When it comes to properly maintaining your home, the list of fixes and upgrades can get a little overwhelming – and we get it. A few obvious things that are on this list typically include kitchen appliances, fresh coats of paint and new flooring. Often what gets overlooked however, is the garage door. 

As often as a garage door gets used, we often take it for granted. It almost seems like an out of sight, out of mind type of situation, so it’s understandable that it is not always at the top of the list – but it really should be.

Being in the business of garage doors, we see issues (and costs) that could have easily been avoided and we’ve put together a list of the top reasons why you should be considering investing in a new garage door opener alone, in 2020. Check them out below. 

1. Enjoy the Tranquility of Quieter Operation

It probably isn’t uncommon for a noisy garage door to wake you from a deep sleep if it is operated late at night or early in the morning. Indeed, many garage door openers are excessively loud and disruptive, but many newer models eliminate this inconvenience and make operation quieter than ever.

This means you never have to worry about unnecessarily disrupting your neighbors, others in your household, or even trying to speak over the sound of the garage door opening and closing.

2. Ensure You Have the Latest Safety Features

In addition to quieter operation, most new garage door openers include safety features that provide a vital layer of protection to your family and anybody else who may be near your garage door.

It is mandatory that new garage doors include light beam sensors that detect any object that may be underneath the door. If a child, pet or something of value happens to be under the garage door as it is closing, this sensor automatically stops and reverses the door.

3. Improve Your Home’s Security

Everybody should be proactive in protecting their home from potential threats. Crime is on the rise in many places, and a lack of security makes you all the more vulnerable. The first step to safety is securing all of the entry points in your home, including your garage.

If a thief happens to know your security code or obtain your remote control, they have easy access to your home. Newer garage doors prevent this with features such as rolling entry codes.

4. Opt for Keyless Entry for Easy Access

Of course, one of the most important considerations is simply convenience. You do not want to be stuck entering long codes or repeatedly using ineffective remote controls just to get into your garage.

Most newer garage door models include keyless entry options such as a passcode, fingerprint or even facial recognition.

Contact The Garage Door Experts 

If it’s more than past the time of replacing your Garage Door Opener, contact our team of experts at (813) 433-7395 for a free consultation, or visit us online at baysidegaragedoor.com. 

When homeowners consider the beautiful weather and stable climate of Florida, they likely don’t even consider installing an insulated garage door. After all, insulation is for places that experience cold weather– right?

Actually, while an insulated garage door is extremely beneficial for colder regions, it can also benefit homeowners in warmer climate zones as well.

There are at least four solid reasons why homeowners in Florida should very much consider an insulated garage door and we’ve put them together for you. 

1. Cost-Savings

An insulated garage door will save you money on your utilities in the long run. The most significant benefit of having insulation is to balance the temperatures from the interior to the exterior of your home.

By installing an insulated garage door, you reduce the heat exchange rate from outside to inside, meaning that you save money on air conditioning. Your HVAC or AC system doesn’t need to work hard to maintain the cooling loss to the garage because the room maintains a more constant temperature. 

2. Durability

You will inevitably save money on garage door replacements because insulated doors tend to last longer. Damage to garage doors often comes from exposure to heat and sun exposure, but when a door is insulated, it can better distribute the heat from such exposure- meaning that it lasts longer than an uninsulated door.

Also, the thickness of the door is greater, making it less susceptible to dings and dents from impacts – especially during Florida’s hurricane season. 

3. Silence

Florida winds can be a bit of a nuisance and any homeowner likely understands how annoying a garage door rattle can be during significant wind events.

Insulated doors can help to reduce or eliminate that pesky noise because they are heavier and thicker. Also, the insulation can act as a soundproofing barrier for external noises.

4. Protection

An insulated garage door offers superior protection for the items kept within the garage.

The Florida heat and high levels of humidity can wreak havoc on items like vehicles, chemicals, paints and other items stored in your garage for safekeeping, but an insulated door balances the temperature in your garage, keeping things stable.

While an insulated garage door may seem unnecessary in the Florida heat, it is necessary to remember that insulation is not just meant as protection from the cold. These doors provide significant benefits when discussing costs, durability, noise-control and protection. Even in Florida, temperature control is essential, especially to sensitive items that may be stored in your garage.

If you are considering a garage door replacement, Contact Bayside Garage Doors – our garage door experts are here to help you choose the right style of door(s) for your home. Call (813) 433-7395 or visit www.baysidegaragedoor.com to set up a consultation today! 

Most homeowners rely on their garage doors to function properly day in and day out, without giving much thought to maintenance. With regular wear and tear comes the need for garage door repair or replacement, but most people don’t realize they are at that point until they can’t get the door to open.

Are there any warning signs to give you a heads up? We’ve put together five reasons that can explain why your garage door isn’t functioning properly.

1. A Remote Possibility

Problems with your remote opener may be something as simple as needing new batteries – but it could also be an issue with your antenna. If the antenna is misaligned or broken, you may need to schedule garage door services to see if it can be fixed.

2. Off the Rails

Speaking of misaligned, your door tracks can also be the culprit for a poorly functioning garage door. With time, the tracks can become warped or bent, and when that happens, you can forget about opening your door. It could refuse to budge or even come off the tracks.

3. Get in Gear

Hear a loud humming noise? As with any machinery, the gears for your garage opener can wear out until they finally give up. You may be able to repair them depending on the age of your opener, but keep in mind that a new system may need to be installed.

4. Spring Into Action

One of the most common causes of garage door repair needs is a problem with the torsion or extension springs. These springs help lift the door, but unfortunately they do have a life span.

If you hear a loud pop, it’s most likely the springs. You may be able to have those springs replaced, but you should not attempt to do it on your own as it can be very dangerous.

5. Snap to It

Perhaps even more dangerous than a broken torsion or extension spring is a snapped cable. A cable can break on its own or in conjunction with a spring failure. When it does, this can cause the garage door to abruptly fall to the ground, taking out anything in its path. This can be a major job and something best left to garage door professionals. 

If you suspect it’s time for garage door installation or repair due to a broken door, contact Bayside Garage Doors. We offer same-day repairs as well as other services to keep your family safe and your garage doors in good working order. Contact us online or call (813) 433-7395.

59% of garage door injuries come from malfunctioning joints.

Most Americans use their garage as the main entry point to their home. If this is you, a malfunctioning door can pose a serious safety threat to your family.

Here’s a list of eight common garage door problems:

1. Garage Door is Possessed
2. Door is Stuck
3. Screeching Garage Door Problems
4. Door Opens Too Slowly
5. Door Won’t Open
6. Door Closes Too Fast
7. Garage Door Opener is Running But Door Doesn’t Open
8. Door Won’t Close All the Way

Keep reading to learn how to fix them.

1. Garage Door Is Possessed

If images of Poltergeist come to mind, you probably need an exorcist. If your door is opening and closing on its own then one of these is more likely the issue:

• There is a circuit board issue.
• Something is interfering with the signal.
• Your remote batteries are dead.

If you find your batteries are dead, then scoot on over to your local convenience store. If it’s the other two, it’s time to call a professional.

2. Door Is Stuck

Has your door has gone up never to come down again? Try these common garage door troubleshooting tactics:

• Your remote batteries are dead or the sensor is malfunctioning
• There is a buildup on the wheel tracks
• The rollers need replacement
• The door is hung unevenly

Buildup on the tracks can be especially common in areas with more arid climates. Rollers need to be inspected twice a year and replaced every 7.

If you find that the door is hung unevenly or the tracks are bent, it’s time to call in the pros.

3. Screeching Garage Door Problems

27% of Americans say that there garage door rollers have never been lubricated. This is a surefire way to run into trouble with your home’s largest access point.

Lubricate your door’s hinges and rollers if you are experiencing this problem.

If you have heard a loud bang or crash in your garage, your springs may need replacement.

4. Door Opens Too Slowly

Let’s be honest, many of us wait till we get home to use the potty. When your rushing, a slow garage door is the pits.

Here are some common issues:

• Hinges and rollers need lubrication
• Springs need replacement
• The speed setting needs adjustment

Lubrication and adjusting the speed settings on your opener can be a quick fix. If you know what you’re doing they should take no time at all. If you don’t or you find that a spring is broken or warped, seek out a pro.

5. Door Won’t Open

A garage door opens and closes roughly a thousand times a year. If your door won’t open or opens then immediately closes, here are some tips for you:

• Sensitivity of the opener needs adjustment
• Remote batteries need replacing
• Garage Door springs need replacing

You can find directions for adjusting the opener’s sensitivity in the owner’s manual. Sometimes a door can function perfectly in every season but winter. This is a nice second option after your rule out the batteries.

Garage door springs are their lifeblood. If your door opens then immediately closes, the springs at the top of the door need replacement. To save on cost, call a professional to replace all the springs at the same time. If you have replaced any springs within three years, replacing the broken ones will do.

6. Door Closes Too Fast

Doors that fall or close too fast are especially dangerous to children. Garage doors come equipt with tension strings, cables, and springs that safely raise and lower the door. If any of those are broken it can cause the door to close too quickly or fall.

Contact a professional immediately to ensure all safety precautions are taken.

7. Garage Door Opener Is Running but Door Doesn’t Open

If you can hear the opener running but the door is not opening your issue may be:

• The disconnect switch is activated
• Cables or springs need replacement

All garage door openers come equipt with a disconnect switch in case of a blackout. Disconnect switches allow your to operate your garage door manually. Manufacturers included this feature so our cars won’t be trapped during an outage.

Refer to your buyers manual on how to locate your disconnect switch.

8. Door Won’t Close All the Way

Many Americans are embarrassed about their neighbors looking into their garage. Your door may not close all the way or may reverse before closing completely. Here are a few issues you might be facing:

• Limit switch needs adjustment
• Photo-eye/sensors need inspection
• Debris on the wheel tracks.

The limit switch determines how far your garage door goes until it is completely closed. This is adjusted when the door is installed. If you believe this is your issue, refer to your opener’s manual to locate and adjust your switch.

If something is blocking the photo eyes/sensor the door will not close all the way. It may also close but immediately reverse. The photo/eye is a safety sensor that reverses the door if anything is blocking its path.

Check for any obstructions along the doorway that may be blocking the sensors. You can consult your openers manual to determine where the sensors are. This will also help you determine if they are functioning properly.

Debris on the wheel tracks should be cleaned off gently.

Consult a technician if your door is still not functioning after these measures.

To DIY or Not to DIY?

That is the question of our era.

New garage doors offer homeowners a return of investment of as much as 4%. That’s roughly $6K on a house worth $157K. So when it comes to DIY, weigh your options.

You may find the answer to “how to fix a garage door” is: let someone else do it

Get your hands dirty if batteries need replacing or light cleaning is involved. When safety is a concern, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Can you imagine not having a garage? One of our favorite things is the automatic garage door opener which saves us from having to get out of our car in the sweltering heat or torrential rains that we get our fair share of in Florida.

Like any at-home convenience we enjoy, maintenance comes at a cost. In fact, homeowners in the US spend anywhere from one to four per cent of the value of their home on annual maintenance.

If your home is valued at $200,000, that means you’re looking at spending as much as $8,000 per year on home maintenance costs. These costs only get higher, the older your house gets.

You can lower these costs by learning how to do some basic DIY repairs. Read on and learn about your garage door’s mechanics and how to fix a garage door that’s off track.

Ways Your Garage Door Can Go Off Track

Your garage door moves on a series of rollers. These rollers are on brackets which are attached to your garage door.

Then there is a track that is installed throughout your garage. On occasion, the rollers can get dislodged from the track for one reason or another. The first thing to do when your garage door isn’t working properly is to identify what the problem is.

The Track Needs Lubrication

To keep the rollers running smoothly, you need to ensure that all of the moving parts of your garage door are well lubricated. You can use a spray lubricant for this purpose or even powdered graphite.

Household oil will work in a punch, but it’s really better to use a spray lubricant such as a silicon spray. Doing this regularly will help prevent the rollers from coming off the track in the first place.

The Track Has Come Loose

Once you’ve lubricated the track, the next thing to do is check if a track has come loose.

A track coming off the wall is the main reason that garage doors come off track. Ensure that all the tracks are tightly anchored to the wall. Use a ratchet handle or wrench to tighten any brackets that have come loose.

The Track Has Been Dented or Damaged

Garage door tracks are surprisingly delicate and can be dented even from something like a child or a bicycle bumping into it the wrong way. Think of the tracks like train tracks. Even a small dent will derail the rollers. If you heard a grinding sound when you were trying to open the garage door, there is a good chance that there is an issue due to a dented track.

Check along the length of each track for any dents or other signs of damage. For small dents, you can easily repair them. The best tool for this is a rubber mallet as it won’t damage the tracks further. Alternatively, you can use a hammer or a block of wood but proceed with caution. If the damage is more significant, then you will need to replace the tracks completely.

The Track is Out of Alignment

Next, you’ll need a level to check that the tracks are in their proper alignment.

The way to check this depends on the type of set up that you have for your garage door. If your garage door is on a horizontal track, they will angle slightly at the back of your garage. A roll-up door, on the other hand, needs to be exactly level. Also, check that tracks across from each other are the same height.

How to Fix a Garage Door That’s Off Track

Once you’ve fixed the track, the next thing is to put the rollers back on the track. As long as the garage door has not suffered extreme damage, this should be a relatively straightforward procedure.

Step 1: Separate the Automatic Opener

In the middle of your garage, you’ll see a string hanging from the console that controls the door opener. Pull that string to disable the mechanical opening mechanism.

Once you’ve done that, you will be able to manually open and close the garage door. Note that the garage door will no longer be locked so you should make sure that the door to your home is securely locked if you leave the garage unattended.

Step 2: Open and Secure the Garage Door

Partially open the door and until the damaged track is lined up with one of the rollers. Use a pair of vice grips or locking pliers to hold the garage door in place.

Step 4: Open and Straighten the Track

At the spot where the roller has jumped out of the track, use a pair of pliers and open up the track. Next, guide the rollers back into the groove of the track. Finally, once the rollers are in place, you need to close and straighten the track. Do this using a rubber or wooden mallet.

Step 5: Check the Movement of the Door

After you’ve fixed all the rollers, remove the pliers that were holding the door in place.

Slowly open and close the door and check that all the rollers are staying in place. Assuming that none of them is jumping the track, then you should be all set. Reattach the garage door opener from the center console and again check that the door is opening and closing smoothly.

A Word of Caution

Learning how to fix a garage door that’s off track is an important DIY skill as a homeowner. That said, a garage door may also go off track due to a more serious mechanical issue such as the lift cord snapping. When this happens, there is a risk that the door will collapse completely. If this is the case, you should always contact a professional to help you with the repairs.

No matter how big or small your garage door repair situation is, contact us today and take advantage of our same day repairs to get your garage door up and working right away.

Have you ever seen a horror movie where the killer succeeds because someone’s garage door won’t open in time?

Probably not. Although it’s not as exciting as fumbling to start a car or unlock a door, coming home to a garage that won’t open can be a real nightmare.

If you’re scratching your head because your garage door won’t cooperate, you’ve come to the right place. This article will walk you through the top 10 reasons why your garage door won’t open.

My Garage Door Won’t Open

There are many reasons why you could be having problems with your garage door. All of these issues boil down to a few simple causes: an obstruction, a technical issue, or old equipment.

Let’s look closer at some specific problems.

1. The Photo Eye

The photo-eye is the tiny sensor on each side of your garage door. It should be a few inches off the ground. If you look closely, you should see a bright red dot on each eye.

These two sensors project across the door to make sure that the door never shuts on top of any object or person. It’s a great safety feature, but it can get misaligned.

It’s possible that an object knocked into one of the sensors so that the light beams are disconnected. If that’s the case, then you need to adjust the photo-eye until you re-establish a connection.

Bad weather can also cause a lot of damage to your garage. If your sensors sustained any water damage, that could disrupt the circuit.

2. Broken Cables or Springs

Your garage door relies on a few different cables and springs to open and close it smoothly. When something breaks, you’ll definitely be able to hear it. The moment it snaps, it will make a loud boom.

If your garage door only opens halfway, this usually means that a spring is broken. Although you can easily fix some other issues on this list yourself, replacing broken cables and springs is a job where you should seek professional help.

3. Remote and Sensor

There could be many different issues coming from your remote control or the remote sensor.

First, make sure that you’re using the remote within the range where it can open the door. If you’re close enough and it still won’t open, check the batteries to see if they need replacing.

Your remote sensor may also be damaged. Take a look at your motor and find the wire dangling in front of it. If there is any fraying, it needs to be replaced.

If you’re still in a pickle, you can try reprogramming your remote. It’s possible that the remote and sensor are simply out of sync.

4. Getting Off Track

Your garage door slides along a metal track so that it can open and close quietly. If your garage door doesn’t open all the way, it may be because of an alignment problem.

Inspect the metal track to look for any bending or damage. The tracks need to be in perfect condition for the door to function. If you notice that your garage door opens slowly or if there are any grinding noises, you should get your alignment fixed immediately.

5. Locked Out

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with the garage. We can accidentally lock ourselves out without knowing it!

If you can hear the motor running when you try to open the garage, check to see if a bar or another locking mechanism is in place. You can remove the lock, and the door should be free to move now.

If you use a keypad, that could also be your problem. Most keypads come with a lock mode or vacation mode that disables the garage door. Take a look at your keypad to make sure your door didn’t get locked.

6. Keypad

Other things can go wrong with your keypad beside accidentally locking the door.

If your remote isn’t what’s out of sync, then your keypad could be to blame. A simple reset could be all you need to get your door open again. Having the most up-to-date technology will ensure that your home is the safest it can be.

7. Electric

Since you need electricity to open your garage door, there are a few things that could be wrong.

The most obvious problem is if your outlet is blown. The easiest way to check if the power source your garage door uses is disrupted is by plugging something else into the outlet. If it doesn’t work, it needs to be replaced.

Other problems include frayed wires, water damage, and accidentally unplugging the power source. If the problem isn’t obvious, you should definitely get a professional to inspect your garage door.

8. Wear and Tear

Just like any other appliances you own, the mechanisms that open your garage door can get worn down with age. Getting proper replacements should be all you need to get your garage door functioning again.

9. “Disconnect” On

In case you didn’t know, every garage door comes with a lot of safety mechanisms. Whether it’s a knob, button, or switch, your door has the option to shut off the automatic opening. This feature is useful for when there are power outages when you’d need to open the door manually.

This is an easy fix! All you need to do is look for the disconnect feature your door uses and switch it back to automatic.

10. Obstacles

Garages can sometimes be people’s storage units. If your garage is packed with all kinds of stuff, something might accidentally get knocked over. If an object is blocking the photo eye sensors, then the garage door will not open.

Did you know that the sensors are so powerful that even dust can disrupt them? If you don’t notice any object in the way, try giving the photo-eye a nice wipe down.

Need More Help?

If you ever need a professional opinion, you can always call Bayside Garage Doors for any garage door troubleshooting. We are more than happy to help when your garage door doesn’t open or assist you with any other concerns you may have.

We offer 24/7 service to all of our customers. Life doesn’t stop happening during off-hours, which is why we’re always for you.

Among the many options available to improve the look and appearance of the home, improving the garage structurally and aesthetically is often the way to go. It gives you a chance to make your entire property shine because it gives the garage and home a unified look. If you’re hoping to sell your house and think that putting in a new garage door helps increase the value of home, you’re right. Any significant improvements you make work well to increase interest in the property you’re trying to sell.

Different Styles to Meet Different Needs and Different Houses

Your neighborhood is full of different houses. They range in size, décor, rooms, and even yards. You may have a home that looks completely different than your neighbors’. Consider this a blessing as a house is every bit as unique as its owner.

Here are some ways to make your garage door stand out in your neighborhood:

• Choose Windowpanes. Windows help break up the boxy look of traditional garage doors. It’s a great way to let the sun in, too, if you choose to work inside the garage. Windows are a way to reduce energy costs as you can use the heat from the sun to warm the space when the weather is cooler.
• Opt for Horizontal Relief Patterns. It helps create visual interest by offering a line for the eye to follow. It’s far more interesting than a traditional garage door. It also fits the look of many of the homes that it shares space with.
• Use Vertical Lines to Create Visual Interest. Just like horizontal relief patterns, vertical lines give the eyes something to zoom in on. People will see how attractive your garage door is as well as how well it matches the rest of your property. When trying to create curb appeal, it’s best to choose options give the appearance of depth, dimension, and even texture.
• Install Barn Door Style Cross Beams. You can achieve any look you want to by selecting the right door. There are modern options that exist outside of aluminum. You can choose wood and opt to have it painted to look like a barn door. This makes the space much more special than a typical garage. In fact, you may not even use it for your vehicles. You may choose instead to treat it like an extension of your home by utilizing it as an entertainment area or art studio.
• Use Color. A little color goes a long way in making a garage door stand out. Choose one that complements the home. You can create contrast by using a lighter or darker color than the one you have on your garage already. Think about extending the look of your home to the garage and find new colors that allow you to express yourself and your unique personality.
• Accessorize with details. If you opt to have a carriage house style garage door, you can add details such as patterned hinges and even multi-pane windows. You can use potted plants to draw interest to that area of the property and to even make smaller spaces look bigger than they really are. If you want to use a trellis, you can do it to soften the area and make it look warm and comfortable. The DIY Network offers suggestions as to which plants are the best for easy landscaping. The fifteen varieties selected are low-maintenance. They are Velvet Cloak Smoke Tree, Jules Verne Peony, Winter King Hawthorn, Variegated Ribbon Grass, Burgundy Carousel Japanese Barberry, Elijah Blue Fescue, Thornless Common Honeylocust, Grey Owl Juniper, and more. Stonework on the walls outside the garage door also work well. Anything that creates a sense of texture is nice. Stamped concrete is an option that doesn’t cost a lot but delivers favorable results.

There are a number of things you can do to make your garage door different than others in the neighborhood. You’ll enjoy being the home that people stop and admire every time they pass it. How the door looks is every bit as important as the functionality of the product.

The Right Company for the Job is Bayside Garage Doors

When you decide to add a new garage door to your garage, Bayside Garage Doors will install it for you. We offer a number of different door types including carriage house style and wrought iron. We also offer steel, wood, and wood composite for you to choose from.

This ensures that you get the exact aesthetic and quality that you paid for when you do business with us. A new garage door is affordable for every type of budget. In fact, if you have questions about a particular style of door, just ask as we want to help you find the right fit for you.