Does Garage Door Torsion Spring Length Matter?

Few elements of your garage door are more important than the torsion spring. It plays an essential role in operations and allows you to open and close your door with minimal effort. However, many homeowners don’t know what a torsion spring is and wonder, “Does a garage door torsion spring’s length matter?” That’s why R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. is here to explain everything you need to know about a torsion spring’s size to help you determine the perfect length for your garage door.

R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. is Northern California’s go-to choice for garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services. If you need professional garage door installation services in Northern California, contact R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc.

What Is a Torsion Spring?

A torsion spring is a subtle yet vital part of your garage door. It makes opening and closing your door nearly effortless despite weighing over 100 pounds.

As you close the door, the torsion spring constricts. Conversely, when you lower the door, the spring reduces tension and helps you open the door.

Torsion springs also keep your garage door in place if you open or close it halfway. It prevents the door from crashing down or falling on you as you enter or exit your garage. Without a torsion spring, you can’t open and close your garage door safely or effectively, making it an essential part of your garage’s assembly.

Most torsion springs last around 10,000 cycles before breaking down. However, a properly installed and maintained torsion spring can last much longer. But does the garage door torsion spring’s length matter?

Does the Torsion Spring’s Size Matter?

Most torsion springs measure between 23 to 46 inches in length. However, every garage door has different demands and requires specific torsion spring sizes.

Incorrectly sized torsion springs can cause several issues for your garage door system and make it dangerous to open and close it. You must purchase and install a torsion spring that correlates with your garage door to ensure optimal and safe operations.

The Dangers of an Incorrectly Sized Torsion Spring

Many home and business owners underestimate the dangers of ill-fitting torsion springs. An improperly sized torsion spring jeopardizes your garage door system as well as your well-being. Below are a few reasons you must have a correctly sized torsion spring in your Northern California garage.

Oversized Torsion Springs Can Damage Your Garage Door System

An oversized torsion spring will generate too much force when opening and closing your garage door. It will roll the door up too fast, causing significant damage to the system. Conversely, when you close the door, the spring will slam into the ground and damage the door and floor. If you or a loved one walks under the door as it closes, it will smash into your head or body, potentially causing significant injuries.

Undersized Torsion Springs Can’t Support Garage Doors

Undersized torsion springs won’t hold the door in place or move it up or down and could collapse under the tremendous weight. For example, if you try to open the garage door, it will fall back down and harm anything underneath it. If you have small children, the door could fall and trap them between the door and the floor if they try to open it manually.

How To Find the Correct Torsion Spring Size for Your Garage Door System

If your torsion spring gives out, you can measure it to determine the replacement’s size. Follow the steps below to measure your garage door torsion spring.

Step One: Figure Out the Spring’s Wind Direction

Every torsion spring winds either left or right. To determine your torsion spring’s wind direction, look at the end of the spring. If its end points clockwise, it’s a left-wound spring. However, if it points counter-clockwise, it is a right-wound variation.

Some springs have color-coated ends that tell you their wind direction. Red typically indicates a right-wound spring and a black end signifies a left-wound variety.

Step Two: Measure the Wire

Next, measure 10 spring coils using inches to determine the wire size. After that, use the chart below to determine the correct size:

1 15/16 inches: .1920 wire size
2 inches: .2000 wire size
2 1/16 inches: .2070 wire size
2 3/16 inches: .2187 wire size
2 1/4 inches: .2253 wire size
2 7/16 inches: .2437 wire size
2 1/2 inches: .2500 wire size
2 5/8 inches: .2625 wire size
2 3/4 inches: .2730 wire size

Keep in mind that this chart only features the length of 10 coils. Some springs have 20 coils and require you to double the measurements of the chart above to find the correct wire size.

Step Three: Measure the Spring’s Interior Diameter and Total Length

Once you have the correct wire size, measure the torsion spring’s interior diameter to 1/16th of an inch. After that, measure the spring’s overall length to the nearest quarter inch, completing the process.

Once you have all the necessary measurements, you can find the perfect torsion spring for your property’s garage door. However, installing a torsion spring is extremely taxing and requires a professional to ensure a safe and effective process. If you need professional torsion spring installation in Northern California, contact the experts at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc.

Contact R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. for Top-Quality Garage Door Services in Northern California

If your garage door experiences a problem and leaves you wondering, “Does garage door torsion spring length matter?” contact R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. Our team will determine the best size for your torsion spring and install it without delay. Whether you need torsion spring installation or want to know the dangers of DIY garage door repair, R&S Erection of Vallejo Inc. is here to help.

Contact R&S Erection of Vallejo Inc. at (707) 644-5537 and or complete our online form via the “Contact Us” page and receive first-class torsion spring installation in Northern California today! We’re ready to help with your needs.

Understanding Custom Garage Door Sizes: What Are Your Options?

Whether you’re building a new garage or ready to improve your home’s exterior and security with a new garage door, you might wonder about which door size you’d need. Standard sizes for garage doors vary, and they might not be suitable for your property. Yet, custom garage door sizes can be tricky to determine if you don’t know how to properly measure your garage to fit a new door.

R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. offers professional garage door installation in Vallejo, CA. We understand the complex nature of determining the best garage door size for a home. Continue reading our guide below to learn about garage door sizes and custom options.

Common Garage Door Sizes

When looking into a new garage door, you must do more than measure the height and width of the space between the walls. Precise measurements also account for the tracks or lifts inside the garage that facilitate its opening and closing functions.

You must consider other factors, like how you intend to use your garage and the types of vehicles you want to park inside. The size of the garage has little effect on the size of the door. It’s possible to have different door sizes for garages with the same square footage.

Still, you can determine which garage door type suits your property by learning about the most common door sizes.

Single-Car Garage Doors

If you plan to park one car inside your garage, you’ll likely consider a single-car garage door. The door size for such a setup ranges from seven to ten feet wide. Anything over eight feet wide allows for comfortable parking, so eight-foot by seven-foot doors are common for single-car garages.

Garage Doors for Large Vehicles

Doors nine feet high with seven-foot-wide clearance are ideal for trucks or large SUVs, while 14-foot by 16-foot doors are best for RVs. Though a single-car garage with a wide door will accommodate a truck or SUV, you typically need a spacious garage with an exceptionally wide door to fit a recreational vehicle.

Two-Car Garage Doors

A two-car household needs enough width to accommodate both cars. Yet, the height can be the same as a single-car garage.

For example, you can install seven-foot-tall, 16-foot-wide double garage doors. Two-car garage door widths can go up to 20 feet, depending on your vehicle and garage size.

Small Garage Doors

Not everyone uses garage doors for garages. They’re also suitable for sheds. The width of a shed door ranges from four to six feet, and the height is usually six to seven feet.

Custom Garage Door Options

Custom garage door sizes are an option if you need to tailor a garage door’s size to accommodate your property. For example, you might need to order a custom door size to park a massive vehicle inside a garage or to fit a garage with unusual dimensions.

Consider installing a ten-foot by eight-foot garage door for your truck or SUV. Though it’s the best measurement for parking a truck or SUV in a garage, it’s a custom size that doesn’t come standard for new home constructions.

Ten-foot-wide garage doors are necessary for vehicles larger than a standard pickup truck or van. The extra space makes parking utility vehicles, cars or trucks with racks on the roof, and RVs easier and safer.

Three-car garages aren’t as common as the two-car variety, so they require custom garage door sizes. The most popular option is the 36-to-40-foot by eight-foot door. Eight feet is usually tall enough for a three-car garage, but the widths vary.

How To Measure for a New Garage Door

When taking garage door measurements, you must account for the door’s dimensions, not including a frame. It’s always best to leave extra room for the frame to avoid unintentionally ordering an oversized door.

Here are the general steps to getting precise garage door measurements:

Step 1: Use a tape measure to find the rough opening dimensions of the garage door by measuring the door opening’s height and width.
Step 2: Measure the areas to the left and right of the door opening where you’ll install the vertical tracks. You need at least 3 3/4 inches of clearance on both sides.
Step 3: Calculate the distance between the top of the door opening and the garage ceiling, which is the headroom. There should be a minimum headroom space of ten inches.
Step 4: Measure the backroom, which is the distance from the door opening to the garage’s back wall. The minimum backroom space will be the door’s height plus 18 inches.

Having the proper measurements for custom garage door sizes is a must. After taking the tentative measurements, consult with a professional garage door installation company to ensure the accuracy of your figures. These garage door experts can also help you measure garage door openings with unique dimensions.

Garage Door Thickness

People often neglect garage door thickness when measuring for a new door, but thickness is a major factor in determining the correct size. Thick garage doors usually have extra insulation.

How much insulation your door needs depends on the materials you use for your door and how you intend to use the garage. For example, a standard-size garage with a metal door and one parked car won’t need much insulation. If you’re organizing your garage to be a living space, it’ll need more insulation, resulting in a garage door that’s a quarter-inch to 1 1/2 inches thick.

Get the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home

R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. is an independently owned and operated gate and door company serving Vallejo, CA, and the surrounding communities. With our 50 years of dedicated service and experience, we offer a wide range of options from leading brands that use high-quality garage door materials. Our impressive inventory includes LiftMaster garage door openers and doors from Clopay and C.H.I.

We also specialize in custom garage door sizes, so contact R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. at (707) 644-5537 to schedule an appointment.

How To Seal The Uneven Gap At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door

Are you dealing with an uneven gap at the bottom of your garage door and unsure what to do?

A poor installation process of your garage door or concrete flooring could cause gaps. From cracks over time to a worn weatherstrip, several reasons can contribute to your garage door’s uneven gap. Fortunately, though, you have several solutions to resolve this common issue.

What To Do With The Uneven Gap At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door

In this guide, we’ll explore several helpful solutions, such as installing a new threshold or weatherstrip seal and fixing your garage flooring’s uneven surface. Keep reading to learn more, then contact R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. to explore your options for Vallejo’s residential garage doors.

Solutions For The Uneven Gap At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door

Garage doors need regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Addressing a gap at the bottom of your garage door provides one major way to avoid future problems and damage to your home.

Below we list five essential tips for resolving the gap and enjoying a safe and secure garage door:

Replace or upgrade your garage door weatherstripping

Bottom weatherstripping offers a great way to resolve an uneven gap, and the type you choose often depends on your garage door model. The bottom weatherstrip should help any water that gets into the garage drain through an outward slope. It helps keep cold temperatures and water out and protects your garage.

If your bottom weatherstrip is old, worn, and unable to protect the floor, working with a garage door specialist could make replacement easier. They can also recommend which bottom weatherstripping works best for your type of garage door and the condition of your flooring.

U-shaped weatherstrips typically provide a universal fit for most floors and doors. Remember to make lubricating your weatherstripping part of your garage door maintenance routine once in the fall season and once in the spring.

Using one that works well with PVC parts will make the weatherstrip more durable and last longer.

Check and upgrade your garage floor

The condition of your garage’s concrete floor can impact the gap in the door.

You might have hairline cracks that seem barely noticeable or have larger slopes. When the contractors mixed the concrete before installation, some parts of the mixture could have hardened before others, leading to uneven surfaces. A floor could also have cracks from the foundation settling.

Either way, an uneven floor can cause water to pool and damage your garage. You can fix concrete cracks or cold joints with epoxy, tiles, paint, or a roll-out mat. A stable floor with an outward slope can help avoid gaps in the door.

Increase the depth of your weather seal

When it’s time to successfully replace the bottom weatherstrip, you might need to increase its depth. Deeper bottom weatherstripping can add the extra space necessary to seal gaps from the door to the floor.

While you can keep some cold air out with 2-to-3-inch bottom weatherstripping, 3.5 inches or more can help truly resolve the troublesome uneven gap at the bottom of your garage door. If you don’t know which product to add to your garage door, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted professional in your area.

Add a threshold seal to your garage floor

A garage door threshold works perfectly alongside garage door seal strips to prevent gaps. The flexible rubber makes installing a garage door threshold quick and easy. Having this seal can make a big difference for your door, and you only need to cut it to the appropriate size and glue it to a chosen surface.

Make adjustments to your garage door opener

Ensuring garage doors have no uneven gaps involves a final test with an automatic opener. The weatherstrip seal must touch the floor without becoming damaged. Remember to check your system’s adjustment settings to see how you can safely open and close the door with these new changes.

Being able to put your fingers through the even gap indicates everything is going smoothly, and your area is in top condition.

If the Safety Reversal System and Protector System work properly, you know you successfully resolved the issue, and your opener works without an issue. You can always contact your local team at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. if you still have trouble and don’t know what to do next.

Why Neglecting The Gap At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door Is Harmful

You might not think a minor gap in your garage door is a big deal but think again! It only takes a small opening for unwanted pests, cold winds, melted snow, and bad weather to get inside your home and wreak havoc. You also could have a higher-than-normal electricity bill that causes you to shell out more money.

Instead of keeping warm air inside during the winter, you’ll bring more of the cold in and send valuable warmth outside. Resolving a garage door’s gaps is easier with the help of trusted door experts.

You can try popular retail products to fix the gap or contact your favorite Vallejo team of professionals. Regardless, you’ll save time and money in the long run and can use and organize your garage without worrying about damage from the outdoors.

Experience A Beautiful New Garage Door Today

We hope you now understand five effective ways to address the uneven gap at the bottom of a garage door and can apply these measures to your own property. If you’d like the guidance and support of a professional garage door specialist, R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. can assist you in Vallejo, CA. We can help you find the best seals for your garage door and encourage you to avoid DIY garage door repair or install a new system if it’s finally time.

R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. proudly serves the good people of Vallejo, CA, and the nearby areas. We offer residential and commercial services and automatic gates. Call us today at (707) 644-5537 to see how we can meet all your garage door needs!

How To Size A Garage Door Opener: 5 Measuring Tips

When installing a new garage door, the first step is to ensure the garage door opener is just the right size. If it’s too big, it might be inefficient or cumbersome. And if it’s too small, it might not support the full weight of the garage door itself, which spells bad news for safety and your wallet.

With that in mind, the team at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. shares the guide below on how to size a garage door opener correctly. You can also call us if you want to chat with specialists in residential garage doors in Vallejo, California!

What Does A Garage Door Opener Do?

An electric garage door opener has a motor that automatically opens and closes your garage door when you activate the unit. The motor provides power to a metal carriage that moves along a track. The opener works with the torsion spring system to raise and keep the door open.

Residential garage door openers are popular because of the convenience they provide. Most of these openers include a wall button and remote control options for opening and closing the doors. You can also typically plug openers into a regular electrical outlet, thanks to their added safety features to prevent damage and injuries.

Manufacturers also include the ability to activate manual release if the opener is broken. That way, you have the option to open the door manually.

Types Of Garage Door Openers

The basic function of garage door openers is simple. But there are several types of garage door openers to choose from that differ according to their drive type. For example, a smart door opener option may add app compatibility, programmable routines, or door activity monitoring.

Chain drive

Chain drive systems commonly underpin an electric door opener. They feature a single metal chain that connects to and pulls the door trolley.

Chain drives are affordable and reliable, even for heavier double doors, but they make a lot of noise because of the many moving parts. These systems also require slightly more maintenance.

Belt drive

Belt drives are similar to chain-based systems but use a durable rubber belt instead of chains. Belt drive types are a quieter option since the belts consist of polymers and reinforced rubbers. It’s a good choice if you use your garage as a living space or want to minimize the noise produced when opening and closing the doors.

Screw drive

A screw drive system has a threaded steel rod that rotates around the motor as it moves. As it spins, it pulls the carriage back and forth.

Even residential openers of this type have a lot of lifting power, making them suitable for double-door systems and heavier doors. However, extreme temperatures can cause the threads to expand, which may affect smooth functioning.

Sizing For A Garage Door Opener

A garage opener’s size is basically shorthand for how much horsepower and Newton force the unit can produce. The size of garage door opener you need depends on

various features of your garage door itself, including the following:

The door’s size affects the power

The main factor determining the size garage door opener you need is the size of the garage doors. All other things being equal, one-piece doors can use smaller motor sizes than double doors. A single-door garage door size is about ten feet wide by eight feet tall (larger than that counts as a double garage door when installing openers).

Door material weight changes the requirements

Garage door materials have different weights, which influence the type of electric opener required. Wood doors are usually the heaviest garage doors. They will need stronger openers with better safety features than lighter metal or fiberglass doors.

Motor type and power offer some flexibility

Your new garage door opener will have one of two types of motors: AC or DC.

AC motors use alternating current, with transformers to reverse current to allow for door opening and closing functions. AC motors are powerful and durable. However, they don’t allow much control compared to DC motors.

DC motors use direct current to draw power from a static DC power source, such as a battery backup. A DC motor is usually smaller, allowing more precise control over the garage door opening process. You can also modify speed, torque, and door height to your preferred settings and program them to a handy button press.

As far as motor power, the average single-unit residential garage opener produces about 1/2 HP (~500 newtons). A double garage door will probably need at least 3/4 HP (700 newtons).

Door depth must match the room’s dimensions

The garage’s depth refers to how much space lies between the garage doors and the back wall. A door that is ten feet wide by eight feet tall will typically need at least 11 feet of space. If not, the doors won’t have enough space to completely open when the motor moves.

The highest point needs careful measurement

Is there enough space between the highest point of the doors when the motor raises them? Minimum clearance is at least two and a half inches. Anything less means the top of the doors will hit the ceiling when the motor raises that section for opening.

Does A Smart Garage Door Opener Work With Any Type Of Door?

Smart and regular garage door openers should work with any type of door, provided they are powerful enough to hold the doors’ weight. However, some motors suit different types better. For example, wood doors need a heavier-duty AC belt-drive or chain-drive opener.

The best garage door opener for the job is one that exactly balances the torque with the power consumption. So, your doors will be easily managed by an opener that is sized correctly for the material and weight.

We’re Here For All Your Garage Door Needs

Do you want modern garage door styles or more detailed answers on how to size a garage door opener? Call R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. at (707) 644-5537 or send a message online today!

Does A New Garage Door Increase Your Home’s Value?

Savvy homeowners don’t do maintenance for the sake of it. They prioritize maintenance work that will add value to their home. Is a new garage door one such maintenance project? Does a new garage door increase home value?

As Vallejo’s residential garage door experts, we can tell you that the answer to that question is a resounding yes; we see how garage doors change homes across the city every day.

How A New Garage Door Can Increase Your Home’s Value?

A new garage door can increase your home’s value by improving its curb appeal and making it more attractive to prospective buyers.

How much value can a new garage door add?

Research data supports the evidence that garage doors can greatly increase a home’s value. One of the most widely quoted reports is the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine following a survey by an independent research firm. It found that replacing the garage door netted a 98% return on investment for homeowners across the country, making it the most beneficial among the top 20 mid and upscale remodeling projects. Thus, changing your garage door can help your home’s resale value to go up more compared to paying for a minor kitchen remodel or wood deck additions.

How much value will a garage door add to your home? It depends on how much investment you put into the project. The only consistent fact is that you can expect your home’s listing price to increase by up to 98% of the cost of the new door. So, newer garage doors with all the whistles and bells will invariably add more value to your home than plain doors.

Why New Garage Doors Increase The Value Of Homes

A garage door upgrade has an outsized impact on a home’s value for the following reasons.

Improved curb appeal

A garage door takes up a significant chunk of your home’s exterior. It has earned the name “second front door” for good reasons. Thus, a good-looking, high-quality second front door will instantly elevate the home’s curb appeal. This is especially true when you choose a garage door that matches the home’s architectural style.

Better energy efficiency

New garage doors are generally more energy efficient than older ones. Many of them feature weatherstripping and high thermal resistance (R-value).

An insulated garage door keeps conditioned air inside. Thus, it can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs. It can also keep out noise.

Improved safety and security

A garage door with features that help keep the family safe is highly valuable to potential homeowners. Some safety features you can find on modern garage doors include rotating security codes that change with every use, obstruction sensors, and more.

These safety features are more important for homeowners that will likely use the door as a primary entrance.

Reduction in maintenance costs

An old garage door that’s creaky when opening it is a concern that needs addressing. A new door is one less maintenance cost for the potential homeowner to worry about. Thus, a new garage door can make potential buyers more open to seeing the rest of the property.

What Are The Alternatives To Garage Door Replacement?

Seeing how a garage door helps sell a home, it’s natural to weigh your options for replacing your garage door.

However, garage door replacement is costly. Thus, it may be best to explore other ways to transform your current door and save money on a replacement. Here are a few things you can do:

Painting your existing garage door can increase your home’s value

Panting your garage door in a new color that matches the home’s exterior is one of the best home improvement projects you can undertake if you want to make your property more attractive. Similarly, don’t ignore the attached garage door if you’re already repainting your home’s exterior.

Lubricate the moving parts

All the components that help move garage doors can get noisy over time. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to lubricate older garage doors if you’re about to put the property on the market. A prospective buyer will likely love a door that opens seamlessly, especially if it doesn’t look physically worn.

Replace the garage door springs and rollers

Lubrication can only do so much if the garage door springs and rollers are already shot. If opening your door is more difficult than it should be, it’s probably time to replace the springs and rollers.

Install an electric garage door opener

You can deck out your existing door with an electric opener to give it a modern touch. Most potential buyers will appreciate it. Similarly, you can add automatic reverse systems, decorative hardware, and security features that can give the old door a more modern feel.

Install a new garage door skin

Garage door skins can give your door a newer outer shell. With the skins, you hide peeling paint on an aluminum door with a faux wood shell. You can find these for all garage door styles but single-door skins are the most affordable.

Add more insulation to the current garage door

Insulated garage doors add value to your home because solid insulation means less drain on the home’s HVAC system.

Important Tips To Keep In Mind When Replacing Your Garage Door

A garage door adds value to a property, but installing a new one is a home improvement project that requires serious consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose a door that matches your home’s façade. A steel door won’t look great on rustic architecture. Always go with options that match your home’s style.

Don’t ignore practicality. Remember, you will use the door frequently.

Get Expert Advice From Our Experienced Professionals

Does a new garage door increase home value? Yes, but only high-quality, energy-efficient garage doors that are a perfect fit.

At R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., we are committed to helping homeowners make the right decision. Call us today at (707) 644-5537 for a consultation and a free estimate on your garage door replacement or repairs.

What To Know About Energy-Efficient Garage Doors

what to know about energy-efficient garage doors

If you’re constantly looking for ways to lower the energy costs to heat or cool your house, you may have wondered about investing in energy-efficient garage doors.

An energy-efficient garage door can help you and your family achieve a comfortable temperature, but you might wonder if installing new residential garage doors in Vallejo, CA, and surrounding areas, is worth the trouble.

This blog explores the benefits of new energy-efficient garage doors and what types to install.

The Top Reasons Why Homeowners Decide to Install an Energy-Efficient Garage Door

For house owners thinking about installing new energy-efficient garage doors, here are four reasons why it’s a good idea.

You Want to Keep Your Vehicle Warm

A Vallejo, CA, winter can get chilly, and stepping into a cold car can be frustrating, especially if you’re commuting to the office every day. A well-insulated garage can eliminate the need to warm your car in the morning, letting you catch up on more sleep.

Winter temperatures can also lead to thick motor oil and stressed-out car parts. Both issues can prevent your car from starting and reduce its lifespan.

You Spend a Lot of Time in Your Garage

Many house owners treat their garage as another room versus just a place for storage. Whether you use your garage for projects or to hang out with friends, a new garage door that’s insulated can make this area more comfortable during winter or that summer heat.

There’s a Living Space Sitting Above Your Garage

Cold air leakage rises up from your garage’s floor, eventually making its way into any spaces above. If you have difficulty keeping a space above your garage comfortable, it might be time to invest in energy-efficient garage doors.

You Want to Lower Your Energy Bills

An attached garage can be a significant factor influencing your energy bills. Garage insulation and new residential garage doors can lower those monthly utility costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

You Want to Enhance Curb Appeal

Many garage door manufacturers today prioritize providing an energy-efficient garage door. If your garage doors are already outdated, opt for energy-efficient building materials.

How Can You Determine an Insulated Garage Door’s Energy Efficiency?

Better insulation means less monthly energy loss, and for determining an energy-efficient garage door, two main values exist:

R-value: R-value determines a garage door’s insulation ability to prevent any heat loss.

U-value: Unlike the R-value, U-values determine an entire door assembly set’s ability to prevent heat loss.

Both the U-values and R-values can help determine an insulated garage door’s thermal efficiency. While U-values are typically more precise, most manufacturers use an R-value rating.

Essentially, a higher R-value means more energy-efficient garage doors. Meanwhile, a lower U-value means more energy-efficient garage doors.

Another factor when determining if a garage door is energy-efficient is to determine its leakiness. You want an entire system with adequate perimeter seals, which can prevent air infiltration and keep out dirt, debris, and dust.

What Are the Best Energy-Efficient Garage Door to Install?

For your professional installation, you can choose between single-, double-, or triple-layer doors. Of course, a single-layer garage door provides the least benefits, while a triple-layered door — using polyurethane insulation —provides the best insulation advantages.

Double-layer doors utilize polystyrene insulation that, while providing excellent R-values, can’t compete with polyurethane foam. However, you don’t necessarily need an insulated or with the highest R-value.

Factors like the insulation of your garage walls and your area’s climate can help determine whether you need a double or triple-layered garage door. The type of material you use to install your garage door can also play a factor.

The common materials homeowners use for their overhead insulated doors include:

Steel
Vinyl
Fiberglass
Aluminum
Wood

While materials like steel, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum are sturdy, they actually don’t provide natural insulation like wood does. Most experts still recommend overlaying a wood garage door with steel to prevent warping and rotting from excess moisture.

Besides a warmer garage, a well-insulated steel or vinyl door also means quieter operation versus a non-insulated door.

How Will My Insulated Overhead Door Construction Look?

Contractors can install your thermal efficiency garage door to match the style of your home. These doors can also feature the same thickness as their materials.

What Are Some Signs That I Need a New Garage Door?

You may have no problems with your garage door openers but have been noticing noisy operations, or your utility bills continue rising. Poor indoor air quality can be another sign that you need better insulation.

Rising utility costs can stem from various issues, but the right team can inspect your garage door to determine if it’s causing any energy loss. Operations like weather stripping or adding low emissivity coatings to your door’s windows can be enough.

Other times, it’s better to replace your wood or steel garage door with updated technology that has features like a thermal break.

How Long Do Insulated Garage Doors Last?

How long your garage door and its insulation lasts will depend on factors like:

Your door’s material, such as steel, vinyl, or wood
Your area’s climate
How much you use your garage doors
Whether or not you regularly maintain and clean your garage doors

Generally, you can expect your energy-efficient garage door to last as long or longer than traditional garage doors.

Are Energy-Efficient Garage Doors Expensive?

It costs more to install energy-efficient garage doors for your space than uninsulated ones. However, homeowners quickly save money in the long run after this initial investment. Besides reducing utility bills, your garage doors can also last longer.

Get Your Energy-Efficient Garage Door Today

Residential and commercial properties can benefit from installing new energy-efficient doors for their garages. At R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., we bring over 50 years of experience. Whether you want to achieve your dream home or lower your business’s energy costs, our company can assist.

Vallejo, CA, residents can get matching front doors and garage doors that are as attractive as they are energy-efficient by calling our crew members at (707) 644-5537.

Should My Front Door And Garage Door Match?

should my front door and garage door match

Have you considered having a matching front and garage door? It’s a great way to increase a home’s curb appeal and showcase a flawless exterior style. Both garage and entry doors are some of the first features people look at in your home, so why not have them match?

Consider Vallejo’s residential garage doors, as we carry many garage door styles that work perfectly with your front door. Change the appearance of your house by implementing this smart and stylish exterior design technique. Contact us today to choose a garage door!

Tips For Matching Your Front Door and Garage Door

Many homeowners strive to make their garage doors match their front entry doors. While you have endless possibilities for door styles, you can follow our helpful tips to have a matching front door and garage door.

Make your garage and front entry door the same materials

If you use wood for your entry door, it is a good idea to also use it for your garage door. Keeping the materials the same (such as steel or decorative glass) are excellent ways to create cohesiveness. Your front and garage doors should look like they belong together.

Your home’s exterior can reflect your style when you choose the right materials. You can add creativity and beauty to your entry and garage doors with steel, wood, or frosted glass options.

Use different yet similar materials

You don’t have to match materials to make your front and garage doors look good. However, pairing materials that work well together is essential. For example, if you have glass panes in your entry door, it might not make sense to use faux wood for your garage door.

Find different materials that match and work well with the rest of your house, such as the siding and windows. They shouldn’t clash with your home’s exterior colors and style (modern, farmhouse, etc.). You can save money by purchasing an energy-saving entry door that looks good and minimizes energy losses, pairing it with a similar style garage door.

Compliment your home’s style with your doors

When you match your doors, they should maintain the same style as the rest of your exterior. Do you have a contemporary-style home with a large center window that lets in natural light? You might benefit from a contemporary garage door and front door!

Consider how your surroundings impact your color choices, such as your landscape, location, and decor. Many homeowners want their garage and entry doors’ paint colors to converse with the trim.

Another way you can boost curb appeal is by including a similarly shaped window style. Your new garage door and entry door should pull you in and look intentional.

Consider the color scheme & tones

You can use contrasting color choices for your garage and entry door so long as they fit. However, you don’t want parts of your exterior to seem like they’re from different eras. Be wary of clashing colors and search for hues that operate in harmony with one another.

Deciding on a bold color might be a superb choice for your doors, but make sure they don’t appear awkward against your home’s facade and trim. Once you have painted your garage door and entry door, you can always change them later, but it might be more difficult. Paint can make a big impact on whether or not a door’s face is attractive.

Stick to the same color and style of hardware

Hardware selections offer room for creativity and fun. Just like with your windows, hardware can also elevate the look of your doors and comes in many colors and finishes. It’s much easier to swap out hardware than it is if you’ve used the wrong paint color.

Popular Entry And Garage Door Materials

The options might seem overwhelming but don’t sweat it. Our team can help you find the right materials for your doors that reflect your aesthetic. Some common types include:

Aluminum

Fiberglass

Wood

Wood Composite

Steel

Vinyl

We can recommend which of these choices will work well with your windows and siding and stand against the test of time. Whether you have a modern or old-world style, our team is ready to take your home to the next level. We’ll find the best options for your front door and garage door.

Why Matching Garage And Front Doors Are A Good Idea

Why should you match your garage and front doors?

You’ll reflect your home’s style and show your design skills

Matching your garage and entry doors is a fantastic way to show that you care about your home’s exterior. Following a gorgeous exterior color scheme can increase your property’s value and curb appeal. Your garage door and front door allow you to have fun with your personal style.

Your home’s garage and entry door will impress

Guests will arrive at your house and enter through your entry door, so you want to make a good impression on them. You can make your entry area more inviting by including glass-style doors and having an attractive fresh coat of paint. Another example of elevating the space includes adding plants, fun lighting, and stylish hardware.

You’ll Inspire Your Local Community and Rock Your Block

Neighbors may use your house to get ideas for their garage and entry doors, and you might have the best property on the street. Combining smart window styles, decorative elements, and matching front and garage doors can make your property show-stopping and appealing.

Choose From Our Selection Of Top-Quality Garage Doors

Now that you’ve decided to have a matching front and garage door check out our selection of garage doors. We have custom-built options for your home or business with wood, glass, vinyl, and everything in between. If you’re ready for a professional garage door, remodel, we can help!

At R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., we proudly offer Vallejo, CA, and the surrounding areas beautiful residential and commercial door selections. We can find you an affordable matching front door and garage door. Call us today at (707) 644-5537 to schedule a consultation.

Can You Install A New Garage Door On Old Garage Door Tracks?

can you install a new garage door on old garage door tracks

One of the decisions you’ll have to make when you need to replace your garage door is whether to mount the new garage door on the old tracks. For many homeowners, retaining the tracks on their garage doors seems like an excellent way to save money during a garage door replacement project. Or is it?

Wondering if you can install a new garage door on old garage door tracks? You can, technically. However, as Vallejo’s residential garage doors expert, we can tell you right away that you shouldn’t. In this post, we’ll cover the top reasons why you should only install new garage doors on new tracks.

What Are Garage Door Tracks?

Also known as a roller assembly, garage door tracks refer to the systems that interact with the rollers on your garage door as it slides up and down.

You’ll find garage door tracks suspended from the ceiling of your garage. These galvanized steel components have enough strength to hold the weight of your garage door.

However, if the tracks are not working correctly, they can damage your garage door.

Why A New Garage Door On Old Garage Door Tracks Is A Bad Idea

Continue reading to learn a few reasons why you shouldn’t install a new garage door on old tracks:

Tracks are for specific garage doors

In the garage door industry, manufacturers design the default pre-sets on the garage door to work with a specific track. They connect the tracks using a special rivet intended to open and close at a certain distance from the side post.

The operator size and headroom requirements for the garage door can also make using the tracks impractical if you try to match a track from one brand to a garage door from another brand.

Even if you can adjust the tracks during the garage door installation project, you always risk misalignment, as you’ll end up with an improperly spaced door. When the tracks misalign, your garage door will sustain some damage every time you open it. After a while, it will stop opening.

Can you install a new garage door on old tracks from another manufacturer? Yes, but the arrangement won’t work for long. You’ll lose the garage door tracks, the new garage door, or both. It doesn’t matter if you install an electric garage door opener on the new door or a manual one.

Make the right cost-effective decision to install new tracks during a fresh garage door installation project.

Old garage door tracks are a huge safety risk for your family

When considering garage door replacement, you also need to replace your tracks. The tracks warp, bend, and rust over time, making any new door you mount on it a significant safety risk.

All parts of the door can become a safety threat in this scenario, including the bottom section.

Thus, you should replace old tracks to avoid accidents.

Worn-out garage door tracks will cause property damage

If you try to reuse bent, rusted, or warped garage door tracks, your new garage door system may suddenly slide off from the hinges one day.

Apart from damage to the new door itself, you may be left with a broken floor and wall or a severely damaged car. If you’ve ever seen a garage door fall on a vehicle, you’ll be more reluctant to take this risk.

The expenses will be far greater than what you spent just replacing the garage door tracks in the first place.

New garage door tracks prevent wear and noise

The tracks and rollers on garage doors work together. If one suddenly turns bad, it will affect the other quickly.

If you use old rusty tracks, your new garage door’s rollers will wear out quickly. Moving your garage door will also become noisy, even from day one.

Why would you install a new garage door only to face the same problems that made you ditch the old garage door?

Old garage door tracks can make your springs work harder

Any garage installation expert will tell you that an old track greatly affects your garage door springs. The old tracks distort the balance of your door, making it harder for it to stay in an open position, and over time, you’ll end up with a broken spring.

Old tracks can ruin curb appeal

Combining rusty tracks with a new door will ruin the overall curb appeal. Think of it like a splash of mud over newly painted walls. In the case of the mud, though, it’s easier to wash it off and repaint the spot with any leftover paint.

With the tracks, you’ll have to bring down the door and go through the hassle of installing it all over again. If you paid an installer for the job before, you’d have to pay again. That means paying twice for the same service when you could have just paid once!

So, can you install a new garage door on old tracks with all the above information? We’ll leave the answer to you.

However, if you want to replace your garage door, you should go all out to protect your investment. Trying to save a few bucks by reusing the old garage door tracks is a bad idea. If you want maximum performance from your system, the only parts you should reuse include standalone units like the garage door opener.

Expert Garage Door Replacement Service In Vallejo, CA

Replacing tracks or garage doors is not a DIY task for the inexperienced. Consider the many reasons to hire a pro for your garage door installation, but perhaps the most important is that they will help you avoid decisions like reusing old tracks.

An expert will help you see how reusing tracks on new doors put you at a disadvantage instead of saving you money.

Is it time to replace your old tracks or garage door? Don’t jeopardize your family’s safety. Call R&S Erection of Vallejo, CA, today at (707) 644 5537 to find the perfect door and a matching track for your home. You can trust us for regular maintenance, repairs, and new installation.

Noisy Garage Door: 14 Common Causes And How To Fix Them

noisy garage door 14 common causes and how to fix them

Not many garage-based doors operate silently, but a very noisy garage door spells trouble. When your system sounds louder than usual, it might be a sign of a problem—especially for a new garage door. Unfortunately, there are many different reasons for a noisy door, which makes troubleshooting a challenge.

As the leading provider of garage door repair services in Vacaville and the surrounding areas, we know all the possible ways to make a garage door quieter. This article covers some of the solutions you need to keep your garage door running smoothly.

14 Common Causes Of A Noisy Garage Door

Here are different types of garage door noises and their possible causes.

Straining. A straining door mechanism often comes with a broken motor in the garage door opener. It could also signify an inadequate power supply to the door.

Banging. A banging sound often means a faulty garage door panel or a door in the garage that has dislodged from its track.

Scraping. An unbalanced garage door will emit a loud scraping sound as some part of the door scrapes against your house walls, ceiling, or floor.

Rattling. A garage door rattles when loose bolts, nuts, or metal parts need lubrication. A door may also have a loose chain or support rails.

Squeaking. A loose roller or hinge will cause a squeaking sound as you open and close your garage door.

Rumbling. A rumbling sound from your garage door signifies a loosened spring or coil tension issue.

Clinking. If rust builds up, you will hear clinks as it forces spring coils to rub together while the garage door moves. Excessive rust buildup is also a safety hazard.

Excessively loud noises. Is the garage door very loud during operation? Are there no obvious signs of malfunction? You likely have poor insulation or soundproofing issues.

Rubbing. Your garage door will rub when the tracks are bent, too tight, or need realignment.

Popping. If you hear popping sounds, it may indicate snapped torsion springs on your garage door.

Grinding. A garage door grinding noise often indicates a loose roller or hinge. A stripped-out or improperly installed trolley may also cause grinding sounds.

Squealing. Squeals from a garage door often signify a lack of lubrication in moving parts. However, an off-track door may also sound similar.

Vibrating. A vibrating sound typically signifies loose bolts and nuts around the track. Damaged or poorly lubricated rollers will also vibrate.

Slapping. Have you heard that distinct slapping sound from noisy garage doors? It often comes from a loose garage door opener chain, as the door’s chain hits the chain drive system enclosure.

Home-Based Solutions To A Loud Garage Door

As you can see, there are many reasons homeowners might hear loud sounds while a garage door opens or closes. If the problem does not require technical proficiency, you could attempt to deal with the noisy garage door in several ways. However, be sure to adhere to safety precautions, including the following:

Disengage the automatic setting before you disconnect the garage door from a power source.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches and bruises.

Some DIY solutions to try for the noises the garage door makes include the following:

Tighten loose nuts and bolts

Did you know that you can correct vibrating, squealing, or squeaking garage door sounds by tightening the nuts and bolts along the track? Use a wrench and a screwdriver. Don’t make them too tight if you want to avoid stripping the lag screw holes.

Lubricate the garage door rollers

Garage door noise includes vibrating sounds that occur when operating your garage door on rusted metal garage door rollers. Lubricating the rollers and the garage door hinges around them can eliminate these issues. Use garage door lube from a local hardware store or manufacturer.

If you live in a high-humidity environment, consider switching from metal rollers to nylon rollers. Nylon rollers are less likely to cause jerky door movements even as they start to age. However, the replacement process needs professional expertise.

Lubricate the extension and torsion springs

Does your garage’s doors have broken torsion and extension springs? Clear the area around the garage door immediately and call a professional.

Springs in need of lubrication are common causes of noise for many garage doors. If the springs are intact, you could use any garage door lube to eliminate noise. However, be careful while touching the springs to avoid accidents.

Check the garage door opener

The garage door opener may be at fault if you can’t find any noise source on the door itself. For example, a loose chain or belt in the opener causes slapping or rattling sounds. In this case, call a professional—the chain will eventually wear out, leading to more noise and a complete system breakdown.

When To Call The Professionals

We recommend leaving serious garage door damage to professionals, including misalignment, torsion spring breaks, and so on. You might have to do more than tighten nuts and lubricate joints to repair or replace worn rollers, fix a damaged belt drive or garage door opener chain, and correct bent tracks. You will also need professional help if the loud noise is due to improper installation.

Our technician will evaluate the source of the strange noises and might do the following:

Remove hinges
Check for metal filings in key areas
Change the socket set
Realign the top and bottom bracket and more

A professional garage door technician will repair these components safely, whereas attempting it yourself may lead to serious injury or other damage.

Schedule A Garage Door Tune-Up Today

Is your garage door still noisy despite your best efforts? Our team can help, including having to repair or replace the belt drive and worn rollers, tighten all the nuts around loose parts, and more.

Why risk serious injury or property damage? Ask us about our convenient garage door maintenance schedule or learn how to lubricate your garage door to keep it working as quietly as possible.

Say goodbye to that noisy garage door—call R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. at (707) 644-5537 today for your garage door tune-up in Napa and Solano County, CA.

Garage Door Panel Replacement Or Repair: Factors To Consider

garage door panel replacement or repair factors to consider

Accidents can happen, causing damage to one or more of your garage door panels. When this occurs, you need to repair the damaged panels of your whole garage door as soon as possible. Besides offering less efficiency and security, a damaged garage door panel can lower curb appeal.

Many homeowners wonder if they should repair or replace whole garage door sections. To save money, many homeowners prefer repairing garage doors and their panels. However, sometimes replacing panels provides a more cost-effective option over trying to repair them.

This guide will explore when you can repair a garage door panel and when it’s better to replace one. For top-notch assistance, request help from our garage door repair specialists.

Two Main Factors Determine Whether You Should Repair or Replace Your Garage Door Panels

Whether you should repair or replace your garage door panel depends on several factors, including cost. Depending on the materials, replacing garage door panels can become expensive.

Furthermore, the materials can determine whether repairs are enough or if you should start shopping for a new panel. For example, peeling paint and cracking wood usually means you need a garage door panel replacement.

The two main factors that influence if you need new panels to include:

The age of the garage door panel
The extent of its damage

How old is your garage door?

With suitable materials and professional installation, garage doors can last a long time. However, even the most durable garage doors with regular maintenance start to wear and tear.

If your garage door is over 20 years old, you might consider searching for replacement panels. In fact, in this situation, you might be better off replacing your entire garage door.

Deciding to install a whole new garage door can be an unpleasant thought. However, you’ll discover more garage door panel breaks as time passes. Additionally, the entire garage door may become unable to function correctly.

If the entire door panel is ten years or younger, you probably can get away with repairing the panel. At the very least, you may only need to replace the damaged panel instead of the whole door.

The extent of your garage door panel damage

The exact damage to a garage door panel also has a vast impact. You can quickly repair damage caused by light brushes with debris or impacts. In fact, the project may only call for a coat of paint and some filler.

However, it can cost far less to replace doors following extensive damage. Homeowners often need to replace garage door panels after the following scenarios:

A severe weather event like a storm left considerable dents in your garage door panel
You accidentally backed your car into the garage, or someone accidentally drove into the garage door
Heavy objects or debris hit your garage doors, resulting in massive dents or holes

When these situations arise, the first thing you should do is investigate the extent of the damage to your garage door and its panels. While it can cost less to replace the panels initially, substantial damage can render them non-functional.

Particular opening and closing mechanisms or other parts might be broken, including sensors, torsion springs, and hinges. Depending upon costs, these will either need to be repaired or replaced.

Other Considerations Affecting Your Garage Door Replacement Panels

Let’s explore some other considerations when installing or replacing your garage door panel:

Making sure the doors and panels match

Once you’ve decided to repair or replace your garage door panel, you’ll need to know its manufacturer. Your professional repair company can see if your garage door’s producer has spare parts. Sometimes a service can provide an exact match for your garage door panel.

One issue you may notice is a specific panel being out of style. While this happens the most with older garage doors, even panels within the last decade can go out of style. When this happens, you might need help finding the right replacement match.

This can prompt some to replace their entire garage door. However, it’s possible to save money with an easy fix. You or a professional can paint over the new garage door panel, matching your existing garage doors.

Knowing the costs of different garage doors

Sometimes, a garage door repair simply won’t get the job done. You might want to replace your garage doors with a replica of what you had before. However, this can be an excellent opportunity to explore other options.

The cost of a garage door can vary, with many factors influencing its price. These factors can include the following:

The materials
The size of the garage door
The team you hire
If the garage door is customized (such as using a particular type of wood)
How the door fits with your garage and house aesthetics
Its operating and safety features

You need to consider a garage door’s cost in the long run. For example, while wooden garage door panels cost less to install than steel, they become more susceptible to damage and cost more to replace.

Knowing how many door panels you need to replace

A garage door repair job can involve multiple panels. In fact, a specialist can fix or replace several panels at once.

However, when you need to replace more than one panel, this usually indicates it’s time to replace your entire garage door. First, of course, compare prices to see which option is cheaper.

Deciding if you can repair or replace your panels yourself

For minor scuffs, you might have no problems repairing the panel yourself. However, when it comes to severe dents or needing to replace panels, contact a professional to prevent:

Wasted time
Wasted money
Further damage and plenty of frustration

Call R&S Erection Of Vallejo

Deciding between repairing or replacing your garage door panels can be tricky. However, our team can help you select and provide top-notch services. Let a licensed and professional contractor help today.

Replacing garage doors or fixing a garage door opener after a storm is a breeze when residents of Napa and Solano County, CA, call R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc at (707) 644-5537!