Temperatures are dropping. Snow is falling. And it’s only a matter of time before we begin to see ice set in for the season. As a Winter enthusiast, the weather can be beautiful! But as a homeowner, you’ll want to watch out for ways the winter weather can affect your garage. Luckily, there are also actions you can take to prevent ice and snow from damaging your garage door. 

Can Ice and Snow Damage Your Garage Door?

The short answer – yes! Once your car is safely stored inside, you may not give much thought to how the weather outside can still affect other assets of your home. Specifically, your garage door. Below are just a few of the ways ice and snow can damage your garage door, and how you can prevent it.

Garage Frames and Springs

You’re not the only one feeling the chill! Your garage door parts and mechanisms are also feeling those super low temps. The snowy and icy conditions can cause garage door frames to contract, while springs begin to lose their strength. In fact, broken springs are the most common issues homeowners face during the winter season. Having an insulated garage door and climate controlled interior can help battle the effects of freezing temperatures.

The Garage Door Itself

Most of us still open and close our garage doors throughout the Winter season. If snow has accumulated on your garage door while it is open, you must clear it away before closing it again. Otherwise, you run the risk of the door not fully closing or the weight of the snow damaging the door. Furthermore, water and snow can easily accumulate at the bottom of your garage door, causing it to freeze. If you find yourself with a frozen garage door, try to scrape the ice underneath, pour hot water, or use a small space heater to melt the ice. Avoid a frozen garage door by sweeping snow, ice, and water away from the base of your garage door.

How To Prevent Ice And Snow Damage

The best way to keep your garage door running smoothly all year-round is to properly inspect and maintain its components! It’s recommended to check your garage door every three months by disconnecting the door opener and operating the door manually a few times. You can also invest in a weather resistant door that is built to withstand the effects of snow, ice and freezing temperatures.

Adam’s Door Systems has the expertise to figure out your winter garage door woes and provide you with affordable solutions. Contact us today! We can be reached at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto). 

Automatic garage door openers are a wonderful convenience. However, they can also serve as a weak link in your garage, and homes, security. How can you improve your garage door security and safety, without compromising modern day ease? Read on for our top tips to improve your garage door security.

Install A Wireless Keypad

Those tiny remotes that come with your garage door opener can easily be misplaced. Or even taken. To open your garage door without fear of someone getting their hands on your remote, you may want to consider installing a wireless keypad. Simply be careful who has the code, and you can rest easy knowing your garage door is safe and secure.

Secure The Entry Door To The House

Most of us have a door leading from the garage into the house. To ensure the safety of your home, keep this door locked at all times. This especially comes in handy if you forget to close the door on your way out.

Connect Your Garage Door Opener To An App

Today’s technology has opened the door of possibilities. Forget to close your garage door? You can close it from your phone! You can even program the app to send you a notification when the door is being opened or shut, as well as attach cameras to get a real life view. Literally keeping the security and safety of your garage door in the palm of your hand.

Opt For A Keychain Remote

Clip-on remotes that connect to your garage door opener are an easy target for potential thieves. All they need to do is swipe the remote from your car and voila! Easy access. Luckily, manufacturers now have smaller, portable garage door openers. Like ones that can easily attach to your keychain. So you can keep your remote on you at all times.

Interested in learning about the new security features of garage door openers? We’re here to help! Contact us today at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).

As one of the most frequently used assets in your home, your garage door is bound to experience the effects of every day wear and tear. As a homeowner, it is important not to overlook these effects which, when ignored, can lead to costly damages or even injury. To help you know when it may be time to call a professional, we’ve put together the top 5 warning signs your garage door needs repair.

Your Garage Door Sounds Like It’s Playing A Symphony

Squeaking, scraping, and rattling – oh my! If your garage door is making a lot of noise when operating, there is a definite need for maintenance and, in some cases, repair. Squeaking sounds indicate the door mechanisms need lubrication, rattling sounds mean some parts may be loose, and popping noises are a surefire sign of a torsion spring issue. You should also keep your ears open for grinding or banging. And when in doubt, call a pro to come check it out.

Things Are Getting Off Track

After a while, your garage door may become dislodged from the tracks or rollers. Or perhaps there is some debris preventing the door from operating effectively. This can lead to opening unevenly or even malfunctioning halfway through. If no debris is present, your garage door is definitely in need of repair. This garage door repair should be handled as soon as possible to avoid injuries.

Your Garage Door Is Sagging

In this case, sagging is not the result of gravity but likely due to a pulley falling out of alignment. If your garage door appears to be sagging, a professional can perform a manual balance test to determine what is going on. 

Slow Response 

Ideally, it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds to open or close the garage door once you press the opener. If you notice that your garage door takes any longer than that, it’s time for an inspection to determine the necessary repair. Remember that when your garage door is in operation, the movement should be smooth. Any delays or “jerks” should be attended to.

Just like our homes require regular inspection and repair, garage doors also require inspection and repairs whenever necessary. Through regular inspections and repairs, you can dodge any potential problems that cause extreme consequences, such as severe home injuries. Need assistance repairing or replacing your garage door? We can be reached at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).

When it comes to choosing a garage door opener, the different features and options can seem endless. Which is why it is important to distinguish which features matter the most when it comes to choosing a safe and reliable garage door opener. In this article we will review what you should look for in a garage door opener and how those features will benefit both you and your home.

Safety Features

The first, and most important feature to consider when looking for a garage door opener is safety. Making sure your garage door opener has the standard Automatic Reversing feature will help decrease the chance of any accidents; this feature will automatically switch the direction of the garage door any time it encounters an unexpected obstacle. Sensors placed at the bottom of the door are also a great option for preventing injuries or damage.

Manual Release

Garage door openers are a wonderful modern convenience! But you may still need to manually open your garage door from time to time, especially in the event of a power loss. This is why having a garage door opener with the Manual Release feature is critical. Manually opening your garage door is also a wonderful way to check for sagging.

Horsepower Needs

It’s important to know which level or horsepower you will need so you are not wasting energy or overworking your garage door opener. The newer and standard garage door openers use 1/2 horsepower. Older doors, which were constructed of solid wood, are heavier and would require a higher level of horsepower.

Type of Opener

You will need to decide whether you would like a chain-driven, belt-driven, or screw drive garage door opener. 

• Chain-driven garage door openers are more affordable and stronger than their belt-driven counterparts. Their durability will extend the life of your opener, and their strength guarantees your garage door will open consistently.
• Belt-driven garage door openers are ideal if you are looking for an opener that makes less noise and movement. The convenience of a quieter mechanism, however, comes with a cost and they tend to be pricier than a chain-driven opener.
• Screw-Drive garage door openers use a different approach to lifting the garage door, and are faster and more reliable than chain and belt-driven openers. However, screw drive garage door openers require more maintenance and are not suitable for heavy doors found in older homes.

Don’t forget to consider some of the more enjoyable features, too – like an opener that can be controlled from your smartphone! No matter which garage door opener you decide to purchase, ensuring the functionality and safety of your opener relies on a quality installation job. If you are looking to install or replace your garage door opener, contact our trusted professional team at 1-888-602-6550.