, traditional systems use a chain or belt mechanism. This difference makes jackshaft openers more efficient, quiet, and durable than traditional openers.

What Are the Advantages of Jackshaft Garage Door Openers?

Jackshaft garage door openers take up much less space in the garage, providing more room for storage, workbenches, or even a car lift. They are also beneficial if your garage has a low ceiling. Additionally, jackshaft openers also have unique safety features preventing the door from suddenly dropping if the cables break. These safety features include a sensor system and an emergency release mechanism, making jackshaft openers safer than traditional openers.

What Is the Installation Process for a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener?

Although installing a jackshaft garage door opener can be a straightforward task, rely on the expertise of a professional. By doing so, you can ensure that all safety features function optimally and that the opener is accurately calibrated. Entrusting this task to professionals guarantees a smooth and efficient installation process.

How Should You Maintain Your Jackshaft Garage Door Opener?

Maintaining a jackshaft opener is an essential task for homeowners to ensure it works efficiently and safely. Use these few tips for better maintenance: Check the tracks, cables, trolleys, and other parts regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Clean the jackshaft opener at least once every season with an all-purpose household cleaner. Lubricate all moving parts every few months to reduce friction and wear.

Additionally, note that professional maintenance is essential for the overall health of your opener. An experienced technician can determine whether any part needs to be replaced or if any adjustments need to be made for optimal performance.

A jackshaft garage door opener might be the perfect solution if you are looking for a more efficient, space-saving, and safe garage door opener. If you have considered transitioning from a traditional opener to a jackshaft garage door opener, call us at Plano Overhead Garage Door. We can answer all your questions and will be happy to help in any way possible.

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A Homeowner’s Guide To Accent Images on Sectional Garage Doors

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:12:00 GMT

A traditional garage door will feature a metal base and could include a wide variety of overlays that replicate the look of steel, wood, or other materials. Thanks to advancements in printers and design capabilities, garage door companies can take the design process one step further with the use of accent images.

Accent images showcase high-quality printed panels that go over each section of a garage door. Not only do accent images provide a nice visual, but the extra layer will add protection to the garage door material underneath. Learn more about the accent images on sectional garage doors and how these products can transform your garage.

Installation

Ideally, you want to add an accent image to a new garage door installation. The process is much easier as the image gets applied to the door before the delivery and installation. Installation on older doors many not be possible due to the condition of the door and the layout of the sections.

The professional finish will save time on the installation and provide you with a new garage door that will last for years to come. Through the production, you can select the garage door style you want and then the accent image will be cropped and styled directly to the size. You can receive a mock-up image of the door before making your final decision.

Themes

When you select a high-quality accent image for your new sectional garage door, you will have a set amount of themes to choose from. Selecting a base theme will help you narrow down your options and allow you to make the best decision. The themes could include destinations.

Destination designs will include high-quality images of nature from all around the world. For example, you could select a tropical design for something sunny and relaxing. You could also select a snow-capped mountain if you seek something more rugged and up north.

Other themes may include textures, patriotic themes, or outdoor sports designs.

Licensed Images & Production

As you picture giant images on your garage door, you may picture the inclusion of cartoon characters, sports teams, or other copyright photos. Due to copyright laws, you often cannot place those types of images on a garage door. A garage door company would need to have licensed images to produce those garage doors.

In many cases, the licensed images cost more. You cannot just select any image you want. Check with a garage door company to see what kinds of licensed images they offer. Some may have licensing agreements with a wide range of companies including different sports organizations. This varies by company and who actually produces the accent images.

Exterior Applications & Landscaping

One of the main ways to apply accent images is on the exterior of a sectional garage door. The image can add a lot of curb appeal and make your home stand out. When you choose a design, consider the landscaping that surrounds your garage.

For example, if you have a lot of bushes and small trees, then you may want a mountain-based accent image to match the design. If you have other decor around your home, then you could choose an accent image to match the design. For example, an American flag garage door accent image could match other flag decor or big star decor pieces on the house.

Interior Applications

You also have the option to apply accent images on the interior of the garage door. If you use the garage often, then an interior application will create a nice visual for the garage. As you work in the garage, you can enjoy visuals of beaches, animals, or various sports themes.

For more information on accent images, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door . We will help you pick a design and can install a garage door that features a highly detailed accent image on both sides of the door.

The post A Homeowner’s Guide To Accent Images on Sectional Garage Doors appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Elevate Your Home’s Exterior: Garage Door Upgrades for Enhanced Curb Appeal

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 22:33:00 GMT

When it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal, do not overlook the impact of upgrading your garage door. As one of the largest exterior elements, the garage door plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic appeal of your home and property.

By implementing creative and stylish upgrades, you can transform your garage door into a standout feature that enhances the beauty and value of your home. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of garage door upgrades for you to consider that can elevate your home’s exterior and leave a lasting impression on everyone that sees your garage.

Window Inserts: Infuse Natural Light and Charm

Adding window inserts to your garage door can instantly enhance its visual appeal. Not only do windows break up the monotony of a solid door, but they also allow natural light to filter into the garage space. Choose from various window styles, such as arched, rectangular, or decorative designs, that complement your home’s architecture. Windows not only boost the curb appeal but also create a warm and inviting aesthetic.

Adding windows can also save you money. Having natural light shining through the window prevents you from having to use electrical lights inside. This is not only better for the environment, but you will have a lower monthly energy bill.

Dynamic Color and Finish Selections

Say goodbye to traditional white or beige garage doors and welcome a splash of personality with a fresh color palette. You can choose bold and vibrant hues like deep blue, rich red, or elegant charcoal gray to make your garage door stand out from the crowd.

If you want your garage door to blend in, choose colors like browns, tans, and even black.

If you like a more natural look, you can go with wood stains or faux finishes for your garage door. This will add warmth and character to your home’s exterior. Faux finishes are much less expensive than their counterparts. Consider coordinating the color with your home’s existing palette for a cohesive look.

Decorative Hardware: The Power of Details

Decorative hardware is an excellent way to elevate the style of your garage door. There are many ways you can do this, such as by adding handles, hinges and decorative straps. This allows you to achieve the look of a charming carriage house door.

The addition of these details creates a sense of timeless elegance and can be customized to match the architectural style of your home. Choose hardware finishes that complement your exterior fixtures and coordinate with the door’s color, creating a cohesive and polished appearance.

Contemporary Designs for Modern Appeal

For homeowners with a modern aesthetic, contemporary garage door designs are the perfect choice. Clean lines, minimalistic paneling, and sleek finishes create a sleek and sophisticated look that complements contemporary or mid-century modern architectural styles.

Full view glass doors or horizontal paneling can also provide a unique and striking visual impact. Contemporary designs not only enhance the overall curb appeal but also create a harmonious and updated appearance that adds value to your home.

Carriage House Style: Classic Charm Reimagined

Embrace the timeless appeal of carriage house style garage doors. These doors capture the elegance and charm of old world carriage houses while utilizing modern materials and functionality. Carriage house style doors feature decorative hardware, simulated windows, and unique panel designs that mimic the look of swing-out doors. This style adds character and sophistication to any home’s exterior, creating a memorable impression for visitors and passersby.

Upgrade your garage door and enjoy the compliments and admiration it brings, all while increasing your home’s value. Contact Piano Overhead Garage Door today to learn much more.

The post Elevate Your Home’s Exterior: Garage Door Upgrades for Enhanced Curb Appeal appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

How To Choose the Right Garage Door Material for Your Home

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:10:00 GMT

In this blog post, we will explore these factors to help you make an informed decision and select the perfect garage door material for your home.

Durability

A durable garage door material affects how long it will last and how well it can withstand damage. Different materials, such as steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass, are available. Steel doors are strong and durable, making them a popular choice for those who want a durable option. Aluminum doors are lightweight and can resist corrosion, making them suitable for coastal regions.

Wood doors have a timeless appearance but need maintenance to prevent rotting and warping. Fiberglass doors are resistant to moisture and can handle extreme weather conditions.

Maintenance

When choosing a garage door, think about how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Some materials require more upkeep than others. Low-maintenance options include steel and aluminum doors. They only need occasional cleaning and inspection to keep them in good condition.

On the other hand, wood doors require more attention. Regular staining or painting is necessary to protect them from the elements, and inspecting them for any signs of damage or rot is important.

Fiberglass doors are also low-maintenance. They can be easily cleaned with soap and water to keep them looking their best. However, steel or aluminum may be the best choice if you prefer a material requiring minimal upkeep.

Style

The style of your garage door improves the overall look of your home. There are different materials to choose from, each offering its design options. Steel doors, for example, can have patterns and textures embossed on them, creating the illusion of a wooden door, which allows you to enjoy the appearance of wood without the maintenance requirements.

Wood doors provide a natural, warm aesthetic that complements various architectural styles. You can also customize them with different finishes to achieve the desired look. On the other hand, aluminum doors offer a sleek and modern appearance that works well with contemporary homes. They have clean lines and can be a great choice for those who prefer a minimalist look.

Insulation

Insulating your garage door is crucial if you use your garage as a workshop or living area. Insulation helps control the garage’s temperature, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency. Adding a polyurethane or polystyrene foam layer can insulate garage doors made of steel and aluminum, offering excellent insulation properties. This helps to keep the interior temperature stable and prevents heat or cold from entering or escaping through the door.

Wooden garage doors naturally offer some insulation due to the thickness of the material. However, for optimal insulation, additional insulation materials may be necessary. Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, are lightweight and may not provide the same level of insulation as steel or aluminum doors.

Security

Different garage door materials offer varying levels of security. Steel doors possess great strength and offer excellent security. Choosing doors with multiple layers and a sturdy locking mechanism is advisable for enhanced protection. Aluminum doors, although not as strong as steel, can still be secure with the right locking system.

Wood doors offer good security but may require additional reinforcement to enhance strength. On the other hand, fiberglass doors are more vulnerable to forced entry, making it crucial to have proper security features installed. When selecting a garage door material, prioritize security and consider the options that provide the highest level of protection for your garage and home.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we understand the importance of selecting the right garage door material for your home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions or if you need assistance with your garage door selection.

The post How To Choose the Right Garage Door Material for Your Home appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Hail Damage? We Can Help!

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:52:00 GMT

We provide same day free in-home written estimates for you to send to your insurance company. We have hundreds of garage doors in a variety of styles in stock, and can special order a garage door faster than any of our competitors.

Plano Overhead Garage Door will replace your hail or storm damaged garage door promptly and professionally and has replaced hundreds of garage doors for customers after storms. All our garage doors come with commercial grade hardware, a reinforcing strut, reinforced tracks, the thickest steel panels available, and are installed using 3″ lag bolts to secure the door to the opening.

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Why Sectional Garage Doors Are So Popular

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:44:00 GMT

Have you ever pulled up to a house with an impressively designed garage door that just looks so beautiful and elegant? Chances are good that it’s a sectional garage door. Sectional garage doors have been very popular for many years—and for good reason.

These doors have become a preferred choice for many homeowners because they offer a range of benefits that other garage doors do not. In this post, we share with you why sectional garage doors are so popular and why you might consider one for your own home.

They Offer Ample Space

One of the most significant benefits of sectional garage doors is the ample space they offer. Sectional garage doors open and close vertically, meaning that they do not take up any space in your driveway or garage. That’s a big advantage, especially for homes where space is already limited. The vertical opening means that you can park close to the garage door and still open it.

These doors are designed in a way that they can be opened and closed easily, allowing for maximum utilization of the garage space. The mechanism of sectional garage doors allows them to slide up in small sections against the ceiling, saving valuable space in the garage without opening in an obstructive manner.

They Provide Improved Security

Homeowners are interested in the security of their homes now more than ever. With sectional garage doors in place, homeowners can be assured of improved security. These doors are made of high-quality materials and come with robust locking systems that provide added security to homes. Some options even have smart features that allow homeowners to monitor their garage doors from their smartphones.

They Are Durable

They are made of high-quality materials, making them durable and long-lasting, and modern sectional garage doors are especially rust-resistant. Some reinforced sectional garage doors can even withstand hurricane force winds!

They Offer Higher Energy Efficiency

Numerous homeowners are looking for energy-efficient products for their homes for the sake of saving their money and the environment. This includes garage doors. Sectional garage doors are built with insulation, which helps to keep the garage and your home warm during the winter months and cool during the summer months.

By having a garage door that provides insulation, you’ll save money on electricity bills by reducing the amount of heat or cooling necessary to regulate the temperature inside your home.

They Provide Aesthetic Appeal

Sectional garage doors are known for their aesthetically pleasing design. They effortlessly blend in with modern homes and can be customized to fit any style. They are available in various materials, such as glass, steel, aluminum, and wood, and can be painted in any color. With a sectional garage door, you can upgrade the visual appeal of your home dramatically.

Additionally, sectional garage doors can be customized with windows, decorative hardware, and other unique features to further enhance their appearance.

Sectional garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners for several reasons. With their ample space, enhanced security, low maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and improved aesthetic appeal, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.

Do you want to join the homeowners who’ve embraced sectional garage doors? Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door today to learn more about the available options suitable for your home. We look forward to helping you start enjoying the numerous benefits of sectional garage doors.

The post Why Sectional Garage Doors Are So Popular appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:10:00 GMT

Do you want to keep your garage door in top-notch condition? The garage door is typically the largest moving object on your home! Regular maintenance will help ensure your garage door remains in safe working order. Here is an overview of what your garage door service company will perform during their maintenance checklist to ensure your garage door is always in prime condition.

Door and Tracks

The technician will inspect the door for any dings, corrosion, or other problems that could impair its smooth operation. The garage door panels and all the parts will be inspected for fractures, splits, creases, and damage. They will also ensure that the door remains on the track grooves and that the rollers are in the track during all points of operation.

Rollers

Rollers have ball-bearings that wear down over time and cause the stem to become loose from the roller. Plastic rollers harden and break over time. If your rollers need replacement then nylon coated steel rollers will likely be suggested. Nylon coated steel rollers have the durability of steel on the inside with a nylon coating to prevent steel on steel contact.

Springs, Cables, and Bearings

Garage door professionals also check the cables for frayed wires and adjust the tension on the cables and springs to make sure your garage door is properly balanced. They will inspect the ball bearings in the rollers and bearing plates for wear and tear and replace them as needed.

Lubrication

The technician will then lubricate any moving or creaking parts, such as the rollers, hinge pivot points, springs, and roller stems. They will also inspect the struts, brackets, locks, and hinges for any loosened fasteners. Finally, they may use wax on the door or the jambs to help insulate them from rust.

Wall Buttons and Remotes

During a garage door assessment and upkeep inspection, the service expert will examine the wall-mounted push buttons and remotes. They will ensure that the push button is accessible from the garage door, is at least five feet above the surface, and responds to touch.

If the technician discovers any problems with remotes, they will first try new batteries. If the batteries are good, then the remote may have a bad circuit board and will need replacement. The technician will provide the right garage door remote for your home and program it to the garage door opener and test it for proper operation.

Safety Sensors

The specialist will test the photo eye sensors to ensure they work properly. This maintenance demands that the sensors are securely fixed to the wall and no more than six inches above the ground.

The technician will also evaluate the sensors by performing a safety reversal test. Safety reversal tests involve confirming that the door will reverse on an object and that the door will also reverse when the safety beam is obstructed.

If the door closes despite an object obscuring one of the sensors, the technician will evaluate the sensors for problems or damage. If the sensors malfunction, the technician will swap them with new ones. After they replace the sensors, the specialist will perform tests to check that they function properly. If necessary, the technician may also adjust the sensors for better alignment to prevent false reversing.

Force Settings and Travel Limits

The force sensitivity settings and travel limits will be inspected for proper operation. Force settings and travel limits need to be adjusted over time. The force settings determine how much power the unit exerts during operation. The technician will adjust the settings depending on how your door operates when not connected to the garage door opener in order to help the door close and open more smoothly. The travel limits can be adjusted to open the door more or less when closed and opened for a better seal at the bottom or to allow for more or less clearance while the door is open.

Weatherseal

If your garage door has gaps on the top or sides, they may recommend perimeter seal or jamb seal. This vinyl trim goes around the sides and top of the door to prevent pests and debris from getting in, and it also insulates the garage against outside temperatures. The technician can replace the bottom weatherseal if it is damaged, brittle, or missing pieces. New bottom weatherseal is flexible and allows the door to close softer with a better seal.

With the help of a garage door technician, you can get your garage working in tip-top shape. If you’re looking for professionally trained garage door maintenance inspections and repairs in the Plano, TX, area, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

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How Professional Installers Level Garage Doors

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:19:00 GMT

If your garage door opener stopped working or if the door appears uneven, it may be because your garage door is out of balance. If one side of the garage door is lower than the other, your door may open or close more quickly than expected. People will also notice the gaps below the door that may pose safety threats to others in the vicinity. Fortunately, a garage door professional can use the following steps to level your garage door and get it balanced again. Read on to learn more.

Take Safety Measures

Before the professional starts any work on the door, they will take all possible safety precautions. The professional will first turn off the power before they touch the door’s wiring. This can be done at the power source or at the operator. The installer also uses a firm and stable ladder.

Test the Door

The next step is to know what is interfering with your garage door’s balance. For this, the professional will close the garage door, detach the garage door opener from the garage door opener and push the door up and down. An unbalanced garage door will not balance halfway open without assistance. The door may also move faster in some places and slower in others. The garage door should move freely enough to be operated with one hand and not speed up towards the top or slam when closing. A perfectly balanced garage door will balance in the halfway open position on its own when disconnected from the garage door opener.

Check the Door Cables

Garage door issues often are due to problems with the door cables. Frequent use of your garage door causes the cables to wear and tear, leading to sagging and slipping of the cables from the cable drum. That’s why the garage door professional will determine the condition of the cables on your door.

If the cables show signs of damage or rust, the professional will replace them.

Adjust Cable Drums

If the cable looks loose or the garage door looks uneven, you will need to call a garage door professional. The tension that the springs put on the cables may need to be adjusted since one side can sag lower than the other- causing the door to look uneven or even come off the tracks entirely. Garage door professionals have special tools that cost thousands of dollars specifically designed to wind the garage door springs that put the torque on the shaft and cables. Garage door springs and cables are under an extreme amount of tension that must be handled carefully to avoid injury.

The garage door is the largest moving object on most homes, and without the cables and springs, the garage door will not open and it will slam shut potentially causing damage, injury, and even death.

Adjust the Spring Tension

Sometimes, the problem might be due to a malfunctioning torsion spring.

Weather-Strip the Doors

The weather-seal mounted to the bottom of your garage door will deteriorate over time. The concrete acts as sandpaper every time your garage door closes, especially if it slams closed or gets a lot of usage. The outer edges by the corners of the garage usually disintegrate first. While this doesn’t typically affect the function of the garage door, it may give the garage door an uneven appearance if one side is missing. If you have gaps at the corners of your garage door the professional can weather-strip your garage doors to keep out debris, insects, and elements. New weather-seal provides a softer close compared to the old weather-seal rubber that hardens over time. Weather-stripping also seals light from getting in and can help with energy saving as well. There are many weather-stripping types, but the most common is a roll that the specialists will cut into the right size and install using nails or screws. A universal weather-seal is also available on our trucks.

Consult the Experts

Issues with your garage doors should be left to the professionals. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we have the necessary tools and expertise to repair an uneven garage door. Or if you need to replace your garage door, our experts can help you find a convenient solution. Contact us today.

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4 Ways a New Garage Door Can Prevent Pests in Your Garage

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:14:00 GMT

A garage offers a lot of attractions for pests and animals. The large shelter can provide heat, warmth, and plenty of nesting areas. You may choose to keep garbage or boxes in a garage, and those items could attract pests as well. If you want to help prevent pests in the garage area, then consider a new garage door installation.

A new garage door will come with many features to help keep your garage free of pests. Learn about some of these features and how big a difference a new garage door can make.

1. Stronger Seal

A new garage door can eliminate any gaps or openings in your current garage. Wear and tear on older garage doors can impact the way they shut and seal. For example, the bottom seal on a garage door may wear down and leave a small gap for critters to crawl to. A rodent like a rat or mouse doesn’t need much space to squeeze through and enter a garage.

If you have an older garage door of wood, then the wood could deteriorate. Animals like squirrels could also scratch and chew at the wood to create access holes. The little areas could allow animals to freely go in and out of your garage. A new door will feature a strong seal and eliminate any gaps.

The seal helps keep temperatures inside the garage and removes the biggest access points for pests.

2. Better Insulation

A new garage door can include a thicker and better insulation. For example, you could purchase a garage door with injected insulation that fills up each panel and provides the best climate control in the garage. The insulation could also help block out any attractive scents inside a garage area. For example, the garage may have smells from garbage or food storage.

Proper insulation will keep those smells in the garage and not attract animals like mice. The insulation could also prevent animals from nesting in the gaps of garage door panels. Along with small critters, the insulation can help keep insects out of the cracks and hollow areas of a garage door.

3. Durable Materials

A new garage door will include materials like steel to offer premium protection. Other materials like vinyl and wood can become vulnerable to chewing, scratching, and impacts from animals who try to seek the garage as a shelter. The durable materials can withstand animals and prevent new damage to your garage door.

Along with the doors, you can add extra accessories like motion lights. When an animal goes near the door, a motion light can flash on and scare the animal away from your door. Multiple forms of deterrence will help keep animals away. When you choose a steel material, the garage door can still have a finish to emulate other styles you seek for curb appeal.

4. New Garage Door Opener

If you have an older garage door opener, the opener may malfunction and give animals the opportunity to get inside the garage. The garage door may jam or not shut all the way and leave the space vulnerable. When you purchase a new garage door, you could install a new opener as well.

A new opener can provide a smooth operation and allow you to easily open the garage door. The opener will ensure the door reaches the ground and not provide any malfunction issues in the future. A smart garage door can provide alerts when the door is open and ensure the door remains shut through night hours when many animals and critters remain active.

For more information on garage door installations, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door . We put a lot of pride in our service and can ensure you have a high-quality garage door for your home.

The post 4 Ways a New Garage Door Can Prevent Pests in Your Garage appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Why Is Your Garage Door Opening and Closing by Itself?

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:51:00 GMT

However, although garage doors are designed to provide you with years of worry-free service, that does not make the doors indestructible. One of the obvious signs that your garage door is failing is if it opens or closes by itself. Discover some possible causes of this problem and what to do.

Blocked Sensor

Today, garage doors are equipped with extra safety features like sensors. This feature detects any object or person in the way and stops the door from closing so that no one can get hurt.

If the sensor is blocked, perhaps due to dirt accumulation, that may send the wrong signal to the door opener that someone is present, which can cause the door to open on its own. Similarly, if you pile items such as boxes in front of the sensor, that can cause the sensor to malfunction.

The easiest fix is to wipe off the dirt and remove anything obstructing the sensor. Besides blockage, the sensor may fail if not aligned correctly. You may need a professional garage door service company to inspect and adjust the sensor for correct alignment.

Faulty Control Wiring

Your garage door opener features a control panel with several control buttons. This panel then gets connected to the garage door opener through a series of wires, and if any of the cables are exposed, perhaps due to wear and tear, it can interfere with the door’s normal operations and cause it to open and close on its own.

To address this issue, inspect your control wiring and replace any broken or exposed wires. But considering how risky this electrical work can be, leave this job to a professional garage door technician.

Faulty Circuit Board

The circuit board, also known as the logic board, is the electronic component that receives signals from the control panel and transmits these signals to open and close your garage door.

If any components on this board are no longer functioning correctly, this circuit board may transmit the wrong signals to your door opener and cause it to open or close on its own.

Besides, you can tell if the circuit board is the culprit if your garage door opens halfway or if the warning light flashes consistently. The circuit board is complex, so do not attempt to replace it yourself. Instead, hire a garage door technician to do the job for you.

Damaged Springs

Garage door springs ensure a smooth and easy operation. This component balances the door’s weight for consistency when you open and close the door.

When these springs get worn out or broken, that may cause uneven weight distribution, compromising the door’s balance and, in turn, its normal operations.

Other than the door opening and closing by itself, loose or broken springs may manifest differently, such as a loud noise when operating the door. The door may also open crookedly or too fast.

If you suspect your springs are to blame, do not attempt to repair them yourself. The springs are a significant part of the door, and a minor mistake can cause considerable damage. Instead, call a garage door professional to inspect and repair your springs safely.

Now that you understand some of the possible causes of your garage door opening or closing by itself, you can take proactive steps to avoid such a problem. Keep an eye out for signs that indicate your door needs repairs, and do not hesitate to call a professional garage door technician when necessary.

You can trust us at Plano Overhead Garage Door to inspect, diagnose and repair or replace your garage door so that it operates as intended. Contact us today, and let us discuss how we can help.

The post Why Is Your Garage Door Opening and Closing by Itself? appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

5 Common Problems With Garage Door Openers

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 01:29:00 GMT

1. Dysfunctional Opener Switch

This problem can occur when the garage door opener does not receive power or the wiring between the wall switch and the garage door opener has a compromised connection. The first thing to do is to check the power source. Ensure the circuit breaker that supplies power to the garage door opener is intact.

If the power source is intact, the next step is to check the wiring between the wall switch and the garage door opener. Make sure that all connections are secure. If the wiring is correct, the wall switch may be defective and need replacement. If none of the above solutions fix the problem, the issue may be with the garage door opener itself and require a technician’s involvement.

2. Dysfunctional Remote Control

A dysfunctional remote control might have defective or tapped-out batteries. Ensure the garage door opener unit can receive power to rule out any issues with the keypad or opener switch. If the door functions fine with the hardwired wall switch, the battery in the remote likely needs replacement.

Also, you may be out of range of the antenna inside the garage. Move closer to the door and try again. Ensure that the antenna on the motor unit is undamaged. If these solutions do not work, the remote control might need a new program since the delicate electronics in the remote control might lose their basic functionality.

3. No Activation

An unresponsive door can be the result of a broken trolley carriage. The trolley carriage is the mechanism that connects the garage door to the motor, which enables the door to move up and down. If the trolley carriage gets broken, the motor can still move the trolley, but the door will not open or close.

An inactive door can also result from dysfunctional or deactivated limits. This issue causes the motor to run, but the door doesn’t move, as it cannot complete its opening or closing cycle. Also, the garage door might get disconnected from the belt. A disconnected belt commonly happens when someone accidentally pulls the emergency release cord.

4. Noisy Garage Door

Squeaks can indicate that the rollers need lubrication or are worn out. Rattles can highlight that something has become loose. Pops can show a problem with the torsion spring, which may need lubrication or replacement. Finally, if your garage door opener makes a grinding noise but the door doesn’t move, the main drive gear may be toast and needs repairs.

5. Unsolicited Reversals

A garage door might reverse without an intended signal from the safety systems if the close-limit adjustment screw on the door opener motor is set too sensitively. This setting causes the opener to think the door has already reached the floor, even before it has, and the opener will reverse the door.

Additionally, damaged or rusted rollers create extra friction, which can fool the opener into stopping prematurely. Finally, objects that block the photo eye sensors might incorrectly assume that there are objects or people underneath the door, which activates its auto-reversal safety mechanism.

While this guideline offers basic diagnostic knowledge to garage door owners, you should never attempt to repair or replace damaged or worn-out parts yourself. Rely on a garage door technician that can offer more insight into the core problem and understand the best solution to fix and prevent further occurrences with the issue.

Visit us at Plano Overhead Garage Door for garage door repair and maintenance services.

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Signs You Need to Replace Your Garage Door

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:09:00 GMT

The garage door is one of the most important pieces of equipment in our homes. When in great condition, the door enhances a property’s functionality, security, and curb appeal. While garage doors are built for durability, they don’t last forever. Like any other piece of equipment in your home, your garage door wears down over time and will need a replacement at one point.

Since the replacement is inevitable, you want to be ready to avoid ugly surprises and know the telltale signs your garage door needs a replacement. Read on to discover four warning signs that you need to switch out your old garage door for a new one.

Strange Noises

While a garage door produces sounds during normal operation, there could be an issue if you notice loud or unusual noises. You may hear squeaking, rattling, grinding, popping, screeching, or groaning sounds. These noises may result from broken or loose hinges, worn-out rollers, damaged springs, loose cables, or dirty tracks.

In some cases, the strange noises could result from issues solvable through repair or component replacement. However, a garage door replacement may be unavoidable if the noises are coupled with other issues, such as old age or visible damage. Thus, if you’ve noticed unusual sounds from your garage door, contact a professional who will inspect your door and offer expert advice.

Difficulty Opening or Closing

Difficulties in operation could result from dirty rollers or tracks, broken springs, and the opener not working. And since one of the major functions of a garage door is to ensure security and protection in your household, an improperly-working garage door can be a safety hazard.

While a tune-up might help to restore your garage door to a perfect condition, sometimes the only solution could be a replacement. If your garage door is hard to open or close and falls off its track, the only solution might be a replacement.

Sagging and Warping

Improper installation, excessive use, or aging and rotting door frames can cause the garage door to sag and warp. Also, when one of the springs breaks, the door can become unbalanced and start to sag. In addition, if your garage is exposed to rain or snow, the door can warp and buckle over time.

A warped and sagging garage door is not only a safety hazard but can also be an eyesore and lead to energy inefficiencies. Such a door will not seal properly, allowing air to escape and increasing your home’s energy efficiency. If your garage door is warping and sagging, get ready for a replacement.

Visible Damage

If you notice damaged or missing panels, fading, peeling, or chipping paint, rust, or bent panels, your garage may be approaching the end of its lifespan. This damage may result from poor maintenance, improper use, faulty installation, or normal wear and tear. Also, depending on where you live, the sun’s UV rays can fade the door’s paint, and rain, snow, or wind can wear down the surface.

Besides being a safety hazard, a damaged garage door can be an eyesore on your property. Thus, if you’ve noticed severe damage on your garage door, start looking for replacement options to enhance the safety and curb appeal of your property.

Old and Outdated

A garage door can last for a few decades. However, this can differ depending on various factors such as the type and quality of the door, climate, and frequency of use. If the door is several decades old, you might have already started noticing signs such as dents, rust, misalignment, and noise.

While your old garage door might appear to be in great condition, the door may not be as energy-efficient as a newer model. Thus, consider a garage door replacement if you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option or want to improve your home’s aesthetics or value.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, then it’s time to start shopping for a new garage door. Contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door to get started on your garage door replacement journey.

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7 Signs of Damage on Your Garage Door

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 22:37:00 GMT

Garage doors function as a mechanical gateway for a space to park your vehicle or even store household items. Most garage doors are sturdy and can survive exposure to elements or rough operation. However, such factors might damage your door and limit its operation. Read on to learn about seven signs that show your garage door is faulty or damaged.

1. Slow Operation

A garage door can sustain damage over time. This damage can cause it to operate slowly. One of the reasons for slow operation is that the tracks that the door runs on may be bent or warped.

Also, the springs that help balance the door may be worn out or broken, which will also cause the door to move more slowly. Finally, the motor that powers the door may be overworked or defective, causing it to run slower than expected.

2. Impartial Activation

Impartial activation happens when the door opens and closes halfway or leaves significant gaps between the door and floor. If your garage door shows signs of impartial activation, it is likely due to damage to the door itself.

The most common cause of this damage is a broken spring or cable. A broken spring can cause the door to become unbalanced, which can cause it to open and close on its own. A broken cable can also cause the door to become stuck in one position.

3. Strange Noises

The type of noise your door makes can suggest possible issues with its components. A squeaking sound highlights a lubrication problem. Grinding noises might indicate that the door has worn out rollers. If the door rattles, it could result from loose components. Grating noises suggest issues with the torsion spring. If you hear a loud bang, it could indicate a problem with one of the components, usually the springs.

4. Dysfunctional Operator Switch

A dysfunctional operator switch indicates that the mechanism that opens and closes the door does not work correctly. This issue results from a broken or disconnected motor, damaged sensors, or a problem with the electrical system.

5. Off-Track Operation

Off-track operation indicates that the door no longer moves along its intended path. The issue can result from loose hardware, damaged tracks, or an imbalance in the door. The door may have come loose from the tracks due to a lack of lubrication, improper installation, or wear and tear.

Damage to the tracks results from objects in the path of the door, incorrect installation, or rust and corrosion. Finally, an imbalance in the door originates from a problem with the springs or cables that support the door.

6. Unwanted Operation

The garage door might open and close itself without any input from the user. This unwanted operation can happen when the garage door opener is unbalanced. An unbalanced door can cause the opener to work harder than necessary, which may cause the door to open or close by itself.

The garage door may also have broken or damaged springs. Damaged springs do not provide enough support to the door, which can cause the door to open or close by itself. Finally, dirt, debris, or other material may block the garage door’s sensors. Blocked sensors will cause the door to continue moving until it hits any obstruction along its path, like your vehicle.

7. Sagging Door Panels

If an object hits the door, the force of the impact can cause the door panels to bend or warp. This force can damage the panel’s support system, which causes them to sag over time. Additionally, improper or inadequate maintenance will wear down the tracks and rollers, which causes the door to sag when opening and closing.

A damaged garage door will need repair, refurbishment, or a new installation to solve any of these issues. You should speak with a qualified garage door technician to ensure these repairs or installations do not cause any problems. Reach out to us at Plano Overhead Garage Door for these services.

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Types of Residential Garage Door Materials

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:23:00 GMT

But do you know that the material composition of a garage door determines its quality? So, don’t rush to purchase a garage door for your home without being clear on its construction.

The following discussion will enlighten you about common garage door materials to consider before you purchase a garage door.

Wood Composite

Wood composites are materials made of a mixture of recycled wood fiber, strands, and thermoplastics like polythene. The combination of the mentioned components gives wood composite garage doors textured surfaces, which make it easy to paint them. Sturdiness, heavyweight, and thickness are the characteristics that make wood composite ideal for outdoor applications, like garage doors.

The remarkable resistance to heat and humidity makes garage doors made of wood composites long-lasting. Wood composite garage doors are more resistant than wood when it comes to warping, cracking, or decaying after a short while. Not to mention wood needs to be stained and sealed periodically. Also, wood composite garage doors are typically less expensive than wooden garage doors.

Steel

Garage doors made of steel are more popular today than those made of other materials. Steel is a strong material and highly resistant to impacts, so the best option if you want to enhance your home’s safety. Also, steel garage doors have reasonable prices to fit your budget as the buyer.

The thickness levels of steel garage doors vary. For instance, thin paneled steel garage doors have 27- or 28-gauge steel, medium paneled doors have 25- or 26-gauge steel, and the thickest is typically 24-gauge.

Wood

Wooden garage doors are best for when you want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home because they are infinitely customizable. The more intricate the wood design, the more it will typically cost. Similar to steel garage doors, wooden garage doors that are thicker will last longer than thinner materials, but also cost more.

The most common types of wood used to make garage doors are cedar and pine. Cedar has similar benefits to other woods but is costlier, while pine is easy to maintain and more attractive. Garage doors can be made of many other types of wood depending on your location and local availability. The durability and natural characteristics will vary depending on the type of wood that you choose.

Overlay

Garage doors made of a combination of materials have become popular as well. Typically referred to as overlay garage doors, the interior of the garage door is steel, and the exterior is wooden or composite material. The construction consists of a standard 2” thick garage door with an external material fastened to the exterior using adhesives, screws, and nails. These garage doors are extremely durable because they are often 3 or more inches thick. The cost of overlay garage doors depends on the materials used and overall thickness.

With the above information, you can be sure to make the right choice when it comes time to choose garage door material. If you are in Plano, Texas, and want a professional to install your new garage door, feel free to contact Plano Overhead Garage Door .

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Types of Garage Door Openers

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:52:00 GMT

Different garage door openers work better with different types of garage doors. Therefore, to make the best choice, you should familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the garage door openers before purchasing one.

Below are some of the most popular garage door openers on the market today.

Jackshaft Garage Door Opener

The jackshaft openers mount on either side of the garage door’s torsion bar. An electric motor turns the torsion bar to open the door.

The system is reliable and quiet. A jackshaft opener leaves the ceiling free for overhead storage, making them ideal for garages with high ceilings.

The cost of jackshaft openers is, however, higher than that of most other types of openers.

Chain-Drive Opener

Chain-driven openers have a chain connecting the trolley to the motor. The chain pushes or pulls a trolley, which moves the door, depending on the direction of movement.

Because of the rigid lift mechanism, a chain-driven opener can lift all types of doors, including metal, wood, and fiberglass.

Nevertheless, chain-driven models’ vibration and metal-to-metal contact can make them noisy and clunky. Moreover, chain driven garage door openers typically come with more plastic components and shorter warranties.

Still, these openers are among the most affordable garage door openers.

Screw-Drive Garage Door Opener

Screw-drive garage door openers lift the door with a threaded steel rod. Screw-drive openers have plastic sleeves inside the rail and plastic couplers that become brittle over time.

The openers are often prone to malfunctions in regions with fluctuating temperatures because they are temperature-sensitive. Screw-drive openers are less reliable and only suitable for lightweight and medium-sized doors.

Screw-drive openers are quiet as long as they are maintained. However they become very loud and require a lot of lubricant along the screw that turns inside the rail.

Most manufacturers have stopped making screw-driven garage door openers,

Direct-Drive Garage Door Opener

A direct-drive opener consists of a stationary chain and a motor that moves along the chain when the door opens and closes. The jackshaft turns the steel pole above your door called a shaft, while the direct drive has a motor that travels along with the carriage.

A direct-drive garage door opener costs about the same as a belt-drive opener, but lacks the rigidity of a garage door opener with a motor in the main housing. The unit is quiet like the belt-drive, but lacks the same warranty due to cheaper components.

Belt-Drive Garage Door Opener

Belt-drive openers use a steel-reinforced rubber belt to move the door. The openers use the same mechanism as chain-drive openers. A switch activates the belt, which pushes and pulls the trolley to raise and lower the garage door.

Belt-drive openers offer a quiet and smooth-motion alternative to chain-drive openers. The operations also involve fewer metal parts, so the opener has fewer servicing intervals. The result is less maintenance, which means fewer headaches for you.

Belt-drive openers are cheaper than jackshaft openers and more expensive than chain-driven openers. Belt-driven garage door openers are the most common type of garage door opener installed by homeowners.

Your garage door is often the largest moving object on your home. For the door to be secure and allow convenient access, you need the right garage opener for your needs. With the information above, you can be sure to make the right choice when it comes time to replace your garage door opener.

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Reasons a New Garage Door Is the #1 Project for ROI

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 20:03:00 GMT

If you plan on selling your home, upgrades could fetch you a good resale value in the property market. However, the house is only worth the upgrades if you can recover the cost of the upgrades plus a handsome profit. The profit or loss you make on upgrades after you have sold the property is your return on investment, or ROI.

For homeowners who want to sell, careful considerations are necessary when you are looking for upgrades that will increase the resale value of your house and still make a good ROI.

Here are a few reasons why a new garage door is a perfect way to upgrade your house.

A New Garage Door Is a Low-Cost Upgrade

The best projects for ROI are those that are inexpensive and yet make the biggest impact on the resale value of your property. A new garage door is a relatively cheap upgrade for any property. The cost versus value for a new garage door stands at over 90% higher .

Upgrades such as remodeling the bathroom or kitchen are more costly, which makes the ROI on such upgrades relatively lower compared to replacing the garage door.

Multiple surveys and statistics present garage doors as the number one remodeling project since a new garage door on a property has a high ROI. You can make thousands of dollars with an inexpensive and simple garage door replacement.

A Garage Door Replacement Increases Curb Appeal

The curb appeal of any house depends on how beautiful the exterior of the property is. If a house is attractive from the outside, the property is bound to fetch a good price in the real estate market. The best way to increase the curb appeal of any property is by investing in exterior home projects.

A simple garage door replacement can transform the appearance of your home and increase the home’s curb appeal. Increased curb appeal translates to higher home value.

A New Garage Door Might Get You Lower Insurance Premiums

Security is of great consideration by home insurance companies when setting a price for your monthly premiums. A home with an old, shaky, and loosely fitting garage door has increased risks of break-ins and theft. Insurance companies will therefore charge you more in insurance premiums if your garage door isn’t doing much in keeping your property safe.

However, if you can replace the garage door and call in your insurer, you might get a better deal and lowered rates. You have a better shot at getting a good ROI on your home if buyers know the house is safe and that the insurance premium rates are lower.

A Garage Door Replacement Has the Highest Average ROI

A new garage door replacement on your home will get you around 93% of the money you use in the upgrade regardless of your location.

If you are a homeowner about to sell your house or you are a flipper who is looking forward to making a profit on a property you bought, a new garage door can help boost the value of your property and allow you to make some profit.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we have over 45 years of experience in garage door repairs and replacements. We pride ourselves on accountability, professionalism, and top-notch customer service. Contact us today for more information.

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4 Ways to Promote Safety Around Your Garage Door

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:03:00 GMT

Garage door safety is an integral aspect of your household’s overall safety. Unfortunately, many people overlook garage door safety, predisposing themselves and those around them to hazards. You must not wait until the garage door injures someone to appreciate garage door safety when operating the door. This blog reviews four safety tips that all garage owners should consider.

1. Check When Opening or Closing the Garage Door

A significant chunk of garage accidents happens from not checking for potential hazards before operating the garage door. Should an object or person stand in the door’s path unknowingly, this increases the risk of accidents. For example, your child might have followed you into the garage. Confirm they are safely away from the garage door before operating it.

Also, don’t leave the garage door ajar. Many homeowners do this when planning to access the garage several times without opening the door each time. However, while you may think leaving the door ajar is time- and energy-efficient, you might endanger your household members. One person may try to squeeze through the door while another reactivates it unknowingly, resulting in injuries.

2. Educate Children on Garage Door Safety

Parents with garages should sensitize their children about garage safety. Otherwise, they risk their children sustaining injuries from garage-related accidents. For example, garage owners should warn children against swinging on the garage door; the parents may need to provide many warnings considering children’s playful nature.

Garage owners should also caution children not to race against the garage door. Unfortunately, this is a behavior affecting even adults. However, the consequences are often more severe for minors should the door trap them. They risk fractures or even sustaining fatal injuries.

You may also want to discourage children from playing with the controller. You do not want them to shut the garage door when you are halfway through. While you may not sustain injuries, your car may get significant dents, resulting in avoidable repair expenses. You usually have no guarantee that your auto insurance will cover the repairs after learning the accident’s cause.

Lastly, caution your child against placing their hands in the garage door gaps. Your child may place their finger in a door section only for you to open the garage door, injuring them. Alternatively, contact your garage door contractor to install non-pinch panels.

3. Inspect the Garage Door Regularly

Regular inspections are integral to garage door safety — perhaps the primary safety measure. Ensure that your garage door operates efficiently and safely to mitigate accidents. One way entails monitoring the garage door for unusual noises.

For example, squeaking noises may indicate your garage door has loose or unlubricated components. Loose parts like bolts and nuts require tightening to reduce the strain on them or the springs. On the other hand, you may lubricate any moving parts to eliminate friction, ensuring the garage door slides smoothly.

4. Educate Your Household About the Door’s Emergency Release Rope

The release rope is handy in several situations. First, you can use it when a power outage occurs or the remote is dysfunctional and thus cannot operate the door automatically.

Second, you can pull the release rope during emergencies to disengage the door allowing manual operation. An example is when the garage door traps someone and you cannot access the controller. You can pull the emergency release rope, allowing you to move the door manually, salvaging the situation. You can then contact your garage repair contractor to safely reset the emergency pull code cord. Never pull the emergency release cord while the garage door is open. If the door will not close, check for obstructions. If there are no obstructions and you have tried adjusting the safety sensors, call a professional. Garage doors with broken springs are extremely dangerous, and pulling the emergency release cord when a spring is broken can result in serious injury and damage to your garage door and opener. Since the springs counterbalance the weight of the garage door, pulling the emergency release cord when the spring is broken will result in the garage door slamming closed in a dangerous manner that often causes damage to multiple components of your garage door system.

Individuals with questions regarding garage door safety may consult Plano Overhead Garage Door for professional advice. Additionally, our technicians are ready to inspect your garage door for defects and offer timely fixes. Call today.

The post 4 Ways to Promote Safety Around Your Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

What Color Should Your Garage Door Be?

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 19:01:00 GMT

Garage doors are not just one color. They come in a variety of colors to match people’s design preferences and home décor. So what colors are common with garage doors? And what color should your garage door color be? Discover six common garage door colors and see if they are right for you.

1. Gray

Gray itself comes in a range of hues like charcoal gray or cool gray. Since this is a more neutral color, many people prefer it, as it more easily blends in with the rest of the home or provide a gentle contrast to more dramatic colors.

So when should you choose gray? You might want to when you have a current garage door that sticks out like a sore thumb. That way, you can increase your curb appeal without a garage door taking over. Additionally, modern homes and homes with a simple color scheme can benefit from gray garage doors. This garage door can serve as a proper medium between other elements of your home.

2. White

White can be both a great neutral and contrasting color, depending on the rest of the home. If your home has dramatic darker colors, the white garage door can prove to be a striking and distinctive focal point. Alternatively, if your home already has subdued hues like softer grays, the white garage door can blend in perfectly. No matter what your motivation or home design is, white is almost always perfect.

3. Red

If you want a more dramatic or showy garage door, red is often a good color. The brightness of the hue can make your garage door stand out, especially if it has attractive features or materials that you want to highlight. It also serves as a good contrast against natural elements and neutral home décor. You might also want to get a red door to look well against and match a brick home.

4. Brown

Do you want to provide your visitors with a natural feeling of warmth? Brown garage doors can help with that. Brown, like white, can serve well as both a neutral and contrasting color. And like gray, it comes in a range of shades and hues to better serve your home décor needs and preferences.

Brown can also help your home look more upscale, especially if the garage door is made of wood. It works well with any type of home and most color schemes, providing a nice contrast to more vivid colors.

5. Black

Aiming for the truly dramatic or simply love the color? A black garage door is the way to go. This color can display elements of elegance, drama, and sophistication. It also contrasts well against colors like white or meshes well with colors like gray. Black garage doors work best with modern homes with contemporary features.

6. Tan

While closely related to brown, tan is a shade all of its own. Usually another neutral color to pick from, tan works well with other neutral colors and against brick houses. Tan comes in various shades so that you choose a color that looks good with your other home elements, like the siding or roof.

Speak to Our Garage Door Experts

Do you plan to install a new garage door soon and are unsure what your garage door’s color should be? Plano Overhead Garage Door can help. We have a wide variety of sectional garage doors to choose from, all of them with different colors. Call us today to discuss your garage door needs and color preferences. We are happy to go over any questions or concerns you have.

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Common Garage Door Noises: Causes and Solutions

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:21:00 GMT

Garage doors are designed to provide many years of trouble-free operation. However, like any other mechanical system, they can occasionally make noise. Some garage door noises are normal, while others may indicate a problem that needs your attention. Read on to discover some of the most common garage door noises and their causes.

Squeaking

Squeaking often results from loose hardware, such as nuts and bolts. If the problem is loose hardware, then tightening the screws should solve the issue. Dry rollers can also cause squeaking. Rollers are metal, and over time, they can become oxidized. This oxidation can cause them to become dry and squeaky. You can lubricate the rollers to fix this issue.

Squeaking can also result from dirt and debris buildup on the tracks. This buildup can prevent the doors from rolling smoothly and cause them to squeak. Cleaning the tracks with a broom or a vacuum can remove the dirt buildup.

Rattling

Your garage door is made of heavy-duty steel, and it will make some noise as it opens and closes. However, if you hear a lot of rattling, this may indicate a problem. Rattling can result from several things, such as loose hardware or debris buildup on the tracks.

If the cause of the rattling is loose hardware, tightening the screws should solve the issue. If the cause of the rattling is debris buildup on the tracks, you can clean the tracks with a vacuum, cloth or a broom. The tracks, and all components of your garage door system, are extremely dangerous. Always wear proper personal protective equipment and call a professional if you have any doubts on doing work on a garage door yourself.

Clicking

If your garage door is clicking, it may be due to an issue with the springs or garage door opener. In this case, you will likely need to call a professional garage door technician.

Grinding

Two issues could set off the grinding noises in your garage door: the opener’s chain, worn-out rollers, and anywhere two metal objects come in contact. Most garage door openers use a chain or belt to move the trolley that lifts and lowers the door. If these components are loose, they can cause a grinding noise as they move.

In addition, the rollers that support the door as it moves up and down can also become worn out over time. As they start to wear down, they can also create a grinding noise. If you hear a grinding noise coming from your garage door, you need to have a professional diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

Banging

Banging noises from your garage door are a result of loose hardware, problems with the tracks, or an issue with the springs. Loose hardware is often the culprit behind minor banging noises. Every once in a while, you need to check all of the nuts and bolts holding your garage door together to make sure they are tight.

If the banging noise is more pronounced, then it could be due to problems with the tracks. The metal tracks or even a broken spring. The metal tracks that your door slides on will need to be aligned by a professional for the door to move smoothly. The spring is what offsets the weight of the door, so if the garage door spring is broken your garage door will typically not open. If you run your garage door with a broken spring your garage door opener will likely fail in the near future since garage door openers are intended to push the door open and closed; not lift the weight of the door.

These are just a few of the most common garage door noises and their causes. If you are having trouble with your garage door or you are not sure what is causing the noise, you need to contact a professional garage door technician for help. Plano Overhead Garage Door is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a service call.

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Why Choose Sectional Doors?

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 21:20:00 GMT

Do you need a new garage door? If you’re not sure what option might suit your home best, then a sectional garage door can be a good option. Discover why you should consider a sectional door.

1. They Come in Various Materials

Sectional doors don’t just come in one material. Instead, they come in common materials like steel, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, all of which have their own pros and cons. Whether you prefer a timeless look that wood provides or the modern style of aluminum, you can choose a material that matches your home’s décor, your design preferences, your budget, and your climate.

2. They Offer Multiple Design Choices

Are you afraid that you only have one design option for a new garage door? Don’t be. Sectional doors come with various design amenities that will allow you to enjoy your garage door even more.

For example, many sectional doors come with windows. If you want your garage door to have style or just want to provide additional natural sunlight in a darker space like the garage, then windows can help. Windows can also go wherever you want to be, such as at the top, middle, or side of the garage door. They can also vary in length and width to control the amount of sunlight that enters the garage.

Or perhaps you want a sectional garage door in a specific color. Don’t settle for a color that contrasts badly with your home or leaves you feeling disappointed. Instead, choose a color that you love, works with your home, and adds value to the home. Common garage door colors are brown, white, grey, tan, and blue, but if you have a specific color in mind, don’t be afraid to ask your garage door installer about it.

3. They Can Provide Temperature Control and Comfort

Are you tired of shivering in your garage? If so, then choose a sectional garage door with insulation. While sectional garage doors can come without insulation, those with insulation will provide you and your home the comfort and temperature control you need.

With insulation, a home’s temperature won’t fluctuate as much in the garage. This, in turn, can help you save on heating and cooling costs the entire year. Your home won’t have such a temperature difference when you walk in and out of the garage.

Additionally, the insulation will help you stay more comfortable while in the garage. A garage often doesn’t have a lot of insulation, so an insulated garage door can help. You won’t have to feel like the garage is an extension of the outdoors rather than your home.

4. They Are Durable

Don’t want to replace your garage door in a few years? A sectional door can help. While some materials offer better durability than others, sectional doors can last for many years. This usually happens because of their exceptional construction, which factors in elements like the weather and temperature to ensure the door lasts a long time.

5. They Need Little Maintenance

Do you dislike the thought of constantly having to maintain a garage door? With a sectional garage door, you don’t have to worry as much. These robust doors don’t require extensive upkeep. However, ask your garage door installer about any necessary maintenance services so that you can enjoy your garage door for as long as possible.

Sectional Garage Doors Are Only a Call Away

If you want to learn more about why sectional garage doors might be the right choice for you, get in touch with Plano Overhead Garage Door today. We are happy to answer any questions you have and educate you about the various doors we provide and install.

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4 Reasons to Get a New Garage Door

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:15:00 GMT

You may not put much thought into your garage door, but it plays a big role in your home. It is one of the first things people see when they drive past your house, and it can quickly become an eyesore if not properly maintained. If your garage door is getting old and worn, check out these four reasons to consider getting a new garage door.

1. Increase Home’s Value

When you make upgrades or repairs to your home, you must consider the return on investment (ROI). The ROI refers to how much money you make back when you sell the house vs. how much the upgrade cost. Naturally, you want high a ROI to recoup most of the extra money you put into your house.

For example, a major bathroom upgrade may cost you a lot, but it has a low ROI, so you home won’t increase in value much. On the other hand, if you spend less money for a minor bathroom upgrade, the ROI is higher, making it a better option.

New garage doors, however, have an incredibly high ROI at about 98.3 percent. In some cases, it can even be as high as 100 percent. This means that you nearly fully recoup all the money you invested into your house because the garage door will boost the value of the house.

2. Upgrade the Durability

When you upgrade your garage door, you can choose a more durable one. Durable garage doors include solid wood and insulation-filled steel. Naturally, the thicker the steel, the more durable the door. Older garage doors may be made from thinner steel, have no insulation, or be made from plywood. These types of doors are easier to damage, which affects curb appeal and security.

Newer doors may also be made to better withstand the elements, so you don’t need to maintain them as often. Older garage doors may need frequent painting, and they may have worn weather-stripping. Newer doors, however, are made to be more durable, so you don’t have to paint or stain them as often to protect them.

3. Get a New Style

Since people use garage doors to boost curb appeal, many people choose stylish garage doors to better enhance their homes. Traditional raised-panel garage doors are a popular choice, and even they can come in many options and designs. Typically, most basic garage doors have a handful of options from which you can choose, but you can also choose a custom garage door.

If you have a more modern home, a contemporary garage door may be a better choice. These reflect the style of mid-century modern homes. For this reason, however, a contemporary garage door may not be a good choice for a period home, such as a Victorian home.

If you do have an older-style home, you may want to consider carriage-house garage doors. These require more room to open because they swing outward, but they create a unique and rustic look.

4. Add Smart Features

Finally, getting a new garage door is a great time to incorporate smart features into the garage door opener. With a smart garage door opener, you have control in the palm of your hand with your smartphone. You can monitor the garage door to see if it’s open, and you can see when and how often the garage door was accessed.

In addition, if you forget to close your garage door, you don’t have to head back home. Even if you are miles away, you can close it with your smartphone. Similarly, you can open it if someone needs to get inside the house while you are gone — instead of entrusting the code to a contractor or delivery person.

If your garage door is getting old, consider replacing it. It will come with a high ROI, making it an ideal investment in your home. If you would like to know more, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door today.

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Signs You Need to Replace the Springs in Your Garage Door

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 20:46:00 GMT

You may open your garage more than two times a day, an action that slowly wears out your garage door’s springs. This wear and tear will eventually damage or break the springs, and your garage door won’t operate smoothly.

This blog is about common signs that you need to repair or replace your garage door springs.

Garage Door Feels Heavy

If you notice a sudden increase in the garage door’s weight when you open it, chances are you have a damaged spring. Since the spring supports the door’s weight, the door will feel heavier when opening and descend faster when closing if a spring is damaged.

Garage Door Doesn’t Open Smoothly

Typically, your garage door should open and close smoothly. Therefore, any change, including jerky motions, could mean a damaged spring. In the worst-case scenario, your garage door may only open by a few inches.

The culprit behind the complete stops is not the broken springs, but an inbuilt sensitivity feature that controls your garage door’s motion. Any time your garage door’s spring is faulty, this feature will automatically stop your door to prevent injuries, as well as further damage to the door.

Garage Door Appears Crooked

A broken garage door spring could be the reason your garage door appears crooked. Once a spring breaks, the cables on the sides lose their tension and will often come off on one side. Be careful not to touch the steel cable as it is usually under hundreds of pounds of tension.

Garage Door Spring Has a Gap in the Middle

If your garage door’s spring is malfunctioning, a gap develops in the middle of the spring due to compression. A spring in such a state can also break if you continue using the door as it is.

Garage Door Can’t Rest in the Mid-Level Position

Thanks to advancements in technology, modern garage doors come with safety features that prevent sudden slams. If you open the door to the middle position and it falls back down immediately, that could mean that the torsion springs are broken or worn out. On the other hand, if the garage door raises on its own from the half way open position, your garage door may have too much tension on the springs.

Garage Door Cables Are Loose or Broken

A non-faulty garage door should have taut cables to complete the pulley-like opening and closing system. However, these cables can loosen to prevent spring recoil if the extension spring breaks. For safety reasons, you should never use your garage door if its cables are loose or hanging out of place.

Garage Door Won’t Open Even After Pulling the Emergency Release Rope

All garage doors with an automatic opener system come with an emergency release rope. The automated system may fail sometimes, but if you are still unable to open the door easily after pulling the rope, there is a high possibility that the garage door springs are broken. Never pull the red emergency release cord unless the door is in the closed position. Even in the closed position the door may shift or become damaged if the spring is broken and you pull the red cord.

Broken garage door springs can significantly impact the functionality of your garage door or even cause user injuries. You should consider replacing your garage door springs if you notice any of the signs above.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we can work on any garage door model. Contact us today and enjoy a free estimate and a lifetime warranty on parts used.

The post Signs You Need to Replace the Springs in Your Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Garage Door Seals: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:05:00 GMT

Every homeowner with a garage should understand the importance of their garage door seals. These seals eliminate air gaps under and around the door when it is shut to keep outdoor air, moisture, precipitation, and even small insects and debris out of the garage. For this reason, you must always ensure your door seals are intact and performing their jobs properly.

Read on to learn more about garage door seals, including their benefits, along with specific seal types and materials on the market today.

Garage Door Seal Importance

When garage door seals prevent the entry of outside air into the garage, this effect helps keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer naturally. In addition, when these seals keep outside sources of moisture, including humidity and precipitation, out of your garage, they can help prevent mold and mildew growth inside of it.

Finally, these seals can block even small gaps where insects and pests can enter your garage before they create a breeding ground inside of it.

Seal Types

There are many types of garage door seals on the market today, and all have their unique benefits.

Traditional Bottom Seals

The two main types of seals that can be connected to the bottom edge of a garage door include single-channel and double-channel seals. The best bottom seal type for your garage door depends on whether your door is equipped with a double- or single-channel retainer.

Garage door bottom seals are available with and without integrated bulbs, or tubes. Those without integrated bulbs are called beaded seals. Bulb seals are popular options because they form a tight seal with the ground underneath, even when the ground is slightly uneven. However, a beaded seal can work well when a door has a double-channel retainer and the ground beneath the seal is completely flat.

Side Seals

Garage door side seals can further protect your garage from the outdoor elements. Unlike most garage door bottom seals, door side seals are typically attached to the door stop molding located on the garage door frame instead of to the door itself. Rubber and vinyl side garage door seals are available, and each material has its unique benefits.

Your garage door seals perform the important task of keeping outdoor air, moisture, debris, and even pests out of your garage, so ensure that your door is equipped with quality seals year-round. Contact the garage door experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door for all of your garage door seal installation and replacement needs today.

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4 Top Considerations When Choosing Your New Garage Door

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:05:00 GMT

1. What Type of Material Do You Want?

Most garage doors are made from wood or metal. Wood garage doors tend to come in cedar, redwood, and fir, and metal doors often come in steel or aluminum. Both wood and metal garage doors are durable, but they have their own potential risks. Wood may be prone to warping and rotting if you don’t keep it well protected. The metal garage door can dent or rust if scratched.

Fiberglass garage doors are less common but also a possibility. They withstand cracking and denting, but they can break if hit hard enough. Vinyl garage doors are an affordable option that require little maintenance. They are durable but can fade in the sunlight, and you won’t be able to repaint the vinyl.

2. What Style of Garage Door Do You Prefer?

You’ll want to choose a style of garage door you prefer. There are three popular choices that you could choose from: raised-panel doors, carriage doors, and contemporary slab doors. Raised-panel doors are one of the most common. This type of door consists of several panels that bend as the door opens so it can roll up. Some doors may slide to the side.

Carriage doors swing outward like regular doors. They mimic the style of old-style carriage house doors. They typically have handles that you can use to pull open the door. For this reason, carriage doors are a better choice if you have enough room for the doors to swing open. Alternatively, you could get raised-panel doors that mirror the look of carriage doors.

Contemporary slab doors are more common on newer houses. They raise up to open, but instead of rolling up like a raised-panel door, they tilt up. The downside, however, is that if one piece becomes broken, you’ll have to replace the whole door. With raised-panel doors, you only have to replace the panel.

3. Will You Also Install an Automatic Opener?

If you want an automatic opener, raised-panel doors and contemporary slab doors are a good choice. Openers typically don’t work with carriage style doors, so you will need to manually open them. When choosing your automatic opener, you’ll need to make sure it can support the full weight of the door.

Automatic openers can also be made to work with your phone. These smart openers let you control and monitor the door from your phone. Even with an automatic opener, you will be able to lock the door, which will prevent the wireless controller from working.

4. Are You Concerned About Heat Gain/Loss?

Some people don’t use their garage often, or they may only park their car in it. If this is the case, you probably don’t care about heat gain or loss. However, if you use your garage frequently, have rooms above the garage, or store sensitive items in your garage that could be damaged by sudden changes in temperature, you should be concerned about heat gain/loss as much.

Most garages aren’t temperature controlled, but there are many ways you can reduce heat gain/loss, and one of the best ways is by choosing the right door. You’ll want a door with insulation inside and has good weather-stripping. You should also avoid garage doors that have windows.

A garage door is a big investment, but it can boost the curb appeal and value of your home. Plus, it provides better security and protection. If you would like to know more, or if you want a quote on a new garage door, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door today.

The post 4 Top Considerations When Choosing Your New Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

4 Garage Upgrades to Consider

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:04:00 GMT

You might overlook your garage door, but it is a valuable part of your home. The garage door is one of the first things people see from the curb, and a damaged garage door can cause many issues. If you want to take your garage door to the next level to boost the value of your home or curb appeal, check out these four garage door upgrades to consider.

1. Upgrade Your Garage Door

One of the best ways you can boost both the appeal of your home and the security of your garage is by replacing an old garage door with a new one. This is especially important if your old garage door is damaged or from less desirable material like plywood. Criminals could easily break into the garage to gain access to the rest of your home.

A new garage door offers aesthetic and security benefits. If your main goal is security, stick with a solid wood or steel door. However, if you want an aesthetically pleasing garage door, consider one with windows or unique designs. Garage doors come in many other materials, including vinyl, faux wood, fiberglass, or glass.

2. Get a Smart System

Smart garage openers are a great addition to any home because they offer additional security features. One common problem with traditional openers is the frequency they use. Different openers use a different frequency. Ideally, this means only you can open the door. However, if someone happens to have a garage door on the same frequency, their opener could work for yours.

This is avoidable with a modern garage opener because it uses rolling code technology. This means that every time the garage door opener is used; a new code (out of over 1 billion combinations) is communicated to your devices for the next usage. Plus, even if the door does open without you realizing it, smart systems can alert you on your phone. As an added benefit, you don’t need to be within a certain range. With traditional garage door openers, the remote only works if you’re close to your home, but with a smart system, you can open and close the garage door from anywhere in the world.

3. Insulate Your Garage Door

If you choose some specific garage doors, you can add insulation to the middle. This serves many benefits. First, this keeps the garage naturally warmer and cooler. This means you can store more items in the garage without worrying about them experiencing damage from excess heat or cold. In addition, the rest of your house could benefit, especially if you have rooms above the garage, from energy savings. Adding weight to the garage door often requires upgrading your springs, so considering a new garage door that comes with insulation and new springs is a popular option.

In addition, insulated garage doors are quieter than non-insulated doors. This is great if you have noisy kids who play in the garage or loud projects you need to do in the garage. On the other hand, this keeps outside noise out if you want some quiet in the garage while you work.

Lastly, an insulated garage door is more durable than a non-insulated door. This makes it a more secure option, as it is harder to break into. It may also be more resistant to damage from wind, cars, or bikes.

4. Upgrade the Springs

If your door still uses extension springs, upgrade to torsion springs. As the name suggests, extension springs fully extend and contract to control the door’s movements. Torsion springs twist to control the door. As a result, torsion springs have many benefits over extension springs.

First, they are more durable and can last longer. They also allow the door to open smoother while putting less stress and strain on the opening system. Torsion springs also required fewer parts, which means less risk of parts breaking. Above all, torsion springs are much safer than extension springs because when they break, the broken coils are fixed to a shaft above the door and do not shoot across the garage like extension stretch springs that may have no safety cable running through the middle.

If you want to take your garage door to the next level, you have many ways to do so. One of the best ways to start is by replacing an old garage door with a sturdy and attractive one. If you would like to know more, or if you want a quote on a garage door, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door today.

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6 Reasons to Hire a Professional Garage Door Installer

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:56:00 GMT

If you prefer to undertake home renovations on your own, a garage door installation isn’t one of those things you should try. Yes, you can watch a few DIY videos and get a few ideas on how to do it, but you should let pros handle the job for perfect and error-free installation.

Garage doors are bulky, and a slight rookie mistake can be dangerous. Discover some reasons why you should hire professionals to install your garage door.

1. Safety

Garage doors can be heavy, and you need help to handle the weight. If the garage door is automatic and you don’t have any electricity knowledge, you might risk your life.

Generally, you should shelf the idea of installing the garage door if you have no prior installation experience to avoid disastrous results. Professionals often work in teams and know the safety precautions for an accident-free installation process.

2. Experience

Leave the job to the experts who have done this type of job time and again. The installation process entails knowing how different components connect and interact with each other. You must also fix the components with sufficient torque to allow the garage door to smoothly open and close.

Only a seasoned installer understands the proper garage door installation procedure from start to finish. The pros do the job right the first time, which will save you unnecessary repair costs.

3. Tools

Any garage door project requires special tools to undertake, and you shouldn’t purchase these tools for a single job. Moreover, different tasks need a different tool. A professional garage door installer has the tools and equipment to handle different tasks, including opener and door spring repair. Professionals possess specialized tools that you can’t easily find in the market.

The DIY route can leave you with inferior tools to work, which highly compromises the type of results you get, and don’t forget the dangers of using inappropriate tools. For this reason, hire a professional to handle all your garage door needs.

4. Selection

An expert installer guides you in selecting the best garage door materials and types. Since they deeply understand the ins and outs of garage doors, professionals help you choose a door that suits your needs. They also have links with all major manufacturers, so getting a door for a garage is a breeze.

5. Warranties

Most garage doors come with a manufacturer’s warranty. However, a professional must install the garage door for the warranty to be valid. Any attempt to install the door yourself often voids the warranty. A warranty is vital to a homeowner so that in case anything goes wrong in the future, a professional can repair or replace the entire unit without additional charges.

A warranty allows you to rest easy knowing that a professional who understands their craft covers and backs up your new garage door.

6. Affordability

If you choose to install the garage door yourself, you will need to purchase all the necessary tools, which can be costly. You might also damage the door, and you have to spend more on components. Fortunately, a professional does the job right the first time and eliminates the need to buy new replacement parts.

Minor mishaps such as failing to lubricate the moving parts can compromise the door’s functionality and damage it. Professionals always pay attention to details through proper weathering and getting rid of the garage door friction. Garage weatherization allows you to effectively regulate the temperatures inside the garage, which saves you money on energy bills.

Looking for a professional to install your garage door? Search no further. Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for the best service at an affordable price.

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3 Benefits of Replacing That Old Garage Door

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 19:22:00 GMT

One place homeowners often overlook is the garage door. However, thanks to the size and location of garage doors, it’s important to keep them durable and looking great. If you would like to learn more, check out these three benefits of replacing that old garage door of yours with a new one.

1. It Will Boost Security and Safety

One of the best reasons to replace your old garage door is to boost security. Older garage doors may be made from less desirable material like plywood. Even if the door was made from a more durable material, its age could make it easy to damage, so a criminal could enter your garage.

In addition, the lock or opener may be broken, allowing someone to simply open the door without the code. If your garage is attached, they then have access to your home without any prying eyes. Newer models like smart garage openers, however, may have sensors that let you know when the door opens or closes.

However, a new garage door can provide better safety too. Newer garage doors have many features to prevent injury. If the door has an automatic opener, it will have sensors to prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. The door will also bounce back up if it hits something. Newer garage doors may also have pinch-resistant panels, so tiny fingers can’t get caught and smashed.

2. It Will Provide Better Insulation

Your garage door could be a huge energy waster. Like any door and window, the garage door is vulnerable to heat exchange. Older garage doors may not have the right materials to provide insulation. This means your garage gets hotter than it should in the summer and colder than it should in the winter.

In some cases, this isn’t a problem. For example, if your garage is detached, and you barely use it, you may not care about insulation. However, if you store items in your garage, extreme temperatures could cause damage. Electronics, in particular, are at risk of damage.

Similarly, if the garage is attached, it could affect the temperature in the rest of the house. Heat likes to create a balance, so if your garage is hotter than the rest of your house, your house will absorb some of that heat. In the winter, the cold garage absorbs some heat from your house.

With a new garage door, you are sure to get better insulation, regardless of the material. Steel is a popular option, but metal is not an effective insulator. For this reason, newer steel garage doors are often built with insulation inside. On the other hand, thick wood garage doors already provide enough insulation naturally. In addition, a new garage door means new weatherstripping, which provides a better seal.

3. It Will Improve Curb Appeal

One of the most important factors when selling your home is curb appeal. If buyers take one look at your house from the street and aren’t impressed, they may not even want to see the inside. Even if they do go inside, their biased opinion may make them more judgmental of the home in general.

One reason a new garage door boosts curb appeal is because newer doors look better than old, damaged, dented doors. With a newer garage door, buyers are more inclined to believe you maintain your home as well, and a new garage door means they won’t have to replace it for a while.

However, when you get a new garage door, you can also boost curb appeal by taking advantage of current garage door trends in your area, such as windows, vertical lines, and crossbeams. In some cases, the garage door can turn into a minor work of art that adds texture and style to the house’s exterior.

A new garage door is a great investment in your home. Not only will it provide better safety and security, but it can boost curb appeal and make people more interested to buy your home. If you would like to learn more, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door Today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Springs

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 16:54:00 GMT

Garage door springs are important to your garage door system, yet many homeowners do not know much about them. Here is some information you should know about garage door springs.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

One of the most often used points of entry into people’s homes is through their garage door. It is easy to overlook the wear and tear that occurs. Due to the garage door’s heavy weight, the torsion spring exerts a lot of energy while lifting and pulling the garage door open and shut. As a result, you may want to keep an eye out for early signs that your springs need replacement.

When you hear your garage door strain and make loud noises, check your torsion spring. This is a sign that something serious may be going on. Additionally, hearing a loud popping sound indicates too much tension on your spring, and the spring itself might likely be close to breaking. In some cases, you may also see that the spring is stretched out, indicating replacement is needed.

Can You Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself?

Replacing garage door springs can be hazardous. If you want to replace them, you need to understand how to remove and install them correctly. Failing to do so may cause bodily harm if the door falls due to an improperly removed or replaced spring. Your garage door can also be damaged due to incorrectly removing and installing garage door springs.

The recommendation is that you have a service professional service your garage door, especially when removing or replacing torsion springs. While some things you can do yourself, removing and replacing garage springs is not a task those who are untrained should take on.

A garage door technician will check the spring for wear and other signs of failure such as rust, corrosion, and vital signs of fatigue brought on by repeated use. A professional can safely remove the spring and replace it, ensuring that both people and the garage door are safe.

How Should You Maintain Your Garage Door Springs?

Experts recommend that you maintain your garage door springs routinely. The simplest thing to do is listen. If your door is louder than usual or making strange noises, it might mean your door requires attention and possible service. Listen for anything that sounds like grinding or scraping. This is an indication the spring is not sitting symmetrically in place and may need adjustment.

Also, check for loose hardware, including loose bolts and nuts, and tighten them accordingly. The constant vibration of the opening and closing of the door can cause bolts to slip, putting more pressure on the spring itself.

Another quick thing you can do is lubricate any moving parts. Doing so will keep your parts from grinding and wearing down, as well as keep your spring moving freely and safely.

Lastly, be sure to inspect the spring itself for signs of damage. A damaged spring may be covered in rust or corrosion. The springs themselves may also be loose. A tight spring looks like a normal Slinky, while a loose and worn spring may look like a stretched-out Slinky.

If one of your garage door springs needs to be replaced, you will want to call a professional for the replacement. Here at Plano Overhead Garage Door, we can help you with all of your garage door maintenance and repairs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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4 Ways to Enhance Your Curb Appeal With Your Garage Door

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:04:00 GMT

Your garage door can help increase the aesthetic look of your home and your landscape with a mere change in colors, materials, and design. Learn about four ways to improve your curb appeal using your garage door.

1. Paint a New Coat

Garage doors are often at the home’s front entrance and have an asymmetric view of the entire house. A change in color to something lighter, bolder, or subtle can improve the exterior look of your curb.

Painting a new color requires a little finesse in that you have to know which color to choose that will make the overall appearance pop. You can opt for contrast colors that appear deeper or brighter than the color on your siding. That way, it’s the first place people look.

Alternatively, you can opt for neutral colors like white, tan, and gray. They’re safe colors and would ideally match any hue. If you want something bolder that complements the exterior design of your home, then add in brightness by painting bright colors like blue, red, white, or black.

Lastly, you can opt for subtle or monochromatic colors that blend seamlessly with the overall color of adjacent home features like the porch or patio. Subtle colors like pale yellow or pale green won’t attract your eyes but will add balance and flow in colors.

2. Change the Garage Door Material

Different door materials give off different vibes. For example, wood is artistic and looks rustic with a touch of craftsmanship. These doors can seem traditional yet classy and original. Depending on the wood you choose, the garage door can enhance your home’s overall design from a farmhouse to modern, contemporary, or chic.

Steel doors of aluminum or steel are often more sleek and sturdy. They bring out a modernized look with a hint of security. You can paint over metallic doors, but metallic garage doors are great for adding style even in their natural state.

Glass and fiberglass garage doors are the most modern and innovative types of doors. They are lush and trendsetting and have much more to offer regarding additional accessories and versatility in terms of how you install them.

Lastly, you have carriage doors. These kinds are very historical and add an old-fashioned charm. This is a creative way to upgrade your old garage door into something modern.

3. Use Different Designs

Garage doors aren’t just flat-out gates; you can change the design to include artwork, symmetry, or patterns. Examples of typical garage door designs include vertical lines or ridges, horizontal relief patterns, hexagonal stretches, and cross beams.

With glass doors, you can change the design by changing how the glass looks. For example, you can use transparent, frosted, hammered, or textured glass designs.

4. Add Special Features or Accessories

The last thing you can do to your garage door is to add special features and accessories like windows. Depending on the size of the garage doors, you can incorporate windows in any way: horizontally atop the garage door, vertically on one side, or either side of the doors. Windows will add light into the garage while enhancing brightness, enhancing the overall appearance.

You could also add overhead lights on each side of the door. These lights can be both functional and decorative because they can enhance the hue or style of the garage door.

Curb appeal is a priceless feature in every home. This is not just about how good it looks but also how pleasant it feels. Add to your home’s curb appeal using these four methods above. If you would like to repair or install a new garage door, contact us today.

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Services & Warranties to Consider From Garage Door Companies

Mon, 17 May 2021 19:51:00 GMT

When you shop for a garage door, the door itself is one of the most important options, but where you buy the door from is important as well. Not every garage door company is the same, and as a consumer, you should be on the lookout for certain garage door services and warranties.

Follow this guide to learn what to look for in a reputable company and some key features to help make your decisions.

Garage Door Sample Software

Before you even make in-person contact with a garage door company, take advantage of online services provided directly on their official website. Some garage door companies offer apps and others have services built directly into the website. Through either version, you can try out garage door sample software.

Using a clear picture of your garage, the software will digitally insert garage door styles to showcase how the doors would look. The digital software makes a big difference in your visualization of the doors and can help you select from different colors or other features like windows.

Garage door software will feature all the styles of doors they have in stock so you can quickly find one that you like. An example can be found here: https://planooverhead.com/build-as-you-go-custom-garage-doors/ .

Free Estimates

With different sizes and part options, every garage door job is different. Searching general estimates online could give you a wider range and less accurate results. Ideally, you want a garage door company that offers free in-person estimates. For an in-person estimate, the worker will inspect your garage door area and take measurements.

In addition to measuring the size, inspections of the garage door frame are important. A worker will examine the garage door frame to see if additional repairs or adjustments are needed. Once the inspection is complete, an estimate will break down all of the garage door installation charges. The charges may include parts, labor, and material costs.

You could also request a comparison breakdown for different garage door options you may choose from. A detailed estimate will prevent any surprise costs and set up clear budget expectations for your new door.

Labor Warranty

Garage door installations may come with multiple warranties, so you should look into the key features of each one. For garage doors, consider businesses that offer a labor warranty. A labor warranty covers the workmanship put into a garage door. When asking about a labor warranty, see how long the warranty covers the garage (such as six months or a year).

In some cases, a labor warranty will only be included if you sign up for an extra service agreement contract. Try to avoid extras and look for companies with labor warranties that are already a part of the purchase.

If you run into problems because a garage door is not installed correctly, then a labor warranty will cover the repairs.

Parts Warranty

One of the best warranties to look for with a garage door installation is a lifetime parts warranty. Issues like broken springs or stuck doors can become a real hassle and the cost of repairs can add up. When garage door malfunctions occur due to faulty parts, the repairs shouldn’t come out of your pocket so long as you have a labor warranty.

In your garage door paperwork, the lifetime warranty is typically included, so save copies of your paperwork and keep track of any warranty agreements. A reputable garage door company will make all the details clear when you purchase a new door.

For more information on services and warranties, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door . We will happily answer any questions you have about garage door purchases and installation.

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The 411 on Common Garage Door Mishaps and Emergencies

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 22:50:00 GMT

Garage Door Won’t Open

A garage door that won’t open is one that could impact your schedule severely. Several different things might cause a garage door to not respond to commands to open. An expired battery in the opener, a power outage, and a disconnected trolley are all possible culprits. In many cases, you can open the door manually using the emergency pull or lift the garage door up from the outside once you disconnect it.

However, this solution is only temporary. You can replace the batteries in your garage door opener, but any other issue requires the experience of a professional. They can investigate every aspect of the opener, motor, and tracks to identify the issue. In the most severe cases, parts like torsion springs might be damaged and will require replacing, which is a job you certainly don’t want to attempt yourself. Torsion springs counterbalance the weight of the door, and when they break the garage door opener has undue stress on all of its components. If there was only one spring on the garage door and it has broken, the door won’t open at all because the motor on the ceiling isn’t built to lift the garage door, rather it is designed to guide the garage door as the springs do the lifting and lowering.

Garage Door Won’t Stay Closed

Most people use their garages as storage spaces as well as a place to keep their cars. So when you close your garage door only for it to automatically open again on its own, this issue presents a problem to the security of your vehicles and belongings.

A door that won’t stay closed might have a solution as simple as cleaning the photo eye. This is a safety sensor near the floor on the garage door’s track that detects movement and will tell the garage motor to stop lowering the door if it senses any movement while lowering. The intent is to prevent any accidents, such as the door lowering on children or pets or trapping any items underneath its weight.

If the photo eye sensor gets impaired with dirt, it might stop working, in which case it will err on the side of caution and lift the door automatically. However, this issue could just as well be the fault of issues with the track, which will require professional adjustment.

Garage Door Comes Off the Track

The track of a garage door guides its movement and ensures smooth function. If your garage door has left its track, it simply won’t work. If it still works but makes loud screeching or grinding sounds, then this might be a sign that the track is out of alignment and the door might leave the track soon. A professional can realign your door on the tracks or even replace them if the tracks are too dented or bent to fix.

Garage Suffers a Collision

The worst of garage door mishaps is often a collision. Big or small, your garage door will be affected. Worst case scenario, your garage will be beyond repair and need replacement. Dents near the joining of the panels turn into creases, which turn into cracks due to fatigue. Split panels are extremely dangerous because they fold and fall out of the tracks while the door is in the open position. Minor dents may be cosmetic, but if the top or bottom edges have dents, the panels will need to either be reinforced or replaced. If you want better security and added home value, a replacement will be the best way forward.

Reach out to a professional company for help in any difficult garage door situation. Plano Overhead Garage Door offers service, repairs, and new garage doors. Visit our website for more information.

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Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Garage Needs

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:56:00 GMT

High Security

A secure garage door is useful for a variety of reasons. For starters, you may store valuable items in the garage, such as yard equipment, and a secure door is better at keeping out potential burglars. Similarly, if you have an attached garage, a burglar could access your home via the garage, giving them access to everything you own and your family.

The most secure types of garage doors are steel and solid wood. They typically come in the form of sectional garage doors, which are also a secure option. When made of steel or solid wood, these doors are heavy, making them hard to force open unless the person knows the door opener code.

Side-hinged doors that open like swinging doors are also commonly made of wood or steel. Since these materials are durable, criminals will struggle to break through the door, but because they don’t have to lift the door to open it, they can easily enter if you forgot to lock the garage door.

Insulating Properties

Some people convert their garages into living space like a gym, game room, or an extra bedroom. If this is the case, you should focus on insulation properties. Natural wood is a good insulator, but many people prefer steel garage doors with insulation inside because wood does not last as long as steel and is harder to maintain.

More insulation will help keep the temperature inside the garage more comfortable, which is important regardless of whether or not your garage is connected to the HVAC system. If it is connected to the HVAC system, however, ensuring your garage is insulated can also help with energy loss. A garage door with little to no insulation and worn weather-stripping allows for the transfer of heat.

As an added benefit, the insulation inside steel garage doors offers some noise dampening. This is useful for keeping noisy outside sounds from bothering you, but it also prevents you from bothering your neighbors if you get too loud in your garage.

Windows

While adding more windows is often a popular choice for homes, garage windows have unique pros and cons to consider. The leading benefit is that windows allow natural light to enter the garage. This can be useful regardless of how you use your garage because it provides more light to help you see and navigate. In some cases, you may not even need to use the garage light, which saves money.

The leading downside of garage windows is the lack of privacy, which may be uncomfortable. For example, if you transformed your garage into a gym, you may not want passersby to look at you.

The lack of privacy also poses additional risks. Windows give potential burglars a great view of everything you have that they can steal. If they spot something they like, they may be more inclined to break into your garage. If they can’t see inside, they may be less inclined to take the risk since they don’t know the potential reward. Fortunately window options on garage doors now includes translucent, frosted, mirrored and obscured options to allow the light in but prevent seeing inside your garage.

Choosing the right garage door for your needs requires a bit of planning, but planning means fewer headaches in the future. If you would like to learn more, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door today.

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3 Garage Door Opening Systems for Your Home Upgrade

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:25:00 GMT

If you want to improve your home’s exterior appearance, consider a new door for your garage. An upgrade for the old door to your garage improves curb appeal, enhances security, boosts the value of your home , and makes the garage areas safer. An entire door replacement is costly, but you can improve the appliance with an automated opener.
An automatic opener can make it safer and convenient to use the bulky door. The following are the door technologies you can choose for your garage door project.

1. Chain-Operated System

Chain-operated garage doors feature a sturdy chain that connects a carriage to a motorized unit. To move the door, the trolley or carriage connects to a metal bar (tow-arm) that lifts the unit along the track.
The system is cheap, but makes a lot of noise and also vibrates when the metal parts come into contact as the door opens and closes. Chain-operated systems also have exposed plastic gears.
For anyone in the rooms near the garage, the chain door system is a nuisance and can affect comfort levels inside your house.

2. Belt-Operated System

Belt-door technology uses a reinforced belt manufactured to pull or push the trolley carriage. The sturdy belt reduces vibrations when you open or close the door to your garage.
If you wish to use the room on top of your garage as living quarters, the belt technology is a good choice because of the lower noise levels and reduced vibrations.

3. Jackshaft-Operated System

This unit works best for larger doors to leave more overhead storage room in your garage. If you have a garage with a ceiling lower than 10 feet, talk to a door specialist to determine the suitability of the door operation system.
The best system has a deadbolt that automatically activates once you close the door for added security. And the quiet door-lift technology adds to the convenience of the door to your garage.
The opening system you choose for the door to your garage determines how safe, quiet, and convenient the bulky appliance is. If you want to update the old manual door to your garage, talk to a garage door contractor for a comprehensive review of available automated-door technologies on the market.
For the best garage door solutions in Plano, TX, and surrounding areas, our team at Plano Overhead Garage Door is here to help. Since 1977, we’ve consistently served clients in the community with exceptional garage door solutions. Get in touch today for a free estimate and enjoy the most reliable garage door solutions.

Common Problems Affecting Garage Door Openers

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:26:00 GMT

Here are some common problems you could experience with your garage door opener.

The Garage Door Doesn’t Close All the Way

A garage door may fail to close due to several reasons. The first common cause is a malfunctioning close limit switch. When the garage door set-limit switch isn’t set properly, the door will not close all the way. This also causes the door opener to pull back up or reverse when you try to close it. To adjust the set-limit, the garage door professional will need to turn the screw feature on the motor to adjust how far the door will descend.

Your technician may also realign the safety sensors. The bottom of the garage door track has electronic eyes. If anything blocks the sightline between these eyes, the opener will not descend all the way.

Another reason for a garage door that doesn’t close is damaged or rusted rollers. This condition causes the door to jam in the tracks. Your technician may have to replace or lubricate the rollers to correct the problem.

The Opener Doesn’t Send a Signal

To open the garage door, you need to push the correct button on your remote control. If nothing happens after pressing the button, you can try a few things to fix the problem.

To start, the remote-control batteries may be dead. You can remedy the problem by replacing the batteries with new ones. If the batteries aren’t dead, check whether the battery contacts have rust. If this is the case, clean the contacts.

If these steps don’t work, the remote control may need to be reprogrammed. Sometimes, the remote control can lose its programming and need to be reset. Reprogramming a garage door opener will vary depending on the type of door; therefore, it would be best to consult a technician.

The Wall Switch Doesn’t Work

A damaged wall outlet can cause problems with your garage door opener. For example, the cable may fall out accidentally. If that’s the case, plug the cord back into the outlet.

If the opener still doesn’t work, try plugging in other devices into the wall unit. This will help you determine if the electricity is reaching the switch. If other devices don’t work, the problem could be with the breakers, fuses, or GFCI box.

Consult a professional to help you fix the electrical problem. If the wall switch is working, but the opener is still malfunctioning, the problem is inside the opener. The issue could be with the motor or circuit.

The Driver Belt Is Broken

A belt drive garage door opener has a rubber style belt that runs throughout the rail. However, over time, the belt on a garage door opener may break. When the belt drive is broken, you’ll experience problems opening and closing the door. Therefore, you need to call in a technician to replace the belt drive.

As a garage door opener is one of the most crucial components of a garage door, you should familiarize yourself with the common problems that can affect garage door openers so you can notify a technician once they occur.

You can count on Plano Overhead Garage Door to fix any garage door opener problem. Call us for a consultation, and so we can review the available options for rectifying your garage door opener issues.

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4 Garage Door Options to Consider

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:36:00 GMT

1. Contemporary Doors

One example of a contemporary door is sterling doors. They combine steel and glass to create a sleek appearance. From the outside they appear as if they are one continuous piece of glass, almost like a glass wall.

Other newer options include garage doors that are steel, but have realistic wooden features applied to them. This allows for unique colors and styles of wood such as driftwood to be applied without paying for custom or scarce wood.

Authentic wooden garage doors are making a comeback as well. With options from African Mahogany to Cedar, and endless staining options; wooden garage doors allow for endless possibilities.

Another trend includes hardware customization. Handles, knockers, clavos, and other decorative hardware help boost the appearance and give the garage door more depth.

Looking to REALLY stand out? You can have images custom printed onto flush panel garage doors from the factory. Simply send the manufacturer your high-resolution image. Just make sure you own the rights to the image and the possibilities are endless.

2. Garage Door Windows

One easy way to boost the appearance of any garage door is by adding garage door windows. Adding windows is like adding an accent design to your garage door, which makes it more visually appealing than other garage doors.

Because they boost curb appeal, garage door windows can also increase the value of your home, making them an investment in the home. Naturally, adding windows also increase the amount of light in the garage, which can help keep the garage warmer in the winter.

Of course, the windows can also cause the garage to get too hot in the summer as natural light floods the space. The windows also require maintenance to keep them clean and in good condition.

3. Insulated Garage Doors

During the summer, heat seeps into the garage, and in the winter, the cold outdoor air steals heat from inside the garage. In some cases, this isn’t a problem. However, many homes have a living space above the garage. Since heat rises, this can make the living space too hot during the summer. Adding some insulation, however, can go a long way in preventing heat loss and gain.

Steel garage doors are particularly notorious for allowing heat gain and loss, which is why many people choose insulated steel doors. One of the best types of garage door insulation is polyurethane or polystyrene insulation.

Polyurethane is a foam insulation that can be injected to fully fill every inch of the garage door. Polystyrene insulation is cut to fit. Wood garage doors have their own insulating properties thanks to the thick layers of wood. Insulation can also be added to the inside of a wood garage door, but it is always better to have it done from the factory.

4. Smart Automatic Openers

In the past, you had to physically open and close your garage door, but thanks to automatic garage door openers, you can control the door with the push of a button. Of course, you still need to be near the garage door to make it work. However, smart automatic openers take garage door openers to yet another level because you can fully control and monitor the garage door from your phone.

For example, imagine finally arriving at work in the morning only to realize you left your garage door open. Instead of going back home or trying to find someone who can check the door for you, with a smart opener, you just use your phone to check and shut the door.

Even an inexpensive garage door can look and function much better by adding windows, insulation, or a smart opener. You can also go all-out and invest in a non-standard garage door style from the start. For more information, contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

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5 Signs You Should Replace Your Garage Door

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 20:53:00 GMT

The post 5 Signs You Should Replace Your Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Polyurethane-Injected Garage Door: What You Need to Know

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:49:00 GMT

How does this kind of insulation work, and what are the advantages of using it?

How Does Injected Polyurethane Insulation Work?

While some garage doors use sheets of an insulative material between the layers of the door, polyurethane works differently. Here, you inject a foam between the layers.

The polyurethane expands during the injection process. As it expands, it fills all of the space inside the door. Then, as it hardens, the foam sticks firmly to each side of the door and its frames, creating a solid layer of insulation.

What Are the Advantages of Polyurethane Insulation?

Uninsulated doors can’t always create a perfect barrier between your garage and the outside world. If you add any kind of insulation to these doors, then they perform better. If you inject a door with polyurethane foam, then you get extra benefits.

More Efficient Thermal Insulation

Insulation sheets do increase the efficiency of the barrier between your garage door and the outside world. They provide a better thermal lock than uninsulated products. So, any insulation in a garage door will help you maintain the temperature inside your home. It prevents heat and cooled air from leaking outside. It also creates a barrier against hot or cold air coming in.

However, if you use a sheeted insulation material, then your door may still have some weak spots. For example, cold air may leak inside in winter months through tiny gaps. Your garage will be cold, and this cold air may then pass through into the rest of your home.

Polyurethane insulation increases insulative efficiency. The foam expands to cover all of the door’s inner space — it doesn’t leave any gaps at all. This complete coverage reduces temperature shifts in and out of your garage. Your garage will stay at the right ambient temperature. Your car and anything you store in the garage stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

This is especially useful if you use your garage as a workspace. It also helps you control the temperature inside the rest of your home. You won’t waste money unnecessarily on heating or air conditioning to compensate for thermal transfer through your garage door.

More Effective Sound Insulation

If you live in a busy neighborhood with a lot of passing traffic, then you may already have taken some steps to reduce noise coming into your home. However, you may not have thought about the role your garage door plays here.

If you live on a busy street with a lot of traffic, then an uninsulated door won’t completely block out this external noise. It also won’t keep in any noise you make in your home.

If you install a polyurethane-injected garage door, then you isolate sound more effectively. The door’s solid and complete barrier blocks both incoming and outgoing noise.

Additional Strength

While a quality garage door is sturdy and strong, it can still get damaged. For example, the door’s opening and closing mechanism creates vibrations that might make the door weaken as it ages. Even a minor collision could leave a dent in the surface.

If you add polyurethane foam to a garage door, then you make it stronger. The foam creates a hard layer that bonds to both sides of the door. It makes the structure stiffer and thicker.

If you strengthen your door, then it will last for longer before it needs replacement. It’s less likely to get damaged as it ages. It is also less likely to dent if you accidentally bump your car into it.

If you like the sound of polyurethane-injected insulation, then contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . Our experts can talk you through all the benefits of choosing a new garage door with this state-of-the-art insulation.

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4 of the Most Useful Garage Door Opener Safety Features

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:43:00 GMT

Many modern garage door openers are fitted with a variety of useful safety features that can make both your garage door and the garage itself safer to use. However, some of these optional features are more useful than others. If you are looking for a new garage door opener that will also improve safety in and around your garage door, keep an eye out for the following useful features.

1. Automatic Lighting

A garage door opener fitted with an automatic light can make your whole garage a safer place to be, especially at night. These lights are activated automatically whenever the garage door is opened, giving you a clearer view of your surroundings as you park your vehicle or drive it away.

If you do choose a garage door opener with integrated lighting, consider paying a little extra for a model with LED lights. LED lights are much more reliable than conventional bulbs, and use significantly less energy, making them cheaper to run and easier to maintain.

2. Backup Batteries

Conventional door openers rely on your home’s main electricity supply, and can therefore be rendered completely useless during a power outage. This isn’t a safety issue if you are able to open and close your garage door manually, but elderly or disabled users may put themselves at risk or injure themselves trying to lift a heavy overhead garage door, or pulling at a stiff manual release catch.

Consequently, many automatic garage door openers are fitted with backup batteries, which provide power to open and close a garage door automatically when your main power supply fails. Most backup batteries hold enough power to open and close a garage door hundreds of times, and are recharged automatically by your main power supply.

3. Automated Deadbolts

Garage door openers fitted with automated deadbolts add a useful extra layer of security to your garage door, making your garage and your attached home safer.

Automated deadbolts can be set to lock and unlock automatically whenever the garage door is opened or closed, or you can choose to activate them manually. They are ideal if you frequently forget to lock the garage door yourself, or your existing garage door lock is a finicky manual device.

Some automated deadbolts can also be activated and deactivated remotely, either using a remote or a dedicated smartphone app. If you suddenly remember you forgot to lock your garage door in the middle of your working day, remote deadbolts can be activated without leaving the office.

4. Auto-Close Functionality

Automatic, remotely-activated locks can be very useful for securing your garage — but only if you remember to shut your garage door in the first place. For this reason, most modern garage door openers feature auto-close functionality.

Auto-closing garage door openers are fitted with sensors that can detect how long the garage door has been left open. If the garage door is left open for too long, the door opener activates and the garage door is automatically closed.

Most auto-closing garage door openers allow you to set the specific time interval before auto-closing activates, so you never have to rush through the door before it closes. Auto-closers can also be temporarily deactivated, which can be handy if you are working inside the garage and want some extra light and ventilation.

These are just some of the useful safety features that can be found on modern garage door openers. If you have any more questions about garage door opener safety features or want to know more about different door opener brands and models, contact the garage door experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door .

The post 4 of the Most Useful Garage Door Opener Safety Features appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

3 Materials to Consider for Your Next Garage Door

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 17:25:00 GMT

Because a garage door purchase represents a significant investment, you want to make sure that you get the most suitable garage door material for your long-term needs. However, the sheer number of available materials can complicate your decision. Take a look at the relative pros and cons of the three most common garage door materials.

1. Wood (or Wood Composite): A Traditional Option

Wooden garage doors have graced homes for decades. This traditional material for garage doors imparts an undeniable sense of luxury to a home’s exterior. Wood also features a degree of built-in insulation while lending itself to sanding, varnish, repainting, and hand-crafted customized designs.

Before you leap into the purchase of a wooden garage door, however, you should know that wood requires regular care and maintenance. Moisture can warp or rot a wooden garage door over time, while pests such as termites can weaken it. Temperature or humidity changes can also cause wood to split.

If you prefer a more robust option still incorporates real wood into its structure, consider a composite garage door. A composite garage door combines a solid wood interior with an exterior layer of durable, rot-resistant fiberboard that retains the look of real wood.

2. Fiberglass: A Look of Wood Without the Weight or Cost

Fiberglass garage doors can make good sense when you want a wood-like product that holds up to Mother Nature better than actual wood. Today’s fiberglass garage doors usually combine a sturdy steel structure with an outer fiberglass layer. The end result resists cracking better than old-fashioned all-fiberglass doors.

Like vinyl, fiberglass (in its composite form) doesn’t dent or warp easily. It also retains its beauty for many years without wood’s need for periodic repainting and re-varnishing. You can also find fiberglass garage doors imprinted with convincing wood grain patterns, giving you the aesthetics of wood for a lower price.

Fiberglass doesn’t necessarily suit every homeowner’s budget, however. Its price, while cheaper than solid wood, can range higher than that of other garage door materials.

3. Steel: A Variety of Thicknesses

Steel offers the strongest garage door material you can get, depending in part on the gauge (thickness) of steel you select. Thinner 27-gauge or 28-gauge steel door panels can sustain dents from impacts relatively easily without additional support from insulation, while a gauge of 24 or lower can hold up quite well against the same impacts.

Budget-conscious homeowners often prefer steel as one of the more affordable materials for garage doors. Steel garage doors also require little maintenance. You can purchase steel garage doors in a variety of styles, including wood-grain textures. Steel takes paint well, so you can change its look as desired.

On the downside, steel does not offer any real insulation on its own, forcing you to add insulation separately or seek out models specially equipped with insulating fillers. Despite the material’s minimal maintenance requirements, it can rust if you let chipped or scratched paint go unaddressed.

If you still can’t decide exactly what kind of garage door best suits your needs, budget, and taste, turn to Plano Overhead Garage Door for guidance. We can help you make the ideal selection from our wide range of garage door products. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

The post 3 Materials to Consider for Your Next Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

4 Benefits of Installing an Insulated Garage Door

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:18:00 GMT

Garage door insulation varies from a radiant barrier to polyurethane foam, cellulose, fiberglass, and an extra outer layer. Most homeowners who want to install or replace their garage doors are often unable to decide between insulated and non-insulated doors. If you are one of them, here is why you might need an insulated garage door.

1. Vehicle and Item Protection

When outside temperatures are extremely low, your garage will also freeze. The freezing temperatures can affect your car in various ways. For example, it can thicken the fluids (transmission and brake fluids, antifreeze, and oil) and decrease tire pressure.

Also, extremely low temperatures can destroy the battery or shorten its lifespan, affect pressure systems, and damage the wiring. All these affect the value and functioning of your vehicle.

Additionally, a garage is not only used for parking cars but also as a storage area. Temperatures also affect stored items, such as paints, which can thicken prematurely. And your garden tools and equipment can develop issues when you store them in a freezing garage for long periods of time.

If you use your garage as a gym, workshop, or home office, freezing temperatures might also affect your equipment and valuables.

You can avoid all these predicaments with an insulated door. Insulated garage doors maintain relatively moderate temperatures despite fluctuations in the outside temperatures, and thus your vehicle and stored items will be safe.

2. Durability

Insulated garage doors are firm and can serve you for long period without replacement. Most of them are made of sturdy materials, such as steel or aluminum, and enhanced with the insulation material. They also often include double steel panels to increase the strength of the door.

A properly insulated garage door can resist dents when hit by a car, bikes, or balls. And since the insulated doors can withstand weather and heat damage, they can serve you for an extended duration.

3. Energy Efficiency

Most homeowners construct garages with different materials and techniques because they think of them as outdoor spaces that are not part of the main house. However, garages can affect the indoor temperatures of your home.

If your garage has gaps, air can also leak into the house. And the door between the home and the garage may transfer the unwanted temperatures. As a result, you will have to use your heater or air-conditioner more often.

Additionally, some people may argue that insulated garage doors aren’t helpful if the other garage parts are not insulated. However, insulated doors raise garage temperatures and, in turn, help maintain desired temperatures overall.

4. Sound Proofing

Loose door parts, bent tracks, and other door issues often lead to garage noise. Besides, the noise from the outside can pass via the garage to the living spaces. The insulation layers used on the garage doors, however, help block sounds from these sources.

Many insulated garage doors have tightened joints that rarely produce vibration sounds; and you can lubricate the insulated door parts twice a year to further reduce the noises.

Insulated garage doors offer many benefits compared to the non-insulated ones. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we a wide range of garage doors to match your needs. We also provide timely garage door repair, installation, and maintenance services. Contact us today for reliable services.

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4 Ways a New Garage Door Helps Sell Your Home

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 16:54:00 GMT

If you plan to sell your home soon and would like to see a great return on your investment or already have a home on the market that you have struggled to sell at the price you desire, then you should consider replacing your outdated garage door.

A recent survey of realtors revealed that about 70 percent of them agree that adding a new garage door to a home can help it sell more quickly and for a higher price. In fact, most homeowners who add new garage doors to their homes before selling them see an increase in their home purchase price of about $8,000 to $14,000.

Read on to learn four ways a new garage door can help you sell your home for top dollar along with tips for choosing a garage door that helps you see a great return on investment.

The last thing you want to happen when selling a home is to accept a great offer and then have a buyer lower or even withdraw the offer due to garage door problems identified during the buyers’ home inspection.

During a garage assessment, a home inspector will ensure the garage door opens and closes with little effort and examine the door for structural damage, such as cracks or blistering. The inspector will also check the pressure release system, photoelectric eyes, and emergency release cord of your garage door opener to ensure these important garage door safety features function properly.

If your home is equipped with an older garage door that may not pass these tests, then investing a new door now can keep the home selling process as stress-free as possible.

Increasing the curb appeal of your home is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to sell your house more quickly and for a higher price. Home buyers form their first impressions of homes based on how the exterior looks as they drive by or enter the driveway. If they are not impressed with the exterior of a home, they may never come back to view the interior.

Since a typical garage door occupies about one-third of the front exterior of the average home, replacing a garage door that is an eyesore with an attractive new door is an easy way to quickly increase home curb appeal.

When selecting your new garage door, be sure the color complements your home well and the door style matches the architecture of your home. For example, while classic carriage house garage doors complement farmhouse homes well, more contemporary garage doors are better options for modern homes with contemporary appearances.

Every home buyer wants to purchase a new home they feel safe in, so many consider the security of a new home more important than any other aspect when deciding which home to purchase. A great way to increase the security of your home so it appeals to today’s security-minded buyer is to replace your old garage door that has outdated security features with a new one that was designed with home security in mind.

When choosing a new garage door with security in mind, opt for a steel sectional door. While steel is simply a strong metal that would be difficult for an intruder to break into with brute force, sectional doors close tightly, leaving no gaps that burglars can stick tools or objects into to pry the door open.

Also, consider upgrading your garage door opener to one equipped with modern rolling code technology that makes the opener more difficult for high-tech intruders to hack into; these intruder record door opener codes and then replay them to gain access into garages and homes.

Another aspect of a home that most home buyers today find important is the home’s overall energy efficiency. In fact, many buyers will spend much more money on a home that is energy-efficient than they will spend on one that lacks energy efficiency because they know that long-term savings on their energy bills will help them recoup this extra investment relatively quickly.

When you replace a drafty, old garage door that lacks proper insulation with a well-insulated door with airtight weather seals, you can increase the energy efficiency of your garage and potentially your home. In fact, a well-insulated garage door can decrease the temperature in your garage by up to 20 degrees in the summer and increase garage temperature by up to 20 degrees in the winter.

If your garage is attached to your home, then the room(s) adjacent to the garage may also heat up less in the summer and stay warmer in the winter with less heat transfer through the shared wall.

If you plan to sell your home soon or already have a home on the market that you would like to sell more quickly and potentially for a higher price, then consider upgrading your home’s garage door to increase your home’s value and make your home appealing to more buyers. Contact the garage door experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door today for new garage door installation today.

The post 4 Ways a New Garage Door Helps Sell Your Home appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

The Do's and Don'ts of Garage Door Replacement

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:59:00 GMT

Do you need a new garage door? According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average garage door has a 20- to 25-year lifespan. If your door is nearing this mark, take a look at the do’s and don’ts of replacement.

Are you tempted to pick the first door you see? While it’s possible the first door you explore is the perfect pick for your home and your family’s needs, you may also need to see more options. The advantages of a full door search before you buy include:

Even though you should explore your door options before you make a decision, you need to shop within reason. This may mean a scaled down search, time restraints (a deadline for door buying), or limits on where you’ll shop for doors.

Don’t Shop Online Only

While a few views of online options can give you ideas, you need a professional garage door contractor to help you with the purchase process. If you only shop doors online, you may not:

Along with these issues, an online purchase won’t necessarily come with a professional-level installation. Garage door replacement is not a do-it-yourself job. A qualified contractor has the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to install a new door safely and correctly.

Do Hire a Garage Door Professional

Garage door installation requires a professional level of knowledge and experience. If you don’t have this skill set, skip the DIY job. Even though it may seem like this approach can save you money, a contractor can:

All garage door contractors are not equal. Even though it’s preferable to hire a professional, you need to make sure they’re a legitimate expert. Ask for references or talk to friends and relatives who’ve used the contractor’s services.

Don’t Wait to Replace the Door

Is your door nearing the end of its lifespan? If you’re not sure whether the door’s age alone is an issue or if other factors are more important, weigh the options. Replace your garage door soon, rather than later, if:

Even though most garage doors have a 20-plus year lifespan, some may not last that long, especially ones made from low-quality products. It’s possible your younger door may also require a replacement right now. The contractor can inspect the door, discuss your home exterior needs, and help you to make the right decision for your home.

Are you ready for a new garage door? Contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for more information.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Garage Door Replacement appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

3 Garage Door Components You Should Inspect for Post-Winter Damage

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:48:00 GMT

Harsh winter weather can take a toll on any garage door and garage door opener. Even if you did not experience any garage door problems all winter long, you should inspect your garage door and opener this spring to check for damage before it hinders the safe, convenient operation of your garage door or even the safety of your family.

Read on to learn about three garage door components that harsh winter weather can take a toll on and the signs that these components have damage and need replacing.

1. Weather Stripping

Depending on the design of your garage door, it may have weather stripping along the bottom and sides of the door or just along the bottom of it. This weather stripping performs the vital function of creating an airtight seal under or around your garage door to keep rainwater, snow, and other outdoor elements outside of your garage.

The harsh winter weather can take a toll on this weather stripping. Water that flows on top of this weather stripping when your garage door is open during the winter can freeze when the door is closed. Then, when you open your garage door, the weather stripping can tear or crack as it breaks free from the ground.

If you do not replace damaged weather stripping, then water can seep into your garage through the damaged weather stripping and potentially damage items in your garage or turn the floor of your garage into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. In addition, small pests, such as cockroaches, can squeeze under your garage door when weather stripping is not intact.

To determine if your garage door weather stripping needs replacement after the long winter, first, inspect it visually for discoloration and areas where the weather stripping appears to be thicker or thinner than other areas due to damage.

You may also be able to detect bad weather stripping by turning the light on in your garage. Do this in the evening and see if the light from inside of the garage projects underneath your garage door to the outdoors. You can also check the seal of your weather stripping by pouring a cup of water at the base of your garage door to see if water seeps through the weather stripping and into your garage.

If you suspect that your weather stripping has damage, then have a garage door professional replace it.

2. Garage Door Springs

Metal expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws during the winter. Thus, operating your garage door when metal is frozen can place extra stress on your garage door springs. In addition, lubricants that coat metal garage door components can thicken during the winter, leading to more friction than usual. All garage door components slide against each other when a door is opened and closed, also placing stress on door springs.

Even if your garage door springs survived the winter intact, they may have developed damage. This damage can lead to them breaking when you open or close your garage door this spring. When garage door springs break, a garage door may become difficult to impossible to open, since they support much of the weight of your garage door.

Two main types of garage door springs exist: extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs are typically along the sides of a garage door, while a torsion spring typically lies across the top of a garage door.

To check your garage door springs for damage, first look for gaps in the spring coils. If any gaps exist in either type of garage door spring, then that is a sign that they could soon break. To check for torsion spring wear and tear, disengage the garage door opener and open the garage door manually. The door should open relatively easily and stay open with no support.

You can further check for extension spring damage by disengaging the garage door opener and opening the garage door manually. If one side of the garage door sags when the garage door fully open, then that is a sign at least one of your garage door springs is damaged and needs replacement.

3. Garage Door Opener

Winter weather also places extra stress on your garage door opener. When the lubrication on garage door tracks thickens, more stress goes on your garage door opener as it pulls your door open against the increased resistance. In addition, when metal garage door components freeze and contract, even more resistance can be created that your garage door opener must work hard to defeat.

Spring is a good time to check for signs of a failing opener after the increased stress of winter has taken a toll on it. Signs that your garage door opener may need replacement include a garage door that opens more slowly, an opener that has become very loud as it operates, or a garage door that vibrates as it opens.

After winter, examine your garage door for damage that needs replacement, or have a garage door professional inspect it for you and recommend needed repairs. Contact the garage door professionals at Plano Overhead Garage Door for all of your garage door needs today.

The post 3 Garage Door Components You Should Inspect for Post-Winter Damage appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

5 Carriage House Garage Door Myths Debunked

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:10:00 GMT

Read on to learn about five carriage-style garage door myths and the truth behind these common misconceptions.

Myth #1: These Doors Must Be Opened Manually

One of the most common misconceptions about carriage house garage doors is that they must be opened manually. If you are used to opening your garage door with an automatic door opener, then you may have automatically dismissed this door style as an option for your home due to the nuisance that opening these doors manually would pose for your family.

The truth is that while carriage house garage doors cannot be opened with automatic garage door openers designed for overhead doors, there are garage door openers made specifically for this style. While some carriage-style garage doors do run along a track attached to the ceiling of your garage, others do not require these tracks.

Track-less carriage garage door openers are attached to automatic hinges that open to the front. They are good options if you would like to use the space a typical garage door track occupies for another purpose, such as storage.

Myth #2: Carriage House Doors Are Not Very Energy-Efficient

Another carriage house garage door misconception is that this door style is not very energy-efficient. Since this garage door style was invented and introduced to the American market in the early 1900s, years before overhead garage doors were invented, many people think that swing-style garage doors lack the modern technology that makes overhead garage doors energy-efficient.

The truth is that the design of modern carriage house garage doors differs greatly from the classic carriage house door design, and this door style are actually more energy-efficient than many types of overhead garage doors. Since these doors only have one joint and seal very tightly at their side joints and headers, they provide great garage insulation.

Myth #3: All Carriage House Doors Are Made of Wood

Since many homeowners who embrace carriage house doors love their classic appeal, they choose to install carriage house doors composed of wood. This leads many homeowners to think that this door style is always made of wood. The truth is that carriage house doors are available in virtually every garage door material on the market.

While wood carriage house doors are attractive and durable, they do require some maintenance to keep them in good shape, including periodic staining or painting. If you love the appearance of wood, but would like garage doors that are relatively maintenance-free, then you can opt for wood composite carriage house doors.

Wood composite doors typically have a genuine wood frame covered with fiberboard and an insulated core. These doors are naturally moisture-resistant to prevent rotting and warping.

If you prefer, you can instead choose carriage house doors made from aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, or steel. Each of these garage door materials has their unique benefits, so speak to your garage door expert to determine which material suits your family’s needs best.

Myth #4: Swing-Style Doors Are Required to Enjoy the Classic Carriage House Look

While many people love the novelty and energy efficiency of swing-style garage doors along with the classic carriage house garage door look, others have grown too used to overhead doors to consider changing to a new door style.

The good news is that if you would love to have carriage house–style garage doors, yet do not think that swing-style doors are right for your family, there are overhead doors designed to mimic the appearance of carriage house doors.

These doors are available in a wide variety of materials and colors, just as genuine carriage house doors are, and can be attached to typical overhead garage door openers.

Myth #5: Carriage House Doors Are Only Suitable for One-Car Garages

Another common misconception about carriage house doors is that they are only available for one-car garages. This myth leads many people with two-car garages to never consider this door style, even though they love its classic appearance. However, the truth is that carriage house garage doors are available in two-car garage designs.

Some carriage house garage doors designed for two-car garages consist of one large set of doors, while most homeowners prefer to cover their two-car garages with two sets of carriage house doors with a post between them.

Now you know the truth behind many carriage house garage door myths and misconceptions. Contact the garage door experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door to schedule new garage door installation today.

The post 5 Carriage House Garage Door Myths Debunked appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Garage Band? 5 Tips to Soundproof Your Garage Door

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:18:00 GMT

Garage bands are fun, but they can be disruptive if you live close to your neighbors. If you want to play loud instruments in your garage without bothering the neighbors, soundproofing your garage door can help.

Many garage doors are hollow, and sound travels through them easily. In addition, garage doors have a natural gap between the door and the frame. This gap enables the garage door to open and close with ease. Unfortunately, this gap, however small, can also allow sound to leak out of your garage and into the world around your home.

If you want to hold band rehearsals and don’t want to spend time managing noise complaints, these tips can help you soundproof your garage door. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Insulate the Door

Insulation can dampen sound. There are many things you can do to insulate your garage door.

Buy an Insulation Kit

Insulation kits are sold in home improvement centers, in hardware stores, and by some garage door companies. These kits are designed to be installed by homeowners. They come with instructions that make installation easy. If you don’t feel comfortable installing your own garage door insulation, your garage door company may be able to help. Be advised that any weight added to the door may require adjustments to the springs that operate the door.

Before making the appointment, find out from your garage door company if they prefer to install a pre-purchased insulation kit or if they will install their own.

Replace the Door

If you were already thinking about buying a new garage door, then this is a good time to purchase a garage door with an insulated core. There are many types of doors that come with insulation. Tell your garage door garage door company that you would like to make your door as soundproof as possible. Your garage door company can recommend a product that will be good for dampening loud music.

If the door you’re thinking about purchasing also has windows, check the specs to ensure that the windows are insulated as well. Double pane windows can help block sound, or your garage door company may recommend windows with extra thick glass.

2. Weatherproof the gaps of the Door

Replace the Bottom Seal

Garage doors have a rubber strip that is attached to the bottom of the garage door. This strip of rubber closes the gap between the garage door and the floor. There are many different types of bottom weatherseal (also known as astragal or bottom seal). Contact your local garage door company if you are unable to find the style that is compatible with your garage door at a local home improvement store or online. Most garage door companies can convert your existing style to a universal style that isn’t available online or in stores because it comes in 16’ or 18’ solid lengths to provide the best fit, the best overall seal, and the longest lasting option for your garage door.

Replace the Exterior Perimeter Seal

Another weatherproofing method is to add perimeter seal around the top and sides of the garage door. Perimeter seal is a trim piece made of vinyl or plastic that has a flexible flap that conforms to the different gap sizes on the sides and top of your garage door. Perimeter seal (also known as jamb-up seal) can be easily nailed to the door frame, so you can usually perform the installation yourself without help from a garage door company. If you’re not comfortable performing installation, talk to your garage door company.

3. Hang Blankets

Blankets also dampen sound, especially thick, heavy-duty blankets. Moving blankets tend to be effective for blocking some sounds. Hang moving blankets behind your garage door. Like weather stripping, blankets can close some of the gap between the garage door and the door frame.

Blankets are not a stand-in for weather stripping, so if your garage door does not have weather stripping installed, install the weather stripping in addition to hanging blankets around the door. Be careful when hanging the blankets as to not block any of the moving parts.

4. Get a Garage Door Adjustment

A crooked or poorly fitting door may need an adjustment to close the gap between the door and the frame. If your garage door hasn’t been given a tune-up in a while, contact your local garage door company.

5. Focus on More Than the Door

Your entire garage, not just the door, may need soundproofing. If you haven’t already taken steps to soundproof the rest of your garage, now is the time. Hanging moving blankets on metal cabinets can prevent ringing noises, while attaching acoustic panels to the walls can also dampen noise. Weather-stripping the pedestrian doors can help, as can insulating the interior of the walls of the garage as well as the ceiling.

Assume that your neighbors will be able to hear your garage band, even if you’ve taken steps to soundproof the walls and doors of your garage. To avoid disputes, alert your neighbors to your hobby and find out what times of day would be least disruptive to their schedules.

By working with your neighbors, and by giving them a say in when rehearsals take place, you may able to avoid confrontations and uncomfortable situations.

Contact Your Garage Door Garage Door Company

It’s best to work with the experts when you’re trying to soundproof your garage. Your garage door company can give you advice about how this can be done properly to avoid damage and headaches.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we’re happy to give you information about the best ways to insulate and soundproof your door, and we can also help you decide which insulated door is best for your home. To make an appointment for a free in-home written estimate in the Dallas area, contact us today .

The post Garage Band? 5 Tips to Soundproof Your Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Yahoo Article: Plano Overhead Certified by Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation!

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:07:00 GMT

We studied as a team over the past 4 months and spent over 30 hours in meetings going through 400 pages of material in our Service Technician Manual, in addition to the 200 pages of material provided by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation. Certification isn’t required in Texas, and less than 5% of garage door companies in Texas employ I.D.E.A. Certified technicians; but we were up for the challenge!

Click on the link below to read the article published by Yahoo! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/plano-overhead-garage-door-company-100000391.html

According to the I.D.E.A., we are now the first company in the United States with over 5 employees to have every technician pass their exam to become certified on the first try!

All of our service technicians are also professionally field trained, Google Verified, background checked, drug tested, fully insured, and are full-time employees. Since 1977, our technicians have provided award-winning service, repairs, and installations in the Dallas area. They install only the top product lines from the leading suppliers of both garage doors and garage door openers. All of this is in addition to our free in-home estimates, same day scheduling, and award-winning service!

We continually invest in our people and our process. We recently invested in Surewinders for all our technicians. They are made from aircraft grade aluminum and are actually now the most expensive tool that they use. Surewinders allow our installers to safely wind and unwind torsion springs and prevent rotator cuff injuries from winding springs all day the old way with steel rods. It also prevents the serious hand, face, and other injuries that we used to have from springs breaking while being adjusted.

We also invested in software that sends a text message with a picture and bio of our technician when customers schedule an appointment. Customers also get a link to recent reviews written about their installer, and a link that lets you track the technician in real time on Google Maps when in route to your home.

Call 972-GARAGES for your garage doors needs and experience the difference!

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Buying a Garage Door Next Year? 5 Ways to Prepare

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:39:00 GMT

The new year is approaching quickly. 2020 will be a great year to get a new garage door and opener if one is needed. You can make the process of buying a new garage pleasant by preparing. If you’re a homeowner who is planning to upgrade your garage door next year, here’s what you need to know.

1. Pick a Material

The material you choose for your garage door will affect its appearance, performance and the type of maintenance that you need to perform from one year to the next. Below are some of the most common types of garage door materials.

Wood

Wood has warm beauty that attracts many homeowners. This material is also very heavy and sturdy. Wood doors are common on upscale homes. However, wood must be properly sealed to be protected from the elements. If you’re not ready to seal or paint your garage door every few years, then wood may not be the right material for you.

If you’re looking for the warmth of wood without the maintenance, talk to your garage door contractor about wood composite. This material looks like wood but does not need to be sealed against the elements.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is lightweight, so it’s easy for garage door openers to lift and close. Fiberglass can easily be given texture to look like wood, and comes in a variety of colors to match many different homes. However, fiberglass cracks easily when hit, and may even crack naturally in very cold environments.

Steel

Steel comes in a variety of colors, and you can mold it into different shapes, but it’s is easily dented and scratched. Steel doors can also rust if the paint is allowed to deteriorate, so homeowners must take care not to scratch or mar the paint.

If you’re not sure which type of garage door material is right for you, visit some garage contractor showrooms or talk to a garage door contractor to look at pictures and discuss the pros and cons. Your garage door contractor can show you pictures and make recommendations based on your budget and what you’re able to maintain.

2. Know the Style You Want

Garage doors come in many styles. Traditional garage doors have decorative square or rectangular panels, and often do not have windows. These very basic garage doors are relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Recently, carriage doors have become a popular option for homeowners. Carriage doors typically feature a row of rectangular windows, and often come with decorative hardware to make the door appear that it is held in place with large iron hinges.

Know which style you want to make the purchase process easier. To make your selection, spend some time looking online at different garage doors online. This will make it easier to communicate with your contractor about your tastes when the time comes.

3. Decide Whether You Need a Garage Door Opener

If your home doesn’t have a garage door opener, now is a good time to get one. Garage door openers improve your home’s value and make your garage much easier to use. If your garage door opener is older but still functional, talk to your garage door repair person to find out whether a new opener is recommended.

Old openers may not have all the latest safety features that make your garage safe. Installation of a new garage door opener could make your home safer for your pets and children.

4. Get Quotes and Budget for the Expense

Start meeting with garage door contractors now to get quotes. This will make it easier to budget for the expense.

Some garage door contractors will allow homeowners to finance their garage door installation. If you’re in need of financing, talk to your contractor.

5. Choose a Garage Door Contractor

Before you can install a new garage door in 2020, you’ll need to choose a garage door installation contractor. After getting quotes from multiple contractors, check references. A reputable contractor should have good references. If your garage door contractor does not, this could be a red flag. Always read the contract thoroughly before signing.

Taking these steps can help you be ready to install a new garage door next year. If you’re planning to replace your garage door in 2020, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . We’ll be happy to give you a quote, discuss different garage door models and materials, and help you proceed with your garage door installation in the coming year.

The post Buying a Garage Door Next Year? 5 Ways to Prepare appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Want Windows in Your Garage Door? Pros and Cons

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 08:34:00 GMT

In recent years, windows have become a popular feature on garage doors. This may be in part due to the rise in popularity of carriage style garage doors, which often feature windows. If you’re a homeowner who is thinking about installing a new garage door on your home sometime in the near future, these tips can help you decide whether windows are right for you.

Advantages of Windows in the Garage Door

There are many advantages of having windows in your garage doors.

The beauty and natural style that garage door windows provide can also boost curb appeal, which in turn may make your home more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell your home.

Disadvantages of Windows in the Garage Door

Windows look good and add value to your garage door, but they can also have disadvantages. Knowing what those disadvantages are can help you avoid problems after your garage door has been installed.

For example, windows allow people to see into your garage, which could affect your home’s security. Potential intruders who know what’s in your garage could take action on the information they glean by looking into your garage. If security is a concern in your area, you’ll want to take action to prevent people from looking into your garage.

Windows also allow light from the sun to enter your garage and heat the space. If you experience very hot summers, or if your garage door faces west or south, this could cause your garage to become superheated at the warmest times of the year.

Finally, windows are breakable. If you have a family with children who like to play ball or who frequently break things, your garage door windows could be vulnerable. The driveway is a common place where children play, which puts the garage door at an even greater risk. If you choose to install windows in your garage, your children may have to find another place where they can play sports and other rough games.

Installing Windows in Your Garage Door

If you like the idea of installing windows in your garage, but want to be sure that you’re as happy with your product as possible, the following suggestions can help you cut back on some of the problems associated with garage door windows.

Opt for the Tinted or Obscured Glass

Tinted windows keep out some of most harsh daylight, which can help control the temperature in your garage. Tinted windows also make it more challenging to see into your garage from your driveway, which means that a potential intruder would have a harder time scoping out what’s in your home.

If you don’t like the look of window tinting but would like to prevent someone from seeing into your garage, obscured privacy glass is available as well. Obscured glass prevents anyone from seeing what’s in your garage, while still allowing natural light to enter the space.

Get Thicker Glass

If you live in a house with teenagers who play ball in the yard, or if you’re just hard on your garage doors, one of the ways you can avoid breaking your garage door windows is by opting for the thicker glass. Garage door windows come in thinner and thicker glass options.

Thicker glass can be more durable and less likely to break in the event that it’s struck by a flying object. Your garage door contractor can help you decide whether thicker glass will work for you.

Are you planning to install a new garage door in your home sometime this year? If so, you’ll need to make many decisions. Your professional garage door installer can help you decide what kind of door, whether to install windows, which color, which materials to install and other variables. To find out more about installing a new garage door in your home, work with an experienced professional.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we help homeowners like you to pick out the right garage door for their needs. We can provide you with a quote and help you find a garage door that’s right for your needs, so contact us today to make an appointment.

The post Want Windows in Your Garage Door? Pros and Cons appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Liftmaster 8550WLB

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 15:18:00 GMT

8550WLB Features and Specs

See it Work in Person!

Typical setup is between 5 and 15 minutes. Monitor your garage door, see how long it has been open, close it or open it, get optional alerts and notifications, and so much more.

No power? No problem. The Liftmaster WLED includes a battery backup system that kicks in when the power goes out! It uses a 12V DC battery that is always charged and ready, using a continuous trickle charge. This opener uses an audible signal to alert you when the battery is in use. Safety and security features still operate, ensuring protection during a power failure. Backup power also operates the opener for up to 40 full cycles in a 24-hour period.

The DC motor provides the homeowner with the quietest garage door opener on the market.

Time and Temperature Display

This model features a wall console with a motion sensor that automatically turns the lights on for you, and an LED time and temperature display. The wall console also has an adjustable light time delay. It is also equipped with an automatic maintenance alert system that scrolls any error codes on the LED display. It even has a lock feature that allows you to lock out anything that is programmed to the unit while you’re away on vacation, or in case of emergency.

Lifetime Warranty Belt

Similar to a camshaft belt, this model of garage door opener utilizes steel mesh inside of a quiet and durable belt. This prevents you from getting the steel on steel grinding, while maintaining the durability and longevity of a chain.

Lifetime Warranty 3/4 HP DC Motor

This is what separates our belt drive from the rest. Permanent lubrication through steel enclosed gears, with self-adjusting force and limits. You can see AND hear the difference. All other openers use exposed plastic gears that wear out every 4 to 8 years. This motor ensures a longer life and smoother operation than any other garage door opener.

Other Features

Our Liftmaster garage door openers include rolling code security technology, infrared safety reversing sensors, and 2 multi-function remotes. They have auto force settings so that the garage door opener adapts to weather and changing environmental conditions, and internal electronic limit settings. It has a one-piece solid steel T-rail with an automatic belt tensioner on the trolley. The new energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75% less power in standby mode. Also features a built-in surge suppressor.

Optional Accessories

5 Winter Garage Door Problems & Solutions

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 16:10:00 GMT

Now that winter has arrived, you need to learn how cold temperatures and general winter weather conditions can affect your garage door. Even garage doors that are in great shape can develop problems during the winter.

Read on to learn about five common garage door problems that typically occur during the winter and their solutions.

1. Garage Door Will Not Open

If you ever attempt to open your garage door and find that it simply will not open manually or with your garage door opener, then realize that this is a common problem in winter weather. There are many reasons that a garage door may not open on a cold winter day.

Sometimes, the weatherstripping on the bottom of a garage door freezes to the ground. This occurs when water seeps underneath the weatherstripping and freezes or you close the door on top of water that then freezes. To reduce the risk of weatherstripping damage, don’t attempt to open the door without melting the ice.

Instead, melt the ice with a heat gun set on a “low” setting or pour hot water on the ice to melt it, then open the door.

If your garage door will not open, yet is not frozen shut, then the problem may instead stem from garage door grease that has hardened on the door tracks. Garage door track grease can thicken in cold weather, leading to difficulty opening the garage door or lack of ability to open it altogether.

To see if the grease on your garage door track has hardened, rub it with your hand to see if it has lost its slippery nature. If so, remove it completely with a grease solvent and replace it with a garage door lubricant made to withstand cold weather.

2. Metal Contraction

When outdoor temperatures drop suddenly, it can cause the metal components of your garage door to contract. This can lead to several garage door problems.

This metal contraction can lead to difficulty opening your garage door. When garage door metal components contract, these components may no longer align with each other properly, leading to a door that simply will not glide open.

One solution to this problem is to bring a space heater into your garage to warm the garage up, including the garage door metal components. Do not try to pry the door open in its cold state, or you risk damaging the metal door components.

Garage door metal contraction can also lead to a misalignment of the garage door opener safety sensors. This misalignment will cause the garage door to refuse to close due to the sensors’ inability to detect whether an obstruction under the door. To fix this issue, simply realign the safety sensors and realign them again once metal warms up, if needed.

3. Condensation on Garage Door Opener Safety Sensors

Garage door opener safety sensors can be affected by winter weather in several other ways, leading to difficulty closing your garage door.

Fluctuations in garage temperatures can lead to condensation build-up on the sensors. This condensation can obstruct the infrared beams that radiate out of the sensors, leading to your door sensing an obstruction in its path, even if no obstruction exists. This problem can be easily fixed by simply wiping the condensation off the sensors on a regular basis.

4. Water Leaks Under Garage Door

If water tends to leak under your garage door in the winter, you may think that this is a minor problem. However, damp concrete can become a breeding ground for mildew, which is a health hazard.

While a leaky garage door can be a problem year-round, it can be extra troublesome in the winter, especially if water underneath the door frequently freezes the door shut.

To help keep water from leaking under your garage door, install weatherstripping underneath your door or replace existing worn-out weatherstripping. In addition, consider installing a gutter system on top of your garage. As snow melts, the gutter system and downspouts can direct water from melted snow away from your garage door to keep it from leaking underneath it.

5. Broken Garage Door Spring

Your garage door springs helps support the weight of your garage door as it is opened and closed. Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds, and these springs help keep stress off your garage door opener motor and/or help you open your garage door manually with little effort.

No garage door spring last forever, and many break during the winter due to the cold temperatures making the metal more brittle and more likely to snap.

The most common sign that you have a broken garage door spring is difficulty opening your garage door.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent broken garage door springs altogether, since no spring is made to last forever. Once a spring breaks, you must have it replaced by a garage door repair expert , since replacing a spring on your own is very unsafe.

Now that the cold winter has arrived, be aware of common garage door problems, so you know what to do if they occur. Contact the garage repair experts at Plano Overhead Garage Door to schedule a garage door repair today.

The post 5 Winter Garage Door Problems & Solutions appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

5 Things to Consider in a Garage Conversion Door

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:10:00 GMT

For many Americans, a point comes when their existing home no longer provides enough living space. This may be due to a growing family or the changing dynamics of the household makeup. For some people, these changes mean selling the home and buying a larger property. However, many people choose to create more living space in their existing home instead.

As well as adding an extension to the home, converting a garage into extra living space is also a popular option. It’s a cost-effective and relatively simple way to achieve the goal of more living space, and it doesn’t require as much paperwork or mess as a traditional extension project.
When planning a garage conversion, you need to remember that if you decide to sell your home in the future, potential buyers may prefer a garage over extra floor space. So you would benefit by converting the garage in a way that makes it easy to revert the space back to its original purpose, i.e., maintaining a garage door instead of replacing it with a permanent wall.
If you’re planning a garage conversion for your home, here are five important things to consider to choose the perfect garage door for the project.
1. Insulation
Making your garage into a comfortable and useable living space means ensuring that you can keep it warm or cool throughout the different seasons. For this reason, it’s important to choose a garage door that has an insulated core.
An insulated core will help to regulate the internal temperature of your new living space and will significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. In a region that experiences extremes of hot or cold weather, you might prefer to choose a garage door that has the highest insulation rating available for the best performance.
2. Weatherproofing
Another important feature of a garage door for a garage conversion is weatherproofing. The aim should be to prevent water from entering the living space and from draughts that reduce the energy efficiency of the space.
Opt for a garage door that has good-quality weather stripping along each edge of the door. If this isn’t an option on the door you prefer, you can ask for it to be added separately when your garage door is installed.
3. Natural Light
An abundance of natural light is an important feature for any room in the home, and your garage conversion is no exception. However, it can be difficult to achieve in this type of living space, particularly if the space has no existing windows. Opting for a garage door that has glazed panels is a great way to increase the level of natural light.
If you decide to install a garage door with glazed panels, remember to think about the insulation level of the glass. Standard single glazing isn’t very energy efficient and can negate the overall level of insulation of the door. Choose a door with double glazing or glass that has an insulating film applied to it.
4. External Access
The most important factor to consider when choosing a garage door is whether you want to allow external access to your new living space. Consider installing a wireless keypad on the external side jamb for convenient access. You can also have garage door openers installed that allow you to use your phone to open and close the garage door. These modern garage door openers (link to https://planooverhead.com/wled/ ) can be programmed to a monitor that you can put bedside to alert you if it opens or closes as well. If security and preventing access are the objective, there are a variety of ways to install locks and secure the garage door when it is closed. Also, if you want the space to appear like a garage, but no access is desired, garage doors can be installed to be permanent fixtures without the upper horizontal tracks, springs, or motor.
5. Aesthetics
Garage doors represent a large percentage of the front face of a home. This means that aesthetics are another important consideration when choosing a new door. An attractive garage door will enhance the external appeal of your home and increase its curb appeal. However, when you choose a garage door for a conversion project, you also need to think about internal aesthetics.
Your garage door will essentially be a large feature wall in the new living space that you create. Make sure that you choose a door that will fit in with the decor and won’t make the new living space look cold or uninviting.
Wooden or wood-look (link to https://planooverhead.com/wooden-style-doors/ ) garage doors are an excellent choice. They add natural warmth and charm to the interior space and also look great from the outside. If you prefer a splash of color, then a simple steel door that’s painted in a contemporary and stylish hue is also a great option.
With so many different aspects to consider, you may feel like choosing the right garage door for your conversion project is overwhelming. If this is the case, you’ll be pleased to know that help is at hand. Contact the helpful and friendly team at Plano Overhead Garage Door so we can help you find the perfect new garage door for your home.

Tips to Prevent Garage Break-Ins

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 21:16:00 GMT

Among residential burglaries, criminals gain access to a home through the garage nine percent of the time. With a few simple strategies, you can help deter criminals from accessing your home through this point of entry and reduce the risk of burglary. Here are some tips on how to prevent garage break-ins.

Invest in a High-Quality Garage Door

First, invest in a high-quality garage door. Should a criminal try to break the door with brute force, they’ll likely have a hard time manhandling a door that’s of sturdy materials and strong hardware. Even if they are eventually able to break the door and create an opening, they’ll have to spend more time getting in — which means a neighbor will be more likely to see the criminal.

Wood and steel garage doors are some of the sturdiest types of garage doors. Steel garage doors have two layers of steel, which will be very difficult to break through. Wood doors contain multiple plies (layers) of wood, which together form a strong door. Criminals won’t likely use a saw to cut the wood because it’d make noise, and they won’t often have the strength to break through the layers.

High-quality doors like these may cost more than some other types of garage doors, but they’ll more than pay for themselves if they prevent a break-in.

Get a Rolling Code Automatic Garage Door Opener

Automatic garage door openers are extremely convenient, but older models can be susceptible to code skimming. With the right tool, a criminal can get the access code of an older garage door opener in just a few seconds.

To prevent this from happening, upgrade to an automatic garage door opener that has Rolling Code technology built into it. Such openers will either say Rolling Code or SECURITY+ on them, and they can’t be hacked like older ones.

Rolling Code automatic garage door openers don’t prevent criminals from skimming codes, but they render codes useless after a single use. They rotate (or roll) through around 1 million possible codes, transmitting a different one each time you open and close the garage door. Thus, a stolen code is useless even if a criminal does steal it through a skimming tool.

Of course, you can prevent code stealing by only opening and closing your garage door manually. This has its own drawbacks, though. Because manually securing a garage door is less convenient, you may decide to not lock it one some days. Not locking the door is, obviously, less secure than having an automatic opener that locks the door every time.

Use a Keychain Garage Door Opener

Rather than keeping a garage door opener in your car, replace the standard clip-on opener with a keychain model. Keychain openers (with Rolling Code integrated) are readily available, and they leave your home’s garage a little less vulnerable.

Sometimes, criminals gain access to a garage by first breaking into a car in the driveway and then using the garage door opener in that car to open the garage door.

If you remove the opener from your car and use only a keychain opener, this isn’t a risk. A criminal could steal your keychain, but they’d then likely have your front door key anyways — so the fact that they also have a garage door opener would be a moot point.

Deadbolt Your Garage Door When Away for a Prolonged Period

No matter how strong your door is and what type of automatic door opener you have, always deadbolt your garage door when you leave town for a prolonged period of time. Just as a deadbolt helps secure your front door, one can also better secure your garage door — and you can’t be too secure when you travel.

Most garage doors have a deadbolt that sits on the inside of the door and locks into the tracks. In the event that your door doesn’t have such a lock, you can either install one or place a padlock on the tracks. Be sure to disengage or unplug your garage door opener to prevent damaging anything if you forget to unlock the garage door when you return.

Obscure Any Windows on the Garage Door

Many garage doors come with windows that add style and let in natural light. Windows also, however, make it easy for criminals to peer into your garage and see whether you have anything they want to steal.

To minimize the risk of a criminal looking in, obscure the view of any windows that your garage door has. You can use blinds or frosted glass to block the view.If you need a new steel or wood garage door , contact Plano Overhead Garage Door.

The post Tips to Prevent Garage Break-Ins appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

What You Need to Know About Insulated Garage Doors

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:23:00 GMT

Is Garage Door Insulation Necessary?

Without proper insulation, garages can become very warm and uncomfortable in summer, as well as cold in winter. Studies have shown that garage door insulation can keep your garage 20 to 25 degrees cooler in summer and 8 to 12 degrees warmer in winter.

You can benefit most from garage door insulation if your garage:

Paint and some other chemicals are sensitive to temperature, so if you store these products in your garage, insulation can prevent problems.

If noise is an issue on your street, garage door insulation can keep out sounds and create a peaceful environment inside your garage. The reverse is also true: if you engage in noisy activity in your garage, garage door insulation can prevent the noise from bothering your neighbors. You can decide whether insulation is helpful to you.

Are There Other Ways to Keep Your Garage Comfortable?

Weatherstripping your garage and installing your garage door properly so that there are gaps between the door and the frame can help ensure that your garage will be comfortable.

For more information about how you can have a comfortable garage, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door today . We can install pre-insulated garage doors. Schedule an appointment with us today.

The post What You Need to Know About Insulated Garage Doors appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

5 Things to Know Before Buying a Garage Door

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 22:11:00 GMT

Are you in the market for a new garage door? If so, you may be tempted to buy the least expensive one or the first one you see that you like. However, a garage door is an important investment and it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Garage doors are an important part of your house as the best ones will improve energy efficiency, plus they offer added security and protection to keep your car and belongings safe. When you buy a garage door that best suits the needs of your home, there are many things to consider.

You should take your time and do your research before making the final purchase. Before you buy a garage door, here are five things you should know.

1. Know About Garage Door Warranties

When you buy a garage door, it’s always important to make sure it comes with a warranty. This way, if the garage door needs to be repaired or replaced, you won’t have to pay for it. Warranties expire after a certain amount of time, so when purchasing a garage door, you’ll want to make sure you know when it ends.

Garage doors normally come with a warranty on the parts and door panels. Some garage door manufacturer’s offer a lifetime warranty on their parts and door panels. You can also find a separate warranty for garage door installation labor.

Warranties typically come with limitations, so it’s important to understand what gets covered under the warranty when you purchase your garage door.

2. Know About the Benefits of Insulation

When you choose a garage door, you may wonder if an insulated garage door is worth the extra money. This price will vary, depending on the size of the garage door, as well as what material it’s made from.

Even though it doesn’t get that cold in Texas during the winter, insulation can still help to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Insulated garage doors are also thicker and more durable, which makes them less prone to getting damaged. Other benefits of insulated garage doors include:

Insulated garage doors also regulate the temperature inside the garage, which prevents condensation and mold.

3. Know About Different Garage Door Styles

Garage doors can greatly enhance the look of your home. For this reason, you’ll want to choose a garage door style that complements your house. Some of the most popular garage door styles include:

Many homeowners prefer the look of wood for their garage door. However, wooden garage doors require more maintenance, plus they are typically more expensive than garage doors made from other materials.

If you are a homeowner who wants the beautiful look of a wooden garage door but all the benefits that steel doors have to offer, you can choose a steel garage door that is painted with a wooden look. Choose whichever style best works with your home.

4. Know Which Kind of Garage Door Opener to Get

Along with getting a garage door, you’ll need to know which kind of garage door opener to get. Here are four types of garage door openers:

Some features to look for in an automatic garage door opener include remote control, manual release feature, ultra-bright LEDs, built-in Wi-Fi, battery backup, and a motion detection activation system. You can learn more about specific types of garage door openers here .

5. Know Where to Buy a Garage Door

Now that you know what to look for when you buy the right garage door, you’ll need to find a trusted garage door company to buy it from. This is where Plano Overhead Garage Door garage door comes in.Contact us today for a free in-home estimate for your new garage door. With one of the largest garage door inventories in the Plano, TX area, we make it possible to find a top-quality, affordable garage door that perfectly suits the needs of your home.

The post 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Upgrade to an Automatic Garage Door | Plano Overhead Garage Door

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 14:38:00 GMT

6 Great Reasons to Upgrade Your Non-Automatic Garage Door

An older garage door can make big problems for homeowners, especially if the door does not connect to an automatic opener. Older garage doors can be difficult to use, unsafe for little ones, and old-fashioned in appearance.

If your home has an older, non-automatic garage door, this summer is a good time to upgrade to a modern, automatic garage door and opener. If you are thinking about the possibility but need some convincing, consider the following reasons to upgrade.

1. Convenience

Automatic garage doors are convenient in ways that people without them may not realize. For example, backup batteries can operate automatic garage doors even when the power goes out so the car is never trapped in the garage.

You can control many modern garage doors by cell phone, and modern garage doors do not require a radio signal from an opener to begin the opening sequence. If you want, you can open your garage from blocks or even miles away.

In addition, many automatic garage door openers come with motion-activated lighting so you will never again find yourself wandering around your garage in the murky dark.

Also, many garage door companies have also discovered ways to make their products quiet. At one time, garage doors were relatively loud so that people all over the home could tell when the garage door opened or closed. Modern doors have special insulation and strategic construction to ensure opening the door is as quiet as possible.

2. Safety

Garage doors typically weigh hundreds of pounds, and when the door closes on a person, it can do fatal damage. In the 10-year span between 1982 and 1992, 54 children died when they became trapped under their garage door. As of January 1991, all automatic garage door openers must have specific safety features that prevent the garage door from closing on a person or object.

Some of these safety features rely on sensors to tell the garage door when an object is laying in the doorway (such as a sleeping cat or a person laying on their back repairing a car). Garage door sensors also monitor movement in the path of the garage door. If something enters the space of the closing door, it will reverse course.

In some cases, mounted garage door openers also need to have a constant contact requirement, meaning that a finger must push the button to close the garage door. If the button is released before the garage door has finished closing, the door will reverse course and open again.

Needless to say, non-automatic garage doors typically do not have these safety features. If your garage door is not an automatic one, this could be dangerous for your family and people in your household. To find out more about modern garage door safety features, talk to your garage door installation professional.

3. Security

Old, non-automatic garage doors are not usually very secure. In fact, most people who walk by could potentially open and close these garage doors. Modern automatic garage door openers prevent this from happening. Unless the garage door is disengaged from the automatic system, only the person who has the opener button can open it.

This makes it easier for homeowners to keep their garage, and all of its contents, safe and secure. If you live in a location where thefts and burglaries are common, an automatic garage door opener could prevent a break-in.

4. Appearances

Garage door styles have changed over the years, and many people find that installing a new door can make their home appear more modern and even more attractive. Whether you want an all-glass door for your ultra-modern home or a more traditional carriage-style door, you can find a model to suit your tastes.

5. ROI

ROI, or return on investment , is important to many homeowners. New garage doors can have an ROI of as much as 97% . For homeowners who would like to sell their property sometime in the next five years, installation of a new garage door with an automatic opener could boost their home’s value considerably.

6. Comfort

New garage doors tend to be well-insulated to conform to modern energy-efficiency expectations. If your garage is also a workshop or if you use your garage for storing heat-sensitive items, a new door could help make your garage a more comfortable temperature year-round. Talk to your garage door contractor before choosing a model that is right for you.

Your garage door contractor can help you decide which type of door will meet your specific needs. For more information about how you can benefit from installation of an automatic garage door and opener, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . We will be happy to answer your questions and give you information about modern automatic door openers and garage doors. Get in touch with us today.

The post Upgrade to an Automatic Garage Door | Plano Overhead Garage Door appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Understanding the Cycle Life of Your Garage Door Torsion Spring

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:59:00 GMT

What Is Torsion Spring Cycle Life?

The standard cycle life for a torsion spring on a garage door is 10,000 cycles. This means your spring should hold up for approximately 10,000 turns of the coil, which equates to the garage door going up once and down once.

On average, a 10,000-cycle rating can only give you a few years of service. The problem is, these ratings don’t always account for corrosion, misuse, and other factors that can cause your spring to wear faster than it should.

While 10,000 cycles represent a standard, you can find springs with ten times the cycle life. The quality of the spring matters as well. Cheaply made springs, even with a good cycle life rating, can still fail because they’re made of thin or inadequate materials.

Spring Cycle Life Is Not Door Cycle Life

The spring cycle life is not an indication of how long the garage door will last. The cycle life only tells you how many times you can use the garage door with that particular spring. Once the spring cycle life ends, the door will only need new springs to continue operation.

By contrast, a garage door’s cycle life equals how long the door will operate given all its components working together. In this case, the torsion spring is just one of those components, not the decider of the overall health of your garage door system.

What Are Factors That Affect Torsion Spring Cycle Life?

Everything from the torsion spring’s manufacturing environment to its handling can affect cycle life. The way a manufacturer or dealer stores the springs can affect how well they perform and how long they will last. From there, the quality of the installation will factor into the spring’s cycle life.

A faulty installation can occur easily if you don’t use a professional garage door contractor. Someone inexperienced can apply the wrong type of spring to the wrong type of door.

Some mistakes can also include things like installing the spring backwards. All these things will shorten the life expectancy of your torsion spring far before you have any effect over the condition of the spring yourself.

How you use your garage door will play the final role in shortening your spring’s cycle life. Improper usage can include:

If you misuse your garage door or neglect it, you will prematurely lower the cycle life of the garage door spring.

Why Is Torsion Spring Cycle Life Important to Homeowners?

If a spring breaks or fails prematurely, the odds are your garage door used a spring with low cycle life. For homeowners, spring failure can introduce several issues, some of which are dangerous.

A damaged or broken spring will render your garage door inoperable. If the spring breaks while you’re using the garage door, the door can abruptly drop and crash down onto whatever is under it. An abrupt fall can also ruin your garage door altogether.

The biggest dangers come from people attempting to diagnose or fix their torsion springs on their own. A torsion spring holds an incredible amount of tension, and loosening one requires specific tools and expertise. Trying to manipulate or remove the spring can cause the spring to snap and cause severe injury.

How Can You Maximize Your Torsion Spring’s Cycle Life?

You can do a lot to maximize the cycle life of your garage door’s spring. Start by making sure your garage door installer is professional and reputable. You should also express an interest in the torsion spring used by the installer.

Ask if the spring the installer uses is of good quality and has a cycle life beyond the standard. For example, torsion springs rated for 100,000 cycles are ideal and definitely better than the standard. If you need to replace a torsion spring, don’t just purchase any off a shelf.

Practice good garage door habits by avoiding the previously mentioned forms of improper usage. If you feel your garage door isn’t operating as it should, or suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional garage door contractor.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we replace old or damaged torsion springs with a high-quality one backed by a lifetime warranty. For any garage door service and repair needs, contact us today.

The post Understanding the Cycle Life of Your Garage Door Torsion Spring appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Situations Where Carriage-Style Garage Doors Make Sense

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:42:00 GMT

Carriage-style garage doors are highly attractive and offer architectural assistance with the following garage-related scenarios.

You Use the Garage as Living Space

Maximize space in an unused garage by turning the storage area into a finished or partially finished living area. Finished garages make excellent places for active kids, teens, in-laws, and extended family to have rooms of their own.

With attractive and functional carriage-style doors, you won’t need to add a new wall to beautifully enclose your new living space. Order insulated wood carriage-style garage doors with your choice of stain colors, window styles, and decor features to match the updated garage living space. The finely grained doors add class to the inside and outside of your space.

Painted aluminum, steel, or wood carriage-style garage doors can be finished to match your choice of room colors and designs. For example, the interior of the carriage doors can be stark white, while the exterior of the doors is blue or burgundy.

Likewise, the exterior of your carriage doors can be sedate gray or white, while the interior of the carriage doors can be decorated with kids’ favorite cartoon characters or covered with a scenic decal of a favorite city or beach. If you don’t want the decor-ruining clutter of a ceiling-mounted garage door opener, have a low-profile opener installed above the garage door opening instead.

On fair days, the swing-out carriage doors provide easy access to outdoor cookouts and sunshine. For really hot or cold days, ask your garage door supplier about ways to insulate and seal the garage door area with gaskets and other methods of shutting out exterior temperatures and precipitation.

You Want to Upgrade Your Home Exterior

Garage doors are so integral to the character of architecture that the National Park Service advises restorers of old buildings to retain as much of the original garage door designs as possible.

On projects including restoration of Maryland’s Burgess Carriage House, Utah’s Mountain View Motel, and New Mexico’s Monte Vista Fire Station, the original carriage-style garage doors were incorporated into the building renovations.

Without their vintage carriage doors, older structures lose their charm and timelessness. Take a cue from the power of the garage door, and transform your home from ordinary to amazing with carriage-style garage doors of your own. If your home seems ordinary and plain, a new set of carriage-style doors is one of the easiest ways to give your home some personality and warmth.

Choose regally appointed and stained carriage-style garage doors that open majestically outward when you return to your home. Or go for cottage-type garage doors in the carriage style to give your boring, cold home exterior a bright lift.

Carriage-style garage doors come in so many styles and options that you’ll have a hard time picking your favorites. No matter which style or type of carriage-style garage doors you choose, your home is refreshed and updated without fuss or fanfare.

Order your new carriage-style garage doors for your home in Plano, Texas , or the surrounding region by contacting Plano Overhead Garage Door today. We offer all types of faux and real carriage-style garage doors to give your home a fast upgrade with our safe, reliable garage door products and installation.

The post Situations Where Carriage-Style Garage Doors Make Sense appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won't Open

Thu, 16 May 2019 19:34:00 GMT

Broken Garage Door Remote

The problem may be your garage door remote. Check the batteries in your garage door opener, and if necessary, replace them. If this isn’t the problem, check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to reprogram the remote. Your remote needs an interference-free path from it to the unit inside your garage. If there are signals causing interference, your opener won’t work.
If you’ve tried everything and the opener still won’t open, it’s time to have it replaced. A professional can help you choose the right garage door remote for your needs and how to program it correctly.

Broken Torsion Springs or Cables

The torsion spring and cables on your garage door are connected, and chances are if one breaks, the other will break as well. When you open your garage door, the cables pull on the torsion springs, releasing the built-up energy, which allows the door to go up. Both the cables and the springs have a limited lifespan.
If you are inside or near your garage and the torsion springs or cables break, you’ll hear the loud snapping noise it makes. A broken cable or torsion spring lying on the garage floor is another clear sign either has broken. Contact a professional immediately if you suspect the torsion springs or cables have broken. Do not attempt to manually open your door or replace either component yourself.

Broken Garage Door Gears

A grinding noise when you’re trying to open the garage door typically means one thing: the gears and drive that turn to lift your garage door are broken. If the issue is the gears, they can be replaced.
However, if the gear box is out, it’s better to also replace the gears. When you allow the older gears to remain on your new gear box, they will fail more quickly than the gear box, which could lead to unnecessary damage.

Garage Door Fell Off the Track

If the garage door fell off the track, the garage door might lift off the ground a little bit, but it will be shaky. Your garage door might completely fall off and hit the ground. Either way, the issue is that your garage door fell off the track. Here are a few reasons why this might happen:

If the garage door is in danger of falling off the track or if it falls slightly, do not go near it and instead, contact a professional. Unfortunately, one of the other main reasons a garage door will fall off the track is if the garage door is hit by your vehicle.
If you accidentally ram your garage door, do not try to lift the garage door or attempt to move it off your vehicle. Garage doors are surprisingly-heavy, and you could wind up hurting yourself.

Bottom of Garage Door Is Frozen

Your garage door is in perfect working order, there are fresh batteries in the garage door opener, but it still won’t budge. If it’s cold outside, the issue might be that the garage door is frozen shut. Do not use the garage door opener to try and force your door open. This could burn out the motor. Instead, try to open the door manually.
If the door still won’t budge, carefully remove the ice by either melting it with a heat source, pour rock salt or ice melt on the affected area, or carefully chip away at it with an ice scraper. Prevent your garage door from freezing shut in the future by removing any ice before it accumulates and by opening the door at least once-a-day, even if you’re not leaving your home.
From a busted torsion spring and cable to busted remote opener or a broken gear box, there are several possible reasons why your garage door won’t open. If you have any further questions, contact the professionals at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

The post Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Aging in Place? 5 Ways to Make Your Garage Safer

Thu, 16 May 2019 19:26:00 GMT

Slips and falls can happen easily in dark rooms. Brightening the garage can prevent accidents and injuries. You can do this in many ways.

Install Electric Lights
Work with an electrician to install more electric lighting in your garage. Workshop LED lighting is a very effective type of lighting for garage environments. Talk to your electrician about installing motion-sensor lights that turn on when someone enters the garage. This way, you won’t have to worry about turning on the lights when you drive your car into the garage.

Install a Garage Door with Windows
Windows provide natural lighting that helps brighten interior spaces during the day. For the most natural light possible, ask your garage door company about aluminum-frame frosted-glass garage doors. These doors have a sleek, modern look that is very befitting of modern homes. Because they are made up primarily of glass, these garage doors provide a lot of light.

If you’re not interested in a modern design, ask your garage door company to show you carriage-style garage doors with windows. These garage doors allow less light into the garage, but for a homeowner seeking a more traditional architectural style, these garage doors are a good choice.

Non-automatic garage doors can be difficult to open and close. These garage doors can even be a danger to people operating them, because they lack some of the safety mechanisms of automatic garage doors. The age-in-place benefits of automatic garage doors include:

The ease of use of automatic garage doors enables seniors to access their garage without excessive physical exertion.

A lot of people store more than their car in their garage. Boxes, power tools, chemicals, yard tools, potting soil, and even patio furniture are common items in garages. Storing these tools in the walkway or on the floor can lead to trips and falls. Keeping a clear walkway can prevent accidents. You have many ways that you can clear the floors to make them safe:

Decluttering and purging can be a physically taxing activity. Ask a relative or friend for help with this activity.

Single car garages can be very narrow. For a senior who is wheelchair-bound or for a senior who uses a walker, a single car garage may be too narrow to hold a vehicle. For some seniors, the best way to create a wider, safer walkway is to widen the garage.

If you decide to take this route, talk to your garage door company about installing a single large garage door, instead of two single-sized garage doors if you have them. Removing the center post requires construction, but it makes a sizeable change to your accessibility. With one large garage door, you’ll be able to pull into your garage in the center, leaving lots of room on each side for entering and exiting your vehicle.

Testing the automatic garage door safety features is an excellent way to ensure that your garage door is safe to use. You can do this yourself if you feel comfortable. To start, wave a broom in the path of the closing door. If the door does not reverse course, have a garage door repair person inspect the garage door.

Next, leave a paper towel roll in the path of the door, then try to close it on the paper towel roll. When the garage door touches the paper towel roll, it should reverse course instantly. If it does not, contact a garage door company.

If you’re not comfortable testing these features yourself, have a garage door contractor test these safety features for you. Schedule an annual appointment with a garage door repair person for maintenance and a tune-up.

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we’re happy to answer your questions and give you more information about improving the safety of your garage. Call us today to find out more.

The post Aging in Place? 5 Ways to Make Your Garage Safer appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

7 Ways to Make Your Garage a More Functional Space

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 21:38:00 GMT

Before you make any changes to your garage, make a plan. What do you want to do in your garage? What kind of activities will take place in your garage? What will be stored there? Who will spend time in the garage, and how often will they go there? Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll be able to make smarter choices during your garage update.

Hopefully your garage already gets power, but if the space suffers from a lack of outlets, then you may find it hard to do anything useful with the space. Hire a licensed electrician to install outlets in key places where you plan to do work. If you’re going to be using power tools, talk to your electrician about which power tools.

Some tools require a dedicated circuit. Your electrician will need to determine whether or not your home’s electrical service is enough to support a dedicated circuit for your power tools. If you plan to install a heater or air conditioner (discussed below), talk to your electrician. You may need a dedicated circuit for that as well.

A lot of garages start out unfinished, which means the beams in the walls are exposed and there’s no insulation. The look is not attractive, and it makes temperature control very difficult.

To finish your garage, install batt insulation and dry wall over the insulation. Even if you plan to do this work yourself, consult with a construction contractor to find out what kind of venting will be necessary to ensure that your garage can still breathe.

Check your garage door for insulation. Some garage doors are hollow and others have an insulated core. If your garage door is not insulated, work with your garage door repair person to figure out your options regarding an insulated garage door.

A lot of garages are a draw for pests. Mice and insects are common invaders in garage spaces. If your garage is infested, eliminate those pests. Weatherstrip the sides and bottom of your garage door, windows, and doors. Lock away any food sources, like bird seed or grass seed, that might attract pests. Work with a pest control company to get the infestation under control.

Here in Plano, the average summer temperatures range between the mid-70’s and mid-90’s , and winter temperatures range between mid-30’s to mid-50’s. Without climate control in your garage, you could find your work space unsuitable for use for a substantial part of the year. You can make your garage more comfortable by installing a small portable heater and air conditioner.

If you want a more permanent solution, talk to an HVAC contractor about installing a mini-split ductless heat pump. A good heat pump can serve as an air conditioner or as a furnace, and requires no duct work.

No matter what you do in the garage, you’ll need to be able to see properly. Work with your electrician to install a variety of lights like task lighting, overhead lighting or track lighting. If you’re on a budget and trying to keep costs down, purchase a few inexpensive fluorescent lights, hang them from the ceiling yourself, and plug them into existing power outlets.

Keep whatever lights you install away from the garage door tracks. If you install lights around the path of the door, work with your garage door contractor and electrician to ensure that your door can still open and close without the lights getting in the way.

Once you’ve made your garage space more functional and have started to fill it up with items like power tools, hobby tools, and other important personal items, garage security will become more important than ever. Install motion-activated lights to keep away intruders who might be attracted to your garage.

Work with your garage door repair person to ensure that your garage door opener works properly, and your garage door is secure. Start bringing your garage door clicker inside at night if you don’t already, to avoid car and garage break-ins.

Work With Your Garage Door Repair Person

You’ll need help from a lot of professionals during this extensive project. Before getting started, consult with your garage door contractor to ensure that your garage door is fit for a fully finished garage. Your garage door repair person can give you suggestions for making your garage a better space to spend time.

For more information, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door for a free consultation.

The post 7 Ways to Make Your Garage a More Functional Space appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

5 Obvious Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repairs

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:04:00 GMT

This maintenance will not only ensure that your garage door operates safely, but also that it will last for many years to come. Most garage doors typically last a few decades, but you can make sure yours has a long lifespan by taking good care of your garage door.

One of the best ways to provide good garage door maintenance is knowing when your garage door needs repairs. Here are five obvious signs your garage door needs repairs.

1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

A garage door that won’t open or close is a frustrating problem to have. Oftentimes, the inability to open or close is due to a faulty part, such as the following:

The springs in your garage door could also cause the problem. Your garage door likely has two kinds of springs, torsion springs or extension springs.

Sometimes the garage door will stop halfway upon opening, and other times the garage door won’t be able to open at all. If either of these is the case, the springs in your garage door most likely need to be replaced.

2. Your Garage Door Sounds Noisy

A garage door that makes strange sounds is not only an annoyance, but it’s also a sign that it probably needs to be repaired. The specific sound your garage door makes could indicate the type of repair it needs. For example, a rumbling or grating sound might mean there is something wrong with the torsion springs.

If your garage door makes a popping sound, the sections may not be coming together properly. If the door drags against the track, you might hear a grinding noise. If your garage door makes any of these sounds or it just doesn’t sound right to you, something on your garage door most likely needs repairs.

3. Your Garage Door Has Come Off Its Tracks

The rollers on your garage door help it to smoothly open and close, and when these rollers jump the track, your garage door becomes difficult and dangerous to operate. A garage door comes off-track in a number of different ways including:

No matter how your garage door has come off its tracks, the repairs must be made immediately, as serious injuries can occur for those trying to open or close the garage door.

4. Your Garage Is Out of Balance

If an out-of-balance garage door isn’t repaired right away, one of the springs could become more worn than the other. The over-stressed spring will then snap, and the weakened spring will increase the workload of your garage door opener, possibly leading to premature failure.

Here are a couple of different ways to tell if your garage door is out of balance:

Besides sagging and uneven closing, you can determine if your garage door is out of balance with these steps.

Shut off your automatic opener and manually open or close the door to its halfway point. If your door continues to go up or down, it means something is out of alignment and it needs to be repaired. The balance of your garage door should be checked at least once a month.

5. Your Garage Door Has a Slow Response Time

When your garage door takes more than a few seconds to fully open, check a few things before calling the professionals. Start by lubricating the rollers, hinges, and tracks of your garage door to ensure that the door doesn’t stick when it opens. If your garage door still has a slow response time, you might have a bigger problem and should call a professional garage door repairman.

If you notice any of the above signs, or you are having another kind of problem with your manual or automatic garage door, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door today. We have been providing quality garage door repairs and service in Plano and the surrounding area since 1977. Call us for fast, effective garage door repairs!

The post 5 Obvious Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repairs appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

My Garage Door Clicker Was Stolen: Now What?

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 20:38:00 GMT

If the clicker was stolen from the car while it was not at the house, some homeowners assume that their house is safe because the thief has no way to know where they live, but this is not the case. Car registrations and even license plates can be traced back to an address, so if your clicker was stolen from your car, your home could be at risk.

As a homeowner, you can protect yourself from thieves by taking the following steps. These tips can help you prevent someone unwanted from entering your house.

Contact the Police

If you’re sure that your remote has been stolen, check your car or home to be sure that nothing else has been stolen. Make a note of everything that you’ve lost. When you’re done looking, contact the local police to tell them your story. They may want to know how the clicker was stolen, when you saw it last, and when you believe the theft occurred.

If you’ve lost several expensive items beyond the clicker, contact your insurance agency to find out whether or not these items are covered either under your car insurance or your homeowners insurance policy. Opening a claim can help you collect damages for your loss.

Clear Out All Your Existing Programmed Devices

Now it’s time to disable your garage door remote control. By wiping the connection between the garage door and the clicker, you can prevent any thieves from entering your house.

Every unit is different, but many units can be deprogrammed by pushing the Learn or Smart button on the side of the garage door motor. Hold down the button for several seconds. When you do this, you may see a nearby light start to blink, or turn off or turn on. This indicates that the deprogramming has taken place.

If you have a spare clicker in your house, you can check if all the devices have been deprogrammed from the door by trying the second clicker or other previously programmed device. As long as none of your devices will now open the door, then the deprogramming has worked.

Gain Temporary Access to Your Garage

Once you’ve deprogrammed your garage door, you can either reprogram your spare clicker to control your garage door or you can open and shut the door manually.

If you want to open and shut your door manually, do so by pulling the red emergency release cord that hangs from the trolley with the door in the closed position. This releases the door from the motor and enables you to open and shut the door by hand. However, unless your garage door has a manual lock on the inside, pulling the emergency release lever means that anyone can come to your door and open it from the outside at any time.

This puts you back in the position of having an unsecured garage door. The best way to keep your garage door safe and locked from intruders is to reprogram your spare clicker to control the garage door. Follow the instructions in your garage door opener owner’s manual to do this, or locate model numbers on the motor on the ceiling to search for more information online. If the manual cannot be found online or by contacting the manufacturer, you can contact your local garage door company and have an experienced technician come out and get everything reprogrammed for you.

Buy a New Remote

Once your spare clicker has been programmed, you can take your time and buy another garage door clicker from a trusted garage door company. Some homeowners choose never to replace their stolen clicker but instead choose to live with just one. Keep in mind that you’ll be expected to turn over your garage door clickers when you sell your house. If you only have one clicker, you’ll need to specify that in your purchase agreement, or you could find yourself buying a replacement at the close of escrow.

Protect Yourself in the Future

Hopefully, losing your garage door clicker taught you a lesson that you won’t soon forget. Now here’s what you can do to prevent this problem from happening in the future:

If your clicker ever disappears and you’re not sure if it’s been lost or stolen, play it safe and wipe the memory from your clickers. If you find the clicker once again, you can reprogram it to open your garage door at that time.

Work With a Reputable Garage Door Company

If you’re in the Plano or Dallas, Texas area and you have questions about what to do when your clicker is stolen or how to keep your garage door secure, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . We’ll be happy to help! 972-422-1695

The post My Garage Door Clicker Was Stolen: Now What? appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

1 Big Garage Door or 2 Smaller Doors?

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:40:00 GMT

The economy is booming and new-construction homes are becoming commonplace. Homeowners who build their own homes have many choices to make. One of these decisions includes: Should the garage have two single-size garage doors or one two-car door?

While this may sound like a simple question, the answer can be complicated. If you’re building a new construction home and trying to decide whether or to build a garage with one big door or two smaller doors, here’s what you need to think about.

Accessibility

Having one large entryway into your garage rather than two smaller entryways makes parking in the garage easier. This is especially true if you own an extra-large vehicle, like a big truck. Big vehicles can be a tight squeeze through small doorways. One large entryway is also more convenient if you own three very small cars that you hope to fit inside the garage side by side.

However, there is one way in which accessibility is improved by installing two small garage doors over one big garage door. When a two-car garage door breaks down, you may not be able to get any cars into or out of the garage. In a garage with two single doors, both doors operate on different systems. One door will remain operational even if the other door is broken.

Maintenance

Double the doors can mean double the maintenance. Each door must be tuned up separately, which can mean two tune-up charges every year.

However, even if a two-car door requires less maintenance than two single-size doors, two-car garage doors are much heavier. The wear and tear on a system for a two-car garage door can be extensive, which may lead to greater repair costs.

In addition, if the garage door is damaged by impact from a car or another moving vehicle, a two-car garage door may be more costly to repair or replace than a small garage door.

Installation Costs

Installation costs vary from one garage door to the next, depending on factors such as the size, insulation level, and materials used. Homeowners who want to save as much money as possible on their garage door installation should be aware of two important differences between the purchase of one two-car versus two single-size doors:

In other words, installing two doors can be more costly than installing one door. If you’re a homeowner on a budget and yet you believe that two single doors is a better option for you than one two-car door, you may need to shop around to find something that fits in your budget.

Temperature Control and Insulation

Temperature control and efficiency are very important for many modern homeowners. More often than not, modern homeowners insulate their garage to help control the temperature inside their house. As soon as a two-car door opens, the inside of the garage is filled with air from the outside. If the temperature outside is cold, the inside of the garage becomes cold.

The best way to control the temperature inside the garage is to install two single-size doors and open them separately as needed. Although air from the outside will make its way into the garage with only one single-size door open, the limited exposure between the inside and outside will help control the temperature in the garage slightly more effectively than a two-car.

Privacy

If you’re a homeowner who wants to load your garage with boxes and personal belongings, a single-size garage door will limit the visibility into your garage from the street. You’ll be able to hide anything valuable or unattractive that you want to keep out of the view of your neighbors and any strangers passing by. A two-car door opens up your entire garage to the street every time you open the door, even if you only use one side of the garage for a car.

Now that you have more information about single-size versus two-car garage doors, putting all of this information together can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide which size and type of door is right for you, contact a garage door installation expert in your area. Get some quotes to see what will fit in your budget. Your door installation company can help you pick the right door or set of doors based on your budget, lifestyle, habits, and other preferences.

If you have more questions about new garage doors in the Dallas, Texas area, contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you information that can help.

The post 1 Big Garage Door or 2 Smaller Doors? appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

4 Features You Should Look for in a Garage Door Opener

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:26:00 GMT

1. Silent System Operation

Noisy garage doors might not seem like a big problem, but if you have small children, jittery pets, or people in your household who work odd hours, a little extra noise can become a big problem.

Many older garage door openers used chain drives or long, threaded screw-cut pipes to raise and lower garage doors. As these metal elements ran through the system, they created clanking noises that could be heard throughout the house, especially in rooms adjacent to garage areas.

Fortunately, many modern garage door opener brands have implemented the use of quieter rubber belts to raise and lower doors.

Reinforced to handle friction easily, rubber drive belts have a rack and pinion assembly that allows the garage door opener to run the belt through quietly to open and close the door. Because the belt is flexible, less jumping occurs, which keeps the garage door still as it smoothly transitions into place.

To make garage door openers even quieter, some manufacturers use insulating products on the outer shell of the opener, preventing sound waves from traveling into your home.

2. Wi-Fi Connectivity

You never know when you will need to let a visitor into your home or when those existing garage door remotes will run out of batteries, which is why many garage doors today are Wi-Fi compatible. Because some systems are designed to connect seamlessly to the Internet, users have the option of using an installed smartphone app to open, close, or check on their garage door.

If you are worried about running an Ethernet cable to your garage door opener, you shouldn’t be. Many new garage door openers have built-in wireless cards, allowing you to tie in with your existing wireless signal. If you lose your garage door opener or you need to open your garage when you are out and about, you can quickly access the application, trigger the opening or closing mechanism, and go about your day.

Wireless connectivity also gives users the opportunity to troubleshoot their systems without as much legwork. Since garage door opener programs typically contain user setting options and sections for diagnostic controls, you can see where your garage door opener is having problems and access the customer support number easily.

3. Add-On Modules

If you thought being able to open your door remotely and diagnose your entire system easily was convenient, just imagine being able to harness the power of your garage door to fuel other helpful devices. Some modern garage door openers have add-on modules that can be connected to the body of the opener, making it easy to do everything from listening to music to powering a new saw.

Bluetooth speaker modules added to garage door openers give you the chance to listen to music while you work on your car or do a little woodworking, while the addition of charging stations and retractable cords make your garage easier to store and power gadgets. Some garage door opener modules are designed to do things like detect carbon monoxide and light the floor to make parking easier.

Because needs are always changing, look for a garage door opener that allows you to add onto the system later. After all, you never know when you will need an extra power outlet or a way to park a new car without dangling a tennis ball from the ceiling.

4. Auto-Closer

How many times have you driven away from your home wondering if you remembered to close the garage door? Open garage doors pave the way for problems like pest infestations and burglaries, putting your home at risk. Fortunately, some garage doors contain built-in timers that trigger the garage closing sequence after a certain amount of time.

Using the on-board timer and motion detector, these garage doors can tell if the door has been open for longer than the set amount of time, and they close accordingly to keep your home safe. For instance, if you set your garage door opener to close after 10 minutes of being open, your door will automatically shut after this time has elapsed.

If cars, people, or other pieces of property are in place that could prevent the door from shutting safely, the door can even trigger an alarm to notify you.

Whether you are thinking about replacing your garage door or you are looking for an opener that meets your family’s needs, stop by and see us here at Plano Overhead Garage Door . With an incredible selection and a focus on customer service, we can help you to create a more beautiful, functional garage space. Visit our website to learn more.

The post 4 Features You Should Look for in a Garage Door Opener appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Homes for Our Troops

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 15:33:00 GMT

We were given the chance to donate our services to SSgt Omar Milan and the home the Homes for Our Troops is building his family. It is a huge blessing to be a part of his story and his journey.

From https://www.hfotusa.org/building-homes/veterans/milan/:
During his third tour on Jan. 9, 2012, Marine Staff Sergeant Omar Milan, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, was conducting post-blast analysis in support of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines in the Nawa District of Afghanistan, when he was in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of SSgt Milan’s right leg, significant injuries to his left leg, loss of fingers on his left hand and damage to his right arm among other injuries.
After enduring 40 surgeries and physical therapy for two years, Omar was medically retired in 2014. He now lives with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters in Texas and says a home adapted to his injuries will help him and his family tremendously.
Omar is thankful to everyone who will contribute to his build project. “My family and I are forever grateful for everything and every single person who make this possible.”
The Finished Product:

Guide to Keeping Critters Out of the Garage

Sat, 28 Jul 2018 17:44:00 GMT

Pests in your garage can also be a health hazard. Bats, raccoons, mice, and rats can all carry diseases that affect humans and pets. Also, some pests can also cause damage to vehicles parked in the garage.

Follow this garage door guide to help reduce the chances of your garage becoming a home to unwanted guests.

Replace Weather Stripping

A poorly sealed garage door is your garage’s weakest point. Generally, mice and other small mammals can get in through the garage door if it not properly sealed. A garage with good weatherstripping will keep mice out.

Every few months, check the weatherstripping on your garage door. The weatherstripping should still adhere properly, should not be cracked, and should not have any holes or sagging areas. Replace weatherstripping if it is not in good shape. Seasonal damage to weatherstripping is common, especially in hot or humid areas.

You can also look for signs of mouse damage to the stripping itself. Mice can chew through weatherstripping. Run your hands over the weatherstripping when your door is open. If you notice areas that seem ragged or snagged, mice may have been trying to get in or get out through your garage door.

Install a Threshold

You might consider installing a threshold or a rodent guard to prevent mice from getting under the garage door. These help to create an even firmer seal to keep mice at bay. Thresholds also help to stop flood water from entering your garage.

Patch Holes or Consider Replacements

If your garage door is old, it could have patches of rust or even areas where the door itself has begun to break down. Rust can cause minute holes that allow for insects and rodents to enter the garage with ease.

Some smaller patches can be repaired by a garage door specialist, but if your goal is to keep animals out, consider replacing a failing garage door with a new, solid one. If your door was metal, consider a wood or fiberglass door to prevent future metal fatigue.

Check Springs and Other Components

Some doors with older springs or electric lifts may not close firmly. Even a tiny gap at the base of the garage door is enough to allow mice and insects into the garage. Replacing old components will not only make your garage more secure against unwanted animals, but the replacements will also make your door safer to use.

Use Timers and Sensors

Make it a habit to always close your garage door when you are not home or when you’re not using it. A nicely-fitting door won’t do any good if it is always open.

You might consider a door timer or an automatic sensor if you have trouble remembering to close the door. These sensors will close your door automatically a few minutes after you open it. You’ll never sit at work and wonder if you remembered to shut the garage door after pulling out the driveway.

Consider Other Points of Entry

Check other openings to the garage for signs of weakness. Windows and entrance doors should also have good weatherstripping. If you notice cracks in the concrete or gaps in the siding, seals these with foam or repair the area before you have any unwelcome guests.

Manage the Moisture

Moisture can be a draw for pests, especially insects. Fix roof leaks and grading issues that cause leaks in the garage. Standing water by the garage door will cause weatherstripping to fail sooner. If you have a wooden garage door, managing moisture is a key part of maintenance. Moisture can eventually ruin protective finishes and leave you vulnerable to termites and ants.

Keep Things Clean

Sweep out leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from the garage periodically. Don’t leave debris in the path of the garage door where the debris can create gaps in the weather stripping from the weight of the door pushing down on small rocks or twigs.

Also, don’t forget to keep the rest of the garage neat and organized. Your goal in organizing your garage should be minimizing hiding, feeding, and nesting places for animals. You don’t want to encourage animals to find ways to break in to access available food and trash. Animals enjoy garages because they provide food and shelter from the sun, rain, and other predators.

Make your garage a critter-free zone by taking the right precautions. Don’t ignore garage door maintenance. For more information on garage doors , contact us at Plano Overhead Garage Door.

The post Guide to Keeping Critters Out of the Garage appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Is Your Garage Door Secure?

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:52:00 GMT

Garage door security is a common topic of interest for homeowners. Garage doors are only as secure as people make them. Knowing the points of vulnerability and what features and habits can fortify your garage door can help make your home more secure.

Frosted Windows

Carriage-style garage doors with windows are very fashionable right now. Unfortunately, potential intruders could use these windows to their advantage. Being able to see into the garage enables an intruder to strategize, find a way around the lock and view what might be worth taking in the garage. Therefore, we suggest that customers have windows installed at the top of the garage door to prevent such visibility.

Frosted windows can also prevent this from being a problem. Work with your garage door company to purchase a garage door with frosted windows instead of transparent windows. Even tinting the windows can help ensure that the garage door will be safe from potential intruders.

Timer

Sometimes people open the garage door, and then forget that they’ve left it open. Driving away from the house with the garage door open to the world makes everything inside the garage vulnerable to potential theft.

Fortunately, there’s a way to fix this problem. On new models of garage door openers, an internal timer can be used to shut the garage door a certain number of minutes after the garage door is opened. This can help ensure that the garage door will always be closed when the house is empty.

Talk to your garage door company to discuss timer options and whether or not your garage door has such a timer already, or if a garage door opener with a timer could be installed.

Door Shield and Locks

The emergency door release is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a handle on the inside of the garage door that disconnects the garage door from the power train. When the emergency door release is pulled, the door can be opened easily from the inside or outside in most scenarios.

Some homeowners choose to secure their emergency release cord with a zip tie. This does prevent burglars from opening the door from the outside. Unfortunately, this can also prevent the emergency release cord from being used in an actual emergency. Homeowners are much better off having a slide lock installed on the inside of their garage door that locks on the side of the door along the tracks. They even make garage door openers with a feature called “Auto-Lock” that engages a steel rod through the track electronically every time the door closes. It then unlocks the slide lock electronically and automatically before the door opens.

If you’re a homeowner looking for a garage door lock that works for your door, talk to your garage door contractor for suggestions.

Good Habits

A garage door opener left inside a car in plain view can be a source of temptation for intruders. Homeowners who have a habit of leaving their garage door opener in their car could be putting their garage and their home at risk.

Homeowners who want to develop smart garage door habits can do so by keeping their garage door opener in their purse, wallet or brief case during the day. At night, bringing the garage door opener indoors can help keep the garage door safe.

We all have a neighbor who leaves their garage door open during the day when they aren’t home. Whether by mistake or on accident, this is a huge risk and should be avoided at all costs.

Alarm

An alarm is also an excellent way to keep a garage door secure. Homeowners seeking to increase security in their home can do so by having an alarm installed in their home. Usually this involves working with a home security company.

If you’re a homeowner hoping to keep your home secure, you can get an alarm for your garage door by contacting a reputable home security company in your area. Be sure to get quotes from several companies before settling on the company that’s right for you.

Contact Your Garage Door Company For More Information

If you have more questions about what you can do to keep your garage door secure, talk to a reputable garage door company in your area. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we’re happy to answer your questions. Call us today for more information!

The post Is Your Garage Door Secure? appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

7 Warning Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:41:00 GMT

Garage Doors are Now #1 Value vs Cost Home Upgrade!

That’s right, move over kitchen upgrades! Installing an upscale garage door now officially has the highest return on investment out of all home improvement projects! Upscale garage door installations were found to recoup an unheard-of 98.3% of their investment according to a national study by Remodeling Magazine. This is significantly higher than the 82.8% return on investment that a $20,000 kitchen remodel will get you, and an upscale garage door is only going to cost you 10% of what a new kitchen would cost. An upscale garage door costs 74% less than the average exterior home renovation project.
Curb appeal is more important now than ever, and homeowners and neighborhood associations are taking notice. Most Homeowners Associations now allow carriage house style garage door installations, and neighborhoods across Collin County are being built with the entire neighborhood having custom garage doors. Even garages with alley or rear entry are included in these statistics, so it’s time to stop thinking that nobody cares about your garage door and give your neighbors something to talk about!
We offer a variety of wooden, carriage style, and glass options. Click Here to Learn More!

We are North Texas’ #1 Custom Garage Door Company and we’d love the opportunity to prove it to you! 100% FREE in-home estimates since 1977! Call Today! 972-422-1695
Tags: Custom Garage Doors Plano Texas , Garage Door Cost vs Value , Special Order Garage Doors , Upgrade Garage Door Dallas , Upscale Garage Doors

Garage Doors are Now #1 Value vs Cost Home Upgrade!

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:52:00 GMT

That’s right, move over kitchen upgrades! Installing an upscale garage door now officially has the highest return on investment out of all home improvement projects!

Upscale garage door installations were found to recoup an unheard-of 98.3% of their investment according to a national study by Remodeling Magazine . This is significantly higher than the 82.8% return on investment that a $20,000 kitchen remodel will get you, and an upscale garage door is only going to cost you 10% of what a new kitchen would cost. An upscale garage door costs 74% less than the average exterior home renovation project.

Curb appeal is more important now than ever, and homeowners and neighborhood associations are taking notice. Most Homeowners Associations now allow carriage house style garage door installations, and neighborhoods across Collin County are being built with the entire neighborhood having custom garage doors. Even garages with alley or rear entry are included in these statistics, so it’s time to stop thinking that nobody cares about your garage door and give your neighbors something to talk about!

We offer a variety of wooden, carriage style, and glass options. Click Here to Learn More!

We are North Texas’ #1 Custom Garage Door Company and we’d love the opportunity to prove it to you!

100% FREE in-home estimates since 1977! Call Today! 972-422-1695

The post Garage Doors are Now #1 Value vs Cost Home Upgrade! appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

Company Bio Published in International Door & Operator!

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 17:14:00 GMT

The Chief Editor of International Door and Operator Industry Magazine (along with the International Door Association) came to visit a few months back to learn more about our company. We had no idea it would turn into a 5 page company bio, but we are absolutely thrilled!!! Thank you to Chris Long and their staff for taking time to learn more about us and share our story!

The post Company Bio Published in International Door & Operator! appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

The Results Are In!

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 17:52:00 GMT

We want to say thank you to all of our customers who used our company in 2017! Many of you took the time to vote for and review our company on various websites, and we’re proud to continue to live up to your expectations. Let’s make 2018 just as great!

The post The Results Are In! appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

A 7 Year Old Warrior

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 17:04:00 GMT

This summer, seven-year-old Paetyn, received an extremely rare diagnosis of both AML and ALL leukemia. Putting her “chemo infused ninjas” to work, Paetyn began a battle that no child should ever have to fight… and SHE WON!

This month, Paetyn will undergo a stem cell transplant as part of her treatment plan. In a combined effort with Dance Company of Wylie (DCW), we helped create a number of activity boxes to help keep Paetyn busy during her extended hospital stay. Each of DCW’s competitive dance teams took on a theme and donated numerous games, puzzles, books, activities, etc. Plano Overhead then stepped in to purchase various sizes of storage totes to help keep Paetyn’s new activities organized in the hospital.

Knowing that Paetyn’s medical expenses and her parents’ time taken off work quickly causes bills to pile up, we also contributed a monetary donation to assist her family with their current needs.

Pictured with Paetyn is her friend, dance teammate and Plano Overhead family member, Audrey McGregor.

Please join us as we pray for Paetyn!

The post A 7 Year Old Warrior appeared first on Plano Overhead Door .

New Charities Added & Other Donations

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 15:51:00 GMT

We were able to purchase enough toys this year for 15 children in need of support! Giving gifts is the reason for the season, especially to children who might not have gotten gifts otherwise!

Along with our ongoing side projects to support local organizations, we are thrilled to announce that we have added 4 organizations to our normal giving this year. We have continued to be blessed, and we are extremely grateful to be in the position that we are!

Ongoing Charities

2017 Humanitarian Award Winner!

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 15:58:00 GMT

We are happy to announce that during the 2018 IDA Expo in Las Vegas, we will be presented with the 2017 Humanitarian Award!

One of our missions at Plano Overhead is to run an ethical business while being sure to give back to our community. We regularly provide monetary donations to various charities, volunteer our time for those in need, and try to be good stewards in everything that we do. Even during the Great Recession of 2008, when our company was in sizable debt, we gave what we could because we know that there’s more to business than just making money. We are active within the churches we attend, and we like to be humble in everything that we do.

Click Here to learn about some of our past charitable community efforts!

Being a family owned and operated business in Plano for over 40 years, we have experienced hardships alongside our communities. We started the company in our living room in 1977. When we look back at where we came from, it’s humbling to see how far we’ve come and how many great things we have been able to do because of our success. Here’s to another 40 years of charitable contributions and community service!

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: 2017 Humanitarian Award , Award Winning Garage Door Company in Plano , Charitable Donations , Community Outreach , IDA EXPO 2018 Las Vegas , Plano Overhead Awards , Plano Overhead Humanitarian Award , Texas

Say Goodbye to Screw Drive Garage Door Openers

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:03:00 GMT

Say Goodbye to Screw Drive Garage Door Openers

For a stretch in the 1980’s until the early 2000’s, screw-driven garage door openers were all the rage. They were quieter than the old chain drive openers, and they looked a whole lot better as well. The Liftmaster 2000SD and 2000SDR were two of the more popular garage door openers in the past few decades, but soon they will sail into the sunset.
So why get rid of such a great product? The truth is that although they were wildly popular, quieter, had more security features, and had more compatible accessories; they were in fact more temperamental in extreme temperatures. They also utilized a plastic coupler and many other plastic components that just didn’t hold up like everyone had hoped. The screw drive openers allowed for a smoother and more controlled operation, but they needed lithium lubrication at least once a year in the winter time. And let’s face it, for the most part homeowners ignore their garage door openers until they stop working.
The other main reason is that Liftmaster developed a belt driven garage door opener that was actually even quieter than the screw driven rail. They put in a ultra quiet DC motor and utilized belts that are steel reinforced such as the ones you can find powering your engine components under the hood. It took the general public several years to buy into the concept of having a belt lift their opener when they were used to watching a shiny steel screw rod spin around inside an aluminum rail that (even to this day) looked more durable than the new style. The difference was undeniable and therefore the market adjusted. The new belt driven garage door openers had a lifetime warranty on the belt and the motor, whereas most of the screw driven openers had a five year warranty on the same components.
There is no doubt that technology will continue to evolve, and the belt drive is likely not always going to be king. The good news is that Liftmaster and other brands are still producing replacement parts for the old screw drive garage door openers, and customers that have had them installed recently can still expect them to hold up for another five to twenty years depending on how they are maintained.
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 2000SD , 2000SDR Liftmaster , Screw Drive Garage Door Openers , Screw-drive Discontinued , Screwdrive

LED Bulbs and Garage Door Opener Interference

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:06:00 GMT

When your garage door opens by itself, or doesn’t close when you click your remote; it’s an uneasy feeling for sure!
LED lights can indeed interfere with garage door openers, but a majority of instances are when an improper bulb is located within the garage. A list of recommended bulbs for Liftmaster Garage Door Openers can be found HERE .
Standard bulbs over 100W, CFL bulbs over 26W, and Halogen Bulbs can all cause interference. It’s important to note that LED bulbs can cause interference with remote transmissions as you approach your garage as well, giving the illusion that something is wrong with the opener/motor in the garage when it may in fact be a coincidence that your garage door opener may have just started having issues soon after a neighbor put up their LED lights. In other words, if you hit your remote button next to a house with a ton of LED lights, it may take a few times for it to register or it may not work at all because the stronger signal usually wins.
The easiest way to tell is to determine if the problem is happening only when you use your handheld remote control, or if it happens whenever you push the wall button inside the garage as well – since the wall button is hardwired to the opener and cannot be interfered with.
We give free estimates, and would be happy to come out and see if we can detect any interference near the garage. Our senior techs carry Frequency Testers that detect interference. They’re not perfect but they can often point to what might cause the issue. Sometimes it turns out to just be a faulty circuit board within the opener-which we can determine by replacing the circuit board (as long as it’s newer than 1998) and seeing if that alleviates the problem.
If that doesn’t work, customers usually elect to install a new Liftmaster 8550W (our bestselling opener!), which operates on a level of Megahertz that is protected by the FCC to prevent any possible interference (it’s the same frequency that the government uses). You can read more about it here: https://planooverhead.com/liftmaster-garage-door-opener-model-8550w-details-optional-accessories/ Tags: garage door opener interference , garage door openers and LED bulbs

Magnetic Hardware Options

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:11:00 GMT

Want to give your existing garage door an updated look for the holidays or a special occasion without the high price tag? We can help! We now supply magnetic hardware that can be installed in seconds and can be bought over the counter. They are guaranteed to not fall off is held in place by the strongest magnets on earth. They hold 99% of their strength after 10 years. Plus, you can take them with you when you move!
One set of hardware is made of 4 hinges and two handles, with the option to add more- including clavos, the Spanish word for “nail” or spike”. Some customers choose to get two sets of magnetic hardware in order for their two car garage door to appear as if it were atually two barn style doors.

Call or stop by our showroom today for more details. 972-422-1695. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Decorative Hardware , Garage Door Hardware , Magnetic Hardware

All Garages Now Compatible with Phones and Apple HomeKit….Here’s How

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 16:14:00 GMT

Tired of wondering if you actually closed your garage door while you sit at work all day? You’re not the only one. Liftmaster has incorporated smart phone compatibility in most of their new Elite Series garage door openers, but there are also many options to upgrade your existing garage door opener that you might not have heard about until now. You can now convert ANY garage door opener to become smart phone and Apple HomeKit compatible without having to buy a whole new garage door opener! Here’s how:

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Opener App in Plano , Garage Door Phone , Open Garage from Phone , Smart Phone Garage Door Opener , TX

The capacitor, its purpose and when it should be replaced…

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 16:16:00 GMT

Capacitors in garage door openers serve to provide the additional power required to operate most garage door openers. This is needed because electrical outlets lack enough voltage to operate motors as large as those typically found in residential door operators. When a capacitor is “blown”, the garage door opener will not function properly. Some auxiliary functions may work since the unit may still get power, but the most common symptom that indicates a faulty capacitor is when a homeowner states that nothing happens when they press the button.
Plano Overhead Garage Door keeps a variety of capacitors and transformers in stock. If you have a blown capacitor, there’s a 95% chance that we have what you need!
Call or visit the showroom today for assistance in replacing your capacitor today. 972-422-1695
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

LiftMaster 50th Anniversary Sweepstakes

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 16:21:00 GMT

Chance to Win $50,000!

When entering the LiftMaster 50th Anniversary Sweepstakes, you are increasing your chances of winning $50,000 + you get free remote light controls. Between April 17th-June 30, 2017; receive two free remote light controls when you purchase and have a professionally installed a LiftMaster Wi-Fi Garage Door Openers. The models include:

8550W DC Battery Backup Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
8587W AC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
8557W AC Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

Learn More Here! If you have one of these models installed, in order to get your free products and be entered into the $50,000 sweepstakes, customers can fill out an original entry form provided by our installers, or visit LiftMaster.com/Promo to submit online. Plano Overhead Garage Door is a Pro-Vantage LiftMaster Master Dealer. Call or visit our office. We are happy to assist you.

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

What is Window Caming?

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 16:23:00 GMT

Caming is the metal banding that joins panels of glass together in a unique design. In simple terms, it is the lead in leaded glass. Customers have the option of choosing a caming finish that will coordinate with their door hardware, outdoor fixtures and interior furnishing to fit their personal style, preference etc. The caming options include: 1. Brass and 2. Platinum. It is worth noting that this ONLY applies to these window designs offered by C.H.I.: Hawthorne and Somerset (short or long panel) and Somerset (short and long panel). When considering caming all finishes are an important, as they contribute a great deal of visual style to your door design. Call or stop our office to see your different options on new garage doors. 972-422-1695 Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Universal Remotes and Keypads

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:27:00 GMT

Will a Universal Remote or Keypad Work With My Garage Door Opener?

The LiftMaster 387LM and 877MAX universal keyless entry are compatible with all major brands of garage door openers. With these devices, you can open or close a garage door without a remote control or key. You can refer to the lid of the keypad for programming instructions as they are slightly different between the two models mentioned. Start by making sure your garage door opener falls into one of the 4 criteria below: (1) Chamberlain, Sears craftsman, LiftMaster, or master mechanic garage door openers or receivers with: 3 position dip switches.
(2) Genie, Linear, and Moore-o-matic garage door openers or receivers with 2 position dip switches.
(3) Chamberlain, Sears craftsman, LiftMaster, master mechanic garage door openers, or receivers with: yellow (old style), white or grey smart/learn buttons.
(4) Chamberlain, Sears craftsman, LiftMaster, master mechanic, Genie intellicode, Overhead Door, Stanley, Wayne Dalton, or Linear garage door openers with smart/learn buttons.
The LiftMaster 375UT 2-button universal garage door remote control is also compatible with most major brands of garage door openers, gate operators and commercial door operators. With this device, you can program up to two different brands of garage door openers, gate operators and commercial door operators. Programming for the remote is as follows:
(1) start with garage, gate or commercial door closed.
(2) Open remote –press and hold the program button until led light comes on.
(3) Press and release the smart/learn button on your product or match the control dip switches to the existing receiver or remote control.
(4) Press and release the remote control button, when light stops flashing-continue to press and release the button until a click is heard from the opener, a light on the garage blinks, the garage door opens/closes…or a beep is heard. Number of times vary based on type of unit-**see programming instruction guide.
(5) Press program button to exit program mode.
(6) press programmed button to activate product.
All devices above can be purchased at Plano Overhead Garage Door . Call or stop by for your universal garage door keypad or garage door remote needs today! 972-422-1695 Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: garage door opener compatibility , liftmaster universal , universal garage door keypad , Universal garage door remote

First Time Garage Door Buyer?

Tue, 26 Dec 2017 16:29:00 GMT

Buying a garage door/opener is like buying a project, though most people don’t look at it this way. investing wisely in this project that an individual will only partake in, once or twice in a lifetime on an average; will save you time and money now and for the long run…. let’s get started with some brief buyers q & a’s that make the process a little simpler:

Q. What kind of door/opener should I get?

A. What kind of door/opener do you currently have? Do you like it or are you looking to change it up a little bit? Does the current door meet standards, needs and functions of your demand? Based on your answers to these questions you will be able to move forward quickly.

Q. Why should I get a new garage door/opener?

A. If your garage door/opener is damaged beyond repair (whether by natural or human cause), you should probably get a new one. Maybe you’re selling your home and want increase the value of it by installing a new garage door or garage door opener.

Q. What factors should I consider when purchasing a new door?

A. When buying a door always consider cost, size, material, insulation levels and decorative elements; not to mention the overall purpose for usage of the garage. Also consider the type of weather exposure your garage door will have to survive, and any accessibility needs. Also, don’t forget to consider the warranty!

Q. What are the benefits of getting a new garage door/opener?

A. Getting a new door can improve the appearance of your home, increase value of the home, result in less maintenance to your home and personal property by adding security and aiding in insulation to your door and overall home(like a bedroom that sits above the garage) it. Getting a new opener can improve functionality and support to your door.

Q. I am a visual and hands on person. Where can I go to see or touch my purchase, before I actual buy it?

A. There are retailers that provide opportunity for you to come in a showroom and view samples or models of most types of doors and openers available. some folks like to drive around the neighborhood and look at what others have to get a feel of what they may like… try to learn as much as you can because the more you learn about the upkeep of the garage door and opener, the more money you can save in the long run as well.

Q. What is your budget for this project? How can you save cost?

A. Try to stick you your budget as much as you can, with the least amount of out of pocket cost as possible. Chances are that you can save more on a garage door/opener bundle. Always see what your options are. Maybe you can purchase one at a time if you budget does not allow…..get a quote from your dealer and ask how long the quote/estimate is good for.

Projects don’t have to be a big hassle. They have actually be a lot of fun with the right sources and guides…you may even consider yourself to be garage door and opener knowledge certified when you’re done! The more you know before you buy, the better off you will be in the long run!

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

New Color Option: Driftwood!

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 16:32:00 GMT

What’s new with C.H.I. Accents Woodtones?

You may be familiar with the cedars, oaks and mahogany…well the newest addition to the woodtones family is driftwood. Driftwood is an earthy gray tone that is similar in nature to actual driftwood or reclaimed barn wood. These garage doors are meticulously designed and manufactured using full color digital imaging and insulated steel to create a colorful and authentic real wood look. So if you if you are particularly fond of the aging wood/weather-worn look and love the feel of nature’s surrounding; then driftwood would may be the look for you.
Click here to learn more about Accents garage doors , or call us today at 972-422-1695.
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Accents Woodtones , Wooden Garage Door

Genie and Liftmaster Couplers

Sun, 24 Dec 2017 16:34:00 GMT

Garage Door Opener Couplers

The coupling is a rubber sleeve that connects the motor unit sprocket to the rail sprocket. Sometimes this can become worn and damaged and needs to be replaced. On most Genie screw drive openers the motor shaft is connected to the rail screw with a coupler. This allows the motor to turn the screw, which moves the trolley to open and close the garage door. Sometimes the coupler wears out and the motor will turn, but the screw doesn’t turn. As a result the door does not open nor close.
The coupler is used for attaching the screw of Genie screw drive rail to the motor head. This coupler is made to break away if the door hits a hard obstruction, thereby protecting the motor. If the motor of the screw drive Genie runs, but the screw is not turning, this coupler needs replaced. For Genie’s with split-rail screw drives, make sure you are looking at the rail screw nearest to the motor to determine the need for replacement. A grinding noise coming from your screw drive Genie or Overhead probably means you need to replace your coupler.
Plano Overhead Garage Door offers three types of couplers.
(1) Genie old version-which is grey color and is approximately ¾ inch wide and 7/8” tall.
(2) Genie new version-which is silver in color and is approximately ¾ inch wide and 1 inch tall.
(3) LiftMaster version-which is approximately 1 ½ inch wide and 1 1/8 inch tall.
Call or stop by the showroom for your coupling needs today. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Yes, We Sell Parts!

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 16:36:00 GMT

Do you like saving time, money and headaches? If you are the “fix it yourself” kind of person; then we’ve got the parts for you! We’re not just your average garage door and opener dealer. We’ve got garage door parts….. pulleys, nose pieces, safety sensors, hinges, drums, fixtures, chains/belts, circuit boards, tow arms, cables, weather seal, tracks, stiles, struts, rollers, bearings, couplers, capacitors, carriages, limits switches, master chain links, gear kits, sprocket kits and the list goes on…..
Plano Overhead Garage Door proudly maintains one of the largest garage door parts inventories in the DFW metroplex. Why go through the hassle of googling parts to order that take weeks of shipping and may not work? Click here to visit our parts page . Stop by or call our office for assistance today!
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Parts , Garage Door Parts Supplier , Garage Door Springs , Plano Garage Door Parts

Keypad Entry Options for Garages

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:38:00 GMT

If you are looking for one less thing to carry, one less thing to lose and one less way to get locked out; then we have a solution for you. Try a compatible wireless keypad! Keypads offer a safe and functional way to enter your garage door entry way. Plano Overhead Garage Door supplies three main types of keypads:

(1) The LiftMaster 387lm is a universal keyless entry keypad that is compatible with all major brands of garage door openers. It is completely wireless, so you are to open or close a garage door without a remote control or key.
(2) The LiftMaster 877max is a wireless keyless entry keypad that is compatible with all garage door openers manufactured by LiftMaster since January 1993. Open or close a garage door without using a remote control or key. Not to mention the ability to program a temporary code for friends and service people to access.
(3) The Genie wireless keypad is compatible with Genie intellicode and several other Genie models. With this keypad you have the ability to control up to three openers. This keypad has a convenient flip cover. Other models are also available, so go ahead add entry to your life today! Give us a call to come install it for you, or stop by our showroom to buy it today! 972-422-1695 Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Wireless Keypad , Genie Keypad , Keyless Entry , Keypads , Liftmaster Keypad

Garage Door Lubrication

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:48:00 GMT

If you want a garage door to continue to run as smoothly and quietly as possible, it is very important to perform adequate maintenance. A garage door should be lubricated at the least once a year. With all the dust, wind and water exposure that it has to with stand; it is easy understand why. But what type of lubrication should be used?

Plano Overhead Garage Door offers two types of lubrication in its showroom. The 3-in-1 garage door lube is a high performance lubrication with a quick dry no mess formula that prevents rusting. Our technicians use this lubricant on hinges, springs, and any moving part that doesnt have steel ball-bearings such as bearing plates and the inside of the rollers.

Lubriplate is a multi-purpose lithium grease with a thicker viscosity that prevents wear and corrosion. Either lubricant comes highly recommended and both have been used by our technicians for many years. Lubriplate is ideal for screw driven garage door openers to dampen the sound it makes as the screw inside the rail spins at high revolution. You can use lubriplate on ball-bearings, but remember that a little goes a long ways!
Pick up can or tube today at our showroom and start protecting the single largest moving part in your home! Click here to learn more about servicing garage doors, and what we offer during our services. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Lubrication , lubricant garage door opener

40th Anniversary Event!

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:55:00 GMT

Our 40th Anniversary party was awesome! Thank you to all of our customers who came out!

History of Plano Overhead Garage Door in Plano, TX

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:58:00 GMT

Our goal is to treat every customer like family, and to give every customer more than they expected every time we do business. We provide top notch service, repairs, and installations of residential garage doors and openers. Read below to learn more about our journey to where we are today! After working in a machine shop for three years, in 1977 I set out to find an outdoor job in construction. Hollywood Door in Dallas was hiring subcontractors for their installations. There I learned to install Genie garage door openers, attic stairways, and service residential garage doors. I found the installation of Genie openers most interesting and starting contracting to Forbis Electronic. After contracting around Dallas and even doing some commercial garage door repair in Austin; I decided it was time to stop contracting to others and manage my own business.
We started out picking up odd jobs, and marketing using word-of-mouth. Over the next few years, we went from struggling to find work, to busy enough to run a fairly consistent schedule with my work truck staying busy most of the time. In 1984 I took a leap of faith and placed two dollar bill sized ads in red bold print in the GTE Plano directory, using the company name “Plano Door Service”. The cost was 400 per month and my competitors said I was crazy for even thinking about it. Working from the living area in our West Plano home we offered same day service at reasonable rates. Within three months of placing the ad, we hired our first employee. We continued to work out of our home office until 1990; during which we had an assortment of different small to medium size warehouses to store scrap materials.
In 1990, we took the next step and incorporated all of our existing customer base into one company- Plano Overhead, Inc. We also combined our office and warehouse to our first retail location at 801 Jupiter Rd near Plano Parkway & Jupiter Rd. We constructed walls out of garage door panels to create an office that allowed customers to see our steel doors and electric openers- while creating working environment as well. This location served us well as we had significant growth over the next ten years.
In 2000 we moved to 1111 Jupiter Rd. just north of our old location. It was a much nicer showroom with sufficient office and warehouse space. We grew large enough to hire secretaries and a few additional installers. My son, Nick, also joined us as an installer in 2008 after graduating from Texas A&M University. Nick started as an installer learning the business as I did, from the ground up. He worked as an installer for a few years, was Service Manager for about a year, then General Manager for 3 years, and has now been promoted to CEO since 2016. After doing two five year leases the landlord went way up on our projected rent for the next five years and we decided to take yet another leap of faith. We decided that we would attempt to find a location that had highway visibility- at warehouse prices. To do this, we would actually have to separate our retail space from our warehouse space. Fortunately, we were able to find two locations within a mile of one another that was around the same budget as before- but with higher visibility at one location, and more storage at the other. We were up for the challenge!
In 2016, we were able to bring my other son on board to serve as the CFO. He also attended Texas A&M University and lived with my other son, Nick, for a few years. Nobody could be more excited than my other son to have him on board as he helps to bear the weight of continuous growth and transformation of our company.
In 2020, we proudly transferred ownership to our sons Nick and Nathan McGregor. We are confident that our two sons will take our company to heights we never thought possible- while maintaining the integrity, ethics, and values that have always been the backbone of our company!
-Phil McGregor, Founder
Tags: Garage Door Company History , Plano Overhead Garage Door

For Efficiency and the Environment: Paperless Scheduling!!!!

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 18:03:00 GMT

For 40 years, we have carefully and strategically coordinated an ever-growing service schedule for all of our amazing customers. Using our already well designed and unbelievably intricate paper and dry erase system to formulate our plan to switch to a paperless system was essential to avoid transitioning at the customer’s expense. We at Plano Overhead Garage Door are excited to announce that we have officially finished our transition to going paperless!!! It has been a process years in the making, and took some blood, sweat, and tears; but our business is now poised to take on our next 40 years and whatever they may bring! And don’t worry, we have a backup paper system and contingency plans to be sure that we’re ready at all times!

What’s New?

Emailed Invoices
Real-time Updates between Office and Field
Pictures on File
Finger Touch Signature
Links to Review Sites

With our new system, we have drastically improved:

Overall Productivity and Efficiency
Material Costs
Data Security
Document Management
Data Communication
Transition Time
Response Time
Accuracy
Time Allotment
Overall Communication

We are dedicated to serving our community with the highest quality of service for all of your garage door, replacement spring, service, garage door opener, and parts needs in the Plano and Dallas areas. We truly hope that our customers love our new procedures and capabilities as much as we do! Give us a shot, we’ll be happy to provide you with an on-time appointment and as always, a 100% free written (or emailed!) in-home estimate. Give us a call today and experience the difference! 972-422-169 5

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Eco-Friendly Garage Door Company , Garage Door Company Scheduling Software , Paperless Scheduling

American Flag, Golf, Football, and Hunting Printed Garage Doors. Who Knew??

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:09:00 GMT

So many times our lives are so busy, we just need a place to escape, even if it’s just right inside our home. Garage space is most naturally used as storage for our cars, extra boxes, and miscellaneous items. However; as the times are changing they are being used for entertainment, game room space and man caves galore. So spice it up to meet your personality and enjoy an image that takes you away…..

C.H.I., the manufacturer of the garage doors that Plano Overhead installs, notes that whether homeowners have a small outdoor escape or a generous workshop, multiple images are available to accentuate their lifestyle. Accents Images are available in four categories: Destinations, Patriotic, Patterns and Sportsman. “People are amazed at the quality and clarity of the images and how seamlessly the sections are pieced together,” stated Merle Miller, Marketing Specialist at C.H.I. The Destinations category includes images such as ocean, beach and mountain views. The Patriotic category includes the US and Canadian flags. The Patterns category includes images such as brushed and plated metal. Finally, the Sportsman category features images such as fishing, football and golf themes. The company notes that the beauty of Accents Images is how accurately they portray true-to-life colors, from bright blue skies to crystal clear waters. This option is available for interior applications on models 2216, 2283, 4216, 4283, 5216, 5283, 5916, 5983 and is available for interior/ exterior applications on models 2217 and 2284. GARAGE DOOR NEWS (VOLUME 22 ISSUE; 7 JULY 2013) The images are factory printed on the steel and coated in a durable and finished look. No adhesives or questionable applications here, they stand behind their work!
Call today to learn about transforming the inside of your garage into the way you always wished it could be. 972-422-1695
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Accents Images , CHI Accents Images Garage Doors , Customer Garage Door Image , Garage Door Designs , Garage Door Image , Images on Garage Doors , Painting Garage Door

Laser Garage Park Assist Liftmaster 975LM

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:05:00 GMT

LASER GARAGE PARKING ASSIST
Parking inside of your garage is a skill that is developed over a period of time, especially when we have good days and bad days…. Are you tired of not being able to estimate the distance of the wall in your garage as you enter? Is your front bumper full of little scratches from unforeseen accidents? Have you spent endless money on repairs to your bumper and garage door wall? Well now you can park perfectly, every time. The LiftMaster 975LM professional laser garage parking assist is the high-tech solution – designed to work specifically with Chamberlain/LiftMaster brand garage door openers and helps you maximize usable garage space by letting you know exactly where to park and when to stop. The parking assist is perfect for two-car garages and up to two laser parking assist will work with each garage door opener. It is simple to install and program. The laser is safe on the eyes and clearly visible. Make this a part of your park safe system today and save yourself a lot of hassle. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

A Customer’s Experience

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 18:11:00 GMT

Style is a Way to Say Who you are without having to speak!!!!

As a first time home buyer; I really want to make an outstanding impression on my family and friends. I wanted something that says who we are as a family represented in our home. We have rented/leased a few homes in the past that were really nice but just lacked that “little something” that just gave it an extra kick. I was not sure what feature of the home to address; I started with what would be my main point of entry… ”the garage.” I stood outside staring at this big square that just seemed to be saying, “set the stage.” I begin searching for garage doors online and came across a company called Plano Overhead Garage Door. As I viewed the website, I discovered that I was able to upload a photo of my home and design my own custom garage door…I was having so much fun designing that I spent an hour just playing. Their newest accent woodtone C.H.I Overhead Doors caught my attention. As I tested the wood designs on my home virtually, I knew this was the look I was going for. I discovered that the doors where made from hand selected premium lumber with digital crafting and are the most realistic woodtone doors available. I was amazed at the amount of care that was taken to demonstrate durability and class. Durability and class are characteristics that say “built to last, beautiful and stylish.” Thank you Plano Overhead Garage Door for making my experience to build a garage door pleasant and convenient. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 5217 , Accents , Customer Experience , garage doors , Woodtones

Recognized Nationally for 2016 Supertech Day!

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:14:00 GMT

Wood-Look Garage Door- A customer’s perspective

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 18:16:00 GMT

WOODTONE doors have been made to meet the needs of those who will like to have traditional carriage overlay style garage doors. They have been made to achieve wood grain of different types of wood. There is a versatility of over sixty designs and colors to choose from. If you will like to have a unique garage door in your home, then the benefits of choosing this type of door are that it improves the value of your home and portray great style in your home.
“If the goal is to have people accept the idea of paying more for your home, then you need to have these garage doors installed. The door will cost you less to install, but it will add great value to your home. After installing a woodtone garage door; your property will be more appealing to such home buyers. Additionally; the doors display great durability. If you want to save money on garage door repairs, then you need to go for the CHI woodtone garage doors. The garage doors have been made to last long. Several years can pass by before you consider replacing them. The manufacturers use the latest technology to ensure the doors have been made to meet the highest standards. With the CHI Woodtone Flush Overlay Model 5217 garage doors, you will never regret after installing it….” …..Meridith, J. (2016, August 20)
We, at Plano Overhead Garage Door, offer a wide variety of wooden and wooden appearance garage doors. Click here to learn more about your options , or call today to learn more! 972-422-1695 Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Wood Garage Door , Wooden Look Garage Door , Wooden Look Garage Door Installation

Liftmaster 8587W – Heavy Duty Chain, WiFi

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:24:00 GMT

THE LIFTMASTER ¾ AC CHAIN DRIVE GARAGE DOOR OPENER PROVIDES MAXIMUM POWER FOR THE HEAVIEST GARAGE DOORS. ITS FEATURES INCLUDE:

CONNECTIVITY:

* BUILT-IN WIFI
* ALERTS

PERFORMANCE:

* P3 MOTOR
* ¾ HP MOTOR
* I-BEAM RAIL SYSTEM
* MOTOR VIBRATION ISOLATION SYSTEM
* LIFETIME MOTOR

SECURITY:

* SECURITY +2.0
* POSILOCK
* TIMER-2-CLOSE
* ALERT-2-CLOSE
* MOTION DETECTOR
* PROTECTOR SYSTEM Call today to learn more about the heavy duty Liftmaster 8587W. We keep them in stock and can often times install them the same day that you call. Call now! 972-422-1695
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Liftmaster , Liftmaster 8587 Heavy Duty Chain Drive , Liftmaster 8587W , Liftmaster Chain WiFi

Inventing the Garage Door Opener

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:26:00 GMT

In 1926, C.G. Johnson invented the first electric overhead garage door opener in Hartford City, Indiana. At that time, electric garage door openers did not become popular until ERA Meter Company of Chicago offered one after World War II (1939-1945). The opener could be opened via a key being inserted into a post located at the end of the driveway, or with the flip of a switch from the inside of the garage. Since 1977, Plano Overhead Garage Door has been installing quality garage door openers, as well as garage doors. Today’s modern garage door openers provide many different options to choose from to meet the needs of our customers. Some of the best features of modern garage door openers include built-in WiFi, battery backup, laser park assist, wireless remotes, safety reversing sensors, motion sensors, and so much more!

Hard to believe that, in under 50 years, we have gone from opening our garage doors using a key on a post, to being able to operate and monitor the history of your garage door opening from anywhere in the world. Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Opener Invention , Garage Door Opener Plano , Garage Door Opener Plano Overhead , History Garage Door Opener , Life Span of Your Garage Door Opener in Plano, TX , Plano Overhead Garage Door Opener , TX

Laser Park Assist (Liftmaster 975LM)

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:28:00 GMT

It’s usually a “he did it/she did it” when it comes to admitting (or not) pulling too far into the garage and hitting the wall, or NOT pulling far enough in and the garage door closes on it. Another good one: backing out of the garage THINKING the door was raised. Trust me, we’ve heard all stories. But you know things happen, right? We’re human. The solution: a LiftMaster LASER PARKING ASSIST. The best thing since sliced bread (well, almost). An installation without requiring an electrician, you simply adjust the direction of the laser to hit the dash of your vehicle, letting you know when to stop.
The laser Parking Assist is now available for purchase at our showroom in Plano, or if you’d prefer, we will come out and install it for you! At a retail of $40, the parking assist can literally save relationships, along with the condition of your garage or door! Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Top 3 Needs According to Our Customers

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 18:31:00 GMT

There are reasons why we do things, all with a different level of importance.
When it comes to garage doors (and openers), importance varies as well. It’s crazy, I know, but here are the top three reasons based on level of importance:
3rd Place: Buyer Appeal – when purchasing a home, buyers look at big exterior projects (new roof, windows and garage doors).

From the buyers’ perspective, they are often looking for both appeal and “how much $$ do I have to invest in a remodel”.

2nd Place: Resale Value – at the opposite end of the appeal spectrum is selling a home; replacing the garage door up’s the value. (Note: 1st and 2nd place goes to new roof and new windows, respectfully.

Recovered Project Costs – Recouped dollars are impressive, coming in around 90.1%. On an average, if you invest $2300 in a new garage door remodel, your recoup amount would be around $2000.

1st Place: Upgrading or, It’s Time For a Change – 39% of consumers choose upgrading and 17% are ready for a change (this may look like a low percent; however, the difference in percentage would fall under categories such as “damaged” and “dented”, or the ever-popular “my foot hit the accelerator and took out the door”!).

Better Function and Livability – The most important reason. Whether it is a “If I have to look at this door one day longer” to “If this doesn’t get fixed soon, my stress level is going to go through the roof”.
Accomplishment – This one is huge….. Homeowners, after replacing their door and openers, step back and feel a great sense of accomplishment. After all, it is a major project and you deserve to be proud.
You just changed the total look of your home – not only is it an investment with return, it’s a “face-lift” to your home.

Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Better Garage Door , New Garage Door , Resale Garage Door , Selling Home Garage Door , Upgrade garage door

Do-it-Yourself Garage Door Inspection and Maintenance

Sat, 09 Dec 2017 18:34:00 GMT

If you haven’t tried this project in the past, now is the perfect time to start!* It’s an easy-to-medium project; allowing yourself plenty of time to accomplish it. Here are the basics:
Items Needed:

Phillips/Flat Head Screwdrivers
Old cloth(s)
Silicone lubricant, preferably 3-n-1 Garage Door Lubricant (WD-40 can be used, but is not recommended, as it’s more of a cleaner)
Ladder or Step Stool
Safety items (goggles, aprons, etc)

Things to Accomplish:

Inspect and tighten any loose hinges and brackets
Check wear of rollers.
Inspect door rails.
Lubricate: springs, hinges and roller STEMS (not rollers themselves)

(You can purchase 3-n-1 Lubricant at our showroom, along with hinges, bottom weather seals, etc.)
Tip: Add this project to your calendar when changing smoke detector batteries, air filters, etc. It’s a great habit to get into! If anything seems to be not working properly, is still noisy after lubrication, or just doesn’t look right; feel free to give us a call! 972-422-1695 *Garage doors and garage door openers are some of the more sophisticated and largest mechanisms in your home. Most of their components are metal, and can have sharp points and/or edges. The garage door panels, rollers, track, drums, and more can present pinch points. Other than simple lubrication and inspection, Plano Overhead does not recommend homeowners to perform ANY garage door repairs. Visit our Repairs page for more information about service, repairs, and tune-ups! Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: DIY Garage Door , DIY Garage Door Repair Plano , DIY Garage Door Service , Do it yourself Garage Door Maintenance , Do it yourself garage door repair plano texas , Do-it-yourself Garage Door

How are You Living Without It???

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 18:36:00 GMT

In our homes, we already have the ability to use our smartphones to control our window shades, pet trackers, security sensors, etc. We also control our Nest thermostats, door locks, lights, sprinkler systems, and video cameras. Why wouldn’t you add the most used door in your home to this list – your garage door! It only makes sense, right? Control the opening/closing from anywhere and receive alerts when it’s being opened.

92% of active users recommend their dealers
76% of customers use the garage door as the main entry into their home
28% of U.S. adults already own smart-home products

Be safe, protect your possessions and connect with LiftMaster MyQ today! You won’t be disappointed.
You can learn more about garage door openers with WiFi integration here. Call Plano Overhead Garage Door for any of your garage door opener needs! 972-422-1695
Submitted by Nick J. McGregor , CEO of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Nationally Recognized by IDA – Industry Leading Magazine – For Local Disaster Efforts and Charity Work

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 18:40:00 GMT

The leading magazine in our industry, ‘The International Door & Operator Industry’ by the International Door Association, has published our story about the disaster relief and charitable work we performed following the Rowlett tornadoes a few months ago.

Here’s a closer look at some of the images that they included in their article about our company.

We love our community, and truly care about all of you! If you were affected by the Tornado in Rowlett, or any of the Hail Storms that hit Wylie, Murphy, Farmersville, and Plano areas- be sure to give us a call. We have helped hundreds of customers get new garage doors installed- most of which were installed the same day as the initial call. We’re here to help everyone get back to normal! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Disaster Garage Door , Garage Door Company , Garage Door Hail , Garage Door Rowlett Tornado , Garage Door Tornado , Rowlett Tornado , Storm Relief , Tornado Garage Door

New Garage Door: Cost vs Value

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:42:00 GMT

This bit of information may help you in making that final decision. Based on a 2016 remodel survey through Cost Value, projects continue to retain their resale value. One of those projects: GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT! In the mid-range pricing, garage doors are providing a return of 91.5%. For example, if you paid $1,652* for a new garage door, your return on resale would be $1,512. To give you a semi-comparison of return on investment, a garage door update gives more on return than a kitchen remodel (64.9% ROI). If you look at door replacements five years ago, the percentage of return on investment was at 71.9%. This low return was largely due to the focus being on updating kitchens and bathrooms. Over these past years, the “main entry” for families has become the garage instead of the front door; therefore, homeowners are looking for more visual appeal and reaping the benefits of replacement.
Click Here to Learn More About Garage Doors! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door , Garage Door Allen Texas , Garage Door Cost vs Value , Garage Door Frisco Texas , Garage Door Garland Texas , Garage Door McKinney Texas , Garage Door Plano Texas , Garage Door Wylie Texas , New Garage Door

Wylie Hail Damage, and Surrounding Areas

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:45:00 GMT

Much of our staff were victims ourselves, and we know it has been extremely overwhelming for homeowners and residents who were affected by the recent hailstorms. We’d like to share a few tips and tid-bits, hoping it will help anyone through this time:

In order to make it easier on the home owner, we are providing written estimates and e-mailing them as well. This has been successful in helping the home owner with instant information for their insurance company, as well as, saving them from having to take off work for an on-site estimate.
If you are working through a contractor for a new door install, and decide you want to work directly with us, you are allowed to contact that contractor and have them remove that project from the contract. Make sure you inform your insurance adjuster of your decision.

If you have any questions regarding the replacement of your garage door, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to help in any way possible.
Click Here to set up your FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! Browse Garage Door Options By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Hail Damage Wylie Texas , Garage Door Installations in Wylie TX , Hail Garage Door Company , Hail Wylie Garage Doors , Wylie Garage Door , Wylie Garage Door Hail Damage , Wylie Garage Door Replacements , Wylie Hail Damage , Wylie Texas Garage Door Insurance

Upscale Garage Doors: Highest ROI for Home Projects!

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 18:53:00 GMT

In a report released earlier this year, an “upscale” replacement of garage doors fell into 1st Place when it comes to ROI (Return on Investment)! Projects like the one below can have a HUGE impact on home value, and people are catching on to the trend.

The approximate cost for an “upscale” door is $3,140, which gives an ROI of 90.10%. That’s 12% higher than any other upscale home improvement project! Curb appeal is always the main element of a home. The outside of your home tends to have more value than the inside. Here are the top 5 exterior projects in rank:

Click here to learn more about Upscale Garage Door Installations and Options! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Elegant Garage Door , Garage Door Replacement , garage doors , Modern Garage Door Installation

NEW!!! Mini Universal Key Chain Remote!

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 18:58:00 GMT

Finally! I never thought it would happen, but it did! Customers have been asking for many years, but finally…… a keyfob universal remote ! But, it’s not just a keyfob remote, it’s a MINI KEYBOB remote! How mini is it?

So for all you:

Motorcyclists
Bicyclist
Runners
Gardeners
Those of you who don’t want to lug around a regular remote or leave one
…and so on

This one’s for you! Small and compact but just as reliable as the big guys. It’s compatible with LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, and certain models of Genie, Linear and Stanley openers AND gate operators. On top of this, the little MINI offers safety and security – with every click a new code is used. (No one but you can access.) Stop by our showroom today to get yours while supplies last! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 374UT , Garage Door Remote Mini , Liftmaster 374 UT Remote , Liftmaster Universal Remote , Mini Universal Garage Door Opener Remote , Universal Key Fob Remote

Hail Damage in Wylie Area?

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 19:47:00 GMT

Several members of our staff have been directly affected by the storms that came through. Unfortunately rooftops weren’t the only part of the home that took a beating. With winds in excess of 70 miles an hour, the 2″ to 4″ hailstones were able to create a golf ball-like texture on hundreds of garage doors. If you were one of the ones affected, we will be more than happy to help in any way possible! We’re locally family owned & operated since 1977 in the Plano area. Our quality is second to none, and our awards back it up! We’ll give you a free, in-home, written estimate at no obligation to you.
Lifetime warranty will be included with new garage door, and an industry best 1 year warranty on labor.
We have a warehouse in Plano stocked full of hundreds of new garage doors. The largest supply in the area!
We set on-time appointments, NEVER 4 hour windows or “as soon as we can today”.
Call now to set up your free estimate!
972-422-1695
www.PlanoOverhead.com By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Hail Damage , Hail Damage Garage Door , Hail Storm Wylie , Murphy Garage Doors , Wylie Garage Door Insurance , Wylie Garage Doors , Wylie Hail Damage , Wylie Hail Damage Garage Door , Wylie Texas Garage Doors

Heavy Duty Chain Drive Opener: Model 8587W

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 19:54:00 GMT

From a customer’s recent experience:

A neighbor was telling me the other day that my wood garage door(s) required a HEAVY DUTY opener, to handle the weight of the door. Wait….wood doors are heavier than steel doors? Go figure! So I let my fingers do the walking and guess what I found: Plano Overhead Garage Door installs heavy duty garage door openers! This is exactly what I needed to hear! A company with a great reputation and the right product for my needs. Bottom line, this is the choice for heavy duty openers. Plano Overhead is THE choice for a reputable business who believes in providing excellent customer service and building customer relationships. What more could I ask for?!

Let’s take a look at the increasingly popular Liftmaster 8587 Heavy Duty Chaindriven Garage Door Opener:

LiftMaster 8587W Heavy Duty Garage Door Opener

Heavy Duty, ¾ hp, chain drive opener – lifts the heaviest doors, including solid wood (like mine!)
Has MyQ technology (WiFi), making it possible for me to operate the opener from my smartphone, securely monitor and control houselights
As a safeguard, the code changes every time the remote button is pushed (yeah, no more “ghost” opening!). Also includes a motion detector and locking capabilities.

Click Here to Learn More About Heavy Duty Garage Door Openers! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 8587W , Chain Drive Garage Door Opener , Heavy Duty Garage Door Opener , Liftmaster 8587W , Liftmaster Heavy Duty , Liftmaster Heavy Duty Chain Drive , Plano Garage Door Opener Heavy Duty

About our Technicians

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:56:00 GMT

The professionalism and knowledge of our service technicians is spot-on. Their mannerisms will put you at ease from the get-go. Our crew of Technicians are OUR employees, not sub-contractors, and receive in-house training. And their trucks? Clean and fully stocked, ready for any service or repair necessary to your garage door and opener. We don’t want to waste your day by us traveling around searching for parts.
And one last thing…..we don’t go a week without customers calling in or going online to give positive reviews on our Technicians, whether it’s their professionalism or them as an individual.
It’s about YOU, our customer. The priority we have is to be efficient and provide service to you that leaves you confident. We know how precious time is to everyone; therefore, we have top-notch professionally trained Technicians, quality replacement parts and same day appointments to make your life easier.
Click here to learn more about our staff and our company! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Company , Garage Door Experts , Garage Door Guy , Garage Door Installer , Garage Door Repair Dallas Texas , Garage Door Repair Plano Texas , Garage Door Technician

Now Trending……Garage Door Appearances

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:58:00 GMT

More and more customers are branching away from the “standard” look of garage doors. Since most of us use our garages as our main entrance, more attention is being placed on the “look” of the door. That being said, the most popular look trending now are the wood tone garage doors. Very nice, aesthetically, especially when you have a front drive entrance. Both elegant and durable. And so easy as far as care. Here’s the scoop:

Metal doors that look like wood – can you say “no maintenance”?
No re-staining or painting like real wood doors.
Available in “standard” raised panel, plank style and carriage house doors. Options are endless.
Hardware available for carriage house style includes door hinges and pulls (from stamped to old world look options).

Click here to see all of our wooden style garage door options!
Set up an appointment today for us to visit your home or come by our Plano showroom to see our wide selection of garage doors. 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Accents Garage Doors , C.H.I. Garage Doors , CHI Accents Garage Doors , CHI Overhead Door , Faux Wood Garage Doors , Wood Tone Garage Doors , Wooden Garage Door Options

Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow, What Can Be Done Today…..

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:01:00 GMT

Realizing parents with youngsters are gearing up for spring sports, school field trips, summer, etc., remembering to have your garage door and opener maintained for the season is SO far on the back burner you can’t even see it. And those of you who aren’t in this category, you’re getting ready for spring and summer events, so…. Get this on your calendar today!!
(Trust me, spending the small amount of time and money for maintenance now, far exceeds the time and money needed later when something breaks down on you. And if you’re like me and my family, spending money on the garage during the summer IS NOT on our list of favorite things to do. Would much rather spend it on fun stuff, right??)
Call today to schedule a free estimate! 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Free Estimate Garage Repair , garage door maintenance , Garage Door Repair , Garage Door Services , Scheduling Garage Door Repair

Top Priorities When Choosing a Garage Door

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 20:04:00 GMT

Have you ever really thought of what you want our of your garage door??! No, right? It’s probably the last thing on your mind. To help out a little, here’s a list of typical “wants” when choosing a new garage door:

Click Here to Get Started Now!

Give us a call or come by our Plano Showroom and let us help you with your “want” list!

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Garage Door Roller 101

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 20:06:00 GMT

Left to Right: Nylon (Plastic), Nylon Coated Steel, Steel. I know, they’re just rollers. But they play a huge part in the operation and life of your garage door. You want them to be happy. Here’s the breakdown of different types, features and choices. Plastic Rollers: Not a big fan. A good analogy would be going 70 mph on George Bush Turnpike with plastic tires on your car. (Really? I just rolled my own eyes on this one!) But picture it. Not good. When plastic rollers wear down, chip or break into, you’re in T-R-O-U-B-L-E… Your door will either come off the track and potentially fall on a vehicle, equipment or even possibly hurt a person.
Steel Rollers: Our steel rollers are commercial grade steel rollers with commercial grade 10-ball bearings. They are rated for a minimum of 10,000 cycles and have a 75 lb load capacity per roller. This type of roller is provided with new door installs, as well as, available for sale in our showroom.
Nylon Coated Steel Rollers: Our nylon rollers are zinc plated steel with the same capacity load as steel rollers; however, they have 11 steel ball bearings, bulged shoulders and provide a life cycle of 15,000-30,000. (Just so you’ll know, a “cycle” is every time the door goes up and every time the door goes down.) This style of roller is available for upgrade at any time and is available in our showroom as well.

*Don’t get fooled by our competitors! They sell “Nylon” rollers with their new garage doors. The problem?? They’re JUST Nylon (No Steel Roller Core). It’s a plastic disk on a stick, and will only last a few years- we see it all the time with home builders.

We’d be happy to come by and take a look at the condition of your door rollers at NO COST. Just call or come by our showroom to schedule an appointment. And when we install them for you, they’ll come with a 5-year warranty…oh, and 1-year on labor. We’re family-owned and love our customers! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Rollers , Garage Door Rollers Plano , Garage Door Wheels , Nylon Rollers , Nylon Steel Rollers , Steel Rollers , Texas

Liftmaster 8550W- The Best Opener on the Market!

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 20:09:00 GMT

My “Want List” for a Garage Door Opener…

With the features I want, it’s almost like buying a car! Here’s why –
I want a unit I can depend on (current unit chooses it’s own hours of operation!).
I want a unit that is quiet and smooth.
I want a unit where the manufacturer stands behind their product with a Lifetime Warranty on the motor and belt and at least 5 years on the parts.
I want bells and whistles!! (Safety features, Timer, Motion Detector, a back-up battery, etc)
Last, but not least, I want it to have Wi-Fi so I can control it from my phone wherever I am.
And that’s why I’m getting a LiftMaster 8550W Garage Door Opener. It’s all this and more!!

Click Here to Learn More About the Revolutionary Liftmaster 8550W

The Importance of Torsion Springs

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 20:16:00 GMT

Safety for You and Your Family

One of the most important components of your garage door is the springs, and to keep your home safe, you need to make sure your springs are in good condition to prevent getting stuck at home or not having access to get into your home.
The springs on your garage door enable the door to open and close smoothly. These springs are incredibly powerful, and if they are broken, the garage door may fall down when it isn’t supposed to. A sudden fall of a garage door could seriously injure a person and damage your vehicle, so you want to make sure your garage door is in safe working condition. Because garage door springs hold so much potential energy, they should be replaced by a professional. Without the proper training, replacing a spring could result in serious injury. A professional garage door technician has the training necessary to prevent the springs from causing injury and the skill to adjust or replace a spring without hurting themselves.

When They Break

Torsion springs are what counterbalances the weight of your entire garage door. Without fully functioning garage door springs, the garage door will likely not open. And for some reason, it seems to always happen at the worst time! It is usually not very long before the garage door opener burns out from having to work 10 times harder. This is why replacing the broken spring is very important to prevent further damage to your garage door, the opener, your car, or especially your family.
To make an appointment with us, fill out the contact form on our website, or call us at 972-422-1695 today.
Tags: Broken Spring Plano Texas , Garage Door Spring Dallas Texas , Garage Door Springs , Torsion Springs

New Year….New Garage Door and Opener!

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:19:00 GMT

As we welcome in a new year, January is traditionally a “get organized” and “get ready for Spring Cleaning” month! That being said, it’s time to step into that garage and assess your door and opener needs! Take a good look….

Is it time for a service and maintenance? (recommended at least once a year, if not, twice)
Is the garage door experiencing any “stress” in its operation?
Is the opener operating properly? Is it experiencing any “stress” in opening or closing the door?
Are either one making any unusual sounds? (they should both be running smoothly)
Or, is it just time to give your home a facelift, increase the value, or are you planning on selling your home in the future?

If any of these questions are making you consider maintenance or replacement, contact us today to schedule an appointment for one of our professionally trained Technicians to come out to your home and offer suggestions, measure and provide you a FREE, hand written estimate, with no service call charge.

Let our technicians come out and give your garage door and opener the attention it needs! 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Loud popping, screeching, grinding, clicking, squealing. Make it stop!

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 13:31:00 GMT

“Popping”, “clicking” and “squeaking” are just a few words customers use when describing their garage door. Sometimes it’s like nails going down a chalkboard. Ahhhhh! Such adjectives and analogies! Let’s get to the bottom of the what and whys…. The most common element would be the rollers. Either they are off track, rubbing against the track or just plain worn out. Anytime metal is on metal, there will be a sound. Not pretty.
Another element could be the door hardware. Loose or dry hinges, brackets or the tracks themselves can cause sounds.
Finally, the garage door opener could be the culprit of noise. Depending on whether it’s a chain, screw or belt drive will determine the “sounds” you’ll get as they travel down the rail while opening and closing the door.
Any way you look at it, there should be no “strange” sounds in the normal operation of your door and/or opener. These sounds are basically symptoms of a bigger problem in the works. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

We’re the Good Guys!

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 13:33:00 GMT

Based on recent newspaper and TV investigations in which a competitor and Dallas based company was labeled as the “Worst Garage Door Company in America” by an industry leading nationwide magazine, we want you to be comfortable with your decisions. We’re not here to judge or point fingers; however, when calling a company for garage door or opener services there are a few things to consider prior to scheduling an appointment.

US: We are a single, family-owned business in Plano and have been since 1977.
THEM: Not
US: We have professionally-trained technicians who drive fully stocked company trucks with our logo.
THEM: Not
US: Our technicians give an honest, accurate evaluation and provide customers with a hand-written estimate at NO charge.
THEM: Not
US: Our prices include labor AND taxes.
THEM: Not
US: We have a showroom off Central Expressway in Plano that showcases both operating doors and openers for customers to visit to see, touch and hear.
THEM: Not
US: When calling our showroom, you will be connected with a professional, cordial and respectful sales member who will put you as a priority, provide over the phone pricing and schedule you for same-day service.
THEM: Not
Don’t spend thousands on a simple repair! Give us a call today to set up a free in-home estimate! 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

I BACKED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR….NOW WHAT?

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:35:00 GMT

We’re sure the dog had something to do with it! But now you’re standing there with smoke coming from your ears wondering “what now?” Ask yourself these two questions: 1) Was it a minor ding without damaging the tracks, leaving a small dent that can be hammered out?….or, 2) Did you pull a good one, putting a deep bend in the panel(s) or the tracks?
The answers to these questions are simple, the job to fix it not so much. If you answered #1, you can give a sigh of relief! The damage isn’t major; with patience, knowledge and a few tools you can straighten it out.
If you answered #2, you’re looking at a different scenario. Or maybe we should say, you’re looking at a new door. Not replacing it is unsafe and will lead to injury in the very near future.
Good news/bad news: Bad news is that no matter the level of damage, you’re going to be out time and money. The good news…We’re here to help you with both!
Plano Overhead Garage Door offers same-day appointments and can send a professionally-trained technician to your home with a fully stocked company truck and take care of your needs, no matter the size of service. Our 30-minute window of arrival keeps you from wasting valuable time and allows you to get back to what’s important.
Oh, and the money part…We can come out, assess the damage and provide you with a FREE estimate of an honest evaluation on your options. Also, you can check out our website and take advantage of coupons. It’s a win-win! 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Damaged garage door , garage door damaged , garage door ran into plano texas , new garage doors plano texas , Ran Into My Garage Door

Big News about Home Automation!

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:40:00 GMT

Liftmaster has just changed the home automation landscape. Liftmaster made headlines when they partnered with Nest a while back- allowing homeowners to enjoy Liftmaster products with Nest products all within the same application. However, a critical piece of the equation was missing: Security Cameras! That’s right, homeowners can now control Nest home security cameras from the Liftmaster MyQ app!

Why Do You Need It?

Imagine being on vacation, tapping on the MyQ app, and being able to check to see how long the garage door has been closed or let someone in while you are gone, being able to adjust your thermostat on your way home so it’s ready when you get back, turning lights on or off to make it look like someone is home, and checking your home security cameras in real time. Total control of your home with one login and one app.

Does MY Garage Door Work with this app? What are my Options?

You can buy a new garage door opener with MyQ capabilities
Activate and assign an account to your existing MyQ compatible garage door opener
You can install an 821LM Universal MyQ kit on your existing garage door

Where Can I Get What I Need?

Give us a call today to learn more about our garage door openers with built in WiFi and MyQ compatibility! We supply all the parts needed to add your garage door opener to your home automation. Accessories like the ones below can be bought from our showroom on Highway 75 in Plano! It is worth noting that we do not sell Nest products, but they are readily available online and locally.

(Left to Right: Garage Door Monitor, Remote Light Switch, Universal Wall Console, Internet Gateway, In-House Light Control, Universal Smart Controller, Universal Smart Controller Sensor)

Call today to get started 972-422-1695

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Home Automation , Life Span of Your Garage Door Opener in Plano, TX , Liftmaster and Nest , Liftmaster MyQ , MyQ App , Nest Camera , Smart Garage Door Opener

Angie’s List Q&A content to be Published

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 13:49:00 GMT

1. How can a homeowner tell the difference between a quality garage door opener and one that’s not so great? What should they look for when shopping? (any warranty on openers?)
There are two main factors: Rail construction and Warranty. If the rail is included inside the box on the shelf with the motor unit, it is likely a contractor grade opener. Retail stores cannot afford the shelf space to keep solid “one piece” opener rails in stock with the units at their price point.
Quality openers in our industry will include a Lifetime Warranty on the Motor and the drive mechanism (either the belt, the screw rail, or the chain). Sometimes the manufacturer will package excessive accessories to mask the fact that the opener is lacking in other areas.
2. Can a garage door opener be installed on any type of garage door? What would necessitate the purchase of a new garage door (if anything)?
With the variety of garage door openers on the market, there is a garage door opener for just about every application. However, there are a few red flags that prevent proper installation. Unbalanced garage doors must be adjusted to where they will remain open half way without continuing to roll downward or upward by itself. Homeowners often think that the motor is opening their garage door, but in reality- it’s the torsion springs doing the work. The garage door opener is designed to simply guide the door open and closed.
Stretch springs- located along the side rails of the horizontal upper tracks- can prevent an opener from functioning properly due to their tendency to create a jerking and rocking motion as the door closes. A torsion spring conversion on the garage door is often required in this case.
Garage doors without a reinforcing strut at the top of the top section also require modification. Without a reinforcing strut across the top section, the pressure from the tow-arm that attaches the opener to the door can push or pull too hard and cause the top panel to crease in the center and sag (and sometimes come out of the track completely and land on their car).
And finally, any garage door that lacks the structural integrity to withstand motorized operation will require replacing defective or worn parts, adding reinforcing struts, and in some cases complete garage door replacement.
3. What are the benefits of buying a garage door opener from someone like you rather than buying it from a Home Depot/Lowes? (or, does it not matter?)
Home Depot & Lowes do not have in house customer service. If you can’t get the Homelink or remotes to program, you might wait on hold for a half hour or more with the manufacturer’s 1-800 number, but if you use reputable local companies, they should have staff that can walk you through troubleshooting issues.
Availability. If your garage door is 8’ tall, over-sized width, contains wood or added materials, or requires special operation (overhead storage, attic stairways, light fixtures, high lift, low headroom, etc.); then you are out of luck. It takes anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks to order anything other than what you see on the shelf- which usually isn’t the ideal opener for your garage door. Many of the optional accessories for different brands aren’t available in stock- such as additional remotes for large families.
Convenience factor. Lowe’s & Home Depot are not service oriented companies, most of the time they subcontract labor as a “next-available” schedule- which often times can be several weeks down the road.
On the job adaptation. Many new openers with Wi-Fi compatibility require Homelink Repeater Kits in order to work with your vehicle. You can wait for Homelink to send you a kit in the mail, or you can have it installed for you during installation with a reputable local garage door company.
4. Should a homeowner attempt to install a new garage door opener on his/her own? Or should they leave that task to the experts? Why?
Most homeowners can install a garage door opener on their home over a weekend. The most common feedback we get is that it takes them roughly 10-12 hours. Professional installation takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the accessories. Assembling the opener and removing the old garage door opener are fairly simple, but programming and setting the force settings, travel limits, and mounting the opener properly to the garage door and ceiling seem to be the hard part. The opener will not operate until you adjust the internal settings to a safe operating zone. Customers tend to think that this project will be just like replacing a ceiling fan, but the fine-tuning required is much more complex.
If you install the opener yourself, you’re on your own (and liable) if something goes wrong. Professional installation usually includes labor warranties that can cover any trips needed to come back out and adjust safety sensors, replace parts under warranty, etc.
5. How much does a garage door opener cost for a two-car garage? What about for a one-car garage?
One car garages typically only require a ¼ or ½ hp opener, while a two car garage door requires a ½ or ¾ hp motor. But usually, the stronger the motor the better the quality of the garage door opener. This is why we sell ¾ hp motor openers at over 95% of our customer’s homes. Customers can expect to pay $150 to $300 retail for a garage door opener.
6. How much do you charge for installation?
Home Depot & Lowes offer installation for $99 to $150. We charge between $125 and $350 plus parts to finish an incomplete installation, or install the opener from scratch.
7. Is the installation process (and cost) different for a garage that’s never had an opener before? (new installation vs. replacement)
Yes. For new construction, or at a home that has never had a garage door opener before; the installation will take longer.
Angle-iron back hangs will need to be added to the ceiling to hang the opener motor from, and all new wiring will need to be added either as “pre-wire” in the walls, or across the ceiling to the sides for the safety sensors, and also for the push button on the wall. Most openers come with wiring included, but some homeowners don’t like how it looks running across the ceiling in all directions.
An electrical outlet and/or junction box will need to be added above the area in which the garage door opener is going to be installed as well. Hard-wiring the opener directly to an existing breaker, or existing wiring is strongly discouraged.
Some companies charge for services such as these (the ones with hourly labor rates), but we do not.
8. Does the type of garage door (steel, composite, wood, etc.) make a difference as to what type of opener you should buy? Definitely. Steel, composite, wooden, fiberglass, one-piece tilt-up, roll-up, high-lift, and low-clearance garage doors each require a different garage door opener for different reasons.
Heavy duty openers (3/4 hp and above) are best suited for oversized, composite, high cycle usage, any garage doors with a thickness of 2.25” or more, and one-piece tilt-up doors. If your garage door falls into these categories, or has an existing ¾ hp unit that needs replacement, do not attempt to install these garage door openers yourself. These doors are much more dangerous, and require special training for proper operation.
Standard garage door openers are good for most garage doors that “came with the house when you bought it”.
High lift (used to open door all the way to the ceiling for car jacks), and low clearance garages (low ceilings or obstructions) typically require jackshaft driven garage door openers that mount to the side of the torsion shaft and don’t take up as much space above the garage door when it opens. Jackshaft garage door openers are rarely available over the counter, and require a VERY skilled professional installer. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Angie's List , Angie's List Garage Door Openers , Life Span of Your Garage Door Opener in Plano , Plano Overhead Garage Door Angie's List , Plano Overhead Garage Door Openers , TX

Video: Plano Overhead Garage Door Commercial 2015

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 13:53:00 GMT

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: Garage Door Repair Video , Plano Overhead Commercial Video , Plano Overhead Garage Door Video , Plano Texas Garage Door Repair Video

Video: Customer Testimonial – Plano Overhead Garage Door 2015

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 13:53:00 GMT

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: Garage Door Company Customer Testimonial , Plano Overhead Garage Door

Video: Plano Overhead Garage Door Commercial

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 13:56:00 GMT

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: Garage Door Company Video , Plano Overhead Garage Door Video

Video: 30 Second Garage Door Install

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:59:00 GMT

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: 30 Second Garage Door Installation , Garage Door Installation

Which Garage Door Repairs are “DIY” and Which Aren’t?

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:01:00 GMT

There are three types of “do-ers” when it comes to projects around the house: (the most popular) Do It Yourself (DIY), Do It The Way I Want It, and Do It For Me. And it’s ok; there’s no judgement of anyone who falls under any of these categories! When it comes to garage doors, there are repairs that easily fall under DIY; however, there are some that are most definitely Do It For Me. (Please note, though, that there are also 3 levels of DIY’ers: Beginners, Confident and Very Confident, based on your experience and knowledge of both tools and garage door parts. Please know which level of DIY’er you are before tackling any repairs. “DIY” repairs:

Tighten and inspect all hardware (hinges, brackets, etc).
Lubricating with lithium/silicone.
Clean and test infrared safety sensors
Replacing stiles, struts, weather strips, and perimeter seals
Replacing lightbulbs and batteries for opener, remotes, keypads

“ Do It The Way I Want It” repairs:

I’m moving soon and just need a basic repair
I’ll be purchasing a new door and/or opener very soon and just need a “band-aid” or temporary fix

“Do It For Me” , the most important category and the most “dangerous” repairs for non-professionals:

Changing out broken springs
Replacing cables and drums
Replacing/repairing garage door tracks and top bracing
Replacing top or bottom corner brackets
Replacing garage door panels

(NOTE: These repairs should ONLY be performed by trained professionals.) No matter the “category” you fall under, Plano Overhead Garage Door is always willing to assist with ANY of your garage door and opener needs. Please contact us today to schedule a same-day service or on a day of your convenience. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: DIY Garage Door Repair , Do-it-yourself , Garage Door Opener Repair , Garage Door Repairs

Replacing Garage Door Hinges

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 14:17:00 GMT

How to replace center hinges on garage doors:
Although it’s a fairly easy process, it’s important to allow enough time for properly maintaining. Prior to any hinge replacement, a few things to consider:
1) Ensure you have the correct hinge for replacement. Hinges vary and are numbered on the bottom section of the hinge, in relation to the panel. (ie: the bottom panel is panel #1, going up to panel #2, #3, etc). Hinges are shaped differently at each panel due to the pitch of the door as it travels through the track at the turn going up and down. Placing the incorrect hinge will damage the door.
2) Disconnect your opener from your garage door to prevent any damage to your door or personal injury.
3) Using the correct crescent or socket, remove the bolts from the bottom of the hinge first, then remove remaining hinges going up.
4) Install new hinge with new bolts, washers, etc.
5) DO NOT remove a second hinge from your garage door before you secure the first one.
Replacing track hinges along the vertical tracks: Follow the process above with a few additional steps.
1) Use care when removing hinges with rollers. Do not force rollers from tracks.
2) Inspect rollers and replace as necessary. Which hinges not to ever touch unless by a professional?
The BOTTOM hinges. Removing these without proper knowledge and skill will result in personal and property damage. (The garage door cables are attached to these hinges; if the tension is released without following the proper procedure, it will cause severe damage to your door.)
If you are unsure or uncertain about changing your hinges, please allow one of our trained technicians to handle this process for you. We use heavy duty 14 gauge hinges stamped from galvanized steel in a heavy duty “wide body”. We also provide a warranty on both labor and parts that is comparable to no other company in the metroplex. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Hinges , Garage Door Parts

Plano Overhead Garage Door Video

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:19:00 GMT

By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Tags: Plano Overhead Garage Door

Preparing Your Garage for a New Installation

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:21:00 GMT

It’s a big investment when replacing a garage door and/or opener. There are a few things to consider for preparation so it is a smooth process for both you, the consumer, along with our technicians. The timeframe on your preparation depends mainly on the “constructional” condition of the sheetrock, framing, paint, electrical outlets, etc. or the “cosmetic” condition – organization, de-clutter, cleanliness, accessibility, etc. You’re the only one who determine the amount of time needed for preparation. However, the more prepared you are, the quicker the turnaround of the installation. The average time for a garage door install in “good to great” cosmetic condition is three hours; two hours for openers.
Of course, you want to make sure all construction conditions are taken care of to ensure safe and proper installations. Please remember there are multiple circumstances that always play a part in the condition of your garage and your installation. These are just some considerations and guidelines for you. Should you have any questions regarding proper preparationl, please give us a call; we would be more than happy to assist you!
Our showroom is open Monday through Friday, 8am – 5:30pm; Saturday, 8am – 1pm. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Installation , Preparing Garage for Install

“Why Won’t My Garage Door Close!?” – Safety Sensor 101

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 14:25:00 GMT

You’re leaving the house, kids are packed in the car, you’re off to a soccer game and running 15 minutes late. You pull out of the garage ready to take off, glancing sub-consciously at the door, waiting for it to shut…and it doesn’t. UGH! Why me, why now? The Simple Answer: your sensors are doing their job. If the lights on the motor unit on the ceiling are blinking or flashing, something has likely broken the safety beam sensor (or ISB) path, or caused it to become misaligned; which will not allow your door to close.

To minimize this occurrence in your life, and to keep you from yelling at your garage door (it has feelings too!), here are suggestions on keeping your door sensors happy.
First and foremost, the purpose of the sensors is for safety. Again, if anything breaks the path of the laser beam, the sensors will not allow the door to close. Period. Even if you don’t think so at the time, this is a good thing. Too many accidents have, and still do, occur from doors closing on people, vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.
Secondly, when it comes to the sensitivity of the sensors, it can be extremely high. This also is a good thing. (See the previous sentence) In order to keep them functioning properly, it is necessary to maintain them. It takes all of 5 minutes or less; and here’s how:

Make sure to keep the area around the sensors free of debris. Sweep away any leaves, grass, etc that may interfere with the tracks/sensors.
Wipe the sensors gently with a soft, damp cloth paying attention of keeping them in place. If they’re moved too much, it will enable them from working, which will keep the door from closing, which will not make you happy.
Lawnmowers, kids toys, bikes, and rolling trash cans create 99% of these issues!
After cleaning the sensors, operate the opener to test the door and ensure it is opening and closing properly. This is also a good time to maintain your door and opener too.
Remember that the light on BOTH sensors must be lit up solid (they can be green, amber, or red). The sending sensor is usually amber or red, and the receiving sensor is usually green or yellow. Any flickering indicates alignment is needed.

PRO TIP: Watch the sensors as the garage door operates. Vibrations in the track, or even objects attached to the garage door (leaves, brackets, the bottom weather seal) can break the beam as the door closes. Remember that garage doors age, foundations shift, and parts come loose over time!

Just so you’ll know, something as small as a fleck of dirt or a spider web may cause a break in the beam and allow the sensors to “work”. One last thing…it is THE FEDERAL LAW to have sensors on all doors with openers. If you have an outdated opener it’s recommended that you consider replacing as soon as possible.
We hope this information helps you; if you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to have one of our technicians come out to service or install a new garage door opener, please contact our showroom for an appointment today! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Opener Reverses , Garage Door Reversing , garage door won't close , Garage Opener Lights Flashing , Infrared Safety Beams , Safety Sensors Garage Opener

How to Check Your Garage Door and Opener for Wear

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 15:04:00 GMT

One of the biggest headaches you can experience is when your garage door or opener stops working! You get sound, but no action. You need out of your garage. You’re late. You roll your eyes, throw up your arms. What went wrong? Let us help you be a little proactive and be ahead of the problem. We recommend giving your garage door opener and garage door a check over every 5-6 months. Doing this can prevent routine problems, and postpone major repairs.

What do you look for? Here are a few recommendations:

Clean and lubricate your opener where needed, especially on chain drive openers. Be careful to not over-lubricate.
Open the cover of the motor and check the gear inside for wear and tear. If you notice the “teeth” are worn, it’s time to replace it. Being plastic, the gear is usually the first thing to break in your unit. (This is where you get the sound, but no action.)
Check the force and limit settings on the opener and adjust where and if needed (if you know what you’re doing)
On your door, check hardware and tighten where needed.
Check the rollers and tracks for wear and tear. Is it time to replace any?
Look for signs of corrosion, rust, or general wear and tear
Listen for unusual sounds- Does something sound like it’s struggling?

If you’re hesitant on performing any routine maintenance please contact us to schedule an appointment for one of our professionals to service your opener/door. We offer same-day appointments; our full service tune-ups for both your opener and garage door come with a full one-year labor warranty! 972-422-1695
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: DIY Garage Door Maintenance , DIY Garage Door Repair Plano , Garage Door Repair , Garage Door Wear and Tear , preventative garage door maintenance , Texas

Why Choose an 18×8 Garage Door for Your New Home?

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:11:00 GMT

Trust us, it is unrealistic to have a 16’x7′ garage door installed in newly built homes these days. Very seldom do we have just “two cars” – 9 times out of 10, there’s usually a wide pickup or SUV included in that mix. And, more often that not, we have plenty of “stuff” to fill up the additional space! Over-sized and multiple garages are becoming more popular in the housing industry making it easier for the home-owner to have more storage space and therefore eliminating the need for an “offsite storage”.

When planning your new home, or remodeling an existing garage, a lot of time and effort can be put into choosing your door. Not only is there an “aesthetic” appeal to consider but it’s a big investment, especially one that will not be “entertaining” you! Luckily, this is where we come into play. All you have to do is ask your builder to increase your garage size to accommodate an 18′ wide opening, which is an upgrade much like adding a few feet to your bedroom. Most homes today are being built with either an 18×7 garage door, or both a 16×7 and an 8×7. If your builder has not selected or contracted a company to install your garage door yet, just give us a call!

Our garage door brand of choice is C.H.I.. American made out of Illinois, these doors offer the quality you would expect with the best pricing in the region. Widths on standard designs are available up to 20 feet; however, there are a variety of designs that provide up to 24 foot widths. Visit the links here in our website or feel free to contact or visit our showroom for more information on our company or C.H.I. Overhead Doors. We offer exceptional doors – and exceptional customer service – from an exceptional, family owned company with almost 40 years of business. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 18 Foot Garage Doors , Garage Door Sizes

How Does Texas Weather Affect Garage Doors?

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:25:00 GMT

Native Texan’s understand our weather completely; however, those of you who “got here as soon as you could” may require a little help. Our weather changes, as we like to say, every 5 minutes! Just from this year alone, we’ve had one of the most wet winter/spring seasons ever. One week it was wet, the next week it was dry…and HOT!

We’ve even had snow on top of our blooming flowers this year! As a result, there have been more than normal amounts of broken springs, doors coming off the tracks, doors making loud noises as they open and the list goes on.

Dry weather and direct sunlight put an extreme amount of stress on anything that comes in contact with it. Without maintenance, anything that is exposed to the sun can end up looking a lot like the house above.

Snow, heat, cold, rain; they all affect your home, but the bottom line….rust is the main enemy! Without proper care and maintenance, parts become rusted and brittle. Things get out of alignment, and continue to get worse over time until a major problem occurs. Springs break, roller wheels and bearings freeze up and cable lines snap.

Another culprit is the foundation – or the soil underneath it. It’s never happy: either wet clay or dry, cracked clay. The result? Foundation shifts. This can possibly shift your garage and driveway easily, causing doors to come off track or tilt and hang uneven. During wet weather expansion occurs and the opposite occurs in dry weather.

Proper care and maintenance is the solution. Giving your garage door (and opener) a “physical” can extend the life and operation. Plano Overhead Garage Door offers a Full Service/Tune up on both garage doors and garage door openers. This service includes checking the rollers, ensure all hinges and brackets are tight, overall lubrication, adjusting any settings, balancing the door, adjust springs tension and providing you with an honest overall evaluation.
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door and Opener Adjustments , preventative garage door maintenance , Texas Weather Garage , Weather in Texas , Weathering Garage Doors

How to Replace Remote Batteries

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 15:29:00 GMT

Although it may seem an easy thing, changing the battery in your openers’ remote does take a little time and patience. Choosing the right battery can be half the battle.
Most remotes have small screws on the back of the remote; however some remotes only require popping open. There is a small slot to work with on these types.

After opening the remote, you’ll notice a small circuit board inside which hold the battery(ies). Some remotes require only one battery, however, others may require up to three.
Be careful while removing the batteries so the casing doesn’t become damaged. The batteries have their size number on top. When buying, make sure you purchase the correct size. There are roughly 15 different batteries associated with garage door remotes and garage door openers, so you might consider going to your local garage door retailer or a store that specializes in a wide range of batteries (See Image Below).

That’s it! Replace the batteries, put the remote back together…and you have lift-off!!! Your remote is good to go. In most cases, the remote should remain coded and you shouldn’t have to make any adjustments to the garage door opener. Plano Overhead Garage Door carries all necessary sizes batteries. Please visit our showroom anytime Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm or Saturday 9am-1pm. If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of changing the batteries, please call our showroom . We offer same day service and would be happy to assist you. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Opener Remote Replacement , Garage Door Remote Batteries , Garage Remote Batteries , Plano Garage Door Remotes

Should I Replace my Jambs When Having a New Garage Door Installed?

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 15:33:00 GMT

Jambs are not something you notice during your daily routine of getting in the car, backing out of the garage, closing the door and leaving. You just want to make sure the door goes down!
When you get a moment, take a look at the door jambs to see what condition they’re in.

What’s a jamb?
Jambs are the wood trim around your door opening in front of your door. Usually they are the 2×8 pieces of wood that goes above the door and down both sides, typically one piece per side.

What are you looking for? Check for splits in the wood, rotting at the bottom or any warping anywhere along the perimeter of the opening. Also, make sure you don’t see sunlight coming through into the garage when the door is closed. If your jambs are painted and there are “chipped” spots, water can seep in the wood and rot it.
A prime time to replace the jambs is during a new door install. The jambs are accessed easily by our technicians as they remove your old door. Installing new jambs along with a vinyl weather seal around the perimeter of the garage door will prevent critters, bugs, and leaves from getting in your garage too!
It’s important to keep jambs in good condition as they are a vital part of your homes’ construction. Make sure that you select the right size! After replacing the jambs, it is a good idea to have a professional garage door company to adjust the garage door and opener, as the framing will change slightly and can cause damage to the garage door and opener if not adjusted properly. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Framing , Garage Door Jambs , Replacing Garage Door Jambs , Replacing Garage Door Wood , Rotted Wood Jambs

30 Second Garage Door Installation!

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 15:34:00 GMT

Jambs are not something you notice during your daily routine of getting in the car, backing out of the garage, closing the door and leaving. You just want to make sure the door goes down!

When you get a moment, take a look at the door jambs to see what condition they’re in.

Why Does My Garage Door Remote Have 3 Buttons?

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 15:36:00 GMT

Do you find yourself saying, “I only have one opener – why do I have a remote with multiple buttons?
Here’s why:
Most homes have the traditional single or double-car garage; however, more homes are being built with multiple garage doors and/or entry gates. Also, it makes it possible to control your kids or parents openers from your personal remote. Now days, most manufacturers provides multi-button remotes to accommodate these different devices; therefore eliminating the need to have several remotes. (An easy analogy: your TV and the coffee table that overflows with remotes! One to turn it on, one for the cable box, one for the game box, for the Blue Ray…) The same applies to your door openers, gate, etc.)

You do; however, have options. If you’re only in need of a one-button remote, simply visit our showroom where we stock several makes and models of remotes and purchase the one that is compatible. Either way, simply assign and program each button for each device. (Please check with your specific opener manual for different manufacturer instructions). Or, if you prefer, allow one of our professional technicians to come out and take care of your door or opener repairs or needs. (Note: Programming openers at another address (parents, etc) would incur additional service fees. Please ask showroom sales staff or your technician for information.) By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: 3 Button Remote , Garage Door Opener Remotes , Garage Door Remote , Liftmaster Garage Remote

How to Disengage Garage Door Openers for Manual Operation

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 15:39:00 GMT

There are circumstances where you have to dis-engage your garage door opener from your door. The most common is when your opener is either without power or it’s failing to perform its’ normal operations.* VERY IMPORTANT: The door MUST be closed to do this. If you cannot close the door, DO NOT attempt. The garage door could drop hard and fast, and either hurt someone or damage the garage door or structure of your garage.

First, locate the “release cord” that is hanging off the opener rail close to your door. This is usually a red cord with a pull handle (somewhat like a lawn mower). Pull cord down and back (towards motor) with a small amount of force. You will feel it disengage, as well as, visually see the small spring on the lever open up. You can now open and close your door manually. If you cannot lift the door once the door is dis-engaged from the opener, stop immediately and call a professional- you likely have a broken spring.
To re-engage opener, push the wall console button to start the motor, and allow it to travel until you can see mechanism on the bottom of the rail (known as the “Inner Trolley”). Now locate the piece that slides along the bottom of the opener rail as the opener chain, belt, or screw is turning. This is the part that needs to be re-engaged to the carriage, trolley, or other mechanism that attaches the black elbow looking tow arm to the opener rail to raise the garage door. On some models, the door should reconnect automatically when motor stops its cycle. You will hear it “click” in place- this is usually for a belt-driven opener. For most other garage door openers, you will have to either pull down on the red emergency release cord, or down and towards the lights on the motor unit until you hear a click- or see a tab flip towards the motor lights on the opener unit on the ceiling. Then, you can either manually raise or lower the garage door until the outer trolley meets the inner trolley, or you can press the wall button and allow the opener to re-engage itself. Note that doing it manually is much safer, is less likely to cause damage, and is more likely to solve the issue. Please note that there are limit and force settings that may need to be re-adjusted before normal operation can continue.
If you cannot get the trolley and/or carriage to engage, or if your opener isn’t working properly, allow one of our professional technicians to come out and take care of your door or opener repairs or needs. As a fully staffed, family owned business since 1977, our company technicians use stocked trucks, we offer same-day service and provide FREE estimates. We have A+ ratings with Angie’s List AND Better Business Bureau (the only company in Plano with this recognition and rating).
*The directions mentioned are in laymen terms for most LiftMaster brand openers. For more specific instructions please refer to the opener manual. For other brands than LiftMaster (ie: Genie, Overhead, etc.), please contact the manufacturer of your opener for more specific instructions.
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Easy to Use Emergency Release Cord in Plano, TX , Garage Door Emergency Release , Garage Door Manual Operation , Life Span of Your Garage Door Opener in Plano, TX , Work Garage Door By Hand

The Advantages of Two Torsion Springs

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 15:41:00 GMT

It’s 7 am and you’re leaving for work. You open the garage door and hear a loud “BOOM”! Your door has dropped back to the ground hard, possibly even lop-sided, and you cannot open it no matter how hard you try. Your two car garage door only had one spring, and now the garage door is just dead weight. You quickly realize that the garage door opener doesn’t actually do the legwork, the springs do (the opener just GUIDES the garage door)! So now you’re stuck and can’t get your vehicle out. Hope you weren’t rushing out for an early meeting!

Advantages of 2 Springs

With 2 springs on your garage door, only one of them breaks 99% of the time. Most garage doors will still open if only one of the two springs is broken. The garage door opener works twice as hard, but the garage door normally opens (possibly with a helping hand) at least once so that you can get your car out and make it to work. Be sure to call us as soon as possible though, as your garage door opener will likely be damaged with continued use. The second spring usually breaks within a few days of the first one- especially once it’s doing double the work that it was intended.

Why Was There Only 1 Spring Before?

Most home builders cut corners in one area to make other areas of the home more appealing. Unfortunately, the garage door is an area of where they cut expenses by installing only one torsion spring on a standard 16’x7′ garage door when there really should be two. Even though the door will function, having only one spring places unnecessary wear and unbalance to the door which, over time, causes the spring to break due to over-use. When a customer comes home and pushes the button to open the door (not knowing the spring has broken), it often damages the garage door significantly because it is dead weight on the ground.

Can I Just Weld or Repair It?

Due to safety issues, springs should be replaced and not repaired. The springs’ purpose is to carry the weight of the door while it’s being opened or closed. Garage doors can weigh up to several hundred pounds, depending on the size, style and material of the door. Welding the spring back together or bolting the gap together is a cheap fix, but it is very dangerous and is often a temporary fix since the remainder of the coils on the spring are just as worn down as the point that broke. Just in case you’re wondering, we’ve had customers try duct tape. No, it doesn’t work no matter how much you wrap around it!

Our Suggestion

Upgrade to two springs, find the best price associated with the best warranty, and find a company that can do it the same day. We offer all of these things and would love the opportunity to earn your business!
Tags: 1 or 2 Springs Garage Door , 2 Spring Garage , Broken Garage Door Spring , Galvanized Torsion Spring , Garage Door Springs , Garage Door Torsion Springs , Oil-tempered Garage Door Spring , Torsion Springs

How to Buy a Garage Door in Plano, TX

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:03:00 GMT

Parts and Panel Warranties

What is their parts warranty? The manufacturer’s warranty on garage doors is usually 3 to 10 years on panels and only 1 year on parts. If other companies offer a lifetime warranty, be sure to ask them if service agreements are required to maintain your warranty (ours does not). Your garage door is the largest moving part in your home. Don’t you want a garage door you can count on without the hassle?
Plano Overhead orders the thickest gauge steel possible on all of our garage door components. Our lifetime warranty includes the springs, cables, rollers, hinges, tracks, sections and all associated hardware.

Labor Warranty

How long do they warranty their labor on garage door installations? 1 Year (Best), 90 days (Worse), 30 days (Bad), No Warranty- yes they’re out there! (Worst). We stand behind our work and do not require maintenance agreements to uphold our warranties. We strongly encourage yearly service to maintain our garage doors, but if you have any issues we take care of them at no charge.

Spring Styles

How many springs does their two car garage door come with? Two Galvanized (Best), Two Oil Tempered (Better), One Spring (Good), Stretch Springs (Worst). The garage door spring is the most important piece of equipment in your home other than your air conditioner. If you treat your garage door like a front door like most people do, then it should be worth it to make sure you get the most reliable and durable springs on the market. Our Oil-tempered and galvanized spring options both come with a lifetime warranty.

Steel Gauge and Thickness

What thickness of steel is their garage door made from? 24 gauge (Best), 24 gauge nominal (Bad) 25 gauge (Worse), or 26 gauge (Worst). 28 gauge steel garage doors can be bent by hand, and can actually be cut with a standard box knife. Some customers don’t think the thickness matters until a hailstorm comes through! 24 gauge steel garage doors are the thickest available for residential garage doors, and this is why we are able to put a lifetime warranty on them.

Rollers

What rollers does it come with? Nylon Coated Steel 11 Ball Bearing (Best), Steel 10 Ball Bearing (Good), Nylon (Worst). Rollers are like the tires on your vehicle, once they go out you are pretty much out of luck. Utilizing both a nylon sleeve AND a steel bearing core, nylon coated steel rollers are as good as it gets. Nylon coated steel rollers come with a lifetime warranty. Other than good springs, nylon rollers are the next most important in the longevity of your garage door.

Hardware

What thickness of steel is their hardware made from? 14 Gauge (Best), 16 Gauge (Good), 18 Gauge (Bad). We replace broken hinges on competitors’ garage doors every day. The customer is none the wiser until a hinge breaks or a cable snaps because the company chose the builder package when they bought your new garage door from a local supplier. Our hinges and hardware are 14 gauge or thicker and come with a lifetime warranty.

Reinforcing Top Strut

Is a top reinforcing strut included? Yes (Great), No (Worst/Dangerous). Without a top reinforcing strut, the top panel of your garage door can be destroyed when your spring breaks. Most garage door opener manufacturers will void all warranties in the absence of a top reinforcing strut because there is nothing to keep the top panel from folding in half after years of operation. Struts take extra time, effort, and money- but they are a necessity for safe and dependable operation. Our struts are top quality and also have a lifetime warranty.

Consider Noise Level

Is upgrading the rollers worth it? Nylon coated steel rollers can reduce the sound that your garage door makes by almost 65%. If you have rooms above or near your garage, this is a must have! Don’t be fooled by companies that quote “Nylon Rollers” but fail to mention that they are ONLY nylon with no steel bearings. Notice our roller on the right has a steel bearing wrapped in nylon so that you get durability AND noise reduction. Steel rollers with 10 ball-bearings are great, but a nylon coating makes quite the difference.

Insulation Values

Will Insulated Doors Pay for Themselves? Yes! Garage doors are measured by what is called an R-value. The higher the R-value, the more energy efficient the garage door will be. A double steel, sandwich style 2″ polyurethane injected insulated garage door can affect the temperature in your garage by as much as 10 to 15 degrees depending on which direction the garage door faces. Keeping the garage temperature down prevents attics from getting as hot in the summer as well. The more the insulation, typically the quieter the door will operate as well. Thicker panels rattle and pop less as they open and close. Not to mention, they look a lot better from the inside when they’re insulated!

Choose a Manufacturer

Our garage doors are manufactured by an Amish based company called C.H.I. right here in the United States. Our garage doors are 24 gauge steel, have upgraded commercial grade hardware, and are known as being the best in the industry. We install wooden garage doors, insulated garage doors, double-steel garage doors, wood-faced garage doors, steel doors that are painted to appear like wood, full view, fiberglass, and a wide range of carriage house or ranch style garage doors.

We have a large collection of pictures from jobs we’ve done in recent years. As garage doors continue to evolve, we stay on top of emerging trends. We understand the dramatic impact a new garage door can have on the appearance and resale value of your home.

Free In-Home Estimates For Your New Garage Door

All our service technicians are professionally trained and certified for installation, customer service, and sales. As a family owned and operated company, we make sure that our friendly company technicians can come out and walk you through the entire process. We’ll bring color samples, 2′ by 2′ samples of our garage doors, brochures, pricing information, and pretty much anything you’re looking for. We’ll take measurements, and give you all of the options you have to choose from in order to allow you to choose what suits your needs.

Try Before You Buy!

Sometimes pictures just aren’t enough, so we built fully functioning garage doors for our customers to use in person. Being able to hear and touch a garage door is much more important than any brochure or color sample. We have customers who completely change their mind once they come see our selection in person. Our office staff is not commissioned and our customers know them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Test Different Styles on Your Own Home!

Upload a photo of your own garage door, and view any model that we carry on your own home. See what you’re getting before you buy! Please note that colors appear slightly different in sunlight than on a phone, screen, or monitor- but that’s why we have a showroom and give free estimates in person!

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or replacing an older garage door; we suggest that homeowners take each of the factors below into consideration. Some people are focused on appearance and cost is no issue, while others want the cheapest garage door possible and could care less what it looks like. The good thing is that thanks to advancements in the garage door industry, there is a garage door out there that suits just about any of your needs. Give us at Plano Overhead Garage Door a chance to exceed your expectations! 972-422-1695 Tags: Buying Garage Door , Carriage House Garage Door , Custom Garage Door , Full View Garage Door , Garage Door Choices , Garage Door Options , How to Buy Garage Door , Insulated Garage Door , New Garage Door , Non-insulated garage door , Overlay Garage Door , Selecting Garage Door , Standard Garage Door , Wood Garage Door , Wooden Look Garage Door

Garage Backup Battery in Plano, TX

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:12:00 GMT

Does it need to be replaced?

Having a backup battery in your opener can be a huge lifesaver. If your power ever goes out or the power source to your opener stops functioning, the backup battery will activate allowing the opener to still function properly. If the backup battery is dead, this feature is useless. How can you tell if your battery is dead or going to die? Once the battery begins to die the opener unit will begin to beep, notifying you of the problem. Be sure to check that the beeping isn’t coming from a smoke detector or other electronic device. Once you have narrowed down the location of the beeping you are ready to replace your battery.

Where is the backup battery?

The location of the backup battery varies depending on the opener. The Liftmaster 8550 belt driven opener, for example, uses a 485LM backup battery located behind the light cover. Older models, the Jackshaft 8500, and heavy duty openers use the 475LM standby power system. The 475LM may be mounted either directly on top of the motor unit or secured on a structural support above it.

Replacing the 485LM backup battery

When replacing the 485LM, disconnect the opener from the power source. Once the opener is unplugged, remove the light cover by gently pulling it away from the opener. With the light cover removed, unscrew the lightbulb giving you full access to the battery. Now, using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the plastic cover exposing the battery. Remove the old battery and discard (or we can discard of it for you). Partially insert the new battery into the motor unit with the terminals facing out. From this point, connect the red (+) and black (-) wires from the opener to the corresponding terminals on the battery. After completing those steps, replace the battery cover, lightbulb, and light cover.

Replacing the 475LM standby power system

Directly to the motor unit:
Position the 475LM directly on top of the opener with the power cord drawn out from beneath the battery, sitting firmly on top of the opener. Be sure to adjust the placement of the angle iron (the support system for the opener) so that it is out of the way of the battery installation. Align the two screws
Secured to a structural support:
The 475LM can be mounted to either the ceiling or a wall within 3’ of the opener motor. Secure the battery in the desired position using the mounting holes on either side and the 1-1/2” lag screws provided.
Connecting the battery to the motor unit:
Before connecting your battery to the opener, be sure to unplug it from the power source. Connect the 475LM power cord to the end panel of the motor. Once the battery is connected to the opener, plug the opener back into the power source. This will allow the battery to activate causing all LED’s to turn on for 3 seconds. The green LED will flash notifying that the battery is installed properly and beginning to charge. Allow 24-48 for the battery to fully charge.

Need a backup battery?

Stop by our conveniently located showroom to replace your dead backup battery. Don’t want to do it yourself? Call our office at 972-422-1695 to schedule a time for one of our trained technicians to come out and install it for you!
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Opener Backup Battery , How to Replace Your Backup Battery in Plano, TX , How to Replace Your Opener’s Backup Battery in Plano, TX , Internal Backup Battery Garage Door Opener , Liftmaster 485LM , Your Place for Garage Door Service in Plano, TX

Commercial Grade Doors in Plano, TX

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:15:00 GMT

What is builder grade?

“Builder grade” is a term typically used to describe an inexpensive product made from low grade materials. Often times with garage doors, builders or contractors will use the least expensive garage doors, openers, and parts for new houses. The quality of the garage door isn’t always a priority as a homeowner, but if ignored, can be a huge headache over time. These doors and openers cannot withstand the test of time in normal conditions, which is made worse by our crazy Texas weather and sun. Builder grade doors bend, break, and buckle much easier than commercial grade causing much more expense and time to repair. Often times our customers call with what should have been a minor repair, but was made much worse because of the poor quality of the door.

What is commercial grade?

“Commercial grade” (also known as “Professional Grade”) is defined as a top quality, durable product made to endure stress from weight, wear, and weather. Commercial grade garage doors are the highest quality and most durable you can find. Garage door openers are the main way most people get in and out of their homes; however, it is also the most overlooked during home repairs. Being often overlooked but commonly used, having a quality garage door is the key to reliability. When looking for a new garage door or garage door parts be sure to ask about the gauge of steel, warranty, and cycles (for springs and rollers).

What do we install?

All of our garage doors and parts are commercial, professional grade steel. We believe so much in the quality of our product that, on every door we install, we put a lifetime warranty on all parts (springs, cables, rollers, hinges, tracks, and hardware), as well as a limited lifetime warranty on sections/panels. All of our springs are 34” oil-tempered steel, computer-calibrated to lift your door a minimum of 10,000-25,000 cycles. Our durable inside stiles are made of galvanized steel and all holes are “dimpled” for increased holding power. Our heavy duty tracks are 16-gauge steel with an added reinforcing angle to prevent warping. We pride ourselves on providing the best quality for the best price. Our doors and openers are reliable, durable, and virtually maintenance free. All of our technicians are fully trained, full-time employees- we never hire subcontractors; therefore, they will be knowledgeable about all of our products and familiar with your door. You can be sure that customers receive a top quality door with excellent service and peace of mind.
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Builder Grade vs. Commercial Grade Garage Doors in Plano, TX , Differences in Garage Doors , Garage Door Thicknesses , Gauge Steel Garage Door , Plano, TX, Builder Grade Doors , Professional Grade Garage Door , Quality Garage Doors

The Importance of Safety Sensors in Plano, TX

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 16:17:00 GMT

Why are safety sensors required?

Many homeowners underestimate the power and weight of garage doors. Because the spring holds the majority of its weight, people tend to forget that a garage door is a very heavy and potentially dangerous piece of equipment. Even the most basic garage door could easily cause serious injury or death without proper precautions. Many children, pets, and unsuspecting adults have been seriously injured because of faulty or nonexistent garage door safety sensors. According to their website, between 1982 and 1992, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 54 children between the ages of 2 and 14 who died or became seriously injured after becoming entrapped under doors with automatic garage door openers.

Who requires safety sensors?

Safety sensors are a relatively new requirement. Before 1982 there were virtually no requirements for garage door safety; however, after that time, some basic standards were put in place that only addressed a small amount of the safety issues. Over the years, garage door safety has become more and more of a priority. Safety sensors were made a requirement by the CPSC for all garage door openers manufactured on or after January 1, 1993. The entrapment protection requirements are part of a Congressional mandate in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990. The CPSC recommends that consumers with automatic garage door openers test the openers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, to make sure they have a reversing feature.

How do safety sensors work?

Garage door safety sensors are infrared safety beams (ISB’s) that use infrared light to detect any obstruction under your garage door. These sensors send a signal to your opener unit that something is in the way of the door. These little square boxes at the bottom of your garage door must be aligned in order for your door to close. Is nothing under your door but it is still reversing? Check to be sure that nothing is blocking the sensors, and try loosening the wing nuts to adjust them. Sweep the area around the sensors and make sure that nothing on the door or tracks might be obstructing the path of the beam. Both safety sensors should be lit up a solid color, not flickering or off. If both lights are lit up on either side, your opener might need to have its’ force settings or travel limits adjusted on the unit. This is something that a professional should perform. Routine maintenance can help prevent sensors from coming misaligned due to vibration and loose tracks or hardware on the garage door.
Do you have any questions about or problems with your sensors? As with all garage door/openers, we recommend service once a year. Schedule a tune-up today to ensure that your door and all safety features are working properly. Call our office at 972-422-1695. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Infrared Safety Sensors , Garage Door ISBs , Garage Door Opener Safety Sensors , Garage Door Safety Sensors for Plano, TX, Homes

Your Place for Garage Door Service in Plano, TX

Sat, 21 Oct 2017 16:22:00 GMT

Your Place for Garage Door Service in Plano, TX

HomeLink is a wireless system that allows you to control your garage door and/or gate from your car without the hassle of a separate remote. This technology, allowing you to control 3 different doors/gates, works with almost all makes and models of garage door openers.

The Benefits of a HomeLink

The convenience, accessibility, and versatility that a HomeLink provides are priceless. This technology gives you the peace of mind of knowing your HomeLink is always in the same place and virtually maintenance free, completely diminishing the hassle of a remote. Have you ever tried to open your garage door only to realize your remote batteries are dead? Your HomeLink is powered by your vehicles electrical system, so it never needs a battery replaced! Do you have more than one garage door or maybe even a gate? With the convenient 3-button design, your HomeLink gives you the versatility to program 3 different doors/gates to one car. Below are a few tips on utilizing this helpful technology.

Locate your HomeLink

Determining if HomeLink is built into your car’s interior is simple. There are 3 different models of HomeLink integration:

1. HomeLink Built-In Mirror

2. HomeLink Visor

3. HomeLink Module

How to Program your HomeLink

There are the three basics steps to follow to program your HomeLink:
1. Clear any existing codes

When first training your system, press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons, releasing only when the HomeLink indicator light begins to flash after 20 seconds (Do not perform this step when programming the additional HomeLink buttons).

2. Program the remote to your vehicle

Hold the remote 1-3 inches away from the HomeLink button (usually on the mirror, visor, or module), keeping the HomeLink light in view.
Using both hands, simultaneously press and hold the button on your remote and the HomeLink button. DO NOT release until the HomeLink indicator light flashes slowly and then quickly. Once both lights are flashing quickly, you may release both buttons

3. Program your car to the Opener

At the opener (Motor Unit), press and release the learn button. NOTE: Once the learn button has been pressed and released you only have 30 seconds to complete the next step.
Return to your car and press the programmed HomeLink for two seconds and then release. Repeat steps 2 and 3 up to three times to complete your vehicles programming.

Other Useful Resources

HomeLink Customer Care: 1-800-355-3515 or http://www.homelink.com/program/process/1
Liftmaster Customer Care: 1-800-528-6563 As always, check out our website’s “FAQ” section for quick solutions to surprisingly common problem : https://planodoor.wpengine.com/faq/ By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Opener Homelink Instructions , Program Car to Garage Door Opener , Program Vehicle to Garage , Programming Homelink

Lifetime Warranty Torsion Springs in Plano, TX

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 16:27:00 GMT

At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we stand behind the torsion springs that we install on your garage door. The springs that we use are 34” commercial grade springs that are made of galvanized, rust inhibitive wire. No spring will last forever, but we know that our springs will last longer than most of our competitor’s will. It’s nice to know that your spring is covered the next time it breaks, and our customers love only having to pay labor when it breaks down the road. The better the spring, the longer you can go without having someone come back out to replace them!

Pricing and Warranty

Our pricing includes tax, labor, and everything included for an upfront pricing. We will price match our competitors if they offer the same quality and warranty that we have on our garage door spring replacements.

Why our Torsion Springs?

Not just the warranty, but the actual product itself is more durable and long lasting. Our certified service professionals use special tools to wind the springs safely and get your garage door balanced properly.
Tags: Broken Garage Door Spring , Garage Door Coils , Garage Door Spring , Garage Door Spring Replacement , Garage Door Torsion Spring , Torsion Spring

C.H.I Model 2283 Raised Panel 2” Insulated Garage Door in Plano, TX

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 16:40:00 GMT

What is the Model 2283?

If you are looking a great insulated garage door that is dependable, reliable, and durable, the CHI Model 2283 is the door you need! CHI manufacturing company based out of Illinois, is a company that provided us with this double-back steel door. The Model 2283 door sections are formed from 27 gauge galvanized draw quality steel. The section joints are rolled-formed into a tongue-and-groove design which produces a superior weather seal. The rollers are long-lasting to ensure consistent, efficient operation. The bottom weather seal utilizes an aluminum retainer and extruded vinyl. Concealed steel plates run continuously from top to bottom of each section for fastening hardware. It comes with commercial grade torsion springs that are coated and individually calibrated to open your garage door.

Different color options

The different color options that you can choose with the CHI Model 2283 are:

White
Almond
Sandstone
Brown
Evergreen
Bronze
Gray
Desert Tan

Our company does keep the White, Almond, Sandstone and Brown in stock at our warehouse. The other colors would be a special order but they are the same price as the other colors and it is only 10 business days wait for us to get the door in from CHI.

Glass/Window options

Depending on what size door you have determines how many windows you have the option of getting. The standard 2 garage door (16×7), you can choose either 4 or 8 pieces of glass. Once you choose how many pieces of glass you want, then you can choose what kind of window style you could like to go with on your garage door. The different types of glass that CHI carries for the Model 2283 are:

Plain
Tinted
Obscure
Glue Chip
Hawthorne
Somerset
Newport
Hampton
Temple
Florence

To Learn More About the Model 2283 Garage Door, including Images of the Windows and Colors, Click Here . We do have samples of these glasses in our showroom located in Plano, if that is something that you are interested in purchasing.

Why choose the CHI Model 2283?

CHI is a great company that really knows what they are doing when it comes to garage doors. The Model 2283 is an exceptional door if you are looking for a really good quality door to last a long time and also look nice. We do carry that model in our showroom that you can come look at in person and see exactly what you are purchasing! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: 2 inch insulated garage door , C.H.I. Model 2283 , Double Steel Garage Door , Double steel insulated garage door , Sandwich Style Garage Door

How to Program Your Remote or Keypad in Plano, TX

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:38:00 GMT

Have you recently purchased a new opener or a remote for an existing opener? Programming your remote or keypad to your opener is simpler than you may think. Not all openers, remotes, and keypads are alike but in a few easy steps you should be well on your way to effortlessly opening your garage door.

Determine what opener you have

The first step in programming your remote or keypad is to determine the type of garage door opener that you have. It is important to ensure that the remote or keypad that you purchased is compatible with your opener. Be sure to get as much information about your opener as possible, such as the make and model number, before you make your purchase. What about a universal remote? As wonderful as universal remotes may be, they are not 100% “universal”. Be sure to double check that your opener is compatible with the specific universal remote that you choose, especially if you have an older system.

Locate the learn button

All garage door openers have a learn button used to program your remotes/keypad. The learn button will be a small button located on the opener itself; however, color, shape and location depend on the make and model of your opener. Be sure to check under the light cover, on the back, bottom, and sides of your opener. In most newer models, you can locate the learn button by following a small wire hanging from the back. Once you have located it you will be ready to program and/or purchase your remote.

Program your remote

The process to program your remote varies depending on the type of opener, but most use a similar process. Always check the instructions provided with your specific remote as some steps may vary slightly.
Generally, to program your remote, press and release the learn button on your opener which should cause the indicator light to blink. Once that light is blinking your opener is in “learn mode”. This will allow you to program your remote by pressing and releasing the button you will use to open your garage. Be sure to test that your remote is working properly by pressing the remote again to see if the door opens.
*Note: Pressing the learn button until the indicator light stops blinking will erase any remotes currently programmed to your system.

Program your keypad

Programming your keypad will be a familiar process if you have ever programmed a remote. Similarly to your remote, press and release the learn button until the indicator light blinks. Once your opener is in “learn mode” you will be able to type in the desired code on your keypad. Some keypads require you to press the asterisk (*) or pound (#) symbol after your desired code or to enter the code a second time. As always, check the instructions provided with your keypad. Enjoy the easy access to your garage! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Coding Garage Door Opener , Garage Door Keypad , Garage Door Remote , How to Code a Keyless Entry , How to Code a Remote , Programming Garage , Programming Garage Door Opener

Handcrafted, Custom Wooden Garage Doors in Plano, TX

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:14:00 GMT

Options

There are many different options you can choose from when creating your customized wood door. These options include anything from designs, to decorative hardware, to the different door types. Custom created wooden doors can be made of anywhere from cedar to bocote wood- which means a wooden door can range from $1,000 to $75,000 based on your needs. You can put hardware anywhere you want it, and can stain the wood any color that you would like. Some options include the ability to apply wood on the face of a steel garage door in order to maintain the strength of steel while displaying incredible appearances. If well maintained, wooden garage doors can be the most beautiful of them all!

Arches, Eyebrows, and Decorative Hardware

When customizing your new cedar garage door you can do as simple as you would like or you can go into great detail as well, depending on your style.

In the picture above you can tell the options that this person chose, this particular door has what we call an eyebrow design. Custom hand crafted garage doors also offer arches that give your garage door an elegant look. Then once you decide on the style rather it be a true arch or an eyebrow, you can go into more detail with your hardware and staining. It is recommended that you stain the garage door every 3 to 4 years, also it is best to put a protective seal on the door as well. Even the hardware can make all the difference in the door as well. A wide variety of hardware along with clavos are available. Die cast clavos are decorative iron pieces that a perfect finishing touch to any hardware.

Further Questions?

If you have any further questions about handcrafted wooden garage doors, we have one of the doors in our showroom located in Plano. Please feel free to come and look at the door as well as ask questions about the doors and all the different design options there could be. We can also send out a technician to your home to measure your door and they can give you information on the doors as well. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Beautiful Garage Doors , Cedar Garage Doors , Custom Garage Door , Hand-crafted Garage Door , Rustic Garage Doors , Wood Garage Door

When to Use a Hi-Lift Track in Plano, TX

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:18:00 GMT

What is Hi-Lift track used for and why? Well, in some cases there are people that have a lot of toys, such as, lifted trucks, boats, campers, and arranged racecars. When you think about the people that have some of these possessions, you need to ask yourself, where do they keep them? That’s when the Hi-Lift comes into play.

Space or no space

If your ceiling has enough clearance, you may be able to park two cars in the same section. When you get two Range Rovers or jump to getting monster trucks involved, you may want to possibly start thinking into a conversion. Hi-Lift is the ultimate conversion when it comes to floor space. Savvy homeowners that don’t have multiple stalls in their garage space, and also don’t care to build another, can opt to install a four-post car lift that actually elevates on car high enough to park the second vehicle underneath it.

The Ultimate Conversion

When open, a standard garage door typically interferes with an elevated car, even while a car lift is a great solution for the four-post car lift in most cases. The remedy for that would simply to proceed to your conversion. Converting the existing garage door to your soon-to-be high-lift isn’t necessary for reframing work to be done. Also know that the exterior appearance of the door will not change. People that pass by while the doors are closed will not know the difference because no structural changes take place.

Hi-Lift Basics

Standard 7-foot garage doors, the tracks curve and then level into a horizontal plane about eight feet above the garage door from opening. If you only want to lift a single car to work on it from beneath, you can do so without the conversion of a garage door to a high-lift. Just keep in mind that you WILL NOT be able to open the garage door while elevating your car.

What you need

When you are ready to start your conversion, there are a few simple things you may need to proceed. New cables, high-lift drums, support brackets, angles, new torsion springs, and additional vertical track will be needed. Our well trained technicians are equipped with all of these essentials already stocked on their trucks and ready to install. We look forward to earning your business in this exciting space to expand and appreciate this new way to love your toys! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Extra High Garage Door , Garage Lift , Hi-Lift Garage Doors , High Lift Garage Doors , Misc. Garage Door Information in Plano, TX , Raise Garage Door

Fix Your Squeaky Garage Door in Plano, Texas

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:21:00 GMT

We all know how annoying it is when you open the garage door and it squeaks and makes a bunch of racket! Well, we here at Plano Overhead Garage Door are here to let you know that you no longer have to put up with that any longer!

Tips on quieting down your garage door

The fixes for a garage door that makes a racket when it opens and closes are actually fairly easy. All it takes is about an hour or so for you to fix the problem and address a few of the culprits. Three of the main reasons why your garage door may be loud are, worn hinges, worn rollers, or the door may need to be lubricated.

Replacing worn hinges

Over the years, the garage door hinges can actually wear out over time and may even be bent. This can cause the hinges to bind and begin to squeak. If you can notice that the hinges or damaged, you will need to get them replaced.

Replacing worn rollers

The most important thing to know is if you are planning to replace rollers yourself; DO NOT replace the bottom two rollers unless you are skilled and knowledgeable in how garage doors work. The two rollers are in the bottom corner brackets which are connected to the cables which are connected to the springs. The springs are under pressure and can be replaced without having to worry about the springs. Check each roller and see if they are rolling freely and there’s no excessive wear.

Lubrication

Making sure that your door is lubricated is the #1 cause of a very annoying, loud, squeaky garage door. Lubrication is often overlooked seeing as how important it is. simply spray the springs, rollers, hinges, pulleys, and bearings. STAY AWAY from WD40!!! WD40 and other lubricants such as grease, oil, or spray lithium are somewhat cheaper, but they don’t penetrate and tend to pick up dust and grit. Stick with a light chain and cable fluid or garage door lubricant. Do this at least once a year and your garage door will be happy! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Lubrication , Garage Door Service , Loud Garage Door , noisy garage door , Quiet Garage Door

Power Outages in Plano, TX

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 18:24:00 GMT

We have all felt the pains of experiencing the harsh inconveniences that non-automatic garage doors give us. Especially in bad weather, wishing that all we would need is a simple click of a button to open up our garage door. On the other hand, automatic garage doors will likely never go back to a manually opening door. It makes us appreciate the conveniences that an automatic garage door offers, when on the flip-side when we may lose power, it’s highly important to understand some simple tips on how to open a garage door manually in case you need to get out for work or some other emergency.

Going into manual mode

Essentially, all garage door openers have what’s called a bypass switch for certain situations such as power outages, or even if a remote opener dies. On almost every door there will be a long rope that hangs that has a red handle on the end. This is called the emergency release cord. This manual release cord disengages the trolley from the attachment point to the rail. Pulling this will now put the garage into manual mode so if the door is up, it might come crashing down. For safety precautions, always disengage to trigger the handle when the door is closed.

Staying in manual mode

The emergency release cord controls the spring attachment in the trolley. If the opener motor is malfunctioning or the power will be out for a long period of time, then you may have to stay in manual mode. Then you want to continually open the garage door in the manual state, it’s always important to pull the red rope down and towards the back of the garage so you can avoid it getting caught in the tracks.

Going back to automatic mode

You will likely want to take full advantage of the conveniences of an automatic door after the power restores in your home. To re-engage the trolley attachment, pull down on the cord towards the garage opening to keep the lever from engaging. This time you will have to pull up on the door until it snaps into place and you’re back in the automatic mode.

Taking precautions

If you find that there may be damage to a cable or the door opens unevenly, make sure to contact us here at Plano Overhead Garage Door to have one of our Garage Door Experts out to your area in no time. Springs and other garage features can be dangerous to work with and doing a DIY project could result in irreversible damage. Our Technicians have the tools and experience at their disposal to repair your garage door opener safely and efficiently. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Disengage Garage Door Opener , Easy to Use Emergency Release Cord in Plano, TX , How Lift Garage Door , Opening Garage Doors in Case of Power Outages in Plano, TX , Your Red Opener Cord in Plano, TX

Liftmaster 825LM: Remote Control Light in Plano, TX

Sat, 14 Oct 2017 18:27:00 GMT

What does the Remote Light Control do?
Liftmaster has come up with a way convenient way for you to control the lights in your home. It can be programmed with a remote control, MyQ Internet Gateway Accessory or a garage door opener. It is able to work with up to 8 security+ 2.0 remote controls or up to 8 MyQ enabled garage door openers or internet gateway accessories.
Modes of Operation
There are 3 different modes of operation that you can use with this device.

Remote Control Operation- This allows you to activate the light control from your remote control.
Garage door operation- This allows you to synchronize the light control with your garage door opener light bulbs. For example: The garage door light bulbs are set to automatically turn off after 4 ½ mins, so the light control will also turn off after 4 ½ mins.
MyQ gateway operation- This allows you to activate your light control from a web browser or your smart phone. This does require the MyQ Internet Gateway accessory.

Installation
This is device is not hard to install yourself. There are 4 easy steps to follow in order to install

First plug your lamp into the light control and then plug it into an electrical outlet (the LED on the control will flash. Just make sure that your lamp is switched on).
Then if the lamp is not on, just press and release the power button on the control to turn it on.
Then you simply press and release the learn button on the light control. The LED on the light control will light up.
Depending on which device you use this is the next step

-if you are using a remote control, you press the button on the remote control
-Or you can press the learn button on the garage door opener
-If you are using the MyQ technology you need to go to “manage devices” then “learn device” to program the MyQ Internet Gateway accessory.
It also comes with a 1 year warranty on the device so if something happens within that first year of having the device Liftmaster will replace it for you.
How do I get one?
We sell the 825LM Remote Light Control in our showroom located in Plano. They are $40 dollars plus tax and you can install yourself. Or if you have a technician already scheduled to come out, they will be more than happy to give you one as well and might also be able to help you install if you are having problems. So just come see us today to get your 825LM Remote Light Control! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Opener Light Control , Liftmaster 825LM , Liftmaster Light Control , Remote Light Control

Custom Order Carriage House Garage Doors in Plano, TX

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:29:00 GMT

Carriage House Collection

Carriage house doors are a perfect choice when a garage door makes up a substantial portion of a home’s facade and the homeowners are looking to make a huge impression on the appearance of their home. This new line of garage doors offer the classic styling of a carriage house style door, but with the added benefit of steel and insulation so that the homeowners won’t have to choose from over purpose.

Different Options

These specific doors are available in a wide array of standard widths and heights and offer both three-panel and four-panel styles. Three-panel doors offer large window options for greater “curb-appeal”, while four-panel doors have a standard size window option that is available. With each design, homeowners can choose from different stained finishes, all featuring an embossed wood-grain texture that guarantees the look of a carriage house garage door.

Make-up of a Carriage House

Each door is manufactured from hot-dipped, galvanized steel and twice-finished in paint or stain, which is baked on to resist fading and weathering. They are engineered for long-term performance that carries a limited time warranty. For additional protection against elements, a polyurethane insulation core is sandwiched between each steel door panel. This delivers both strength to the door and a higher R-value of 10.

Ideal Customization

For greater customization, homeowners can choose from various styles of decorative hardware, including faux hinges, lift handles and door pulls, angle cornered brackets, and door studs. Each carriage house collection garage door also features a white, embossed steel-back interior, which delivers a clean, finished look inside the garage.

Envision your new customized Carriage House Garage Door

To see how your new carriage house collection door will look on your home, print out a photo of your home and feel free to stop by Plano Overhead Garage Door and check out our showroom and you can visualize different options to help you choose the ideal garage door that you have always wanted for your home. We can take care of all your custom order garage door needs in the Dallas and Plano area! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Carriage House Garage Doors , Custom Garage Doors , Custom Garage Doors Dallas , Custom Garage Doors Plano Texas , Special Order Garage Doors , Wooden Look Garage Doors

888 LM Smart Wall Control Panel in Plano, TX

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 18:31:00 GMT

What is the 888LM?

The 888LM Smart Wall Control Panel is a device that we install to older openers that aren’t able to connect with the new MyQ technology without having to replace your opener. The MyQ technology allows you to use your smart phone to operate your opener with just a click of a button. The 888LM control panel is capable with security+ garage door openers manufactured between 1998 to the present.

Compatible Accessories

The security+ 2.0 accessories are:

Model 891LM 1-Button remote control
Model 893LM 3-Button remote control
Model 890MAX 3-Button mini MAX remote control
Model 893MAX 3-Button MAX remote control
Model 895MAX 3-Button Premium MAX remote control
Model 877LM Wireless Keyless Entry
Model 877LM MAX Keyless Entry

MyQ Accessories

Model 823LM Remote Light Switch
Model 825LM Remote Light Control
Model 828LM Liftmaster Internet Gateway
Model 829LM Garage Door Gate Monitor

How hard is it to set up?

There are only 7 steps to install the 888LM

First you need to turn off all power to the garage door opener
You have to remove the existing wall control from the wall
Then you need to label the wires on the existing door control-label the wire connected to the RED terminal-label the wire connected to the WHITE terminal. Disconnect the wires from existing door control.
Next you need to connect the wires to the new MyQ control panel. When doing this make sure that the polarity is correct, matching Red wire to the R terminal and White wire to the W terminal.
Then mount the MyQ Control Panel to the wall
Now reconnect the power. There is a yellow command LED and a red learn LED that will blink quickly for up to 5 minutes as the control panel is recharging. Once the yellow command LED is glowing steady that means that the control panel is operational.
In order to test the control panel, push the push bar to activate the garage door opener. And that’s it you are ready to start programming all your devices to the wall console.

Ready to Go!!

Now that you have installed your 888LM MyQ Control Panel, You are able to program all of your remotes, keypads, and MyQ enabled accessories. We do sell these control panels at our store located in Plano. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself we can always send someone out to help you figure out how it all works. Feel free to give us a call at (972) 422-1695! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: 888LM , Garage Door Opener Internet , Garage Door Opener Technology , Internet Garage Opener Wall Console , Life Span of Your Garage Door Opener in Plano, TX , Liftmaster Wall Console , MyQ Smart Phone , MyQ Wall Console , Smart Garage Door Opener , Smart Phone Wall Console , Smart Wall Console , Wall Console Works With Phone

Non-Insulated Garage Door, Model 2240 by CHI in Plano, TX

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 18:33:00 GMT

In need of a good non-insulated door?

If you are in the market for a traditional looking, sturdy steel door, then the CHI Model 2240 is a great choice for you! It is available in 5 different designer colors. It is an attractive top-of-the-line door that will not only compliment the looks of your home is will also be very dependable on protection for many years to come. It is designed to go with a wide variety of home styles, it is a heavy-gauge door that is fit for life.

Quality Garage Door

The door sections are formed from an industry best 24 gauge galvanized commercial grade quality steel. The panels are molded into a tongue-and-groove design which creates a really good weather seal. The long-lasting rollers create consistent, quiet, and efficient operation. Inside stiles are made of galvanized steel and stile holes are “dimpled” for increased holding power. Hinges are stamped also from galvanized steel in a “wide body” pattern for greater stability and a longer life as well. When we come out and install this door it includes the torsion spring system above the door. They are coated and individually computer-calibrated to lift your garage door. The paint has an extra heavy paint system that consists of .25 mil. primer and a rust inhibitor and a .75 mil. coating of baked-on polyester paint. The paint choices are:

White
Almond
Sandstone
Brown
Evergreen

What are my options?

Although this is only a non-insulated door does not mean there are not options to choose from. You can get the door in short panel or long panel, as well as, window options and paint colors. The CHI Model 2240, depending on what size door you have can come with up to 8 glass windows in it. You can choose anything from a plain glass window to some of the designer windows, such as somerset. Then with to go along with the windows you also have the window inserts. As I said before there are so many options to choose from you can either visit our website or come to our showroom to see the options you have.

What is the next step?

The next step would be to either call us with what options you have chosen online or if you came to our showroom you can schedule in person as well. If you would feel more comfortable for a technician to come out and measure and to see what his opinion would be on your new door, you can do that as well. We will always provide you with a free estimate that is good for 30 days. So just let us know what we can do to earn your business!
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Aluminum Garage Doors , C.H.I. Model 2240 , CHI Model 2240 , CHI Overhead Garage Doors , Garage Door , Non-insulated garage door , Standard Garage Door , Steel Garage Doors , Top Quality Garage Door

Plano, TX, Maintenance Tips

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 18:35:00 GMT

When you start thinking about how long your garage door opener should last, you may be wondering because your opener may have started “acting up” or parts on the operator started failing. Based on responses from many manufactures, trade associations, and product researchers the average life expectancy of a garage door operator is roughly 10 years.

How well does you opener really work?

There are a lot of factors that determine how well an opener works; such as the quality of the operator, how the opener was ultimately maintained, how often the garage door opener is used, etc. The most important factor though in determining how long an opener might last is how well the garage door actually works. This can depend on brand, model, and other factors.

Extending or shortening the life span on your opener

You can expect to shorten the life of your opener faster than anything else if it is poorly maintained. The springs on the garage door are engineered to do most of the lifting of the door not the actual garage door operator. The garage door opener basically is used to put the door in motion so if the springs are not doing their job then the operator is going to be doing more than it was designed to do. And with a poorly balanced door the garage opener is going to wear out much faster and parts in the opener are going to need to be replaced much sooner.

Tips to maintain

There are two great tips to help you keep your door in shape and to help extend the life of your operator. First, a properly balanced door will reduce a lot of the strain on the opener. So make sure that the door is properly balanced at all times. Second, lubrication of all moving parts on the garage door will make the door work smoother, so make sure to lube the door! Lubricate hinges, rollers, springs and pulleys (if your door had pulleys) using 3-in-One Garage Door Lubricant. Just as a reminder; if you DO NOT feel comfortable or you are unable to do service to your garage door then call your local service company, Plano Overhead Garage Door, and have them do the preventative maintenance for you.

Maintenance! Maintenance! Maintenance!

An annual maintenance should be done to extend the life of the operator and garage door. By showing a little attention to the door and opener you’ll not only get a few more years out of them but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your garage door and opener are operating at peak efficiency.
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Opener Blog Posts , Garage Door Operator , Garage Opener , Liftmaster Garage Door Openers in Plano, TX , Service Garage Door Opener

Upgrade to Nylon Coated Steel Rollers in Plano, TX

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:37:00 GMT

Noisy Door?

Do you have an annoyingly loud garage door that disturbs not only you and your family but also the whole neighborhood? Here are some common causes that a professional door installer can identify and fix in one simple visit. Nylon coated steel rollers are not just your typical steel rollers. When you get a house built you normally get just plain plastic rollers. Which are inexpensive but if you were to upgrade to nylon coated steel rollers you would be upgrading to better more quiet rollers. They also make a big difference in the whole way your garage door operates. Metal rollers operating on metal tracks tend to create a lot of noise. Replacing steel rollers with nylon coated steel rollers will bring the noise level down considerably.

What are the rollers?

The rollers are the objects that are located on the sides of your garage door that move the door up and down. There will be between 10 and 12 rollers on a residential garage door. You can do a visual check on them to see if they are damaged in any way. If the rollers are old, worn or broken, this can affect the function of your garage door as well as opener. Just like if you had bad tires on your car, new rollers will make all the difference in how your garage door and opener functions.

Types of Rollers

There are different types of rollers that you can get (from left to right):

Plastic
Nylon Coated Steel
Steel

We have found that the nylon coated steel rollers work a lot better than the others. Testing has shown that they can last up to 35% longer. The reason being that they are much quieter than steel and long lasting unlike the plastic rollers. It helps your garage door go up and down much smoother as well. They may cost more than the steel or plastic rollers but in the long run it is most definitely worth it!

Taking caution when installing

You should not replace your own garage door rollers if you do not know what you are doing. Some of the fixtures in which the rollers are attached are under extreme tension and could cause injury to you, even death. We recommend you call our company if you are wanting them replaced. We always come out and give you a free estimate. Our installers do this day in and day out so they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to installing rollers. So just give us a call when you are ready to install your new nylon coated steel rollers, we can help you out!
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Garage Door Roller , Nylon Coated Steel Rollers , Nylon Rollers Garage Door , Replacing Garage Door Rollers , Steel Rollers Garage Door

Backup Batteries in Plano, TX

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 18:39:00 GMT

The Battery Back-up, is a well-known product that provides homeowners with reliable garage door operation during severe weather, thunderstorms and blackouts.

Security

Our customers in the Plano, Texas area who use a garage door opener for easy, safe and secure access to their garage and home have already found that access to their cars, as well as getting in and out of their garages, are compromised by a powerless garage door opener when there is a power failure. Not only does this cause convenience and transportation issues, it also poses a security threat to families and homeowners who depend on the garage door as the primary entrance and exit from their home.

Reliability

Plano Overhead Garage Doors Battery Back-up provides reliable garage door operation in the event of electricity outages. It is compatible with the new generation of garage door openers, which combine reliability, speed and power, all with amazing quiet operation. This accessory enables an opener to operate the door at 3.5 inches per second, and, in the event of an extended loss of electricity, the unit will run up to 50 cycles in a 24-hour period after initial power outage. It also reaches full charge within 48 hours and has front facing LEDs that indicate the charge status.

How it works The battery itself is located inside the unit that mounts to your ceiling. The battery comes standard with most residential garage door openers. Once power is lost to the home, the Battery Backup system automatically begins functioning. Dedicated to full access and safety, the Battery Backup system on the LiftMaster garage door opener operates so all remote controls and garage door opener safety systems work normally. Also, to notify the homeowner that the garage door opener is operating under battery power, a series of recognizable, audible sounds signal when the door is opening or closing. As an added safety feature, a flashing LED light alerts the homeowner when the battery is charging, in use, or when the batteries need to be replaced. The battery, which has a life of roughly three-to-five years under normal use, is warranted for one year from the date of purchase to the original owner.
Rest easy!
Severe weather events are not an uncommon occurrence here in North Texas! With the help from us here at Plano Overhead Garage door, you can rest easy knowing that with electricity or not, you will always be able to open your garage door! A battery backup can be easily installed or replaced by either a highly experienced Plano Overhead technician or the homeowner. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Battery Backup System , Garage Door Opener Battery Backup , How to Replace Your Opener’s Backup Battery in Plano, TX , Liftmaster Battery Backup , Liftmaster Garage Door Opener

Dealing with Garage Door Damage in Plano, TX

Sat, 07 Oct 2017 18:40:00 GMT

Dents in your garage door can be aggravating and bothersome. Repairing dents on garage doors can become an item on your to-do list many times in one year. Aluminum or steel garage doors dent rather east, and with your kids playing around in close proximity, it is almost bound to happen for sure. Sometimes even just bumping against them or pushing against them can create that one annoying and inconvenient dent that will make it look less appealing. While there are many tips and tricks to bring out a dent on a garage door, it can be tedious and quite dangerous if you have not done it before.

When it comes to Dents and Dings

Here at Plano Overhead Garage Door, we do our best to repair bent and dented panels using hand tools and reinforcing struts to prevent further damage. The scope of the repair can depend on severity and replacing the panel may be your only option if there are too many big dents involved. Creases in the panel are often detrimental, as they can cause splits and folding throughout the panel. One of our highly proficient technicians can best instruct you of your less expensive options, or give you a fair-minded price on a new garage door.

Do-It-Yourself

For pretty small dents that appear on your garage door, hitting the door from behind it may bring out part of the dent. Then with some 12-grid sandpaper, you then need to sand it down a tad to get it prepared for using a body filler. Then after you wait about an hour or so for it to dry, you then will proceed to sand it down once more. After it is sanded down to a flush feel, then you are ready to prime the area, let that dry, and proceed to paint.

Being on the look-out

When you are in the state of deciding whether you should repair a garage door, make sure that you have the skills and know exactly what you are doing. Garage doors are heavy and can be very dangerous when you are trying to do the job yourself. Also keep in mind, be on the look-out for people that say they can do it for a few bucks and but actually don’t have the skills to fix the problem with your garage door. Anyone can give it a shot, but sometimes that just makes things worse.

Making the right choice!

You can now rest easy knowing you can stop with the confusion of pricing, to-do lists and know now you can come to us here at Plano Overhead Garage Door and avoid accidents, overpricing, and not have to worries of having an improper installation or repair done on your garage door. We know there is more to the job than just the door itself, but rather making sure the remote, track and springs are also appropriately working together as a garage door opens and closes. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Damage , Garage Door Dings in Plano, TX , Ran Into Garage Door , Repairing Garage Door Dents in Plano, TX

823LM Remote Light Switch Accessory in Plano, TX

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 18:43:00 GMT

What is a remote light switch?

The Liftmaster 823 LM remote light switch offers a convenient way to control the lights in your home. It is compatible with up to 8 Security +2.0 remote controls and a combination of up to 8 My Q enabled garage door openers or Liftmaster internet gateway devices. As long as the light source is connected to the switch, you can control it with the same remote that you use for your garage door opener!

Modes of Operation

The remote light switch can be programmed to Security +2.0 remote controls, MyQ garage door openers, or Liftmaster internet gateway devices. Remote control operation allows you to activate the remote light switch from a remote control. Note: If your remote control is already programmed to you’re garage door opener, choose a different remote control button to program to the remote light switch. Garage door opener operation allows you to synchronize the remote light switch with your garage door opener light bulbs. The synchronization with the garage door opener lights is disabled if you manually turn the light switch on. The light switch must be off to synchronize the garage door opener with the light switch. Example: The garage door opener light bulbs are set to automatically turn off after 4 ½ minutes, the remote light switch will also turn off after 4 ½ minutes. Internet Gateway Operation allows you to activate the remote light switch from a web browser (requires the internet gateway accessory model 828LM).

Installation

Before you begin you need to remember these things. This device REQUIRES a ground; if a ground is not available, contact an electrician. If you are not experienced and familiar with electrical wiring and electrical codes, contact an electrician. Install in accordance with all national and local codes. Ensure the existing switch and light is working prior to installing the new switch.

Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or fuse box BEFORE proceeding.
Remove the wall plate and set aside for re-assembly.

Remove old wall switch:

Remove switch from switch box.
During removal, identify or label the load and line wires.-note typically a line wire is the incoming hot wire from the circuit breaker. The load wire is the wire supplying power between the switch and the light.
Keep all lead wires separated from line wires.

Install new switch:

Identify the antenna routing.
Connect the wires-note if you’re wiring includes a neutral wire this wire is not required, combine neutral wires and cap with wire nut.

Green wire to ground.

Connect the green wire on the new switch to the exposed copper ground, green wire, or to the ground connection within metal switch box.

Red wire to load.
Black wire to line.

Secure connections with a wire nut and wrap each wire nut with electrical tape. (Note turn all wire nuts clockwise, making sure the bare wires are covered. Tug on each wire nut to make sure the connections are good).
Carefully pack the wiring back into switch box. Make sure the wires are not pinched or strained. Make sure the antenna is hanging straight down between the switch box and the drywall.
Fasten the remote light switch to the switch box with the screws.
Fasten the wall plate securely over the switch box with the original screws from the wall plate.

You can also test it by:

Turning on the power to circuit at fuse box or circuit breaker.
Test the light switch, manually press the light switch to ensure that the light is functioning.

Programming

You will see that the LED has stopped flashing about 10 minutes and then you can begin to proceed with programming. All you have to do is lift the cover on the remote light switch to access the “LEARN” button, then press and hold the remote control button OR press and release the Learn button on the garage door opener OR if you have a gateway you can go online and it will tell you how. Then all you have to do is press and release the “LEARN” button. Both the LED on the remote light switch and the light will flash once indicating the programming is complete. By following these simple steps it’s easy to see that this product will be very convenient in your everyday life and you can purchase them in our showroom in Plano. By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: 823LM Remote Light , Liftmaster Remote Light Switch , Remote Light Switch

Garage Storage Trends in Plano, TX

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 18:45:00 GMT

Garages are not made just for parking your cars anymore!

It has always amazed me how so many people would rather get in and out of their cars in the rain, snow, sleet, and heat out in their driveways, than to enjoy the overhead protection, shade, and convenience of getting in and out of the car in the garage!

Supporting claims

53% of households in the United Kingdom have access to a garage, whereas only 24% of them use the space for parking their car. However, 82% of homes in the United States have two-car garages or larger, but only 15% use them to park the car inside. Lately, I’ve been noticing it’s also been getting worse. More and more are choosing to NOT take full advantage of their garages and use them for the purpose for which they were intended-TO PARK YOUR CARS IN!

Extra storage space- Practical or not?

When people move into a new home that’s equipped with a 1- or 2-car garage, most likely their intensions are good. Most see whether or not they will have enough space in the garage to fit their personal, specific vehicles. When in reality, most cases prove that after the big move in date, the unpacking of the junk in the garage never really leaves. It just keeps collecting. They’ll use the garage as “extra storage space”.

Too much stuff

The problem is that it just becomes easier and easier to keep adding stuff inside the garage every time they buy more things… or they simply don’t have any other place inside the house itself to keep all the extra “junk” that has now accumulated in their lives. Aside from the bike, lawn mowers, and tools, and such, if you don’t need to use something regularly, then it’s probably not worth really keeping around anyway, right? Storing in the garage is like storage place just before it makes its way to the trash or the donation center anyways! A good theory to go by is, for every one new thing you buy, get rid of one thing. With this, there will be some kind of constant balance.

Conclusion

We would like to think if we have a garage, we should be able to use it accurately and for what it’s actually intended for. Clearing out all the junk and using your garage for the purpose it was intended will prevent a large amount of offenses that also include getting stuck in uncomfortable bi-polar Texas weather! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Full Garages , Garage Parking , Garage Storage in Plano, TX , Garage Trends , Parking in Garage , Stuff in Garage

Liftmaster 8587 Heavy Duty Chain Drive Opener

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:47:00 GMT

When it comes to garage door openers, sometimes using a regular opener such as the Liftmaster 8550 ¾ hp belt drive opener, doesn’t always work. If you have a heavier door or it is made out of cedar wood, it is necessary for you to get the Liftmaster 8587 ¾ hp heavy duty chain drive opener.

Maximum power for the heaviest doors

This opener is not only reliable and durable but it is also very powerful. It is designed specifically for your needs, the ¾ HP motor with chain drive is built to provide maximum power to lift the heaviest of doors including carriage house and solid wood doors. The I-beam rail system and reinforced chassis with chain drive provides maximum support. The Motor Vibration Isolation System, or MVIS, provides super quiet and smooth operation year after year. It is also an energy efficient operation that consumes up to 75% less power in standby mode. So if this sounds like an option you have been looking for here is some more information about the opener.

Connectivity

This heavy duty chain drive opener not only is good for its power, it also is able to use the smart technology just like the Liftmaster 8550 opener that we normally recommend. The MyQ technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, table or computer. Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. It is also a mobile app that is a free download requiring no annual activation fee.

Security

There are several different security features with this opener, such as:

Security+ 2.0 safeguards your household-with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you.
PosiLock locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening.
Timer-to-close remembers to close your garage door when you forget- automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes.
Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ technology or timer-to-close.
Motion detector activates the garage door opener lights as soon as you walk in so no more fumbling in the dark.
The protector system has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.

How can you get one?

If you feel that the Liftmaster 8587 opener is the opener that you need and you want for one of our technicians to come out and install, just give our office a call at 972-422-1695. This opener also comes with a lifetime warranty on motor and 5 year warranty on all other parts. Not to mention we put a one year labor warranty on it when we come out and install. So please just feel free to call us if you have further questions, or want to schedule for someone to come out and install the Liftmaster 8587 ¾ HP Chain Drive opener today! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Heavy Duty Garage Door Opener , Liftmaster 8587 , Liftmaster Heavy Duty Opener

Quick tips for Setting Up Internet Gateway Device

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:50:00 GMT

We here at Plano Overhead understand that when it comes to installing and connecting devices sometimes can get very stressful and frustrating. That’s why we are here to help you out when it comes to providing you with the utmost information and will help you get the most from your products when using a smartphone, tablet, or computer to monitor and control your garage door opener, gate opener, light controls, or other MyQ enabled products.

Connecting to the device

To start, look to the “ MyQ Quick Start Guide” for instructions for the connection of your Chamberlin Internet Gateway to the Internet. A computer or tablet is a MUST HAVE for the step; a smartphone or mobile device will not work to create an account and connect to the Internet Gateway.
You then must have a valid email address to create your account. After entering and submitting your information, you will then receive a confirmation email.
When the Internet Gateway powers up, the GREEN LED and BLUE LED will blink for times indicating a correct power connection and reset of the Gateway. After power up, the LEDs will indicate the status of the Internet Gateway.
If the GREEN LED is off after connecting the Internet Gateway to your router, check the Ethernet cable connection to your router. It must be in the LAN port, (normally numbered 1-4). If the GREEN LED is still off, try another port on your router. Then if you still cannot get a solid GREEN LED, you then will need to contact Liftmaster for help. They have an entire team dedicated to helping you with the device.

Registering

Once you have set up your account, you must add the Chamberlain Internet Gateway to the account. It is easy to do from a computer; this can also be done from an internet empowered smartphone or tablet.

To add the Chamberlain internet Gateway to your account, the GREEN LED on the Gateway must be on unremittingly. If the GREEN LED is off, try connecting and created again. The Internet Gateway MUST HAVE an internet connection for the website or phone to find it.
You will need the SERIAL NUMBER from the bottom label of the Gateway. If this is the second Gateway to be added, you then will only need to go to “Manage Places>Add New Place”.
Now you will need to personally name your device.
At this point now you are able to add things like the garage door opener, gate opener, lights. Or other accessories from the “Manage Places” page. To assemble that, click on “Manage Places>Add New Device” and follow steps.

Alerts

The alert feature allows MyQ users to receive an electric notification when certain events occur. You’ll be sure to be aware when your garage door opens and closes at all times! An alert can be enables, edited, or disabled with any internet enabled computer or smartphone. Multiple alerts can be enabled for any of your garage doors, gate operators, or light controls. You may even have alerts be sent to your email for your personal record.

Smart Phone App

Now that the hard part is finished, you can move onto the fun part! Downloading your smartphone app can be the most useful thing when it comes to Garage Door Openers! After installation, all you need to do is input your account email and password and you could be in Hawaii on vacation and be able to open your garage door for your neighbor to let your dog out or water the plants! By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Connect Garage Door Opener to Internet , Garage Door Opener to Your Phone in Plano, TX , Liftmaster Internet Gateway , Liftmaster Smart Phone App , Phone App for Garage Doors

Replacing Weather Seal

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:53:00 GMT

Weather seal is located on the bottom of all residential garage doors, and is usually the first component on the door that goes bad over time. With much of the garage door being steel, the vinyl plastic weather seal usually shrinks at the corners, tears, hardens, and eventually just doesn’t do its’ job. The steel components might last for 10, 20, even 30 years; but the vinyl plastic seal at the bottom definitely will not. Here are a few reasons on why you should replace your weather seal on your garage door:

Dust
Leaves
Rodents/Snakes
Ants
Weather
Money

Dust

Dust is a major reason why you should change the weather seal on your garage door. It keeps the dust and dirt from outside your door from getting into your garage. So if you are storing important things in your garage you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing dust debris all over your stuff.

Leaves

We all know what it’s like in the fall when the leaves start falling off of the trees. They are all over your yard and then if you leave your garage door up they get in there also. Well if you don’t change the weather seal on your garage door, even if it’s closed, you will still see leaves gathering in your garage over time. The weather seal provides a barrier on the bottom so that the leaves can’t seep into your garage. Once again this also keeps your valuables that you might keep in your garage from having leaves and sticks all over them.

Replacing Weather Seal
Weather seal is located on the bottom of all residential garage doors, and is usually the first component on the door that goes bad over time. With much of the garage door being steel, the vinyl plastic weather seal usually shrinks at the corners, tears, hardens, and eventually just doesn’t do its’ job. The steel components might last for 10, 20, even 30 years; but the vinyl plastic seal at the bottom definitely will not. Here are a few reasons on why you should replace your weather seal on your garage door:

Dust
Leaves
Rodents/Snakes
Ants
Weather
Money

Dust
Dust is a major reason why you should change the weather seal on your garage door. It keeps the dust and dirt from outside your door from getting into your garage. So if you are storing important things in your garage you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing dust debris all over your stuff.
Leaves
We all know what it’s like in the fall when the leaves start falling off of the trees. They are all over your yard and then if you leave your garage door up they get in there also. Well if you don’t change the weather seal on your garage door, even if it’s closed, you will still see leaves gathering in your garage over time. The weather seal provides a barrier on the bottom so that the leaves can’t seep into your garage. Once again this also keeps your valuables that you might keep in your garage from having leaves and sticks all over them.
Rodents and Snakes
The picture above was taken by one of our installers in Plano, Texas. If you look closely, you will see that the weather seal on the bottom of the garage door is missing at the end due to shrinkage over time. So not only did the customer have a snake in their garage, but the tail of the snake actually caused the garage door to come off of it’s tracks and damage the garage door. The snake had coiled around the drum at the top corner of the door because it gets warm over time with usage. Bad place to be. When the garage door opens, the cable coils around that drum. Once the snake was removed, the customer gladly elected to have new weather seal installed on her garage door! This I know can be a gross topic, but rodents and snakes do get into your garage. We have seen mice, opossums, snakes, stray cats, geckos, If you don’t keep the weather seal good on the bottom of your garage door, those rodents can definitely get into your garage. Which in turn they may get into your house! Not only that but they also like to tear up wiring and what not that is also a safety hazard for your home. They can get into the wiring for your garage door opener motor, and the cable and drum system that operated the door and really mess things up. That’s why important you keep your weather seal good on your garage door.
Ants/Other Insects
When you start talking about rodents your think well most of them are big so if there’s a little gap at the bottom they can’t get in. This might be true but it won’t stop ants or other small insects such as spiders from coming right on in! If you keep your weather seal in good condition even small insects like ants can’t come in your garage. Once they get in your garage you could be in all kinds of trouble. Especially if they are able to get into your home. Then they get in your food supply and things like that.
Weather
A proper seal at the bottom of your garage door will prevent air, rain, snow, and wind from causing problems inside your garage. Wet floors in the garage can be extremely slippery, and the Texas heat can be brutal.
Money
You can save thousands of dollars over the span of the life of your garage door by preventing the elements from getting inside. Moisture causes corrosion and rust- which is detrimental for all the metal parts on a garage door. Weather seal will also help you save money on your electric bill. It is also a relief when you don’t have to worry about everything in the garage getting nasty. Once everything gets that first layer of dust due to a lack of barrier, there’s no turning back.

If you get a crack in your window, you replace the window don’t you? If you are a do it yourself kind of person, we sell a variety of garage door weather seals for a wide range of applications and on a wide range of brands and styles of garage doors. If you haven’t serviced your garage door in the past year, we recommend setting up a service call, that way you can get your one year warranty on labor. Also, since we’re already at your home, we only charge the cost of the part to install it for you! Give us a call today, we’re here to help! 972-422-1695 By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door Tags: Bottom Seal Garage Door , Garage Door Accident , Garage Door Weather Seal , Garage Floor Seal , Garage Tight Seal , Pests in Garage , Snake in Garage

One Piece, Tilt-Up, Garage Doors in Plano, TX

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 18:55:00 GMT

What happened to Tilt-up Garage Doors?

One piece tilt-up garage has actually been a part of America’s home front for decades. These doors were popular on homes built in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. Even today, believe it or not, some of these doors are still used. As technology and design progress and become more advanced, older garage doors followed suit and are still dangerous as ever. While many continue to operate moderately, we here at Plano Overhead Garage Door recommend replacing them with a current, up-to-date sectional door.

Flaws of One-Piece Garage Doors

Flaws of this type of door lead to eventual disruption and breakdown. There are major safety and security issues with having a tilt-up. They were known as, “shinbusters’ because they bust your shins every time the door tilts out and up. These heavy old doors use two very large springs that are mounted on each side of the door. This type of spring can be very dangerous when worn. If and when one of these springs break, the door can slam down with full force, crushing objects or people if they’re in the way of the door’s pathway. Unlike sectional doors, that just roll straight up and utilize safe torsion spring systems that are mounted above the door.

The Aspect of these “Shin-busters”

Old Tilt-up wooden doors consisted of a single panel door that pivots out and up, sliding into a section along the ceiling of your garage. Tilt-up doors greatly reduces your overhead space in your garage as well. It’s even very possible in most cases, they can hit your car when the door is opening or closing, if it’s parked too close to the doorway.

Hard Management

Insulating a one-piece garage door is close to impossible to insulate, especially when we start bringing wood doors into the mix. They have no additional insulation features. Also, due to the tilt-up design of these older doors, it’s almost impossible to have a good weatherseal. Living in Texas with our cold winter months, it is very important to have a well-insulated and tightly sealed garage door to keep the elements out! Considering that most tilt-up garage doors are made from wood, they can weigh up to 300 lbs each, which brings to our attention, another safety hazard.

Time to Upgrade?

Now in some circumstances, you may be surprised if you come across a company that may install a one-piece or “tilt-up” door, but it’s HIGHLY recommended to replace or repair using a more modern sectional door. So bottom line – modern sectional garage doors made from steel are easier to maintain – are safer, work better in any weather environment that’s thrown at you, provides better insulation – lasts longer – and because they look great, will increase your curb appeal. If you have an older tilt-up door, consider upgrading soon!
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: 1 Piece Garage Door , Dangerous Garage Doors , Garage Door Replacement , Tilt-up garage door

How to Adjust Infrared Safety Beam Sensors

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 18:57:00 GMT

Why won’t my garage door close?

It is very frustrating when you go to close your garage door and it starts to go down and comes right back up! The most common reason that this happens is because the safety beam sensors located at the bottom of your garage door. These sensors are very sensitive and if there is anything blocking the beam, such as a blade of grass or cob web, will cause the door not to go down. Also if the sensor is not lined up properly it will cause this as well.

How do I fix this problem?

It is actually very simple to fix this problem yourself without having to have one of our service technicians some out and fix it. There are a couple of ways for you to test or troubleshoot this problem. Sometimes it can be the wiring itself or a short in the wiring. You can inspect the wiring yourself with these simple steps:

Check for incorrect wiring between the sensors and the garage door opener.
Verify the wire connections are correct on the garage door opener. The solid white wires connect (insert) to the white terminal and the white and black wires connect to the grey terminal.

Note: The amber LED on the sending sensor will glow regardless of alignment or obstruction. If the green LED on the receiving sensor is off, dim, or flickering (and the invisible light beam path in not obstructed), alignment in required.

How to test the wiring?

There are also simple steps to test the safety sensor wires.

Remove the sensors from the brackets.
Remove the wires from the wire nuts or cut the sensor wires 12” from the sensors.
Strip both ends of wires from each sensor and twist like colored wires together. Proceed with both sensors to the garage door opener motor unit.
Remove existing wires from the white and grey terminals on the back of the operator.
Attach or insert white wires into the white terminal and black/white striped wires into the grey terminal.
Point the sensors at each other-if both sensor LED’s turn on, there is an issue with your wiring. Replace the wires between the opener and the sensors. If the LED’s DO NOT turn on, replace the sensors.

Note: If after replacing the sensors, the LED’s still do not light, it could be the circuit board or even a new opener.

If it is not fixed what do I do?

If after trying these steps and your sensors are still messing up there may be some bigger issues at hand. In that case you might want to give us a call and have a technician come out and give you a free estimate. Do note that if you cannot get your garage door to close because of the sensors, you can hold down the wall console button inside your garage and it should close all the way. That way you can get it closed if you are in a hurry and we can come out right away. Just give us a call at (972) 422-1695 to schedule your free estimate!
By Nick McGregor , General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door
Tags: Garage Door Safety Sensors for Plano, TX, Homes , Infrared Safety Beams , ISBs , Liftmaster Reversing , Liftmaster Safety Sensors