As 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! 

You’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!

1. Measure Height & Width. Measure the horizontal width of the garage door, left to right. And the height, up & down. These measurement should be the opening of the garage door. If you see any irregularities such as an unleveled side, make note those.
2. Measure Side Room. Measure the width of the areas beside the openings of the garage door on both the left and right side. Is there anything in the way such as wires, light switches, etc.? Be sure to note any barriers that could get in the way of installation.
3. Measure Headroom. The area between the top of the door opening and the ceiling is called the headroom. Depending on the type of garage door, it might need larger headroom.
4. Measure Backroom/Ceiling. This is the distance from the opening of the garage door to the rear of the garage or nearest wall. Note any irregularities or obstructions. Typically the height of the door plus 18” is required.

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.

A garage door opener is something most people do not think about, unless it is not working or broken. So when the time comes to a buy a new one, there might be some research involved. Click here to have us help you out and do the hard work for you!

If you’d like to DIY, here is a helpful list of the Best Garage Door Opener Buys of 2016.

1. Odyssey 1000
2. LiftMaster 8500
3. RSX Standard

These garage door openers have many similarities but below highlights what sets them apart. Overall, they have the same safety and security ratings, mounting options vary, and all three are well known for their noiseless operation and ease of use.

No matter what your garage door opener needs are, we are more than willing to help you out. Call us today (620) 275-4602 or contact us online for your garage door opener questions!

Buying a new garage door can be a very daunting task that can also greatly change the look of your house. Lucky for you, we’ve put together this garage door buying guide to simplify the process. Click here to schedule a time for us to come help you! First you’ll need to know the size […]