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How to Open a Garage Door Without Power

Imagine this global lights-out scenario: computers lifeless, refrigerated food spoiling, and cities cloaked in an eerie silence.

Now, scratch the disaster movie scene and bring it down to your neighbourhood – not as dramatic, but still a nightmare. Consider your garage door, a simple daily convenience that transforms into an impenetrable fortress when the power fades.

Well, you’re in luck (assuming you’re reading this as a precaution)! This article will outline exactly how to open a garage door without power.

Leave No Room for Hazard

Before you brave the challenge, it’s crucial to take some safety precautions, which we’ll address before proceeding to our step-by-step guide.

  • Power Threats: If you don’t have a surge protector on your garage door opener you should unplug the opener. This step is crucial for preventing harm from potential sudden power surges when electricity is restored.
  • Door Collapses: Never pull the emergency release rope when your door is up. It could come crashing down and hurt someone.
  • Total Lockouts: Here’s a small task worth remembering – ensure you have another way into your home before leaving through your garage. Overlooking this step could magnify your problems, leaving you locked out of your home.
  • Further Issues: Once power returns, monitor your door’s movement. Any lack of smoothness is a sign you need the help of a professional.

Remember that you should prioritize these safety measures before you attempt to open a garage door manually when there is no power.

Step-By-Step Guide to Opening Your Garage Door Without Power

Let’s see how you can open a garage door from the inside when the power’s out.  Unfortunately, in most cases there is no way to open the door from the outside if you have an electric opener and the power goes out.  Obviously, if you were able to easily open it from outside so could anyone else which would be a serious security concern.

Step 1 – Locate the Emergency Release Kit

Finding the emergency release kit is your first step. It’s typically centred near the top of your garage door.  In most cases it will be a red rope marked with a handle labelled emergency release.

Step 2 – Trigger the Manual Mode

Pull the red emergency release rope, which temporarily disconnects the door from the electric opener.  Usually you will hear a pop when it disconnects.  Voila, you’ve just shifted your garage door into manual mode!

Step 3 — Lift the Garage Door

Time for a bit of elbow grease. Grab a handle or one of the hinges and lift up the door until fully open. Check that it is stable stays open without drifting back down.  If it wants to drift downward it’s a sign the springs require adjustment and you will need to prop the door up to hold it open.  If the door doesn’t stay open you will need to call a door company to service the springs.  DO NOT attempt to adjust the springs your self as they are under extreme tension and serious injury can result.

Step 5 – Re-Engage the Release Mechanism

Close the door once you have moved cars in or out of the garage. The next thing you should do is manually push the lever upwards or tug the release cord back and away from the door until you hear that satisfying click. There you have it. Your garage door mechanism is snapped back into the engaged position and when the power is restored it should open the door again.

Remember, some planning and practice can make easy work of what might initially seem like a mountainous task. So, familiarize yourself with this process, and you’ll have no problem navigating a power outage. Stay safe, and don’t forget to call a professional if you encounter any hitches!

Need more insights? Explore our blogs at The Door House for more garage door tips and tricks.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

5 Garage Upgrades That Add Value To Your Home

We all know that your house is more than just a sanctuary and a place to call home – it’s an investment. You have probably invested considerable value in upgrading areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms, but the humble garage often gets overlooked.

Just like the home, the garage is more than just a place to park your car and store your holiday decorations, it’s a versatile space with a huge amount of potential.

This guide will explore five upgrades you can do to your garage that not only boost its functionality but significantly increase the overall value of your home.

1. Enhance Security and Safety

The garage can often be a target for thieves. After all, it’s where you tend to store one of your most valuable possessions – your car.

A well-secured garage boosts the overall security of your home, giving potential buyers peace of mind. Modern security devices and features can range from cameras and sensors to wifi connected automated garage door openers.

Cameras: Installing security cameras act as a huge deterrent for potential burglars. Cameras allow you to monitor the garage remotely and record any suspicious activity, which can be passed on to law enforcement.

Sensor Lights: When movement is detected in or around the garage, sensor lights illuminate the immediate area. This provides safety for the homeowner and discourages anyone from snooping around your home.

Garage Door Opener: Modern remote-controlled garage door openers enhance security with state-of-the-art features such as rolling codes to prevent code grabbing. Many models now have wifi built in allowing you con control your door from anywhere in the world you have wifi access.  You can also receive alerts if your door opens while you are away from home.

Safety IR Beam: If you have children or pets, this device represents both an investment in value and safety. The infrared safety beam detects obstacles under the garage door and prevents it from closing.

2. Smart Storage Solution

If your garage seems cluttered, then you’re not alone. It’s a very common sight in many households. With a smart storage solution, your garage can become a well-organized space that appeals to buyers.

Installing shelving units, cabinets, bike holders, and overhead storage not only tidies up the garage space but makes your garage appear larger and more functional.

3. Replace the Flooring

From oil spills to heavy machinery, the garage floor endures a lot. Replacing the flooring with a more durable material will help withstand this wear while enhancing the look of your garage.

Easy-to-Clean Flooring: Installing a stain-resistant and easy-to-clean floor makes your garage much more maintenance friendly. This is a desirable feature for any homeowner.

Professionally Laid Epoxy: Providing a professional look to your garage, an epoxy coating is an ultra-durable surface that resists chemicals, stains, and abrasions.

Tiling: Interlocking type garage floor tiles add huge visual appeal to the space, they’re a popular choice for homeowners looking for durability.

Vinyl: Available in a massive variety of designs, vinyl flooring is low maintenance and resistant to wear. It also allows customization of the space to your liking.

4. Invest in a New Garage Door

An old worn-out garage door is not only difficult to live with but can also detract from the curb appeal of your home.  In fact, garage door replacement regularly ranks as #1 or #2 in return on investment of any renovation project.

Replacing your old door with a new, stylish, and efficient model can boost not only your home’s value but save you money in the long run with increased energy efficiency.

Modern garage doors offer insulation, which reduces energy costs, and also come in a wide variety of styles, colors and designs to complement your home.

5. Converting the Garage into a Livable Space

Your garage is intended to park and store your vehicle, but if it’s not living up to its name, then why not consider transforming it into a livable space?

Your garage can easily become a spare bedroom, home office, or extra living space. It will increase your home’s official square footage and make it more versatile.

It is important to note, however, that garage conversions do typically require the homeowner to acquire specific permits and adhere to standards and regulations before commencing work.

Conclusion

With these upgrades, your garage holds the potential to be more than just car storage. From security enhancements and flooring to smart storage and a brand-new garage door, you can transform your garage into an asset rather than an afterthought.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your garage and adding more value to your home, speak to our team of experts at The Door House. We’ve helped homeowners in the Calgary area for more than 35 years choose the best garage door to compliment their homes.

Take a look at our blog for more great ideas on how to transform your garage tod

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

My Garage Door Opener Has Been Stolen: What Do I Do?

In spite of the noticeable reduction in break-ins nationwide, the threat of burglaries persists, and garages have become an increasingly tempting entry point for criminals to steal the valuables of unsuspecting homeowners.

With a stolen garage door opener or remote, offenders can secretly access a person’s home with relatively minimal effort or detection. As a result, it is evermore essential that careful steps are taken in order to protect our homes from this kind of break-in.

Within these small devices lies your security password – capable of unlocking your garage door without alerting you beforehand. In case of stolen garage door openers, it is urgent to act swiftly and take steps to secure your space from any potential burglary.

Securing your home should be a priority, so if your garage door opener remote has been taken, fast action is key. Our guide will equip you with insight into how to keep your property safe and secure regardless of the circumstances. Below are some measures you can take if you suspect your garage door opener remote has been stolen.

1. Call the Police

If you have a sinking feeling that your garage door opener remote is nowhere to be found – whether it be stolen off your keychain or otherwise missing – then you must call the police before anything else.

It’s best to provide them with as much detail as possible, such as any evidence you may have that could paint a picture of who was responsible (a CCTV recording, financial information, etc.). Taking this action may just help them to track down the thief.

The police may be the ones to investigate further or even locate your remote, if available, to demonstrate a suspect’s guilt. After notifying law enforcement, consider taking extra measures to safeguard your garage door and yourself from future theft attempts.

2. Deactivate Your Remote

To keep your family and home safe, disable your garage door opener remote first. The specific method for doing so will vary depending on the model of your opener, but there are a few common steps you’ll need to take:

Reprogram the System

Do you want to ensure your garage door remotes are protected from theft? If so, a rolling code system on your garage door opener could be your saving grace. With this system, you can easily erase all your remote controls from your opener and then simply reprogram the remotes you still have into the system.  Once this is done the stolen remote is useless to the would be intruders.

Replace the Remote

If you’d prefer to take a proactive approach to protect your home from burglary, you can replace your existing garage door opener with a new one. Doing so will give you the option to alter the security settings so that no one, not even someone that manages to obtain the old remote, can access your home.

To switch out your garage door opener and attain the desired safety levels, consult the manufacturer’s website or the manual accompanying the initial opener.

3. Change Your Security Code

With stolen garage door openers, the protection of your home is of utmost importance, which is why it is recommended to modify your garage door opener system’s security code.

This simple step will make sure that should your remote become deactivated or stolen, any unauthorized access to your household is impossible. Even if an old remote is obtained or changed with a different code, your home will remain secure.

Doing so requires a bit of know-how, which you can acquire by getting your hands on the manufacturer’s manual for your garage door opener or by visiting their website for tips and instructions.

4. Opt for a New System

Aging garage door openers come with many risks. To ensure your safety and the security of your belongings, why not consider investing in a newer system?

The latest and greatest models come complete with a wealth of features designed to bolster protection against break-ins and intruders. A particularly attractive option is remote access control, allowing you to lock and unlock your home’s garage door from anywhere with a laptop or smartphone.

The Liftmaster 84501, which is offered at The Door House, offers such a feature on top of Security+ 2.0. This tech allows the garage door opener to communicate using a rolling code that changes each time the remote is used.

Aside from these three, you can try several proactive measures that include:

  • Installing outdoor lighting to illuminate any activity near your garage – doing this gives you the ability to easily spot suspicious activity via CCTV and take action if needed.
  • Adding an alarm system to alert you of any suspicious activity.
  • Securing the remote itself by storing it in a secure place where only you can access it. You can also attach it to your keychain so you’ll always have it with you.

In need of other helpful resources? Visit our blog posts at The Door House to learn more tips on garage door security, safety, and maintenance.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Dented Garage Door: Can It Be Fixed?

Having a dent in your garage door can be an eyesore and take away from the overall aesthetics of your home. Fortunately, there are several fixes available depending on how large the dent is. If it’s minor, you may be able to repair it and make it look as good as new again. However, if the damage is more severe, then you may need to consider replacing your door altogether.  The door in the photo above would require complete replacement.

This post will discuss how to fix minor dents in your garage door, as well as what to do if the damage is too severe and needs to be replaced.

Evaluate the Damage

The first step is to evaluate the damage and determine if it’s minor or extensive. Minor dents typically don’t require replacing the door, whereas larger ones may need more attention.

If you have a non-insulated steel door you might be able to push out the dent from inside your garage. However, if your door is insulated there is usually no way to repair the dent because there is no access to the front steel skin of the door.  If the door section itself is bent you should consult a professional before attempting any repairs.

Fixing Minor Dents Yourself

If the dents in your garage door are on the small side and you have a non-insulated door, you can try to make the dent less obvious by placing a block of wood on the inside of the door behind the dent and tapping it with a hammer.  You will likely still be able to see the dent when you’re finished but hopefully it will be less obvious.  Again, this method only works with non-insulated steel doors.

Replacing a Severely Dented Garage Door

If the dent is too severe and you can’t fix it, then it’s best to replace your garage door. If the door model you have is still in production it might be possible to just replace the one dented door section.  Section replacements are not cheap so typically if more than one section requires replacement it is better to replace the entire door.  You should consult an expert for advice on which would be most suitable for your needs.

Replacing your garage door may seem like a daunting task, but there are many benefits that come with this choice. Newer doors usually have better insulation and security features, as well as improved aesthetics that will enhance the look of your home.

Bottom Line

Minor dents in your non-insulated garage door can be sometimes be fixed.  However, most doors in Canada are insulated and dents are not fixable. If the door section itself is bent (no longer straight) the section or door will likely need to be replaced. Here at The Door House, we are experts in the field and can help you with repair or replacement.  Let us help you find the perfect garage door for your home.

Contact us today or visit our blog for more information.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Should I Service My Garage Door?

Your garage door is more than just an entryway to your home – it’s critical to your property’s security. Despite that, many homeowners don’t give it the attention and maintenance it needs until something goes wrong.

Strange noises, erratic behaviour, and other signs are indicators that servicing is required. Regular maintenance ensures your garage door runs smoothly for years and avoids potential problems.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of regular servicing, DIY tips for upkeep, and when to call in a professional for help. Let’s dive in!

Top Benefits of Regular Garage Door Service

Before we discuss when to service your garage door, let’s look at the benefits of regular maintenance.

  • Security: Your garage keeps your vehicles and other personal belongings safe. Regular servicing ensures that all door components are in good working order, which can prevent potential break-in attempts.
  • Safety: Keeping your garage door and electric door opener properly adjusted helps to keep you and your family safe by ensuring all safety features are working and adjusted properly.  Garage doors can weigh anywhere from 100lbs to over 700 lbs.  An improperly adjusted door can cause serious damage and/or injury.
  • Longevity: By taking proactive steps to keep your garage door in optimal condition, you can extend its life. Regular maintenance is an investment that pays off, helping you avoid expensive fixes and ensure a smooth-running system for years to come.
  • Peace of Mind: Regularly servicing your garage door minimizes potential risks from intruders or unfavourable weather conditions. Keeping on top of maintenance will give you peace of mind that your door is running smoothly and reliably.
  • Avoiding Costly Repairs: Regular inspections allow you to catch minor problems before they become big issues. This will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your door functioning smoothly.

When Should I Service a Garage Door?

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of maintenance, when should you service your garage door? Here are a few signs that it’s time to take a look.

  • Slow to Respond: If your garage door is sluggish to open or shut, it may be a tell-tale sign that maintenance is required.
  • Strange Noises: Sometimes, you’ll hear strange noises from your garage door. This could be an indicator that something needs to be serviced or replaced.
  • Malfunctioning Remote: Check out the batteries first if your garage opener transmitter isn’t working correctly. If it still doesn’t work, check with a repair professional.
  • Visible Damages: Any visible damages such as dents, scratches, or rust should also be addressed ASAP because they can lead to further issues down the line if left unchecked.
  • Excessive Wear and Tear: Worn-out components can cause the door to malfunction or become stuck in certain positions.
  • Getting Stuck: You wouldn’t want your garage door stuck in the middle of opening or closing. If this happens, it’s time to call a professional for help.
  • Wrong Alignment: Check closely for any misalignment between the track and roller. This is a sign that something needs to be serviced or replaced.

DIY Tips to Keep Garage Doors Running Smoothly

Sometimes, all it takes is a little elbow grease to keep your garage door in good condition. Here are some garage door service and maintenance tips you can do on your own.

  • Clean the Tracks: Remove any dirt, debris or grime built up in the tracks over time. This will help ensure the smooth operation of the garage door. Tracks should not have any lubricant in them as it will only serve to attract dust and dirt.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Use lubricant to reduce friction between moving parts and ensure everything runs smoothly. The primary components that require lubrication are the rollers and hinges.
  • Check for Loose Hardware: Tighten loose nuts and bolts around the system to prevent rattling noises and other malfunctions.

When Should You Reach Out to a Professional?

If you’re experiencing trouble with your garage door opener, broken springs, or cables, DIY maintenance tasks can only do so much. It’s best to contact a professional for these issues.

The Door House offers reliable service and repairs to residential overhead garage doors in Calgary and Greater Calgary, complete with a 90-day warranty on parts and labour. With our help, you’ll get peace of mind, improved functionality, and longevity for your door. Get in touch today!

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Garage Door Hacking: How to Prevent It

Garage doors are a common entry point for burglars. With the right tools, they can easily access your home or business and steal your belongings.

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to prevent hackers from compromising your garage door security system. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is safe from any unwanted intruders.

Understand the Risks

Before you can protect against garage door hacking, you must understand what it is and how it works. Garage door hacking is an attack where malicious actors use specialized tools to gain access to your home or business via its automated garage door opener.

Hackers can bypass the security system by manipulating certain aspects such as wireless signals and the physical locking system. Once they gain access, they may be able to steal items from inside your home or business premises.

Here are some of the most commonly used methods to hack a garage door:

  • Wireless Signal Capture – Hackers can use devices called code grabbers to capture the signal your garage door remote sends out when you press it. This allows them to easily repeat the signal and open your garage door. Fortunately, since the early 2000’s, most garage door opener manufacturers have been using “rolling code” technology to combat this hack.  With rolling codes, each code used when you press your remote control will only work once and it will not open the door a 2nd time, rendering any code thieves get useless.  The next code used is random out of 100 million possible codes so there is no way for thieves to break in.  If you have a garage door opener manufactured prior to 2003 it is highly recommended you replace it with a new opener to eliminate this problem.

 

  • Physical Access Point Attacks – By law, all garage door openers have an emergency release rope you can pull to easily disconnect the door from the electric opener, allowing you to manually lift the door in case of a power outage or garage door opener failure. Unfortunately, it is fairly common for thieves to use a coat hanger to fish between the top weather-strip and the garage door to hook onto the emergency release rope and pull it.  This only takes seconds and once done the thief can easily raise the door by hand from outside.  Concerned homeowners have been known to disable the emergency release but unfortunately this is illegal.  If there is ever an emergency (think fire) and someone is trapped in the garage they have no way out.  If someone were to die in this sort of situation the liability incurred may be huge and insurance would likely decline coverage.  Fortunately, the Atoms Pro line of openers has introduced a patented tamper proof emergency release on their openers to solve this issue.  This simple solution stops fishing attempts while also retaining an easy and quick emergency release when needed.  You can see the Atoms Pro opener here.


Secure Your Garage Door

One of the best ways to protect against hackers is by installing a comprehensive security system with motion sensors, cameras, and alarms. This will help deter intruders from even attempting to break in through your garage door. By taking this proactive measure, you can significantly reduce the risk of intruders attempting to breach your garage door. The presence of a robust security system is often enough to deter potential intruders, giving you peace of mind knowing that your property is well protected.


Monitor Your Garage Door

Monitoring your garage door regularly is essential if you want to prevent garage door hacking attempts from occurring.  Many newer garage door openers offer wifi capability.  Wifi openers allow you to download the manufacturer’s app from the apple store and google play store onto your phone or tablet.  Once installed and connected to your wifi network you can monitor your garage door from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a wifi connection.  You can open and close your door remotely and you can set the app to send you an alert anytime the door is opened.

You could also consider investing in a security camera to capture video footage when someone tries to open the door without authorization. This will help you identify suspicious activities and take appropriate measures to protect yourself from potential intruders.

 

Stay Vigilant

Finally, staying vigilant is important when protecting your home or business against potential garage door hacking attempts. Regularly check for any signs of suspicious activity and take action if necessary.

Following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of garage door hacking and ensure your home or business remains safe from intruders.

If you want to secure your garage door and protect your home or business from potential garage door hacking, visit Door House. We offer a range of security solutions for automated garage doors, including security systems, secure keypads, and security locks.

Stay one step ahead of intruders and ensure your peace of mind with Door House.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Garage Doors

Garage doors may seem harmless, but they can pose serious dangers to your pets. From accidental entrapment to injury caused by malfunctioning doors, our furry friends can be at risk. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure their safety at all times.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential hazards and provide essential tips and precautions to help you keep your beloved pets safe around these common household fixtures.

So, whether you have a curious cat or a rambunctious pup, read on for our garage safety tips on how you can protect them from harm.

Potential Hazards of Garages

Garages can be full of potential hazards for pets, including garage doors themselves. Here are some of the most common dangers to be aware of:

  • Entrapment: Pets, particularly cats and small dogs, can easily become trapped under garage doors or in their mechanisms. This can happen when your pet is trying to follow you around or explore the garage, and the door closes on them before they can escape.
  • Malfunctioning doors: Garage doors can malfunction due to various reasons, such as worn-out parts, poor maintenance, or electrical problems. If a pet is near a malfunctioning garage door, they can be injured or killed if the door falls or closes unexpectedly.
  • Unsecured doors: If a garage door is not properly secured, it can open or close unexpectedly, posing a risk to pets that may be nearby. This can also allow pets to escape, which can be dangerous if they are not familiar with the area or are not wearing identification tags.
  • Heat and cold: Depending on the climate in your area, garages can become extremely hot or cold. Leaving pets in a garage for extended periods of time can lead to heat stroke or hypothermia.
  • Sharp objects: Garages are often full of sharp objects, tools, and other potentially dangerous items that can cause serious injury to pets.

Garage Safety Tips for Pet Owners

To ensure your pet’s well-being around garage doors, consider the following garage safety tips:

  • Install safety sensors: Most modern garage door openers come equipped with safety sensors that detect when something is in the way of the closing door. If these are installed correctly, they will stop and reverse the direction of the door if a pet or any other object is detected. Say goodbye to crushing accidents and hello to keeping your pet safe! These should be installed within 6” of the floor.  Any higher and they may not detect a pet that is lying down under a door that is closing.
  • Keep your pet away from the garage door: It can be tempting to let your pets explore around your home, but it’s crucial to keep them away from garage doors while they’re open or closing. Pets don’t always understand the danger of the moving door and may try to dart underneath it at just the wrong time. Keeping them away from the door when it’s in operation helps to prevent accidents from occurring
  • Train your pet: It’s a good idea to train your pet so that they understand basic commands like “stop” and “go back” when they are near the garage door. This way, you can quickly call them away from the door if it begins to move and help keep them from harm.

By taking the time to ensure the safety sensors are properly installed and adjusted and by training your pet, you can help keep them secure and reduce the chances of an accident occurring. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

6 Ways To Prevent A Frozen Garage Door

Have you ever experienced the frustration of waking up to find your garage door frozen shut? If so, you know how inconvenient and time-consuming a frozen garage door can be.

If your garage door is not opening, it’s worth investigating whether it needs some minor tweaking or a complete repair job from a garage door specialist.

The good news is that there are a few simple ways for you to prevent a frozen garage door. With a bit of preparation and maintenance, you can ensure that your garage door stays working properly all winter long!

Keep The Snow And Water Away

Before temperatures drop below freezing, it’s best to remove any water, ice, and snow that has accumulated around the threshold of the garage door. Detecting these concerns early can prevent future issues. Almost all cases of a garage door being frozen shut are due to improper drainage.  If water or ice are accumulating near your garage door there is a very good chance you will find your door frozen shut at some point so you need to take steps to ensure water drains away from your garage door.

Water and ice can cause damage to door sections, the metal tracks and the seals of your garage door. The primary damage water accumulation causes is rusting.  Invest in a floor squeegee and regularly push out any standing water.  Make sure to keep the garage door open while you scrape, sweep, or shovel.

Regularly Maintain Your Garage Door

Keeping your garage door and opener in good working order requires regular maintenance. To avoid a frozen garage door, you should stay on top of maintenance all year round. This is especially true during the winter months, when the harsh weather can be especially brutal.

In cold weather, make sure you inspect your entire system—the tracks, hinges, rollers, and springs—for any signs of wear or damage that could interfere with proper operation. If anything looks out of place, have a professional take a look right away before winter arrives.

Open And Close The Door

Your instinct may be to stay inside when the thermostat drops, but make sure you don’t neglect your garage door. Regularly operating the door will help avoid any build-up of snow or ice around the weather stripping.

If your garage door is already stuck, you can use the manual release cord to disconnect it from the opener. Open and close the door manually a few times to clear any ice that may be preventing it from functioning properly. If the door has become frozen to the ground you may need to use a metal shovel or prybar to break it free from the ice. When you’ve finished, simply tug the cord towards the doorway again to reconnect it with the opener.

Sprinkle Some Sand

You read that right. Layering sand  at the base of a garage door can be an effective solution for preventing a frozen door.  If you have a steel door do not use salt as it is very corrosive.

The layer should be placed where the bottom edge of the door comes into contact with the ground, such as along any cracks or crevices that may exist between concrete or asphalt sections.

Warm Up Your Car Outside

Even though it’s tempting to warm up your car in the garage, don’t do it. Even if you open the door, carbon monoxide can still reach hazardous levels.

Additionally, heat from the vehicle will cause the snow and ice around your garage door to thaw. You will quickly see those puddles refreeze as soon as you leave if your garage isn’t heated.

Final Thoughts

Preventing a frozen garage door is essential to keeping your door in tip-top shape all year long. With the steps we have provided, you should be able to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently throughout the winter.

If you are in the Calgary area and in need of advice or service regarding your garage door, The Door House has you covered. We have over 25 years of experience providing top-notch repair, maintenance, and opener repair and tuning services.

For more details about our services, you can reach us by phone at 403-543-6900 or request a free quote online!

 

 

 

 

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Garage Door Tune-Up: Is It Worth It?

When a garage door isn’t functioning properly, it can be a major inconvenience and even put your safety at risk. Getting a garage door tune-up can be a useful way to ensure that your garage door is working properly and safely.

It’s wise to get regular maintenance, as it helps prevent garage door problems and potentially costly repairs down the road. This can help make sure that your door is running smoothly and will last for years to come.

If you’re on the fence and think you can fix your garage door yourself, stop right there! Garage door repair that is not performed by a professional may result in serious injury.

Let’s take a look at what a garage door tuneup involves and why you should take advantage of this service.

What Is a Garage Door Tune-Up?

A garage door tune-up is a maintenance service that should be done at least once every one to 2 years to ensure the smooth operation and safety of your automatic garage door and opener.

The tune-up service typically involves inspecting, adjusting, and lubricating all the moving parts in an effort to prevent any stuck, worn or broken components from causing issues.

A typical garage door tune-up begins with a technician checking the exterior of the door for any visible signs of wear, like cracks, rust or dents. They then inspect internal components such as springs, tracks, and rollers to determine if adjustments or replacements are necessary.

Moving garage door parts are lubricated in order to ensure smooth operation when opening and closing the garage door. The tension on the springs is then readjusted to counterbalance it correctly for smooth operation.

Other items, such as sensors or photo eyes, are checked for proper functioning and alignment so that no accidents occur during use. Finally, nuts and bolts may be tightened if needed to keep the system secure and prevent parts from becoming detached.

Why Get a Garage Door Tune-Up?

Getting a regular tune-up for your garage door helps to ensure it will last longer, perform better, and be safer to use. Regularly maintaining the springs and other components of a garage door keeps the door operating smoothly, putting less strain on your back or your electric opener.

Here are the benefits of getting a garage door tune-up:

  • Ensure Safety – Garage door tune-ups reduce wear on components and prevent injuries by checking all parts.
  • Increase Home Security – By making sure the door and its components are in proper working order, you can reduce the risk of someone breaking into your home through the garage.
  • Improve Garage Door Performance – This means no more sticking or struggling to open or close the door, which will make entering and leaving your home a much smoother and more reliable experience.
  • Prolong Your Garage Door’s Lifespan – This ensures that you won’t have to replace your entire garage door due to an easily preventable issue down the line.
  • Save Money – By catching any issues early on and having them addressed, you will avoid having to replace costly components or an entire garage door due to neglecting regular maintenance. You may also prevent the untimely failure of worn components which often happens at the most inconvenient moment resulting in expensive emergency service.

A garage door tune-up is a necessary part of home maintenance that should not be overlooked. A well-maintained garage door will not only improve the look and feel of your home, but it can also provide a layer of security.

Signs That Your Garage Door Needs a Tune-Up

Your garage door is a complex system of parts that work together to open and close your garage. It’s not surprising then that it needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and safely.

Here are some signs that your garage door may need a tune-up:

  • Unusual Noises – If you hear any strange noises coming from your garage door while it is operating, this could be an indication of a problem with one or more of the components. Common sounds include grinding, rattling, and squeaking.
  • Slow Response Time – If it takes longer than usual for your garage door to open or close, this could mean that some of the parts have worn out and need replacing.
  • Uneven Movement – If you notice any uneven movement when opening or closing the door, this is likely due to an imbalance in one of the moving parts. This can cause damage over time if left unchecked.
  • Visible Damage – In some cases, you may be able to see visible signs of wear and tear on your garage door. This could include bent, worn or rusting components or loose screws and bolts.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a professional for help. A garage door tune-up can help restore your system to optimal performance.

Invest In Quality Garage Door Services

Keep your garage door functioning right with a tune-up. Regular garage door maintenance ensures that all components are in good shape for many years to come. Maintenance can also save you money on repairs and replacements down the line, making it well worth the price.

Get expert garage door services from The Door House. Our family-owned business has been providing outstanding garage door repair, maintenance, and opener repair & tuning services to the Calgary area for over 25 years. Our team of experts is prepared to take on any job, from general maintenance to full replacements and repairs.

With some of the best prices around, you can rest assured that The Door House will get it done right! Get a free quote by contacting us online or by calling 403-543-6900.

 

 

 

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

6 Maintenance Tips To Help Prolong Your Garage Door’s Life

A garage door can be a significant investment, and it’s only natural that you want to make sure you get the most out of it.

As one of the most used and largest moving parts of your home, keeping it in good condition is essential to maintaining its functionality, safety, and longevity. Like everything else in your home, garage door maintenance should be part of your annual routine.

From ensuring that it’s regularly maintained and serviced to taking care of any minor problems as they arise, here are some essential maintenance tips that can help prolong the life of your garage door.

1. Clean Regularly

It goes without saying that regular cleaning is essential for keeping your garage door looking good as new for years to come. This includes wiping down the door with a damp cloth or spraying it with a hose to remove any dirt or debris.  The primary goal is not only to keep it looking good, but to remove the harsh corrosive substances in the snow melt your vehicle brings into the garage in winter.  Removing this from the bottom 3-4 inches of your door will go a long way to preventing corrosion, as will pushing out any standing water or slush with a floor squeegee.

2. Fix Loose Hardware

The easiest way to maintain your garage door is to make sure that all of its hardware is properly tightened. Over time, screws can become loose or worn out, so it’s important to check them periodically and tighten any that need it.

Loose nuts, bolts, and screws can cause various problems, including the door not opening or closing properly and misalignment. Ideally hardware inspection should be done at least once a year, but more frequently if your area experiences extreme weather conditions.  This primarily involves checking the fasteners on the door hinges to ensure they have not become loose and tightening any that are loose.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Regular lubrication of rollers and hinges is essential to keeping your garage door’s moving parts running smoothly. Lubricant should be applied twice a year to the rollers and each side of each hinge (where they bend).  Applying a small amount of a good quality spray lubricant can help reduce the friction between the parts and keep them from squeaking or sticking. Just make sure that you don’t use too much, as this could cause more harm than good.  Your door will operate much more smoothly and quietly if this simple step is done twice a year.  For our Canadian climate, we recommend lubricating in Fall and hallway through Winter as those cold months are the hardest on garage doors.

4. Check for Rust and Corrosion

If your garage door is made of metal, rust and corrosion can not only cause the door to look unsightly but also weaken its structural integrity, leading to bigger problems down the line.

To prevent rust and corrosion, you should inspect your garage door at least once a year and apply a protective coating if necessary. If you spot any areas that are particularly rusty, you will likely have to sand the corrosion away before priming and painting the area.  Unless removed, rust is very difficult to slow down once it has started.

5. Inspect Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a layer of material that helps protect your garage door from wind and other elements. Over time, this can wear down or become brittle and cracked because of regular exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Inspecting the weatherstripping periodically will help prevent any air leaks and drafts around the door. If necessary, replace any worn-out weatherstripping with new material.

6. Test Safety Features

Garage doors are equipped with safety features, such as force detection sensors and photo eyes, which are designed to detect any object that is blocking the door’s path, preventing it from closing on something or someone.

It’s important to test these safety features so you can be sure they are working properly and your family is safe. If you notice any problems, contact a specialist like The Door House right away for assistance in troubleshooting and repairs.

Extend your garage door’s life today

Just like any mechanical device or machine, garage doors need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Taking the time to inspect all the components of your garage door can help prevent long-term damage and costly repairs.

At The Door House, we believe that preventive maintenance is always better than reactive repair. For more than 25 years, our team of experts have helped homeowners in the Calgary area maintain and prolong the lifespan of their garage doors.

For more information about our services, call us at 403-543-6900 or contact us online to receive a free quote.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

5 Garage Door Makeover Ideas to Brighten Up Your Home

When you think of a garage door, you probably don’t think of it as a feature in your home. Garage doors are often an afterthought when it comes to design and architecture, but they can actually be a great way to add some curb appeal to your house.

Compared to front doors, garage doors are typically larger and more prominent, so they can have a big impact on the look of your home. With a few tweaks, you can transform your garage door from an eyesore into a design element.

If you’re thinking of giving your garage door a makeover, here are some ideas to get you started.

Paint it a bright color (or two)

Most garage doors are either white or beige.. But there’s no rule that says your garage door has to blend in with the rest of your house.

Painting your garage door a rich color like black, dark grey or even red or orange can really make it stand out and add some personality to your home. You could even give it a fresh coat of paint in two colors for a more playful look.  If you have a steel door be careful painting it a dark color as that may void the manufacturer’s warranty.  Dark finishes from the factory use specially formulated paints designed to stay much cooler in direct sunlight than normal paint finishes.

If you’re not sure what color to paint your garage door, look at the other colors in your house and find something that complements them.

Upgrade your material

If your garage door is made from wood or steel like most, you’re not limited to those materials for your makeover. There are now garage doors made from aluminum, fiberglass, and composites.

Some of these materials are more durable than others and can better withstand elements such as wind, rain, and sun. For example, aluminum doors won’t rust, warp, or rot like wood or steel doors will, so they’re a good choice if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

When choosing a new material for your garage door, consider both the look you’re going for and the practicality of the material.

Try a different style

Just because your garage door is functional doesn’t mean it can’t also be stylish. There are various of different styles to choose from, so you can find one that fits the overall look of your home.

More traditional styles include raised-panel doors and carriage-style doors. If you want something with a more modern and minimalist look, there are also flat-panel doors and glass garage doors. Or if you want something unique, there are even doors that resemble barn doors or French doors.

Upgrade your electric opener

Automatic garage door openers have become standard these days as they’re more convenient and easier to use than their manually operated doors. They can even help improve the security of your home since newer models are much more secure than older openers and can be connected to your home security system.  Many newer openers are also designed to be very quiet unlike the basic loud chain driven models.

Not only will an automatic garage door make your life easier, but it can also add a touch of luxury to your home.

Install some hardware

Garage doors are usually pretty plain, but you can dress them up with some decorative hardware. Adding handles or hinges in a contrasting color can give your garage door a more finished and sophisticated look. You could also try installing lights on either side of the door or on the ceiling above it.

If you really want to go all out, you could even add faux windows to your garage door to make it look more like a front door. They can be made from plexiglass, stained glass, or any other type of transparent material.

Freshen up your garage door today

More people are starting to see their garage door as more than just a functional element of their home. From giving it a fresh coat of paint to adding some new hardware, there are plenty of ways to make your garage door stand out from the rest.

If you’re thinking of giving your home a facelift, try out some of these garage door makeover ideas to enhance your home’s curb appeal. For more than 35 years, our team of experts at The Door House have helped homeowners in the Calgary area choose the right garage door for their style and budget.

For more information about our services, call us at 403-543-6900 or contact us online to receive a free quote.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Should You Buy Faux Wooden Garage Doors?

Wooden doors are considered both charming and practical by many homeowners. They offer a warm, inviting appearance to guests while providing adequate protection to your home. Wooden doors can be expensive and difficult to maintain, especially when they are south facing exposed to the harsh UV from the sun.  If not kept properly sealed the wood can swell up, crack and pieces may break off due to UV exposure and water penetration.   A south-facing wood door typically will require re-finishing every year, while a north-facing door may only require a new coat of finish every 5 or 6 years.

So, what’s the solution? Faux wood garage doors! These doors are made to look like wood but they’re actually made of steel, aluminium, or fiberglass. This means they won’t rot, warp, or crack in extreme weather conditions. They’re also easier to clean than real wood doors; simply wipe them down with a damp cloth when they get dirty.

If you’re considering faux wood garage doors for your home, read on for more information about the pros and cons of these products.

What Are Faux Wooden Garage Doors?

You can purchase doors in just about any material these days, from steel to fiberglass to wood. Faux wooden doors are incredibly popular – especially doors that look highly convincing.

We can trace faux wood back to the French Renaissance, when artists began painting ‘faux bois’ or ‘false wood’. This painting technique was used to create the illusion of wood grain on surfaces that weren’t actually made of wood.

Nowadays, faux wood is more likely to be used in products like garage doors where it can serve a functional purpose. Faux wood garage doors are made from steel, aluminium, or fiberglass and then given a wood grain finish. This gives them the appearance of real wood but with added durability.

Why Can’t I Use Real Wood?

Although faux wood is incredibly popular, real wood is still used throughout the home – in particular, for interior doors and entrance doors. So why not use real wood for your garage doors?

There are a few reasons:

  • Wood is more expensive. A garage door is a large, thick piece of material. This means that it would be very expensive to purchase a garage door made entirely of stain-grade wood.
  • Wood is more difficult to maintain. Wooden doors require regular sealing, staining, and repainting in order to keep them looking their best.
  • Garage doors are exposed to the elements. Your garage door is constantly exposed to the sun, rain, and wind – so it’s best to use a material that can withstand these conditions without deteriorating.

Keep in mind, too, that garage doors are constantly opening and closing. Even the most well-made wooden door is going to suffer from wear and tear over time; not to mention, the heavy wood can cause the raising and lowering mechanics to wear out more quickly.

Different Types of Faux Wooden Doors

There are two types of faux wood doors: those made with a wood composite, and those made with a steel or aluminium.

Wood composites are made from wood fiber that’s bound together with adhesives, or very dense polyurethane foam, poured into moulds created from real pieces of wood.  This gives these products a more realistic wood look than doors made with steel or aluminium, but they’re also much more expensive. Most manufacturers of composite doors require re-sealing of the exterior every 2-3 years to keep the warranty intact.

Doors made with steel or aluminium have a simulated stained finish which means it has been printed/painted with a wood grain design that mimics the colour variance found in stained wood. While the look is potentially less convincing than wood composites, these products are much more affordable. Some manufacturer’s doors in this category look much more like real wood than other others.  To avoid disappointment, we highly recommended you see a whole door and not just rely on small samples or brochures when making your decision.  It is literally impossible to tell the difference between a great-looking wood finish and a very fake looking wood finish by looking at small samples or brochures as some manufacturers have great-looking images of not so great looking doors.

Steel and aluminium also have the advantage of being the lowest maintenance and longest-lasting material. Most manufacturers of these products offer lifetime warranties on the door sections as well as the paint finish with little to no maintenance required to maintain the finish.

How To Choose The Right Faux Wooden Garage Door

Garage doors are an investment; they can cost anywhere between $1200 and $15,000, and sometimes even more. That’s why it’s important to choose a door that will not only look good, but also stand the test of time.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a faux wooden garage door:

  • The overall style of your home: You want a door that complements the rest of your house. If you have a modern home, for example, you might want a sleek, minimalistic garage door. A more traditional home would look best with a door that has more ornate features.
  • The climate: Do you live in an area with extreme weather conditions? In that case, you’ll want a door that can withstand high winds, heavy rain, or snow.
  • The size of your garage: Make sure to measure your garage before you buy a door. You don’t want to end up with a door that’s too big or too small for the space.
  • Your budget: Faux wood doors can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that some of the cheaper doors are great looking and can be as or more durable than the more expensive composite ones, with less maintenance required.

Looking for expert guidance on which door to choose? Here at The Door House, we’re ready to help. Give us a call or email us today!

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

My Garage Door Reverses Before Touching The Floor

Garages are a great addition to any home, as not only do they provide parking for your car, but they can also be used for storage, working on projects, and more.

So, when you encounter problems, such as when the garage door reverses before touching the floor, it can be quite annoying.  Often the issue can be fixed when you are aware of the most common causes that we will discuss in this article. Knowing possible causes will be key to understanding how to fix your garage door.

Why Does My Garage Door Reverse Before Touching The Floor?

Keeping your garage secure and warm in the winter and cool in the summer is made possible by your garage door, so making sure it is operating properly is essential.

Listed below are some common reasons your garage door may be reversing before hitting the ground:

Safety Eyes Are Misaligned Or Something Is Blocking Them

The safety eyes are about 6” from the floor on each side by the tracks.  The sending eye sends an invisible beam of light to the receiving eye.  If the receiving eye does not receive the signal the opener will not close the door for safety reasons because it is designed to assume there is something blocking the light and it’s not safe to close the door.  Sometimes, the door itself can block the signal as it is almost closed.  This is typically caused by something on the door sticking in too far and blocking the signal from the safety eyes.  It can also happen if the eyes are out of alignment and pointing slightly “outside” the garage opening in which case straightening the eyes should solve the issue.

Close-Force Setting Needs Adjusting

The close-force setting may need to be adjusted if the garage door reverses before hitting the floor. Usually, garage door openers have an adjustment screw for fine-tuning the amount of pressure or resistance the electric opener can “feel” before the safety sensor will stop and reverse the door to open it again.

The reasoning behind this is that friction between the door rollers and the tracks may be misleading the door opener into believing the door has reached the ground.

If this is the problem, decreasing the sensitivity on the door opener can solve the problem.  Before making any adjustments to the force settings, it is critical to first pull the emergency disconnect rope and lift and lower the door by hand to see if it requires an unusual amount of force to operate.  If it opens and closes easily by hand you are likely safe to decrease the sensitivity of the opener which will likely solve the problem.  If the door is difficult to lift or lower by hand do not try to solve the problem by adjusting the sensitivity on the opener.  Doing so can cause damage to the door and/or opener and create an unsafe situation.  If the door is not operating easily by hand you should definitely call a garage door professional to service the door.

Logic Board Needs Replacing

If your garage door opener is not responding or working properly, the logic board may need to be replaced. The logic board is a small circuit board that controls all the functions of the garage door opener.  If your garage door’s travel module wears out and is no longer able to transmit the garage door’s position to the logic board, your garage door may reverse, and suddenly close or open without warning.

When it fails, it can cause the opener to not work at all or to work intermittently. The logic board is usually located in the motor head of the garage door opener and can be replaced without having to replace the entire opener.

The Garage Door Is Binding

Garage doors that bind can cause severe restrictions preventing it from moving properly. Not only do they prevent the door from fully closing and reversing, but they can also be dangerous if left untreated or handled carelessly.

There are a few different things that can cause a garage door to bind, with the most common culprit being an obstruction in the track, such as a piece of debris, a build-up of ice or a bend in the track itself.  If this is the case,  you may be able to clear the obstruction yourself.  If you are unable to see an obvious obstruction you will likely need to call a Pro for help.

Get in touch with Calgary’s Garage Door Experts

In case you’re still having issues, or if you want a professional garage door technician to check your garage door issues from the get-go, it’s best to contact the experts from Door House. Get in touch with us today at 403-543-6900 or contact us online to receive a free quote on any of our services.

 

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Why Invest In A New Garage Door

When it comes to improving your home, you want to make sure that the investment you make will last for years to come. That’s why investing in a new garage door is such a smart choice. Since the garage door makes up a large portion of the front of most homes, it can have a huge impact on the curb appeal for a relatively small investment.  In fact, garage door replacement consistently ranks #1 or #2 for renovations with the biggest return on investment.  Not only will it add value to your home, but it will also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your family is safe and secure.

Garage doors are one of the most important investments you can make for your home. They provide security and peace of mind as well as add value to your home. If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, consider investing in a new garage door.

To help you make the best decision for your home, we’ve put together a list of reasons investing in a new garage door is a great idea and these are some of them:

Safety and Security

One of the most important reasons you should invest in a new garage door is for the safety and security of your family. An old or outdated garage door can be easy to break into, leaving your home vulnerable to intruders. A new garage door will allow you to sleep well at night since you know that your family is safe and secure.

Value

Another reason to invest in a new garage door is for the value it will add to your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, a new garage door will be a selling point for potential buyers. They will see that you’ve made a valuable investment in your home and that you’ve taken care of it well.

Curb Appeal

If you’re looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, a new garage door is a great way to do it. There are so many different styles and colors to choose from, so you can find one that fits the look of your home perfectly. A new garage door can really make your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Energy Efficiency

One of the best reasons to invest in a new garage door is for the energy efficiency it will provide. Older garage doors are not as energy efficient as newer ones, so you could be paying more than you need to in heating and cooling costs. A new garage door will help you save money on your energy bills by insulating your home properly.

 Functionality

If your garage door is old or outdated, it might not be functioning properly. This can be a safety hazard and it can also be frustrating. A new garage door will be reliable and easy to use, so you can rest assured knowing that your family is safe. These are just a few of the reasons investing in a new garage door is such a smart choice.

If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, consider a new garage door. It’s an investment that will last for years to come and it will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your family is safe.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many great reasons to invest in a new garage door. If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, consider investing in this part of your property. It’s a great way to add value to your home and give you the peace of mind you need to relax and enjoy life without worrying about your and your household’s safety.

Contact The Door House to learn more about garage doors and to find the perfect one for your home. Door House is a family-owned business that has been helping homeowners improve their homes for over 35 years. They offer a wide selection of garage doors, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home. Visit their website here to learn more!

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

Why is my Garage Opener Light Blinking

You may have noticed that your garage openers’ lights are blinking and wondered what it meant. There are a few different things that could be causing this issue.

 

Here, we’ll explore the most common reasons for a garage opener light to blink and what you can do about it.

 

Why is my garage opener light blinking?

If your garage opener light is blinking, it could be for a variety of reasons. Most likely, the issue has to do with the safety sensors. These sensors are responsible for making sure that there is nothing in the way of the door as it’s closing.

 

If the sensors aren’t working correctly, are not properly aligned, or are blocked the opener’s main lights will flash, and the door will refuse to close. In some cases, you might be able to fix the issue yourself by realigning the sensors so they are pointing directly at each other again.

 

However, in other cases, you might need to hire an expert to repair the opener’s wiring. Either way, it’s crucial to identify the cause of the problem to avoid any future issues.

 

What do the different number of flashes mean on a garage door?

When you press the button on your garage door remote control, a small led light will flash to indicate that the opener is receiving the signal. But what does it mean if that light flashes one, two, three, or four or more times?

 

Depending on the brand of the opener, the number of flashes can indicate different things. But for the most part, the diagnostic is similar for most garage opener brands.

 

  • A single flash generally means an issue with the sensor wire, such as being open, broken, or disconnected.

 

  • Two flashes typically mean that either the sensor wire is shorted or the black and white wires are inverted. In both instances, the safety eyes will not glow continuously. You should therefore examine the wire for any staples or improper wiring.

 

  • Three flashes usually indicate a shorted door control or wire.

 

  • The misalignment of the sensor eyes is typically the most common cause of your opener’s lights flashing four times.

 

  • If the light is flashing five times, the motor may be overheated and needs to be cooled down.

 

  • Six flashes indicate a complete motor circuit failure, which will need to be repaired by a professional.

 

By understanding what each number of flashes means, you can quickly diagnose and fix any issues with your garage door opener.

 

Final thoughts

If you’re still having issues, it’s best to get the problem diagnosed by a skilled garage door technician from Door House. We will be able to quickly identify the issue and get your door opener working like new again.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include:

My Garage Door Doesn’t Open All the Way, What Do I Do?

There are few things as inconvenient as your garage door not opening all the way. Not only does it prevent you from entering and exiting your garage, but it also makes it harder for you to access anything else you have stored In there. Nevertheless, it’s not the end of the world and here’s what to do if your garage door doesn’t open.

Check Your Garage Door Remote

Oftentimes, it’s the little things that cause us the most grief. So, if you’re clicking your garage door remote and nothing happens, it’s always a good idea to start from there. Something as simple as a dead battery could prevent you from opening your garage door. Moreover, you may be out of range, the signal could be blocked, other devices could be interfering, or the antenna might be damaged. Test your garage door with a fresh battery, and make sure your antenna is clearly visible and does not appear damaged.

Some garage door remotes can even be reset or reprogrammed electronically, so follow your garage door opener’s manual to find out how to do this. Also, if you installed any new wireless devices in your home or around your garage door opener, try turning them off to ensure they’re not interfering with your garage door opener’s signal. Some LED light bulbs can create interference so try unscrewing or changing the bulb to see if it helps.

Check for Broken Torsion Springs

Broken Torsion SpringsBroken garage door torsion springs are one of the most common reasons garage door repair companies are called out.  Take a look at the springs to see if one of them is broken (split in two pieces).  On most doors you can see the springs about a foot above the door in the centre.  If the spring is broken, you will need to call a professional for replacement.  Springs are under extreme tension and are very dangerous to work with without the proper tools and knowledge.  Broken torsion springs are not something to be taken lightly, and you should never attempt to fix or replace them alone. Always get in touch with a professional for any repairs involving springs or lift cables as they are under extreme tension.

Check Your Garage Door Balance

If your spring is not broken and your garage door won’t open all the way, it may not be balanced properly. Checking the garage door balance is relatively simple.  All you need to do is pull the emergency release cord to disconnect it from the garage door opener. Once disconnected, gently try and lift the garage door by hand, lift it all the way and gently lower it.  The door should lift and lower easily without much effort.  If it is very difficult to lift or lower, it’s usually a sign the door will need a spring adjustment or that the door is binding.  In either case it’s best to call a pro.

Check and Adjust Limit Sensitivity

Your garage door’s limit settings determine how far your garage door opener moves the door and how much force is used to fully open and close your garage door. If your garage door sensitivity is set too low, it could cause your garage door to malfunction and not work as it should. Despite this being a regular maintenance item, your garage door sensitivity may need the occasional tune-up between services.

Before adjusting anything on the opener be sure to follow the instructions above on checking for a broken spring and checking the garage door balance.  Do not adjust the sensitivity on the electric opener if the door is poorly balanced.  While doing this might get the door working, a poorly balanced door can strip out the gears in electric openers within days or weeks.  If the door is balanced, see your garage door manual for more information on how to set the sensitivity and adjust your door’s travel or force limit. If you’re not confident in adjusting these settings yourself, reach out to a qualified garage door professional.

 

Reach Out to Calgary’s Garage Door Specialists

If you’ve followed all the above steps and still haven’t managed to get your garage door to open all the way, or simply need a bit of extra help to get your garage door back into ship shape, get in touch with The Door House today at 403-543-6900 or contact us online for a free quote on any of our services.

  • Residential Garage Doors
  • Door openers
  • services offered

About Us

As a family owned and run business for over 20 years, we have always strived to meet and exceed customer expectations and our online reviews prove it. We love happy customers! Our staff is experienced, professional, polite and work quickly. Above all, we commit to honesty in our dealings with every customer. Our evaluation of your needs will be based on what is best for you – not us. No “running the bill” with unnecessary items.

"YOUR TIME IS OUR PRIORITY"
We know your time is valuable so we will schedule your appointment to within a ½ hour so there is no need to wait around for hours.

Featured Video

“From affordable garage doors to luxury high end custom garage doors, whatever your budget we can help!”

Client testimonials

Maintenance tips

Helpful Tips For Maintaining Your Garage Door And Opener

Garage

We recommend performing the following inspections every 6 months: Check lift cables and rollers for visible signs of wear (cable fraying, roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets yourself as all of these components are under extreme tension and serious injury can result. Call us if you notice any problems with these items.

Read More

Electric Opener

We recommend performing the following inspections every 3 months for safety reasons. Electric openers are capable of producing significant force when opening or closing your door and if not properly adjusted can cause serious injury or death from being hit or trapped by the moving door.roller bearings loose or sloppy). Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs, cables or bottom roller brackets

Read More
Our respected manufacturers include: