Essential Information on Garage Door Sensors June 30, 2022 by Emily Souliotes Garage door sensors are a great way to keep your property and your family safe and secure. Before calling the professionals to install them, it’s important to understand what garage door sensors are and how they work. Keep reading to get all the nitty-gritty details. Once you’re all caught up on sensors, we’ll help you find luxury garage doors to enhance your San Diego home. What are garage door sensors? Garage door sensors are also called safety beam sensors as safety is their primary purpose. Homeowners are legally required to install them so that all the precautions are taken. These sensors typically use an infrared beam, and they’re typically placed 6-8″ from the ground. How do garage door sensors work? Most sensors work by emitting an invisible light beam across the garage door opening. When the beam is broken, the sensors send a signal to one another. The door will stop and switch directions. Most sensors are adjustable, so you can set them to your desired sensitivity. The beam acts as a threshold, when broken, it stops the door from closing. This way, if something gets in the way, it will not be trapped or crushed. There are also other types of sensors, such as the following: Monitoring sensors Monitoring sensors are usually installed when a home has multiple garage doors. These sensors alert you whenever any of the doors are open. Typically, you can install receivers in your home or download an app to your phone. You should be able to open and close the doors remotely and choose the amount of time after which the door should close automatically. Pressure sensors These sensors are usually installed following the bottom edge of your garage door. If the door comes into contact with an object, the sensors will stop and reverse the door’s motion. Pressure sensors are sensitive to even a low amount of pressure, which makes opening and closing the door much safer. CO2 sensors CO2 sensors monitor CO2 levels to prevent carbon dioxide buildup. If the levels are too high, they will open the door immediately. While these sensors are not as common as the other two, they can bring an extra layer of safety for you and your family. If there’s fire or smoke in your home, you’ll be able to escape safely. Why should I install a garage door sensor? Besides being legally required to have them, there are other reasons why installing sensors is a good idea. Garage door sensors are an important safety feature in your home. With them, you’ll know when there’s any debris or object in the way. You’ll also prevent any accidents from happening to you, your loved ones, or your pets. What should I do if the sensors don’t seem to work? If you’re not sure your sensors are working properly, you can check the small lights (following the given instructions) and see whether the wiring is wet or damaged. It’s best not to try and fix anything on your own, especially not a broken garage door. Call the professionals, explain the problem, and let them take care of it. You can also get recommendations for boosting your door’s lifespan. Where can I find luxury garage doors in San Diego? If you’d like your safety to come with a touch of luxury, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego is at your service. We have over seven decades of experience following our customer-oriented approach, striving to provide homeowners with unique and high-quality doors. From design and installation to maintenance and services, you can count on our team of trained professionals. Whether you live in Balboa Park or elsewhere in San Diego, give us a call and let us spruce up your home!
5 Garage Door Safety Tips June 30, 2022 by Emily Souliotes Garage door installation and maintenance can be tricky, so it’s essential to be done by a professional to make sure your door and garage are secure. There are also certain things to keep in mind so that you feel safe using them. For your peace of mind, check out our safety tips. You may also want to revamp your garage and get a luxury wood garage door for your San Diego home. Keep reading! How to enhance the safety of my garage door? Garage door safety is a serious concern for many homeowners. You don’t want to wait for an accident to happen if there are simple precautions you can take to avoid any mishaps. Here are our tips to help you use your garage in a safe manner: Keep your garage door locked One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your garage safety is to keep the door locked when not in use. This way, you won’t have to worry about someone or something getting trapped. It will also help deter burglars and other intruders from breaking into your home. You can choose a specific time during the day when you can check if the door is closed and locked so you never forget or wonder about it. Never leave kids or pets unattended Leaving your children or pets unattended near a garage door can be dangerous. An adult should always be present just in case. Make sure there’s nothing they can climb on near the garage. Also, you should explain to your children that the garage door opener or the remote are not toys and shouldn’t be touched. Before you open or close the garage, always have a look around and call out for your kids and pets to be sure it’s safe to do it. Keep all obstacles out of the way It’s important to keep all obstacles out of the garage’s way so that the door can open and close safely. One way to do this is to install a safety gate at the entrance to the garage. This will help keep children and pets from entering the garage without permission. It will also prevent people from accidentally getting injured by the door. Another way to remove obstacles is to practice caution when parking your car in the driveway. Make sure that you leave enough room for the door to open and close without hitting your vehicle. If there is not enough space, move your car a bit farther until nothing is in the way. It’s also important to remember that tall objects can block the path of the opener beam. Make sure that any large objects, such as bicycles or holiday decorations, are stored away from the path of the beam. This will help ensure that the door opens and closes safely every time. Test and Inspect It’s crucial to test and inspect your door every once in a while to see if everything is working properly. Make sure to check your garage door sensors, the remote, lock, mechanism, springs, etc. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or suspect that your door is broken, let everyone know not to use the garage until you have a professional have a look and fix it if necessary. Schedule maintenance It’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your garage door. This will help ensure that the door is operating safely and efficiently. It will also help prolong the lifespan of the door. The maintenance should include: Keeping the door clean and free of debris. Make sure to remove any leaves, twigs, or other objects from the tracks and rollers. Check the alignment of the door every few months. If it’s out of alignment, it can cause excessive wear and tear on the components. Finally, have your door inspected by a professional. They will be able to identify any problems with the door and recommend necessary repairs. Interested in luxury wood garage doors in San Diego? Look no further! If you want safe and high-quality doors, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego has exactly what you need. We’ll make sure your property in the San Diego area is spruced-up with a cutting-edge garage door. Our experts will bring your the best of both worlds—a touch of luxury and secure & top-of-the-line features. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about what we offer and find your perfect door!
What To Expect During Garage Door Installation May 30, 2022 by Emily Souliotes Getting a new garage door is a major home improvement project. As such, it’s well worth a homeowner’s while to not only hire a reputable garage door service in San Diego, but to also take the time to learn the basics of the installation process. This helps ensure your installation is done correctly and makes it less likely that key issues will go unnoticed. So what can you expect from a professional garage door installation? Keep reading for a full walkthrough of the professional installation process. Is it hard to install a garage door? A garage door is a large, heavy piece of equipment. It’s operated by a system of springs and pulleys that can be dangerous if not installed correctly. In addition, the door must be properly aligned in order to function properly. Garage doors are also subject to wear and tear and may need to be repaired or replaced over time. For these reasons, it is best to leave garage door installation to the professionals. A professional installer will have the experience and expertise to properly install the door and make sure it’s in good working order. While they work, you can use your precious time to unwind at Ruocco Park or to finish your chores. Most importantly, a professional will be familiar with local building codes and will be able to ensure that the door meets all safety requirements. A typical garage door installation includes these steps: Measure the opening First, take accurate measurements of the opening. Your contractor may need to take the old doors off first. This is a crucial step, as a door that is too small will be difficult to open and close, and one that is too large won’t fit properly in the opening. Install the tracks After the springs and opener have been installed, it’s time to install the tracks. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to do it carefully in order to ensure that the door operates smoothly. First, the vertical track is installed at the door’s opening, and then the horizontal track is attached to the ceiling. The tracks should be level with each other and perpendicular to the door opening. Add the rollers Your technicians will have to make sure that the rollers are the correct size for your door. They will likely lubricate the rollers and tracks with WD-40 or a similar product before installing them. This will help to reduce friction and keep the door moving smoothly. Finally, they will tighten the screws securely so that the rollers don’t come loose over time. Hang the sections Your professional will need to start by attaching each section to the door frame with brackets. Once the brackets are in place, he can then attach the section to the door itself. The hardware that your expert will use will vary depending on the type of garage door that you have, but it is typically either a spring system or a series of pulleys and cables. Install the springs Garage door springs help balance the weight of the door and make it easier to lift. There are two types of springs system: torsion springs and extension springs. Garage door springs can be dangerous, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This is one of the main reasons why laypeople who are unfamiliar with the correct procedures and terminology should never attempt to perform a DIY garage door installation. Let’s have a look at the steps: secure the spring to the bracket with a vise or clamp attach the other end of the spring to the center bracket wind the spring using a winding bar until it’s tight attach the spring to the track and release the vise or clamp Who do I call for the most reliable garage door service in San Diego & the surrounding area? If you’ve decided to install a new door, you can’t go wrong by reaching out to Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego. We’ve been providing quality service to our customers for over 77 years, and we’re proud to say that we’re one of the most reputable companies in the business. We offer a wide range of services, including replacement of a dying door, maintenance and installation of a man door, as well as custom door design and installation. We understand that your garage is an important part of your home, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s operating as it should. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and find out why we are one of the leading professionals in garage door repairs.
What Is a Man Door & Why Should You Get One May 30, 2022 by Emily Souliotes You may have noticed that some garages have an exterior smaller door built into the main door. This door, typically referred to as a “man door”, can be used to enter or exit the garage. There are many advantages of the man door, but before you decide to hire specialists in garage door repair in San Diego, CA, to equip your garage with a man door, you need to be well-informed. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the benefits man doors provide so that you can make the best decision for your home. Read on. Why is it called a man door? The term man door might be confusing for some, but it is simply a door within a larger door, big enough for a person to fit through, which is how it got its name. It allows you to enter and exit the garage without having to open the entire garage door. These doors are also common in barns and other large buildings. Man doors provide a number of unique benefits, including: Convenience Perhaps the most important advantage of having a man door is convenience. It can be frustrating to have to open and close a large garage door every time you need to step outside. With a man door, you can simply open the smaller door and go about your business without having to look for the garage door remote or wait for the larger door to open and close. Security This type of door can provide an extra layer of security for your home or business. If your main door is locked, a potential intruder would still need to breach the small door in order to gain entry. This is especially important if you have expensive tools or equipment stored in your garage. Energy efficiency Additionally, man doors can help to improve energy efficiency by preventing drafts and heat loss. During the winter or summer months, you can open them to let in some fresh air without letting all of the warm or cool air out. How much does it cost to put a man door in a garage? Most contractors will provide you with a free price estimate once you give them the necessary information about the type of door you want. Let’s go over some of the factors that need to be considered: Size The first factor is the size of the door. A standard man door is typically 32 inches by 80 inches, but larger or smaller doors are also available. A larger door will usually cost more. Material The second factor is the material. Doors can be made from wood, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, and each material has its own cost. It’s advisable to choose a more durable material that will pay off and last longer. Type The third factor is the type of door. There are doors that open to the side, doors that swing out, and doors that slide open. More complicated models can be a bit pricier. Who’s installing it The fourth factor is the labor cost of the technicians who are carrying out the installation. This installation should be done by an experienced professional, since the process can be unsafe for an amateur. The pros will also be familiar with the relevant safety regulations, especially for automatic doors. Who do I call for expert garage door repair in San Diego, CA & the surrounding area? When it comes to garage door repair and installation in your neighborhood, you can count on the experts at Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego. Whether you live near Balboa Park or on the outskirts of the city, we’re at your service. We have been providing quality garage door services to homeowners in the area for over 77 years, and our team of experienced technicians is here to help you with all of your garage door needs. From repairing barely functional doors to installing completely new ones, we can handle it all. We also offer a wide selection of garage & man doors to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to complement your home. If you need expert garage door repair and installation, call us today!
The Essential Glossary of Garage Door Terms & Definitions April 29, 2022 by Emily Souliotes Garage doors are a major part of the average house in San Diego that contributes greatly to its functionality, security, and curb appeal. While most work on a door should be left to a professional garage door service, it’s still well worth the homeowners’ while to take the time to learn what makes their doors tick. In this article, we’ll help homeowners get a better understanding of their doors by providing a short glossary of terms and definitions that are commonly used in the context of garage doors. Read on. What are the names of the garage door parts? Like most other industries, garage door manufacturers and installers have their own unique lingo. Here’s a quick list of commonly used terms: Astragal. The bottom weather-stripping on a garage door. Bottom brackets. These are attached to both sides of the door. They’re what holds the lifting cables. Bracket-mounted track. These vertical tracks are installed onto the doorjamb. Backroom. The space between the door and the back of the horizontal track. Clearance. How much sideroom, backroom, and headroom is needed for the garage door to be installed correctly. Cables. The long wires that connect the bottom bracket to the counterbalance mechanism. Cable drums. The wheel-like components that cables are wound about. Cycle. This is what a full opening and closing of a garage door is called. Door frame refers to the side vertical pieces and the horizontal header. Dead load. How much load the door exerts when it’s not moving. Double-thick glass. This glass is about one eighth of an inch thick and not as heavy as plate glass. Duplex spring denotes a duo of torsion springs. Torsion & extension springs are what produces the lifting force a door needs in order to open. Flag bracket is what connects the horizontal and vertical tracks. Galvanizing. This is what makes steel doors resistant to rusting. Opener. The remote-controlled motor that closes and opens a garage door. Man door. A regular door that’s built into a garage door to enable people to go in and out without having to open the entire garage door. High-cycle springs. These springs can withstand a greater number of cycles and therefore have a longer service life. Horizontal track. This track is installed parallel to the ceiling and serves to guide the door during motion. Jambs. The vertical components of a garage door frame. Jamb seal refers to weather stripping that’s installed around the door jamb. Overhead garage door. A type of garage door that uses hinged sections, which enables it to move up and down its track. Photo sensors are a safety feature that prevent a door from colliding with an object that’s underneath it. Roller assembly. Includes a wheel and an axle, and serves to guide the door along the track. Rollers. This is what the wheels within the roller assembly are called. Rear track hangers are what keeps the horizontal track firmly attached to the ceiling. Shaft bearings. These bearings are what holds the weight of the door and its counterbalance system. Sectional garage doors are made of multiple sections that are attached with hinges. Spring assembly. The components that make up the counterbalance assembly. Tracks. These rails guide the roller assembly and are what the garage door slides along when opening or closing. Winding cone. What the torsion spring wounds around. Wind load. How much force the wind exerts when it blows into a closed door. Where in San Diego & the area can I book an expert garage door service? Looking to replace a dying garage door at your home in Navajo? Or perhaps you’re planning to invest in a new garage door opener and recycle the old one? Here at Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego, we can assist you with all that and more. With over seven decades of industry experience, we’re superbly positioned to meet your every garage door need in Southern California. Give us a call today.
4 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Is at the End of Its Life April 29, 2022 by Emily Souliotes Modern garage doors are incredibly durable devices. Despite being constantly exposed to the elements and withstanding daily use for years and decades on end, the average unit in San Diego, CA, should still easily last 15-20 years without requiring major garage door repair, provided that it receives annual maintenance. That being said, even the most rugged door will eventually become too worn down to fix. Knowing how to tell when your unit is at the end of its life will help you prepare you for a new garage door installation in the near future and start budgeting accordingly. In the following article, we’ll help you do just that by taking a look at 4 common signs of a failing garage door. Read on. How do I know if my garage door is going bad? Knowing how to tell when your garage door is on its way out is important not only for financial reasons, but to ensure your and your family’s safety as well. A malfunctioning door may pose a security risk that criminals could exploit to get inside your home. An old and worn down door may even fall and crush whatever or whoever is underneath it. Here are 4 telltale signs that your door is way past its prime: 1. It’s noisy While most garage doors aren’t built to be especially quiet, they also shouldn’t let out loud rattling, screeching, or banging noises during use. In some cases, this issue can be addressed by cleaning and lubing up the components that are producing these sounds. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely that your door has bigger problems to contend with. 2. It’s breaking down all the time Mechanical devices that are nearing or are past the end of their life tend to fail more often and require frequent repairs. Constant service calls, labor, and parts tend to cost a lot more in the long run than just paying upfront for a replacement, and that’s not even factoring in the frustration and inconvenience of having to deal with a malfunctioning garage door. 3. It has slowed down Significant wear on the opener motor, springs, cables, and other components will eventually cause your garage door to open more slowly or may even be unable to fully open at all. If the door is made of wood, moisture buildup within the wood can also increase its weight and contribute to the problem. 4. It’s not energy-efficient Over time, bottom seals, weather strips, sealing joints, and other parts of a garage door that are designed to contribute to the insulative qualities of your home will become worn down. This will not only make your house feel warmer in summer and colder in winter, but can also drive up your heating and cooling bills. While this problem can be somewhat addressed by refreshing the insulation in your home, it’s not nearly as effective of a solution as simply installing a modern, energy-efficient door. Who in San Diego, CA & the vicinity carries out professional garage door repair? Looking to enhance your property in Clairemont with a state-of-the-art garage door? Maybe you’d like to add a man door to your existing garage door? Whatever your needs may be, you can rest assured that Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego can meet them with utmost efficiency and professionalism. With a tradition that spans more than 80 years, we are your go-to option for all things related to garage doors. Reach out to us today.
