How Winter Weather Affects Your Garage Door

Cold weather can cause various garage door issues that prevent efficient functionality. Since metal contracts in freezing temperatures, springs and tracks often endure significant damage. If your door is difficult to open or close, most likely, there is an issue preventing it from operating correctly.

While a garage is great for storing your vehicle, a malfunctioning door can compromise its safety and condition. Read further to determine how winter weather can adversely affect a garage door.

Icy Door Panels

Water melts and freezes due to fluctuating temperatures and icy conditions. As a result, ice can develop quickly in various areas outside your home, including beneath your garage door. Also, it can become trapped between the entry and frame, causing it to remain shut despite how much strength you use to force it open. Reading information about winter weather preparation can help you take precautions to preserve your door.

Severe Lubrication Issues

Lubricants allow your garage door to open efficiently and effortlessly. However, low temperatures can cause oil to thicken, leaving the door vulnerable to severe jamming. Also, specific surface areas can stretch if you fail to maintain them adequately.

One way to avoid lubrication issues during the winter is to use oils with low-pressure ratings. Additionally, it would help use an efficient product to keep specific garage door parts, such as rollers and hinges, operational.

Excessive Moisture Absorption

Consistent dampness can increase moisture absorption, causing your jambs to bulge. Your garage door is more prone to becoming wedged due to expanding metal and rubber components. Maintaining your gutters can help prevent buckling and water pressure.

Brittle and Weak Springs

Since garage door springs become fragile under icy conditions, they are more likely to break even under the slightest pressure. While they usually last up to 10,000 cycles, they endure significant wear and tear due to adverse winter weather. Natural elements such as a snowstorm or heavy, cold rain can gradually destroy the durability of each spring.

When temperatures drop, the best thing you can do is preserve your springs, ensuring they are well lubricated. However, your door may need a spring replacement if maintenance is ineffective.

Deformed Metal Components

Metal contracts during exposure to cold temperatures because molecules shrink in and around the area. The contraction can cause deformities and garage door track misalignment, preventing opening and closing. While a lubricant is a temporary solution, consider calling a specialist if the problem continues.

When it comes to the condition of your garage door, cold weather can cause severe destruction. Contact Lincoln Door via our website form or call 602-955-4144. We can perform a professional repair job and provide preventive maintenance to protect your door against further damage.

Pros & Cons: Rolling Sheet Doors

When considering a door for your new work area, you should consider a rolling sheet door. There are many door options available, but you do not want to overlook the rolling sheet door. Rolling sheet doors come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and models. They are ideal for buildings because you can customize the door to fit your exact needs and design. Just like anything, there are positives and negatives to them. Continue reading to find out more details about rolling sheet doors.

What is a Rolling Sheet Door?

A rolling sheet door is most often used commercially or in industrial buildings. They are coiling doors typically constructed from galvanized steel slats. The slats interlock and form a curtain that is continuous and strong. The interlocking slats provide strength and durability to the door, making it perfect for heavy use.

Pros of Rolling Sheet Doors

There are many good reasons why you want to consider a rolling sheet door for your building.

  • Rolling doors are reliable, durable, and help save space in your work area.
  • When open, the rolling door can provide light and fresh air.
  • They are often made of metal that is recyclable. When a door is damaged, it can be recycled and not dumped in a landfill.
  • Rolling doors are versatile and can be installed in many different ways.
  • They can be motorized or hand-operated with a crank or pulley, depending on your budget.
  • Rolling doors are secure and cannot be opened from the outside. If it is motor-operated, it most likely locks when the door is down.
  • Rolling doors are easy to install, require low maintenance, and are affordable.

Cons of Rolling Sheet Doors

There may be some instances when a rolling sheet door is not ideal for your business.

  • A rolling sheet door can be noisy when opening and closing.
  • The R-value of a rolling sheet door is lower than other garage doors, which means they do not provide as much insulation.
  • A rolling sheet door will not be ideal for keeping out cold wind if that is a concern in your area.
  • If your building requires a fire-rated door, then a rolling sheet door is not going to be ideal for your business.

If you have any questions about rolling sheet doors, including if one is suitable for your building, contact the professionals at Lincoln Door. The expert professionals will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and help you find the right rolling sheet door for your building and business needs. Contact Lincoln Door today to see how they can assist you.

Applying Garage Door Lubricant

Noisy garage doors can be annoying to listen to, but the squeaking sounds that occur whenever you open or close your door can be a sign that you need to lubricate your door. When you don’t lubricate it regularly, you can make your door wear down faster. Applying a lubricant every two to three months extends the life of your garage door and helps your ears out in the meantime.

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Many people believe that they can spray some WD-40 onto their garage door components and be good to go. This is a common misconception and you’re actually damaging your garage door when you use WD-40. Instead of lubricating the parts, it’s stripping the lubricant away and causing the parts to grind against each other even more.

Choose a grease that’s lithium-based or shop at your hardware store for a lubricant that’s specifically meant for garages. This ensures that you have the right material. Before you get started, remember to take safety precautions such as wearing eye protection and a ventilation mask so that you’re not breathing in fumes and risking an eye injury.

Close the Door and Disconnect It

You don’t want to run the risk of someone arriving home and opening your door while you’re working, so it’s best to make sure that it’s disconnected during maintenance. Once it’s disconnected, inspect all of the components for dirt and grime. Wipe away anything you find that could add resistance to the path of the door.

Apply the Lubricant to All the Necessary Components

You need to add lubricant to the tracks, springs, rollers and hinges to be sure that the door is properly lubricated. The hinges and rollers are the most difficult components to lubricate when the door is closed, so it’s a good idea to apply lubricant to the tracks and springs first and save the hinges and rollers for last.

To apply the lubricant to your hinges and rollers, open the door gradually and apply the lubricant while the door is rising. This ensures that the lubricant coats the entire surface area of the rollers as they move. Once you’ve applied lubricant to all of the components, wipe down the excess and any that has spilled onto the ground. You don’t want a slip and fall risk on your floor.

Test the Door

Reconnect your garage door and open it to see if it’s still making noise on the way up and down. If lubricating it didn’t do the trick, you may need to do additional maintenance.

Lincoln Door has been installing and repairing garage doors since 1967. If your door is in need of routine maintenance, we can help. Give us a call at 602-955-4144 to learn more.

Why You Should Replace Your Garage Door in Autumn

If you are considering replacing your garage door, there is no time like the present. Although many people seem to think spring or summer are the best times to replace parts and perform general maintenance on one’s home, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the fall is the perfect time to replace various parts of your home, and especially the garage door. So, if you are on the fence about replacing your garage door this fall, here are some reasons why you definitely should.

Waiting Until Winter is a Mistake

If you think you may need to replace your garage door soon, you should do it now, rather than waiting until you have no choice. If your garage door is damaged or otherwise malfunctioning, odds are, it will only get worse as we go deeper into the colder seasons. Getting your garage door replaced in the dead of winter is often tricky. If you are experiencing extreme weather or temperatures, your appointment is likely to be pushed back to a date on which these issues are less likely to occur. So, if you’re in an area that is prone to especially harsh winters, it will likely be weeks or even months before you can get a replacement.

Cold/Hot Weather Exposure

Additionally, since the garage opening will be exposed during the process of replacing the door, it is best to have it replaced when the weather is the least threatening. On the one hand, the summer months are sweltering, and as we know, the winter months are frigid. On the other hand, waiting until spring will likely be too late. Also, the spring may also include lots of rain, which can also make replacing your garage door difficult. However, the fall typically has weather that is mild enough to allow for the quick replacement of your garage door.

Extreme Weather and Garage Mechanisms

Lastly, if your garage behaves sluggishly, this problem will likely worsen in the winter months. Extreme weather can cause garage door mechanisms to malfunction, even when they are in good condition. So, if your garage door is already in questionable condition, if you wait until the winter, it is likely to stop working altogether.

Getting your garage door replaced doesn’t have to wait. Rather than putting it off until later, having it replaced in the fall is one of the best ways to ensure your garage door remains in working order all year round. Contact Lincoln Door today and make sure you have experts helping you right away!

4 Reasons to Get a Rolling Steel Door

Tackling a new commercial construction project and looking for the right rolling door to suit your needs? Perhaps you’re simply looking to replace some outdated rolling doors on an older building. Regardless, rolling steel doors can be a practical choice for many reasons.

1. Low Maintenance

For starters, rolling steel doors require very little maintenance once they are installed, especially when compared to “traditional” sectional doors. The majority of a rolling door’s moving parts are enclosed, which means they are protected from the elements and less prone to damage over time. In fact, aside from occasional lubrication of the door’s springs, steel rolling doors are practically maintenance-free.

Even when rolling steel doors do need repair, these can typically be done quickly and efficiently. This means less downtime for your business, which protects your bottom line.

2. Space-Saving Qualities

Because rolling steel doors simply mount above the opening, they save a lot of space compared to traditional doors that require mounting points at the wall and ceiling alike. Rolling steel doors are also compact when they open, so they don’t block fire sprinklers or take up valuable overhead room that could be better used in other ways.

3. Fully Customizable

Rolling steel doors are an excellent choice for large or otherwise difficult openings because they can be custom ordered and manufactured to fit any space. This can save you from needing to order several separate sectional doors to suit your needs. The easy customization of rolling steel doors is exactly why you see these used so often in large industrial buildings and even airplane hangars.

Meanwhile, rolling steel doors are available in an extensive range of finishes, gauges, and styles to suit your needs and budget.

4. Strong and Durable

Last but not least, rolling steel doors offer unrivaled durability and strength; they can add a lot of structural integrity as well as security to any building. For added durability, you might even want to consider a rolling steel door with a galvanized or powder-coated finish that will never need to be repainted or touched up!

Order Your Rolling Steel Door Today

This is just a sampling of some of the most compelling reasons to choose a rolling steel door for your industrial or commercial applications. From their low-maintenance design to easy customization and unrivaled strength, rolling steel doors have a lot to offer your business.

At Lincoln Electric Garage Door Co., we’re proud to offer rolling steel doors to suit your needs! Contact us today to get started!

Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Summer is an excellent time to complete home maintenance, especially on components like your garage door. The average garage door lasts 15 to 20 years, but it all depends on how well you take care of it. During the summer months, there are several things you should do to keep your garage door reliable.

Inspect the Hardware

Visually inspecting the hardware on your garage door is one of the easiest things you can do. Check for clear signs of wear and tear, such as missing bolts, misalignment, or loose hinges. Fixing these issues in their early stages prevents more expensive repairs down the road.

Lubricate Moving Hardware

Lubrication is key to smooth movements and preventing excessive wear and tear. Use a three-in-one type of oil to lubricate any moving parts to eliminate noise and keep parts running smoothly. Never use grease.

Wash Your Garage Door

It’s essential to wash your garage door every summer to remove grease, dirt, and other grime. Use water and a mild house detergent to complete the cleaning process. It’s the best option for steel and aluminum doors.

Paint It

Once your garage door is clean, you can evaluate whether it needs a new coat of paint. Either use the same color to refresh your garage door or consider giving it a whole new look.

Insulate the Garage Door

Insulation is a key component for any garage door, not just in the winter months when a warm garage is beneficial. Proper insulation during the summer months keeps the heat out of the garage and the air conditioning inside, increasing the overall energy efficiency of your home. Checking the insulation between your house and garage is also essential to keep warm air from the garage out of your home.

Reinforce the Door

If you live in an area susceptible to severe weather, reinforcing your garage door is essential. Check for holes or openings in your garage door that can cause issues during severe weather events. Patching these holes will protect your home from damage when bad weather hits.

Remove Rust

If your garage door is made of steel, rust can be problematic over time. Be sure to check for rust in its earliest stages, so you can stop the problem before it gets worse. If you notice signs of rust, sand the area and use a primer and paint to restore the damage and stop rust progression. Your garage door will last longer and look fantastic.

Test Your Garage Door

After you have repaired any damage and completed necessary maintenance, it’s time to test your garage door to check how well it operates. Pay close attention to the sounds and visible performance of your garage door when you open and close it. If anything seems out of place or it makes unusual noises, hire the professionals to diagnose and repair your garage door.

Call Lincoln Door Today!

In 1967 Lincoln Door opened as the premier family owned and operated door company in Arizona. In our 50 years of business we have expanded from repairing and replacing residential garage doors and openers. Lincoln Door now boasts one of the most respected Automatic Door divisions in Arizona with technicians certified in AADMS. We also service and replace commercial doors and motors, gate operators, storefront doors, hollow metal doors, full-view glass doors, and of course we still have a responsive and knowledgeable residential department.  Contact our team today!

image of steel garage door

The Amazing Benefits of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are a popular option for homeowners because they are versatile, affordable, and durable. If you are ready to replace your garage doors, you should consider some of the benefits that steel doors can give you and your family.

Enhanced Durability

Of all the possible materials you can choose from when you select a garage door, steel is one of the most durable. It will not warp or crack, is resistant to rust, cannot light on fire, and will not dent as easily. They also require less maintenance to keep their appearance.

They are Energy Efficient

The weatherstripping that is provided with steel garage doors keeps your garage from letting out heat or cold and can protect your garage from inclement weather. This means it will cost you less money to keep your home heated or cooled. The extra insulation also makes your garage a better home for your vehicles and other personal items as it will protect them from extreme temperatures.

Steel Doors Provide Added Security

It is much more difficult for someone to break into your garage if you have steel garage doors. Steel is tougher, so it takes more force to breach your garage doors, adding an added layer of protection to keep thieves away from your car and belongings.

Garage Doors Made of Steel Offer Flexibility to How to Use a Garage

Since you benefit from better insulation and protection from the weather, having steel garage doors makes it possible for you to use your garage for something other than a place to store a vehicle. You could create an office, workshop, or even a living space out of your garage because it will be kept cool in the summer and will remain heated during the winter months.

You are Not Limited to a Single Design Option

While you may believe that you can only get standard garage doors made from steel, it is possible to select carriage garage doors and other styles made with steel. These provide the look that you desire with the durability and energy efficiency that you require.

Lincoln Door has been serving the Tempe area since 1967. If it is time for you to replace your garage doors, give us a call at 602-955-4144 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about the affordable, durable, and energy-efficient doors we have available.

Steel v. Aluminum Garage Doors

Looking to replace the garage doors on your property? If so, then you have many options to choose from. When it comes to garage door materials, there are two popular choices: steel and aluminum. Both materials come with some inherent advantages and potential drawbacks. By understanding the differences between these two garage door options, you can more confidently decide which is right for your home.

Benefits of Steel Garage Doors

The majority of garage doors manufactured and installed for residential use these days are made of steel. Many homeowners enjoy steel garage doors because they are available in a wide range of styles, making it easier for homeowners to find the door that best suits their tastes.

Meanwhile, steel garage doors are also extremely durable and can withstand elements like rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures without being easily damaged. Because of their strength and durability, steel garage doors require very little maintenance aside from occasional hosing down to keep them looking like new.

Oftentimes, steel doors are also made from recycled steel, making this a great option for buyers who want to be environmentally conscious.

Benefits of Aluminum Garage Doors

Another option to consider is an aluminum garage door, which is made of a lighter material. One of the biggest advantages of an aluminum garage door is its lower cost when compared to steel. The lighter weight of this type of door also makes it easier and less time-consuming to install, which can reduce labor costs. All of this makes aluminum garage doors a popular choice for those who are on a budget.

Aluminum is also naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes it a smart choice in garage door material for those who live in humid or otherwise moist climates. On a steel door, you would need to have a protective coating applied to achieve the same rust resistance.

Like steel doors, aluminum doors require very little maintenance aside from routine cleaning to get rid of unwanted debris.

Which is Right For You?

Ultimately, the garage door material that is right for you will depend on many factors, including your budget and the exact look you’re going for. If you’re on a tight budget, you will probably want to start by shopping for aluminum garage doors. If you’re more concerned about longevity and durability, then you may want to spend a little more money on a steel door.

No matter which type of garage door you end up choosing, our team at Lincoln Electric Garage Door Co. is here to help with extensive product knowledge and competitive pricing. Contact us today to find out more about our residential garage door options or to schedule your free quote!

image of full view aluminum garage door

Elevate Your Curb Appeal with a Full View Aluminum Garage Door

Did you know that the average garage door should last between 15 and 30 years? Take a moment to check out how old your home is and ask yourself, “When did I have my garage door serviced last?”

More than just an entrance to the home, a professionally installed and maintained aluminum garage door can provide a range of benefits to the homeowner as well as the surrounding community.

For homeowners looking to improve their home through the installation of a full-view aluminum garage door, keep on reading to find out key benefits and advantages.

Boost Your Home’s Value With a New Garage Door

While we typically conflate aluminum with industrial or warehouse applications, the facts are simple that aluminum garage doors make sense from a property value perspective. A professionally installed full-view aluminum garage door can create a clean, stylish, and modern look that invites the right kind of attention from local onlookers!

Consider the fact that a third of your home’s curbside appeal is beholden to the garage door itself. Whether you are selling a property or renovating your own, consider starting with a simple garage door installation to get the ball rolling.

Create a Unique and Customized Garage Door

Teams like Lincoln Door of Tempe, AZ, can offer meticulously crafted and customized aluminum garage doors. One of the main reasons people love aluminum garage doors is that they offer the ultimate range of flexible options.

When selecting custom features to incorporate into your full-view aluminum garage door, consider a few of the following concepts.

  • Powder Coating Finish — Extend the lifespan of your door with a powder-coated finish for longevity.
  • Clear Glass Optional — Clear glass installed into your garage door can provide access for light to enter the garage.
  • Privacy Glass Available — Maybe you want your garage door to allow for light while remaining private. If that is the case, consider installing tinted, translucent, or frosted glass panels.
  • Decorative Panels/Frames — Customization is the norm with aluminum glass doors because there are so many decorative panes and panels available, pending the style of door you are looking for.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Outdated garage doors aren’t only an eyesore, they are often a source of energy loss. With a newly installed aluminum full-view garage door, you can also ask for the proper insulation to increase your energy leak prevention. Insulation works well with aluminum doors to keep heat and cold away from the interior of your garage.

Call Lincoln Door of Tempe For Your Garage Solutions!

Lincoln Door first opened in 1967 as a small family-owned operation in Arizona. After more than 50 years in the industry, the team at Lincoln Door has become one of the most respected Automatic Door Divisions in all of Arizona, with a full-service team of technicians to replace and install all commercial doors, gates, and residential solutions.

Based out of Tempe, AZ, Lincoln Door offers a range of winning benefits to its loyal customers including the following

  • Same Day Service
  • A+ BBB Accredited Business
  • Competitive Pricing

Lincoln Door is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact the Lincoln Door team, today!

Misconceptions About Carriage House Garage Doors

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.