High-end bicycles are the current target of a series of residential burglaries in Marin County. The Central Marin Police warned residents about the increase in garage break-ins since the end of 2022. Perpetrators use weak points to access garages and valuables, mainly high-end bicycles.

The best way to keep your bicycles and other items safe is to enhance your garage door security. You can start by looking over your garage for any weaknesses thieves can use to access the bicycle and then take action to eliminate these weaknesses with the help of a garage door professional.

Series of Garage Break-Ins in Marin County

The series of garage break-ins in Marin County is an increasingly worrying trend. Since the beginning of December 2022, the Marin Police has seen a significant increase in the theft of high-end bicycles from residential properties. This trend of breaking into garages and stealing high-end bicycles has been slowly growing for nearly two years. One victim has even been targeted twice, once in 2021 and again at the beginning of 2023.

Bike thefts have been steadily rising across the country, increasing by nearly 24% in 2020. Seattle experienced an almost 54% increase in bike thefts from 2019-2020, while Denver saw a 26% increase in theft. There are various reasons for thieves to target bikes, including:

1. Increase in ownership: During the pandemic, people turned to cycling as a safe and fun way to exercise outdoors when many fitness centers closed temporarily. A growing number of people also use cycling as a safer alternative to mass public transportation, especially if they live within biking distance of work and other amenities. Many new bicycle owners are less aware of how to protect their equipment from theft, making them vulnerable to theft.
2. Bicycle shortage: The increased demand for bicycles has led to a shortage and increased prices. Many U.S. manufacturers also struggled with supply chain issues — imports decreased when factories in East Asia closed due to the pandemic. The lack of bicycles has caused prices to rise, making them attractive targets for thieves.
3. Improving bicycle technology: Bicycles are made out of increasingly more sophisticated technology and tech such as carbon fiber. They may also have expensive additions like high-quality saddles that increase their resale value. E-bikes are also becoming increasingly popular, with sales jumping nearly 145% from 2019 to 2020. The demand for these expensive bikes plays a role in the rising bicycle theft trend.

These three main factors have contributed to the increase in bike thefts in Marin County and across the country.

How Are Garages Being Broken Into?

While there is some uncertainty as to why certain garages are targeted, authorities believe the perpetrators are targeting vulnerable garages. Perpetrators may take the time to “case” a neighborhood to identify garages with open or broken windows or a lack of security. They may also notice doors that are regularly left open and unlocked. It is also possible that the culprits are using social media to pinpoint locations with high-end bicycles and learn the layout of garages. This is especially true for cyclists who regularly share pictures and details of their bicycles, cycling routes and storage set up online.

According to the Marin Central Police, the bicycle thefts usually occur in the early morning between 1 and 4 a.m. The perpetrators use the latch release or coat hanger mode of burglary to gain access to garages. This method involves either breaking or forcing open a garage door window. From there, they use a long rod with a hook at one end to reach the emergency pull cords. Once these are pulled, the garage door bypasses the motorized system and opens.

In some instances, perpetrators use a power or crank drill to create a hole in the garage panel. A long rod or stick with a hooked end is used to reach the crossbar keeping the garage door closed. These methods of entry are quick, easy and nearly soundless. Perpetrators may be able to enter your garage within a few minutes to steal your bicycles and other valuables.

The bicycles are probably loaded onto SUVs, pickup trucks and other cargo-type vehicles before being transported to a final destination. Authorities are also investigating the possibility that the bicycle thefts in Marin County are part of an organized fencing operation.

How Can You Protect Your Bicycles?

Knowing that bicycle thefts are happening is only the first step in protecting your possessions. Here are a few things you can do to protect your garage and bicycles:

Be Vigilant

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your neighbor is to be vigilant, according to the Marin Central Police. You should watch out for suspicious vehicles and people that may be casing your neighborhood. Take note of the vehicle’s make, model and license plates if possible. Report them to the relevant authorities. Get to know your neighbors and keep an eye out for them. Report any suspicious behavior. Install a home surveillance system and review any alerts and activations.

If you regularly post your cycling adventures on social media, look for any identifying features that can help potential thieves locate your house. Try and avoid sharing pictures of your garage, as doing so may help perpetrators learn the layout of your garage and its security features.

Secure Your Garage

Improving your garage security is the best way to protect your bicycles and garage. There are a few components that can help lower the risk of bicycle theft, including:

• Windows: Block your windows so that perpetrators cannot see inside. You can also reinforce glass windows with a layer of plexiglass or add tight mesh over them. Ensure they are always closed, and repair or block any broken windows.
• Emergency release handle: Hide or secure your emergency release handle so it cannot be tampered with. You can also invest in a garage door shield that covers the emergency release cord while leaving it functional.
• Lights: Install motion-activated lights near your garage windows and doors. Motion-activated lights get rid of shadows that potential thieves can hide in.
• Garage door opener: Get a smart garage door opener. They have many built-in safety features like a self-closing and auto-locking system, lighting controls and a smartphone connection that improves the safety of your garage. If someone manages to force your garage open, you will get an alert allowing you to contact the authorities immediately.
• Lock: Consider getting an automatic garage door lock like the 841LM from LiftMaster. These locks work in tandem with your garage door opener by unlocking and locking the door as it opens and closes. An automatic lock ensures your garage is always locked. The deadbolt lock on the LiftMaster reinforces your garage door lock.

Secure Your Garage Door Today With Door Pros

Garage security is a growing concern in Marin County and surrounding areas due to the spike in residential burglaries targeting high-end bicycles. Door Pros has decades of experience installing and repairing garage doors and accessories. Our team of experienced garage door professionals can help create a security solution for your garage door that encompasses everything from your locks and windows to garage door openers.

Request an estimate from Door Pros to secure your garage today!

The post Recent Thefts in Marin County: How an Auto-Lock Can Improve Garage Security appeared first on Door Pros.

If you’re looking for a new garage door, there are dozens of styles and options to explore. Consider choosing a carriage house style for your garage door for a classic, stylish design. Carriage house overhead doors come in several color, construction and hardware options so you can select a door that complements your home.

With so many options, carriage doors are perfect for almost any home or budget. Start looking at different garage styles today with this guide to our popular carriage house garage doors.

What Is a Carriage Style Garage Door?

Carriage house garage doors offer a timeless style that combines vintage aesthetics with modern engineering. Carriage doors are designed to mimic old carriage houses, which were home to horses, carriages and servants before cars were the standard form of transportation. Once cars became the main form of transit, garages became the new vehicle housing and the carriage style was transferred to garage doors.

You can recognize carriage house-style garage doors mainly by their bold hardware and vintage, barn-style design. Hardware for carriage doors is typically decorative since the doors open upwards but have handles that evoke older carriage house doors, which opened outward. Carriage doors often have handles and hinges in vintage styles to reflect their old roots. Other modern garage door styles don’t generally have this hardware, giving carriage doors a unique feature that elevates the design of any garage.

Carriage doors are usually made with a wood or wood finish inspired by the original carriage houses. They might have some windows for styling and natural light. Carriage doors also often have overlays in horizontal, vertical and diagonal patterns to create attractive, subtle shapes on the door. Overlays are another feature of carriage doors that mimic the rustic, natural feel of older entries for a vintage flair. These and other features are customized to create a door that looks antique without sacrificing durability or innovation.

How to Pick the Perfect Carriage Style Garage Door for Your Home

If you’re exploring new garage door options, we offer a range of carriage-style doors to complement your home. Each style comes with its own color, design and feature options to ensure you get the best door for your garage. Finding a garage door that fits your home’s theme while remaining durable will give you the best, most cost-effective option.

Whether you’re a seasoned garage door purchaser or picking your first garage door, there are many variables to consider. Choose from various colors, hardware, styles and features to discover the door that’s right for you.

Color

Color is an essential aspect of any garage door. Your garage door color can be seen from the street and can make or break a first impression. For mid-century and modern homes, wood or wood grain finishes are ideal. The deep, rich tones of wood and its natural look give your home a warm, welcoming appearance.

For country-style homes, consider a white garage door. White is a classic, timeless color that provides and home exterior with a fresh, classic look. If you’re looking for a statement garage door, darker colors can give your home a bold contrast, providing a modern twist on a vintage garage style.

Hardware

Customizing your hardware will help you achieve the vintage look for which carriage house doors are famous. Step plates, metal hinges and lift handles bring an authentic feel to any carriage door, adding the perfect finishing touch to the design.

Style

Along with hardware, overlay patterns and glass styles will help tie your door in with your home’s overall aesthetic. Styles like COACHMAN® garage doors offer several overlay options, so you can use clean, subtle lines for a more understated look or a diagonal pattern to mimic barn door designs.

Insulation

You’ll also want to consider insulation when picking a garage door. Insulation keeps your garage from leaking air, helping to reduce your energy costs, maintain a consistent temperature in your home and protect your garage interior. Our carriage-style doors come with several insulation options made from polystyrene or Intellicore® polyurethane. Insulation is essential to any quality garage door, helping to increase durability and providing you with year-round protection from energy loss.

How Much Do Carriage Style Garage Doors Cost?

The exact cost of your overhead door will depend on the style, material, size, features and construction. You’ll also want to consider regular maintenance costs associated with the door. Wood doors need more frequent maintenance to keep them in top condition, so you’ll pay more for yearly upkeep.

Insulation type will also affect the total price of the door, along with customizations and material. However, the higher quality your door construction, the longer it will last and the lower your maintenance costs will be. Simply put, higher upfront prices can end up being more cost-effective long term.

Smaller garage doors can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 on average, while larger, 2- or 3-car garage doors can cost $3,000 to $6,000. You’ll want to balance your garage door budget with your unique needs and home style to help you get the best quality door for the right price. Work with a reputable overhead door dealer to ensure you find the right garage door for your home.

Carriage Style Garage Door Options

If you’re interested in checking out different garage door styles, the carriage house door is a classic, attractive option for any home. Carriage-style doors come in a range of options, allowing you to select the door that perfectly meets your style. Explore these Clopay® carriage doors and find a durable, stylish garage door for your home:

• COACHMAN®: For a blend of strength and style, consider choosing doors from the Coachman collection. Coachman doors are constructed from robust and low-maintenance steel with wood grain overlay, giving you the look of natural wood and the durability of steel.
• CANYON RIDGE®: Charming and energy-efficient, the Canyon Ridge Limited Edition and Ultra-Grain series are perfect for bringing a vintage touch to any home. Choose from a 4- or 5-layer construction for a sturdy, high-quality door.
• GALLERY®: The Gallery collection elevates the carriage house door with wrought-iron details and stylish color options. Add a grooved panel design for added depth and dimension.
• BRIDGEPORT STEEL: For a sleek, more modern take on the carriage house garage, choose Bridgeport Steel doors. Recessed panel designs mimic the carriage door while keeping the contemporary look for the best of both styles. Multi-layer steel door construction provides long-term durability and efficiency for an excellent value.
• RESERVE® WOOD LIMITED EDITION: The Reserve Wood Limited Edition collection gives any home an authentic, historic feel. With multiple wood species to choose from and eight designs, you can find the ideal vintage door to complement your home.
• RESERVE® WOOD CUSTOM: For a one-of-a-kind carriage door, choose a Reserve Wood Custom garage. Construct the perfect carriage-style overhead door with our custom series. Working from a sketch or a few ideas, Clopay can build you your dream door. With unlimited wood species and door designs, you can craft your garage door from the ground up.

Explore Carriage Style Garage Doors With Door Pro

With so many options to discover, choosing the right overhead door style can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable garage door for your home, trust the experts at Door Pros to help you find the right one.

We offer top-of-the-line Clopay garage doors to ensure you receive the best product for your home. Our experienced staff will help you explore various design options from our extensive inventory for a stress-free experience.

To get started with your garage door installation, request an estimate and find your perfect garage door today!

The post Guide to Carriage House Style Garage Doors appeared first on Door Pros.

Choosing a garage door is a big decision. Your garage makes up a large part of your home, and it’s often the first thing people see when they look at your house. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new garage door for your home, from your budget and preferences to your area’s climate.

We’ve put together this guide to help you choose a door perfect for your home. Learn some steps to selecting a new garage door and how to match color and style to your house.

How to Choose a Garage Door

A new garage door has the potential to change the entire appearance of your home and raise its curb appeal. Before you start thinking about your design wishes for your garage door, you’ll want to consider some logistics. These steps provide a good starting point:

1. Analyze Your Area’s Climate

One of the first things to consider when choosing a garage door is your location. The weather affects what you use your garage for. If you live in a cold or snowy climate, you might want to use your garage to protect your car. In addition to protecting your car from elements like rain and snow, you’ll likely need a garage door rated for wind in some regions. Garages without wind protection leave your home susceptible to roof collapse.

2. Understand Your Budget

Another important consideration is how much money you’re willing to spend on a new garage door. Setting a budget is a good next step after determining which type of door will work best for your climate and area. Your budget will depend on several factors, including material, number of doors, style and whether the garage door is insulated.

3. Think About Your Garage Door Usage

People open and close their garage doors multiple times every day. The number of times you open and close your garage door might affect what type of door you choose. If you find you open and close your doors a lot throughout the day, a door on an overhead track might be quicker and more efficient than doors that open outward.

4. Decide How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do

Different garage doors require different maintenance levels. Wood doors require regular maintenance and upkeep, especially as they age. You’ll need to repaint or stain them every couple of years. If you don’t have time or aren’t interested in the upkeep necessary for a wood door, consider one made from aluminum or steel. You can paint these doors to look like wood if you want the look without the upkeep.

How Will You Use Your Garage?

Choosing a garage door for your home depends on how you plan to use it. People use their garages for the following purposes:

• Car protection: It isn’t surprising that car storage is one of the most popular uses for a garage. Many people choose a double garage or two-car garage even if they only need room for one car. You can use the extra space for storage or as a workspace.
• Storage: People often use their garages to store items like bicycles, shoes, seasonal decorations and equipment like lawnmowers.
• Home gym: Home gyms have grown in popularity in recent years, and some people have found their garage to be the perfect place for a home gym setup.
• Workshop: People who work at home or do a lot of construction work around the house might find their garage a good place for a workshop.

How to Match a New Garage Door to Your Home

A new garage door can enhance your home’s aesthetics if you choose the right style. Start by analyzing your home’s style:

• Rustic: Rustic homes are casual and natural. They often feature elements like wood and stone.
• Traditional: Traditional homes mix classic with contemporary. They are one of the most popular styles in the U.S.
• Modern: Modern homes were built between the 1930s and 1970s in the U.S. and are stylistically minimal without many over-the-top details.
• Contemporary: Contemporary homes generally feature styles that are currently popular. The styles can vary greatly.

You can also customize some elements of your new garage door to add a unique twist to your home. Some features of garage doors that can make your home stand out include:

• Windows: Windows work well with many garage styles. If you’re using your garage for a nontraditional purpose — such as a home gym — windows let natural sunlight into the space.
• Material: Garage doors are often made from steel, wood, aluminum or glass.
• Finish: You can use paint, stone, brick or staining methods to finish and perfect your new garage door.
• Color: Color is an excellent way to customize your new garage door. You may choose a black garage door for a modern, sleek look or a red garage door to complement your home’s other colors.

What Style Garage Door Should I Choose?

Check out the following garage door styles and our recommendations for home styles they complement:

• Modern Steel: The Modern Steel garage doors pair well with contemporary and midcentury modern homes. There are 13 finish options available for this style.
• Classic Steel: Classic Steel garage doors are available in various colors. This style stands the test of time and complements every style of home.
• Reserve^® Wood Custom: Wood garage doors pair well with rustic homes. With Reserve^® Wood Custom handcrafted doors, you can choose between wood like Knotty Alder, Spanish Cedar, White Oak or African Mahogany. Options are only limited by your imagination!
• Canyon Ridge^® Carriage House: Get the look of swing-out doors with the functionality of upward operation with Canyon Ridge^® Carriage House garage doors. These doors are constructed with four layers — steel, insulation, steel and a composite overlay.

Your personal style is the most important thing to consider when choosing a garage door. Since you’ll be the one opening and closing it every day, choose something you love to look at and use!

Find a New Garage Door With Door Pros

At Door Pros, we’re committed to providing the best customer service and workmanship. No matter what garage door styles you’re interested in, we have something to fit your lifestyle. We have locations across California, including San Mateo, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Francisco, Carmel and surrounding areas. We also work in Monteray and Denver, Colorado.

Our experienced technicians are ready to help you pick a new garage door. Browse our garage door gallery and request an estimate for your new garage door today!

The post How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home appeared first on Door Pros.

With crime rates up, stores located throughout the city need to ensure they have taken the proper precautions to protect their employees and inventory. Storefront protection doors add a layer of security that you can count on — even after you leave your store.

How Storefront Security Doors Work to Protect Your San Francisco Store

While your storefront allows you to creatively display your inventory and attract customers, all of the glass doors and windows make it vulnerable to “smash and grab” burglaries and vandalism. Criminals can easily use a hard object to break through the glass and quickly steal your inventory before anyone has noticed what has happened.

This is why you need a reliable layer of protection whenever you are away from your store.

During off-hours, keep your storefront and inventory safe from these threats with a storefront security door. With their secure design and thick metal construction, criminals will have a much harder time breaking through a security door or grille.

Best of all, these doors can easily be rolled away during the day, allowing you to continue using your entryway and displaying your items to shoppers during the daytime hours.

Browse Storefront Security Doors and Grilles at Door Pros

At Door Pros, you’re able to browse an array of Clopay® storefront security doors and grilles constructed from strong and durable materials such as steel and aluminum.

Our entire collection of open-air grilles provides your storefront with a layer of protection while still allowing visual access and air circulation. They will prevent unauthorized access with their rugged construction and design. You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of models, styles, colors and patterns depending on your needs and budget.

We also carry full closure models if you want to add more of a solid barrier to your storefront.

Why Partner With Door Pros to Secure Your Storefront?

Here at Door Pros, we have a team of trained and experienced technicians who will work with you to select the best storefront security door or grille. While these doors are designed to offer protection, our team also stays up-to-date on style trends and designs. We’ll help you select storefront protection that is functional as well as visually appealing.

Along with our sales services, we can also install, maintain and repair your storefront protection doors. We also offer a one-year labor warranty on our installations for further peace of mind.

Protect Your San Franscio Storefront With the Help of Door Pros

Door Pros provides garage door services to stores located throughout all of San Francisco as well as San Mateo, Sacramento, San Rafael, Carmel and the surrounding areas. To learn more about how we can help protect your storefront, just fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.

The post Storefront Protection Doors appeared first on Door Pros.

When it comes to garage doors, there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Residential and commercial buildings require a custom-fit door for safety and efficiency. The state of California is known for properties with uneven slopes, and Door Pros serves home and business owners in San Francisco with new garage doors on uneven properties.

Why Do Garage Doors Have Sloped Floors?

When purchasing a piece of property, you might find that the garage flooring is on a slight angle. While this seems out of the ordinary, sloped garages are fairly common in the San Francisco area. Your home or business could have sloped flooring for a number of reasons including:

• Drainage for water/spills
• Architecture of building
• Weathering/warping
• Cracks/separation of pavement
• Plumbing system placement

Sloped garages can help your residential or commercial space in the event of a flood. However, it is important to inspect your garage door regularly to ensure components complement the angle of your uneven slope. Paying close attention to the condition of your garage door is pivotal in determining the best route for maintenance, repairs and replacements.

Signs You Need a Sloped Garage Door

Door Pros aims to inform our customers about the importance of garage door fitment. Even if the mechanical parts of your garage door system seem to function correctly, gaps between flooring and panels are areas of concern. No matter if you use a garage space for work, leisure or storage, the following warning signs indicate you need the help of Door Pros for garage door replacement and installation:

• Noticeable gaps: If you can see or stick fingers through the space between garage door panels and flooring, an uneven slope may be to blame. Door Pros technicians are happy to visit your site to inspect the angle of your flooring for a timely solution securing your home or business.
• Weather damage: Uneven garage flooring puts your home or business at risk of inclement weather. Gaps the size of a quarter or half dollar are large enough for wind, rain and runoff to flow through your garage.
• Appearance of rodents: Rodents are always in search of a safe place to hide. If you notice rodent droppings or bite marks, you require Door Pros services to seal gaps between flooring and panels.
• Attempted burglaries: Garage doors with gaps are easy targets for breaking and entering. Door Pros helps to improve the security of your home or business with custom installations for sloped floors.
• Doors off track: Uneven flooring puts pressure on garage door components if not configured to the proper angle, and it can cause them to get off track.

Garage Doors on a Slope

Door Pros takes the time to inspect your residential or commercial garage doors to ensure components are functional and properly aligned. If your garage door does not shut all the way, our technicians search for the most cost-effective solutions to satisfy your lifestyle and applications. Whether we are installing a brand new garage door for your facility or are returning for maintenance services, no one sets garage doors on a slope as neatly as Door Pros.

If you live in the San Francisco area, we understand that garage door gaps are unacceptable for functionality and curb appeal. Technicians at Door Pros will engage in the following to correct unwanted openings:

• Inspect tracking: Our experts look at the orientation of garage door placement along tracking. If mounting locations are not parallel, we can realign accordingly.
• Analyze door seals/weatherstripping: Depending on the size of the gap between flooring and panels, Door Pros can replace weatherstripping on our Clopay doors.

Fortunately, Door Pros is able to install built-in garage door thresholds for sealing gaps in residential and commercial settings. The slope across your garage flooring or entry way may be enough to prevent doors from closing completely, but we focus on extensions for steel, glass, aluminum and wood materials. Door Pros installers attach custom-fit panels along the bottom of your garage door to mold to the angles of your slope.

Garage Door Services In San Francisco

Door Pros gives our customers the chance to place inline cut bottom panels along residential and commercial garage doors. Serving as the perfect solution to sloping driveways and platforms, our technicians measure the angles of your slope to configure pieces for the degree of your flooring. The days of cleaning out your garage after a storm is over thanks to our selection of Clopay doors.

All of our doors and operating equipment are rigorously tested to withstand extreme temperatures, weather and conditions to adapt to your residential or commercial environment. Clopay products are engineered to provide protection and a stylish appearance to locations with sloped flooring.

Door Pros understands the need for functional garage doors, and this is why we offer replacements molded to function as one solid piece. Sloped threshold doors allow our customers to select materials that match from the ground up, and installations are complete in just one day through the following process:

1. Remove previous door panels and parts
2. Install new and pre-measured panels
3. Place new door tracks and rollers
4. Attach compatible springs and cables
5. Conduct open and close door tests

Contact Door Pros for Sloped Garage Doors in San Francisco

Door Pros is your one-stop shop for Clopay garage doors suitable for your residential and commercial needs. No matter if you require garage doors, overhead doors or roll-up doors, our technicians serve customers in San Francisco and surrounding areas including Marin County, East Bay, San Mateo, Sacramento and San Diego. For more information about sloped garage doors, fill out a contact form with Door Pros today.

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• Why Won’t My Garage Door Go Up
• The Value of Smart Garage Door Openers
• When To Repair & When To Replace

The post Garage Doors Installed On A Slope appeared first on Door Pros.