What to Expect During a Professional Residential Garage Door Installation

Are you tired of wrestling with that old, creaky garage door whenever you come home? It’s time to say goodbye to the hassle and invest in a brand-new garage door that will bring a renewed level of convenience and security to your home.

But before you can start enjoying your new door, you need to hire a professional garage door installation service. And while most people only think of the cost and the end result, there are some critical steps that go into a successful installation. Below are the five things to expect during a residential garage door installation.

1. Pre-Installation Inspection

Before the installation, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors will send out a technician to survey and inspect the work site. The main purpose of the inspection is to ensure that your home structure can support your preferred garage door.

The technician will measure the opening of the garage, inspect the structure of the walls, and check that the door jambs are in good condition. They will also check whether your power supply is adequate for the installation.

2. Preparation for the Installation

Before the technician starts working on the task, they will take time to prepare for the installation. This includes purchasing and assembling the necessary parts and tools, such as weatherstripping, hinges, and screws.

They will also review the door size, weight, and type to make sure that it’s compatible with your home’s structure. The technician will also request that you clear the workspace of any obstacles hindering their access. This way, they can quickly and easily complete the job without disruptions.

3. Door Removal and Disposal

Once the pre-installation inspection is complete, the technician will remove the existing garage door, if present. They will disconnect the springs and hardware before disposing of the old door components. If you have a roll-up or a sectional garage door, the technician will also remove the tracks and hardware and make sure that the walls are in sound condition.

4. Installation of the New Garage Door

To most homeowners, the installation process seems very simple and straightforward on paper. However, it’s a very complex process that requires absolute precision and accuracy. The technician will first attach the springs and cables to the appropriate places. 

They’ll install tracks, rollers, hinges, and other hardware components before inserting your door section. The technician will also make minor adjustments and calibrations so your garage door runs smoothly and without obstruction.

5. Final Tests and Cleanup

Finally, the technicians will test the door several times to ensure it’s safe and secure for use. If the door is installed incorrectly, it could lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even death.

The imminent risk to your family members, friends, and pets is the biggest reason why garage door installation and maintenance should be left to professionals.

The technicians will also clean up the area and leave it neat and tidy. They will get rid of all the debris, tools, and materials and make sure that you are satisfied with their work.

Hire Us Today for Garage Door Installation CTA

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional team to install your garage door, contact us today at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. Our experienced technicians will ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely the first time.

Call us now to schedule an appointment or find out more about our services! We look forward to working with you.

The Pros and Cons of Windowed Garage Doors in the Summer

The scorching summer months can be a trying time for homeowners. One thing that complicates matters is deciding on the right type of garage door, especially when it comes to windows. Windowed garage doors offer a range of advantages, but there are also drawbacks to consider. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of windowed garage doors in the summer so you can make an informed decision.

Pros

The biggest advantage of windowed garage doors is that it adds extra light into your space, which may be helpful during the darker days of summer. Windowless doors can make any area look overly dark and uninviting. With windows, you can brighten up your space and make it look more inviting. Additionally, the added light can help reduce energy costs since you won’t have to turn on any lights during the day.

Another bonus of windowed garage doors is that they add extra style to your home. It’s easy to customize windowed doors to suit your personal taste, and you can find a wide variety of styles available. Windowless garage doors don’t have as much potential for customization and may not be able to match the overall aesthetic of your home.

Cons

One of the drawbacks of having windowed garage doors is that it can reduce privacy. Unless you have window treatments, it’s easy for anyone to look in and see what’s inside your garage. This can be an issue if you keep valuable items like tools or machines in the space. It’s also possible that the windows could let in too much sun during the summer months, making your garage overly hot and uncomfortable.

Windowless garage doors can also be a bit more secure than windowed ones. While it’s still possible for someone to break into your garage, it’s harder for them to do so without windows. So if security is a major concern, you may want to go with a door that doesn’t have any windows.

Choose the Right Garage Door for Your Business

With the right garage door decision, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish garage all year round. Think about factors like security, style, and energy efficiency. Ultimately, you want to choose a garage door that both looks good and provides adequate protection from the summer heat.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer a wide range of high-quality garage door options. Contact us today to find the perfect door for your home this summer.

The Role of Commercial Cold Storage Doors in Food Safety and Compliance

Food safety is a crucial aspect of the food industry. Food-borne illnesses can have severe consequences, including legal actions and loss of customers. One of the essential components of food safety is maintaining the optimal temperature of food products. For this reason, commercial cold storage doors are a vital tool in the food industry. In this article, we will discuss the role of commercial cold storage doors in food safety and compliance.

What Are Commercial Cold Storage Doors?

Commercial cold storage doors are specialized doors designed to maintain the temperature of refrigerated or frozen rooms. They are used in a variety of industries to store perishable food items like seafood, meat, and dairy products. These doors regulate the temperature and prevent heat transfer from one room to another.

The Importance of Commercial Cold Storage Doors in Food Safety

The primary goal of commercial cold storage doors is to maintain the optimal temperature of refrigerated or frozen rooms. Optimal temperature control ensures the freshness and quality of perishable foods. Without effective temperature control, bacteria can develop and grow, leading to food spoilage and food-borne illnesses.

In addition, commercial cold storage doors help comply with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety of the food supply.

Types of Commercial Cold Storage Doors

There are various types of commercial cold storage doors available in the market to meet different needs. You can choose overhead-acting doors, which are ideal for high-traffic areas, or side-sliding doors for smaller spaces. These doors can also be customized to have maximized insulation, high-speed functions, or a combination of both. The idea is to reduce heat transfer and ensure optimal temperature regulation.

Get the Ideal Commercial Cold Storage Doors for You

Commercial cold storage doors play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. They protect perishable food items from bacteria growth and prevent heat transfer between rooms, ensuring optimal temperature control. With different types available in the market, there is a solution for every cold storage need. By investing in the right commercial cold storage door, companies in the food industry can ensure their products are safe, compliant, and fresh for consumption.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer a wide range of high-quality cold storage doors designed to meet the demands of the food industry. Contact us today for more information.

The Impact of Summer Weather on Your Garage Door Springs

As summer approaches, many homeowners are preparing their homes for the season. However, garage doors often go overlooked during this preparation. This is unfortunate, given the impact that the summer weather can have on garage door parts, especially the door springs. Here are some of the ways that summer weather can affect your garage door springs and what you can do to prevent potential damage.

Hot Weather Can Cause Garage Door Springs to Expand

During the summer months, temperatures soar, causing your garage door springs to expand. This expansion can put additional strain on your springs, making them more likely to break. If you notice that your garage door is moving slower or making unusual noises, it could be a sign that your springs are under stress. If this is the case, replace your garage door springs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

High Humidity Can Cause Rust on Garage Door Springs

Summer also brings high levels of humidity, which can cause rust to form on your garage door springs. Rust can weaken the springs, making them more vulnerable to breaking or snapping. If you notice rust on your garage door springs, replace them right away. Rust is a sign that your springs are no longer in good working condition and need to be replaced.

Summer Storms Can Cause Garage Door Springs to Weaken

If you live in an area that experiences frequent summer storms, check your garage door springs regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents, and replace your garage door springs if necessary.

Keep Your Garage in Good Shape at All Times

Summer weather can have a significant impact on your garage door springs, but by taking the proper steps, you can keep them in good condition. If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your garage door springs, be sure to replace them right away to prevent further damage. With a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your garage door will continue to work properly all summer long.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we provide exceptional garage door parts and service to ensure that your garage door is always in top condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How to Prevent Damage to Trucks and Trailers with Dock Bumpers

As any seasoned truck driver knows, navigating tight loading docks can be tricky. Not only is it challenging to maneuver large vehicles in tight spaces, but constant bumping and scraping against the dock can cause serious damage to trucks and trailers. That’s where dock bumpers come in.

Dock bumpers are designed to act as a buffer between the loading dock and the truck or trailer. Below, we explain what dock bumpers are and why they are important for protecting your trucks and trailers.

What Are Dock Bumpers?

Dock bumpers are safety devices installed on a loading dock to prevent damage to trucks and trailers during the loading and unloading process. They are usually made of durable materials such as rubber or plastic and are designed to absorb the impact of a truck or trailer hitting the dock.

The Benefits Of Using Dock Bumpers

Dock bumpers are a must-have if your business needs to back its trucks or trailers up against a loading dock regularly. The bumpers reduce wear and tear on both the docks and vehicles by absorbing the shock of contact. This means less time and money spent repairing or replacing damaged docks or vehicles due to collisions between them.

Dock bumpers can also protect the opening of the loading dock from debris and weather elements. Elements such as rain can damage the structure of the loading dock if it’s not properly sealed. Dock bumpers provide a seal around the edges of the opening, which reduces any damage from these elements.

Coupled with proper loading dock signage, dock bumpers ensure safety during operations. Accidents can occur when trucks and trailers make contact with the dock while loading or unloading. Dock bumpers prevent this by providing a buffer between the two surfaces.

Dock bumpers also have anti-skid properties, which keep the truck and trailer in place while backing up. This helps reduce the risk of accidents due to slips and slides during loading and off loading.

Protect Your Trucks and Trailers With Dock Bumpers

If your loading dock doesn’t have bumpers, it’s time to invest in them to stop putting your trucks and trailers at risk of damage. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we provide dock bumpers to ensure the safety of your trucks, trailers, and loading docks.

We can customize the bumpers to suit your truck types, dock heights, and other factors. Contact us today to learn more about our loading dock equipment.

Man Doors for Commercial Buildings: What You Need to Know

As you walk through your commercial building, you take note of doors that allow convenient access to various spaces. Little did you realize that a special kind of door makes your life easier—the man door.

You may ask yourself, what exactly is a man door, and why should you consider it when designing your commercial building’s layout? Read on as we unravel the mystery behind this underrated yet essential element of commercial building design.

What Are Man Doors?

Man doors are pedestrian-sized doorways designed to handle regular human traffic, as opposed to larger doors used for vehicles or equipment. It’s an additional door intended for people to walk through and is common in commercial, industrial, school, or hospital settings.

In commercial buildings, man doors are typically used as entrances and exits for employees, customers, and visitors. They are smaller than the main entrance. In some cases, a man door may be installed inside a garage door to provide easy access without opening the entire garage door.

Why Are Man Doors Important?

Man doors are crucial for your commercial building as they boost convenience and efficiency. When it comes to operations, every second counts. The simple yet thoughtful addition of man doors can aid in increasing the productivity and functionality of your workspace because they provide quicker and more accessible entryways for employees.

Besides efficiency, man doors also enhance security. You can tailor these doors to regulate access to specific areas of your building or to prevent unauthorized entry.

With man doors in place, you’ll have full control over who has access to specific areas of your building. By limiting entry points, you can effectively maintain security and reduce potential theft and vandalism.

Man doors also help to control foot traffic by ensuring that employees and visitors enter and exit the building through designated areas. This can be especially important in high-security areas like data centers, research labs, or financial institutions. By installing secure man doors, commercial property owners can safeguard their assets and reduce the risk of theft, break-ins, and other security breaches.

Optimize Your Commercial Building With a Man Door

Man doors are a great way to optimize the layout of your commercial building. Whether you’re looking to install man doors as primary entryways or additional access points to certain areas, they can be customized to meet your specific needs.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we offer a wide range of pedestrian doors with various features. Contact us today to find the perfect man door for your commercial building.

The Role of Garage Door Monitors in Preventing Accidents

Garage door accidents are preventable, but they are still happening and often. Statistics show that between 20,000 and 30,000 adults and children sustain injuries every year due to garage door accidents. The accidents involve being hit by a falling garage door or having fingers caught or pinched.

These alarming statistics emphasize the importance of using the right garage door accessories to ensure garage door safety. This is where garage door monitors come into play. This article discusses what garage door monitors are and how they prevent accidents.

What Are Garage Door Monitors?

Garage door monitors are devices that allow you to monitor and control your garage door from anywhere. The devices provide real-time notifications on the state of your garage door and allow you to open or close it remotely. You can also receive alerts when your garage door opens unexpectedly.

Most garage door monitors have built-in Wi-Fi connections and alerts that make it easy to monitor your garage even when you’re not home. Some monitors also have additional features, such as motion sensors and alarms, for added security.

How Do Garage Door Monitors Prevent Accidents?

Accidents related to falling garage doors can occur when garage doors are left open, allowing people or animals to enter or exit the garage unexpectedly. Garage door monitors prevent such accidents by ensuring that the door is closed when it should be.

Garage door monitors prevent accidents by providing real-time updates on the door’s status, so you can ensure it is safely secured. The motion sensor can detect when someone is in the way of the door and stop it from closing to prevent injuries. With the garage door monitor, you can rest assured that the door will not accidentally close on someone underneath it.

Some garage door monitors also come with motion sensors and alarms, which can alert you if someone or something enters the garage unexpectedly. This added security feature can prevent accidents and ensure you are aware of potential threats to your home. The device can help deter burglars, as most burglars look for easy targets like a garage door left open.

Invest in a Garage Door Monitor Today

Garage door monitors are a valuable tool for preventing garage-related accidents. They provide real-time updates on the state of your garage door and allow you to control it remotely.

If you’re ready to revamp your garage’s functionality, invest in a garage monitor from Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Contact us today to learn more about our garage door accessories.

5 Reasons Why Retractable Awnings Are the Best Choice

Do you need protection from the elements over your balcony or patio so you can sit outside and enjoy the weather without the exposure? A retractable awning from Giel Garage Doors is the  perfect solution. Our retractable awnings fold up nicely out of the way on days when you want to enjoy the beautiful sky above you, yet offer protection on hot or rainy days. While there are many different types of awnings to choose from, retractable awnings have the versatility that you may need for protecting you and your leisure space from storms and the heat when you choose.

In this brief article, we will discuss 5 reasons why retractable awnings are the best choice for you and your home.

1. Budget-Friendly

Retractable awnings are a cost-effective way to add a covering over your porch or patio. They are less expensive than building a permanent roofing structure and installation is faster too!

2. Lots of Styles to Choose From

There are literally hundreds of different fabric patterns you can choose from when picking out an awning. Pick something that adds a perfect touch of character and style to your home.

3. Easy to Use

A retractable arm makes your new awning a breeze to use. With either a motor or a few turns on a hand crank, your awning comes out or goes in as needed. Plus, it stores itself so no need for removal at the end of the season!

4. Durable and Long-Lasting

High-quality materials ensure that the awning will last for many seasons, even under relentless sun and rain. 

5. Energy Efficiency

Strategically placing awnings to block the hot afternoon sun is a great way to help reduce your energy bills. With fewer hot sunbeams heating up your home, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard — so it’s a win all the way around!

The Best Choice for Retractable Awnings

Now that you know how great a new awning can be, contact us today at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. We can help you choose and install the perfect awning for you!

The Advantages of Having Security Gates on Your Commercial Building

In a world where thefts, vandalism, and other criminal activities are common, commercial property owners must take extra measures to protect their premises. One way to add an extra layer of protection is to install a security gate or grille. Let’s look at some advantages of having security gates or grilles on your commercial building.

Deterring Criminals

Criminals are opportunists and always seek an easy target with minimal resistance. Security gates on your property will serve as a physical deterrent, forcing criminals to think twice before attempting to trespass or break in. Furthermore, any intruder who attempts to gain access will find it much more difficult due to the physical barrier created by the gate or grille.

Enhancing Privacy

Privacy is a key concern for businesses that store sensitive information or valuable items. Security gates are essential for controlling access to specific areas of your property that require additional security.

The grilles can ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed to enter. The gates to areas where you store sensitive data can be fitted with alarms and motion sensors that will alert you or the authorities in case of suspicious activity.

Cost Savings

Insurance companies recognize that properties with added security measures are less likely to experience theft or vandalism. As a result, the insurer may offer discounts on insurance premiums depending on the type of security system installed.

A security gate also protects your valuable equipment or stock stored at your property, potentially saving you the cost of replacing anything stolen or damaged. Plus, with routine maintenance, these gates or grilles can last many years without needing replacement.

Improved Aesthetics

Security gates and grilles come in a range of styles and finishes, so you can choose one that complements the existing architecture and design features of your building. Choosing a stylish grill design will make your property look more attractive. It will attract more customers if you own a business that people visit in person, such as restaurants and shops.

Secure Your Commercial Property Today

A security gate will give you more peace of mind knowing that your commercial property is safe from unwanted visitors and looking its best. If you’re looking to install a security gate or grille on your property, our team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. can provide a solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help secure your property.

Transforming Your Outdoor Space with Retractable Pergola Systems

Are you looking for a sleek and affordable way to transform your outdoor space? A retractable pergola system could offer the perfect solution, providing attractive coverage for your seating or garden area. If you’re wondering whether a retractable pergola is right for you, we’ve listed some benefits and points to consider below.

What is a retractable pergola?

Retractable pergolas look just like traditional pergolas. However, they feature several connected panels you can retract and extend to provide your outdoor space with as much coverage as you need. You can purchase a motorized or manually operated pergola, depending on your preferences, as well as choose from a wide array of frames and accessories.

What are the advantages of retractable pergola systems?

1. Protect you and your guests from rain and sun

A retractable pergola system will allow you and your friends and family to spend time outside even when weather conditions are less than ideal. Pergola systems can also provide cooling shade and repel harmful ultraviolet rays to ensure everyone stays safe during hot weather. 

2. Create more living space

Looking for more space in your home? Attaching a retractable pergola system to your property will create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, making your home feel bigger and more welcoming. Plus, the new installation could boost the price of your home and produce an excellent return on investment in the long term.

3. Add a touch of style to your outdoor area

Do you want to breathe new life into a tired outdoor area? Crafted using sleek aluminum, a retractable pergola system will transform your outdoor space into an inviting and esthetically pleasing living area – great news if you enjoy entertaining guests. 

Invest in a retractable pergola system today!

Ready to transform your home with a retractable pergola system? Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. is here to help. We install systems in a variety of colors and sizes. To find out more, call us at 724-443-1437. We look forward to discussing your project with you.