Your car is more than just a means of transportation—it’s a valuable investment. Naturally, you want to shield it from the elements. If you have a garage, why not make the most of it? It’s not just a parking spot; it’s an ideal storage space for tools, gardening equipment, and other items you don’t need cluttering up your home.

Of course, security is paramount. You deserve a sturdy garage door with a reliable lock that’s a breeze to operate. When it comes to installing a new garage door, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Look for a reputable garage door company with a solid track record. Now, you might be wondering: What should you expect during the installation process? Let’s delve into that journey together.

Inspection

Once you’ve chosen a suitable door and opener, the installers will come out to inspect your garage. The techa will measure the door and look over the worksite to determine the best approach to take to complete the job. At this point, you should ask any questions you may have about the cost. An appointment will be made for the installation of your new door.

Preparation

Before the technicians come out to install your new garage door, there are preparation steps you need to take. This will ensure that the techs have room to work and the process goes smoothly.

•   Take your car and any other vehicles out of the garage
•   Clean and declutter the building
•   Pick the location of the opener button
•   If you are having a keypad or console installed, choose where that will go

Once you have completed these steps, your garage will be ready for its new door.

Installation Process

The techs have a procedure they will follow to ensure your new garage door is installed properly. The first step is, of course, removing the old door. It will be disposed of along with its hardware.

The first part that is installed is the drive unit, which moves the door up and down, and the mount for the motor. Next is the track the door moves over and the mounting bracket.

At this point, a beam is place over the door and the motor is mounted securely to the beam and bracket. Now the electrical components are installed. A wall switch is put in and wires run from it to the motor, and to the power source.

Infrared sensors are installed. These will detect obstacles in the path of the door and stop it so no damage is done. All that is left to do now, is to install the door, the opener, and the wall console.

Post Installation

When the installation is complete, the technicians will test the door several times, ensuring that it operates smoothly. They will make any adjustments necessary so that your new door works as it should. If you do discover any problems later, contact the installers to come out to troubleshoot the problem.

The security of a garage is only as good as its door. For a quality door that will be installed expertly, contact Bayside Garage Doors at (813) 670-2087. Our techs have the experience and expertise to do the job properly and install a door that will give you years of good service.

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you have a lot of options and styles to choose from. For example, more homeowners are discovering the benefits of garage door windows. They boost curb appeal, enhance ventilation, and even improve security. The windows can easily transform your home and garage.

Increase Curb Appeal

The right garage door windows can give the exterior of your home more elegance and style. You have the ability to customize them to match the architecture of your home for a cohesive look, too.

If you sell your home, the garage door windows could net you a high return on your investment. Your property also stands out from the crowd.

Make the Garage Feel More Spacious

If you’re in the garage a lot, you would probably appreciate the space feeling roomier. Windows add natural light and the sense of more space to your garage.

Offer Natural Lighting

Sunlight streaming through your garage windows means improved visibility and a brighter interior. You won’t need to turn on the lights as often, and the natural light can boost your mood.

Elevate Security

One misconception about garage door windows is that bystanders will be able to peek into the garage. This is rarely the case. The windows are placed near the top of the door and are too tall for people to glance into. Frosted windows also obscure the view inside while allowing natural light entry.

In fact, the windows can enhance your security. Tempered or laminated glass makes it harder for would-be intruders to gain access to your home, and the windows enable you to see if someone is trying to break in.

If you are worried about your windows breaking due to rocks flung up while you mow your grass or from damage while kids play sports, tempered glass is resilient.

Lower Utility Costs

If you’re often in your garage working on cars or doing various projects, you may have the lights running a lot. Windows in a garage door allow natural light in, reducing the need to turn on lights during the daytime.

Double-pane windows also help with your home’s energy efficiency and the insulation of the garage. During the winter, they can prevent heat from escaping, and during the summer, can keep your garage cooler. (Low-quality windows may increase utility costs, so get insulated windows with two panes.)

Offer Ventilation

It does not take much for a garage to become stuffy and humid, especially during the summer. Windows that open give you the option for more ventilation and air circulation. You can keep your garage cooler and more comfortable this way. Of course, it’s possible to get faux windows that do not open.

If you have fake windows, other ways to keep the garage cooler in the summer include installing a ceiling fan and opening the door slightly to let trapped heat escape. Even decluttering your garage gets rid of items that retain heat and prevent airflow. Plus, the garage feels more spacious afterward.

Explore Garage Door Windows Today

Now that you know the many benefits of garage door windows, Contact Bayside Garage Doors today at (813) 670-2087 to learn more about adding them to your garage door. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your home’s style and comfort!

These days, you see security cameras everywhere you go. From shopping malls to gas stations, they provide great peace of mind by ensuring your activity is being monitored. For your home, a security camera strategically placed at your front door is a great way to track the arrival of packages, but have you considered a security camera for your garage? Today, garage door openers go way beyond the simple door opening and closing. Modern technology offers openers with a built-in camera to effectively monitor the activities going in and out of your garage and provide many security benefits.

Monitor Arrivals and Departures

A fantastic benefit to owning a garage door camera with intelligent technology is gaining the ability to see who is coming and going. A simple check of your recordings can allow you to observe daily activities. For example, if you have teenagers who travel to school on their bicycles, you can view the monitor to be sure the bikes are back in their place after they return home.

Keep Tabs on a Vulnerable Space

Whether you have an attached garage or one separate from your home, monitoring any activity in the space can be challenging. Your garage contains many items of value, and a security camera is an excellent way to assure you that your items are safe and secure.

Allow Night Vision

There may be times during the evening when activity may occur in or around your garage after the sun goes down. A key advantage to a security camera in your garage is there is no need to go out in the dark to see what is happening in the space. You can use your smartphone or tablet to view the activity from the safety and comfort of your home.

Control Remotely

One of the best features of a remote garage door opener with a security camera is the allowance to control it from anywhere. For instance, if you are at work and are wondering if your garage is secure, a simple check on your smartphone or tablet will allow you to check the door in no time. It is also great for deliveries. After receiving a package notification, have the driver leave your items in the garage and close the door afterward to keep your items secure.

Alert Changes in Activity

Another advantage of owning a security camera in your garage is gaining an alert instantly on your smartphone when there is activity. Immediately, you will know when someone enters or exits the garage wherever you are. This feature gives you a tremendous advantage against unwanted intruders who may try to access your garage while you are away. Having instant alerts of any activity will provide the security necessary to know your property and family are safe, whether at home or away.

To experience the peace of mind that comes with having a security camera installed in your garage, contact Bayside Garage Doors today at (813) 670-2087. Our team of experts can help you choose the best security camera for your needs and provide professional installation services to ensure optimal performance. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make your home safe and secure with Bayside Garage Doors.

Early winter is the perfect time to prepare your home, car and possessions for the cold weather ahead. Don’t neglect your garage space. Examine your garage before the first storm of the season to save money on heating, keep tabs on your garage and its contents and avoid costly home emergencies.

Why Do You Need To Winterize Your Garage?

Winterizing your garage prepares it for harsher weather. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to winterize a garage, especially if it hasn’t been worked on in a while:

•   Cracks in walls and gaps in windows can let cold air and pests inside.
•   Some possessions stored in your garage may not withstand freezing temperatures.
•   Freezing temperatures can affect your car’s battery and other engine parts.
•   Calling a professional for garage door issues is easier before winter sets in and more people experience problems.
•   If you have pipes running through your garage, poor insulation may cause them to freeze and burst. 
•   Shared walls and ceilings can leech expensive heat in winter. 

Keeping your garage safe against winter weather benefits all areas of your home.

How Do You Winterize Your Garage?

Here’s how to winterize a garage in five easy steps.

1. Clean and Organize

Before you can guard against cold, you have to start with a clean canvas. Take stock of everything stored in your garage and put it in well-labeled places. If your garage is overstuffed, you can donate possessions or move them to different areas of the house, such as an attic or basement.

2. Inspect

Now that you can see your entire garage, look carefully for signs of damage. Take note of cracks in the walls or ceiling. Gaps around windows may let in drafts.

Finally, inspect your garage door’s machinery visually. Look for broken or rusted springs or any fraying cables, but don’t touch or manipulate any part of your garage door mechanism. Garage door machinery is dangerous for anyone who isn’t a trained professional, so leave this work to the experts. You can also hire a professional to inspect your garage door machinery with a trained eye.

3. Insulate

The best time to install insulation in your garage is before winter sets in. The Red Cross recommends insulating basements, attics and garages to help prevent frozen pipes and other winter emergencies.

If you live in an area that gets more than a foot or snow or rain per year, consider waterproofing your garage floor. Acrylic coatings help seal garages against water.

4. Repair Cracks and Drafts

Patch up any holes or cracks you found in your garage with epoxy. Pay special attention to areas surrounding windows and doors and re-seal them with caulk if necessary. Cracks can spread over time if left unattended, so be thorough and make sure your garage is sealed against winter weather.

5. Leave the Garage Door to Professionals

The torsion springs in a garage door are under extreme amounts of pressure. Never touch or attempt to repair these springs yourself. Not only do you risk damaging your garage door and increasing your repair bill, but also these springs can cause injury or death.

Always call professionals to service your garage door. Winter temperatures can cause metal pieces to contract, increasing the risk of garage door failure. Beat the rush by having your garage door inspected and serviced before the cold sets in.

Where Can You Find Trusted Garage Door Professionals in the Tampa Area?

Hiring a professional to maintain your garage door is essential, so make the process seamless by choosing Bayside Garage Doors. At Bayside Garage doors, we offer 24/7 service, affordable special rates and same-day appointments. Maintaining your garage door is an essential step in preparing your garage and home for winter. Contact us at (813) 433-7395 to schedule a garage door service appointment.

A garage door is not anything a homeowner should overlook or skimp on. You want your car, tools, and anything you store there to be safe and dry. Durability in all kinds of weather is essential. It’s also good to have doors that last a long time and add to the decor of the exterior of your home. There are several materials that garage doors can be made from. Wood is a popular choice and the classic option. However, wood doesn’t stand up to the elements as well as metal. A metallic garage door may be your best bet. But which of the two common metals is best? Do you go with aluminum or steel?

Aluminum Vs. Steel

Aluminum and steel are two common metals that are used in the manufacture of many things, among them garage doors. In this situation, one is not better than the other. Each has its advantages and the decision on which type of garage door to choose is a personal one based on several factors including your budget, the design of your home, and its specific needs. The climate where you live can also influence your decision. 

Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are a popular choice for those on a budget as they tend to be lower cost than other doors made from other materials. They are especially good if you live in an area with a mild climate. Some of the benefits of aluminum include:

• Resistant to rust – Aluminum does not rust which gives it durability and the ability to stand up to rain and other precipitation.
• Easy to maintain – Aluminum is a low-maintenance material. Cleaning your doors is as easy as spraying them with a hose.
• Low density – Aluminum’s low density makes the doors lightweight and easy to open and close. Less weight also means less stress on the springs and other parts of the opening mechanism.
• Recyclable – Aluminum garage doors are often made from recycled material and can also be recycled when they are replaced. Environmentally-friendly materials are preferable to many. 

Aluminum is a good choice for a garage door.

Benefits of Steel 

Steel garage doors are strong and durable and not excessively costly. You can also add magnetic signs or pictures to them to dress up your garage. Other benefits include:

• Low-maintenance – Painted steel doors can be easily cleaned by spraying them with a hose.
• Long-lasting – Steel doors can stand up to rain, snow, wind, heat, or anything else the environment throws at them.
• Versatile – Steel can be painted in any color and comes in many finishes to give you almost unlimited design options.
• Secure – The strength of steel helps prevent break-ins by intruders and animals. 
• Recyclable – Steel doors can also be made from recyclable material and then recycled when replaced. This makes them green and attractive to those who care about the environment. 

Aluminum and steel garage doors are both excellent options. Consider the benefits of each and how they apply to your home, climate, and budget. Contact Bayside Garage Doors at (813) 433-7395  for expert assistance in choosing the right material and doors, purchasing your new doors, and having them properly installed. 

If your garage door won’t open, you may be assuming that the whole opener system is out of commission. Don’t worry! The issue is probably not as big as it seems and there are troubleshooting steps that you can take to get the garage door working again. Let’s take a look at six simple things that may be the source of your garage door troubles.

1. The Remote Battery Is Dead

The first thing you should check is your remote battery. More often than not, this is the reason garage doors won’t open. Simply swap out the battery for a fresh one and test the remote. If it works, discard the old battery so it doesn’t get mistaken for a new one in the future.

2. Your Control Panel Is Locked

Check the control panel on your garage wall to see if it has been locked. The lock button should be easy to identify, as it is usually labeled with a lock icon. Because of its placement, the lock can be easily activated by accident.

3. The GFI Has Been Engaged

A ground fault interpreter outlet, or GFI, is intended to prevent a faulty flow of electricity in your home. If the GFI has been engaged, your garage door opener may not work. To reset the GFI, simply press the reset button on the outlet and test out your remote. If it works, you can celebrate your accomplishment and move on with your day.

4. The Remote Needs to Be Reprogrammed

Garage door remotes sometimes need a reset to work optimally. To reset your remote, press the learn button on the garage door opener itself until the small light on the opener flashes, then press the desired button on your remote. You typically must press the remote button within 30 seconds to successfully pair the remote with the opener.

5. Something Is Blocking the Signal

Check your signal receiver to make sure nothing is blocking it and that it’s not dusty or damaged. Additionally, some motion detectors or alarm systems can send out signals that interfere with garage door remote signals. If the antenna is damaged or you suspect signal interference, you may want a professional to take a look at the situation.

6. The Whole System Needs to Be Reset

If the above troubleshooting steps did not remedy your garage door remote issue, try resetting your whole opener system. To do this, unplug the opener for a minute and then plug it back in. Once power is restored to the system, test out your remote. If it still does not work, a garage door technician may need to do a more thorough investigation to fix the issue.

At Bayside Garage Doors, we know that a working garage door is an integral part of any home. We hope you don’t need our services, but we are ready 24/7 to help if garage door problems arise. 

If you live in Tampa or the surrounding areas and need help troubleshooting your garage door remote issues or would like to schedule a service appointment with one of our talented technicians, reach out to us today at (813) 433-7395!

The average garage door opens and closes between three and five times every day. That’s about 110 times per month and almost 1,500 times per year. Most times, you’ll press a button or voice activate your garage door, raising it or lowering it as required.

However, if we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that natural disasters can cause widespread damage including power outages. Power outages will prevent your voice activation or your remote control from working and they will leave your garage door stuck in whatever position it was in when the power failed. This can lead to problems, especially if your vehicle is inside the garage and effectively out-of-service.

You are not wholly dependent on the power grid when it comes to your garage door, though, because it comes with a failsafe system for just such an emergency. If you find yourself with a frozen door, there’s a simple process to unfreeze it.

1. Be Safe

If the garage door is suspended at any height above the ground, it is very risky to switch from the electric to a manual opening system. Immediately, the mechanism that had been supporting the weight will be disengaged, leaving nothing holding the weight. This will cause it to slam to the ground, likely causing damage. Worse, if somebody were trying to handle the door while it was being disengaged, the weight of the door could come down upon them with force, causing injury. We recommend you call a professional if it’s stuck off of the ground, for safety’s sake.

2. Pull the Emergency Release Cord

The key to getting your door unstuck is to separate the trolley from the carriage so that you can move the door manually. Until you do this, the motor is still the only way that it will budge. The garage door trolley is connected to the door and moves it as it opens and closes. You’ll see it moving above your head. When the garage door is open, the trolley will be toward the center of the garage; when it is closed, it will be located closer to the door.

Attached to the trolley is a red handle hanging from a length of rope or chain. This is the emergency release cord and when you pull it, it disconnects the trolley from the carriage, transforming the system from electric to manual. Only now will you be able to lift the garage door fairly easily depending on the weight of the door, and without resistance.

3. Check for Locks

Garage doors often come with manual locks. These could look like three or four-inch pieces of metal on either side of the door that, when pushed in, prevent the door from moving. They blend into the tracks because they are both the same color and they’re easier to see when pulled out and thus disengaged. If the door still isn’t moving, check to see if the manual locks are engaged.

As far as opening the garage door manually, it’s truly not as hard as you think. If you’ve disconnected the parts and checked for locks, it should open right up for you. If not, give us a call at Bayside Garage Doors at (813) 433-7395 and we’ll offer you garage repairs and service to get that door open and you on your way.

Your garage can present a big challenge for energy efficiency, from air leaks to inefficient fixtures and equipment. Improvements that can make your garage more energy efficient are straightforward and fall into a few categories.

Get Insulated

Insulation is the MVP for preventing heat or cooling loss all over your home, so it’s no surprise that it plays a starring role in making your garage more efficient. Insulating your garage’s basic structure (ceiling and walls) is a natural first step to prevent costly leaks, not to mention making your garage a more comfortable workspace no matter the season. You can also look into DIY insulation kits that allow you to add fiberglass or foam insulation to your pre-existing garage door. While you may not get the same results as you would by hiring a professional or replacing the door, these kits are an affordable way to get a boost in your door’s efficiency.

Small Repairs

Catching up on small repairs can save energy if worn or damaged garage elements are allowing air to leak out or in. Look for cracks, openings or gaps that can be filled with caulk or expanding foam sealant. Any place where a hole has been made in the wall, from windows to electrical outlets, is a possible source of leaks and thus energy loss. If you have an uninsulated garage door, and replacing or insulating it is not on the agenda, you should at least do what you can to address obvious air leaks. Repair broken or bent door corners and edges, and make sure you have quality weather stripping along the bottom to block drafts.

Smart Replacements

Replacing energy-wasting garage elements will make the biggest impact in energy savings. Replacing an uninsulated garage door with an insulated one and installing double-pane garage windows will help seal your garage’s heat envelope. Replacing inefficient fixtures & small appliances is an even easier way to capture some energy savings. If your garage is also your workshop, you may use fans or heaters to keep yourself more comfortable while you work. If these are older, energy-sucking appliances, you can swap them out for newer models that are higher-efficiency. Don’t forget the fixtures on the outside of your garage. Good quality solar-powered security lights have been available for years.

With some thought and a few wise investments, you can prevent your garage from being a huge source of wasted energy. Reach out to the experts at Bayside Garage Door online or by phone at (813) 433-7395  for more practical advice on repairs and improvements that can give you more of a garage that works for you and the planet.