Signs Your Garage Door Needs Maintenance
As a homeowner, it’s easy to take for granted that your garage door functions properly. However, like most mechanical objects, a garage door requires regular service to keep it in peak operating condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially as it ages. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for indications that your garage door needs maintenance.
1. Excessive or Unusual Noises
While all garage doors make noise while operating, some sounds can indicate potential repair or maintenance issues. For example, a grating or rumbling racket during opening or closing often identifies faulty or failing springs. Other troublesome sounds include popping, squeaking and rustling.
2. Door Won’t Open or Close
A door that stops halfway or doesn’t open at all can prevent you from getting your car out of the garage. And a door that’s stuck in the raised position poses a security risk. Possible causes for a door that won’t move include a malfunctioning opener, a faulty connection between the door and the control panel, broken springs, a blocked photo-eye sensor or a snapped cable.
3. Sagging
Does your door begin to sag or fall slowly to the floor when you open or close it about halfway? It likely means that the door is unbalanced and requires a manual adjustment. A worn spring can also create a potentially dangerous imbalance and requires prompt service.
4. Misalignment
A garage door may come off the tracks over time. This issue occurs more frequently as the door ages or sustains significant damage. A professional garage door technician can perform a comprehensive inspection and correct the problem or recommend a door replacement.
5. Slow Response Time or Hitching
A properly functioning door requires only a few seconds to open or close after you activate the opener. If your door moves more slowly or exhibits a jerky motion, there’s likely an issue with the springs or another essential component. Lubricating the tracks, rollers and other moving parts may improve the performance.
6. Shaking
A door that shakes or vibrates excessively during opening and closing may have loose hinges, damaged tracks, disconnected rollers or other mechanical issues. This problem tends to worsen over time, making it essential to perform timely service.
Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. Provides Garage Door Repair and Maintenance
Do you live in Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva or the surrounding area? If you are noticing possible maintenance issues or signs you need a new garage door, the experienced professionals at Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. are ready to help.
Delivering SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS is the focus of our business. Our experienced garage door technicians can keep your door performing well and handle the most challenging repair tasks quickly and efficiently.
Contact Us to Learn More
Are you noticing signs that your garage door needs maintenance or repairs? Call us at 630-761-1976 or fill out our online form to request a service appointment today.
Pros to Having Windows for Garage Doors
Are you in the market for a new garage door for your home? You’ll have many options regarding the style and materials, enabling you to choose a customized product that meets your unique needs. One important decision you’ll make involves whether to select a garage door with windows.
What Are the Pros to Garage Door Windows?
Installing a garage door with windows can provide many benefits for homeowners.
1. Boosts Curb Appeal
If you drive or stroll around your neighborhood, you’ll likely notice various garage door designs and styles. You’ll have numerous options for customized windows that enhance the appearance of your garage and home. If you’re planning to sell your house eventually, the right windows can make it more attractive to potential buyers.
2. Makes Your Garage Seem More Spacious
While the actual dimensions of your garage will not be affected, windows can make the space seem larger. This quality is vital if you spend a lot of time working in the garage or using it for other purposes besides parking your vehicles.
3. Provides Natural Lighting
A windowless garage may work for some homeowners, but choosing a model with windows allows the sunlight to stream inside during the daytime. You’ll increase visibility in the room without needing to turn on the lights, and the interior will be brighter and more appealing.
4. Reduces Utility Costs
Are you trying to lower your household expenses? Windows in a garage door allow natural light to enter, so you may not need to turn on the lights during the daytime hours. If you use your garage frequently during the day, the sunlight can enable you to use less electricity, which could lead to lower utility bills.
5. Minimizes Security Issues
Many homeowners are concerned about windows because they may allow people to see inside the garage. However, most manufacturers design these products with the windows toward the top of the door. The height prevents passersby from looking in, enabling you to maintain privacy and security.
Your Source for Garage Door Windows
As the longest-running Master Authorized Dealer for Clopay® doors in the region, Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. serves homeowners in Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva and beyond. We offer an entire collection of durable, attractive Clopay residential products — many of which come with an assortment of attractive window options.
When you choose us as your garage door provider, you’ll receive the SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS we’ve been delivering for decades — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect door and window combination for your property. We’ll also perform a fast, professional installation.
Explore Your Garage Door Window Options Today
Visit our Batavia, IL, showroom today to get a closer look at our attractive, durable garage doors with windows. Do you have questions about whether windows are an appropriate choice for your property? Call us at 630-761-1976 or submit our online contact form today.
Reasons to Add a Garage Door Camera
Security cameras are a constant presence these days. You can find them in public places, businesses and wherever else potential security and safety risks loom. A home’s garage is another area that could benefit from a security camera installation.
The Benefits of a Security Camera in a Garage Door Opener
Advancements in technology now enable you to purchase a garage door opener with a camera to bolster your home security efforts. Installing these devices provides a host of benefits.
1. Monitor a Vulnerable Area
Unauthorized individuals often select the garage as an entry point to the rest of the home. Or, if your property contains a detached garage, they may choose it as their target, especially if it’s far away or out of sight from the house. A security camera in your garage allows you to monitor this area, even if it’s out of your sightline.
2. Track Arrivals and Departures
A garage door opener camera can take a photo every time someone opens or closes the door. If you discover a break-in or items missing from your garage, you can check the recordings to see if an unauthorized individual entered the area.
3. Implement Remote Monitoring and Control
Many openers provide access to smart technology that allows you to monitor and control its functions from a remote location. Suppose you arrive at work and suddenly realize you might have left the garage door open. You can use your smartphone or tablet to check the camera feed and close the door with a quick key tap. You can also open the door to allow a delivery person inside to drop off a package, then close it after the individual leaves.
4. Receive Instant Alerts
Another advantage of a garage door opener camera with smart technology is that you can receive an immediate alert on your mobile device whenever someone attempts to enter your garage. You can then check to see if the individual is a family member or an unwanted guest.
5. Gain Night Vision Capabilities
While some burglars ply their trade during the day when no one is home, others prefer the cover of darkness. A garage door opener with a camera can provide clear night vision so you can see intruders in the dark. If you detect an uninvited nighttime visitor, you can call for help without needing to inspect the area. You can also see if nocturnal animals are attempting to seek shelter inside your garage.
Contact Us for Garage Door Opener Cameras
If you live in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles or the surrounding area, the team at Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. can meet your security camera requirements. As a ProVantage Authorized Dealer, we can provide a high-quality, technologically advanced LiftMaster® garage door opener with a camera you can trust to protect your property 24 hours a day.
Providing SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS is the cornerstone of our business — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Contact us to learn more about your garage door opener camera options today.
6 Ways to Prepare Your Garage Door for Fall and Winter
For many of us, the onset of autumn and its cooler temperatures provides a welcome respite from the summer heat and humidity. The fall is also the time to prepare your property for the upcoming winter season, including your home’s garage door.
1. Conduct a Test Run
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t pay much attention to how your door is functioning. Performing a quick test can often reveal potential signs of trouble that you can correct before they become significant repair issues. Take a moment to open and close the door and ensure that it moves smoothly, and listen for any excessively loud or unusual noises.
2. Inspect and Clean the Photo Eyes
Testing your photo eyes at least once a month ensures that your garage door closes correctly. If the photo eyes are not aligned, your door will not close. In this case, you can make slight adjustments by hand until they align. Adjust the non-lit sensor first. Once it lights up, it should be in the correct position, and your door will close properly.
If the photo eyes are dirty, the system’s reverse mechanism may not operate properly. You can clean the photo eyes using a soft cloth and mild cleaner.
3. Perform a Visual Check
You can learn a lot about your garage door’s health by inspecting it. Check for signs such as loose or frayed cables, rusted springs, damaged panels or anything else that appears amiss. Inspect the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door to ensure a tight seal. An experienced garage door technician can help you fix these issues in the early stages.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
While most garage door maintenance tasks require the services of a trained professional, lubricating the moving parts is one job you can do yourself. Use white lithium grease or silicone spray to lubricate the rollers, hinges and springs. It’s vital to use extreme caution when lubricating these parts, as excessive lubrication can cause runs or drips on the face of your door and your vehicles.
5. Do a Fall Cleaning
The start of fall is an excellent time to clean your garage door and the area around it. Remove dirt, grass and debris that may have accumulated over the summer. Ensure the sensors are clean and unobstructed to prevent them from malfunctioning.
6. Change the Batteries
Cold winters can take a toll on batteries. Preparing a garage door for fall and winter should include replacing the batteries in the opener, remote control unit and keyless entry pad, especially if it’s been a year or longer since the last change.
Contact Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. for Help With Fall Preparation
Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. can handle fall prep for a garage door in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles and the surrounding region. We strive to deliver SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Our experienced technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection and troubleshooting steps to ensure your garage door is ready for the changing seasons.
Call us at 630-761-1976 or contact us online to request a service appointment today.
Garage Door Buying Guide
Whether you’re a new homeowner or are refreshing the look of your existing home, buying a garage door is an exciting opportunity for you to breathe new life into your home’s exterior. Many homeowners replace their garage door once in their lifetime, so finding the perfect mix of function, fashion, and affordability is an important part of the process.
To help you make the decision best for your home, our buying guide offers a collection of garage door information below, including overviews of garage door styles, materials, insulation, brochures, garage door comparisons and more. We also offer information on how to measure and install your garage door when you’re ready to make the switch.
Ways to Prepare Your Garage Door for Spring in Illinois
When spring arrives, it’s a good idea to make sure the winter weather hasn’t taken its toll on your garage door. Preparing your garage door for spring ensures that it’ll work properly for the next several months so you won’t have to face any unexpected problems.
Here are some different ways you can prep your garage door for the spring season.
Check Your Garage Door Equipment for Wear and Tear
Look out for these problems with your garage door:
- Frayed cables: Cables need to be intact to keep the garage door in the tracks. Frayed cables should be replaced right away to maintain a safe operating environment for your door.
- Rusty metal parts: If your tracks, screws, rollers, bolts, springs or hinges are rusty, contact Consolidated Garage Doors for repairs
- Cracked or damaged panels: Panels need to be replaced right away to ensure safety with the operation of your garage door
- Loose bolts or screws in the track brackets: Tight bolts and screws keep the track in place, so your garage door operates better.
- Worn weatherstripping: Check the weatherstrip along with the perimeter of your garage door. An intact weatherstrip is a seal around the entire door to prevent elements from getting into your garage.
- Bent tracks: Any bent or damaged tracks should be repaired or replaced immediately.
*If you are experiencing any of these issues with your garage door, contact Consolidated Garage Doors for professional services and repairs
Run Safety Tests
Before performing any of these tests, please check your owner’s manual or your manufacturer’s website for a copy of the owner’s manual.
Test the safety features of your garage door to make sure they’re working correctly, including:
- Auto-reverse: The auto-reverse function makes the garage door operate in reverse if it hits something, which keeps people, cars, bikes and other objects safe. Make sure your garage door auto reverses by waving an object in the path of the photo-eye sensors
- Emergency release: The emergency release cord disconnects the trolley from the opener carriage, so you can manually open and close the garage door. We recommend going to your owner’s manual to see how to properly connect and disconnect
*If you are experiencing any of these issues with the operation of your garage door, contact Consolidated Garage Doors for professional services and repairs
Prepare for Power Outages
The springtime is known for severe weather that can cause power outages. Make sure your garage door will remain operational by using the manual release lever to disengage (*see owner’s manual) the opener from the garage. You can also rely on backup batteries of your DC opener if you have them.
Do a Garage Spring Cleaning
Since your garage door opens to the outdoors, it’s constantly exposed to harsh elements, particularly in the wintertime. Your garage can fill with dirt, grime and dust, which can affect the components of your garage door. Clean your garage door inside and out to remove these contaminants and improve its appearance.
A thorough garage spring cleaning includes:
- Cleaning the outside of the garage door: Rinse the grime off your garage door with a hose. Then, wash the door with water, dish soap and a soft brush or rag, starting at the top and working your way down. Finish with another rinse to wash the soap suds off.
- Cleaning the inside of the garage door: Dust off the sections of your door, clear away cobwebs and sweep the floor. Use hot soapy water to get the floor clean, and use a hose with low pressure on tough stains.
Remember to avoid cleaning moving parts with water because it could cause the parts to rust or get damaged.
Prep Your Garage Door for Spring With Consolidated Garage Doors
While you can do some maintenance on your own, an experienced professional should perform the more complicated services. If you have any concerns about your garage door, call a professional. They can do some basic maintenance and identify and repair problems with the garage door or its mechanisms. Using Consolidated Garage Doors to prep your garage door for spring prevents future emergency problems and saves money.
Consolidated Garage Doors has been SOLID since 1976®, helping local homeowners with their garage door maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Our garage door services cover all your spring preparation needs, including:
- Strut repair.
- Panel repair.
- Cable repair.
- Garage door window inserts.
- Hinge repair.
- Roller replacement.
- Spring repair.
Consolidated Garage Doors provides SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS for St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and the surrounding areas. Request service for your garage door online or contact us for more information.
AC vs. DC Garage Door Opener Motors
Garage door openers have two power options — alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC currents are strong and can change direction, and DC currents flow in one direction and can be stored. Though AC and DC garage door motors both transform electricity into motion to open and close the garage door, they do so in different ways. Knowing the features and benefits of each garage door opener type will help you decide which kind your garage needs.
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Should You Buy an AC or DC Garage Door Motor?
Consider the unique features of each motor to decide whether you want an AC or DC garage door opener and which best fits your needs. Essential considerations include:
- Technology: If you want to use new technology, like an app on your phone to control the garage door, you need a DC garage door opener. These types of motors are made to be modified to suit these components.
- Power: Both DC and AC garage door openers offer sufficient horsepower to operate residential garage doors. If you think your garage door needs more power, AC motors have a stronger power current.
- Brand: You may want to stick to what you know and buy a brand you’ve used before. Look at the models your preferred brand offers, and buy a garage door motor with the specifications you need.
- Security: Garage door automation technology includes keyless entry, programmable settings and app-controlled features, so you can monitor and control your garage door no matter where you are. These features are more compatible with DC garage door openers.
AC Garage Door Opener
AC motors are the original garage door opener solution and have been in the industry longer than DC motors. AC motors have a lot of components in their large chassis, including a rotor and stator. In an AC garage door opener, the energy comes from magnetic fields generated through the coils wrapped around the output shaft. Transformers control the power and direction of the current, which is what opens and closes the garage door.
The benefits of an AC garage door motor include:
- Durable build.
- Few maintenance requirements.
- Most likely to have a chain drive.
- Competitive pricing.
- Large amounts of power.
DC Garage Door Opener
DC garage door openers entered the market as an alternative to AC motors. DC motors have shafts, bearings, gears and a gearbox in a small, lightweight chassis. The power comes from a generated source of power that provides constant voltage, like batteries. An electronic circuit board controls the amount of power the motor gets. As a result, you have better control of speed variation, control and torque, and the garage door opener can have a soft open and close feature.
The benefits of a DC garage door motor include:
- Quiet operation.
- Energy efficiency.
- Most likely to have a belt drive.
- Battery backup and remote operation options.
- Long-lasting brushless design.
Shop Garage Door Openers at Consolidated Garage Doors
If it’s time to buy a new garage door opener for your home, come to Consolidated Garage Doors. We have offered SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS for more than 42 years in St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva and surrounding areas. Browse our residential garage door openers and contact us today.
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Amazon Garage Delivery FAQs
If you’re ordering from Amazon, your garage door and garage door opener can play a significant role in keeping your parcels and deliveries secure, even when you’re not home. The team at Consolidated Garage Doors put together this Amazon garage delivery FAQ to help you decide how to accept packages safely at your home.
How Does Amazon Garage Delivery Work?
Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery is a service provided by Amazon that allows shipping personnel to place your packages inside your garage. When you indicate you want this service, your Amazon delivery driver will notify you when they are arriving and let you watch the delivery remotely if you wish.
With this service, the delivery driver will unlock your garage door using a scanner, place your delivery inside and send you a notification letting you know you can lock your door. It’s easiest to use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery with a modern garage door opener with remote controls and added safety features. A solution such as a LiftMaster myQ garage door opener from Consolidated Garage Doors makes setting up Amazon garage delivery simple.
What Are the Benefits of Amazon Garage Delivery?
There are many reasons to invest in a garage door opener that supports Amazon garage delivery:
- It protects your parcels from inclement weather and keeps them secure.
- You have the option of watching the delivery to ensure it was completed correctly.
- This service tells you exactly when your delivery arrives.
- You can be away from home when your item arrives — and it will still be there when you return.
- You can lock your doors or garage even when expecting a delivery.
- Your package will remain in a climate-controlled environment, which can help preserve perishables.
- You can control your delivery and garage door from any mobile device with the Key app, no matter where you are.
Am I Eligible?
To get Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, you must be a Prime member with a garage door that can work with the Key app. In addition, you must live in one of the cities or surrounding areas where Amazon in-garage delivery is currently available, and you need a device that can run the Key app.
How Do I Get Started?
If you have a garage door opener with myQ technology, you can download the Key app from any device. Sign in to your Key app using your Amazon username and password, then choose “Set up a residence” from the opening screen. Follow the instructions to set up your garage deliveries.
How Can Consolidated Garage Doors Help?
Consolidated Garage Doors is a family-run business that has offered SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS to homeowners for over 42 years. If you live in the areas surrounding Batavia, St. Charles or Geneva, Illinois, we can help you find the right garage door opener for Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. We can even install it professionally so you have the security and functionality you need to get packages delivered safely to your home. Contact us today to get started!
A Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Garage Door Working
Knowing how to maintain your garage door can extend its life and improve its appearance, boosting your home’s curb appeal. This handy garage door maintenance checklist can help you take care of your garage doors so they stay reliable.
How to Keep Your Garage Door Working
Ideally, you should run through this garage door safety maintenance checklist every season or four times a year:
- Check your garage door owner’s manual for any instructions and maintenance recommendations specific to your model.
- Visually examine your garage door for anything that seems to be changed or worn since the last time you checked.
- Check your garage door panels, cables, springs, rollers, tracks and other moving components for loose bolts and nuts, frayed cables, broken springs, or other signs of damage and wear.
- Open and close the garage door, listening closely for unusual sounds.
- Check your owner’s manual for lubrication recommendations and treat moving parts such as bearings, springs, pulleys and hinges.
- Release the handle on the opener and lift your garage door partway. Ensure it stays up.
- Stand in your garage with the door closed and check for gaps in the seal by looking for light filtering around the garage door.
- Use a damp rag to wash the surface panels of your garage door, as well as the tracks and any windows present.
- Measure the moisture levels inside the garage and check for mold or pests.
- Place a book on the track and try to close the garage door to ensure the sensors work correctly.
- Test the garage door opener and the batteries in the remote.
- Check for and remove any rust on your garage door or its components.
- If you want a new look or if the current paint is fading, repaint your garage door. Be sure to follow any instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Check garage door windows and panels for signs of dents, cracks or loose parts.
- Ensure items stored in your garage are not putting weight on your garage door or getting in the way of regular operation.
- Check the weatherstripping for cracks, warping or mold. Replace faulty pieces as needed.
- If your last service was more than a year or two ago, contact the professionals at Consolidated Garage Doors for professional preventive maintenance.
When to Call Garage Door Professionals
Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds and have springs under high levels of tension, so it’s essential that they stay in good working order to ensure the safety of anyone who uses the garage. Contact the professionals at Consolidated Garage Doors for repair if you notice any damage or strange sounds.
Every two years, contact the team at Consolidated Garage Doors for a professional inspection. Our technicians can find and address issues you may not notice yourself, ensuring your garage door stays safe and continues to work properly.
Request service today to have our team come out to diagnose and fix any garage door issues or conduct a professional inspection. Our family-run business has offered SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS to homeowners in the Batavia, St. Charles and other northern Illinois areas for more than 42 years. Turn to us whenever you need help with your garage doors and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Ways to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter in Illinois
Winter weather in Illinois can be tough on many aspects of your property, including your garage doors. Ice, snow, blowing winds and cold temperatures can directly impact the outer surface of your garage door and cause hardware to shrink. Springs are also more likely to break in winter. Knowing how to prepare your garage door for winter can minimize its damage and extend your garage door’s life.
Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter
Preparing a garage door for winter takes just a few steps:
- Do a quick inspection: Open and close your garage door a few times, listening for any strange sounds. Check to make sure the door opens and closes smoothly with an even, consistent motion. If you notice any problems, get them fixed before winter.
- Check the seal and weatherstripping: Stand inside your garage with the door closed on a sunny day. If you can see any light coming in around the edges or if your weatherstripping has any cracks, warping or crumbling, get it replaced. Any gaps around your garage door that let in light can also let in cold and snow, which can cause further damage to the inside of your garage door and make your garage less energy-efficient.
- Lubricate: Check your garage door owner’s manual to determine which type of lubricant is safe to use on your installation. Apply a few drops of the recommended oil to hinges, springs, bearings and other moving parts. Correctly lubricating your door can protect its active components.
- Ensure your garage door is properly insulated: Your garage door is your first line of defense against Illinois winters. A properly insulated garage door can protect items stored in your garage, safeguard any interior water pipes and save you money on energy bills.
- Organize your garage: Get rid of extra items and clean the space inside your garage. Make sure you pull out shovels and road salt and place them somewhere accessible. If large snowdrifts block your garage door, you will want to be able to remove them quickly before the weight causes severe damage.
- Get preventive maintenance: If it has been more than two years since your last upkeep appointment, contact the team at Consolidated Garage Doors for maintenance. The technicians on our team can perform a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs to ensure your garage door is ready for winter.
Contact Consolidated Garage Doors to Prepare for Winter
Winter prep for your garage door starts with Consolidated Garage Doors. If you notice your garage door is showing signs of wear, have it fixed before the harsh winter months. Contact Consolidated Garage Doors for repairs before the snow comes, or schedule seasonal maintenance to make winter a little easier on your garage doors.
For more than 42 years, Consolidated Garage Doors has helped customers in St. Charles, Batavia and other nearby areas of Illinois get the most from their garage doors with SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS. When you need reliable garage door repair and maintenance, contact us for service.