When looking to update your home, adding an awning might not be something that you have considered before. Adding Pittsburgh awnings can not only improve your homes curb appeal, but it can also provide you with some additional benefits as well.

Improved Energy Efficiency

It is not uncommon for homeowners to cringe when they receive their monthly utility bill. Some homeowners will often try to find ways to cut down on cost and save money. One way to effectively do this, is to cut down the amount of direct sunlight that comes into your home. This is where having awning installed on your home, come into play. An awning over your windows can cut down on the amount of heat that is transferred into your home.

In the summer months, it is ideal to block some of the heat from the sun from entering your home, the complete opposite happens during the winter months. For homeowners who want to best of both words, should invest in a retractable awning. Retractable awnings provide homeowners with the flexibility that they want to control the amount of heat and sunlight that enters through their windows.

Minimize Harmful UV Damage

Harmful UV damage happens so subtly that most people don’t even notice that there is damage until after the damage is already done. The most common aspects of a room to be damaged from the harmful UV rays include: flooring, wallpaper, fabrics, and hanging pictures. Generally, you won’t be able to notice the difference, until you compare an item side-by-side another item that hasn’t been in direct sunlight. It is easy to preserve your furnishings by installing an awning over your window to filter out those harmful rays.

Additional Space

During the warm summer months, many homeowners like to live outside on their decks and patios; essentially having an extension to their living space. These places are often gather places for friends and family to eat, BBQ, and enjoy each other’s company. An awning is a great addition to cover and protect your additional living area, keep things shaded and cooled so that you can enjoy being outside, even during the heat of the day!

Improve Curb Appeal

When selecting the right awning for your home, there are a wide selection of materials and styles to select from. Find the right style that will complement your home, and you’ll have a more inviting and charming home.

If you’ve decided that the added benefits from having an awning installed on your home is the right decision for you, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to get started on selecting your perfect Pittsburgh awnings!

Having a garage door that opens and closes on command with the push of a button is something that most homeowners take for granted. In fact, relying on your garage door to always open when you need it to, can result in some serious problems when something breaks and doesn’t work the way that it should. When a mechanical garage door breaks, there is the possibility that you could get locked out of your home when you lose access to a working garage door. While garage door problems are not that unheard of, some problems are more common than others. We’ve outlined three of the most common Pittsburgh garage door repair that we encounter.

Garage Door Won’t Open at All

When you push the button on your garage door controller, you expect your door to respond to the coordinating command. While this is expected, this doesn’t mean that it always happens which could be the result of a number of different reasons. The first thing to check is the batteries in your remote to ensure that they are still good and working. If your batteries need to be replaced, and your door still isn’t working, you could have problems with your cables, tracks, the motor or sensor. To get your door repaired and back to fully working condition, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

Loud Screeching and Grinding when Opening or Closing Your Door

When your garage door starts to make loud screeching, and grinding noises it is generally annoying. While it might be tempting to ignore the sounds, and try to get used to them, there is generally a simple solution to fix the problem. The cause of the noise is generally caused by dirt or debris that has collected in the tracks, or a lack of lubrication. To fix the problem, clean the tracks and lubricate the relevant parts with an oil or lubrication that is specifically designed for garage doors. If you would prefer not to perform your Pittsburgh garage door repair yourself, the professional technicians at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors are happy to assist!

Broken Torsion Spring

When your torsion spring breaks, you will know it! When torsion springs break, they sound like a loud firework that has been set off in your garage. It is natural for springs to break, due to the limited number of uses that each spring is designed to withstand. When your torsion spring breaks, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Always call a professional to come and do the repair work for you, as torsion springs are very dangerous to work with, due to the high amount of tension they contain when wound.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors , we have years of experience in helping homeowners will all of their garage door repair needs. If you are in need of a new garage door, or repair for any type of garage door, call the professionals today!

As any homeowner will know, overhead doors are the largest, heaviest, moving object in your home. These doors are generally used multiple times a day, giving you enough reason to pay attention to the general care and maintenance of each door in your home. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, knows that large rolling doors can be extremely dangerous when not well maintained, and in proper working order. Therefore, we’ve provided a list of safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected.

Garage Door Safety Tips

• Mount garage door openers and control buttons out of reach of small children. It is recommended they be placed at least 5 feet from the floor, and in a location where you can have a clear view of the door at all times.
• Garage door remotes are not toys; therefore, it is imperative that young children do not play with the remotes.
• Set a good example for small children, show and explain to them how to operate a door safely.
• Know how to use your doors emergency release feature.
• Do not attempt to perform repairs to your door yourself. This could lead to serious injury and damage.
• Visually inspect your door on a regular basis. Check the springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys for signs of wear. If you spot any areas of concern contact the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for service and repairs.

While garage doors provide easy access to your home, they can also pose a security risk when not properly secured. We’ve provided a list of tips on how to secure your garage door, to protect your home and your possessions.

Garage Door Security Tips

• When leaving for an extended period of time on vacation, be sure to unplug the garage door opener unit, or use the vacation mode. This will prevent your garage door from being opened by remotes and unwanted visitors.
• For enhanced security, consider purchasing a garage door opener with rolling code technology. This technology changes the access code for the garage door opener each time the transmitter is used.
• Wireless keypads allow for users to open the overhead door with the use of a PIN. This feature allows for family and those with the PIN to open the door without the use of a key or remote. It is important to never share your PIN with anyone other than family. Don’t leave the PIN written down where it can be found and used by anyone.
• Do not leave your garage remote in your car, or with a parking attendant. It is important to treat your garage remote with the same level of security as your house key.
• Be sure that the door leading from your garage into your home is always locked. This will provide you with greater security and safety.
• Before going to bed for the night, check to make sure that your garage door is closed and your entry door is locked.

By following these simple safety and security tips, your garage door can serve a useful purpose in protecting your home. If you are ever looking to upgrade your garage door, or needs repairs or service, contact the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors !

While most garage door openers have similar designs and functions, there are different options available. All garage doors are equipped with a trolley that is attached to the door, pulling the door open, or pushing it closed. Each trolley is also connected to a motor that drives the trolley along a rail. The biggest difference between the different models of openers is how the motor moves the trolley up and down the rail. There are three main types of openers that are commonly found on residential garage doors.

Chain-Drive: this particular model uses a metal chain to drive the trolley, opening and closing the garage door. While this option tends to be the most economical choice available, they also create noise and vibrations that can become irritating over time if the garage is connected to the home, located next to or under living space. For a garage that is not attached to the home, this model is a great choice!

Belt-Drive: this model is very similar to that of a chain-driven model, except it uses a belt rather than a chain to move the trolley. This model is also quieter than the chain model, and consists of fewer moving parts. With fewer moving parts to worry about, the belt drive model requires less maintenance than other models.

Screw-Drive: Instead of relying on a chain or belt to move the trolley along the rail, the screw-drive model uses a threaded steel rod. The rod’s rotation is what moves the trolley along the rail, raising and lowering the door as it moves along. This model is generally quieter than the chain-drive model, and like that of the belt-drive, has fewer moving parts, thus less maintenance. But it is much louder than the belt/chain driven machines.

Depending on the model of garage door opener that you select, there are added features that can make one model more appealing than another. To learn what options are going to work best for your specific needs, visit with the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors and get the opener that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come!

When thinking about updating and replacing the entry door on your home, many of the benefits that are associated with a new door are quite obvious. But, in some situations the benefits are more obvious, like when your door is warped, chipped or damaged. These door malfunctions aren’t simply aesthetic, they compromise the security of your home. In these situations, a new door could provide an added level of security and peace of mind. Additionally, a door frame that is starting to show its age is also a major security concern for many homeowners. The best part of replacing your front door with a new one, is that added curb appeal that will give your home a whole new look. For many homeowners, by simply replacing their old, outdated door with a new, beautiful door, they will fall in love with their home all over again! While often times it is easy to focus on the added benefits that you can see, there are other benefits that aren’t so obvious, but provide tremendous benefits.

For many homeowners, when winter temperatures start to drop, and your home starts to get a draft, the initial reaction is to place plastic in front of the windows. This is done in an attempt to keep the warm air in, and the frigid winter air outside. What most homeowners neglect to realize is that this same concept applies to your doors as well. Doors that are older can be just as leaky as your windows, allowing for cold air to infiltrate your home. Air can seep in around the edges of doors that don’t fit in the door jamb tightly, and also through the wood or steel that the door is comprised of.

While many don’t see saving money on their energy bill as an added benefit to installing a new front door, it can be a huge benefit over time. With the addition of a new steel or fiberglass door that meets the energy efficiency rating, you’ll be able to keep your heat in during the cold winter months, allowing you to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket, right where you want it.

While energy efficiency is probably the biggest added benefit of updating your doors, there are additional benefits that you probably haven’t thought of. These additional benefits include:

• New doors are designed to withstand heat, minimizing warping, bending, and cracking over time.
• Rot resistant door frames.
• Increased home security due to the most advanced defense systems.
• Superior service and installation from leading industry experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

When you are ready to take advantage of all the added benefits that a new entry door has to offer, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors . We have a wide selection of front doors, from the leading manufactures in the industry. We guarantee you’ll love your new door, and the added savings from investing in your home!

AMARR 840 AND 860 SMART WI-FI GARAGE DOOR OPENER INTRODUCTION

Product Details:

Entrematic Branded Accessories

• 3 button remote
• 1 button remote
• Wireless keypad

Amarr Entrematic Garage Door Controller App for Smart Devices

• Available on the App Store and Google Play
• Door Open/Close and Light Control from anywhere
• Turn opener lights on/off or dim from device
• Multiple Users – Up to 10
• Email Invite Guests to Access Door
• Control Openers in Multiple Locations
• Create Places Home and Away
• Manage Control
• Assign Control for Everyday or Temporary Users
• Set Up Automatic Events
• Ensure Door Closes When You Want It To
• Track Door Activities
• By User or Accessory Type
• Geo-Fencing Set Up
• Perimeter control for Automatic Opening or Closing the Door

Before purchasing storm doors Pittsburgh for your home on a whim, it is important to know what a storm door is, and how the right option can benefit your home. The right storm door can add comfort to your living space, and protection to your entry door. You need to understand the basics of storm doors, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not storm doors are the right decision for your home.

What is a storm door?

A storm door is an additional exterior door that is commonly installed for protection from inclement weather and for added ventilation in warmer weather. Most storm doors are equipped with interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels. Some styles allow for the glass panel to be removed and replaced with a screen for warmer weather, and then switched back for winter months. Other styles are equipped with screens that roll up or down depending on whether the homeowner wants ventilation, or protection from cold weather.

What is the purpose of a storm door?

Storm doors allow for extra flexibility and protection for exterior doors. Storm doors allow for additional light and increased ventilation into your home, while still creating a barrier from bugs entering your living space. Unlike a solid entry door, a storm door also allows for the option to watch children who are playing outside, or simply to let additional sunlight in. Storm doors work as a way to protect your entry door from the elements, i.e., rain, ice, or snow. When properly installed, a storm door can add an additional layer of insulation, creating a pocket that keeps warm air in and cold air out.

Do I need a storm door?

When you are deciding if a storm door is the way to go for your home, there are a few things to consider. Consider the climate in which you live. If your exterior door is exposed to the elements, then a storm door may be the way to go to protect your door. If you have a new, well insulated, energy-efficient exterior door, you may not need or want a storm door. If you live in a warmer climate, a storm door may not be the best option.

According to the Department of Energy, those whose exterior doors receive more than a couple of hours of direct sunlight each day should avoid a storm door. The glass in the storm doors will trap in the heat, which could potentially cause damage to the entry door. Other doors that are on a porch, or under an overhang that protects the door from the elements, do not necessarily need a storm door.

Pros and Cons of Storm Doors

Before jumping into purchasing a storm door, be sure to do your research to find out if a storm door is going to be the best investment for you and your home. While there are many advantages to having a storm door, they are not for everyone. Some of the pros and cons of storm doors include:

Pros:

• Ventilation in good weather
• Adds visibility and light
• Keeps bugs out
• Protects entry door from the elements

Cons:

• Traps in heat, which could damage entry door
• Not necessary for doors that are already covered and protected
• Inconvenient when carrying small children or groceries

After doing your own research into determining if storm doors Pittsburgh are the right addition to your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can help you find the right look and style to compliment your home. With the added benefits that a storm door brings, if it is the right addition to your home, don’t wait any longer! Contact us today to get your new storm door!

When it is time to purchase a new garage door, do you know what to look for to ensure that you are getting the right garage door for your home? When it comes to garage doors Pittsburgh , there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’, so it is important to think about what you need before you have a new one installed. A garage door is an essential part of your home. Therefore, it is imperative that you find one that not only looks good with your home, but also provides the security that you are looking for in a garage door. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider before you purchase the first garage door you find.

Security

For homeowners, security is the most important feature to consider. Finding a garage door that is equipped with the latest security features to protect your home could be the best decision you make for home security. Some garage doors are now equipped with a rolling-code technology security feature. This feature changes the security code for the garage door each time the remote is used.

Safety

For those homes that have high traffic, small children, or pets, a garage door that is equipped with a laser light sensor is essential. When a laser light sensor detects an object or person in the path of the door while closing, the door will either stop or reverse direction.

Materials

Garage doors are made out of either wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. Depending on the look and style you are going for, this will be a determining factor for the material that will give you the look you want.

• Wood: Homeowners who want a visual statement piece usually opt for wood garage doors. However, wood is not as durable as other materials.
• Steel: Steel is the most common, least expensive material for garage doors. Not only is steel more durable, but it also provides an increased level of security.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is durable, but when exposed to extreme cold temperatures, fiberglass doors are prone to cracks.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is the material of choice in areas that are prone to moisture-causing issues. Aluminum doors resist corrosion and rust caused by excessive amounts of moisture.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is a relatively new garage door material making its debut. Vinyl offers homeowners an affordable, durable, and low-maintenance option when selecting a garage door.

Styles

For some homeowners, the ability to select a style of garage door is news to them! Garage doors are available in tilt-up, sectionals, and roll -up styles. Each style comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For roll-up doors, they are more expensive than other styles of doors available and typically require more maintenance to ensure proper functionality. On the other hand, roll-up doors consist of several small parts that connect to one large unit that roll overhead when opened. Sectional garage doors are similar to roll-up doors. They consist of three or four panels that are connected with hinges. Sectional doors take up more ceiling space than other styles of doors, and require regular maintenance to prevent mechanical difficulties. Tilt-up garage doors are made of a single panel that opens and closes with a ceiling-mounted track.

Motors

When shopping for garage doors, pay attention to the horsepower’s listed on the various motors available. Heavier garage doors will require more horsepower to operate, whereas having a motor with higher horsepower on a lightweight door could be unnecessary. Find the motor with the right amount of horsepower for your particular needs.

Aesthetics

A garage door is a big investment for any homeowner, one that they will have to live with for years to come. When looking at the various styles and types available, it is important to decide if you want a door that will blend in with the rest of your home, or that will make a statement. What about the ambiance of the neighborhood? Would you prefer a door that has windows, or a solid door panel? Take the time to consider all of your options to ensure that you are getting a door that you will be happy with.

Cost

Depending on the type, style, and features that your door is equipped with, this will determine the final cost. When shopping for garage doors, having a budget set that you are comfortable paying will help in determining what features you can and cannot afford to have included in your garage door.

When you make a decision on a garage door, be sure that it is a decision that you will be happy with using for years to come. When considering all of the options listed above, you’ll be more prepared to make an informed decision and find the right garage doors Pittsburgh that is durable, beautiful, and functional for your needs. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to get started on finding the right garage door for your home!

The front door of your home is an essential element to any home. The front door is what greets all visitors to your home when they first arrive, while also saying a lot about the people who live there. How do you pick out an entry door that is going to fit the style of your home, while adding value and being aesthetically pleasing to look at? After all, the entry door is a key component to your home, and therefore, there is a lot riding on you to make the right decision when purchasing entry doors Pittsburgh .

Because entry doors provide a level of security to your home, and can add or subtract from your home’s overall curb appeal, replacing front doors is constantly rated as a high-value project for homeowners to invest in. When you invest in replacing the entry door of your home, the value of a new door will nearly exceed the initial investment, meaning that the money invested in a new entry door is going to pay off quickly. But how do you know what door is the right door for your home? There are many different options to choose from, and you need to be sure of what you want with every aspect of your door, including its materials, design, and safety. We’ve complied four tips to help you find the right entry door for your home.

1. Establish A Budget

Before you begin to shop for a new entry door, set a pre-determined budget of how much you are comfortable spending, and stick to it. As is typical with most home projects, it is very easy to go over budget by not considering all of the included costs up front, or unexpected delays. Because a new entry door is an investment, it is important to take time to carefully set a budget that reflects careful planning and decision-making on your part. When determining the budget for your new door, here are a few things to consider:

• Upfront cost vs. long-term benefits
• Estimated life
• Maintenance requirements
• Energy efficiency
• Weather protection and performance
• Pre-finishing costs or additional staining or painting required

Entry doors that stay within budget and add value to your home are the ideal options. Many Energy Star certified doors can lower your heating and cooling cost by protecting your home from drafts and leaks.

2. Choosing Materials

The material that your door is made of will play a role in determining the overall effectiveness of its performance. Another aspect to consider is that different materials will also come with different maintenance that will need to be taken care of to ensure that your door lasts for years to come. Materials also affect the cost of the door, so be sure to do your research to know what materials will fit in your budget and which ones won’t. Most doors will be constructed of either wood, steel, or fiberglass, and many offer panel styles and have the option of adding glass. Decorative glass will be an additional cost, and is generally available in a variety of patterns, featuring different textures of glass and bevels.

• Wood: Wood doors add a classic appearance to any home, with intricate grain patterns and color markings. When it comes to wood doors, there are many different styles, wood types, panel styles, decorative glass, historic accents and embellishments to choose from. While wood doors are beautiful and add a lot of character to any home with their natural, warm appearance, wood doors are generally more expensive than doors made of other materials. This is important to remember, especially with a lower budget.
• Steel: Steel doors are generally the most affordable door material option available. Premium steel doors are the elite class of steel doors. They are extra durable while resisting dents, and they also don’t warp or crack. Most steel doors are limited to panel design and paint color, all while featuring a smooth surface. Some steel doors can include an insulated core that helps with the energy efficiency of the door.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors give you the option of either having a door that has a realistic look of stained wood in a variety of grains, or a smooth panel surface for those who prefer a painted door, all without the high price tag of a custom door. Fiberglass doors are high-performing, energy efficient doors that are also durable and require little maintenance. Not only are fiberglass doors energy efficient, but they are also available in a wide variety of panel styles, decorative glass, and finish options. They are also dent-resistant and won’t rust or corrode, making fiberglass doors a popular option for homeowners.

3. Size

The standard size for an entry door on a home is 80 inches tall by 36 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Depending on your home, the entry door required may be taller, wider, thicker, or even need double doors, a side light, and so on. In order to purchase the correct sized door for your entryway, include any side lights, transoms or other decorative elements to help you ensure that your purchase is the correct size.

4. Style

When selecting an entry door, select a door that complements the style and design of your home, while adding curb appeal. An entry door is a way to showcase you and your family’s personality. Those who are more traditional may choose to select a classic wood door, while those who have a more artistic personality may opt for a door that has more customizable options available. Because your home is your place to reflect your style and personality, it is important to find an entry door that fits you and your home.

For those homeowners who live in Pittsburgh, a professional can help you to select the right entry door for your home that fits your style and budget. Entry doors Pittsburgh can help to make your home stand out from the other houses on the block, making your home distinctly yours. Call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to get a free estimate on replacing your existing entry door with one that adds value to your home, while showcasing your personality!

Though you might think differently, commercial garage doors are not very different from residential garage doors. The only differences between commercial and residential garage doors are the styles and available sizes. Commercial doors are generally less ornate, and are available in larger sizes. When it comes to Pittsburgh commercial garage doors , there are two main types of doors: coiling roll-up doors and sectional garage doors.

Coiling roll-up doors, also known as service doors, are made from horizontal metal slats, usually steel. When the door is opened, the slats are rolled up into a coil above the door, just like their name implies. They can be manually operated by lifting up or pulling down the other options for operating include, chain hoists and electric motors. Service doors are generally found in industrial buildings, stores, and other commercial buildings. They are appealing to most business owners, because the metal slats serve as a great protection against break-ins and harsh weather elements.

Coiling roll-up doors, can be built to custom sizes, up to 24 feet wide, and are perfect for buildings that don’t have the required amount of backroom needed for a traditional-style garage door. The term “backroom” refers to how far back the wall is from the opening of the door. Service doors provide the perfect compact option for those who have limited space available, because of how the door coils above its opening. Even the operational components, such as the motors and chain hoists, are compacted into the same area as the door when it is rolled up.

Unlike coiling roll-up doors, or service doors, sectional garage doors do not roll into a compact coil. Sectional doors are similar to what you will typically find on most homes, just lacking the design and style aspects. Large sectional doors are operated by a motor, whereas smaller sectional doors are often hand-operated. They open with a system of springs and cables, moving the door upward, and then horizontally across the ceiling. This is where having adequate backroom space is essential, so that your door has somewhere to go when opened. The garage’s ceiling must also be strong enough to support the full weight of the garage door.

The advantage of having a sectional door installed rather than a coiling roll-up door is that sectional doors are significantly cheaper and are available in more styles. There are more options to customize your sectional door, including being able to add windows.

When looking for new Pittsburgh commercial garage doors, Giel Garage Doors offers a wide selection of commercial garage doors to fit your specific needs and budget. Contact us today about your commercial garage door needs, and we’ll make sure you get the right garage door for your business!