Garage Door Service Archives - C Town Doors | Calgary Garage Doors Service, Sales, Installation & Repair

Keep your Garage door well-maintained with these tips

September 23, 2019 By C Town Doors

Your garage door is opened and closed multiple times a day, and through the course of a year this can add up to over a thousand open/close cycles. Wear and tear is inevitable with such rigorous use and a breakdown is essentially guaranteed. A broken garage door can easily throw off your daily routine, leading to schedule delays and other inconveniences. This is why keeping yours it in the best possible shape is one of the most important things to do for your home. Here are a few maintenance tips that Calgary homeowners can do to keep their garage door going for as long as possible.

Observe Your Garage Door

The first and foremost thing you can do for your garage door is to look and listen to it as it moves up and down to open and close your garage. Take note of anything that squeaks or rattles; also keep an eye on how the garage door opens. Does it move in a jerky manner that looks like something might have gotten stuck? Do the tracks shake as your garage door moves? All these may be signals that something is wrong with your garage door, the tracks, rollers, or even the automatic garage opener itself.

Some Things You can do to Maintain Garage Door Parts

1. Bolts and Fasteners

Each time your garage door opens or closes, it causes vibrations that can eventually lead to bolts loosening on your roller brackets. If you spot any of them starting to come loose, make sure to tighten them back again using a socket wrench. Also check the bolts and fasteners keeping your automatic garage door opener secure. While these don’t receive as much vibration from the garage door’s motions, they are still liable to loosen up as time progresses. Be careful when tightening the bolts on the bottom rollers as well, as these are where the cables are attached.

2. Garage Door Roller Tracks

Keeping the tracks your garage door rollers run on is extremely important. If your rollers run over any debris left inside the tracks, it may lead to some misalignment. A properly clear track can also ease the strain caused by your garage door openers working just a bit harder during the cold Calgary winters. You can keep your track clear with either a cloth or perhaps even by running a vacuum cleaner through the top and bottom of the track. Make sure as well that your tracks are vertically level as this can also lead it issues. Use a carpenter’s level to check the plumb. If there’s a problem with the alignment of the tracks, make sure you have a professional fix the issue for you.

3. Garage Door Rollers

Properly working rollers are essential to the continued working of your garage door. Make sure to inspect these regularly for any chips, cracks, or the beginnings of rust. Make sure you replace these rollers whenever you spot issues. Replacement rollers come in different materials and each one has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic rollers are cheap but would last at most 2-3 years before needing replacement.

Steel rollers are more durable and can last from anywhere between 4,000-15,000 cycles depending on the type; but these types of rollers can be very noisy which isn’t really ideal for suburban or residential settings. These also require regular lubrication.

Nylon rollers are the most expensive choice but runs along the tracks a lot more quietly than steel rollers and have comparable or even superior lifetimes, with some of the high end varieties lasting over 100,000 cycles before needing to be replaced. Ask a garage door servicing company for advice when choosing the type of roller you should use.

4. Garage Door Cables and Springs

The mechanism that runs your garage door opener consists of a number of cables and springs, as well as a band or chain on a track in the center that leads to the garage door opener motor that actually does the work of pulling up the garage door when you press that button on your garage door remote.

Garage doors usually use one of two types of springs: extension, or torsion springs. Extension spring garage doors consist of two springs installed above the two horizontal sections of the roller tracks of your garage door. Torsion spring garage doors usually have one spring installed right above the door itself. In both cases, the force is stored in the spring when the garage door is closed and released when the door is opened to help the garage door opener pull the door up. The difference is that extension springs extend to store energy while torsion springs coil tighter to do the same.

Regardless of spring type significant forces are stored inside the springs and cables that make up your garage door. Attempting to fix these yourself is very dangerous and can lead to severe injury. If you spot worn out springs or fraying cables, make sure you call a garage door specialists to perform the installation of new cables.

5. Garage Door Safety Features

Modern garage doors have 2 primary safety features: mechanical and sensors. To test the mechanical safety feature, just place a piece of wood or brick on the ground in the way of the garage door. The door should immediately raise itself back up if it hits the obstruction.

To test the sensor, it’s as simple as breaking the line of sight between the sensors as the door comes down. The garage door should stop and open itself up immediately if the line of sight is broken.

Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate

Lubrication is the most important form of maintenance the Calgary homeowner can do for their garage. Especially when preparing for the winter. Unlubricated garage rollers and hinges run the risk of freezing over and stiffening up in sub-zero temperatures, this forces your automatic garage door opener to exert more force trying to open your garage door and in some cases can lead to your it being stuck altogether.

The type of lubricant you should use is also important. We suggest using a silicon or lithium-based lubricant spray rather than your typical mechanical grease or oil. The primary reason for this is that typical grease or oil is prone to having dust and other particulates cling to it, which would be counter intuitive to the proper functioning of your garage door.

The important places for you to lubricate your garage door are the rollers, the springs, the hinges of your garage door panels if they are made of metal, as well as the lock to your garage door.

Your Garage Door Itself

1. Test the Balance of your Garage Door

An unbalanced garage door can lead to significant difficult to the proper functioning of your garage door opener. Unbalanced rollers can lead to the cables having to strain themselves more than they should; mainly because the cables on both sides not have to exert unequal amounts of force to open or close the garage door. An unbalanced garage door can also lead to gaps at the bottom, letting in the elements.

To test your garage door’s balance disconnect the garage door from the opener and manually lift it halfway. There should be minimal movement by the door when you release your grip on t

he door. If there’s any movement up or down, that may be a sign that your door is unbalanced. It’s advisable that you call garage door repair specialists to re-balance your garage door as the forces exerted by the cables on the door itself are very dangerous.

2. Weather stripping

Weather stripping is the lining at the bottom of your garage door. It keeps elements away from the inside of your garage by forming a seal between the door and the ground itself. This is especially important for Calgary homeowners during the cold winters as it prevents snow from reaching the garage floor.

Weather stripping deteriorates over time but unlike balancing your garage door, replacing it is a far less involved affair. You can purchase weather stripping from Canadian Tire or other hardware and home supply stores, cut it to the length of your garage door and install it to the bottom of your garage door yourself for relatively cheap.

3. Maintain the Garage Door Material

Just as important as the mechanisms of your garage door is the garage door itself. As time goes on, your garage door will see some deterioration. Paint might start to chip off or rust might start appearing. The type of material your garage door is made with informs how you should maintain it. If your garage door is made of wood it can warp and water damage is a major problem so make sure you inspect your garage door annually for these issues and have them fixed before repainting. Steel garage doors can rust so you’ll have to sand the rust out before priming and painting. Fiberglass garage doors are a bit simpler to clean as they can be washed with an all purpose cleaner.

When you’re repainting your garage door, make sure you choose a weatherproof paint. Living in Calgary, you’ll be dealing with humid summers and cold winters so choosing a paint meant to withstand these conditions is important.

If you’re experiencing Other Issues with your Garage Door Opener…

We at C-town have prepared a troubleshooting guide that covers most typical issues you may face. Now if you’re looking for a new garage door installation, or hoping to have your garage door repaired, we’ve got your back!

Just Contact Us at 403-668-6686.

Is Your Garage Door Safe? Follow These Garage Door Safety and Maintenance Tips

April 25, 2019 By C Town Doors

Most homeowners don’t think a lot about their garage door unless the need arises for garage doors repair. And that’s understandable on some level. But a garage door is more than just that thing that goes up and down when you hit the remote. First, it’s the largest moving part of the house. And second, it likely weighs several hundred pounds. As such, if something goes wrong with the door it can have potentially devastating consequences. The job of the Calgary homeowner then is to look beyond the remote and ask themselves “What do I have to do to ensure those devastating consequences don’t occur?” Below we’ll provide some key safety and maintenance tips.

8 Tips to Ward Off Accidents and Garage Doors Repair

A poorly maintained garage door is an accident waiting to happen. The best way to stave off catastrophic accidents and keep the repair man at bay at the same time is to follow these tips:

Keep your eyes and ears open – The first step in avoiding big problems is to recognize them when they’re still small and have them dealt with. This will not only safeguard you and your loved ones, it will also minimize the amount of money you pay for garage doors repair work. So keep your eyes and ears open when operating the door. Does it sound normal? Is it making any scraping or screeching noises? Is it vibrating while it opens? Is it closing all the way? If you see anything out of the ordinary call C Town Doors in Calgary for help.
Check the hardware – The rest of these safety and maintenance tips require you spending some time with the door. You can do this on the week, or perhaps one Saturday a month. That said the first thing to do is to look at the various hinges, bolts and brackets. Tighten any screws and, if you find any loose bolts, tighten them down as well. This will only take a few minutes and will stave off lots of potential problems.
Check the balance – You don’t have to be a technician to do this. But if you don’t have time we’ll be happy to send someone out to perform this and any other tests. To check the balance disconnect the motor by pulling the red release cord above the door, inside the garage. Once the motor is disengaged lift the door about waist high, stop it there and let go of it. If it’s properly balanced it will stay where it is. If it’s not it will either rise or fall after you let go. If you find it’s unbalanced give us a call.
Inspect the weatherstripping – While you have the door open to check the balance look at the bottom of it. Is the weatherstripping still intact? If it’s not it could cause the door to sit unevenly when it closes. Plus frigid air will blow in under the door during the cold weather months and turn your cold garage into an ice box. If the weatherstripping is old and worn it’s relatively easy to remove and replace it. If you’d like us to do if for you just give us a call.
Check the garage door safety sensor – In the days prior to the auto reverse system dozens of people, including children, were killed every year when doors would accidentally close on them. The auto reverse – also called the garage door safety sensor – sends a beam of light across the width of the door when it’s in motion. If anything breaks that beam the door should stop and return automatically to the open position. Likewise, if the door touches anything on the way down it should also stop and then reverse. To test the beam simply wait until the door begins to close and then break the beam with a broom. The door should stop and go back to open. To test the contact feature place a chair under the door. When the door touches the chair it should stop and return to the open position. If your garage door safety sensor doesn’t work, give C Town Doors a call ASAP.
Inspect the rollers – The door rides up and down in the tracks. But it’s held in the tracks by the rollers. If the rollers are broken or so dirty they can’t roll it’s going to cause a cascade of problems throughout the entire door mechanism. The safest way to check the rollers is to disconnect the motor and have someone lift and lower the door slowly while you stand to the side and observe the rollers. Look and listen for any that might be dragging in the track. Look at the way the door is moving too. Is it being held back on one side? Or is the motion nice and smooth? Check the tracks too while you’re at it. Are the clean and clear? If you have roller or track problems call the pros at C Town Doors.
Inspect the springs – While the garage door opener gets all the press it’s the springs that actually lift the door. So it’s important that they’re always properly lubricated. But working on torsion or extension springs is not something homeowners should ever do. They harbor vast amounts of pent up energy and are extremely dangerous. Do a visual only inspection from a safe distance. What you’re looking for is whether they are properly lubricated or if they’re rusting, dry and corroded. If they need lubrication call C Town Doors. We’ll send someone out.
Arrange for regular maintenance – The simplest and best way to ensure your door is always in optimal working order and to stave off expensive garage doors repair is to have the pros from C Town Doors in Calgary perform regular maintenance on your door. It’s the affordable, common sense way to ensure the convenience of the garage door doesn’t turn into a potential hazard for you and your loved ones.

Call us today on 403-668-6686 for free estimate on your garage door

Buying a garage door in Calgary? Read our comprehensive guide

September 12, 2018 By C Town Doors

It’s been said that a home’s “curb appeal” has a major impact on the value of a property. Before guests or potential buyers ever step foot in your home, their first impression is based on what is immediately visible from the driveway: the siding, the roof, the landscaping, and, of course, the garage doors.

Garage doors command attention. From the moment your guests pull into your driveway, your garage doors are often the first thing they notice. Naturally, then, most homeowners want their garage doors to be a showpiece of their property. From the height and panel design to the style and functionality, homeowners are meticulous about every aspect of their garage doors.

Is your garage door starting to age? Maybe your garage door is an eyesore, in a state of disrepair, and in need of a facelift. If so, you might need to replace your garage doors with something new and inviting.

When you replace your old, worn out garage doors with a pair of custom garage doors or contemporary garage doors, you breathe new life into your property. Instantly, a fresh pair of modern garage doors can raise your property value, provide you with a confidence boost, and bolster the “curb appeal” of your home.

Want to find the right garage doors for your Calgary home? The experts at C Town Doors, Calgary leader in garage door sales and installation, put together this hands-on guide to help you choose the perfect garage doors for your home. From weatherproofing to picking between steel or wood, read on to discover everything you need to know about purchasing garage doors.

Table Of Contents

Choosing the Right Style for your Garage Door
Choosing the Right Material for Garage Doors
Getting the Right Measurements
Choosing Your Door: Step-by-Step

Choosing the Right Style for your Garage Door

Nobody wants an ugly pair of garage doors. While functionality and security are usually the first considerations most garage door buyers have in mind, style and aesthetics always follow right behind. After all, garage doors are the centerpiece of any home’s exterior. It means sense that you would want them to look inviting, elegant, and stylish.

Carriage House Garage Doors

These days, carriage house doors are one of the most popular styles among modern garage doors. Carriage house doors, once popular in the 1940s and 1950s, have surged in popularity in the recent years. For most homes, they offer an elegant aesthetic that is timeless and reminiscent of an older architectural style.

Available in both steel and wood, carriage house garage doors open up and down like traditional garage doors, although they appear as though they open like double interior doors. In most cases, they feature faux handles on the outside and are equipped with a row of glass windows at the top. We find that carriage house doors offer charm and sophistication to a home.

Get a free Estimate from leading Calgary garage doors service Provider @ 403-668-6686

Contemporary Garage Doors

Contemporary garage doors are unlike the garage doors of the past. These doors feature clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. In other words, they value function over form. Contemporary garage doors rose in popularity in the 1980s when most homeowners became fed up with the high maintenance costs associated with wood or artisanal garage doors.

Unlike most other styles, contemporary garage doors can be made of a wide variety of materials, from aluminum and glass, to wood or steel. These garage doors typically feature a plain, no-nonsense pattern on the exterior and a nondescript interior. Occasionally, small windows will allow natural light to brighten the inside of the garage.

To get a Quick Estimate call @ 403-668-6686

Traditional Garage Doors

Whereas contemporary garage doors are sometimes available in aluminum and glass, traditional garage doors are predominantly made of wood and, to a lesser extent, steel. These are the classic, old-school garage doors that your grandparents probably once owned. They raise up and down, and feature a plain, repetitive pattern throughout.

What sets traditional garage doors apart from modern garage doors is the fact that traditional doors emphasize strength and durability over aesthetics. These doors are notable for their long, ribbed panels and low-maintenance design. With traditional garage doors, your garage will stand out with a look that is timeless, familiar, and bold.

Get a Free Estimate for Traditional Garage Doors Installation @ 403-668-6686

Farmhouse Garage Doors

Farmhouse style garage doors have been a staple of American architecture for years. Farmhouse garage doors are notable for their lack of windows and monochromatic design. When made of wood, they are traditionally painted all-white. However, in recent years, glass farmhouse garage doors have risen in popularity.

Farmhouse garage doors have a rustic, bucolic appearance that resonates warmth and comfort. They are generally painted in one neutral color and have cedar wood shingles. Most homeowners recognize farmhouse garage doors by their distinctive “X” shaped center pattern that gives off the impression of a barnyard entrance.

Choosing the Right Material for Garage Doors

Although steel is the most common garage door material today, there are four standard materials that are used in the construction of garage doors. Each of the four commonly found garage door varieties have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s run through each of them and discuss the importance of finding the right material for your custom garage doors.

Natural Wood Garage Doors

Historically, wood has been the material of choice for garage doors. It wasn’t until the 1980s when the appeal of low-maintenance steel and aluminum-based garage doors started taking hold. Wood garage doors are generally constructed with cedar, redwood, or oak wood, and are heavy, durable, and charming when stylized properly.

Wood is still popular among modern garage doors, yet they have fallen out of fashion to some due to their relatively high maintenance costs. For example, natural wood garage doors require consistent repainting every two to three years, depending on its exposure to inclement weather. Also, they are notoriously heavy to lift, which renders them impractical for some owners.

On the bright side, natural wood garage doors provide stellar heat insulation compared to most other garage door varieties. Also, these garage doors tend to be more sought after by luxury homeowners due to their rustic charm and artisan quality. Since most wood garage doors are handcrafted, there is a certain prestige that comes with owning them.

Steel Garage Doors

Unlike wood garage doors, steel garage doors are mass produced and factory-finished. Steel garage doors tend to rank among of the most affordable garage doors Calgary has to offer, and they also provide the most flexibility in terms of customization. With steel garage doors, homeowners have the ability to get creative and choose from countless personalized designs.

Steel garage doors suffer from a lack of insulation. While insulation material can be installed as an aftermarket upgrade, most steel garage doors are purchased without added insulation. Not only does this cost homeowners money due to heating inefficiencies, but it can also cause loud drafts to seep in underneath the door.

There are also several key advantages of steel garage doors. Since steel garage doors are modular in their design, they can be upgraded to feature several important upgrades. For example, steel doors can be reinforced with wind guards to protect against high-wind environments. Likewise, multi-layer insulation can also be added.

Get a Free Estimate for your Garage Door @ 403-668-6686

Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors

Aluminum and glass designs have become increasingly popular among modern garage doors. This is because their translucency allows for lots of natural light to seep through and enter the garage. If you spend lots of time in your garage, this can make the environment seem more inviting and pleasant to be in.

While aluminum and glass contemporary garage doors are sleek and modern-looking, they suffer from a lack of weight and sturdiness. By far, these garage doors are the most vulnerable to damage and denting during rough weather. Nonetheless, glass and aluminum garage doors are often reinforced with rust-proofing and reinforced metal to render it more durable.

Aluminum and glass garage doors are a good choice for homes that are looking to take on a chic, modern appearance. We often install glass and aluminum garage doors in older homes that are undergoing major exterior renovations or preparing for listing on the real estate market.

We are #1 Modern Garage Doors Service Provider in Calgary Get a Free Estimate Today @ 403-668-6686

Composite Garage Doors

Lastly, composite garage doors are made of a unique blend of metals. In nearly all cases, steel is one of the primary metals found in composite garage doors. Since they are made of metal alloy, these garage doors tend to sell at a cheaper price point than most other builds. However, they suffer from the same durability defects as steel garage doors if they are not reinforced.

We recommend installing composite garage doors if you want a budget-friendly solution for your garage. Generally, custom garage doors made of composite material are nondescript, monochromatic, and do not draw much attention. While they may not boost your property’s “curb appeal”, they certainly can offer a lot of value for your dollar.

Getting the Right Measurements

When it comes to finding the right custom garage doors for your home, you need to get your measurements right. Even the smallest miscalculation or measurement error can cause major headaches later down the road and can incur serious costs in garage door repairs and adjustments.

While we recommend hiring a professional garage door specialist to take your property’s measurements, you can always measure your door size yourself. Once you have your measurements taken, can take them to your local garage door installer or retail to find the ideal garage door for you.

Height and Width

First, you need to find your garage door’s height and width specifications. For this, you need to take note of the “rough opening”, which is the height and width (in inches or meters) of the framed opening of your garage minus the stop molding around the perimeter. In virtually all cases, the rough opening will equal the size of your garage doors.

Side Room (Left and Right)

Next, you need to measure the side room of your garage opening. Side room refers to the distance required on both sides of the door to accommodate the vertical track assembly attachment. Without these measurements, you won’t be able to install the lifting mechanism for your custom garage doors.

Generally, 3-3.75 inches are required on each side of the door to allow for a standard extension spring or torsion spring system. Alternatively, 4-4.5 inches are needed for a torsion spring system above the opening for the torsion spring attachment.

Headroom

Headroom refers to the space above the door required for the lifted door, overhead tracks, and springs. Within this space, there should be no obstructions blocking the tracks or door path. For an extension spring system, ensure a minimum of 10 inches of space from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. For a torsion spring system, ensure a minimum of 12 inches.

Backroom

Last, take note of your available backroom. Backroom refers to the space between the garage door opening and the rear wall of the garage itself. At minimum, you should have a distance equal to the height of the door plus an additional one and a half feet.

Choosing Your Door: Step-by-Step

Now that you know the basics about garage door designs, styles, and builds, it’s time to decide which garage door is right for you. If you can’t decide, we recommend asking your local garage door retailer or contact our team at C Town Doors if you live in the Calgary area. To help walk you through the process, we put together this quick guide for you to follow.

What Size Do I Need?

When purchasing a new set of custom garage doors, your first consideration is sizing. In most cases, a single car garage door will measure 8-9 feet in width and 7-8 feet in height. By contrast, double-wide garages will typically measure 16 feet wide and 7-8 feet tall. If your garage is a non-standard size, simply inquire with your local installer or retailer about sizing for custom garage doors.

What’s My Budget?

Like any major purchase, your budget needs to be a top consideration. A lot goes into the cost of modern garage doors, including the material type, insulation level, sizing, design, and hardware involved. When drawing up a garage door budget, you need to consider how much you value aesthetics, insulation, and durability.

If you want a garage door at the lowest price point possible, without installation, you will likely purchase a single car composite-made garage door without insulation. If your garage door will be rarely used, or if you live in a mild temperature environment, this may be the most appropriate option for you.

Homeowners looking to add value to their homes and bolster their curb appeal should invest in carriage house or contemporary garage doors featuring a raised panel design. For a time-honored appearance, wood garage doors are the material of choice. However, you can expect to pay several times more than you would for a basic composite single-car door.

What Style Should I Choose?

Ultimately, the style of your garage door will be a matter of your personal taste. For many homeowners, choosing the right style is the most difficult aspect of the garage door purchase. If necessary, your local garage door retailer can help you decide on a style that best suits the aesthetic of your home.

In our experience, many older homes built in the first half of the 20th century and earlier tend to opt for carriage house or farmhouse style garage doors made of wood. Newer homes generally suit modern garage doors in the “contemporary” style which feature full view doors and glass elements.

What Material Should I Choose?

Your garage door material will be a product of your budget, style preference, and living environment. If inclement weather is a concern, you may be interested in steel garage doors. However, if a rustic style is your primary consideration, you may want to opt for natural wood doors. Artisan wood doors are often the best choice for boosting property value.

Should I Choose an Insulated Door?

Last, you need to choose whether you should purchase a garage door with insulation. Most garage doors Calgary has to offer come with insulation, due to the cold-weather climate. If energy efficiency is a major concern of yours, you will likely want to invest in insulated garage doors with a high R-value.

Get a Free Estimate for your Insulated Garage Doors Calgary call @ 403-668-6686

Ready to Upgrade Your Garage Doors?

At C Town Doors, we specialize in providing the best garage doors Calgary has to offer. For years, C Town Doors has helped Calgary homeowners and those in the Greater Calgary Area (GTA) find their dream set of garage doors.

If you need quality garage doors Calgary can be a difficult market to navigate. However, the expert team at C Town Doors has the right set of people skills, technical expertise, and industry connections to find the perfect garage doors for you. Plus, with a two-year hassle-free labor guarantee, you benefit from peace of mind that only C Town Doors can provide.

Are you ready to enhance your home’s curb appeal? Call us today, visit our Calgary garage doors showroom, or drop us a line here. Conveniently located in Calgary and we are open Monday-Sunday 24 Hours. If your home needs garage doors, get in touch with us today.

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