7 Tips for Garage Door Selection

Cars are a part of the Michigan tradition, and with four beautiful Midwestern seasons, so are garages. Accessibility is a key part of any garage, so whether a recent move or a renovation has you looking for a new opener, there are three main types to consider. Between the chain, belt, and direct drive systems, homeowners can choose something to fit their family’s needs. Chain Driven Once the most popular style of garage door opener, chain driven models use a chain, similar to that of a bicycle, to pull or push a carriage connected to the garage door. Noise can be a concern with these models if the garage is connected to the home, especially if there is an adjacent bedroom. Recent developments in softer start and stop technology lessen the vibrations associated with a chain system, making it a more realistic option for homes with kitchen or side entry. Stand-alone garages are a perfect match for this model. Belt Driven Often credited with being quieter and smoother, the belt driven opener uses a polyurethane, fiberglass, or steel-reinforced rubber belt in place of a chain. The smoothness of the belt removes much of the jerkiness associated with a chain drive while functioning just as reliably. Cost increases with a belt system, depending on the model. Direct Drive Direct drive openers feature an overhead rail containing a chain, on which the affixed motor moves in order to open the door. These models are cited as amazingly noiseless and dependable. Direct drive openers are comparable in price to a belt drive system. Powering Your Drive: AC or DC Both power types perform the same function, but each offers a different range of benefits. All AC-powered garage door openers currently on the market function somewhere within a six to eight inches-per-second opening speed, closing at around seven inches-per-second, so speed will be consistent depending on the size of the door. DC-powered openers are credited with smoother, quieter operation, sometimes a faster opening speed (closing speeds are standard for safety reasons). AC motors are known for their longevity more than DC motors, but sophisticated DC models offer a longer life. Additionally some DC-powered units can be outfitted with a battery backup in case of power failure. For more advice on choosing the right garage door opener for your home, contact the professionals at Town & Country Door. Since 1995, we have been servicing all garage door mechanisms and will assist you in choosing the system that perfectly fits your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today! 

When it comes to home improvement and design, homeowners often focus on the interior of their house. However, the exterior of your home is just as important and can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and functionality of your living space. One essential element of any outdoor space is patio doors. These doors not only provide a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor areas, but they also add beauty and functionality to your home. In this blog post, we will explore the various types of patio doors and their benefits, as well as tips on how to choose the perfect one for your home. Types of Patio Doors There are several types of patio doors available on the market today. Let's take a look at the most common ones: Sliding Patio Doors These doors have panels that slide horizontally on a track to open and close. They are great for small spaces as they don't require any extra space for opening. They also provide an unobstructed view of your outdoor area when fully opened. French Patio Doors French patio doors are hinged and swing inwards or outwards. They have a classic and elegant look that adds charm to any home. These doors are perfect for wider openings as they allow for a larger entrance space compared to other types of patio doors. Folding Patio Doors Folding patio doors, also known as bi-fold doors, are made up of panels that fold and stack against each other when opened. They provide a wide opening for easy access to your outdoor space and can create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor areas. Benefits of Patio Doors Patio doors offer numerous benefits beyond just enhancing the look of your home. Let's explore some of the advantages of investing in patio doors: Natural Light and Ventilation  Patio doors are a great way to bring natural light into your home. Larger glass panels allow for more sunlight to enter your living space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They also provide better ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow into your home. Energy Efficiency Patio doors with energy-efficient glass can help reduce your energy bills. These doors prevent heat loss during colder months and keep your home cool in the summer, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Increased Home Value Investing in patio doors can significantly increase the value of your home. Not only do they improve the aesthetic appeal, but they also offer practical benefits that potential buyers will appreciate. Easy Access to Outdoor Living With patio doors, you can easily access your outdoor space and create a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor areas. This is especially beneficial for entertaining guests or enjoying family time outdoors. Choosing the Perfect Patio Door Now that we've explored the types and benefits of patio doors let's discuss some tips on how to choose the perfect one for your home: Consider the Space The first thing you need to consider when choosing a patio door is the available space. If you have limited space, sliding doors may be a better option, while larger openings can accommodate French or folding doors. Think About Functionality Are you looking for easy access to your outdoor space? Do you want to maximize natural light and ventilation? Consider your needs and choose a patio door that will meet those requirements. Materials and Style Patio doors come in different materials, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its unique benefits, so it's essential to consider which one is best suited for your home. You should also think about the style of your patio doors, whether it's modern, traditional, or rustic. Energy Efficiency As mentioned earlier, energy-efficient glass can help reduce your energy bills. When choosing a patio door, consider the type of glass used and its energy efficiency rating. Patio doors are not just a functional addition to your home; they can also enhance the aesthetic appeal and increase the value of your property. With various types, benefits, and tips on choosing patio doors, you can find the perfect one to complement your outdoor space and improve your overall living experience. Contact us for more information about patio doors.

Your roll-up commercial garage door is an essential component of your business’s operations and security. Read on to learn more about replacing it.

A garage door is a significant component of a home's aesthetic, security, and functionality. Read on to learn how to choose the right door for your home.

In the fast-paced world of commercial businesses, every aspect matters. Read this blog on fire-rated, high performance, and wind load garage doors.

If you come home to your garage door not opening, frustration can build up quickly. Learn about eight possible reasons your garage door will not open.

When your garage door starts acting up, it's giving you signals that it needs a helping hand. Read about the signs to look out for in this blog.

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Do you know the latest Facebook research show that “the average number of acquaintances separating any two people in the world was not six but 4.74″? Town & Country Door is a company passionate about providing high-quality garage door repair service to local communities while building a useful online network to enrich our customers experience. If you are like us, we encourage you to check out our site and build an online professional network with us by joining our link exchange program. Simply submit your link, anchor text and page description, and we will review them and get back to you when approved. Thank you for stopping by and we look forward to hearing from you.

The purpose of a backup battery for your garage door opener is to allow for continued use in the event that the electricity that fuels the opener becomes inaccessible. The last thing you want during a power outage is to climb on top of your car with a flashlight and teach yourself how the machine operates in order to manually open it. Can you imagine being the only family in your neighborhood who can't flee the hurricane or tornado because you can't get your car out of the garage? Power Outage Your garage door opener is currently plugged into an electrical outlet or hard-wired into your home's grid. If the breaker trips, or if your neighbor hits a power pole again, a power outage could make it impossible to open your garage door without a battery backup. Bad Weather Storms can cause power outages and they make life difficult enough without trapping you in your home. There's never a convenient time for your garage door to stop functioning, but if you're planning to leave the house in a storm, you've got enough on your mind already. And after the storm, when everyone else is cleaning up and recovering, you don't need to be trapped, waiting for the power to be restored so you can get your garage door open. Emergency Power outages and bad weather can cause their own emergencies. It's true that you can manually open the door once you've looked over the mechanisms, but emergencies are unpredictable. Can you imagine breaking the arm that does the heavy lifting, only to discover that you can't bypass the garage door opener at the time you need it the most? Many newer garage door openers come with battery backups. It might sound like a frivolous novelty, but it can be extremely valuable in an emergency. Aftermarket battery backups are also available, and can be attached to your pre-existing garage door opener, as well. For more garage door information, contact the team at Town & Country Door today!

The purpose of a backup battery for your garage door opener is to allow for continued use in the event that the electricity that fuels the opener becomes inaccessible. The last thing you want during a power outage is to climb on top of your car with a flashlight and teach yourself how the machine operates in order to manually open it. Can you imagine being the only family in your neighborhood who can't flee the hurricane or tornado because you can't get your car out of the garage?

A common issue homeowners experience is malfunctioning garage door springs. Understand why professional help is so key for your damaged garage door springs.

A garage door is a large investment in terms of function and appearance. Read our blog to learn about the different styles and find the best one.

An automatic garage door is something one takes for granted on a daily basis. However, when a garage door gets stuck, it can take away valuable time from one's day trying to fix the issue. There are a few common reasons a garage door will stick and a fix for each potential cause.  The first thing to look for if your door is stuck is to check the sensors. Most automatic garage doors come with two sensors located on either side toward the bottom of the garage that will stop the door from closing in the event the event that a child or pet is in the way of the door. If your door gets stuck, the first thing to do is look at both sensors and make sure nothing is in the way. Another potential problem with the sensors is that they have fallen out of alignment. When working properly, the sensors are aligned and meet each other in the middle, if they are not in alignment the door will not move. In the event, this is the cause of your door not working you will most likely need to call in a professional. For a garage door to open and close without issue, it requires proper lubrication. If the chain or the tracks on the door lack proper lubrication, then the door will stick. To fix this, you will want to use a spray bottle with lube and apply to both parts of the door, and that should do the trick. Another common reason a door will get stuck is due to damage to the garage door track. The track can be easily damaged if hit with an object or can bend out of shaped by freezing air. If this is the case, try to hammer out a few of the dents on the track. For more severe damage, you will need a professional to come out. If you're having issues with your garage door , contact the team at Town & Country Door today.