The Importance of Commercial Garage Door, Dock & Gate Maintenance

Commercial Garage Door Maintenance

Commercial garage doors play an integral role in the daily operations of businesses. These doors are not just access points but are essential for security, energy efficiency, and the smooth transit of goods and people. The importance of regular maintenance and timely repair of commercial garage doors, docks, and gates cannot be overstated, as it ensures the longevity, safety, and optimal performance of these vital assets.

Optimal Commercial Garage Door Functionality and Safety

The first and foremost reason for regular maintenance is to ensure the optimal functionality and safety of commercial garage doors. These doors are frequently in use, resulting in wear and tear over time. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that all components are in good working order, reducing the risk of malfunctions that can lead to accidents, property damage, and downtime.

Preventing Downtime and Losses

In a commercial setting, time is money. A malfunctioning garage door can cause significant downtime, disrupting the flow of goods and services. Regular maintenance helps in identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate, ensuring uninterrupted operations and preventing financial losses. Furthermore, addressing dock and gate-related repairs promptly maintains the security and efficiency of the entire loading and unloading process.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Well-maintained commercial garage doors contribute significantly to energy efficiency. Damaged or poorly fitted doors allow air to escape, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. By ensuring that doors are properly sealed and insulated, businesses can reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Enhancing Security

Commercial garage doors, docks, and gates are critical points of entry and exit. They need to be robust and secure to prevent unauthorized access and protect the assets within. Regular maintenance ensures that locking mechanisms are functioning correctly, and any vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, thereby safeguarding the premises and its contents.

Prolonging Lifespan

Investing in regular maintenance is cost-effective in the long run, as it prolongs the lifespan of commercial garage doors. By addressing minor issues promptly and ensuring that all components are well-lubricated and aligned, businesses can avoid costly replacements and enjoy the durability and reliability of well-maintained doors.

Addressing Dock and Gate-Related Repairs

Docks and gates are integral components of commercial garage door systems. They require specialized attention to ensure smooth operations. Damaged dock levelers or seals can affect the loading and unloading process, while malfunctioning gates can compromise security. It’s essential to incorporate dock and gate maintenance into the overall garage door maintenance plan, addressing any repairs promptly to maintain operational efficiency and security.

Scheduled Maintenance and Professional Repairs

We recommend scheduling regular professional maintenance to thoroughly inspect commercial garage doors, docks, and gates. Trained technicians can identify and address any wear and tear, alignment issues, or component malfunctions, ensuring the entire system operates efficiently and safely. Additionally, seeking professional help for repairs ensures that the job is done right, maintaining the integrity and functionality of these essential assets.

Maintaining Commercial Garage Doors, Docks & Gates

In an ever-competitive business environment, the importance of maintaining commercial garage doors, docks, and gates cannot be overstated. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are investments in operational efficiency, safety, and longevity. By prioritizing the upkeep of these assets, businesses can avoid unnecessary disruptions, secure their premises, save on energy costs, and ensure the smooth transit of goods and services, thereby achieving operational excellence.

What Type of Garage Door Is The Best?

When it comes to home renovations or even simply securing your vehicle and other valuable possessions, choosing the right garage door is crucial. Garage doors come in a myriad of styles, materials, and mechanisms that serve different needs and preferences. To help you navigate choosing the best garage door to fit your needs, here’s a comprehensive guide to the types of garage doors, their pros and cons, and tips on how to maintain them.

What is The Best Material For A Garage Door?

Choosing the right garage door isn’t just about picking the first one you see. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each type and following basic maintenance procedures, you can secure a door that fits your needs and lasts for years. That being said the type of material you choose for your garage door will also have its pros and cons and contribute to its overall lifespan.

Steel – Durable and low-maintenance, but prone to dents and rust
Aluminum – Lightweight and rust-resistant, but more easily dented
Wood – Natural look, but requires more frequent upkeep
Fiberglass – More resistant to denting and cracking, but can break upon severe impact

Types of Garage Doors

Sectional Garage Doors

Known for their high durability and excellent safety features sectional garage doors come in various materials, like steel, aluminum, and wood. Sectional doors also require regular maintenance, needing moving parts lubricated regularly and to ensure the door is properly balanced.

Roll-Up Garage Doors

Roll-up doors offer a compact design that makes them great for smaller spaces. They are extremely strong and durable and are constructed with simple mechanisms meaning there are fewer garage door parts that may break or need repair. Because of their more simple construction roll-up doors offer limited customization options. As far as roll-up garage door maintenance the guide bars need to be regularly cleaned and the spindles lubricated. It is also important to inspect doors frequently for rust.

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Easy to install and operate side-hinged garage doors offer classic aesthetic appeal. These types of garage doors work perfectly for garages used for storage, workshops, etc. One downfall is that these doors often require manual operation. They should also be checked regularly and any hinges and brackets tightened as needed.

Tilt-Up Garage Doors

Tilt-up garage doors offer a simple design, usually come at a lower cost, and can be installed rather quickly in comparison to other types of garage doors. These types of doors also require clearance in front of the garage and utilize less insulation which is not ideal for desert climates.The pivoting hinges and springs need to be regularly inspected for wear and tear and replaced when needed.

Proper Maintenance Tips for All Garage Doors

✔ Regular Inspection – Look for signs of wear and tear on springs, cables, rollers, and other hardware
✔ Lubrication – A little grease can go a long way in extending the life of your garage door’s moving parts
✔ Balance Test – Make sure your door is properly balanced to avoid unnecessary strain on the opener
✔ Clean and Paint – Depending on your door’s material, you may need to clean it regularly and apply a fresh coat of paint every few years
✔ Professional Check-Up – Have a professional inspect your garage door annually to ensure all parts are functioning correctly

Utilize The Sevices of A Garage Door Professioanl

It is also extremely important to note that hat you utilize the services of a garage door professional for garage door installation, sales, garage door repair, and garage door maintenance. Garage doors can cause harm to people, pets, vehicles, and other possessions due to their weight and complex parts. It is always best to leave any garage door repairs or issues to a trusted and experienced garage door repair professional.

A Guide to Garage Door Maintenance: Expert Tips to Enhance Lifespan and Efficiency

Your garage door is more than just a means to protect your vehicle; it’s an essential component of your home’s security and aesthetics. As a trusted and experienced garage door repair company, we understand the intricacies involved in maintaining a garage door system. Regular maintenance of your garage door can save you from unexpected repair costs, enhance its lifespan, and ensure efficient operation. Here’s our comprehensive guide to keeping your garage door in top shape.

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Regular Inspection

✔ Frequency is Key

Conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door at least twice a year. Look for signs of wear and tear on cables, springs, rollers, and other moving parts. Check for rust, fraying, and damage.

✔ Listen and Observe

Operate your garage door and listen for unusual noises. A well-maintained door should operate quietly and smoothly. Grinding or scraping noises is a sign that something needs attention.

Lubrication

✔ Essential Lubrication

Moving parts of a garage door should be lubricated every six months. Use a high-quality, non-gummy lubricant on rollers, hinges, and springs. Avoid lubricating the track, as this can attract dust and debris. In most cases calling a garage door professional to help with all of your garage door maintenance needs is your safest and best bet.

Cleaning and Painting

✔ Clean Regularly

Dirt and grime can be corrosive, so regular cleaning is essential. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush to clean the door’s surface, then rinse with water.

✔ Repaint as Needed

A fresh coat of paint not only improves your garage’s appearance but also protects the door from the elements. Use exterior latex paint and ensure that the door is clean and dry before you begin.

Weatherstripping

✔ Inspect and Replace

The weatherstripping at the bottom of your door creates a seal against external elements. Check it regularly and replace it if it is cracked or broken.

✔ Proper Installation

Ensure that weatherstripping is installed correctly. A professional garage door technician can install it for to ensure it is done properly and will last.

Balance Test

✔ Perform a Balance Test

Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), and manually move the door about halfway up. If it doesn’t stay put, the counterweight system (springs) are improperly balanced. This needs professional attention immediately!

Safety Checks

✔ Test the Reversing Mechanism

Place a block of wood on the ground in the door’s path. When the door touches the wood, it should reverse. If not, call a professional.

✔ Check the Photo Eye Sensors

These sensors prevent the door from closing when something is in its path. Test this by placing an object in front of the sensors and attempting to close the door. It should reverse. If not, either realign the sensors or call a technician.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

✔ Regular Service

At least once a year, have your garage door system inspected and serviced by a professional. They can spot issues that you might miss and perform preventative maintenance.

✔ Hire a Trusted Professional

Not all garage door technicians are equal. Look for licensed, insured, and well-reviewed professionals.

The Importance of Utilizing A Professional Garage Door Maintenance Service

Remember, while some maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, others, particularly those involving garage door springs and cables, can be dangerous and should always be performed by a trained garage door repair professional.

Your garage door is a substantial investment and plays a critical role in your home’s security and curb appeal. Regular maintenance, guided by a trusted professional, can ensure that it remains a valuable asset for years to come. As experienced garage door specialists, we strongly advocate for proactive care to extend the life and efficiency of your garage door system.

Why Is My Garage Door Noisy?

Your garage door & garage door opening system are meant to open and close smoothly with little to no noise. However, normal wear and tear & other factors like loose or broken garage door parts can seem to all of a sudden make your garage door noisy! Maybe it’s just a slight banging you hear when you go to open your garage door or perhaps it has started to squeak whenever the door is operated at all. No matter the sound, not only is a noisy garage door annoying it can also mean it may be in need of lubrication or repairs.

If your garage door is loud when opening & closing it could be time to upgrade your garage door insulation!

There are many reasons your garage door may be noisy, from improper maintenance to normal wear & tear, a bent track, becoming off-balance, or a loose part (rollers, nuts, chains, hinges, springs, etc.). The key is to listen to the type of noise being emitted and to take note of when the noise is happening during the open/close cycle. If you hear a banging noise it could mean that your door is off track or you may be in need of garage door panel replacement. A rattling noise usually means there are loose nuts or bolts or the opener support rails or chains could be loose. A scraping noise could indicate an unbalanced garage door which can be extremely dangerous. Clinking can indicate rust build-up causing garage door springs to rub together! And a popping noise usually signals a torsion spring has snapped and you should call a garage door repair service immediately. Any type of broken/snapped garage door spring or unbalanced door should be looked at and repaired by an experienced garage door expert as soon as possible.

Causes of A Noisy Garage Door

Improper Maintenance
Normal Wear & Tear
Bent Tracks
Loose Parts – rollers, nuts, chains, springs
Door Is Off-Balance
Opener Needs Repair/Replacement
Hinges/Rollers Need Lubrication

The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance

Garage doors are subject to the different weather elements, everyday use, and here in Arizona the extreme heat during the summer months. These things all collectively work together and wear on the many parts that compromise your garage door. That being said to ensure that your garage door is in proper working order & is performing as efficiently as possible it is important to schedule regular garage door maintenance with a trusted garage door company. Regular garage door maintenance helps to ensure that any repairs needed are spotted sooner rather than later which can help prevent serious injury or accidents as well as costly garage door repairs or replacement. Maintenance also helps to ensure that your garage door tracks are free of dirt & debris which can hinder movement & create a noisy garage door!

Lubricating Your Garage Door

Remember when your garage door starts making noise it’s trying to tell your something. If a little lubrication is needed it is important to add it anywhere needed as soon as possible.

Garage door parts that are rubbing together causing friction & heat, are bound to break completely, causing a dangerous more costly issue. This is also why it is important to lubricate your garage door and its moving metal parts regularly and not just in times of distress.

While it is always advised to work with a reputable garage door repair company, should you look to lubricate your garage door parts yourself we highly suggest that the garage door is disconnected from any power source before beginning. And while WD-40 may be used to help lubricate parts we suggest using lithium grease. Lithium grease will not cause dirt build-up over time like WD-40. Should you find a lot of dirt build-up, a little bit of brake cleaner goes a long way to help remove built-up grime.

In the end, your garage door is responsible for much of the heavy lifting in life (literally) and should be taken care of and maintained to ensure the safety of people and personal property. And proper garage door maintenance & lubrication can help to extend the overall lifespan of your door while also ensuring it is always in proper working order.

Help Minimize Heat With Garage Door Insulation

The Arizona summer is upon us and with it comes increasing temperatures and higher energy bills. Summer temps can feel like a scorching hot oven, especially if you plan on spending any time in your garage. Many people utilize their garage space using it to exercise, work on cars, as a workshop for various tasks, and even as a man cave.

During the summer months you can expect your garage to be between 10-20 degrees hotter than the temp outside!

Living in Arizona we know the highs can get into the 120’s which means your garage space can reach up to 140 degrees on some days! Not only does a temperature that high make being in your garage unbearable it also makes it unsafe! And let’s face it, if your garage is connected to your house like most peoples are, it makes keeping your house cooler a little harder. This means that your air conditioning system works harder and in turn you see your energy bill go up even more so during summer months. And let’s be real, no one likes a higher energy bill!

Did you know the summer heat can greatly affect your garage door’s opening system?

The heat creates issues with the electronics involved and can hinder the opening and closing mechanisms and even cause the motor to overheat. Should your opener’s motor overheat it is essential that you call a professional garage door repair expert to ensure any damage is repaired before leading to more severe issues.

What Can You Do To Make Your Garage Cooler During Summer?

Use & Time of Day- The early morning hours up to about 10am prove to be a much cooler time to spend in your garage. Opening your garage door a little to allow some of the trapped hot air to escape also helps. Definitely avoid being in your garage between 3-6pm when temperatures are the highest making your garage a Dutch oven!

Garage Door Colors/Material- Believe it or not the color of your garage door and outer exterior matter! Darker colors tend to conduct more heat. Installing a lighter-colored door or choosing to paint it a lighter shade can reduce some heat. Same goes for the material of your door. Steel doors are heat conductors whereas wood doors are natural insulators.

Ventilation System- Your garage ventilation system or lack of one can be a huge factor in the rising temperatures in your space. An active ventilation system is a bit pricer than the normally used passive systems but also a lot more economical and efficient.

Installing a Fan- While a fan can only help to a certain extent it does help to improve the airflow and circulation, which can help to break up that hot stagnant air! Removing clutter and creating a more open space can help airflow as well.

And…

The #1 Way to Help Minimize Heat…Garage Door Insulation

Garage door insulation is the number one way to help combat that horrible summer heat. All of a sudden you can see yourself spending time in your garage again! On top of helping to decrease the higher temperatures in your garage, insulated garage doors offer so many other benefits as well!

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors Include:

Greatly reduce heat transfer
Lower energy bills
Insulation helps quiet noisy garage doors
Reduces outside noise
Helps keep cold air out during winter
Better constructed as opposed to uninsulated garage doors

Now that you are aware of some of the benefits of an insulated garage door what do you need to know when choosing the right insulation?

R-Value- The R-Value of a garage door is key! What does R-Value mean? This is basically the number that measures the insulation in your door. The higher the R-Value the better the insulation. In fact, an R-Value of R18 or higher can help reduce radiant heat, ultimately helping to keep the inside of your garage a lot cooler.

Thank you.

Overall Insulation– An insulated garage door can do wonders for the temperatures within your garage but in order for them to work to their maximum potential it helps if the walls of your garage and attic space are insulated as well.

Type of Insulation- The type of insulation matters. While the R-Value measures the performance of insulation it helps to understand which types are best. For example, convex reflective foil-faced foam utilizes radiant heat which helps to reflect the heat away from your garage. Flush foam insulators help to absorb heat from conduction, while reflective foil has a 97% reflective rate.

If you are looking to survive the summer heat while still being able to utilize your garage spaceit’s highly beneficial to look into replacing your garage door with a higher R-Value door or by adding insulation to your existing one.

One more positive factor to consider when deciding on insulating your garage door… it helps add to your homes overall value!

If you have any other questions or want to insulate or upgrade your existing garage door, give Parker Garage Doors a call! We’ve been providing honest, affordable service in Phoenix, Lake Havasu and throughout the valley for over 20 years. We are family owned and operated and know our stuff when it comes to garage doors.

June: National Garage Door Safety Month

June is National Garage Door Safety Month! You may not know this, but the garage door is the most used entry point for the home. On average, the garage door closes and opens at least 4 times a day. More than 70% of homeowners use their garage door as the main entrance into their home. With that much traffic in and out the garage door, it is important to ensure your garage door is working correctly at all times.

The use of our garage doors have become such a daily part of our family lives that we often don’t take the time to stop and see if the basic components of the garage door are functioning correctly. Checking up on your garage door not only keeps your family safe, it will also keep your door safe and operating for years to come.

Is Your Garage Door Safe?

In recognition of National Garage Door Month, the professionals here at Parker Doors & More will like to share some tips with you on maintaining the security and safety of your garage door. Below is a list of common garage door accidents and how to avoid them. Garage Door Safety is a must:

Do-It-Yourselfers

Some of us are more handy than others and would rather work on their own garage door compared to seeking help. This is an affordable option for quick maintenance and repairs, but you also increase the chances of receiving an injury if you are not familiar with garage doors.

If you are still motivated to do the repair on your own, be sure to study the instruction manual for your garage. There are over 1,500 injuries a year from homeowners trying to fix their garage door. Contact a professional if you have any questions or if you are not sure on the proper procedures when repairing your garage door.

Kids Playing With Doors

This is very common, especially during the summer when the school is out. Little ones love racing under the door as it opens and closes. They also like testing how long they can maintain their balance on the bottom door panel as the door opens. Approximately 100 children are injured each year playing with garage doors.

The best way to prevent this is by simply educating the children that live in the home to not treat the garage door as a toy. Practice garage door safety with your young ones. Parker Doors & More suggest that you keep small children away from automatic garage doors and garage remotes at all times.

Continue Use Of A Broken Garage Door

You will be surprised by the number of households who continue to use their broken garage door. Whether it is a broken panel, bad sensors or a problem with the garage door opener, we always recommend that you repair the issue as soon as possible to avoid injury. Hundreds of Americans are injured every year by broken garage doors.

It is a good idea to visually checkout your garage door from time to time. Be sure that the mechanics and the moving parts of the garage door look in place. We recommend having a professional perform routine tune ups to avoid serious repairs and injuries.

Avoid Racing The Door

We have all have had a time when we realize we left something in the house as we are backing out of the garage. Even though modern garage doors have sensors as a safety feature to avoid accidents. Over 130 people injure themselves, damage their homes, damage their garage door or damage their vehicle each year while trying to race the door.

The best way to avoid injury is patience. You may have to wait a few moments as the door reopens, but you will avoid injury and damage to your home and/or car.

Trapped Fingers

Before attempting any ‘Do-It-Yourself’ repairs, make sure that the power is disconnected. Even once the power is disconnected, the garage door can still be very dangerous and should be handled with care. Nearly 200 people hurt themselves every year. Fingers can easily get caught between the rollers, cables, tracks and springs.

Children and adults should always be very careful. Garage door accidents can lead to severe injury or even amputation in some cases.

Broken Glass

If your garage door is a contemporary glass-based design or if you have glass windows on your garage door, then you will have to deal with broken glass at some point. It is important that you pay attention to cracked and broken windows to avoid serious injuries or damage to the tires on your vehicle.

Although there is not much you can do to prevent glass from breaking, try to take extra precaution while cleaning the mess. Sweep the area two or three time to make sure there aren’t any glass shards being left behind.

Falling Garage Doors

Once a garage door has been damaged, or if the door has been improperly maintained, there is a good chance that a garage door panel, or the whole garage door itself can fall and cause serious harm to yourself, your car or your house. Maintaining your garage door is the only way to avoid major malfunctions. We recommend doing seasonal check-ups on your garage door. Make sure the bolts and screws are tightened and that the hinges, rollers and tracks are in proper working order.

Summer Safety

With June marking the beginning of summer vacation, garage door professionals thought it will be a good idea to use June as National Garage Door Safety month. We increase our garage door use in the summer storing garden supplies, sporting equipment, kids bicycles and cars. It is the perfect time to pay a little more attention to the functionality of your garage door.

Garage Door Service With Parker Doors

Parker Doors & More offers a variety of services to keep your garage door safe and working properly. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, There is no job too big or too small. If you are in need of a repair or a tune up, call 602-870-9848 or contact us online. Ask about our June Tune Up Special!