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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!

Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips

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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

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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!