Fix a Slow Opening Garage Door

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You rely on your garage door opener to do a lot of work every day. Garage doors are heavy, and each time you push the button, you expect it to open like magic. Whlile a newer garage door opener will get your door open in a snap, sometimes they can slow down over time. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. The good news is there are a few things you can do to fix this issue and ensure your garage door opener does its work more quickly again.

Proper Lubrication Could Be the Problem

In many cases, the leading cause of a garage door that opens too slowly is lubrication. Over time, the lubrication present in the system will either dry up or wear out, which means you need to replace it. Hiring a professional will ensure the job is done properly, but in many cases, you are able to fix this issue on your own without too much risk. Because lubrication is such a simple, inexpensive fix, it should be one of the first things you try before bringing in the professionals.

What Should You Lubricate

Before you get started, it’s important to make sure you know whta needs to be lubricated. The tracks, brackets and hinges are among the most common things that require you to refresh the lubrication in order to improve garage door opener performance. Once you have added new lubrication to these elements, give your garage door another try. If it opens more quickly again, congratulations, you’ve fixed the problem. If it hasn’t helped, you’ll need to move on to the next step.

Check for Speed Controls

While not an available feature on all doors, some garage door openers have settings that impact the speed at which the garage door opens. Check to see if your opener has these settings to ensure one hsan’t been changed.

Call in the Professionals

If your garage door opener doesn’t have speed settings or the lubrication didn’t work, you’ll need to call for professional help to restore the function of your opener. Working with a garage door opener can be dangerous work because of the high-tension springs and other components. It’s important for homeowners not to attempt to take care of any of these problems without assistance from trained individuals. It’s tempting to attempt to do things on your own to save money, but it’s far more important to maintain safety and ensure work is completed safely and correctly. They understand the many problems garage door openers can experience and will be able to troubleshoot the problem and make the necessary repairs more quickly, so you can get back to using your garage door without having to wait for what feels like hours for your garage door to open.

You count on your garage door to open quickly, which can lead to frustration when it begins to slow down again. While you can attempt to fix it with some lubrication or the settings of the opener itself, you may end up needing professional help to ensure the problem is handled correctly and safely. They will get your garage door opening quickly once again.

Keep Bugs and Pests out of Your Garage

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Bugs and other pests aren’t fun in any part of your home, but they can be particularly frustrating in your garage. After all, if you’re like many people you may feel that there’s little you can do about this situation thanks to your garage’s openness to the outdoors. Insects and all kinds of other little critters seek out garages at all times of the year, but particularly during very hot or very cold temperatures as a means of shelter. 

But you don’t have to just learn to live with it. There are actually a variety of measures you can take to both remove pests from your garage and help prevent new ones from entering. Here’s a quick guide:

Keep Your Garage Clean

One of the most important things you can do in keeping your garage bug-free is to keep the space clean. This is a great time to go through items and get rid of things you don’t use. Reducing the amount of loose items in your garage will take away shelter spots for pests, and they are less likely to hang out in there when they don’t have places to hide. Likewise, it’s a good idea to avoid storing any food in there that isn’t inside a fridge, cooler or other sealed container. 

Use Smart Storage Solutions

Pets tend to find their way inside cardboard boxes all too easily, so it’s a good idea to start storing your items in plastic storage containers. These will also help reduce clutter and take away places for insects and bugs to hide. Building shelves and keeping storage elevated will also help in reducing accessible hideaways, and it will also help you keep the space clean. 

Patch Up Cracks

While many pests enter through your garage door opening itself, it’s very possible that they are getting in through other means. After cleaning your garage, inspect carefully for any cracks, holes or gaps along the walls, the garage door or even the foundation itself. Be sure to check the ceiling and around any windows as well. In most cases, you can fill up any holes or cracks with silicone caulk, though more serious damage may require professional attention. 

Consider Traps

More serious bug problems may warrant the use of traps alongside the perimeters of your garage, including near any potential entryways. Just be sure not to set them anywhere that you (or anyone else) may accidentally step on them. You may also want to consider spraying pesticides along walls and windowsills. Keep in mind that if you are experiencing different kinds of pests (say, silverfish and mice), you may need to employ different kinds of traps at once. 

Update Your Garage Door

The average garage door does not offer much protection against pests (or even human intruders, for that matter). It’s worthwhile looking into one that’s more secure, especially if you still have the original one your house came with or one that is decades old. There are a lot of different garage doors available today, and many have tighter seals and thicker barriers against bugs, insects, and small animals. You can even have one custom-fitted to your home to ensure there are no gaps when it is shut. 

If you don’t want a totally new door, it’s still a good idea to have your current door looked at. Small areas of wear and tear can be fixed up, while weather stripping can be replaced. 

Ensure Your Garage Door Is Secure

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So many homeowners spend a great deal of time and money, working on securing their home with hi-tech security systems, but forget the critical step of also securing your garage. Below are some crucial steps homeowners can take to make sure their garage door is secure. 

Install a timer 

People are so busy these days; it is very easy to forget to close your garage door. It is possible to install a timer so that it will automatically close after a certain amount of time. You can pick the amount of time that best fits your needs and also turn it off temporarily if you need to leave the door open for a longer period of time. Timers are very easy to install, so no need to hire a professional. 

Block the windows 

While it is nice to have windows in your garage to allow natural light, they are also an easy way for burglars to see if you have expensive tools or other items in the garage to steal. Installing blinds are a great way to be able to block potential thieves from looking in. If you are working in the garage, you can easily open the blinds to let in some light. If you do not want to spend money on blinds for the garage, you can also opt to frost the window. Frosting windows is affordable, and it will still allow in some natural light. 

Secure the doors 

While the obvious door to secure is the garage door itself, some people forget it is just as essential to secure the side door on the garage or the door that leads into the house. The doors to the garage should be secured with the same high-quality lock that is on the front door of your home. If you do not use the side door on the garage, often be sure to double-check that it is locked regularly. 

Install motion sensor outdoor lights 

Another great way to deter thieves away from your garage is by installing motion sensor lights. These lights are affordable and easy to install. If a thief approaches your garage, they will immediately be startled by the bright light. It is also a great way to light the way for you in the dark. 

Install an indoor lock

If you travel regularly, it is wise to install a second lock on the inside of the door. In the event a thief can break through the exterior lock, they will be stopped in their tracks by the interior lock. While an internal lock is not convenient to use every day, it will give you peace of money while you are on vacation. 

Be cautious with your garage remote. 

It is very easy to leave you remote out for a  thief to see. It is essential to get in the habit of storing your garage remote in a non-visible area. If you can get a small remote that is attaches to your keychain, that is a great way to secure your remote. 


Install a door viewer 

A door viewer is a great way to make sure you never come face to face with a thief. If you get home and suspect someone is in the garage, you can look through the viewer and notify the police. 

Choosing a Garage Door Color

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Even though many homeowners don’t really give much thought to their garage door as long as it opens and closes as it should, it’s actually an important component to both the aesthetics and the value of your home. When it comes to your garage door, it’s important to make sure you choose the right color to complement the rest of your home. Whether you’re building a new garage or you need to replace the garage door on your existing home, it can be difficult to determine exactly what color garage door will work best. The following tips will help you make the right choice for your home.

What Is the Most Popular Color?

If you look around at the garage doors throughout your neighborhood, you may notice a trend in the most common colors for a garage door. The answer is white. This is because white is a neutral color and will blend in with just about any other color you may use for your home, making it easier to change the other colors. However, this doesn’t mean you have to settle for the same color as just about everyone else in your neighborhood.

Are Neutral Shades the Best Choice?

If you consider the other colors for garage doors you see, you will find most of the garage doors that aren’t white are another neutral color. Various grays, brown, beige and black are all popular colors for garage doors. Sometimes this color exactly matches the paint on the rest of the home and in other situations, it contrasts a bit with those other colors. It’s all up to your individual aesthetic preferences. If you are interested in selling your home in the near future, it’s best to choose a neutral color because anything else can quickly turn off a buyer who may not want to bother with painting the garage door as soon as they move in.

What Other Considerations Should I Make?

Beyond popular colors, there are other considerations you should make when you’re thinking about the color of your new garage door. First and foremost, it should blend in with the aesthetics of the rest of your home. This is part of the reason homeowners typically choose something more neutral. However, if you are using certain colors in your home, you may want to use those same colors for your garage. If you aren’t sure what color would work best for your home, your garage professionals can help you go over your options and help you make a final decision.

As you choose your new garage door, there are a lot of considerations to make. Not only do you need to think about the design of the door and whether it will fit your home, but you also need to select the right color. Even if your garage door doesn’t match your home, it should complement the colors you’ve already used for your home. You may be able to paint your garage, but in the end, you want to choose something you will be happy with for the long term. Contact your garage door professionals for assistance in choosing the right garage doors.

Thinking About Repainting Your Garage Door?

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The way your garage door looks can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home, as well as its value if you choose to sell it. Once the paint on your garage door starts to peel, it has a negative effect on the way people view your property. Whether your paint is beginning to peel or you are interested in changing the color of the exterior of your home, there are a few things you need to consider when you think about repainting your garage. This can help you determine whether it’s best to repaint your existing door or if you should replace it with a brand-new one.

Consider the Age of Your Garage

The first thing you should be thinking about is exactly how old your current garage door is. Peeling or discolored paint isn’t the only concern you have to think about when it comes to deciding whether it’s worth it to repaint your garage door. There are many other problems that can become more prevalent as your garage door ages, depending on the material from which it’s made. For instance, wood garage doors can experience rot and other issues. You also need to consider the other components that make up your garage door. If the hardware is in poor shape, it may be better to focus on replacing your door, rather than repainting it. Talking to a professional who specializes in garage doors can help you weigh the pros and cons of keeping your old door and repainting it or investing in a new door for your garage.

Think About Your Overall Investment

Everything you do to take care of your home is about making sure you get a good return on your investment. All the maintenance and improvements you make will reflect on the overall value of your home. While painting your garage door can make a huge difference in the way your home looks and can improve the value of your home, you may actually see a larger return on your investment to replace your garage door with a newer model. While this may seem irrelevant if you aren’t planning to sell your home in the near future, it can be something that will impact the value of your home over a long period so you can reap the benefits when you do choose to sell.

If you do choose to repaint your door, there are a few things to take into account. First, it’s best to wait for good weather before you complete the project. It should be relatively dry and the temperature should not be too high. Painting in the high humidity of summer can be just as bad as trying to paint during the cold, damp winter months. A dry, spring or fall day is often your best choice for ensuring the paint adheres properly and you end up with a garage door that complements your home. If you aren’t comfortable doing the work yourself, you can always hire a professional painter to get the job done right.

Whether you choose to repaint your garage door or install a new one, being aware of the cost differences, as well as the overall condition of your door, can help you make the right choice to get the best return on your investment and keep your home looking great.

5 Arizona Garage Door Safety Tips

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Even though modern garage doors are significantly more secure and efficient than those clanky death traps of the past, it’s still important to take precautions. After all, your garage door is still one of the largest and heaviest moving components of your home! And according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,000 injuries result from accidents involving garage doors each year. A staggering number of the victims are children. 

So, there’s no better time than the present to assess your door and see if you are in need of Phoenix garage door repair. But even with a door that seems to be functioning well on the surface, there are various safety measure you should take. Here are the top five garage door safety tips every homeowner needs to know:

1. Make Sure the Safety Sensors are Working Properly

If you have an electronic garage door (which you do unless the house/door are very old), then it most likely has safety sensors. Though almost unnoticeable, these little sensors are typically located at least six inches above the ground on either side of the door opening. When working properly, they stop the door from closing the moment movement is detected underneath. Additionally, all garage doors manufactured after 1991 have what’s known as an “auto reverse” mechanism, that makes the door stop and immediately start reversing its motion the moment it touches something in its path. 

Of course, like most pieces of equipment, these sensors can wear out over time and lose their ability to sense movement as readily (or not at all). It is important to check them frequently and repair or replace them as needed. 

2. Inspect the Cables and Springs

Just like sensors, your garage door’s springs and cables will wear out over time. If you notice any squeaking, rattling, or jerking movement (or lack of movement at all), be sure to take a look. Even if everything looks fine on the surface, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the door to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Even old garage doors should always operate smoothly, so be sure to take a look if it is not.

It’s worth noting here that whenever a spring is replaced on one side of the door, the other side’s spring should be replaced as well even if it appears to be in good condition. This will help ensure that there are no unsafe discrepancies. 

3. Never Put a New Door on an Old Track

Some people try to save money and cut corners by installing new garage doors on older pre-existing tracks. However, this is just asking for trouble down the line. Doors and tracks are built to go together, so you should always install them together to ensure the perfect (and safe) fit. 

4. Don’t Share Passwords and Keep Remotes in Safe Places

It’s crucial that you keep both your garage door password / key code and your remote controls secure. Doing so will not only help prevent unwanted entries / break-ins, but it will also help prevent people from tampering with your door settings. And of course, always make sure that the remotes and key pad is out of reach of young children. 

5. Teach Family Members How to Operate the Door Safely

Kids in particular often become fascinated with the movement of garage doors. Sadly, this is why so many children are involved in garage door accidents every year. This is also why it is so important for them (and every member of your family) to learn to operate the garage door carefully and safely. Even if the door has caution sensors that detect movement below them, nobody should be standing in or near the door’s path when it is being opened or shut. Make sure everyone realizes the door is in no way a toy.  Live in the Phoenix metro area and want to learn more about garage door safety, or are you in need of a new garage door or service? It’s always best to go with the professionals to make sure the job is done correctly. Call the pros at Lincoln today at 602-955-4144. Or, stop by our Tempe location to chat with us in person. We’ve been providing quality Phoenix garage door repair for years, and we want to help every resident avoid accidents. Your garage door should be a welcome, useful part of your home. Let’s make sure it’s safe!

Benefits and Features of a Winter Garage Door Tune Up

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Is your garage door ready for the winter? The wintertime can have a negative impact on garage doors. Snow, cold air, winter rain and strong winds enter the garage door and do damage. All around, the elements in the winter can cause your garage door to not operate properly or to break down. A winterization tune-up can help your garage door manage the elements of winter.

How the Winter Damages Garage Doors

There are basically two insidious ways the winter can damage a garage door: temperature drop and temperature change. Typically, the temperature drops during the night time in the winter. If the nighttime temp drops to 35 degrees or less, the lubricating oil in the garage door’s motor can thicken. This lubricating oil is what keeps the garage door moving up and down in a smooth manner. If the oil thickens, the door may operate in a jerky manner or even get stuck.

In addition, if the garage door spring is old, a change in temperature can cause the spring to break. Without a doubt, a garage door tune-up can give you the heads up about a worn spring. An annual garage tune-up is the key to keeping a garage door operating properly during the wintertime.

What’s Done During a Garage Door Tune-Up

There is a long checklist of tasks that are performed by a technician during a garage door tune-up.

  • A safety inspection and maintenance check
  • Lubrication of the whole drive mechanism, including the pulleys and rollers
  • Adjustment of electric door openers
  • Setting of limit switches
  • Tightening of chains
  • Full inspection of the weather stripping, bottom seal, keypad and transmitter batteries
  • Tightening or replacement of faulty nuts and bolts

Plus, the technician will discuss with you any visible repair or replacement issues before the tune-up.

Common Garage Door Problems During the Winter

There are a few common garage door problems that often occur in the winter. Contracting metal is one of them. That’s why it’s important to keep the metal parts lubricated during the winter months. Even if the garage door isn’t made of metal, there are metal screws, rails and springs. If these components aren’t lubricated, the garage door may get jammed.

Weather stripping damage also may occur during the winter. The rubber weather strip on the bottom of the door is what keeps the cold air out. Water can freeze around the weather stripping and strip off or crack. The weather stripping of the garage door should be inspected regularly to ensure that it’s not too worn. This way, you can keep both the garage and home warmer.

Ice between the garage door panels can trap moisture. This causes the garage door to have difficulty opening. The door may even lock up.

Broken springs are another common garage door issue during the winter. It’s essential that the springs keep the garage door weight well balanced. A worn or faulty spring can be detected during a garage door tune-up inspection. Lastly, the remote sensors can crack during low temperatures in the winter. It may have to be repaired or replaced.

Phoenix Garage Door Repair

Without the right expertise, fixing a garage door can be both difficult and dangerous. Turn to a quality Phoenix Garage Door Repair team for repairs and garage door tune-ups. All of our technicians are trained and experienced.

How to Tell When Your Garage Door Opener Is Broken

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If you’re like most homeowners, you take your garage door opener for granted. It’s easy to fall into the habit of expecting it to operate the way it should when you need to get in and out of your garage. However, these openers do wear out over time and in most cases, will give warning signs before they full give out. It’s up to you to be able to identify when it is broken so you can get it fixed and avoid having to pay for a replacement before you need to. The following will help you determine if you should contact someone for garage opener repairs.

Check Your Garage Door

It’s easy to blame the opener itself if your garage door doesn’t open as expected. However, sometimes the garage door itself is the problem. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by checking the door over first. Look at the edges of the garage door from the inside and the outside to see if there is a misalignment somewhere or if one of the springs has broken. An easy way to check if your garage door is the problem is to attempt to open it manually. If it is difficult to open by hand, chances are the opener isn’t at fault.

Check the Opener

If the garage door seems to open the way it should manually, it’s time to inspect several aspects of the opener itself. First, you should check whether the lights of the opener are working properly. If not, there’s a chance you have tripped the circuit breaker and this simple fix will resolve the issue. However, if the lights are working, the opener may need a hard reset. To do this, simply unplug the unit and plug it back in after a few seconds. This should reset the system. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you need to call in the professionals to help you diagnose the problem and determine whether they can fix the garage door opener or a replacement is necessary.

What Can the Professionals Do?

In general, the most common problems you will encounter with your garage door opener are malfunctions in the logic board or stripped gears from regular use. Both of these issues can be resolved with a repair, but it’s important to weigh the cost of these services against replacing the entire unit. In many cases, a replacement garage door opener is more affordable than repairing your old one. However, it’s still important to call in the professionals to evaluate your garage door opener if it isn’t working as it should. They can provide you with a cost estimate on the repairs so you can make the most informed decision and save yourself time and money. A replacement isn’t always the best and most cost-effective solution.

Always check your garage door opener warranty to see if the repair may be covered. If not, it will be up to the repair technician to determine if a repair can be made or if they should suggest a full replacement. When you call, they will likely ask you what the problem is, so they know how to proceed. This often means talking to the office personnel. Unfortunately, these individuals may not be able to answer all of your questions. Therefore, it’s often best to ask to talk to one of the technicians.

If your garage door opener isn’t working the way it should, contact us to schedule an appointment for an assessment of your unit.

Tips to Childproof Your Garage

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Having children means protecting them from risks in the world and around the home. There are so many risks parents have to watch out for, such as small objects children can put in their mouths, cleaning chemicals, long flights of stairs, the list goes on and on. When you child-proof your home, however, one space you can’t forget is the garage. Read on to learn more about making the garage a safe space for your kids.

Is Your Garage Safe?

Garages are full of things that can cause harm to children. These include concrete floors, outdoor supplies, vehicles, tools, chemicals, and more. Keeping your child away from these dangers is vitally important. Before you start child-proofing your garage, answer these questions.

  • When your cars are in the garage, are they locked?
  • How easily can your kids get in and out of the garage?
  • Do you regularly maintain your garage door?
  • Can your children reach tools and chemicals stored in your garage?
  • Is your garage full of clutter or is it clutter-free?
  • Can you think of any less obvious risks in your garage, such as pet food, garbage, and gardening materials?

After thoughtfully answering these questions you should have a good idea of what steps you need to take to make your garage a safe place for children. Consider the following strategies:

  • Remove clutter from your garage. Get rid of anything you don’t need and carefully store away all dangerous objects as high up as possible. Children are clever and will use stools or find other creative ways to reach these items. You could also store them in a locked cabinet and carefully hide the key.
  • Add a Dutch door to your garage exit.  A Dutch door keeps the bottom half of the door closed while the top half is open to allow fresh air inside the garage and to easily unload and transfer items.
  • Store chemicals and other dangerous substances far out of reach of children.

Automatic Garage Doors and Safety

It’s important to take care when it comes to automatic garage door openers because these heavy doors can cause serious injury to a child. For many children, opening and closing the garage door is like playing with a toy. However, when they do this, they can easily get caught in the door or its moving parts. The garage door should sense when an object, including a child, is in the way, but it’s up to you to make sure this feature is functioning properly. One way to test your automatic garage door sensitivity is to put small objects in the way. If the door senses the object, it will not close.

To make sure your garage door is perfectly safe for your children, contact Lincoln Electric Garage Door Company. Our experienced and friendly technicians can assist with a garage door repair, a new garage door, and garage door openers. Our company is family owned and operated and has been in business since 1967. We understand the dangers of garages and garage doors when it comes to children. Contact us today to have all your questions and concerns answered.

Wifi-Connected Garage Doors

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Remember the days when you had to pull your garage door open and closed using brute strength? Those days are over, thankfully. In our modern era, we know have electric garage door openers, but we’ve taken this to the next level with Wi-Fi enabled garage door openers, otherwise known as smart garage door openers. These neat devices unlock numerous features and benefits that add safety and convenience to your home. Read on to learn more about Wi-Fi garage door openers and all they can do for you, your home, and your family.

Open and Close Your Garage Door No Matter Where You’re Located

Traveling across town or across the sea? No matter where you are in this big world, you can still open and close your garage door at will with a Wi-Fi connection. Picture this: You’re on vacation in the Caribbean, sitting on the beach and sipping a cocktail when you suddenly turn to your spouse and say, ‘Did we remember to close the garage door?’. Not a problem. Just grab your garage door opener and hit close and then get back to the beach.

Sometimes you forget your keys and you’re Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener turns into that spare set. And then there are the times when you need to let a serviceman into your home, but you can’t be there. Viola! Simply open the garage door using your remote. This provides easy and convenient access for all types of service needs when you can’t be on the premises.

Get Push Notifications

How does monitoring access to your home when you’re not there sound? Pretty incredible, doesn’t it? Well, your new Wi-Fi garage door does that for you by sending you push notifications whenever your garage door opens or closes. Keep a close eye on when the kids are coming and going, especially to and from school, and have peace of mind when you’re out of town for work or vacation by knowing that your garage door is safely secured, and if it were to open, you’d know about it immediately.  Have a plan in case this happens, such as alerting your neighbors, the police, or your security alarm company.

In-Garage Delivery from Amazon

Key by Amazon is a new service in select cities that offers in-garage delivery to select Prime members. With this Amazon service, you can have items delivered safely and securely to your garage. All you need is to sync your myQ® account with the key app. Once you do this, your Amazon packages will be delivered via your Wi-Fi garage door opener. Never risk having a package stolen again!

Put Garage Lights on a Schedule

Having proper indoor and outdoor lighting is vital to avoid burglary. Good lighting also provides for safety at night when you’re arriving at home in the dark. With your Wi-Fi garage door opener, you can easily schedule garage lights to turn on and off. This is especially helpful when traveling or when you are arriving later than expected.

Lincoln Electric Garage Door is a Tempe, Arizona family owned company operating since 1967. We provide a wide range of garage door services, including garage door repair, installation of new garage doors, and Wi-Fi garage doors, and commercial door repair and installation. If you’re interested in learning more about a Wi-Fi enabled garage door, give us a call. We’ll answer all your questions and help you get this really cool feature set up for added safety and convenience for you home and family. Call us today at 602-955-4144 to learn more and schedule and appointment with one of our friendly technicians.