There aren’t many of us that have been alive for 95 years, and there aren’t many companies that can claim that either. But Overhead Door Company is an exception! 2016 marks the 95th anniversary for Overhead Door Company. An impressive feat! Let’s take a look through the history of this great company!
1921 — C.G. Johnson recognizes the need for an efficient way to house the vehicles indoors and out of the elements without using side-opening panel doors. Johnson invented the upward-acting overhead garage door.
1921 — Overhead Door Company formed in Detroit Michigan. Johnson and Detroit attorney Forest McKee form the company.
1923 — First demonstration of the upward-acting overhead garage door at the New York Automobile Show.
1923 — Johnson built a miniature prototype of the garage door on the back of his Model T. Johnson and his wife traveled from one county fair to the next all across the Midwest in order to market his product. His efforts were successful and resulted in the need to franchise the territorial rights to manufacture and sell the doors to independent operators across the country.
1924 — Headquarters moved to Hartford City, Indiana where Johnson worked to constantly improved his overhead door: adding new hinges, rollers, a channel track and patented wedge closure system to create a weather tight seal.
1926 — Company introduces the first electric garage door opener for commercial doors
1930s — Begin using Overhead Door’s ribbon logo and we haven’t stopped using it since!
1935 — C.G. Johnson dies, Forest McKee becomes company president.
1950 — Electric garage door opener available for residential customers.
1956 — The company establishes TODCO, acronym for The Overhead Door Company
1960s — Overhead Door Company begins to buy its franchised facilities and operations. Generating sales over $50 million.
1964 — Firm becomes publicly traded.
1965 — Business was thriving, needed a larger city for headquarters. HQ moved from Hartford City, Indiana to Dallas, Texas.
1970 — Firm acquires Horton Automatics, manufacturer and developer of the first automatic sliding pedestrian doors in America.
1980s — Overhead Door Company aims to diversify its portfolio and offer more product lines, acquires businesses of varying expertise.
1985 — Changed name to Dallas Corporation to reflect the focus on more than just garage doors.
1989 — Appears that Dallas took on too many ventures over the past couple years. Company taken private again and name is returned to Overhead Door Company to reemphasize the focal point of garage doors. This also helps company take advantage of widely-recognized name.
1994 — Overhead acquires Genie Company.
1996 — Sanwa Shutter Corporation acquires Overhead Door.
2000s — Overhead has plans to expand globally.
2000 — Sanwa restructures operations within Overhead Door. Hartford City, Ind. plant closed after being there for almost 80 years.
2003 — Sanwa Shutter purchases the European Novoform Group
2006 — Firm relocates headquarters to Lewisville, Texas.
Today Overhead Door is one of the most well-recognized names and brands within the garage door industry. We have 20 manufacturing plants and facilities throughout North America and sell our products across the world through more than 450 distributors. We have been around for 95 years and plan to be here for the next 100 or 200! For your garage door needs, call a company that has flourished through the test of time! Call Overhead Door of Garden City (620)275-4602 for all your garage door needs or contact us for a service appointment!
R-Value Explained
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5If you’ve decided to replace your garage door, there’s a good chance that this process is a little overwhelming. This isn’t something that is done very often, so many people don’t know much about it, unless they’ve had to do it. If you’re not an expert in this area, we are here to help! One term that is tossed around is the “R-value.” What exactly is an R-value, why should you worry about it, how does it affect your decision?
What is R-value?
Most garage doors are insulated and the insulation is designed to stop the heat flow. The R-value allows customers to know how well the insulation is working. R-value is a measure of thermal efficiency or the ability to keep the hot air inside and not allow it to mix with the cold air that is outside. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation is, and the more likely warm air will stay inside.
What materials are best for insulation?
Garage doors generally are made of metal, wood, or fiberglass. And depending on the door, insulation may or may not be included in the door. The two most common types of insulation are polystyrene (styrofoam) and polyurethane (spray foam). These two materials are alike but the difference comes in the amount of protection your garage will get.
Polystyrene comes in the form of panels and can be cut to match garage doors. It is usually not an exact fit, so there may be room for air to move. This is good material for areas that don’t experience severe cold weather. Polyurethane is sprayed onto the door, expands, and covers all areas of the door. This is useful for areas that do experience extreme cold weather. The R-value is higher for the polyurethane.
Why should worry about the R-value?
The R-value will greatly influence the efficiency of your garage the the amount of heat it is able to keep in. How often your garage is used will dictate how high you’d like your R-value to be. If its main purpose is to house the car, and not used for much more, a lower R-value would be acceptable. No point in spending money to heavily insulate a garage that doesn’t need it. If your garage is used as a workspace or rooms are above the garage, efficient insulation and higher R-value will help you save money in the long run.
What is the best R-value for a new garage door?
This depends on the needs of your home, but the average garage door with insulation (polyurethane) has an R-value of 12-18. Overhead Door of Garden City offers a wide range of doors that have various R-values. But remember that R-value is not the only factor to consider when choosing a new door. Durability, good construction, etc. are important factors as well.
R-value is one of many confusing terms for homeowners purchasing a new garage door. If you have any questions or need assistance, Overhead Door of Garden City is more than happy to help! Call us 620-275-4602 or contact us to set up an appointment today!
Garage Mold No More!
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5Spring is just around the corner! Pretty soon the snow will be melting and green will be everywhere! The moisture from winter surrounding homes and garages could leave behind an unwanted friend: mold. Mold grows best in humid, warm environments, so it’s best to prevent the issue now, before the warmth and humidity take over. Be sure that your garage does not have any issues and start spring in your favor!
Thorough Check
Start off by inspecting your garage and the typical spots that may have mold. This includes any pipes or sources of water in your garage, if there is a hose attachment, window wells, vents, and the roof and ceiling. These are all places that mold may grow. Check these areas and be sure that there is no sign of mold. Any damp or wet spots should be dried up, noted and checked at least every month to assure no mold is growing. It’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive!
Light is Your Friend
Natural light and mold do not get along very well. Increasing sunlight in your garage, especially as it warms up, can help prevent mold issues. An open garage door allows sunlight and ventilation. Windows in the garage also aid in sunlight generation.
Keep Your Garage Dry
Sitting moisture in the air of your garage is almost guaranteed to be a problem. A few ways to keep your garage dry are: having proper insulation, adequate ventilation, and if necessary, a dehumidifier. The insulation, if it is updated, can manage temperature and moisture. It is one the the most powerful defenses against indoor mold growth! Ventilation allows the moist air to be circulated outdoors. And it cases of high humidity, a dehumidifier may be the best choice for your garage.
Update Garage Materials
The material your garage is made of can have a huge effect on whether your garage grows or rejects mold. Wood is typically an issue, but metal or aluminum tend to prevent mold. This includes the actual garage itself as well as studs that may be used throughout your garage. Keep all of this in mind when looking through your garage for problem areas.
The Right Garage Door
Your garage door can also have a large impact. Allowing sunlight in and keeping moisture out of the garage can be enforced by your garage door. The right door can make a huge difference—especially if it is insulated properly and includes windows. Overhead Door of Garden City has a large selection of residential garage doors and you can even test out the looks of a new garage door on your home with our Online Design Center!
Mold is a problem that should be addressed immediately and with accuracy. These easy steps can help you head into spring mold-free and enjoy the summer to come! If you’d like the professionals to take care of this, contact Overhead Door of Garden City, call us at 620-275-4602 or schedule an appointment online! We’re here for your garage door and garage door opener needs!
New Garage Door Makes Huge Change!
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5Here at Overhead Door of Garden City, we believe your garage door(s) can hugely change the look of your home. A house transforms into a home with the perfect garage door! Below are a few before and after pictures of houses we were able to upgrade. Your home is waiting! Contact us now to get yourself a brand new garage door!
Case Study #1
This is the perfect example of how wooden garage doors, although typically more expensive, are worth the investment for a huge change to your home’s looks.
Case Study #2
The goal of these homeowners was to create a new identity for their garage door rather than allowing it to go unnoticed among the siding.
Case Study #3
This is an effortless but noticeable change to this home! The plain brown was updated to a deeper brown with the addition of gorgeous windows.
Remember, here at Overhead Door of Garden City, we are proud to be a part of such beautiful makeovers! Call us at 620-275-4602 or contact us to get your home and garage door renovation started now!
Do you have before and after pictures that changed your home? Comment below!!
Overhead Door Company is 95!!
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5There aren’t many of us that have been alive for 95 years, and there aren’t many companies that can claim that either. But Overhead Door Company is an exception! 2016 marks the 95th anniversary for Overhead Door Company. An impressive feat! Let’s take a look through the history of this great company!
1921 — C.G. Johnson recognizes the need for an efficient way to house the vehicles indoors and out of the elements without using side-opening panel doors. Johnson invented the upward-acting overhead garage door.
1921 — Overhead Door Company formed in Detroit Michigan. Johnson and Detroit attorney Forest McKee form the company.
1923 — First demonstration of the upward-acting overhead garage door at the New York Automobile Show.
1923 — Johnson built a miniature prototype of the garage door on the back of his Model T. Johnson and his wife traveled from one county fair to the next all across the Midwest in order to market his product. His efforts were successful and resulted in the need to franchise the territorial rights to manufacture and sell the doors to independent operators across the country.
1924 — Headquarters moved to Hartford City, Indiana where Johnson worked to constantly improved his overhead door: adding new hinges, rollers, a channel track and patented wedge closure system to create a weather tight seal.
1926 — Company introduces the first electric garage door opener for commercial doors
1930s — Begin using Overhead Door’s ribbon logo and we haven’t stopped using it since!
1935 — C.G. Johnson dies, Forest McKee becomes company president.
1950 — Electric garage door opener available for residential customers.
1956 — The company establishes TODCO, acronym for The Overhead Door Company
1960s — Overhead Door Company begins to buy its franchised facilities and operations. Generating sales over $50 million.
1964 — Firm becomes publicly traded.
1965 — Business was thriving, needed a larger city for headquarters. HQ moved from Hartford City, Indiana to Dallas, Texas.
1970 — Firm acquires Horton Automatics, manufacturer and developer of the first automatic sliding pedestrian doors in America.
1980s — Overhead Door Company aims to diversify its portfolio and offer more product lines, acquires businesses of varying expertise.
1985 — Changed name to Dallas Corporation to reflect the focus on more than just garage doors.
1989 — Appears that Dallas took on too many ventures over the past couple years. Company taken private again and name is returned to Overhead Door Company to reemphasize the focal point of garage doors. This also helps company take advantage of widely-recognized name.
1994 — Overhead acquires Genie Company.
1996 — Sanwa Shutter Corporation acquires Overhead Door.
2000s — Overhead has plans to expand globally.
2000 — Sanwa restructures operations within Overhead Door. Hartford City, Ind. plant closed after being there for almost 80 years.
2003 — Sanwa Shutter purchases the European Novoform Group
2006 — Firm relocates headquarters to Lewisville, Texas.
Today Overhead Door is one of the most well-recognized names and brands within the garage door industry. We have 20 manufacturing plants and facilities throughout North America and sell our products across the world through more than 450 distributors. We have been around for 95 years and plan to be here for the next 100 or 200! For your garage door needs, call a company that has flourished through the test of time! Call Overhead Door of Garden City (620)275-4602 for all your garage door needs or contact us for a service appointment!
Five Reasons to Love Overhead Door Garden City
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5February is a month that is filled with love, chocolate, and flowers! It’s a chance to show your love for everyone around you! We all know a love story that seems to stick with us, one that keeps going and going and going, no end in sight. The love story between Overhead Door and the garage door community is just like that! It’s a love that started 95 years ago and the flame is still burning strong. Do you love your Overhead Door garage door and/or opener? Here are the top five reasons customers love Overhead Door of Garden City.
Best Products on the Market. Our company has been around the block a few times, we have taken the position, from the beginning, that in order to offer the best service possible, we must offer the best products. From residential to commercial options, we’ve got the garage door and/or garage door opener you need! And we have a huge selection, with more than 78 regional sales centers and 5,000 distributors, we have the garage door of your dreams!
Our Family Takes Care of Your Family. Here at Overhead Door of Garden City, we pride ourselves in creating a family-style environment. We remind ourselves during each job that it is our family helping your family. We want the best for our family and therefore want to best for your family. We have formed a crew of support and reliance and you’ll see it in our work!
We Improve Looks and Value of Home. A new garage door opener and garage door are investments that can greatly change the overall appearance and and increase the value of your home. So not only does your home become more appealing to look at, the investment will give you a greater return on your home! We have nine residential collections and four commercial options, from decorative traditional wood to modern aluminum to commercial UL 325 compliant doors, we’ve got what you need. What’s not to love?
We Stand Behind Our Work. There’s nothing like a big name company ruining its reputation by offering bad products. We don’t do that at Overhead Door of Garden City. We know that trust is hard to earn but easy to lose. And you can trust us to get the job done right! If you aren’t happy with the final result, we’ll fix it! We offer a 30 day service warranty and a one year warranty on new installations.
Our Garage Doors are Safe and Reliable. Our company philosophy revolves around the safety, security, and convenience of society. We are here to provide a sense of relief when it comes to the safety of your garage, your home, and your family. The garage door is the largest moving object at many homes, it is very important that it works properly and without concern. We do that for you.
The bond of love Overhead Door Company of Garden City has formed with its customers and community is one that can’t be broken! 95 years and loving strong. To see what all the talk is about, give us a call at (620) 275-4602 or schedule an appointment and you’ll feel the love too!
Do you love Overhead Door of Garden City? Let us know!
Garage Door Replacement: Top Home Improvement Project
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5A huge home improvement with all-new garage doors!
The task of “Home Improvement” is huge and usually overwhelming! Where is the best place to start? Which project should be put at the top of the list? How can I fix up my home in a way that I will see a return on my investment? One of the best projects to increase the value of the home is to upgrade your garage door. Buying a brand new garage door is not something you hope to do very frequently; it can be a pretty expensive venture. Fortunately, garage doors are a worthwhile investment especially if there is a possibility of resale in the future. If you need help deciding which garage door to buy, check out our garage door buying guide!
First, let’s take a look at how much replacing a garage door costs. Garage door costs are variable, depending on many factors: number of garage doors needed, the type of material used, style of the door, necessary installation, etc. The average price can range anywhere from $350 for the lower end materials and self-installation to $4,000 and up for high-end fully loaded door with installation. The average cost for a mid-range, installed garage door is anywhere from $750 to $1,500. While this is not the cheapest of home repairs, it’s pretty affordable compared to major home renovation projects.
Next, let’s explore the added curb appeal. The exterior looks and aesthetics of a home can be completely changed by upgrading your garage door. Higher curb appeal can can make all the difference when trying to sell your home. If buyers come to look at your house, they’ll pull into the driveway and be greeted by your garage door. Your first impression could rely heavily on the looks of your garage door!
Finally, and maybe most importantly, the return on investment. Replacing your garage door is unmatchably beneficial, this process can add tremendous value to your home. The exact return will depend on how much you are willing to spend on a new door, but on average, you could be looking to add about ten thousand dollars of value to your home. A fairly small price tag on this improvement is a way to greatly increase the value of your home, even on a budget!
Once you have decided to replace your garage door, you’ll need a quality door at a quality price! That’s where Overhead Door of Garden City comes in! We provide and install garage doors just for you! Check out our line up of garage doors and garage door openers and find your perfect fit!
The task of “Home Improvement” seems like a never-ending cycle. Once on project is done, it’s onto the next. But replacing your garage door is a task that can be done and checked off you list for years to come! Increase the looks and value of your home with this simple project! Call us at (620)275-4602 or contact us to get this project started!
Garage Door Maintenance Tips for the New Year
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5Hopefully your garage doesn’t look like any of these, but if it does, we can fix it for you! Even if the broken part is not obvious, there could still be an issue. A garage door opener and garage door are the biggest operating parts of your home, and they are constantly used each day, throughout every season. In order to keep them running smoothly, there are a few maintenance tips home owners should keep in mind. These are simple, brief tests that should be performed monthly in order to make sure your door lasts for many more decades. When in doubt, check the owner’s manual for upkeep and safety tips!
Garage Door Opener
Reversal test – (If your door has a reversal feature). Place a block of wood in the center of the door on the ground where the garage door would touch. Press the opener’s transmitter or wall button to close the door. When the door comes into contact with the block of wood, it should immediately go into reverse and open back up. If it does not, your door will need servicing.
Force setting test – (If your door has an automatic opener system). Push up against the bottom of the door as it mechanically closes. If it does not reverse and open easily, the force setting may be too strong and needs to be adjusted.
Additional safety devices – If your garage door opener has additional safety features, such as a photo eye or edge sensor, be sure to check that those are functioning properly.
Garage Door
Visual inspection – Look at the many hardware pieces of the door. This includes the: cables, tracks, springs, weatherstripping, rollers, pulleys, mounting hardware, etc. Make sure there is not any noticeable damage or wear to these pieces. Is the mounting hardware tight? Are the cables fraying in any way? Does the door make any noise when it opens or closes? Be sure to look at each part. It’s always better to fix the small issues than ignoring them and needing to fix a more serious issue.
**Many of these parts can be easily fixed by the homeowner, however, the springs, cables, brackets, and other hardware attached to the springs are very high tension. If these are handled badly, they can result in serious injury. Any fixing or replacing should be done by a qualified professional or mechanically experienced person! Contact us for help you may need!
Lubrication – This is one of the easiest ways to increase the life of you garage door. Regularly lubricate the moving parts of the door. Grease is best for the opener’s chain or screw and a spray lubricant to coat the hinges, rollers, overhead springs, and tracks. This is not a monthly task, but looking at it each month, just in case, will only help you.
Door balance – Use the manual release on your door so you are in control rather than it being mechanically operated. Open and close the door a few times. Does it open without resistance? Does it open smoothly? Does the door stay opened? If you answered “no” to any of those questions, your door may be out of balance and need servicing.
Garage door itself – Check the door for signs of water damage, warp, chipped or peeling paint. The best garage doors are in good working condition!
Using this maintenance checklist, any homeowner can lengthen the life of a garage door and garage door opener. If you have any questions about this checklist or further maintenance, be sure to give us a call at (620)275-4602 or contact us and we’ll help you with your garage door needs!
Quick Tips: Winter-Ready Garage Door
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5As we’ve seen in the last couple weeks, winter has only just begun. And it’s not going to be an “easy” year. With a few warm days in our forecast, it’s a great idea to prepare your garage and garage door for the full-force of winter, winterize your garage, if you haven’t done so already. These may be a little bit of a hassle, but the time and money you’ll save in the long run are well worth it!
Insulate Your Garage Door and Garage Walls.
The insulation type will vary based on the material of the door you have. If you have a steel door, any type of insulation will work. But, batt insulation is the simplest and most adaptable. This is usually made out of fiberglass any may be backed with paper or foil. This can be stuffed into the frames around the door. Batt insulation should have a snug fit but not jammed tightly. The R-value of batt insulation is about three to four per inch. The more the merrier. All insulation is rated with a R-value; the higher the R-value the better a material’s insulation abilities.
If your garage door is wood frame-and-panel or a flat garage door, one without panels, rigid insulation like foam board is best. This can be placed in between the door and the frame. If you’d like extra protection, another layer can be added. The R-value is between three and six.
Insulate the garage door walls as well. The door and walls are the weakest points in insulation. Doubling over what you may have will help you greatly. Whichever material you end up using can be used on the walls as well.
Update the Weather Stripping.
As with any other part in the garage, weatherstripping needs to be replaced from time to time. If yours in cracked, ineffective, and letting air in. Remove the existing weatherstripping and any sealant that is still there. The new weatherstripping will be much simpler to install if the old stuff is removed well; and it will seal better!
Cover and Seal your Windows, Switches, and Outlets.
Check the sealing and weatherstripping around all entry points into your garage, no matter how small they may be. Use weather-resistant caulk or masonry sealer to protect your home’s exterior walls and siding.
Above are the three most important things you can do for your garage this winter. Whether you are out working in the garage all the time or it’s just a place to pass from your house to your car, a warm garage is always better. And it will help with the overall costs of your home’s heating. Want to winterize your garage but don’t feel like going out in the cold? Give us a call at (620)275-4602 and we can take care of it for you! Contact us with any questions you may have!
Garage Security -Tips to Prevent Break-Ins
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5Have you ever had someone steal something from you and/or invade your personal space? Whether it’s a car or purse there’s always that terrible feeling of personal invasion. When it’s something even larger, like your garage and home, feelings of unrest increase. The “how did this happen to me?” sets in and the sense of serious danger hangs over your head. The garage door can be a weak point in your home’s security, but not if you are careful. Don’t let this happen to you!
There are numerous tips out there to help prevent break-ins through your garage door, but it would be hard to do them all. We’ve picked out the top 10 tips from around the web and from our own personal practices. Read through them carefully, if possible complete them all, and your garage door will not be an easy entrance point!
We wish you the very best and hope you never have to live through a home invasion or garage break-in. Put one or more of these tips to use and you should be free to relax knowing you and your home are safe. Are you thinking of purchasing a new garage door? Read our recent article about the various options you have. If you have questions, we are here to help! (620) 275-4602.
How to Measure Your Garage Door
/in Uncategorized /by ohd_edzk65z5You’ve decided to take on the task of replacing your garage door. Way to go! Replacing your home’s garage door can value and add curb appeal to your home, instantly after the work is done. In order to make this process as simple as possible, here is a guide to taking the measurements you will need to know when looking at new garage doors!
A helpful hint, as we’ve all heard: measure twice, cut once. In this case, measure twice and order once! It will be best to take each measurement in two, or more, different spots – to account for wear and tear. If you notice that one side of your garage is particularly worn, measure in other spots as well. You’ll feel confident in the numbers you have are for the correct size and quote for your new garage door!
Tools you will need: tape measure, a way to record the results and notes, and a helping hand!
Garage door sizes are usually unique to each house. There are a few standard sizes that may be a starting point but the measurements you obtain will help you know the specifics.
Please give us a call at Overhead Door of Garden City at (620) 275-4602 if you have any questions or contact us for installation help. We are happy to help you with your garage door measurements.