image of automatic sliding doors

Benefits of Automatic Sliding Doors

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ensure Your Garage Door Is Secure

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

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?

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

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!