Should You Get a SMART Garage Door?

Clearly, the most popular garage door innovation nowadays is the smart garage door opener. But, if you already have a well-functioning remote garage door controller, why should you switch to another one? How do Wi-Fi-controlled garage doors differ from those you currently use?

If you’re truly passionate about smart homes in Carlsbad, contact a professional garage door repair service to discover how smart garage door openers can further automate your place for a more convenient lifestyle. 

However, if you want to find out more about it right away, check out why this technology is worth investing in!

What is a smart garage door?

With a garage door opener, you can simply press a button and open your garage door. Smart garage openers go one step further by transforming your smartphone into a button. Add WiFi to it, and you’ll receive activity alerts whenever your door opens or closes. Along with that, there are many other features to choose from, for instance, programmable lights and access control.

Can I make my garage door smart?

There’s a way to make the majority of existing garage doors technologically sophisticated, including double and single garage doors. However, depending on your existing opener, you may need to use a different method. Typically, an add-on garage hub can help you install safety sensors on a motorized opener.

Keep in mind you’ll need to replace the opener on old-style motorized units without safety sensors. Alternatively, you could install a motorized smart unit or replace your old “dumb” opener with something more modern.

Is a smart garage door opener worth it?

Using smart garage door openers makes life easier for you. Why? Here are a few reasons:

1. Improved security 

Thanks to your smartphone, you can lock and unlock your door remotely. Additionally, smart cameras are built into some systems that you can view remotely, including those that stream night vision video.

2. Garage doors are never left open

Have you ever left your house and wondered if you closed the garage door? With your smart garage door opener’s app, you’ll receive instant notifications every time you leave the garage door open too long.

3. Open your garage door remotely

If your garage door opener detects your car pulling into the driveway, it may open automatically. This is a great option in situations when someone arrives home without a key or loses it. Instead of sharing access codes, you can open the door wherever you are.

4. Plan your schedule ahead

You can program your smart garage door to open and close automatically when you leave for work and return home, especially when you have an established weekly schedule.

5. Additional features

The following features are now available on some smart garage door openers:

• Detects smoke, fire, or dangerous fumes: You will receive an alert on your phone in case any of these are detected.

• Parking guidance systems: Allow you to park perfectly instead of risking hitting any objects or storage units inside the garage.

• Temperature monitoring: Many smart systems have temperature sensors, letting you know if the garage door is open, whether it’s too hot or cold. 

Where in Carlsbad, CA, can I find experienced garage door repair? 

Over the past 75 years and counting, Radford Garage Doors & Gates has been providing the best garage door tracks, as well as innovative eco-friendly garage solutions to home and business owners across San Diego County. You can count on our team of seasoned technicians, trained to equip you with a high-quality door that complies with all regulations, complements your home, as well as providing years of trouble-free service. Give us a call today!

Whether you’re building a new house or looking to rev up an old garage, make sure you install your garage doors correctly – they will not be worth the effort otherwise. In light of that, you may be wondering which garage door track option will work best for your property.

Although hidden, these tracks are the main component of the entire system, ensuring smooth operation for years to come. For this reason, your tracks should be sized appropriately for the weight and dimensions of your door. 

If you have no idea how to pick them on your own, no worries. You’re not alone. With the help of an experienced garage door repair service in Carlsbad, choosing one will be a breeze.

What are the different types of garage door tracks available?

Here are some of the most popular garage door tracks to consider:

1. Standard radius track

Tracks with radiuses of 15 inches are most common, which require 15 inches of headroom to work properly. It’s also possible to go with 20 or 32 inches, however, the curve will take up more headroom. For your motor to work efficiently, you must choose the right combination.

2. Low headroom track

In line with its name, its track radius is under 12 inches. It’s also referred to as a dual track due to its second horizontal track, located above the main horizontal track. The purpose of this mechanism is to move the upper portion of the garage door, so the lower portion can follow smoothly. It works well with taller doors and oversized top sections.

3. Hi-lift track

In the case of higher ceilings, this type is recommended instead of the standard one. With it, the radius curve is standard, but the length of the vertical track is greater. With a smaller horizontal track, there will be less horizontal movement for the door. As a result, garage doors are often positioned vertically when open.

4. Vertical lift track

Unlike the hi-lift, this variant is primarily used in commercial and industrial garages. A vertical track is sufficient for this system, with the door bumping out just enough to fit the opener.  For instance, a door measuring 8 feet tall would require 8′-9″ extra headroom vertically.

5. Roof pitch track

As its name suggests, you can use this type for a roof pitch. Also, you can create a more angled horizontal track by using a standard radius curve, enabling your system to follow the roof more closely.

A note on sliding tracks

Unlike overhead tracks, this door moves to the side. There’s no vertical support for the door, but it’s supported and moved by two horizontal tracks.

The typical garage door track material

Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of modern garage door tracks to ensure superior durability and strength. This way, corrosion won’t be an issue.

In the case of scratches, the galvanized coating layers will peel off, revealing the raw steel underneath. As a result of this being exposed to the elements, rust can develop. Lubricate your garage tracks regularly to avoid this from happening. 

Where can I find the leading garage door repair service in Carlsbad, CA?

Looking for a dependable garage door company to provide your home or place of business in Carlsbad with an attractive and sturdy garage door? Or perhaps you need experienced technicians to fix your door’s problems?

As a leading authority in garage door repair, maintenance, and installation services across the entire San Diego, Radford Garage Doors & Gates will help you choose the latest options for your home, from eco-friendly garage solutions to a high-quality smart garage door and the right garage door tracks. Get in touch with us today and experience the difference!

Building a high-quality and long-lasting eco-friendly garage can really improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your bills, and lower your carbon footprint. It’s also a great way to increase the real estate appeal and value of your property.

You can build a completely sustainable garage in Carlsbad, CA, and the area, or you can choose a reputable garage door repair company and ask them to use eco-friendly materials when installing or upgrading your door. To help you make your garage green, we’ve prepared some quick solutions and long-term project ideas for your peace of mind.

How can I make my garage eco-friendly?

If you want to follow green building and sustainable design criteria when constructing or updating your new garage, you can follow the useful ideas above:

Sufficient insulation and waterproofing

If you want to reduce the energy consumption in your garage, you should make sure it’s properly insulated. If not, your garage will let in cold air that will seep into the home during winter, and cause you to lose cooled air during summer. In either case, poor insulation will cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary.

Line the bottom of your garage door opening

Make sure to use weatherstripping or a garage door threshold seal to keep outdoor weather out. This will ensure the temperature of your garage is closer to your home temperature and you’ll use the HVAC system less. You should also cover any cracks and damage in exterior walls using drywall or eco-friendly cement.

Windows

You can add windows to your garage door or walls. Make sure the windows are clean and all gaps around their edges are sealed and caulked. This way, you’ll use natural light throughout the day, reducing the use of electric lighting. At night, you can use energy-efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescent lamps and LEDs.

Energy-efficient opener

If you have an old garage door opener, you can replace it with a more modern alternative that will consume less energy. These options lead to long-term energy savings while also being quieter and operating more efficiently.

Sustainable and recycled materials

Using recycled materials such as steel when making garage doors is a great way to make your garage greener. If you opt for wood, make sure the supplier follows eco-friendly practices and techniques during the wood harvesting process. The manufacturers you choose should be conscious of the amount of material they use during construction, making sure they minimize waste.

Quality components

If you use high-quality components when building your garage, you’ll improve its lifespan while also making sure you reduce your footprint on the environment. For example, if made of durable material, the garage door will withstand wind, rain, and snow more easily. This means you’ll need to replace them less frequently which reduces the amount of natural resources used to produce new doors.

Where in Carlsbad, CA, and the region can I find a reliable garage door repair company?

Whether you need your old garage door to be properly maintained and repaired, or you’d like to install a whole new system, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego is at your service. With years of experience and reliable hardware, our pros have the expertise necessary to help you choose high-quality garage door tracks or install a long-lasting smart garage door in a hassle-free and swift manner. 

We offer you trendy styles, colors, and materials that will bring your home aesthetics and functionality. Whether you live near Cadencia Park or in the surrounding area, you can rely on our trained and seasoned pros to improve your curb appeal. Call us or request your free quote today!

Garage doors bring unparalleled functionality and aesthetics to each and every home. A high quality door will not only require minimal garage door repair over the years, but will also greatly enhance the curb appeal and real estate value of any property in Carlsbad, CA, and beyond.

Whether you’re planning to build or upgrade your garage door system, we’ve prepared for you a list of garage door trends that are expected to boom and continue booming throughout the year 2023. Keep reading to learn more.

What is the most popular style of garage door in 2023?

If you want to make your curb appeal unique and interesting, make sure you check out the new and fresh garage door styles on the market. The following trends can make your home stand out in 2023:

Custom Stain Grade Wood & Paint Grade Wood

Wood has gained significant popularity in the previous few years and there is no question this material will remain trendy in 2023 as well. Thanks to the diversity of styles and colors you can go for, it’s a great way to add a luxurious appearance to your rustic or classical-style home. This natural material will also ensure your property looks comfortable and cozy on the outside. 

Garage carriage and farmhouse doors

If you want to bring warmth and harmony to your overall curb appeal, garage carriage and farmhouse doors are a perfect choice. These two designs offer a variety of wood colors and styles, as well as a broad array of hardware and window options. You can add rustic charm to your home while also installing a modern overhead garage door opener.

Glass garage doors

People are always adding natural light to their rooms, and a garage is no exception. It makes it more appealing and modern-looking, giving your garage door style a whole new dimension. Whether you opt for windows or the latest trend of full-glass garage doors, this simple change will improve the overall look of your home and add value to your property.

Eco-friendly garage doors

With environmental awareness becoming a must, eco-friendly garage doors continue to be extremely popular among homeowners. These are the doors designed and constructed using recycled and sustainable materials. These largest moving components of a home can also have increased energy efficiency thanks to waterproofing and insulation.

Playing with colors

Warm whites and various shades of black are still popular in the year 2023. You can combine ebony, onyx, and charcoal shade with brown and white colors for a luxurious curb appeal. Another hot trend is combining different shades of one color, such as dark gray with light gray or dark brown with light brown.

What’s a dependable garage door repair company in Carlsbad, CA & the region?

If you need a group of professionals trained to perform reliable and high-quality garage door repairs and installations, along with adding automatic door openers, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego is your go-to company.

The experts we hire are background checked, insured, and bonded for your peace of mind and have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure your doors are properly maintained and last for a long period of time. 

Our pros can help you choose the right type of garage door tracks and install a high-quality smart garage door for you. We make sure we use only reliable methods, quality hardware, and durable materials per the latest industry standards. Whether you’re located near Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park or in the vicinity, give us a call today.

While garage doors are built to be strong and provide protection against weather or unwanted visitors, they do wear over time due to frequent usage and the heavy weight the mechanism supports. However, you can prolong their life with regular maintenance and prompt repairs. 

While there are some things you can do on your own to keep everything operating smoothly, reaching out to a reliable garage door service in Carlsbad and the area is often the best choice. Keep reading to discover all the benefits of hiring professional technicians. 

What are the benefits of garage door services?

It may be appealing to use your skills and tackle an existing issue on your own, but it’s not always the best decision to make due to the complexity of the mechanism and the potential risk of accident. Here’s why it’s a good idea to opt for the pros:

Protection against the accidents

Due to the heavy weight your door mechanism supports and moves up and down, severe consequences may occur and put you and your family at risk in case anything goes wrong. According to statistics, approximately 20,000 injuries related to garage door accidents occur every year. 

If you’re not sure whether you’re able to tackle certain issues on your own, it’s better to play safe and reach out to professionals.

Money and time savings

Not only can dealing with repairs on your own take a lot of time, but it can also lead to further damage, resulting in an even bigger problem that will also cost more to fix. When you reach out to a dedicated company to take care of it, you can rest easy knowing that the experts you’ve hired can solve the problem in the most efficient way.

Experienced and skilled professionals

Without the right experience and skills, a small trouble with your mechanism can turn into a significant and costly venture. Your chains may only need some lubrication, but without proper experience, you may come to a conclusion that they need replacing. 

A worse scenario is that, instead of finding the best solution, you end up doing more damage. The experienced eye of a skilled professional is able to address an issue in a proper way and spot the signs that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Latest equipment and tools

Working with professionals provides you with access to better tools and equipment than you would have as an individual. They have more options in terms of brands and parts than big box stores offer. 

What’s more, many companies have the possibility to purchase parts at a discounted price, so not only would you get the best industry models and brands, but you would also get them at a cheaper rate.

Extended door life

Most experts offer labor and product guarantees or warranties, but even more importantly, professional technicians can prevent problems and extend your door’s life. For instance, a typical homeowner won’t easily notice an unbalanced door which can put a lot of strain on the mechanism over time and lead to bigger and more costly problems. A professional can fix these problems before they turn into bigger ventures. 

Who offers the best garage door service in Carlsbad?

If you’re looking for a durable yet economical door, or you’re wondering how often they need replacement, reach out to Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego. We can enhance your home by installing our custom garage doors without compromising on its value or functionality. From contemporary steel design to traditional wood doors, our showroom offers numerous quality options that can give your property in Carlsbad a unique aesthetic. Call now!

Garage doors are heavy and contain springs and other parts under high tension, so handling these can be risky. Depending on the level of damage or the affected area, you might be able to manage the issue on your own, but calling the pros is always a better choice.

If you’re considering fixing garage doors at your property in Carlsbad on your own, you might be interested in finding out more about the possible solutions and whether it’s safe to deal on your own with the issue in question. Keep reading to find out.

Is it safe to repair a garage door yourself?

We understand you enjoy taking care of your home on your own, but it’s also important to take care of yourself. Recognizing where a DIY solution is possible and when it’s time for the pros to step in can save you time, but also prevent serious injury, among other benefits:

Damaged weather seals and panels

Whether the weather seals are worn and let water and debris in, or there’s been an accident and your panels got damaged, you can try fixing it yourself. With the proper tools, you can replace seals and panels with new products.

Broken drums or cables

Drums and cables are under significant tension, and trying to replace them on your own can lead to life-threatening injury. It takes a skilled technician and proper tools to tend to this issue successfully and with minimized risk of injury.

Malfunctioning opener

The first thing to do when your opener won’t work is to check the batteries in your remote and see if you should replace them. However, if this doesn’t work and your opener still fails to operate, you’ll need to call for professional assistance.

Broken springs

Obviously, springs are under extremely high tension supporting the weight of your heavy door. Attempting to replace or repair them on your own carries a high risk of accident, and you should only rely on experienced professionals to tend to this task.

Loose nuts and bolts

With temperature shifts and prolonged use, your hardware becomes loose. What you can do is tighten the nuts and bolts and see if it fixes the problem. However, if you can’t see any improvement, it may be time for technicians to inspect your mechanism.

Squeaky sound

When you hear a squeaky sound while the mechanism is moving, it’s a sure sign that you need to lubricate certain parts. These include rollers and their hinges, hinges that hold different parts of the door together, as well as springs which you should spray from the top to allow the lubricant to move down to the base.

Uneven motion

If your garage door mechanism doesn’t operate smoothly while opening or closing, there are several reasons behind it. The first step is to check the tracks for any debris and see if the screws need to be tightened. If this doesn’t work, your rollers and springs could be damaged and need replacement, which requires professional repair.

What’s the leading garage doors repair company in Carlsbad?

Whether you’re looking for the most cost-effective garage doors, or not sure if it’s time to replace yours, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego is your company to go to. We offer all products and services in one place, so that we warranty both. 

We take a solution oriented and customer first approach, and always strive for excellence in order to provide quality custom doors that fit different budgets. Whether your home is near the Stagecoach Community Park, or in any other neighborhood, we’ll be pleased to help you. Call us today!