How to Protect Your Garage in Winter

Cold weather is fast approaching, bringing in the winter months with it. When the weather starts to turn cold, it is a good indication that it is now time for you to begin winterizing your home. One way that you can help cut down on your home’s heating costs during the winter is with a well-insulated garage. If your garage is too cold, you risk damage to your vehicles and anything else that you store inside your garage. The best way to prevent expensive repairs from accruing later on, is to winterize your garage ahead of time. Here are a few things you can do to protect your garage before winter sets in which will prevent you from needing to invest in a new garage door installation Pittsburgh come spring.

Replace Weather Stripping

One of the easiest things you can do is to start by replacing the weather stripping on your garage door. This will create a seal between the garage door and the garage door opening, keeping cold air from coming in. When cold air is allowed to find its way inside your garage, it will create cold drafts that cause the temperature inside your garage to drop dramatically.

To install new weather stripping, start by removing the old weather stripping and remaining sealant. Use a putty knife or scraper of some sort to remove as much of the old weather stripping as possible. Cleaning the surface as much as possible will make it easier for the new weather stripping to be installed. Once you have the surface cleaned and prepared for the new weather stripping, be sure to measure before you begin to install anything. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t have too much rubber sticking to the sides, where it could possibly interfere with the garage door track. Close the garage door and align the weather stripping so the rubber flap flattens slightly against the door. A good seal on your door allows the garage door to operate easier.

Insulate the Garage Walls

Another way to insulate your garage to prepare it for winter is to insulate your exterior garage walls. You can purchase fiberglass batt insulation fairly cheaply at any home improvement store. You can simply tack it into place on the walls of your garage. You’ll want to check to see that you have the right insulation thickness to ensure that you provide your garage with plenty of insulation against the cold. Failure to install the insulation securely to the wall or forgetting to provide extra support for the insulation can result in problems. In order for insulation to work properly, you’ll need to ensure that it has a snug fit and completely covers your wall.

Repair Garage Door

If your garage door is old or broken and is the source for the cold air getting into your garage, you might want to consider replacing it before the really cold weather arrives. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we provide garage door installation Pittsburgh, along with repairing and replacing broken panels and other parts. A garage door that is properly repaired or replaced can work to eliminate cold air from finding its way inside. Often, replacing an old or broken door with a new, insulated door is the best option for homeowners.

Heat the Garage

Another great way to ensure that your garage stays warm throughout the winter is to install a heater unit after you’ve completed all the other necessary precautions. Heaters will not only protect your garage from getting too cold, but they will also protect your vehicle and other belongings from the low temperatures. Keep in mind, it is important to be careful when using a heater, as heaters pose a risk of personal injury or potential house fires if not handled properly.

As you can see, your garage plays an important role in keeping your home warm during the cold winter months. If you are considering replacing or repairing your garage door before the cold sets in, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today!

What Does Your Front Door Say About You?

Your front door Pittsburgh is one of the first things that people see when they come to your home. That being the case, it’s also creating the first impression that people will have of your home. Do you know what your front door is saying about you? Here is a guide to help you decipher what message your front door is sending.

Front Door Color

The color of your front door says a lot about you and your personality. While you might personally like the look of the traditional, stark white door, visitors coming to your home might think you are kind of boring, or just don’t care about first impressions. Add some color and tell your visitors a little more about the people inside.

• Red: A red front door is a good indication that those inside are full of energy and passion.
• Brown: Brown doors are typically associated with a desire for privacy and a message of warmth. Therefore, a brown door typically sends a confusing message to visitors about what message homeowners are trying to convey.
• Blue: Blue is the most popular color choice for a front door, as it conveys a message that the home is a serene sanctuary.
• Green: Green is a peaceful color that is often associated with earthiness.
• Black: A black door symbolizes strength and sophistication.
  

The Condition of the Door

The overall condition of your door will also send a message to visitors. Doors that are in disrepair, breaking and need to be replaced, may be inviting burglars. Doors that are well kept, and in good condition will send the message that you take pride in your home and you care about protecting what is inside.

Style

Finally, the style and decorative features on your front door Pittsburgh will send a message saying something about the occupants who live there. Ornate decorations are seen as being a connection to a busy personality of those who live there. Whereas, a simple door, painted a solid, traditional color, will demonstrate that occupants are traditional in their style and décor.

As you can see there are many subtle messages that your front door is sending about you, your home, and your family. If you are in need of an upgrade or if you need to replace a broken door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today.

3 Interesting Facts About Garage Door Openers

Nearly every new home has a garage door opener Pittsburgh and many older homes have been remodeled to include one. This seemingly simple piece of technology is actually a device that is equipped with several different abilities, all designed to make your life easier. Garage door openers are capable of handling different sizes and weights of garage doors. Newer models are equipped with safety features that provide optimal safety and convenience. Here are three interesting facts about garage door openers that you might not know about.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to adding value to your home, many don’t think about installing a garage door opener. When homes are equipped with the right garage door and garage door opener, it can make a huge difference to the value of your home. One of the biggest reasons why this is true is that they provide your home with added security. Automatic garage door openers not only keep your family, home, and belongings safe; some models are even equipped with built-in safety features, such as rolling codes and vacation mode protecting your home while you’re away. Along with built-in security features, many garage door openers are quiet, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and affordable.

Garage Door Openers Have Improved

Over time, garage door openers become outdated, worn down, or misaligned. As a result, the vast majority of garage door accidents result from faulty openers. The garage door industry is working hard at constantly improving the technology found in garage door openers and sensors. When considering a new garage door opener, it is important to get the opinion of a garage door expert. While openers that are equipped with all the bells and whistles might be attractive, it isn’t necessarily the right fit for your garage door.

New Openers are Safer Than Ever Before

To prevent children, vehicles, and pets from getting trapped beneath a garage door, safety sensors should be built into every garage door opener. If your sensors are damaged, broken, or not working properly, you don’t necessarily need to invest in a whole new unit. Often, this type of damage can be repaired or replaced. But, if you live in a home with an older model it might be in your best interest to invest in a newer one. Especially if your unit is missing any safety sensors, it could potentially be putting your family, pets, and vehicles in unnecessary danger. Even if your model is in working condition, it still might be worth looking into an upgrade for the safety features.

Whether you are looking for a new garage door opener Pittsburgh, or are in need of some repairs on your current model, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today. With years of experience, trained technicians, and professional knowledge, you won’t find a better garage door supplier than those at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

4 Benefits of Installing a Storm Door

As a homeowner, you only want to make additions to your home that will increase its energy efficiency and provide a return on your investment. One of the simpler changes that you can make is installing storm doors Pittsburgh to the exterior of your home. With a relatively low up-front cost, installing a storm door is a generally inexpensive option that can provide homeowners with a number of benefits.  

Storm doors are typically made out of either aluminum, fiberglass, or wood. As an added feature, many are equipped with interchangeable glass and screen inserts. When a storm door is newly installed, it can be expected to last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the material it is made out of and the quality.

Here are four ways a storm door can enhance your home.

Protect Exterior Door

For most homes, the exterior door is more expensive than a storm door. This is because most exterior doors have special stains or paints on them and include decorative glass. These doors can benefit from having additional protection against the elements and wind-blown debris. Storm doors provide extra protection, ultimately saving homeowners money on maintenance costs and prolonging the life of the exterior door.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Even though you might have an energy-efficient exterior door on your home, adding a storm door will provide your home with an additional layer of protection and energy efficiency. This added layer of protection places an extra buffer between you and the summer heat or winter cold. Storm doors that are equipped with low-emissivity glass, known as Low-E, can cost an additional 15 percent up front. This additional up-front cost can result in reduced energy loss by up to 50 percent. However, the U.S. Department of Energy doesn’t recommend a storm door with glass, if your exterior door receives several hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. This is discouraged because the glass can trap heat between the storm door and the exterior door, resulting in damage to the entry door.

Keep Bugs and Insects Out

Storm doors provide a barrier, keeping what lurks outside from getting inside your home. On days when you want to let in a breeze from outside, you can safely and confidently open your exterior door to get a breath of fresh air without letting outside bugs and insects enter your home.

Provides Additional Home Security

A good way to discourage burglars from entering your home is to place an additional barrier between them and your precious belongings inside. Adding a storm door between you and those unlawfully attempting to enter your home can provide you with an added sense of security.

If you live in an HOA neighborhood or condo, be sure to find out what rules they have concerning storm doors Pittsburgh. Some neighborhoods require approval before you can have a storm door installed. Once you have the approval and the door picked out, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can professionally install your new storm door.

How to Prepare for a Garage Door Installation

Congratulations, you have ordered a new garage door to be installed. But there are a few things that you can do to help ensure your door installation Pittsburgh goes as smoothly as possible. Many of these steps are simple and can make the experience easier for you and the professionals who you’ve hired to install your new door. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your garage door installation.

Clear Out Garage

The first thing you can do before having a new garage door installed is to make sure your garage is clear. This means parking all vehicles outside before installation. As a courtesy, try to park your vehicles in such a way that allows the installation professionals to park their vehicle with the necessary tools and materials as close as possible to the garage.

In addition to removing vehicles from the garage, be aware of any yard equipment, sports equipment, garbage cans, and any other items that might be located near the garage door and tracks. Any items that are located near the opening should be moved to the back of the garage prior to the installer’s arrival. A good rule of thumb is to have a minimum of one-foot on each side of the track and fourteen-feet back into the garage; this will allow the installer to set up ladders, removing the existing door, and set up a new door system easily.

Keep Track of Pets and Kids

If you have pets at home, be sure that your pet is kept in a safe place away from the garage throughout the duration of the installation. Far too often, homeowners allow their pets to roam freely during an installation, which is dangerous not only for your pet but for the installer as well. Even if pets are friendly, it is best to keep them away, as it is easy for installers to trip over pets and drop something. Pets may even end up chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Along with pets, children should be kept away from the garage while installers are working. It is natural for children to be curious and want to watch, but children need to be kept away for their own safety as well as the safety of the installer. The installation process requires working with heavy items, overhead items, and items that are under spring tension. Because of this, only those who are trained to work on garage doors should be allowed in the garage during installation.

Consider Location of Wall Consoles or Keyless Entry Pads

Spend some time thinking about where you want to have your wall console or keyless entry pad located. As a general rule, most wall consoles are located next to the personnel door that enters the garage from the house, on the garage side of the wall. Most keyless entry pads are located on the left side exterior jamb of the garage door, roughly five feet off the ground. If you would like either one to be located somewhere different, be sure to talk to your installer before they begin working.

If you need residential or commercial door installation Pittsburgh, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can meet and exceed all your garage door needs. Whether it be repairs or a new installation, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can do it all!

4 Things to Consider Before Buying a New Entry Door

There are numerous reasons why you might be looking into replacing your current entry door. Your reasoning can range from necessity, to updating your home’s exterior and curb appeal.

Regardless of your reasoning, there are countless entry door options available that cater to nearly every style and preference. But before you head out to find the next perfect entry door for your home, read on to learn a few tips that will help make the shopping experience an enjoyable one.

Is now the right time to replace your door?

One of the biggest indications that your entry door needs to be replaced is signs of physical damage—cracks, warping, rotting, holes, and scratches. A simple inspection of both the interior and exterior of your door will give you a good indication of any physical damage that your door might have sustained. Once you have detected physical damage, you may want to determine if the damage is severe enough to warrant a replacement. Indications of rotting or warping can almost guarantee that you’ll need to seriously consider replacing your door in the near future.

Another important factor that you are going to want to check isn’t as easy to see. You’ll want to check your door for drafts. One of the easiest way to do this is by performing a simple flame test. Hold either a lit candle, match, or lighter close to your door. Move your flame around, watching the flame closely. If the flame starts to flicker at any point, this is a good indication that you’ve found a draft.

Drafts cause your home’s heating and air conditioning units to work harder to achieve a comfortable and desirable temperature. When your system is forced to work overtime, it can cost you hundreds of extra dollars every year. This is where the investment in a new door can actually save you money in the long run. New, energy efficient exterior doors will not only help to lower your home’s utility bills but you’ll also notice that your home will be comfortable year round.

Understand Door Terminology

Once you have determined that now is the right time to purchase a new entry door for your home, you’ll want to know and understand the basics of door terminology. Knowing the different terms will ensure that you purchase the right door. Here are a few terms that you should know and understand for when you go shopping for a new entry door.

• Lite: glass found in the door
• Caming: strips of metal that are used to join segmented glass
• Casing/Trim: molding that surrounds the door frame
• Stop: strip of wood located around the entire inside of the door that prevents the door from swinging too far
• Panels: rectangular patterns located on the door, used for show
• Inswing: a door that opens inward
• Outswing: a door that opens outward
• Left Handed: hinges that are located on the right side of the door
• Right Handed: hinges that are located on the left side of the door

Make a Great First Impression

Your entry door is the first impression that people will have of your home. It is also the last thing visitors see when leaving your home. As a result, you may want to find a door that protects your home, while making a lasting impression.

There are different styles and colors that you can choose from to make a statement, but also consider how the material your door’s made with can create an impact. Each material offers different features that you’ll need to wade through to find the perfect statement piece for your home. Whether you are looking for a door that looks elegant, has superior durability, or is energy efficient, there is a door out there for you.

Wooden Doors Equal Elegance: Wooden exterior doors provide your home with an elegant and traditional look. These types of doors are guaranteed to improve the overall curb appeal of your home. In addition to being beautiful, wooden doors are sturdy and secure.

But they come at a hefty price. Wooden doors are expensive to buy and costly to maintain. In order to preserve and maintain their elegant look, you’ll need to regularly stain your door. Other common  problems with wooden doors include warping and rotting.

Steel Doors Provide Strength: Homeowners looking for an entry door with superior security and durability will want to consider a steel door. The majority of steel doors are made with 24-gauge steel, making them difficult to dent or bend. Another great feature of a steel door, is that they are resistant to fire, warping, and cracking.

Another great feature of a steel door is its energy efficiency. Steel doors can be filled with foam, which will save you money on your utilities every month.

Fiberglass is the Perfect Combination of Both Worlds: Homeowners who want the look of a wooden door without the expensive price tag, can purchase a fiberglass door with a wood grain option. These doors look like wood, but without the extensive maintenance. This will save you time and money on maintenance every year.

In addition to being available in different styles, fiberglass doors are energy efficient. They’re filled with foam insulation, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round.

Enhance Your Door with Additional Features

Once you have found the perfect door to complement your home, you can dress it up by adding additional features. Whether you elect to add decorative glass or hardware, you can customize your entry door to complement your home’s overall style. A great way to let more natural light into your home is by adding decorative glass to your entry door. For those who don’t want to have glass installed in their door, consider installing sidelights or a transom above your door for additional light.

As you can see, there are many decisions to be made when purchasing a new entry door Pittsburgh. Take some time to explore your options.

What You Need to Know Before Speaking with a Commercial Garage Door Salesman

As a business owner, you are probably looking for ways to make your business run more efficiently. The more efficient your business runs, the more your business profits. Whether you are looking to purchase your first set of Pittsburgh commercial garage doors or are looking to replace your existing ones, here are a few things you should know before you start talking to a garage door salesman.

Application

Before deciding on a new commercial garage door, you’ll want to think about how the doors will be used. While this might seem like a no-brainer, commercial doors can be used to fulfill a wide variety of applications. Also, commercial doors need to be able to stand up to the rigors of businesses that rely on them to open and close with no problems for an extended period of time. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll be using your door and what features are going to be important for you and your situation. Knowing how you’ll be using your door should play an important role in the type of door and system you choose.

Material

Once you have determined the application in which your door will be best utilized, you’ll want to consider what type of door material is going to work best for your needs. Commercial garage doors are available in different materials, the most common being steel or aluminum. Steel is a durable and low-maintenance option for business owners. Aluminum is also a low-maintenance, as well as resist to corrosion. Steel doors are ideal for businesses needing a door that can withstand high-volume cycles. On the other hand, aluminum doors work great in areas where there is high humidity.

Size

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential garage doors is that commercial doors are available in nearly any size, while residential doors generally come in either one- or two-car options. When you first talk to a commercial garage door salesman, one of the first things they’ll need to know is what size of door you’re looking for. So, you’ll want to measure your openings before you start talking with them.

Features

There are numerous commercial garage door features available. A few of the most common features include:

• Insulation
• Automation
• Safety
• Motor
• Cycle Speed
• Aesthetics
• Price
• Maintenance
• Security

When you are ready to talk to someone about which Pittsburgh commercial garage doors are right for your business, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!  

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead Doors

For many homeowners, the garage door is not only a place to park your car, but also the main access point for your home. Because a garage door is so important to the daily functioning around your home, it is imperative that you know and understand how it works and the do’s and don’ts. Read on to learn the answer to nine of the most frequently asked questions your overhead door of Pittsburgh professionals receive.

What are the standard sizes available for residential garage doors?

As a general rule, most standard residential garage door widths are 8’, 9’, 10’, 12’, 15’, 16’, 18’, and even 20’. Depending on the specific door type and brand, there may be some exceptions to this rule. You’ll want to check with your garage door supplier to learn about the specific sizes that are available to you, or to learn about custom door widths.

Can I paint my garage door?

Aluminum garage doors can be painted any color. Be sure you use latex paint when painting your garage door.

Can I replace a section of my door or do I need to replace the entire door?

There are a few variables that will need to be taken into consideration before you can accurately answer this question. The amount of damage that your door sustained is going to be one of the biggest contributing factors. In most cases, minor damage can be rectified by simply replacing the damaged sections of your garage door. Extensive damage to more than just the panels will generally require the whole door system to be replaced. Your garage door professionals will be able to assess the damage and provide you with recommendations on how best to repair or replace your garage door system.

What is R-Value and how does it benefit me?

R-Value is a standardized unit of measuring thermal efficiency. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating properties of the product. Different garage doors are equipped with a wide range of R-Values, designed to meet your specific needs.

How much does a new garage door system cost?

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of a new garage door system. These factors will include the style and type of door you select, color, size, motor and assembly, and more. We recommend you have one of our trained professionals come to your home and provide you with an estimate prior to installing a new garage door system.

What maintenance will my garage door require?

Once again, the amount of maintenance required for your garage door to continue to operate at optimal efficiency will be dependent upon a few factors. How often does your door get used? Is there any damage to the door, tracks, motor, or springs? Because each door is different, we recommend that you have your garage door inspected annually by a trained professional. A trained garage door professional will be able to thoroughly check your garage door system and perform any routine maintenance that may be needed. Investing in preventative maintenance now can save you money down the road.

Will a garage door opener work in my space if I have low ceilings in my garage?

In most cases, yes. Residential doors require a minimum of 4½-inches of headroom. In these situations, garage door systems will generally implement a low headroom extension track or a low headroom torsion rear track. For your garage door opener, you’ll need a minimum of 6 ½-inches of headroom.

How can I get a new remote control for my garage door opener?

If you need a new garage door remote control, your overhead door of Pittsburgh dealer can provide you with a wide range of remote controls or wireless keypads. In order to get a new remote control, you’ll need to know if your opener is a newer or older model. If you are not sure, a trained technician can come out and take a look at your opener and help you get the right remote control for your opener. In most cases, trained technicians can also help you program your new remote control or keyless entry keypad as well.  

Can a non-insulated garage door be insulated?

Yes, you can turn a non-insulated garage door into an insulated one by simply installing an insulation kit on your current garage door. These kits are available from your local garage door supplier.

We hope you found these answers to be helpful and informative. If you have any more questions regarding your garage door, or would like to have a trained technician come to your home, please contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors at 724-502-2394 today! We guarantee you’ll not only get superior service, but you will also get the best deal in Pittsburgh!

Why Shouldn’t Homeowners Attempt Garage Door Repairs Themselves?

As a homeowner, and self-proclaimed handyman, you may want to save money by attempting to complete all the home repairs yourself. This is great for many necessary home repairs, but there is one repair that you should not attempt on your own—the garage door. Garage doors can pose a serious threat to your own safety as well as the safety of family members, pets, or vehicles. There are numerous dangers that are associated with garage door repairs that should be left to garage door installation Pittsburgh professionals. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t attempt garage door repairs yourself.

Experience

When it comes to working on or repairing garage doors, knowledge and experience are crucial. One of the most common problems that arise when homeowners attempt to repair garage door problems themselves, is that they inadvertently make the problem worse. As with most things, when the problem is worse it requires more time and money to correct.

Save yourself some time, money, and hassle by hiring a professional and knowledgeable garage door repair technician to fix the problem from the get-go. Not only will they be able to quickly diagnose the issue, but they will also be able to provide you with options on repairs to ensure you get the repair that is right for you and your budget.

Right Tools

It is also important that you have the right tools. Most garage door repairs require the use of unique tools that most homeowners do not have lying around. This is because most homeowners won’t have the need for garage door specific tools to complete other projects around the home. Therefore, purchasing the tools probably won’t be worth the investment.

A professional garage door technician will have all the necessary tools needed to repair any garage door-related issues you might encounter. Not only will they have all the tools necessary, but they will also know how to use them correctly.

Avoid Accidents

You can’t predict everything that is going to happen while performing garage door repairs, but there are three accidents that are the most common during DIY repairs. The three most common accidents include:

• Falls: Garage door repairs require you to work on stools or a ladder. While it is essential to be high up in order to perform the repairs, you are at an increased risk of falling as well. Falling means that you could injure yourself or someone else. You also run the risk of damaging any equipment that you are using during the time of the fall or any that happens to be nearby.
• Springs: Springs pose the greatest danger to homeowners who attempt to repair garage doors on their own. This is because torsion springs are under extreme amounts of tension and pressure. It is this tension and pressure that carries your garage door up and down. When they work properly, they are safe to be around. But when they aren’t working properly, they can be extremely dangerous. Professionals are trained to safely handle torsion springs and know how to prevent them from turning into projectile objects that could cause serious damage and danger.
• Collapses: Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds. Because of their weight, inexperienced homeowners are at greater risk of having their garage door, and its hundreds of pounds, come crashing down.

Now that you know how dangerous it can be to work on a garage door yourself, hire professional garage door installation Pittsburgh technicians to do the work for you. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we not only install new commercial and residential garage doors, but we also know how to effectively and safely perform garage door repairs! Call us for all your garage door needs.

How to Open Your Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to open your garage doors Pittsburgh, PA with the push of a button. Once you have gotten used to the convenience of having an automatic garage door opener, it is hard to ever go back to a manually operated door. Unfortunately, there are times when you’ll have no choice but to operate your door manually. This can be the result of dead batteries in your remote, a broken motor, or because your home is experiencing a power outage. While no one plans on these events happening, they do occur. These factors are why it’s important to know how to manually open and close a garage door in Pennsylvania.

Pull the Trigger

Nearly every garage door comes equipped with a bypass switch for just such occasions. Located on the garage opener there is a rope, generally red, with a handle on the end. This rope is the manual release that disengages the garage door from the motor, allowing it to be operated manually. Because the door can then be operated manually, it is recommended that you pull the release while the door is down, otherwise it could come slamming down causing damage and possible injury.

Staying in Manual Mode

The red rope you pulled to manually operate your door also controls the spring attachment in the trolley. If you are going to be experiencing an extended power outage or if your operator is malfunctioning, you’ll need to keep your door in manual mode. When using the door in manual mode, it is important to remember that you should pull the release rope down and toward the back of the garage to prevent it from getting caught on the tracks.

Reattaching the Door When the Power Returns

Once your home has its power restored or your door operator has been repaired or replaced, you’ll want to reattach your door in order to take full advantage of the automatic capability. To re-engage your door, you will need to simply pull down on the release cord again, this time toward the garage door opening. This will prevent the lever from engaging. At the same time, pull up on your garage door until it snaps back into place and you’re back in automatic mode. If you need assistance, simply push the button on your remote and the door track will force the spring attachment back into place.

Important Things to Remember About the Door Release Cord

It is important to remember that even if parts of your garage door are corrupted, the automatic system will keep the door operating as a single functioning unit. Springs or cables that are weak or broken will be supported by the track. But as soon as you disengage the track, this is no longer true.

• If at all possible, only use the release cord to enter manual mode when the door is closed. While this isn’t always possible, remember that the door can come slamming down if the release cord is pulled while the door is open.
• If the door must be disengaged from the track while in the open position, use 2X4s to prop the door open to safely close it.
• When releasing the door while open, be sure to clear away all people and objects prior to pulling the release cord.
• If the cord doesn’t release, don’t hang on it. While it does require some force to disengage the door, hanging on the cord when it won’t disengage, can result in damage to the rope or lever.

If you find that you have to disengage your door and operate it manually because it isn’t working properly, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has extensive knowledge in repairing and replacing garage doors Pittsburgh, PA.