Finding condensation in your garage? It happens. In fact, condensation problems in garages are relatively common. Being a top-rated garage door repair and installation company serving the entire Tampa area since 2006, we’ve seen it all. Whether you’ve been wracking your brain on the source, or wondering how to solve the issue, first know that there are several potential causes of condensation buildup:

•  Changes in outside temperature
•  Rising humidity
•  Damp vehicles
•  Running appliances

While many factors may play a role in finding water in your garage, the main issue is finding a potential resolution. Our team has put together 8 common solutions to garage condensation issues – check them out below.

1. Inspect Drainage

The first thing you may want to inspect is the drains in your garage. If there is a clog blocking the flow of water, then it is possible increased temperatures are having an evaporative effect on the water in the pipe, causing condensation.

2. Check for Plumbing Issues

If your drains seem free of any clogs, then look for leaks in any existing plumbing. Many garages have water lines in the walls bordering the house. If your garage is drywalled, then you may be able to use a thermal camera to search for cold spots, which could show a leak.

3. Check Ventilation

Sometimes fans or vents cease to function. Make sure that your ventilation equipment is still in good working order. If it has been a while since you cleaned, dirt or cobwebs may have clogged the system, resulting in inadequate performance.

4. Control the Temperature

You may want to install a heating and cooling system in your garage if the condensation problem is bad enough. Without intervention, moisture problems can lead to mold growth.

5. Install a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are great appliances that suck the moisture out of the air. These devices allow you to set an expected moisture level in your garage, potentially eliminating any condensation issues altogether.

6. Use a Floor Coating

In the humid summer months, a concrete slab can hold moisture. Using a floor coating, like epoxy, will seal the surface of the concrete, preventing any of that extra moisture from seeping into your garage.

7. Use a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is a type of insulation that is designed to keep interior spaces dry. However, it needs to be installed correctly to be effective. It is often best to leave insulation installation to the professionals.

8. Eliminate Old Appliances

While people love to have fridges and freezers in their garages, it is best to use new appliances. Older units may have worn seals, which will only contribute to excess moisture in your garage.

9. Replace Garage Door Weather Stripping

While garage doors are not airtight, ensuring you have proper weather stripping can help reduce garage condensation.

There are many reasons you may have condensation in your garage, however, it may start with the actual main entrance – the garage door. Whether it’s weather stripping your garage door (as mentioned above in tip #9), or time for a new door altogether, the garage door repair and installation experts at Bayside Garage Doors are happy to help.

If you have an inquiry related to your garage door, contact our experts at Bayside Garage Doors online, or call (813) 433-7395 today!

It’s no secret that Florida has warm weather year-round – however, Summer takes things to a whole new level. Temperatures routinely reach scorching highs, and humidity makes the air feel thick.  Finding a place to cool off in these oppressively hot conditions, becomes a priority for most Florida residents during these warm Summer months.

One area of your home that often gets overlooked when it comes to temperature control is your garage. Whether you like to spend time in your garage, keep major appliances there, or simply use your garage to store items – there are many reasons why keeping your garage cool is important. It is especially significant because garages can tend to lock-in heat, and be even warmer than outside.

Luckily, there are simple ways to help keep your garage cool, even on the hottest of days in Florida. Our team has put together a list of tips on how you can easily keep this space at a comfortable temperature year-round. Check them out below.

1. Plug In a Fan & Take Advantage of Your Ventilation System

Fans are inexpensive and very easy to set up.  Using a fan is the simplest way to increase the airflow and keep your garage cooled down by, at least, a few degrees.

Running a fan with the right garage ventilation system can make a huge difference in temperature. Whether active or passive, a ventilation system can remove hot air from your garage. In fact, if you don’t have decent ventilation in your garage, temperatures can actually be higher than that of outside.

Bottom line: A proper ventilation system will help reduce or remove hot, stagnant air and get things moving around.

2. Crank Up Your A/C or Install an Air Conditioner in Your Garage

Although this may be a more expensive option, if you are someone who spends lots of time in your garage, the investment may be worth the price tag.  Window A/C units are a relatively inexpensive way to cool down your garage.

Once you add air conditioning to your garage, you won’t have to worry about the temperature anymore and you can use it whenever you want. However, if you choose to install air conditioning, you’ll want to make sure you have this next tip.

3. Insulated Garage Doors Can Help Keep It Cooler

Many associate insulation as “warming” a space, rather than aiding in keeping it cool – especially when it comes to insulating your garage door in Florida. However, as with any room in your home, you will want to make sure your garage is properly insulated. You’ll want to really pay close attention to the seal and insulation around windows in your garage door.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about keeping your garage cool?  We specialize in repairing, replacing and, yes… installing insulated garage doors.  Call our team of garage door repair and installation professionals at (813) 433-7395, or contact us online, today!

Problems with your garage door can be a real headache, but sometimes these issues are an easy fix. Unfortunately, some homeowners assume calling a garage door service means that expensive repairs are unavoidable, and they put off a simple correction until it grows into a much bigger (and more expensive) concern.

By educating yourself on common issues that occur over the lifespan of a garage door, you may be able to identify the root cause and solve it yourself, or get professional help quickly, before it becomes a larger issue.

Our team has put together the most common issues we see – know these top five garage door glitches that warrant a call to a garage door repair service.

Noisy Garage Door 

You may not realize your garage door is acting up until you notice a change in the noise level during operation. A loud, squeaky garage door may be a simple matter of lubricating the tracks, but a rubbing noise could indicate that track is misaligned.

Listen for new or unusual noises and call a service to address it.

Spring Into Action

What if your garage door suddenly slams shut or will not open? A broken torsion spring or extension spring could be the culprit. Springs do not last indefinitely, and if you have had your garage door for a decade or more, the possibility of one breaking may be expected.

Replacing springs can be tricky and hazardous, making this a job for a trained professional.

Garage Door Sensor Issue

Any garage door installed after the early ‘90s should have a sensor eye near the garage floor as a safety feature to prevent injury of the door closing on a person, car or other object. That eye alerts the garage door to reopen, but sometimes it can become misaligned or obstructed.

First, check to see if anything is in the path of the eye. Then see if it needs readjustment or cleaning, which you may be able to do on your own, however,  if the dilemma persists – it may be best left to a pro.

A Blocked Signal

A garage door transmitter is the main source of communication for remote operation. What if that component is not working or only connects intermittently? Again, this trouble could be as simple as an obstructed antenna or a dead battery, things you can fix yourself

If an antenna adjustment or battery replacement doesn’t do the trick, contact a garage door service to diagnose and treat the bigger problem.

Caught in a Trap

Every so often, you experience a power outage, leaving your car trapped inside the garage. Most door openers do have an emergency cord you can pull in this circumstance, and you should also be able to manually lock your door after you close it.

Be sure to unlock it again after the power comes back on.

Goodbye to Guesswork

With Bayside Garage Doors at your service, you do not have to find a solution on your own. Visit us online or call (813) 433-7395 for a free quote from our experts.

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.