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Top tips on looking after your garage door

Garage door maintenance tips
Modern garage doors are extremely well made and are designed to help protect your car – and everything else you keep in the garage – in terms of both security, as well as protection from the weather. Looking after your garage door is therefore an essential task to add to your household checklist. This task doesn’t need to take long, but if you do it regularly enough, you could save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the future by preventing things going wrong.

Here are the Access Garage Door top tips on looking after your garage door.

Before you start

Tell everyone in your household that you’ll be checking the garage door. You can avoid a possible injury if they know not to open or close the door whilst you’re inspecting it.
Read all the labels on the liquids and lubricants that you’re planning to use to make 100% sure they’re the right ones for the job. Getting it wrong could end up in permanent damage to your door.

Cleaning and maintenance

Ideally, twice a year, or every 2,000 door cycles, treat the springs, spindles, tracks, hinges and latches with a squirt of WD-40 (other multi-use spray lubricants are also available). However, be really careful not to allow any to drip onto the face of the door.
Do not oil the track runners, but do keep them clean and free of obstacles.
If the rollers or hinges become stuck because of rust, try dabbing a bit of paraffin on them and rub it off with a soft cloth.
Clean your door with a washing up liquid solution. It’s important to always use a soft cloth or sponge, never use anything abrasive because it will permanently damage the surface.
Keep the door clear of caustic or acidic substances on the door – bird droppings are a particular problem because of their acidity.
If you live on the coast, clean the salt off the door on a regular basis in order to prevent corrosion.
If you garage door is made from wood, inspect the paintwork or varnish to make sure it’s properly weatherproof.

These top tips will ensure your garage doors remain in a good condition for a long time. Contact the team for more information on 0800 716 569

24th November 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Tips, Garage Door Types, Garage Doors Category Garage Door, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Doors, Maintenance 0 Comments

Insulated garage doors on the rise

Insulated garage doors have continued to rise in popularity over the years. Our garage door fitters have looked at reasons why their popularity has increased, explaining why people are buying them more.

Alutech Sectional L-ribbed

Insulated garage doors are more readily available:

More garage door manufacturers are making insulated garage doors readily available; with many more featuring either a double skinned steel or aluminium panel design. The insulation not only provides its primary purpose but also adds strength to the door which in turn provides great stability, see our range of Hormann and Alutech sectional garage doors as a market leading example.

Great for double door garage conversions:

With more families considering converting their garage in recent years, in turn, meant more families have looked at a way of insulating their garage door to prevent heat loss. Although some think of taking their door out, ones that still want their home to look like it features a garage often choose the very best insulated garage doors for best results.

Climate change is affecting your garage door:

With the summers getting warmer and the winters are considerably cooler, insulated garage doors aid both scenarios, keeping your garage cool in the summer and warm in winter. Insulated garage doors provide a greater seal against rain water and other items, especially compared against a traditional older style up and over garage door.

Such has been the increase in demand, companies like Hormann have been technologically advancing their insulated garage doors as well, to help provide an even greater product. If you are looking at adding a new garage door to your home, insulated garage doors are also very competitive in price, so you could get great energy-saving benefits as well.

15th November 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door News, Garage Door Types Garage Doors, Insulated Doors, Insulated Garage Doors 0 Comments

Advice about Garage Door Repairs

On most garage door repairs are best left to the experts at Access Garage Doors, but some minor problems you can fix yourself with the use of garage door spares

Due to the many moving parts operating on a daily basis, wear and tear on garage doors is inevitable, and while major components such as automated doors require extensive fixes, you can replace smaller components yourself.

Basic Spare Parts

Usually, the simplest components are also the ones that receive the most amount of stress.

Cables – Cables provide support and keep your garage door open or closed. To replace your cables, prop open the garage door and remove the cable while it is still rolled up in its spindle.
Springs – Garage door springs provide torsion and act as a counterbalance. We advise replacing both springs at the same time as a pair. To replace your springs, use a winding bar to loosen it. Never attempt to remove it while it is still under tension.
Rollers – Rollers keep your garage doors on track. Replacing it is just a matter of removing the track to access the roller. You can then replace it, taking care to realign the new roller with the track.
Draught Strips – Draught strips provide insulation and save energy. You typically install them at the bottom of the door, using adhesives. They seal up the area and prevent draughts from entering your garage.

20th April 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Doors Category, How To Category Access Garage Doors, DIY, Door, Door Repairs, Garage Doors 0 Comments

5 common problems with Garage Doors

5 common problems with Garage Doors

Your garage is supposed to prevent trouble by keeping your car safe from the elements but sometimes garages have problems of their own. Garage doors won’t open, refuses to lock or is aged and warped. Here’s how to solve garage door predicaments with our Garage Door repair tips;

The door is stuck shut

This can be the result of a broken cable, bent track or worn springs

The door opens slower than usual

This can be caused by a broken spring that needs replacing

The door squeaks as it opens and closes

It’s most likely that the rollers and bearings need to be lubricated

Your door won’t close fully – It partly closes before going back up

Something is obstructing your automatic opener, preventing the door from closing completely
The Cables need replacing
The track is bent and needs replacing
Or the springs are worn

No matter what you do your door won’t open or close

There may be a problem with the keypad or the programming, but first, try replacing the batteries in the remote control if you have an automatic opener.

Some repairs you can make yourself, however, we advise getting an expert who is fully trained and equipped to assist you and make any necessary repairs safely and efficiently. Here at Access Garage Doors we provide a full garage door repair service. Call the team or contact us to arrange a member of our team to advise you and repair your door.

To help prevent garage door problems test that your garage door working, checking the springs, rollers, spindles, cables and track. Wipe down the tracks, preferably with a microfiber cloth to prevent lint from being left behind. Also, make sure to keep all the metal moving parts lubricated. However, do not lubricate plastic parts. If you are having issues with your garage door call our friendly team on 0800 – 716569 who will be able to provide more detailed advice and send a member of our garage door repairs team to assist you.

5th April 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Types, Garage Doors Category, How To Category Access Garage Door, Access Garage Doors, DIY, Door Repairs, Fit my Garage Doors, Garage Door Repairs, Garage Doors 0 Comments

RSJ LINTEL INSTALLATION

DOUBLE GARAGE CONVERSIONS

Do you have a double garage that has two single doors? Are you finding it a squeeze to park your car in the garage? We can help!

Here at Access Garage doors we have the facilities to transform your garage into a double garage with a double-width door. By removing the centre pier and installing an RSJ lintel that spans the distance across the two openings, providing a much wider door. All measured and customised precisely for your requirements.

But what is an RSJ you ask? A reinforced steel joist (RSJ) is a horizontal steel beam used within construction, also referred to as l-beam and h-beam due to its shape. We use an RSJ when converting the two single garages to one double garage.

Before – Two single garage doors

During – Installation of load bearing steel

After - Installed double sectional garage door

After – Installed double roller garage door

We offer a full double door conversion service, transforming two single doors into one, making it more convenient for you to park your car and creating more space in your garage by removing the central pillar between the two single garages. The Double Garage Conversion service includes:

Removal and disposal of existing single garage doors, brick pier etc.
Supply and fit load-bearing steel lintel
Supply and fit double sized garage door of your choice (manual or automatic)

We tender to all making good and dispose of any rubbish created during the installation. We also offer additional Garage Doors extras and can fit any door style for you in the necessary size. Alternative sizes, designs, models and automation all available. Contact our expert team for more details.

14th March 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Types, Garage Doors Category Access Garage Doors, Double Door Conversion, Garage Doors, RSJ, RSJ Installation 0 Comments

Make your garage more energy efficient

7 tips on making your garage more energy efficient

Make your garage more energy efficient

Your garage is an important part of your house and generally takes up 30% of your home. We are always looking for ways to save you money. Here are our tips for improving your garage and lowering your energy bills.

1. Insulate your garage door: A new insulated garage door could save you money in the long run, keeping any heat inside. You could also look to buy an insulation kit.

2. Garage door floor seal: The Weather Defender has been designed to form an excellent seal between the garage door and the floor. The floor seal prevent unwanted water seeping in under the gap of your garage door and also stops rain, snow, leaves, dust and dirt being pushed under your garage door by the wind!

3. Upgrade your lights: Use LED lights in your garage. Led last up to 12 time longer than a standard halogen bulb and you could save up to 85% energy by switching to Affinity lighting LED lamps.

4. Seal any doors connecting your house to your garage. Install weather-stripping around the door frame and ensure there are no leaks. If your doorstep isn’t properly sealing at the bottom of your door, apply a draft excluder.

5. Seal any cracks in your garage floor: Cracks in your garage floor introduce cold air into your garage and allow heat to escape. Concrete sealant will help prevent heated air from escaping and stop cold air entering.

6. Solar heating: Avoid using electricity or gas to keep your garage warm and even generate electricity for the rest of your home by installing energy efficient solar panels on the roof. Solarvis Energy offer a range of domestic solar panels providing reliability, versatility and performance.

7. Storage and organisation: Is there still too much really useful stuff in your garage that you may need one day? If so, get a shed and store more items there. Organising your garage can help reduce waste as you won’t go out and buy more materials that you may already have but that are hidden under things.

For more information from the specialist garage door installation and repair team, contact Access Garage doors today – 0800 716569!

9th March 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Types, How To Category, Money Saving Access Garage Door, Affinity Lighting, DIY, Door, Garage Door Floor Seal, Garage Doors, Insulated Garage Doors, Solarvis Energy, Weather Defender 0 Comments

Sliding Garage Doors

Round The Corner Sliding Garage Doors

Side Sliding Garage Doors – The door for special fitting situations and requirements.

Round-the-corner garage doors are made to measure and are available in timber and aluminium. They can be automated or manually operated and are suitable for large openings and curved buildings. Round-the Corner doors are ideal for architect led projects, refurbishment and the conservation of listed and traditional buildings.

Side Sliding Garage Doors

These sliding garage doors can be made from quality treated timber, aluminium or insulated steel. Both the bespoke wooden and metal garage doors have numerous options for personalisation and adaption into a wide variety of installations from domestic garages and underground car parks, to stables, to boathouses and even light aircraft hangars.

Round the Corner Garage Doors are popular for larger garages as there are virtually no width restrictions and depending on material these doors can be up to 5 metres high. The garage doors can be made from various timbers such as superior spruce, hemlock, larch, oak and sapele. All these timber options are hand selected to be virtually knot free and can be factory stain or paint finished. Alternatively garage doors can be made from aluminium with various finishes.

3rd March 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Types, Garage Doors Category Access Garage Doors, Automated Garage Doors, Garage Doors, Hormann, Insulated Garage Doors, Sliding Doors, Vertico 0 Comments

Painting Worn Garage Doors

HOW TO – Paint Worn Garage Doors

You’ll need to source a good quality garage door paint for all round protection against any weather condition. It’s also recommended to prime the door first for best results. Some garage door paints include added protection against mould growth and paint film too. Bare in mind the garage door will require a total of 2 coats, and you’ll have to wait until the following day to apply the re-coat.

painting garage doors

STEP 1: Clean your door

Wash your garage door and remove any dirt.
Ensure you rinse the door down and leave to dry.

STEP 2: Sanding the door

What your garage door type, metal or wood, it’s essential to sand the surface prior to applying paint. Skipping this will mean the fresh paint will not attach itself to the door properly.
Use sand paper and use heavy grade sandpaper on any particularly rusted areas (metal doors)
Remove any dust by vacuuming or wiping down.
If you sand to far down you may need to add a primer top coat to the door. If this is the case, prime the door and then paint the following day.

STEP 3: Painting the door

Cover the drive in front of your garage door to avoid paint spillages.
Start from the top of the door and work your way downwards, using a roller to roll the paint onto the garage door.
Use a brush to paint the edges around the door.
You’ll need a few coats so once the first coat is dry, apply a second layer. If possible leave the garage a few days to dry thoroughly before you start using it again.

If you need a new garage door browse our range of garage door types or contact us to find out more about of installation and fitting service.

22nd February 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Doors Category, How To Category Access Garage Doors, DIY, Door, Garage Doors, How To, Paint Garage Doors, Painting, Painting Doors, Painting Garage Doors 0 Comments

Automating your old garage door

Own An Old-Style 90’s Garage Door?

Do you have an older-style – early 90’s Automated Garage Door? Over the years the automation of garage doors has evolved significantly. It is advisable to consider upgrading for security and energy reasons.

Automation is much cheaper, safer and more secure these days. In fact automated garage doors are now a standard request from most customers whatever their budget, and we think it’s great that automation so affordable.

We feel it’s worth mentioning to people who brought automated garage doors in the early 90’s that security has improved to such an extent, you should seriously consider upgrading those old doors.

Back then the remote control operators issued static opening codes. This means there was always a chance that a would-be thief with some research could access a garage remotely with the owner suspecting a thing. This was simply a technological problem but poses a serious risk to garage owners.

Since then remote controls for garage doors are configured in such a way that the actual opening code for each individual door regenerates randomly through an almost infinite amount of possible codes. As such, up-to-date automated garage doors give customers the peace of mind of high-tech security.

Manufacturing materials and insulation have also improved so much in the just the last 15 years, it makes sense to replace older-style automated doors whenever possible, to conserve energy and make your home more secure. Call the team for more details or request a FREE survey.

15th February 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Automation, Garage Doors Category Access Garage Doors, Automated Garage Doors, Automatic Garage Doors, Automation, Free Survey, Garage Doors 0 Comments

Garage Door Types

Choosing the right garage door for your home

Selecting a new garage door for your property is a big decision. Garage doors offer the opportunity to add value to your property in addition to improving the look and efficiently.

If you’re looking for a new garage door as your current on needs replacing due to old age or you want to refresh the look of your home; undoubtedly you will have looked a mores styles and types than you thought imaginable. We thought we’d try and make it easy for you, here are the most common and main garage door types.

Garage Door Types

Garage doors can be categorised into four main types; Up and over garage doors, roller garage doors, section garage doors and side hinge garage doors. The most popular and usually the most practical of these is the up and over, available in canopy or retractable. If you are looking for an up and over garage door and thinking about automation, a retractable geared garage door would be an ideal choice, providing smooth operation and very little maintenance. Automation of garage doors is becoming ever more popular – up & over retractable garage doors use automated lifting gear meaning you simply click ‘open’ on the handset and your garage door opens – making your life nice and easy for you!

A best seller, available in a choice of paint or wood finishes, roller garage doors can be matched to your existing paint work or double glazing to coordinate your homes look. Manufactured from tough aluminium slats with an insulated core, roller garage doors are stylish, space saving, secure and safe and ever growing in popularity.

If you want to maximise the space inside and out of your garage then a sectional garage door may be more suitable and said to be garage door installer’s ultimate garage door of choice. Available in a section of colours and designs with space-saving technology and heat insulation, sectional doors are both safe and robust whilst providing low-noise operation.

If you’re afters something more traditional a side hinged door would be ideal. If you have obstructions inside your garage limiting headroom, like many of using your garage is for storage, these garage doors open outwards. Side hinged garage doors are convenient and easy to use – they can be automated too!

Garage doors can also be defined by their material. Most doors are either aluminium or steel although timber and fibreglass doors are also available. Some materials lend themselves to custom painting while others come in predefined colour options. The material chosen can dramatically effect longevity and efficiency of the garage door, insulated garage doors boost thermal efficiency and often makes the garages a more useable space.

FREE Quote and friendly advice – Give us a call… 0800 716569

Contact us online or give us a call on 0800 716569 for friendly advice on specific garage doors and choosing the perfect garage door for your home.

4th February 2016

By Access Garage Doors Garage Door Types Access Garage Doors, Garage Doors, Insulated Garage Doors, Roller Garage Doors, Sectional Garage Doors, Side Hinged Garage Doors, Steel Garage Doors, Up and Over Garage Doors, Wooden Garage Door 0 Comments

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Tag - Garage Doors

Basic Spare Parts

DOUBLE GARAGE CONVERSIONS

7 tips on making your garage more energy efficient

HOW TO – Paint Worn Garage Doors

Own An Old-Style 90’s Garage Door?

Choosing the right garage door for your home