Misconceptions About Carriage House Garage Doors

/0 Comments/in /by

Carriage house style garage doors give a vintage, classic look that many people admire. However, many people choose not to install them due to confusion over function and compatibility. If you are interested in carriage house style doors, you should know these facts when you are considering your purchase.

Carriage House Doors are Energy Efficient

You may have heard that carriage house garage doors are less efficient than overhead garage doors. When they were first introduced, this would have been true. But over 120 years later, the modern versions of these doors equal or exceed the energy efficiency of overhead doors.

You Can Install an Automatic Door Opener

A lot of people choose to avoid carriage house doors because they believe they cannot be compatible with garage door openers. However, there are numerous ways that you can have these doors set up to open with a garage door opener. You can even purchase overhead doors that have the carriage house look if you would prefer the function of an overhead door paired with the classic carriage house look.

Wood is Not the Only Available Material

Original carriage house garage doors were constructed of wood, leading many people to believe that they can only find wooden versions. The reality is that you can choose from a variety of materials that are still constructed to deliver the look you seek. The most popular materials include fiberglass, steel, vinyl, or aluminum.

Electing to have your carriage house doors made from one of these materials can cut down on the amount of regular maintenance needed. With wooden doors, you would need to stain or paint them regularly in order to manage the natural weathering that occurs. If you really want the true look of wood without the upkeep, you can opt for wood composite doors.

Carriage House Doors are Suitable for Multiple Car Garages

Another common misconception is that you can only install carriage house doors if you have a one-car garage. The truth is that it does not matter what size your garage is. Carriage house doors can be customized to fit any type of garage. Whether you want larger doors or separate doors for each car, you are able to find a design that fits your needs.

Learn More About Our Available Doors and Service

Lincoln Door has been serving the Tempe area since 1967. Whether you are looking to upgrade or repair your existing garage doors, or wish to have new ones installed, we are happy to help you are a reasonable price. To learn more about our available carriage house style door designs, call us at 602-955-4144 today.

image of automatic sliding doors

Benefits of Automatic Sliding Doors

/0 Comments/in /by

When it comes time to install new entryway doors at your place of business, one option to consider is that of automatic doors. Specifically, automatic doors are designed with sensors that can trigger automatic opening and closing as pedestrian foot traffic approaches.

There are many benefits to installing automatic sliding doors at your place of business, ranging from enhanced flow of foot traffic to improved safety.

Improve Traffic Flow

Because these doors open and close automatically, they can help make traffic flow in and out of your building much more efficient than manual doors. This is especially true in situations where people may have their hands full or otherwise occupied when entering/existing your store (such as while pushing a shopping cart). And because the openings on automatic sliding doors tend to be wider than your typical standalone door, you can get more people in and out of your building at once.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Depending on your industry and where your business is located, it’s also worth noting that automatic entryway doors might be required by law. This is most often the case when it comes to providing easy access for disabled people to enter your building as per the regulations outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By installing automatic doors, you can improve accessibility and avoid potential non-compliance fines or penalties in the process.

Maximize Safety

Today’s automatic sliding doors are safer than ever before. Many are equipped with special sensors that can prevent doors from closing when there are pedestrians in the way. If you’ve been skeptical about installing automatic doors due to safety concerns, you’ll be happy to know that the innovative technology used in today’s automatic door designs are essentially fail-proof. This means people visiting your place of business can enjoy maximum safety when entering or exiting your store.

Shopping for Automatic Sliding Doors?

If you’re interested in having automatic sliding doors installed at your place of business, you can trust the experienced team at Lincoln Electric Garage Door Co. Contact us today to explore your door options and find out more about us!

image of security grill

3 Reasons You Need a Security Grill For Your Business

/0 Comments/in /by

Many business owners just underestimate the value of a security grill. Security grills can deter criminals from a business property. Business property crimes total over $15 billion in losses just about every year. Business owners are at risk for theft, arson and burglaries to their property. Companies are at risk with their physical security, personnel security, the locational security and information security. And physical security is the most common. By installing a security grill, companies can lower the risk of these threats. There are three main advantages of installing a security grill for your business property.

The Three Main Advantages of Installing a Security Grill for Businesses

Keeping your business property safe requires personnel and equipment. Security guards, cameras, alarm systems and lighting are needed to deter criminals.These measures prevent criminals from having easy access to your business property.

  1. The first advantage of installing a security grill for your business property is property protection. Business owners need to make their property difficult to break into and a security grill makes it difficult for criminals. You can prevent your goods from being stolen, damage to the property and proprietary information from being stolen by installing a security grill. Security grills are placed on the inside of the business building windows.And you can still use your windows with a security grill.
  2. The second advantage of installing a security grill for your business property is that you will save on your business insurance premiums.With a security grill, the insurance company will know that you have taken measures to protect your property from crime. Therefore, your insurance costs will be lower.Plus, you’ll save money by not reporting a claim to your business insurance company.Whenever you report a claim to an insurance company, your premiums automatically increase.Simply put, installing a security guard saves you money in the long run.This way, you have more cash flow to keep your business in operation.
  3. Thirdly, a security grill will add to the ambience of your business property.There are many different security grill designs to choose from that are very attractive. For example, you can install a lattice design security grill or a horizontal design security grill.Both are attractive features that just make your business property look more beautiful.And security grills are easy to maintain. You can do the maintenance yourself.There’s no need to hire a professional to do it for you.

It’s always wise for businesses to take preventative measures than to have to solve a problem once it has occurred. A pound of prevention is always worth more than a pound of cure.

If you would like to ramp up security for your business property, consider installing a security grill today. Contact us today for an estimate. You’ll be glad you did!

 

image of organized garage wall

Creative Ways to Improve Your Garage Wall Space

/0 Comments/in /by

An unfinished ceiling, dim lighting and a grey concrete floor don’t exactly make your garage look its best. It’s just unattractive to the eye. But, there are plenty of ways that you can make your garage more aesthetic and functional. Take a look at some of these ideas that will transform your garage into something beautiful.

Drywall the Garage

Most garages are insulated but there are always those framing studs and exposed insulation that makes it look unappealing. Go ahead and drywall the garage for a more finished look. You’ll be able to cover up those studs, electrical wiring and the HVAC’s piping system. Not only will your garage look more finished, but you’ll also be improving your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, drywall makes it easier to add storage systems and decorate the garage walls. If you don’t like drywall, other options include fiberglass reinforced panels and wallboard panels.

Grab a Can of Paint

Once you’ve hung the drywall, it’s time to grab a can of paint. Dress up the walls with a fresh coat of paint. Lighter colors work well in a garage, such as grey, tan and beige. You can also add a pop of color with bolder colors, too. Before you choose your colors, factor in the cabinetry, floors and slatwall. If it’s done right, paint can some visual interest to your garage.

Install a Slatwall Storage System

Slatwall panel systems provide hanging storage space and give the garage a nice clean look. There are a variety of shelves, baskets and racks that come with this type of system to help the garage look organized and also to maximize space. You can even choose from different colors for a slatwall storage system. In the end, a slatwall storage system is a decorative garage wall feature.

Invest in a Custom Cabinet System

Custom cabinet systems are wall-mounting and give the unit a floating look. It’s a smart way to make better use of space. These systems give you good storage space for power tools, garden supplies, and hand tools. A custom cabinet system will give your garage a professional look. Plus, they last a lot longer than one you purchase in a store.

Install Wall Lighting

Wall lighting around the perimeter of the garage not only gives you more light to see within the garage, but it gives the garage a high-end, appealing look. Consider adding LED lights throughout the garage to give the walls to perk up the appearance inside your garage.

Create a Mini Workspace Using a Folding Workbench

A wall-mounted folding workbench is totally functional. It works well if the garage is small and you don’t want to spend the money on a custom cabinet system. It’ll give you that much needed extra space.

 

image of garage door

How to Choose the Best Garage Door For You

/0 Comments/in /by

When picking out a garage door, it’s wise to know the different materials. This way, you can pick the best one for your needs. Here’s a short outline of what each material is and how it compares to others.

Wood

Wood is an old-time classic and traditional. You can find them in many appealing styles. Some even come with decorative windows. A cost-effective option is a painted wood door with hardboard panels. Stain-grade styles cost more but offer the beauty of natural wood. Plus, the look of natural woods gives the home curb appeal. Wood is a very good insulator but needs to be refinished and maintained on a regular basis.

Wood Composite

Wood composite doors are fabricated with recycled wood fibers. You get the look and texture of real wood. In comparison to wood garage doors, composite doors are great when it comes to splitting and rot. These doors can be either stained or painted.

Steel

Steel is a common material for garage doors. There are many benefits to a steel garage door, including low maintenance, reasonably priced, very durable and a variety of styles. Steel is available in a texture that looks just like wood, and steel doors can also be painted any color you like. It’s best to go with a steel door that has at least 24 gauge. That’s a top-quality steel garage door. Just keep in mind that steel doors are not the best insulators and don’t withstand impact like that of a basketball.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass garage doors are less popular than those made of wood or steel. The panels are encased in aluminum frames. Fiberglass garage doors can be painted and are somewhat resistant to dents. It’s very resistant to salt-water corrosion than most of the other garage door materials. So, if you live on the coast, fiberglass garage doors just may be the best choice for you. Just know that it is a poor insulator and can fade with weather exposure.

Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are a lot like steel garage doors. But, they’re lighter and less expensive. You can find them with long-lasting finishes and optional faux wood texturing. The downside is that aluminum garage doors are more likely to dent than other materials.

Don’t hesitate to contact Lincoln Door today for all of your garage door needs or questions! We are here for you!

image of garage door spring

The Differences in Garage Door Springs

/0 Comments/in /by

Your garage door’s springs play a very important role in the smooth opening and closing of the door itself. Specifically, these springs are designed to counteract the forces of gravity on your garage door, making it easier for the motor to open and close the door—and also making it possible for you to open and close the door manually in the event of a power outage.

Still, not all garage door springs are the same. There are two main types: torsion and extension springs. By understanding the differences between each and how to know when your springs need replacing, you can take better care of your home’s garage doors.

Torsion Springs

A torsion spring is located inside a metal shaft that is located above the garage door opening itself. The main function of this type of spring is to ensure that weight is distributed equally along the garage door drums as the door opens and closes.

There are a few different kinds of torsion springs, including early-set, torque-master, and standard torsion springs. While they all operate in more-or-less the same way, the standard torsion spring is most commonly used in residential garage doors.

Depending on the weight and size of the garage door, there may be one or two of these springs used in a residential garage door.

Extension Springs

Another type of garage door spring is known as an extension spring. This type of spring works by storing energy while extended and expending energy while compressed. In a typical residential garage door, there will be an extension spring installed on either side of the door to ensure even tension and weight distribution during open and closing.

Just as there are different types of torsion springs, there are also different types of extension springs. The most common in residential garage doors is the open-looped spring, although double-looped springs are also used in situations where more strength is needed.

When to Replace Springs

Most springs on a garage door will be rated by the manufacturer to last for a certain number of cycles (usually around 10,000) before needing to be replaced. In most cases, you can expect a standard garage door spring on a residential door to last anywhere from four to six years with an average use of several times per day. Of course, if you use your garage door less often or more often, your results may vary.

If your garage door uses extension springs, keep in mind that when one spring goes bad, you’ll need to replace both of them at once to ensure proper operation. With a torsion spring, on the other hand, you may only need to replace one spring if your door only requires one spring to open and close.

Always Hire a Professional

You should never attempt to replace a garage door spring yourself. These springs carry a large amount of stored energy when under tension and can cause serious injury if you don’t have the proper experience and knowledge.

Working with a garage door specialist is always the best and safest way to have your existing garage door springs removed and replaced. From there, you can expect your new springs to last for many years to come before needing to be replaced again. Contact our garage door professionals today to schedule your spring replacement!

Garage with Fall Leaves

Tips to Maintain your Garage in the Fall

/0 Comments/in /by

Now that the leaves are starting to change and the weather is going to start getting cooler, you should start making your garage ready for the fall and winter months. This is the time of year when pests start looking for a place to hide out during the cold months, so maintaining your garage not only makes it neat, but it discourages pests from making it their home.

Maintenance for Mechanical Parts

The last thing you want to do is to have to repair your garage door when it’s cold or rainy. You can prevent a lot of trouble if you maintain the door. During the fall, check the seals to make sure they are tight and are not dry rotted. The seals will keep the weather out, and will go a long way in keeping pests out.

If the springs are not working, your door is not working. Make sure the springs are not sagging or damaged. If they are, replace them. Old or damaged springs could snap when the temperature fluctuates.

To increase your garage door’s lifetime, grease the bushing, roller, springs and the hinges. This will keep them working smoothly throughout the rest of the year.

Declutter Your Garage

When you have a lot of clutter in your garage, you also create lots of hiding places for pests. And, if you want to put your car inside during inclement weather, it just won’t fit. Some people walk in with good intentions, but then walk back out because they don’t know where to start.

If you have storage in your garage, start cleaning out the storage areas. Make three piles in the middle of the garage: A keep it pile, a give it away or sell it pile, and a throw it away pile.

Go through your storage and put everything you want to get rid of in the keep or sell/give away pile. You’ll have more room in your storage cabinets and shelving. Arrange what you are keeping neatly and take stock of the extra space you have – you’ll need some of it for the next part of the job.

Pick a side. Move everything on that side into one of the three piles, even if you are keeping it. If the donation and trash piles are getting too big, take a break and take the trash pile to the trash and the donation pile to your favorite charity.

Sweep the side you emptied, then put the things you are keeping back in place. If you have some small items, put them in cabinets or on shelves. Work the rest of the garage in the same manner, being sure to sweep and clean up any cobwebs and dirt on each wall.

If you have additional space, you can leave it empty or you can add more storage. Also, if you have several like items that are small, consider storing them in plastic tubs with lids on shelves or stacked neatly in a corner.

Create a place to hang garden implements such as rakes and shovels. You can use peg board or get a rolling caddy made for holding tools with long handles. Once you clean the middle of the floor out, sweep it out and then survey your handiwork.

image of Man fixing garage door

How to Maintain Your Garage Door

/0 Comments/in /by

Did you know your garage door goes up and down about 1500 times a year? That’s a lot of ups and downs and a lot of wear and tear, which makes maintenance all the more important. Garage doors are expensive but they tend to last a couple of decades or more if you take care of them. Keep reading to learn some of the top tips you can use to maintain a garage door so it lasts as long as possible.

Keep an Eye and Ear on the Door

When you close and open the garage door, make sure to listen for any odd noises and to watch for any kinks in its movement. It should run fairly smoothly in its tracks. If you hear any loud grinding, scraping or banging noises, stop the garage door from moving any further and examine where the noise was coming from. Loud noises coming from a garage door often indicate worn-out parts that can easily be replaced if you replace them before they damage any other pieces. If you notice jerky movements, there’s probably an issue with one of the pulleys, cables or springs. One of these pieces is usually damaged or out of place when the door won’t go up and down smoothly.

Inspect the Clean the Tracks Regularly

Garage doors don’t require a whole lot of your attention, but you do need to clean the tracks regularly. The tracks should always appear perfectly straight and perpendicular to the floor. To clean the tracks, you’ll want to use carburetor cleaner. The goal is to remove any dirt and debris off the tracks. Just make sure you don’t use a lubricant of any kind to clean the tracks as this can cause slipperiness. When the garage door goes up and down on slippery tracks, it can dislodge the rollers.

Tighten the Door’s Hardware

Because garage doors produce a lot of vibration as they go up and down, this can result in its regular movements causing its parts to loosen over time. To ensure all bolts, rollers and hinges are tight like they should be, you can examine and tighten them with a socket wrench once every couple of months.

Inspect the Rollers

The rollers on the garage door that run along the tracks will become damaged over time by cracking or chipping. You can inspect and replace one at a time as they need it, but if more than a couple need to be replaced at any time, it’s usually best to contact a professional garage repair company to perform the task.

Always Test Safety Features

Another great way to keep the garage door working as it should is to test its safety features on a regular basis. It’s imperative to test the pressure sensor on the door as well as its photoelectric system. With both of these safety features working as they should, you will not only extend the longevity of the door but also rest easier knowing the door will freeze if something was to obstruct its path; this greatly reduces the risk of injury or damage to the object or person in the obstruction path of the door.

Benefits of a Side Mount Garage Door Opener

/0 Comments/in /by

The traditional motorized garage door has an opener that pulls from the ceiling or wall space directly above the door. However, this has long created difficulties when it comes to space, mechanical efficiency, and even general maintenance. 

Fortunately, there is a modern solution. It’s called a jackshaft or, more descriptively, a side mount garage door opener. This design sits directly alongside your door opening near the top, using a small motor to turn a shaft that pulls up your garage door. A jackshaft doesn’t take long to install, and it can give your garage an instant upgrade. There are numerous other benefits worth considering with this type of opener: 

No Ceiling Obstruction

Traditional designs come with a box-like door opening system mounted on a trolley bar setup in the middle of your garage ceiling. In many cases, this design limits the amount of overhead space you have and can prevent you from being able to utilize overhead storage space or keep things on your vehicle roof-rack. It can also inhibit taller vehicles from parking inside the garage. A side mounted garage door opener is not just slimmer in design, but its placement on the wall alongside your garage door means a more spacious garage overall. 

A Cleaner Look

A good side mounted garage door openers offer a sleek, clean look for your garage. Whereas the traditional opener is boxy and unattractively shaped, today’s jackshaft models are sleek and can blend in with their surroundings. It’s also worth noting that it does not require rails to hang from or be mounted on, allowing for an even neater appearance along with efficient installation. In fact, swapping out your old opening system for a side mounted one normally takes under a day to do. This means you can give your garage a spacious, modern face-lift in just hours. 

Low Maintenance 

Traditional garage door openers can last for many years, but only if you take meticulous care of them. From frequent cleaning and lubricating the rails to adjusting the cables due to stretching, maintenance is often difficult and messy work. Furthermore, even proper maintenance doesn’t necessarily guarantee longevity. Frequently used garage door openers still undergo significant wear and tear on a regular basis, and cable adjustments can still result in rattling doors and those that don’t open evenly.

A side mounted garage door opener meanwhile is much more conveniently designed and can also last for many years with less maintenance. Its lack of rails mean less space to clean, while the lack of pulley cables mean no adjustments or stretching. Many jackshaft designs don’t even come with a light, so you don’t need to worry about replacing burned out bulbs over time. 

Affordability

A side mount garage door opener offers a surprisingly affordable alternative to traditional openers. While the upfront cost may be a little higher (depending on the design of the door, spacing, electrical connection, etc.), the long-term energy and mechanical efficiency can lead to big savings for years to come. 

Who is a Good Candidate for a Side Mount Garage Door Opener?

The main candidates for a jackshaft door opener are interested in saving space and maintenance time in their garage. That said, their garage meets at least minimal space requirements above the door opening for easy installation.

We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more. We install jackshafts across a wide range of model types, and we can help you find the design you need to give your garage the upgrade it deserves. 

Benefits of an Insulated Garage Door

/0 Comments/in /by

When it comes to choosing the right garage door for your home, you’ll find there are a vast number of options from which to choose. Not only do you have to think about matching the style of your home, as well as the color, but there are many materials from which these doors are made, as well as special features, such as insulation. There are many benefits to choosing an insulated garage door over one that isn’t.

Temperature Control

An insulated garage door can help you keep the temperature in your garage more consistent throughout the year. In the hot summer months, your garage won’t heat up easily. Likewise, in the winter, your garage will stay warmer, allowing you to get into a warm car every morning. Even though most homes don’t have their heating and cooling system running into their garage. However, if you have an attached garage and don’t have an insulated garage door, you could be losing energy as heat or cool air escapes your home through the garage. Garage doors are also opened and closed frequently, which can let the extreme temperatures from the outside into your home.

Additional Living Space

Not everyone uses their garage to store their vehicles, tools or lawn care equipment. If you need more living space in your home, the garage can be the perfect place to avoid having ot add onto your home. Whether you need a playroom for the kids, an art studio, a gym or any other type of room, if you renovate your garage to meet those needs, you should have an insulated garage door to help dampen the sound from outside and keep the temperature steady. Even if you choose to use the garage as a storage unit for unused items, temperature control is a valuable asset.

Noise Cancellation

Another great benefit of choosing an insulated garage door is the noise cancellation properties. Most garages let in a lot of the background noise from cars on the street, lawnmowers and more. In addition, garage doors are notorious for making a lot of noise when they open and close. However, insulated garage doors make less noise overall, allowing you to keep peace in the home, especially if you often go in and out in the early morning or late at night.

Improved Functionality

For those who choose to use their garage for something other than the traditional uses of storing cars and other outdoor items, an insulated garage door ensures the area can be used in comfort. Not only does an insulated garage door maintain the temperature more easily, bu tit also has added strength a regular garage door just doesn’t have. These doors ensure your garage is more secure and will protect everything inside from the elements more effectively. It also helps ensure your entire home is secure by reducing the risk of a break in through this pathway.

Your garage can have many uses, which is why it’s so important to choose carefully when it comes to your garage door. With all of the options availalbe, an insulated garage door is often the best choice.