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! 

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.

Contact us online or call our team directly at (813) 433-7395 to learn more today!

If you’re a homeowner with a garage, the concept is pretty simple. Press button to open the door, press button again to close it- right? Often homeowners don’t pay much attention to the garage door and all the parts that go along with it… that is, until there is an issue.

Knowing the general parts on your garage door could be very helpful (and save you money). when or if there is an issue preventing your door from working – whether it’s easily replacing a part yourself, or letting a garage door professional know what most likely is the root of the problem over a consultation phone call.

So, if you own a home with a garage and are not sure what each part is, no worries. Our team of garage door repair experts put together this quick guide to help.

What Are the Main Parts of a Garage Door System?

You don’t have to be a garage door specialist to know the main working parts of your garage door – here are the basics:

• The operator contains the motor which operates the lifting system. The signal sent from a switch, remote or keypad tells the operator what to do.
• Torsion or extension springs do most of the heavy lifting. Garage doors weigh a lot, and springs make the doors move much more easily. Springs are kept in place by tubes. The springs are hazardous and should only be replaced by a professional. With regular use, springs can last from eight to ten years.
• Drums are basically pulley wheels at the end of the tube shaft. The metal cables which lift the door move when the drum rotates.
• The rollers on the sides of the garage door run in tracks when the lifting mechanism is activated. The track keeps the door where it is supposed to be. Weather seals are also fastened to the sides of the doors; They keep the elements out of your garage and provide insulation.
• Hinges connect the sections of the door. They allow the door to fold as the door rises or descends on the tracks. Brackets fasten the cables and rollers to the sides of the door.
• Safety eyes are placed facing each other on both sides on the bottom of the door’s opening. If anything breaks their connection, the door stops moving immediately. For instance, a child might run through the door towards the yard but not realize that the door is closing. When the child breaks the connection of the safety eyes by running through, the door stops. There is also an emergency cord on the operator, which stops the motor when it is pulled.

What Are Some Reasons Your Door Won’t Work?

Even with regular maintenance, such as lubricating the moving parts, your garage door will likely need repairs at some point.

Common garage door issues and causes are:

• The door doesn’t close – worn motor parts or safety eyes may be the cause.
• The door doesn’t open – faulty electronics or springs are probably the culprits.
• The door is out of line – the cables are most likely loose.

Do You Need Service?

When it comes to fixing a garage door, one option is always the safest bet, and that is to contact a garage door professional.

Bayside Garage Doors has years of experience and a friendly and knowledgeable team to help you with your garage door needs – from custom overhead door sales and installation, to comprehensive service repair and replacement of components.

Free quotes and same-day repairs are available – contact our team online, or call us directly at (813) 433-7395 today!

The garage door is not something most homeowners think about as long as it opens and closes correctly. However, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of a developing problem, especially during periods of extreme temperatures – and we’re talking about our hot, hot Summers here in the sunshine state.

A malfunctioning garage door is a nuisance at best and a safety hazard at worst. The following are five ways garage doors can be adversely affected by summer weather.

1. Overheating

The most obvious example of a negative effect of extreme heat is, well, overheating. The motor that opens and closes the door is electrical, and like all electrical items, it can become overheated and stop working.

After the motor has cooled for about a half hour, the door should resume normal function. If the overheating was extreme and you saw smoke, don’t use the door again until it has been inspected by a garage door professional. The damage caused by the smoke and high temperatures is likely severe, and it may not be safe to use.

2. Expansion

The extreme heat that Florida has to offer, can cause materials to expand. This means that everything from the panels on the door, to the springs responsible for lifting, can expand as temperatures rise. If they expand too much or too frequently, screws can come loose, the door can become unbalanced and a variety of other garage door issues can occur.

3. Lubricant Breakdown

Not all lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and humidity. Look for a special lubricant that is appropriate for the Florida hot Summers, and apply it before the temperatures get too high.

4. Warping and Rotting

When it comes to high humidity levels in Florida, your wooden garage door is at risk of becoming misshapen or suffering water damage. Apply a weather-resistant coating to prevent this from happening. Metal doors are not at risk from high humidity.

5. Sensor Malfunction

Summer sunlight can cause problems for the sensors that control the garage door. The sensor is responsible for preventing the door from closing if there is an object, such as a child or pet, in the way. Intense sunlight can prevent the sensor from detecting obstructions and allow the door to close. Or, much less dangerously, sunlight can cause the sensor to detect obstructions that are not present and keep the door from closing. Keep the sensor in the shade to help it work properly.

Time To Call The Professionals? 

Any garage door malfunction should be checked out quickly to prevent serious damage to the door, vehicles or occupants of the home. If you detect any issues with your home’s garage door, contact Bayside Garage Doors to schedule an appointment to repair or replace it.

Our team of friendly and well-trained technicians offer everything from custom overhead door sales and installation, to comprehensive service repairs and replacement of components. Contact us online, or call our team directly at (813) 433-7395 today!

It’s another Monday morning and you’re running late. You rush into your garage and tap the button to open your garage door and the door does not move – frustrating, right?

While losing the convenience of your garage door opener is annoying, it need not provoke long delays or loud invectives. Well, it’s easy to say that when you’re not the one dealing with the garage door problem at hand. Don’t stress. Our team of garage door repair experts are here to help!

Whether you are dealing with a power outage or a unit malfunction, a few simple steps will keep your door in service and maintain your garage’s security.

How to Release and Manually Open Your Garage Door

Here are a few steps that release most modern-made garage doors, that you can try, before you pick up the phone to call a garage door repair company:

• Clear the Door Opening: If your door is not fully closed, make sure that no people, pets or objects are in the door’s pathway.
• Disengage Your Automatic Locks: If your door includes automatic deadbolt locks, push the locks’ release levers to disengage the bolts.
• Pull the Emergency Release Cord: You’ll find the emergency release cord hanging from an angled arm centered above the top of your garage door. On modern units, this cord is typically bright in color and has a handle. If the handle is difficult to reach, put a step stool underneath the assembly. Simply pull the cord down and away from your garage door. This action releases the door from the trolley and engages the lockout mode.
• Operate Your Garage Door: With lockout mode engaged, you can manually raise and lower your garage door as often as necessary.
• Disengage Lockout Mode: With the door lowered, gently pull straight down on the emergency cord. Release the cord to reconnect the door with the opener’s trolley.

How to Maintain Security With an Inoperable Opener

With your unit in lockout mode, you can raise and lower the door manually. Unfortunately, anyone else can also open your garage door with equal ease. Until you regain the use of your opener, you can take these steps to enhance your garage’s security:

• When You Leave Home: Disengage the lockout mode before manually lowering your door. Fully down, the door will reconnect with the trolley and prevent unauthorized openings.
• Upon Returning Home: Enter your house and make your way into your garage. Reengage lockout mode with a down-and-back tug on the emergency cord, raise the door and park your vehicle. Lower the door and resecure your garage with a downward pull of the cord.

Time To Call The Garage Door Experts? 

The friendly technicians at Bayside Garage Doors are licensed, bonded, insured and professionally trained in all facets of garage door repair and installations. We offer garage doors and openers for all budgets in Tampa and the surrounding communities.

Whether your needs are residential or commercial, we invite you to contact us online, or call us directly at (813) 433-7395 today!

 

Being able to reliably open and close your garage door is more than a simple convenience, especially when it comes to the door in a home that could arguably get the most use. So, it’s only natural that some maintenance is required – whether it be easy TLC from you the owner, or the assistance of a garage door repair technician.

So, how do you know when it’s a simple fix versus one that should be left for the professionals to look at? Don’t stress. Our team of garage door professionals are here to help! We’ve put together a list of common garage door issues and how to recognize the problem, so that you can make the best decision for you and your garage door. Check them out below!

Squeaking or Grinding Noises

One of the most common issues you may encounter while owning a garage door is hearing atypical sounds. These noises may indicate one of a few different problems:

•   The Rollers Are Off Track: The rollers on either side may slip out of the track, increasing friction and causing squeaking sounds.
•   The Track is Bent: When the metal tracks themselves are misaligned, the rollers cannot move as easily as they should.
•   The Hardware Requires Maintenance: Your rails, rollers and hinges may need to be tightened or greased.

Failure To Open or Close

When your door doesn’t open or close at all, you may be up against a different set of issues:

•   The Motor Lacks Power: The motor may not be able to access power due to a failing power source or cord.
•   The Remote or Button Isn’t Functioning: When it comes to your garage door opener, failing remotes, batteries, or electrical cords may stop communication between these devices and the motor.
•   The Springs or Cables Are Broken: When a spring or cable breaks, the motor may not be able to manage the weight of the door.
•   The Door Itself Is Badly Damaged: In rare situations, you may need to replace the whole door if it has been seriously bent by a car.

Repetitive Opening and Closing

Few garage door problems are quite as frustrating as a door that reopens immediately after you tried to close it, or vice versa. This symptom may indicate a couple of different concerns:

•   The Time Limit Setting Is Off: The setting that determines how long the motor runs may be incorrect.
•   The Eye Is Blocked: The laser and sensor may be misaligned.

Continuously Running Motor

If you can hear your garage door’s motor continuing to run long after the door has completely opened or closed, there is usually one main cause: a faulty up-limit switch.

Address Your Garage Door Concerns Today

As you can see, most any garage door problem you encounter can be traced back to one or two faulty mechanisms. At Bayside Garage Doors, we can handle a wide range of garage door repairs to restore homeowners’ peace of mind. So, if you’re unsure whether your garage door needs a quick fix, tune-up or a brand new door, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact our team online or call (813) 433-7395 to schedule your same-day garage door repair services today!

You may not think about your garage door often, but it truly is a big part of your home investment – after all, it gets used quite frequently and is heavily depended upon. Because of it’s heavy use, it’s essential to keep it in good working condition, so that it lasts for years to come.

All overhead doors need routine maintenance to perform well. When it comes to your garage door specifically, some parts should be checked regularly, especially if you hear odd sounds or noises emanating from the door as it opens or closes. It’s also important to make sure the operating system is well-maintained, so that you’re not left with a stuck door before a busy morning commute or after a long day’s work…or worse risk the safety of those in your home.

Not quite sure what steps to take when it comes to maintaining your garage door? No problem. Our garage door repair team put together these simple steps you can take, in order to keep your garage door in tip-top shape.

1. Maintain the Safety Features

Garage doors have mechanical and photocell safety features that stop the door from crushing anything that crosses the threshold while the door is moving. Place an object, such as a piece of wood or brick, underneath the door while it closes to check that the safety mechanisms are working correctly. Carefully use your leg to see if the strip on the door detects movement and reverses course automatically.

2. Keep the Balance

Check the counterbalancing on your door regularly. You can do this by using the release handle to open the door halfway. If the door moves from its position, it isn’t balanced. Call for professional help to have the hardware checked.

3. Check the Rollers

Maintain the condition of your rollers. If you notice cracks in the metal or that a wheel’s shape is warped, contact a service professional for replacements. New rollers can make a garage door operate like new again and save on costly repairs.

4. Clear the Debris

Loud noises or grinding from the rollers indicate something is not functioning well on a garage door. Rollers impeded by debris can throw off the balance, damage the rollers and damage the mechanical system. Do a quick check to be sure the tracks are free of debris, so that rollers work smoothly.

5. Check the Cables

High-tension cables operate the garage door lift system. These lines wear over time and snap under the right conditions and could lead to serious injury. If you notice worn cables, have them replaced immediately by a professional garage door team.

6. Replace the Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is an easy-to-replace item and ensures your door is guarded against all types of inclement weather conditions – especially during hurricane season. New weatherstrips will keep your garage dry and protect the door’s components.

7. It’s All in the Looks

Rule of thumb, if you see anything visually unappealing, weather it be rusting, dirt or dent – do the proper upkeep to making it look good. That means, making sure it’s clean and touched up as needed. The look of your door goes a long way – it could prevent you from having to replace your door altogether – plus helps with your home’s curb appeal.

Get Professional Help for Repairs

At Bayside Garage Doors, our professional technicians take care of all your garage door needs, from repair and maintenance, to installing a brand new garage door and opening system. Contact us online, or call our team directly at (813) 433-7395, for excellent service and prices and same-day repairs, today!

Whether you’re looking to replace your garage door to increase the value of your home’s curb appeal, defend your home and vehicle against hurricanes, replace an old worn out door, or building a new garage – you’ll find your options are endless.

Your garage door choices range from style and color, to material and purpose – but first things first, you need to determine what size and quantity you want or need. Not quite sure where to begin? No problem. Our team put together this quick overview, so you can have confidence when shopping doors or working with garage door professionals.

Typical Garage Door Dimensions

While two-car and three-car garages are becoming more popular, the majority of doors are either single or double. The dimensions can vary, so some garages are also described as one and 1/2 car units. Here are the basic lengths of garage doors:

•  Small doors: 12 feet
•  Standard doors: 16 feet
•  Large doors: 20 feet
•  Three-car garage doors: range from 32, to 40 feet

These dimensions are part of a range, so you could have a 14-foot garage door or other dimension. The standard height of a door is 7 feet.

Compare Double vs. Single Garage Doors

Your two-car garage can use either a double door or two single-sized garage doors. There are two factors to consider when comparing these two options: convenience and style.

Depending on how you use your garage, it’s typically more convenient to have two separate doors for your two garage stalls. Other than the additional opener, you’ll pay roughly the same for both options, but two doors allows you to keep one closed while you come in and out of the other stall. This prevents losing hot air in the winter or cool air in the summer.

In terms of style, most homeowners prefer the look of two matched doors. This is a matter of personal opinion, so consider both options – and it never hurts to ask your garage door installation company if they have any specials on double door packages.

Additional Door Options

Your garage can protect more than just your vehicles. Recreational vehicles, boats, motorhomes and commercial vehicles won’t fit in a standard garage. For these large vehicles, you need a garage and door that’s taller and longer.

Work with your local team to find the ideal door dimensions or create a custom door that’s best for you. Typically, these large vehicles need a door between 10 and 16 feet tall. The length can be between 20 and 45 feet.

Contact Bayside Garage Doors Today

When it comes to garage doors and installation, the best outcome will always be when it’s left to the professionals. Bayside Garage Doors has been serving Tampa and extended areas with garage door installations for years and also offers warranty options.

Work with us to find the right size, material, installation and design features to give your home the finishing touch it deserves. Protect your vehicles and enjoy stunning curb appeal with a quality door installation service – contact our team online or call us directly at (813) 433-7395 for a free, no obligation consultation today!

 

Whether you’re looking to replace your garage door for simple function, the need for durability, adding value with curb appeal or all of the above… one thing is safe to say –  today’s homeowners have a wide range of garage door options to choose from.

So, if you’re in the market for a new garage door and not quite sure where to start, don’t stress. Our team of garage door experts are here to help. Based on our experience in the garage door business over the last 10+ years, we’ve put together this list of top garage door trends for 2021.. Check them out below!

1. Let The Light In 

Garage doors with windows not only add a touch of class, they add a nice transitional look to any home. Whether you want discreet window panes across the top or a full window-paneled door, designs can match any style of home, from traditional to modern. This style is great if you make regular use out of your garage, as they allow additional light into your space.

2. Back to Nature

If you like the sleek modern feel of minimalism, you are not limited to steel or aluminum doors. Wooden doors are a trend that is not going away, and the styles run the gamut from traditional or farmhouse chic look, to doors featuring contemporary lines. Another great thing about wooden garage doors, is that they come in a vast variety of types, stains and textures.

3. Feeling Industrial

Depending on where you live, you may prefer an industrial style that brings durability and function to the table. Steel garage doors that can withstand high winds or extreme temperatures may suit your needs – especially during hurricane season here in Florida, and the no-frills design can match a minimalist or modern vibe.

4. Carriage-Style 

Carriage doors have been very popular over the years, and continue being on trend. With mixed materials and layers, an “overlaid” look adds depth to your garage’s exterior. This also compliments the modern Farmhouse look that home designs have taken on in recent years.

5. Pop of Color, Speaks Boldly 

If you’re simply looking for a change to your garage door, but don’t have it in your budget for a new garage door installation, consider adding a bright or bold color to your door. Coordinate the color with your house, or choose an appropriate color that pops, such as dark red, blue or black.

Ready To Update Your Garage Door? 

No longer are you limited to embossed, outdated panels that are identical to your neighbors’. For more information on the latest in doors and trends, contact our garage door installation experts at Bayside Garage Doors.

Our expert team can show you the right balance of form and function to suit your taste and your budget for new garage doors. Contact us online, or call (813) 433-7395 today!