The Durability and Benefits of Steel Garage Doors
Installing the right garage door helps protect your property and provides several other benefits. Today’s options include wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, composite and steel, all of which have their own distinct appeal.
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Steel garage doors are a popular choice for many people looking for a robust, attractive solution. Learn more about their advantages and what you can expect with a steel garage door installation.
Durability — Steel’s Main Advantage
Perhaps the most obvious benefit, steel garage doors are inherently strong and designed to withstand impact from heavy winds and other natural forces. The strength of a given design is determined by how many layers it features:
- Single-layer: A cost-effective and simple steel door construction
- Double-layer: Includes a layer of polystyrene behind the steel for greater durability
- Triple-layer: Features thermal insulation sandwiched between two steel layers for more toughness and energy efficiency
Thanks to the ruggedness of steel, these garage doors are made to last and provide an excellent return on investment.
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Other Benefits of Steel Garage Doors
Along with being naturally resilient, steel doors come with other advantages:
- Easy maintenance: Compared to other materials like wood, steel garage doors require little upkeep.
- Aesthetic appeal: Steel doors are sleek and attractive, and they have a positive impact on curb appeal. You can even find versions with a faux wood finish to complement a specific aesthetic.
- Value: Steel doors are affordable yet durable, ensuring safety and security for residential and commercial properties.
- Energy efficiency: Insulated steel promotes energy efficiency to help reduce utility bills.
- Damage resistance: Steel doors resist fire, warping, corrosion, rotting, rusting and cracking. They also perform well in adverse weather.
- Customization potential: You can order a custom steel garage door to complement your property. Options include different panel colors, matte or gloss finishes, and adding windows and handles. Try our customization tool to see what’s possible!
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How to Maintain a Steel Garage Door
Routine inspections and maintenance extend your garage door’s life, especially when performed before and after seasonal changes. Going through the following steps between professional inspections will help you catch and correct any potential issues early:
- Listen for unusual sounds: Creaking, cracking, scraping and other sounds may signal a mechanical issue.
- Check all moving components: The tracks, cables and springs are prone to wear and tear and should be inspected for damage. If you see something wrong with a spring, call a professional promptly, as trying to handle it on your own could be dangerous.
Blankenship Garage Doors provides expert maintenance services to keep your steel garage door in optimal condition.
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Partner with our team for everything your steel garage door needs. We offer expert garage door repair, replacement, maintenance and installation services to customers throughout central Oregon.
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Can I Replace a Damaged Panel of My Garage Door?
Performing Your Own Garage Door Panel Replacement
Early one morning, you run late for work and don’t have time to make coffee before leaving. Quickly getting into the car and throwing it into reverse, you lose your train of thought for a moment and back the car right into your garage door. Once you gather your thoughts and retreat to safety, you may wonder how you should attempt to fix the garage door.
How to Keep Your Children Safe Around Your Garage
HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE AROUND GARAGE DOORS
When your child was born, you probably went a little crazy covering electrical outlets, locking kitchen cabinets and placing cleaning products high out of reach. Every parent knows the basics of childproofing their house, but when was the last time you thought about childproofing the garage? It’s easy to overlook garage safety precautions when you’re thinking about your child. After all, it’s not like they play in there every day, right? If you haven’t considered your garage door to be a safety hazard, you aren’t alone. In fact, 82% of Americans admit that they tend to neglect maintenance and safety when it comes to their garage door.
The truth is that your garage — especially the garage door — presents a number of potential dangers for children. Just because their toys aren’t out there or their playroom is on the other side of the house doesn’t mean that their curious minds won’t lead them into the garage when you aren’t looking. Just as you childproof your house, it’s important to take a few minutes to find and eliminate dangers your children may face in the garage. Where should you start? Here are garage door child safety tips to keep in mind.
Real Wood vs. Faux Wood Garage Doors
Installing a new garage door is exciting, but before you can enjoy your home’s new look, you have to select a door that will best fit your residence. If you love the appearance of wood and want to see it on your exterior, you could choose from two common door types — faux wood and real wood. Learn more about these two options to ensure the best match for your home.
Real Wood Garage Doors
Real wood doors come in various wood species, such as cedar, oak and alder. When well-maintained, they offer excellent durability and can increase your home’s value — an essential point if you’re aiming to sell your house later. These doors don’t dent like faux wood can, which helps you maintain a beautiful appearance, but real wood can have issues with rot or swelling, making regular upkeep important.
Consider that real wood models tend to cost more than faux wood options due to their authentic quality and personalization. However, this higher price tag comes with numerous benefits. You can choose from a range of paints and stains and vast design options, such as adding windows or changing panel arrangements.
Faux Wood Garage Doors
Although they often look like the real thing, faux wood doors consist of a fiberglass, steel or aluminum core. They are then covered with composite overlays that are either real wood or faux material resembling wood’s appearance and texture.
Because of their long-lasting materials, like steel and aluminum, these doors show great durability and require less maintenance than real wood. These garage door materials also tend to result in lower price points, meaning you might pay less to install a faux door with composite overlays.
Which Wood Garage Door Type Is Best for You?
Choosing the proper garage door type depends on how the above factors fit into your lifestyle. A faux wood door might be best for you if:
- You’re looking for a lower price point on your garage door.
- You want a lower-maintenance option that will hold up well over time.
- You want a quicker and easier installation, as faux wood models are lighter than real wood.
- You live in a storm-prone or humid area that would affect a real wood door’s appearance.
Alternatively, you might choose a real wood door if:
- You want an authentic, unique real-wood look for your garage door.
- You’d like more customizability in your door, such as stains, wood types and panel sections.
- You want to increase your home’s value and potentially get a higher return on investment when selling.
- You have the time and resources to keep up with consistent wood garage door maintenance needs.
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Whether you’ve chosen between faux and real wood or you could use more guidance, Blankenship Garage Doors will be there for your next project.
We’re a Clopay® Master Authorized Dealer® that’s been operating in central Oregon since 1996. We know what it takes to service and install garage doors with care and integrity, and we’ll assist you when you need to decide on the right model for your residence. Once you’ve chosen, we can install your door with expert care.
Get in touch with us today to request a free estimate on a new door.
Roll-Up Doors vs. Standard Garage Doors
There are two primary styles of doors to choose from when outfitting your home or business with a new one — sectional or roll-up garage doors.
Sectional overhead garage doors are common, with many homeowners choosing them. There are also commercial versions of sectional doors available. They feature construction with wide panels and run-on tracks that keep them parallel to the ceiling when open.
Roll-up garage doors comprise roll-up sheet doors and rolling steel doors. These options have no tracks. Instead, they coil tightly into a roll near the roof just inside the garage. Roll-up sheet doors feature one large piece of steel, while a rolling steel door has numerous metal slats. Learning about these styles’ benefits and drawbacks can help you make a better decision for your home or business.
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Advantages of Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up steel garage doors offer advantages like:
- Space savings: Because these doors coil, there’s no need for extended space to mount tracks. That ability makes them ideal for home garages with limited clearance. It also makes them perfect for commercial buildings where lighting or HVAC equipment may be present overhead.
- Extended durability: Steel is a highly durable material that can withstand heavy use. Plus, it’s resistant to insects and the elements for extra peace of mind.
- Enhanced security: Roll-up doors typically offer more protection for your home or business than traditional sectional doors. The sturdy material and construction help safeguard against fire, intruders and even vandalism.
- Increased value: These options are low-maintenance, so they don’t need frequent attention or repairs. Their long life spans and fewer upkeep needs help maximize your investment.
Business owners can pair their roll-up doors with high-performance commercial operators for faster cycling. These doors can handle high-volume traffic and help boost productivity.
Disadvantages of Roller Garage Doors
When deciding if a roll-up door is right for your home or business, consider the cons, such as:
- Higher cost: Roll-up doors are sometimes more expensive than traditional sectional garage doors. Expect to pay more for upgraded options, like high-performance models.
- Limited customizability: These styles generally offer fewer ways to tailor the door than traditional garage doors. Those seeking more decorative opportunities may be happier with a conventional sectional door with higher customizability.
- Unique aesthetics: Roll-up doors create a one-of-a-kind appearance for your structure’s exterior. The practical and industrial look may not complement every home or business.
Contact Blankenship Garage Doors for Garage Door Installation in Oregon
Blankenship Garage Doors has been a trusted Central Oregon partner for commercial and residential roll-up garage doors since 1996. Our highly skilled team is ready to help you select, place and maintain the best solution for your property.
Visit our local showroom for personal assistance. You can also request a quote or schedule a service appointment online.
Drawbacks and Benefits of Sectional Garage Doors
Modern garage doors offer you many construction styles to choose from. Typical ones include roll-up, swing-open, single-panel and the most popular — sectional garage doors. These doors feature wide panels that separate as it cycles, allowing the door to curve as it glides up its tracks.
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Exploring the pros and cons of this favorite option can help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
How Do Sectional Doors Compare to Other Types of Garage Doors?
Many factors distinguish sectional garage doors from other styles.
What Are the Benefits of Sectional Doors?
Some advantages of sectional garage doors are:
- Boosted curb appeal: You can customize these doors in several ways. Opt for various materials, colors, window styles and decorative hardware to improve your home’s aesthetics.
- Energy savings: Manufacturers provide different levels of garage door insulation to help you conserve energy. As a result, you can save on heating and cooling costs by keeping your garage’s interior at a more consistent temperature.
- Tight clearance: Unlike swing-open doors, sectional ones open vertically without kick-out. They also require less front clearance than single-panel doors, making them ideal for shorter driveways.
- Adjustable opening: The unique design allows sectional doors to hold their position at any point in the cycle. You can stop the door precisely to help control glare and ventilation.
- Security: Sectional options are among the highest-security models. They tend to stand up to forced entry better than swing-open or single-panel styles.
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What Are the Drawbacks of Sectional Doors?
Sectional garage doors also have disadvantages that may not make them the best choice for every application, including:
- More upkeep: A sectional door has more components than a single-panel garage door. As a result, it may need maintenance or repair more frequently to keep it in its best condition.
- Higher costs: Single-panel doors often cost less than sectional doors crafted from the same material. The extra upkeep can also add to the overall cost of ownership.
Sectional Garage Doors for Homes
Blankenship Garage Doors is your trusted source for high-quality Clopay® residential garage doors. We carry many options to help you create a unique look. Harmonize with the surrounding forests by installing gorgeous natural wood selections from the Classic™ Wood lineup or Reserve® Wood Limited Edition collections. Add flair to contemporary homes with insulated Canyon Ridge® Modern doors, or introduce timeless charm with Coachman® carriage-house styles.
Many styles are available for viewing at our local showroom, and our team will be happy to help you design the ideal one. We also have an expert garage door installation crew to ensure professional results.
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Since 1996, we’ve been Central Oregon’s first choice for residential garage door sales, installation and maintenance or repair service.
Request an estimate for your new door online, or call us at 541-383-2658.
How to Get the Most Secure Garage Doors
Garage door security is critical since you keep valuables inside, including your vehicles, and attached garages provide direct access to your home. Learn more about which protection tactics you can use to secure your garage doors today!
Are Garage Doors With Windows Safe?
Having windows on your garage doors is safe, especially if you take the right precautions. Most overhead doors have high enough windows that people can’t see inside or easily get in through them. You can also choose double-pane glass to help increase your garage’s safety.
If you want to secure your garage door windows even more, consider frosting them. This treatment prevents people from seeing what types of vehicles, tools or other equipment you have inside. Another benefit of frosted windows is that they allow natural light in while keeping prying eyes out.
Tips to Ensure the Security of Your Garage
While frosting windows is an effective way to make your garage door safer, there are plenty of other methods. Follow these tips to enhance the safety of your overhead door:
1. Take Your Garage Door Opener Remote With You
Many people choose to keep their remotes in their cars at all times. While this might be convenient, it can entice a burglar or thief to break into your vehicle to get ahold of it. You can take extra precautions by carrying your opener in your coat or bag when leaving your car.
2. Install Security Cameras
Adding cameras outside your garage acts as a deterrent for thieves or burglars. Many people know that security cameras can pick up their clothes and facial features, making it much harder to get away with a crime. You can choose a camera system that is right for your home — motion-activated ones are often a great option.
3. Use Motion-Sensor Floodlights
Outdoor lights that automatically turn on when they detect movement also increase garage safety. When the lights come on, many criminals are frightened enough that they don’t dare try to enter. Floodlights can also help you and your family feel more secure at home because it is easier to see the area around your garage.
Trust Us for Securing Garage Doors at Your Home
At Blankenship Garage Doors, we provide installation and repair services for homeowners in the area. We sell high-security garage doors from Clopay®, a top-rated brand that offers durable and safe overhead doors in numerous styles and materials. Contact us online to start making your garage safer today!
How to Choose a New Garage Door: A Comprehensive Guide
Your garage door is the cornerstone of your home’s curb appeal and a major entrance to your residence. However, an older door may soon warrant a replacement. Thankfully, new doors offer longevity, monetary savings and a vast range of customizations. If you’re shopping for your next overhead door, the experts at Blankenship Garage Doors have developed the ultimate garage door buying guide.
How to Get the Most of Your ROI When Replacing Your Garage Door
We all know better than to judge a book by its cover — but the exterior of our homes can make a big difference! Most people want a home that reflects their personal style and makes a good first impression. There are plenty of renovations that will improve the appearance of your home, but the challenge is deciding which one will get the most bang for your buck.
Updating your garage would look great, but does a new garage door increase home value? It can actually benefit your home in more ways than one. Replacing your garage door improves curb appeal and has a higher return on investment (ROI) than you might think. Whether you’re making home improvements for your family to enjoy or preparing to list your house on the market, replacing your garage door is a wise investment.
How to Inspect Garage Doors
A garage door is your home’s largest moving part. Garage doors consist of different components and parts vital to proper and safe functioning. Regularly inspecting your garage doors will ensure that everything continues working as expected, and early detection can help you avoid costly repairs.
How often you operate your garage door dictates how frequently you should check it. If your garage door sees daily use, inspecting it every six months to a year is ideal. Opening and closing the garage door multiple times a day means you should examine it closer to the six-month mark, and you should immediately take a look if you notice any odd sounds or movements.
We’ve compiled a garage door inspection checklist on how to safely inspect your garage door, so you can prolong its lifespan and delay your next door replacement.