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How Winter Weather Affects Your Garage Door

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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.

This Holiday Season, Keep Your Garage Secure!

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The holiday season is a delightful time filled with cheer, family gatherings, and plenty of gifts to go around; however, there’s a darker side to the holiday season as burglaries spike and home break-in trends escalate.

Did you know that your garage is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home, often targeted by burglars?

They understand that some people tend to store their holiday gifts or valuables in the garage, and if it’s an easy target, they’ll go for the opportunity.

Don’t Let Your Garage Be an Easy Target

Garage security is especially critical for older model garage doors because there’s a high possibility they are:

  • Not connected to a home’s primary alarm system
  • Don’t have a built-in locking system, allowing them to be forced open from the outside
  • Aren’t built with modern security features

Even if you have a modern garage door, there are a few steps you can take this holiday season to “beef up” your garage security and give yourself further peace of mind.

How to Secure Your Garage for the Holidays

To beef up your garage security and keep thieves out of your garage for good, a few simple steps and quick security installations could make all the difference.

Lincoln Door of Tempe, AZ is an electric garage door company operating since 1967 and well-versed in garage door security.

They provide garage door repair, replace sections of garage doors, provide garage door accessories, replace springs, and most importantly — can assist you with the following garage door security installations.

Replace Your Garage Door

If you have an older garage door or one that simply doesn’t have the security features of modern doors today, one of the quickest and easiest ways you can secure your garage is through a new door. Lincoln Door can make this process a breeze.

Install a Garage Door Deadbolt

If you know you won’t be opening your garage for a period of time, a very simple way to secure your door is through a garage door deadbolt. This is your typical deadbolt, mounted on the inside of your garage door and attached to the wall to prevent anyone from opening, prying, or otherwise forcing your door open.

Install an On/Off Switch for Your Garage Door Opener

Most garage door openers are left on 24/7, even if the owners of the home are out on an extended vacation or aren’t watching their garage space. By disabling your garage door opener completely when it’s not in use, you immediately beef up your security.

Shield Your Emergency Release Cord

Every garage door has an emergency release cord, and it has been shown that thieves can use a coat hanger to open your door in under a minute! By installing a garage shield cover that covers this emergency release, you’ll secure your garage even further.

Applying Garage Door Lubricant

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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

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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!

image of steel garage door

The Amazing Benefits of Steel Garage Doors

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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

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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

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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

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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 garage door spring

The Differences in Garage Door Springs

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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!

image of Man fixing garage door

How to Maintain Your Garage Door

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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.