If you’ve seen houses with glass garage doors in your town or neighborhood, you know just how sleek they can look. Beyond boosting the curb appeal of your Denver home, upgrading your overhead doors to ones made from glass offers many functional benefits. These doors welcome natural light and provide superior durability.

Browse the range of glass garage doors from Clopay^® at Door Pros, such as Avante^® and Avante^® Sleek collections, and read on to discover how to choose the perfect option for your home.

Why Choose Glass Garage Doors?

Here’s why you should choose a glass garage door:

• Aesthetic appeal: These garage doors have a striking visual impact, giving your home a more modern and elegant look.
• Natural light: By allowing abundant natural light into your garage, studio, home gym or another area, glass overhead doors can help reduce energy consumption during the day. As a result, they can be a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly option compared to other door types.
• Durability and security: Glass doesn’t decompose over time, so these doors are rot- and decay-resistant. They can save you time and money on frequent repairs and replacements. Companies like Clopay use tempered glass to manufacture garage doors. This type of glass is four times stronger than regular glass, so doors mde from this material are highly durable.
  

Customization Options for Glass Garage Doors

Explore the various options you can choose from for your home’s glass garage doors.

Frames vs. Frameless

Glass garage doors are usually made with glass panels framed with aluminum, a corrosion-resistant material that helps make these doors durable and strong. These sturdy frames hold the panels in place, making the glass less likely to break under impact. If these frames are visible on the door’s exterior, it is called a framed glass garage door. These frames are available in various colors, allowing you to choose what best suits your home.

On the other hand, a frameless option looks like an all-glass garage door, offering an ultra-modern look and feel. Although it isn’t noticeable, this design has an underlying frame.

Glass Types

With multiple glass types, you can balance natural light and privacy based on your needs:

• Clear glass: This transparent glass offers maximum light and visibility. Clear options are great if you want to create a brighter and more luminous space or have unobstructed views of your surroundings.
• Frosted glass: Also known as etched glass, this type has a textured surface that creates a blurred image, obscuring visibility while letting natural light pass through. A frosted glass garage door is a top choice among those who want more privacy or a more diffused lighting effect.
• Tinted glass: Small amounts of metal oxides are added to the glass to achieve a colorful hue, giving it a unique aesthetic. Tinted glass reduces glare, limits the heat entering the space and helps shield items from solar damage.
• Textured glass: The surface of this glass features designs or patterns, enhancing privacy without sacrificing natural light. Textured glass is both stylish and functional, as it can add a decorative element to your home.

Panel Styles

If you opt for a framed design, glass panel garage doors come in two styles: long and short. Long-panel garage doors feature rectangular panes extending the entire door width and six panes stacked vertically. A double garage will have a door with 12 panels.

On the other hand, short-panel garages have panes that are shorter in length but taller in height. As a result, there will usually be two panes spanning the width of the door and four vertically — double garage doors will have 16 panels, and single doors will have eight.

If you’re after long panels’ clean and minimalistic look, browse the Avante Sleek collection. Long-panel glass doors have fewer panes, making them suited for houses with simplistic or modern designs. Short panel styles create a bolder look as they feature more panels.

Browse the Avante range of glass garage doors if you want something that stands out. Despite differences in design, panel dimensions and aesthetics, long- and short-panel garage doors offer the same level of safety and security.

Which Glass Garage Doors Complement Denver Home Styles?

With many customization options, choosing the right glass garage door can feel overwhelming — a good starting point is to consider the architecture of your home. Here are some of the most popular architectural styles of Denver homes and which overhead doors complement them:

• Mid-century modern homes: These homes make a bold statement, featuring straight lines, flat or slanted roofs, and large windows with expansive panes. Glass garage doors with frosted or textured glass and minimalistic frames suit this architectural style best.
• Victorian homes: Consider opting for a style that combines traditional frames with modern glass to achieve a balanced look.
• Craftsman homes: These homes are recognized for their large front porches, low profiles, and gently sloping gable roofs featuring wide eaves and visible rafter tails. Short-panel glass doors work well and are complementary to the distinctive Craftsman style.
• Modern homes: Contemporary architecture usually refers to homes designed and constructed in the present day. However, many modern homes feature glass materials, asymmetrical elements and striking lines. Choose sleek, aluminum-framed or frameless doors with clear or tinted glass to align with these design elements.

Options from the Avante or Avante sleek ranges are an excellent choice if you want to upgrade the overhead door of your garage.

If you’re looking to install one of these doors in an area detached from your home, such as a studio, pool house or home gym, browse the VertiStack Clear door range. These glass commercial doors boast an innovative design with sections that stack above the opening, eliminating the need for overhead tracks. As a result, you can maintain a clear ceiling in your space with no exposed tracks, hinges or cables.

Considerations for Denver’s Climate

When choosing a garage door, always keep your location’s climate in mind. Along with using your garage to protect your car from snow or rain, you’ll need to choose a wind-rated door.

Denver is exposed to high winds and hail storms, Colorado’s most damaging weather phenomena. Investing in garage doors designed to resist these harsh conditions is essential to protect your property from damage. For example, the Avante and Avante Sleek range glass doors are available in WindCode® options. These reinforced garage doors will help shield your home from strong winds.

Insulating your glass garage doors is also vital, as temperatures range between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Doing so helps your space retain heat and keep out the cold, reducing your energy costs. Both the Avante and Avante Sleek range offer an option with insulated glass and a polyurethane-insulated frame.

Installation and Maintenance

When installing a garage door, it’s always best to leave this to experts, like the technicians at Door Pro. Your technician will also confirm that all safety mechanisms are calibrated correctly and functioning well.

Regarding maintenance, glass garage doors are easy to care for. Similar to windows, clean the glass panels with a glass cleaner. Use a mild detergent for the aluminum frame before rinsing with a hose. You should also schedule a routine inspection at least once a year.

Why Choose Door Pros in Denver?

With decades of experience, Door Pros is a top choice for installing glass garage doors in Denver. We specialize in various garage door services, from selling and installing models to providing maintenance and repairs.

Customer service is our biggest asset, and we’re committed to upholding our five-star rating. You can expect personalized consultations and solutions, same-day service and 24/7 availability. We install only the highest-quality garage doors. We’re a registered Clopay dealer, North America’s top garage door manufacturer.

Explore Glass Garage Door Styles With Door Pros

Glass garage doors offer both aesthetic and functional benefits, from elevating your home’s appearance to letting in more natural light and reducing the need for frequent repairs. If you’re a homeowner based in Denver and want to install a glass garage door, the professionals at Door Pros are here to help. Our team of experts will guide you in choosing the right door and answer any questions you have.

To explore our range of glass garage doors from Clopay, schedule a sales call today.

The post Choosing the Perfect Glass Garage Doors for Your Denver Home appeared first on Door Pros.

You rely on your garage to store your belongings and access your home daily, so you want to keep your investment in tip-top shape. Performing regular maintenance on your garage door will keep it working longer and can prevent costly repairs down the road. Use these garage door maintenance tips to keep your overhead doors working smoothly for years to come.

1. Observe Door

The first step in garage door maintenance is essential for identifying more apparent issues with the door. Open and close your garage door automatically and then manually. Look and listen to the door — is it running smoothly with minimal noise? Listen for unusual banging sounds and loud noises when the door is moving. Check to make sure the door isn’t catching or jerky. While opening the door manually, does it feel heavier than usual? Notice any visual or auditory signs that the door isn’t working correctly. If you find anything, you can begin correcting the issue.

2. Clear Tracks

Keeping the tracks clear is a simple way to maintain your overhead door. Over time, dirt and debris can collect on the tracks, creating blockages and malfunctions with the door. Gently brush debris from the tracks, then use a damp rag to wipe dirt and grime from the surface. While you can safely and efficiently clean your garage door tracks, you should leave any significant adjustments or repairs to professionals to ensure the tracks are safely and correctly repaired.

3. Tighten Hardware

You likely open your garage door multiple times a day, every day. If you open your garage door three to four times daily, that’s 1,000 to 1,400 cycles every year. This repeated use creates vibration, causing nuts and bolts to loosen over time. Using a socket wrench and a screwdriver, you can quickly tighten nuts, bolts and roller brackets yourself. Be careful not to overtighten hardware — this can lead to damage and faster wear on the components.

Avoid tightening red-painted hardware or hardware located on the bottom roller fixture. Tightening or adjusting these components can damage your door or compromise safety, so always leave these to professionals.

4. Check Cables

Visually inspect cables for frays, tears and other damage. Damaged cables can cause strain on the door parts and present a safety hazard to anyone using the garage door. Avoid adjusting or repairing the cables yourself. Cables are under high tension and help your door operate. However, they are dangerous to handle without proper training and can be unpredictable. If you see frayed or broken cables, contact a technician. Park your car outside your house and use other entrances while waiting for cable repair to protect yourself from harm.

5. Inspect Rollers

Garage door rollers allow the door to open and close smoothly, guiding it along the track. Damaged rollers can cause issues with the track and door operation, so inspect them for problems. Examine the rollers for cracks, chips and wear. You can replace damaged rollers, as long as they’re not directly attached to the cables or cable systems. Keep rollers clear of debris along with the tracks for the best operation.

6. Lubricate Hardware

Moving garage parts need regular lubrication to help with friction and wear. Lubrication is a quick and easy maintenance task you can perform without stress to keep your garage door working for years. Opening slowly is a common garage door problem that lubrication can easily fix. Use garage-door-specific lubricant to treat the springs, hinges, rollers, tracks and opener’s chain. Proper lubrication will keep your overhead door components moving smoothly and correctly.

While some garage door rollers need lubrication, nylon rollers do not. If your overhead door has nylon rollers, they will work their entire life span without needing lubricant. If you have steel or other material rollers, they’ll need lubricating about twice a year, maybe more if they see more frequent use.

7. Test Balance

An imbalance in your garage door puts extra stress on the other components. Over time, this additional stress will cause your garage door to wear out faster, potentially leading to severe damage and extensive repairs. To test your door’s balance, close the door completely. After closing the door, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle — typically a red cord. Then lift the door manually until it sits halfway open and let go. If your door is correctly balanced, it will stay in the half-open position.

If your door fails to stay in place, you might have a cable or spring problem. These components are under high tension, so avoid working with them yourself. Leave rebalancing garage doors to professionals, so contact a technician for assistance if your door is improperly balanced.

8. Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the rubber seal at the bottom of your overhead door that helps block off your garage interior from water damage and the elements. Replacing a cracked or brittle weatherstrip can help protect your garage from the rainy season and keep the outside from getting in. Weather seals also keep air from flowing between your garage and outside, saving you money on energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the space. Because weatherstripping prevents elements from coming indoors, always check it during season changes for the best energy efficiency.

9. Test Safety Features

When performing regular maintenance, always check the safety features. The photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features prevent your garage from closing on objects and causing safety problems. You can quickly test these features at home with a few household objects.

For checking the photosensor, wave a broom under the door as it’s automatically closing. To test the mechanical auto-reverse, place a wood plank or brick under the door. Start the door closing — when the door touches the object, it should reverse. If either of these features fails to reverse, contact a professional to look at your safety features.

If your door is older, it may not have these safety measures. If this is the case, you should get your garage door and opener replaced. These features help protect people and objects from garage door injury or damage. Installing a door and opener with modern safety measures will keep your family safe while using the garage door.

10. Clean Door

Finally, always inspect the garage door itself for wear and tear. Overhead doors are constantly exposed to grime, dirt, debris and harsh weather. Steel doors can form rust spots, which you’ll need to sand and repaint. Wood doors can warp when exposed to water damage, so look for bending in the door. Wood also needs regular repainting or restaining to protect the wood.

You want your garage door to look clean and new, so wash it to prevent dirt. Use a mild soap and a wet cloth to remove all grime and debris on both sides of the door.

Protect Your Garage Door With Door Pros

Preventative maintenance can protect your garage door from regular wear and tear damage. If you find problems with your garage door while maintaining it, call a service you trust to fix your door. At Door Pros, our experienced team will examine your garage door and perform any necessary repairs to give you full use of your garage again. If you’re experiencing an issue with your garage door, schedule a service with us today!

The post Garage Door Maintenance Tips appeared first on Door Pros.

Many homeowners enjoy spending time in their garages working on home improvement projects or exercising in a home gym. A garage is an excellent place for various activities and uses, but when the interior gets overwhelmingly hot, you’d likely rather be any other place than inside. The high temperatures can turn your garage into an underutilized storage space rather than an environment where you want to spend time.

The good news is that there are ways to improve the temperature inside your garage and make it a comfortable space to work in. Continue reading for tips on how to cool a garage and make it a livable space.

1. Open the Garage Door

It may seem simple, but the best way to cool a garage is by opening the door. A breeze can flow through once the door is open, replacing the hot, stuffy air with cooler air. If you have windows in your garage, you should open these simultaneously to create a cross breeze. The increased airflow will allow hot air to escape, making the interior more comfortable to work inside.

When you open your garage door and windows, stay nearby. If you’re working inside your garage with the door open, close the door once you go back inside or leave your home. This way, you can ensure all of your belongings stay safe.

2. Declutter Your Garage

Many people don’t consider how the items they store in their garage can contribute to the temperature inside. A garage full of boxes and other items can increase the temperature by retaining heat and preventing airflow. The more items you have inside, the warmer it’ll feel and the worse the air quality will be.

Even when you open the door or open your windows, air can have difficulty escaping with all of the boxes, bins and other items in the way. This is especially true if you’ve piled your belongings in front of windows or doors.

You can prevent this by taking an afternoon to declutter your garage. Consider what items you genuinely need and dedicate a space for them in your garage. If you don’t need these items in your garage, you can move them to an attic, basement or storage facility.

Once you’ve decided what will stay, add storage spaces for these items. You can install shelving units and overhead storage to get boxes off the floors and tools on the wall. The dedicated storage spaces will help keep the floor clean and tidy, allowing air to flow through and cool your garage.

3. Install a Ceiling Fan

When working in your garage, you don’t want to be trapped inside a hot and stuffy space. Installing a ceiling fan can be a cost-effective and straightforward solution to help move air around the room. It’ll help keep you cool while working inside.

If you choose to install a ceiling fan, you’ll want to pick one that’s industrial strength. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that you can only install ceiling fans in garages that are 8 feet in height. The blade will work best when they’re 7-9 feet off the ground, providing the best potential for cooling.

If you can’t install a ceiling fan, you can look into a portable air conditioner or an oscillating fan. If you have windows in your garage, you can use a window fan to draw air from outside into your garage and expel the hot air from inside. Sometimes, a hot garage can be caused by high humidity — combat this by purchasing a dehumidifier, which will help maintain climate control and make it easier for the temperature to drop.

Regardless of which option you choose, the important thing is that you’re circulating air in your garage. A consistent airflow will help decrease the temperature and make the space more comfortable.

4. Utilize and Improve Insulation

Insulation plays a big part in your home’s temperature control, and your garage is no exception. Properly installed insulation will prevent heat from building up in the first place and keep cool air from escaping. Check the insulation in exterior walls, as these are most likely to be exposed to the most heat, heating the air inside more quickly.

If your exterior walls are already complete and have drywall in place, you can use blow insulation to fill in any potential gaps. Otherwise, you can look into your preferred form or insulation. You can also replace your garage door with an insulated garage door to better keep heat from seeping in and cool air from escaping. If you have windows or doors leading outside, you can use weather stripping or caulk to seal any air gaps that let warm air inside.

Properly installed insulation and an insulated garage door can help keep your garage warm and comfortable. Insulation will also lower your energy bills and improve your home’s resale value.

5. Park Vehicles Outside

Did you know that parking your garage in your garage as soon as you get home could be contributing to the level of heat inside your garage? While it may be tempting to pull straight into your garage and park your car, it’s best to wait until the heat coming from your vehicle has cooled, especially if you plan on using your garage as soon as you get home.

Once you’ve given your car adequate time to cool off, you can park your car in your garage for your safety and convenience. Parking your car in the shade is the best way to cool your vehicle, and you’ll be able to park your car in your garage within an hour or two.

However, if your driveway gets a lot of sunlight and there’s no place for you to park in the shade, your best bet will be to park in the garage and leave the garage door open until the car is cooled off.

Let Door Pros Help Cool Your Garage

When you invest in a home, you want to be able to use every room in the house, including your garage. However, heat buildup can prevent you from wanting to spend any time in there, making your garage a glorified storage container. Door Pros is here to help residents in California make their garage a livable environment again.

We offer some of the best garage doors that can help you insulate the inside of your garage while providing high-quality customer service with around-the-clock availability. We have a wide variety of residential garage door services, including installation and repairs.

Request an estimate from Door Pros today to learn how we can help you make the most of your garage space.

The post How to Keep Your Garage Cool in the Summer appeared first on Door Pros.

Many people use their garage as a home gym or a workspace, but the space can quickly get cluttered, making it challenging to use the area as desired. As spring rolls around, it’s the perfect time to clear out your garage and organize, utilizing various storage materials to make the most of the space.

This article provides garage storage tips and a garage cleaning checklist to help you learn how to organize a garage and prepare for the spring season.

Create a Game Plan

Before you jump in and start organizing your belongings in your garage, you’ll want to come up with a plan to tackle the clutter. First, take a look at your floor plan to determine how much space is available inside your garage. Take measurements so you don’t buy something that won’t fit within the dimensions. Decide what you want to keep and what you might want to throw out or put away in an attic or storage facility.

When creating your plan, try to set aside an entire day for the organization if you can. When you spend a whole day dedicated to organizing your garage, you’ll find that the time goes by quickly, especially when you’ve got a plan.

Categorize Your Items

Everything inside your garage can fit into a category, and it will be easier to store and find items if you sort them by category before putting them away. You can sort your belongings into categories such as:

• Tools
• Recycling
• Sports equipment
• Camping gear
• Decor

Other items, such as paint or luggage, are better stored elsewhere, especially if your garage doesn’t have temperature control. After you have everything sorted into categories, it will be easier to organize the items in that category into a designated space. Organizing your belongings by category will make it easier to find the items you need rather than trying to dig through a pile of stuff.

Gather Organization Materials

Once you’ve sorted everything into specific categories, you’ll want to find the appropriate storage and organization materials for each category. Here are a few organizational materials you should consider:

• Stackable bins: You can store just about anything in large bins, from recreational equipment to recyclables. Stacking these bins on top of each other will open up more space in your garage.
• Clear jars: You can use clear jars to store pens, small tools and other items. You can see everything inside to find what you’re looking for with ease.
• Lockable cabinet: A cabinet with a lock is an excellent way to store lawn chemicals and other materials you don’t want your children to get a hold of.
• Label maker: Once you’ve got everything in bins, it can be challenging figuring out what’s inside if the container isn’t clear or labeled. Use a label maker to make your items easier to find.

Coat the Floor in Epoxy

When you’ve cleared away all your belongings, you may notice that the concrete slab floor looks bland. Unless your home is brand new, you might see scuffs or stains from projects in the past. Covering your garage floor in an epoxy coating makes it resistant to oil stains and as easy to clean as your kitchen counters. No matter what work you plan on doing inside your garage, you can clean up messes or spills will ease.

An epoxy coating will also improve the appearance of your garage floor, making it feel more homey and comfortable.

Seal Gaps and Air Leaks

Rainwater, insects, pests and leaves can find their way inside your garage if a gap exists between your garage door and the floor. You can seal this gap by attaching a rubberized strip on your floor where the garage door closes. By sealing this gap, you’re protecting the interior of your garage and your projects from damage.

You’ll also want to seal any air leaks between your home and the garage. These leaks often appear in the walls or ceiling, and hot or cold air can seep through, making it difficult to maintain humidity control. When humidity increases in your garage or home, it can damage your home and belongings.

Install Vertical Shelving Units

Vertical shelves are widely available and simple to install on your own. Various systems are available based on how much weight the unit will need to bear. One of the main benefits of vertical shelving units and wall mounts is that they utilize the maximum space, allowing you to use more of your garage for projects or additional storage.

Vertical shelves and racks can store bins, tools, sports gear and other items. You’ll have easy access to each of these items, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for when you need something.

Utilize Cabinets and Overhead Storage

Storage cabinets are an excellent way to store supplies for your next home improvement or gardening project. You can often lock these cabinets, keeping your children from dangerous tools.

A significant amount of space that goes unused in your garage is over your head. You can install overhead storage to store items you don’t use as often, such as a ladder or seasonal items. When installing overhead storage, ensure you have enough room for your garage door to open and close as it should and clearance for your car if you prefer not to park in your driveway.

Build a Workbench

If you plan on using your garage for home improvement or creative projects, you’ll want to have a place dedicated to your work. Building a workbench is an excellent way to create a designated space for your projects.

You can make your workbench portable by adding wheels if you want to be able to roll it around or move it out of the way when you’re not using it. You can also add shelving and hooks to store or hang your tools and projects currently in progress. The last step is to find a comfortable stool you can keep under your workbench.

Invest in a Garage Door and Window Locks

Thieves often target garages as a way to break into your home, and keeping the door open or not securing your garage door can leave you vulnerable to a break-in. Once you’ve spent considerable time organizing and sorting through your belongings, you want to keep them safe.

Invest in a high-quality garage door with the proper security measures. You can also buy a smart garage door opener that will automatically lock your door when it closes and allow you to monitor when the door is opened or closed from your smartphone.

If you have any windows leading into your garage, you’ll want to get window locks so burglars can’t pry open the window to get into your garage. Remember to lock the door connecting your garage to your home and consider using a deadbolt as an extra layer of protection.

Plan Ahead

When you’re organizing your garage, you’ll want to plan for future storage needs. If you’re buying more seasonal decorations or using garage space in the winter to store outdoor furniture, you’ll need to dedicate some space for these items. If you live in a colder climate, you may also store outdoor furniture or toys during the summer.

You can dedicate space by purchasing storage containers ahead of time and placing them in their dedicated area, even if they’re currently unused. Once the seasons change, you’ll have the space you need for storage.

Invest in a Garage Door at Door Pros

Garage doors are the line of defense between your belongings and thieves. Ensure that your organizational efforts don’t go to waste by investing in a quality door and improving your security. Door Pros offers high-quality garage doors from Clopay® to ensure your belongings are kept safe from prying eyes.

Our experienced technicians can help you with all your garage door needs, whether you need assistance with installation or repairs. We can provide around-the-clock availability and same-day service to our residential clients. Request an estimate from us today to get started.

The post Spring Cleaning: How to Organize Your Garage appeared first on Door Pros.

There are many unique ways to utilize your garage, from setting up a home gym to building a workshop for creative projects. As a homeowner, you want to do everything you can to ensure the safety of your belongings inside your garage and your home. Burglars have found creative ways to get your home through your garage door that you may not have considered.

Below, we’ll go through ten garage door security tips and how to lock a garage door to prevent burglars from breaking in, protecting your belongings and your family’s safety.

1. Remember to Close the Door

It may seem like a no-brainer, but forgetting to close the garage door is more common than you think. Just take a drive through any residential community, and you’re bound to see an open garage with no one in sight. Many people forget to close their garage door after they arrive home or finish work inside their garage.

If this sounds like something you might do, you can always consider using a garage door monitor. The monitor will come with a sensor that will alert you when your door is open.

2. Keep the Clicker Inside

An automatic garage door opener is convenient, and many people clip them to the visor in their car to easily open the garage door once they return home. However, thieves know that these devices are a simple way inside your home. If they can find the clicker inside your car, they’ll use it to gain access.

Instead of leaving the garage door opener inside your car, use a keyring that you can attach to your car keys. You’ll still be able to use the clicker to open your door when you come and go, but the device will stay inside with you where burglars can’t get to it.

3. Use Motion-Activated Lights

Burglars tend to prey on homes cast in the shadows so they can sneak around. If you turn your outdoor lights off at night to save on energy bills or you have a detached garage, you may be vulnerable to a break-in. Consider installing motion-activated lights by the door and garage door windows, dissuading burglars from choosing your home as a target.

Choose lights that can detect movement from a significant distance so a person can’t even make it up your driveway before being bathed in light.

4. Shield Your Lock

Thanks to tutorials posted online, a person can unlock your garage door in minutes using a coat hanger. While some people recommend using a zip tie to secure the garage door lock or cutting the emergency release cord, these methods can reduce your garage door’s safety.

Instead, consider using a garage door shield to cover the emergency release cord. The shield will make it impossible for burglars to use the cord to open your garage door and break into your home. A garage door shield is an inexpensive method of protecting your home and leaves the emergency cord available to you if you need to use it.

5. Use a Smart Garage Door Opener

A regular garage door opener has some safety measures, including automatically locking the door when it’s closed. However, a thief can force the door open with pure force or hack the code.

A smart garage door opener has many built-in security features, such as a monitor, self-closing and locking system, lighting controls and smartphone connection. Even if someone can force your garage door open, you’ll get an alert on your phone, allowing you to contact the authorities immediately.

6. Consider Using Security Cameras

Many homeowners are starting to use doorbell cameras to monitor their front door and receive notifications each time someone approaches the door. Some of these cameras even allow you to use your smartphone to speak with the person outside. You can use similar security cameras with motion sensors for your garage door.

These cameras will allow you to spot a burglar when they approach your property, giving you a notification on your smartphone. You’ll be able to monitor their activity, call the police if necessary and check in on your property when you’re away from home. You can use the footage from your security camera as evidence to give to law enforcement if a burglar attempts to break in or trespasses.

7. Lock the Track

While you can unplug the garage door opener, a determined thief can force the door open if they want inside. You can prevent this from happening by locking the track from the inside. All garage doors run on a track, which you can lock using an existing latch or drilling one yourself.

You’ll secure a padlock just above the roller, preventing the garage door from opening. It will be impossible for a burglar to open the door without unlocking the padlock, which they could only do if they were already inside. Even if they were to gain access to your attached garage from inside your home, locking the track will make their job more time-consuming and challenging, giving you time to react and call the police if you’ve spotted the theft on your security cameras.

8. Block the View of Your Stuff

Thieves will often scope out a place before choosing to break in, deciding whether or not they’ll find any valuables inside your home or garage. If they don’t think you have anything worthwhile, they’ll move on somewhere else. You can shield the view inside your garage by using blinds or curtains.

If you think you might forget to close the blinds or curtains at the end of each day but still want to maintain natural light inside your garage, you can use a translucent window film. The film will allow light to come through but will heavily distort the view of your belongings, making it impossible for thieves to make out what’s inside your garage.

9. Consider Your Landscaping

Whether it’s the middle of the day or late a night, a burglar will take advantage of your landscaping by hiding behind a tree or hedge. Consider getting rid of large shrubs or trees that might block the view of entry points from the street. Burglars might not try to break in if your neighbors can see each entry point into your garage from the road or their homes.

Additionally, you can plant thorny bushes or shrubs in front of windows, making thieves think twice about using them as a way to break into your garage.

10. Secure the Door Into Your Home

If your garage door is attached to your home, there will be a door leading inside, and you’ll want to ensure that it’s locked when you’re not using it. On the off chance someone can break into your garage after applying multiple safety measures, you’ll want that extra layer of protection to keep you and your family safe. Consider installing a deadbolt as an added method of protection.

Some garages will have an additional service or side door that leads outside. You’ll want to secure this door the same way you’d secure a door leading into your home. Protecting this door ensures burglars can’t break it down or pick the lock to access your garage.

Keep Your Garage Door Secure With Door Pros

Many people store valuable items inside their garage or use it as a space to get creative with home renovation projects. The right garage door and appropriate security measures can reduce the risk of potential break-ins and keep your belongings and your family safe.

Door Pros is here to help, offering some of the industry’s best garage door brands. Our customer service can’t be beaten, with around-the-clock availability and same-day service, giving you peace of mind that your garage door is secure. We can assist with installation and repairs, ensuring your garage door operates at peak performance and keeps your home safe. Request an estimate from Door Pros today to get started.

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When you picture a garage, you most likely imagine cars or tools. If you see it as a place for storage, you might be someone who doesn’t use your garage often, and you’re wondering what to make of the extra space. As you’ll discover here, a garage can be so much more than just a storage room or a place for vehicles.

With a little fine-tuning and some upgrades, there are many excellent ways to turn your garage into a whole new room. Here, we’ll discuss the best uses for your garage and how to prep it before transforming it into a fun and unique respite area that’s perfect for you.

Upgrade Your Garage With Utilities and Storage 

You’ll want to prep your garage before turning it into a new room. Depending on your budget, you might update your garage by including:

• Vertical storage: Vertical storage is necessary to make your room feel more open and inviting. High shelves placed on the sides of the room or floating wall shelves are practical because you can remove any storage items from the floor to avoid trip hazards or clutter. Place items you seldom use above your head with shelves or hooks, and put the must-need items closer to eye level.
• Insulation, heating or cooling: Find out if your current HVAC will support an additional room to expand ventilation into your garage. If you’re turning the area into a living space, you’ll want to invest in insulation, heating and cooling to ensure it’s warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
• Upgraded garage door: Protect your space from the weather with an upgraded garage door. Choose a style that will go with the theme of your new room or select one to complement the rest of your house.

By updating your storage, you’ll have extra space to make your garage a completely new place. And with heating, cooling and a new garage door, your room will feel cozy and comfortable for guests. Next, follow our list of finished garage ideas for transforming your space.

1. Play Space 

If you have kids, creating a playroom is an excellent idea for that unused garage space because it guarantees ample room for your kids to play freely.

With added shelves, you can store toys, games and crafts to keep better track of them. By installing colorful flooring and mats, you can make the space more vibrant while padding the floor for extra comfort. Convert the room into an indoor/outdoor playground in warmer months by simply opening the garage door.

2. Cocktail Lounge 

Think of the possibilities for entertaining friends when you have unused garage space. A cocktail lounge is a garage hangout idea sure to impress your guests.

A lounge cocktail bar is an excellent idea for a fun party spot. You can place a bar on one side of the room, complete with bar stools, a fridge and, of course, ingredients to make the perfect drinks. Open the garage door for added space and fresh air for dancing and singing with friends on those summer nights.

3. Music Recording Studio

Jam out with your band and record music in the garage — and soundproof your garage by investing in high-quality insulation materials to prevent sound from bouncing off the walls.

To get inspired to record, create a cozy room with mood lighting. Wrap your room in warm-colored string lights for the perfect ambiance.

Finally, equip your garage with the instruments you need. An oversized garage makes an excellent recording studio and a place to store your instruments. If you’re a producer, make sure you include the right tech equipment for recording music.

4. Art Studio 

To transform a garage into your dream art studio, you’ll first want to use infrared heat or radiators to heat the room — this ensures a safe space for solvents since these heating solutions don’t use an open flame.

Lighting is also crucial for a functional art space. You’ll want the lighting to be as close to daylight as possible to best view your work. Do this by switching out any fluorescent lightbulbs for 5000 lumens.

Include exhaust fans to stay safe if you’re working with solvents. An exhaust fan will ensure the air inside your garage stays clean and healthy for painting and crafts.

5. Guest Room

Create a lovely guest room for visitors by renovating your garage. When you finish your garage with insulation, heating and cooling and a garage door prepped for wind and cold temperatures, guests will be comfortable and warm. Consider adding windows for natural light and plumbing so guests can have a private bathroom.

Include a large fuzzy area rug and white furniture for an airy feel. Provide chairs, a futon or a daybed, and your spare room will be ready for welcoming guests.

6. Greenhouse

Create a greenhouse in your garage with attractive shelving, plastic sheets to keep the plants warm and moist and windows or artificial lighting that’s best for growing plants.

Invest in a thermometer to ensure your garage stays at a desirable temperature, and put gardening tools on shelves so they’re organized and ready for use.

Additionally, place rows of beautiful pots or raised beds for a gorgeous and practical garage greenhouse.

7. Movie Theater

If your garage doesn’t have windows, this makes it the best place to watch a movie in your house. If it has windows, cover them up during the day to create a home theater.

Invest in a movie projector or large TV to turn your garage into a movie theater. The back of your garage door makes a perfect spot for placing a flatscreen or hanging a white sheet to project movies.

Consider adding reclining chairs to make it feel like you’re in a real movie theater. Invest in quality speakers, soundproofing materials to contain the sound and a popcorn machine for the perfect movie viewing experience.

8. Game Room

A game room complete with a pool table, board games, video game consoles and more is a cool garage idea for those rainy days. Add game posters, beanbag chairs, couches and tables to accommodate your guests.

Provide snacks and soda, order a pizza and invite friends over for a game night in your newly renovated space.

9. Home Gym 

Turn your garage into a private year-round gym. You might include workout equipment such as benches, free weights, treadmills and bicycles. Another excellent idea is installing a wall-mounted TV and large mirrors. Consider including extra fans for when the weather heats up.

Ensure your garage is clean for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment conducive to working out. Overhead storage is a wonderful way to get additional exercise equipment out of eye level and away from the floor.

10. Family Room 

A family room is an excellent option to make your garage an extension of your home’s living space. Paint the walls with vibrant colors and hang up art for extra flair. Add bookshelves, a TV for entertainment and speakers to listen to music.

Consider adding houseplants to create a relaxing and inviting space for hanging out with family, and make sure you include a comfy couch for snuggling with your kids and watching TV.

Call Door Pros for Garage Doors That Revolutionize Your Garage Space 

The possibilities for converting your garage into a usable space are endless. Any of the above ideas can be combined if you have a larger area, but make sure your garage is equipped with the necessary shelving and utilities to make the most of your new space.

The experts at Door Pros are excited to help you find the right garage door for your new space. We can install a door that will best insulate your renovated area while cutting cooling and heating costs.

For expert garage door installation or repair, fill out our contact form or call Door Pros at 1-800-983-2608 today!

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As a homeowner living in the Sacramento or San Francisco Bay Area, you know snow during the winter is rare. But temperatures can still drop below freezing at times. Combine that with cold, rainy forecasts, and you have a few months of the year that are much less pleasant than the rest.

You may be wondering how to prep your garage for winter. During the winter months, chilly air can seep into your garage, affecting the items inside. Read on to discover tips on how to keep your garage warm in winter and protect it from seasonal harm.

1. Organize Your Items

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but now it’s time to apply that mentality to the fall. A cluttered garage is problematic enough. Stepping over tools, toys and storage bins is worse when it’s cold and you’re trying to get to your vehicle. Take some time to organize the items in your garage before the cold weather strikes.

A clean garage will help you achieve the remaining tips on this list. You’ll be able to access your essential winter items with ease, and you’ll know where your possessions are at all times. Save yourself some frustration and organize your garage while the weather is still warm.

2. Create an Area for Wet Shoes and Clothing

Winter is not the cleanest of seasons. Water, salt, slush and dirt have a way of clinging to your shoes and clothes as you bustle down the street. The last thing you want is to track this stuff into your living space.

Organizing your garage should give you more room to solve this issue. Set aside some space as a “drop zone.” This area will be where you and your family can take off your wet boots, shoes, coats or other items. Keep the winter mess out of your living space with this designated spot.

3. Winterize Warm-Weather Equipment

Chances are, you’re not going to be using your lawnmower, weed whacker or leaf blower this winter. You might tuck them in the far corner of your garage and let them hibernate until it’s time to use them again. There’s nothing wrong with this, but the cold weather can be damaging.

That’s why you should winterize your essential outdoor equipment. Doing so involves adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tanks and disconnecting any batteries. These actions can protect your equipment during long periods of idleness.

4. Insulate Walls and Windows

Most of the time, garages are colder than the rest of your home’s living spaces. They don’t need the same degree of insulation to pass inspection, so your garage’s temperature can drop as the rest of your home stays warm. However, this cold air can seep into your living space.

Insulate your garage’s walls and windows to keep the cold air outside. This tip is especially crucial if you have an unfinished garage with exposed wall framing and ceilings. Apply fiberglass garage door insulation to the walls and ceilings. Use weather-resistant plastic to cover the windows for more protection. Taking these steps can keep your garage’s temperature several degrees higher all winter. 5. Seal Cracks and Small Openings

5. Seal Cracks and Small Openings

Cracks in your exterior garage walls and small openings around windows and electrical outlets can let in the cold air. They may not seem like much of a problem, but the cold air will accumulate and lower your garage’s temperature, risking damage to your stored items.

Use an exterior seal to fill cracks on your garage’s outer wall. Apply caulking around the interior of your windowpanes. Remove your outlet covers and fill empty spaces with small pieces of fiberglass insulation. These actions will seal these small openings to provide more winter protection for your garage.

6. Seal Garage Door Floor

Cities salt their roads during the winter to protect drivers from the dangers of ice, snow and slush. This salt will cling to your car and get on your garage floor. It can then eat away at your floor’s finish, damaging its appearance. As a savvy homeowner, you’ll want to learn how to protect your garage floor from salt.

Apply sealant to your garage floor to safeguard it from salt damage during the winter. Follow all instructions listed on the product to ensure a successful application. You’ll also need to clean your garage floor after application to prolong the sealant’s life.

7. Make Your Floor Safer for Walking

You should know how to protect your garage floor from snow to prevent slips and injuries. Snow is rare in the Bay Area, but water and slush can be an issue during winter. After a ride, your car will drip water all over your garage floor, creating an injury hazard.

Create a foam insulation dam around your vehicle to keep dripping water from spreading across the floor. Foam insulation is safe to drive over and peels off with a putty knife when you’ve finished using it. Also, consider placing mats on your garage floor to keep people from slipping.

8. Protect Your Pipes and Water Heater

Low temperatures put your pipes at risk of freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, inflicting water damage on your garage and living space. Use pipe insulation to keep pipes warm. This step will also save energy, as it prevents stored heat from escaping.

If you keep your water heater in your garage, you should consider protecting it from the cold temperatures. Your water heater might radiate heat, reducing the interior water temperature. Cover your water heater with an insulating blanket to keep the heat where you want it.

9. Invest in a Space Heater

Many people use their garage for more than storage. If you spend a lot of time in your garage for hobbies or other purposes, insulation alone isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need a space heater to raise the garage temperature to a more comfortable level.

A space heater can transform your garage from a simple storage space to an area you can designate as a home gym, an arts and crafts room or for other leisure activities. A space heater will help you protect your pipes from freezing, which is always a plus. Make sure to turn it off and unplug it when not in use.

10. Inspect and Prepare Your Garage Door and Opener

You depend on your garage door and opener every day. Their proper functioning is more important in the winter when the weather is cold and rainy. The last thing you want is a faulty garage door opener trapping you outside.

You should hire a professional to inspect your garage door and opener before winter comes. Doing the task yourself can be dangerous. A pro can tell if your garage door needs repairs or insulation to keep the cold weather out. They’ll check your garage door opener to ensure it’s in good working order.

Door Pros Can Help Prepare Your Garage for Winter

Winter can be tough on your garage. But with Door Pros’ help, you can prepare for winter to protect your valuable possessions and save on heating bills. We provide a full range of residential garage doors and openers, plus repairs and services. When you need garage door help, we’re the ones to call.

If you live in Northern California, choose from our six locations to get the services you need. Contact us today for more information about how we can help prepare your garage for winter. We look forward to serving you!

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When the rain rolls in during fall, winter and spring, your garage may be susceptible to water damage. You can save your home, your valuables and your garage door by preparing your garage for winter and other rainy seasons. But how do you go about preparing your garage for the rainy season, and why does it matter?

Below, we’ll explain the impact of rain on wooden garage doors along with wooden garage door maintenance and why it’s so crucial. As you gear up for the rainy season, remember Door Pros offers garage door services and repairs to keep your garage safe and functional.

Can Rain Damage Garage Doors?

Rain and garage doors don’t mix. Wooden garage doors on San Francisco homes are especially vulnerable to water damage. Wood in almost any construction is prone to changing size and shape as a result of water damage, but wooden garage doors specifically have the potential to:

1. Get heavier: As wooden doors soak up rainwater and become damaged by wear, they can become 20 pounds heavier than they were when first installed. Excess weight puts strain on your garage door opener and can damage the system.
2. Warp: Rain causes wooden garage doors to warp, which also impacts the function of your door. A warped door is unsafe since it will not open and close properly. You risk damage to your property and injury to yourself and others if your wooden garage door becomes warped from rain.
3. Freeze: If the weather reaches freezing temperatures, rain that is collected between the rubber seals of wooden garage doors and the floor may freeze. In that situation, the door may freeze shut, meaning you can’t open your garage to get in or out until the ice melts. While freezing temperatures are rare in San Francisco, you won’t want water pooling under your garage door in any situation.

If one panel warps or changes size, the others won’t line up properly, which impacts how the entire door functions. The bottom panel is most at risk because it comes in contact with the ground and water, but the other panels may be exposed to rainwater, as well. You can’t always avoid rainwater, but you can take preventative steps to maintain your wooden garage door.

Garage Door Maintenance for Your San Francisco Home

Garage door maintenance involves inspecting your garage door along with components like the opener and the garage itself. Before the rainy season, there are certain steps you can take to maintain your garage through the fall, winter and spring.

When you’re preparing your garage for winter and other rainy seasons, you should:

1. Check that the door seal is in-tact: This part may need to be replaced, and you may also want to add floor seals, which are raised rubber strips on the garage floor below the door. The seal on the garage door also protects the bottom panel from wear and water damage, so you’ll want a new one if you notice any peeling or other damage.
2. Clean or install gutters: Rain gutters above your garage will carry away excess water to protect your door. Clean gutters will ensure no water builds up, which, if it did, would lead to possible wooden garage door maintenance.
3. Check the path of water from your driveway to the garage: You want water to flow away from the garage rather than into it. The slope of your driveway will help divert water away. You can also ensure that any soil or yard area around your driveway is lower than the surface. If soil is higher than your driveway, it could cause rainwater to flow onto it, putting your garage at risk.
4. Watch out for warping or other damage to your door: The last rainy season may have left your wooden garage door in disarray. If you notice any odd noises from your opener or your door appears bent, cracked or damaged in other ways, it’s time to find garage door services for your San Francisco garage.

You should also check that you do not have any valuables that rainwater could ruin stored in your garage. Store important papers and other documents inside the main part of the house to avoid any loss, even with a well-maintained garage. Keep other valuables stored on shelves or the walls — any place where they aren’t on the floor since water can pool there.

Why Maintenance Is Important

The steps for preparing your garage for the rainy season above are essential, but why? You may think it’d be easier to replace your garage door if you come across any problems in the distant future, but regular maintenance is crucial for safety. More specifically, garage door maintenance will:

• Prevent water damage: Unmaintained wooden garage doors and rain can spell trouble for your garage. You may experience pooling water as rain seeps through and under your garage door. That water can damage the floor of your garage as well as anything you store inside, from tools to sports equipment.
• Prevent rust: While the panels of wooden garage doors aren’t prone to rust, hinges and other metal components are. If you do not prepare your garage for the rainy season, you risk damage to these metal components. Rusted materials could compromise the function of your garage opener or the construction of the garage door itself.
• Protect you, your family and your property: Conducting maintenance on your garage door helps keep you and your family safe from any garage door malfunctions. You also keep your property safer because a damaged door is easier for others to tamper with, allowing them entry into your garage and home.

While some problems with your garage are obvious, you may need a professional’s opinion on how to maintain your garage. At Door Pros, we’re happy to provide our expertise for a range of garage door services.

Services From Door Pros

To help anticipate wooden garage door damage from rain, Door Pros offers winter garage door services in San Francisco. Our garage door tune-up for $179 includes rollers and a 15-point inspection. As you prepare for the rainy season, you may notice other problems with your garage door, or you may not know where to begin. In either case, our technicians at Door Pros would be happy to help you with:

• Garage door repairs and replacements
• New garage door installations
• Spring replacements

We provide high-quality repairs, using our knowledge and experience, along with the best tools in the business. If you’re looking for new garage doors in San Francisco, we got you covered there, too.

Request an Estimate With Door Pros Today

If you’re preparing your garage for the rainy season, let Door Pros help. Whether you need our winter garage door tune-up, a new garage door or other services, we’d be happy to help.

Request an estimate today to protect your garage from rain damage. You’ll be glad you took this step, and in no time, you’ll see the importance of garage door maintenance, especially before the rainy season.

Related Articles

• Tips For Purchasing Your First Garage Door
• Choosing A Garage Door Material For Your Home
• Why California’s New Garage Door Battery Backup Law Is Essential

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