Garage Doors Archives - Page 4 of 7

Are Aluminum or Steel Garage Doors Better?

baysidegaradev on October 17, 2022

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.

Six Reasons Why Your Garage Door Remote Isn’t Working

baysidegaradev on September 19, 2022

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!

A Guide To Opening a Garage Door Manually

baysidegaradev on August 31, 2022

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.

The Frequently Asked Questions Customers Ask Garage Door Technicians

baysidegaradev on July 25, 2022

Only when something goes wrong do you realize your garage door is something you can’t live without. You wonder if you can fix the problem on your own or whether it’s time to get a new door. In other words, you have questions. Possibly some of the same frequently asked questions you’ll find below.

Why is Your Garage Door So Loud?

Age is the likely culprit. As garage doors grow older parts begin to break down and the door starts making noise. Age isn’t the only reason, though.

Rusty moving parts. Keep your garage door system well lubricated to reduce noise and maintain longevity.
Misaligned tracks. Wheels will rattle around and screech if they meet resistance from a bent track.
Cracking weather strip. The strip of rubber at your garage door’s base cushions the door when it closes. You are more likely to hear the door’s thud with a damaged strip.

Can You Fix That?

Always consult a specialist before you attempt to fix a garage door. While they may seem harmless, garage doors are extremely heavy. If they collapse, they could cause serious injury.

That said, there are many maintenance activities you can do on your own. They include:

Tightening nuts and bolts. Hardware can come loose over time which can affect performance.
Inspecting roller tracks. Use brake cleaner to keep your door moving smoothly.
Checking cable for frays. Avoid accidents by calling a technician if any cables are showing signs of wear.
Performing a safety test. Check the door’s electronic eye, its balance, and its auto-reverse feature to ensure all are working properly.

Should You Invest in an Insulated Garage Door?

Even budget-conscious buyers should consider investing in an insulated garage door. Managing your garage temperature can be beneficial to your vehicle and your wallet.

Protects vehicles. By stabilizing ambient temperatures, an insulated door minimizes wear and tear due to heat and cold.
Lowers energy costs. Insulated doors make life easier for your HVAC system, which can run more efficiently.
Helps operation. Insulated doors muffle the sound of the garage door opening and closing.

How Long is Your Garage Door’s Lifespan?

This question often encompasses the full garage door system, including the garage door spring, rollers, track, opener and more. Some components, like the spring, you will likely replace more than once before you need a new door.

Garage door: 30 years
Garage door spring: 10,000 cycles or 4 to 14 years, depending on use
Garage door opener: 10 to 15 years

They seem simple, but some garage door systems are complex. Whether you want to replace or repair your garage door, reach out to a certified technician like Bayside Garage Doors online, or call (813) 433-7395 to weigh your options and select the service that’s best for you.

How Can Your Garage Save Energy?

baysidegaradev on June 27, 2022

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.

Get a Return on Investment with These Garage Upgrades

baysidegaradev on March 25, 2022

You can increase your home’s curb appeal just by doing a few of these renovations to your garage and can even add equity to it! From do-it-yourself projects to professional services, you can get a return on investment with these garage upgrades. These are tried and true ways to add value to your house.

Install Storage Solutions

Smart storage space in a garage is one of the most highly sought-after features for homebuyers. There are numerous projects to add organization while increasing the aesthetics and value of a garage.

Mounted hooks
Adhesive panels
Pegboards
Assembled shelving
Platform lifters

Improve Your Garage Flooring

Improving the floor will increase the durability and worth of your home. Several affordable, easy-to-install garage flooring options bring a good return on investment.

Vinyl can be easily unrolled and added on top of existing flooring.
Laminate comes in countless appearances, is durable, and is easy to install.
Epoxy is straightforward to apply, protects garage floors from moisture, cracks, and stains, and can save money on home maintenance in the long run.
Modular options like peel and stick tiles allow for customized, durable floor coverings.
Concrete stains and sealants are cheap and uncomplicated protective coatings.

Paint Your Garage

Painting a garage is something a homeowner can easily do to increase the value of their property. Interior latex paint is a common choice for painting garage walls and ceilings. It has several advantages over oil-based paint.

Latex is inexpensive.
Latex-based paint is quick-drying.
It can be thinned by water.
There is negligible smell and vapor.
There are environmentally safe options.

Adding a fresh coat of paint will increase a home’s market value by hundreds, even thousands of dollars. The right color can even supplement your home’s facade when the garage door is open.

Update Your Garage Door

Updating the garage door can increase the value of a house in several ways. Just making some repairs, to buying a new one, or simply investing in the latest garage door options can make a surprising difference.

Security – Replacing broken springs, cables, and panels, and updating locks will protect your home from easily being broken into. Securing your garage door from any major breaks, will protect you and your family from potential injury.
Curb Appeal – New garage door installations and trimming can complement your home’s style, adding that curb appeal everyone’s looking for.
Energy Savings – Weatherstripping and garage door maintenance reduces utility costs, saving you money in the long run.
Convenience – Smart features like keyless, remote entry, automatic opening for family, and safety sensors mean more protection and value to your home.

Some remodels are DIY. Others require help from professional contractors. Contact Bayside Garage Doors online or call (813) 433-7395 for a free quote to talk about your options! Whether it be repairs, installation or even garage door hurricane reinforcement, we’ve got you covered.

How To Pick Out Your Next Garage Door

baysidegaradev on January 26, 2022

When your garage door no longer works the way it should or simply doesn’t mesh well with the rest of your home’s exterior, it is time to choose a replacement door. Before you order a basic door, consider the various ways that your garage door impacts your daily life. This will help you to choose a better door to meet your needs.

Factor in Your Home’s Exterior

Look to your home’s exterior when choosing your garage door. If your home is white but your door is a bright color, try matching the garage door to the front door. Do you want a more classic look? Try wood paneling. Consider whether you want the garage door to have windows, what kind of trim you’d like, and more.

Remember, the more your garage door matches your home, the better curb appeal it will have. Do you have a more modern home? Install a contemporary door to match. Does your home look like a rustic farmhouse? Think about installing a carriage house style instead of a traditionally styled door.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Take your lifestyle into account when choosing your garage door as well. If you only plan to use it to protect your vehicle from the elements, then a traditional garage door opener in the vehicle is fine. What if you plan to use your garage for other things, though? Do the kids have an entertainment room in the garage? Purchase a WiFi-enabled garage door opener that you can use from anywhere in the house to let people in when they arrive.

Consider the Environment

The type of weather that you’re used to should factor into the kind of garage door that you get. If you live in an area that often gets heavy rains, floods, or even tornadoes, you’ll want an impact-rated garage door. If you live in an area that gets very cold during the winter, you’ll need a garage door that provides more insulation to protect your home from the cold.

Look At Your Budget

Your budget is probably an important factor when it comes to choosing a garage door for your home. There are many things that factor into the cost of your door, including the style you choose, how large it is, whether you add insulation, the material you use, and much more. Keep all of these factors in mind as you price out your new door.

Choose the Right Garage Door Installers

When you’ve chosen the right garage door for your lifestyle, the environment, and your home’s exterior, it will be time to call Bayside Garage Doors to install it. Always have a professional install your door to ensure it works the way it is supposed to and is safe for years to come.

Get in touch with our Garage Door Experts at Bayside Garage Doors online, or call our team at (813) 433-7395 for more information.

5 Sure Signs That Your Garage Door is Broken

baysidegaradev on January 13, 2022

When you think about it, your garage door may get more use than your front door, as many homeowners use their garage as their main point of entry. You probably don’t even think about your garage door until it doesn’t open when you need it. Here are some things to check for if your garage door isn’t operating.

1. Garage Door Only Opens a Few Inches

If the garage door wants to open but won’t go more than about six inches up, it’s probably something to do with the sensors. This is a safety feature that prevents more damage to the garage door or opener. The sensors may simply need to be cleaned or replaced. Another reason the door won’t open very far is that the springs are broken.

2. Check the Cables

If you see that the cables are disconnected from the door or caught in the jamb, you may also have a broken garage door spring. If the door is closed, don’t try to open it or override the automatic opener, as you could cause more damage. If the door is open, don’t try to close it on your own. The door could fall quickly. Prop it open with something sturdy or get some friends to help you close it until you can get a professional repair technician.

3. You Hear a Loud Noise in the Garage

The most common issue with garage doors is that the spring breaks or wears out. Although the spring should last about 10,000 rotations of the door, if you go in and out 3 times a day, you’ll reach that number in about 5 years. When the spring does break, you will hear the coils coming undone which creates a very loud noise, almost like a gunshot. It’s due to the amount of tension and energy in the coil. If you aren’t home, you may still notice the damage to the spring itself when you do notice that the garage door isn’t working.

4. The Door Falls Faster When It’s Going Down

A broken spring makes the weight of the garage door unbalanced, which causes it to fall quicker than usual. It can be tempting to ignore this problem since the garage door is technically working. You should contact a repair technician to get it repaired to avoid damage to your car, your garage and your pets or family.

5. The Garage Door Is Bent

If you notice that the garage door itself is bent, it’s probably a problem in the springs as well. Too much force was used in opening the garage door. You may need to check the circuit board or check the connections.

A broken garage door can put you and your family in danger, so you want to make sure that the door is fixed correctly and safely.

Call the professionals at Bayside Garage Doors. We stand by our garage repair and service and will tell you what you need, without selling you what you don’t.

Get a free quote when you contact us. or call our team directly at (813) 433-7395 today!

9 Ways To Add Security To Your Garage Door

baysidegaradev on November 2, 2021

Keeping your home safe and secure doesn’t only include securing the front and back door. Garage doors are often overlooked and are a prime entryway for unwanted guests.

Want to increase your garage’s entry point safety measures, but not sure where to start? No problem. Our team of garage door experts are here to help.

To best safeguard your home, here are our top 9 ways to increase security when it comes to your garage.

Add A Secure Garage Door Opener System

If you already have a garage door opener system, make sure it is up to date with security features. If your opener and remote are more than 15 years old – it’s definitely time for a replacement, as certain requirements in openers have been made since then.

Add or Update Your Garage Security System

If your garage door doesn’t already have a security system, consider adding a Smart system that will alert you when doors or windows have been opened or tampered with, even when you aren’t home.

Add Outdoor Motion Sensor Lighting

Adding outdoor motions sensor lighting will help deter thieves who work best in the dark of night. Giant floodlights that put the spotlight on nefarious activities often run off burglars before they can make their way inside your garage.

Add Security Cameras With Motion Alerts

Thanks to the floodlights, if you add security cameras, you’ll have an excellent view of the suspect who was trying to break into your garage. Be sure to send any evidence to the police to help you and your neighbors proactively. It is likely that your burglar has hit other neighborhoods and is wanted elsewhere.

Add Double-Paned Tempered Glass

Smash-and-grab hits on garages are common because no one is inside the garage sleeping to hear the shatter and wake up. Installing extra strong glass in your garage doors is essential to prevent an elbow or a garden rock from making its way in through your door window. This approach might not stop the most dedicated burglars, but it will slow them down in the process, and may take too long for their comfort zone to stay for something that takes more effort.

Add Frosted or Patterned Film to Glass

You need light in your garage to see your workspace and for general safety. Blacking out the windows isn’t the best idea. Using a frosted or patterned glass film to your windows will help conceal what is in your garage without obstructing natural light.

Add Internal Locks to Doors and Valuables

There’s probably no way you can move your prized tools into another part of the house. To protect them from sticky fingers, be sure to lock up any valuables inside the locked garage.

Add Neighborhood Watch Members

You are your neighbors best asset against theft and vice versa. Communicate with your neighbors when you will be out of town so that they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity at your home. If you do the same for them, the whole neighborhood has an excellent anti-theft system in place.

Install A Secure Garage Door

Installing a strong and secure garage door is always a great choice when it comes to creating safety in your home. More importantly, choosing the right garage door installation company is key. Do some research on local reputable companies.

For Garage Door Installations And Repairs, Don’t Take Any Chances

Bayside Garage Doors offers competitive pricing and excellent service when it comes to garage door repairs, installation and openers. In fact, same-day repairs are available to help keep your home secure and safe – when you need it the most.

Get a free quote – contact us online, or call our team directly at (813) 433-7395 today!

Pro Tips on Buying a New Garage Door

baysidegaradev on October 4, 2021

With the garage as an integral part of many American homes, the garage door is important to consider both functionally and in terms of curb appeal. So, it’s safe to say there are many things to consider when it comes to installing a new garage door.

If you’re looking to replace your current garage door, don’t let the decision making process overwhelm you. Our team of garage door experts put together this important overview of the top things you should be considering when it comes to buying a new garage door.

Door Material

Likely the first criterion for most homeowners, the choice of garage door material affects many of the following decisions. While some manufacturers use higher-quality materials in general, no one material is the universal best choice.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top selling types of materials that are out there.

Wood doors are visually outstanding in any hue or design. Wood is sturdy but can often require more maintenance, especially in wetter climates where it can warp.
Steel doors are highly durable, provided you don’t settle for a cheap model. Overlays can be used to mimic the appearance of wood.
Aluminum resists rust and corrosion and offers a sleek contemporary look. However, they can be susceptible to denting.
Vinyl doors are also durable, as well as highly weather resistant – however, can make for poor insulation and can’t easily be repainted.

Door Style

Typically, garage doors come in short or long panel designs. Choosing between the two is largely a matter of preference, and the options in those categories can vary greatly. Broadly, you want something that complements the house’s appearance.

For a less typical look, some options are:

Carriage house style doors, which function as any overhead garage door but are modeled to look like they swing open with a pair of handles in the middle for a more rustic style.
Full-view aluminum doors, featuring glass panes that complement a modern home.
Wrought iron doors, a classical style complete with ornamentation and glass panels for a finishing touch.

Security and Safety

A sturdy garage door needs security features to complete it. Motion-activated lights are a common burglar deterrent. A physical lock for manual doors can be a smart investment, too. For automatic doors, openers often use rolling code systems, changing the signal to open the door with each use.

Since the early 90s, all automatic doors feature safety sensors that reverse the door’s motors if something is in the way while it closes. If that doesn’t work and someone is trapped, a mechanical release allows manual opening.

Hurricane Proofing

Hurricane-prone regions have building codes mandating wind resistance for garage doors in homes. While a bracing kit can be set up ahead of time when a hurricane is inbound, if you’re buying a new door, you may as well choose one that’s rated for hurricane safety. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for more info if you’re unsure.

Ready For A New Garage Door? Work With Tampa’s Best.

Bayside Garage Doors serves the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas with premium garage door repair and installation, available 24/7 with fair, transparent prices.