What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Garage

Getting accidentally locked out of your garage is never pleasant. There may be important matters to tend to at home and a jammed garage door opener can prevent entry in an emergency. How you handle the problem is critical. As many as 30,000 people are injured every year by garage door accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And, with the number of coronavirus/COVID-19 cases rising daily, distancing yourself from others can be difficult if you’re stuck outside and can’t seek shelter in your home.

Whether the radio signal is jammed, there’s a power outage, or your garage door remote has failed, or you can’t regain access due to a mechanical problem or electrical problem, here are some ways you can proceed:

Try the Manual Release

Chances are, your garage door opener has a manual release device. Most openers do, and many older doors have an exterior handle that triggers the manual release from outside. It can be found at the bottom or on the surface of the garage door. Using it will trigger and unlock the garage door.

Invest in a Wi-Fi Enabled Opener

A Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener can be controlled using your smartphone or tablet, via a dedicated app. Investing in one is a good idea if you keep getting locked out. It bypasses the radiofrequency system when the opener fails. In addition, it lets you monitor use of the garage door, or even lock or disable the system, using a digital control panel.

Call a Locksmith

If you locked the door manually and didn’t re-engage the electric opener, you may not be able to get back inside. There may also be damage to the system. You could always call a locksmith to repair or replace the manual lock and/or provide you with a new key if one is broken or lost.

The DIY Approach – Not Recommended!

Another technique, if there’s no signal or your remote control isn’t working, is to drill a hole into the garage door. This is easier if your door has a thin aluminum skin. Access the center of the door near the top. Once the hole is cut, reach in with a spider tool to grab the red emergency release rope. Pulling it down will engage the door opening system so you can manually open the garage door.

Installing a vault lock in the hole you drilled provides access in case you have future garage access problems. It can be secured in place using the vault lock brackets and by drilling holes on either side of the lock to bolt it in place. Connect the vault lock to the emergency release handle with a cable or rope, and it can be used any time.

You can also remove the bottom roller from one side of the door. This will let you push the door in to crawl inside. But either of these methods come with risks of injury and damage to the door. It’s, therefore, best to have a technician check the door and door opener, who can save you headaches and money down the road.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for Help

Servicing Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, Mesa Garage Doors provides installation and repairs, while offering the lowest price guarantee. We service many types of garage doors and garage door openers. For a free repair estimate, contact us at 800-893-1107; our company is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency.

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What to Do When Your Garage Door Remote Is Stolen

mesa garage door remote

 

Burglars are keen on compromising garage security to gain access to homes. You might not think of someone stealing a garage door remote. But it does happen. When someone has access to your remote control, they can open the garage at any time. This leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins, which is never a happy thought, especially during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Stealing garage door opener remotes is an opportunity for criminals. Aside from the spread of germs, there are many other concerns. A criminal can get their hands on a garage door remote that’s left visible inside your car, whether near the visor, rearview mirror, or center console. Their next stop is often the glove compartment, where the car registration will reveal your address; once a burglar finds that, they’re in business.

If you’re unfortunate enough to have your garage door remote stolen, here are some important steps to take:

Method #1: Disable/Reprogram Your Garage Door Remote

Disable your garage door opener so it cannot receive the signal from the remote control. To do this, press the Smart Button on the garage door opener’s motor. Any remote or keypad used to operate it will be deprogrammed; no signal will reach the receiver. Most openers use rolling codes that change every time the system is used and come with this intuitive feature just in case.

Make sure to deprogram all devices linked to your garage door.

After you deprogram the remote, you’ll want to reprogram the remote so you can use your garage door again. The garage door manual should explain the proper procedure for this, but copies of the maintenance manual can also be found on the manufacturer’s website. A new transmission code will enable you to regain access to your garage.

Method #2: Use the Control Panel

If the control panel is near the door or otherwise easily accessible, use the LOCK button to disable any remote signals that come in. You can still open and close the garage door using the panel. For a doorbell-type wall control, unplug the opener and use the red emergency release cord to operate the garage door instead. You can operate the door manually for now and install a lock on the side to secure it.

Garage doors come with manual controls in case of a power outage or other emergency. You can use these at any time if there is a mechanical or electrical problem, you feel there’s a safety issue, or to do maintenance.

Method #3: Install the MyQ System on Your Smartphone

LiftMaster and other brands provide an intuitive control feature called the MyQ system, which installs on your smartphone. It allows you to access the wireless system remotely. There is no need to reprogram your smartphone. This software also lets you monitor your garage door opener in real-time—from anywhere.

Take Preventative Measures

Prevention makes it harder for thieves to steal garage remotes. To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of garage remote theft:

  • Always keep your car doors locked
  • Avoid putting the remote in plain sight
  • Hide your vehicle registration in a less popular place
  • Fit a mini remote on your keychain
  • Use a deadbolt for securing your garage door

Call Mesa Garage Doors for Help

Whether you need repairs, a battery, or to improve garage security, Mesa Garage Doors is here to help. If you’ve had a garage door remote stolen or feel at risk, contact us 24/7 for assistance. We can be reached anytime at 800-893-1107.

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Garage Door Replacement in 2017: The #1 Home Improvement Project?

garage door replacement 2017

Each year Remodeling Magazine publishes a study researching the economic benefits of certain home improvement projects. Some of the home improvements highlighted within the study include:

  • Basement Remodel
  • Bathroom Addition
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Entry Door Replacement
  • Garage Door Replacement
  • Major Kitchen Remodel
  • Window Replacement

The study is conducted both from a national perspective as well as a regional perspective. We will discuss the 2017 regional results in a future article. For purposes of this post we will focus on national averages and more specifically the national average economic benefit of replacing your garage doors.

Remodeling Magazine uses the following definition for garage door replacement for use in their study:

“Remove and dispose of existing 16×7-foot garage door and tracks. Install new 4-section garage door on new galvanized steel tracks; reuse existing motorized opener. New door is uninsulated, single layer, embossed steel with two coats of baked-on paint, galvanized steel hinges, and nylon rollers. 10-year limited warranty.”

For a midrange project in 2017, garage door replacement ranked as the 5th best home improvement project to undertake out of 19 listed home improvement projects. Last year garage door replacement ranked 3rd.

However, for upscale projects in 2017, garage door replacement ranked as the number 1 home improvement project to undertake from an economic benefit standpoint.

To see the full 2017 Cost vs. Value Analysis, check out Remodeling Magazine here.

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5 Benefits of Installing Roll Up Doors

roll up doors

Roll up doors are quite popular amongst industrial and commercial properties. I’m sure you’ve seen them used prominently at schools, retail centers, medical, government, and office buildings. The popularity of roll-up doors seems to be on the rise lately but not many people understand the main benefits of installing these doors on their property. As such we gathered the 5 main benefits of installing roll-up doors on your property for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Roll Up Doors Benefit #1: Maximum Security

Roll-up doors are strong. Typically made of steel, these doors provide that extra theft deterrent many are looking for on their properties. In addition to being the better option security-wise when compared to  fiberglass, aluminum, or wood garage doors, the installation of steel roll up doors can also have a beneficial impact on your expenses by way of reduced property insurance premiums!

Roll Up Doors Benefit #2: Easy Maintenance

Steel roll-up doors require little-to-no maintenance and are easily replaceable, making them one of the most reliable, cost-effective options in the industry. Many prefer the roll up door because it is an easy addition to almost any architectural style property. In fact, roll up doors can be designed with wood or other materials to match the exterior of architecture.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #3: Long Lasting Durability

Steel is a resilient material manufactured to protect against extreme weather conditions and harsh usage environments. Unlike doors made from other materials, steel roll-up doors can endure the wear and tear of heavy traffic usage and can be outfitted with rust-resistant components including spring coatings and bottom bars to further extend their longevity.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #4: Energy Savings

Other than being sturdy and dependable, insulated roll up doors also are supremely effective when it comes to energy transfers between the property and outside. Whether you are using the doors as standalone garage doors or as a cover for windows, insulated roll-up doors maintain energy efficiency for your property and savings for pockets.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #5: Space Savings

Because roll-up doors open vertically and are gathered into a roll instead of sliding along tracks, they take up very little overhead space while also enabling convenient and easy access.

If you are interested in learning more about the pros and cons of installing roll-up doors please give us a call at 1-800-893-1107.

 

 

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Garage Insulation – Is it Really Necessary in Southern California?

garage insulation

Temperatures throughout Southern California tend to average around 70 degrees year-round forcing many homeowners to question whether or not garage insulation is really necessary when purchasing a new garage door.  Most associate garage insulation with keeping heat in and keeping the cold out, but there are several other functions of garage insulation you should consider before purchasing new garage doors, here’s a few:

Garage Insulation Saves Energy & Money

While temperatures throughout Southern California do average around 70 degrees in any given year, there are still times in the winter when you want to keep the heat in and in the summer when you want to keep the cold air from the air conditioning system within the house. Being the largest opening in the house, garage doors tend to be the main culprit in allowing air to flow from inside the house to outside. This air flow loss forces air conditioners and heaters to work overtime in keeping your home temperature appropriate. The addition of garage insulation limits the air flow and thus reduces the amount of energy needed.

Garage Insulation Reduces Noise

Garage insulation provides an effective sound shield from exterior noises entering the house and from internal noises traveling outside. So, if your kids decide they want to start a band after school, a properly insulated garage door could provide the necessary deterrent from neighbor complaints.

Garage Insulation Provides Structural Reinforcement

Insulation makes your garage door stronger.  Over time, the opening and closing of a garage door tends to cause sagging, bending, and oftentimes ripping of the garage door panels.  An insulated garage door prevents this from happening and can drastically extend the life of a garage door.  Also, by adding an additional layer to your garage door, it usually moves more smoothly and with less noise than a standard non-insulated garage door.

If you are interested in learning more about the pros and cons of installing an insulated garage door don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-893-1107.

 

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Garage Door Repair – The Hidden Truth

garage door repair

Keeping a keen eye on how your garage door functions is key to maintaining a healthy garage door. But every now and then things happen and a professional garage door repair is needed. The longer you put off having your garage door repaired the more damage you are possibly incurring that’s why we recommend when your garage door is not functioning properly that you have it repaired as soon as possible.

If you’ve noticed unusual sounds emanating from your garage door or uneven opening and closing functions, there’s a very good chance your garage door is experiencing problems. Since the garage door serves as the front door for many households, it’s important to get it repaired so you can get back to your daily activities and keep your family safe.

A malfunctioning garage door can be inconvenient (to say the least), but if you’re prepared, you’ll know how to handle the situation. Below we highlight several hidden truths about garage door repair to guide you through the repair process.

Garage Door Repair – Multiple Repairs Likely Necessary

There are two main components of your garage door system: the garage door opener and the actual garage door. There are various moving parts within the garage door opener that allow the opener to run smoothly and there are typically multiple sections of each garage door.

Chances are that if one part of your garage door malfunctions or breaks, it’s necessary to repair more than just one part. Because the entire garage door system works together as one unit, when one part is not working, it is likely that another part will eventually stop working as well. If you only repair the broken part without paying attention to other component parts, the malfunctioning part will probably break again.

Garage Door Repair – Annual Tune-Ups Recommended

Mesa Garage Doors along with North America’s largest trade association for garage doors, DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association), recommend garage door tune-ups by a professional garage door repair company every year. Annual tune-ups allow technicians to inspect your garage door system to make sure everything is working properly and to identify any potential issues. Even though you may not be aware of any problems with your garage door system, there could be damaged parts or hardware under extreme tension that could cause a major problem in the future.

Garage Door Repair …or Replacement?

When you’re dealing with a malfunctioning garage door system, you’ll have the choice of having your garage door repaired or replacing the entire system with a new garage door system. While repairing your current garage door typically is the less expensive option, a complete garage door replacement may make more sense in the long run economically (as highlighted in this replacement vs. repair article). Either way our garage door repair professionals will be able to advise you about the best choice for the safety of your home and your family.

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Garage Door Replacements: 4 Key Factors To Consider When Replacing Your Garage Door

garage door replacements

Garage door replacements don’t come up too often in one’s lifetime so when it does you need to be confident you are making the right choice. As such, we compiled the top 4 factors to consider when you are faced with a garage door replacement.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 1: Material is Key!

It is extremely important to delve deep into the pros and cons of each garage door material type before purchasing your new garage door. Without a doubt, the most popular garage door material is steel. Steel garage doors are typically insulated to be more energy efficient than wood doors and generally require lower maintenance than wood garage doors. Wood garage doors, while oftentimes the most attractive of the garage door types, often require constant maintenance in the form of repainting and re-staining, and typically cost more than steel garage doors. Aluminum garage doors are typically the least expensive of the garage door types as well as the most lightweight (and thus easiest to lift manually) however aluminum garage doors are also the most prone to dent.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 2: Complement Your Entry Door

Looking to really upgrade the curb appeal of your home? We highly recommend matching your front entry door with your new garage door! The economic benefits of garage door replacements are crystal clear (see The Cost vs. Value Analysis Research), and complementing your new garage door with your entry (or new entry door) can really boost the overall value of your home even more.

Things to keep in mind, obviously you don’t want to put a contemporary looking aluminum and/or glass garage door on a traditional Colonial home or a carriage style garage door on a contemporary home. Also, if your new garage door has windows, be mindful of the shape of the windows and the size of the window grilles that you choose.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 3: Consider Adding Windows

Speaking of windows, choosing a new garage door with windows adds a nice touch to the overall attractiveness of your home. Please do not underestimate the visual impact of adding windows to your garage door. Most people don’t realize the difference a few windows on a garage door can make, so we recommend speaking with our professional garage door installers and let them show you visually just what this little change would look like on your home.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 4: Insulation Can Save You Cash

Consider the insulation value (“R-value”) of your garage door replacements.  The higher the R-value of the garage door, the greater the insulation value and energy efficiency. If you live in a temperate climate, insulation may not be a very important issue for you. However, if you live in a colder climate, or have finished living space above your garage, or plan to heat or cool your garage because you are using it for purposes other than parking cars (i.e., a workshop or laundry area), the garage door’s R-value is definitely something to consider. The cons of getting a new garage door with a high R-value is the cost – typically, the higher the R-value of the garage door, the higher the price.

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Garage Door

garage door facts

Here’s a simple garage door fun fact — did you know that garage doors are typically the largest moving object of any house? Most people if asked that question would probably guess ‘garage doors’ but would you know the following 10 facts regarding garage doors highlighted below?

  1. Over 70% of homeowners say their garage door, not the front entry door, is the main access point to their home. (National survey)
  2. In addition, over 71% of homeowners use garage door openers to get into their homes every day. (National consumer survey)
  3. A typical garage door can command up to 6 times more space than a front entry door.
  4. Garages are getting bigger. Roughly 23% of new one-family houses completed in 2014 had a three-car (or-more) garage. This compares to only 11% in 1992. (U.S. Census Characteristics of New Housing)
  5. Garage doors, on average, can take up more than 30% of the front view of the house.
  6. Replacing your current standard garage door with an upscale garage door can increase the appraised value of your home by 1 to 4%. (StrataMark national study)
  7. 92% of all garage door manufacturers offer online garage door designers on their websites.
  8. Due to high spring tension, installing or repairing a garage door can cause serious injury or death.
  9. 73% of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home. (Nationwide online survey)
  10. Lose the garage door, lose the home. When hit with high winds, a home’s destruction often starts with the garage door, especially a double-wide, non-insulated, non-reinforced door. (FEMA report)
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When Should You Consider Replacing Your Garage Door?

garage door replacement

Garage doors are often times taken for granted when it comes to home improvement projects, which is a shame because as we’ve pointed out in several articles (Garage Doors Los Angeles, Garage Doors San Diego, Garage Doors Orange County), garage door replacement ranks at or near the top when it comes to increasing the value of your home. But other than for pure economic reasons, what are the top signs that it’s time to replace your current garage door?

The Noise Factor

Your garage door should not create a lot of noise when opening or closing. Technological advancements in garage door design over the past decade allow for newer garage doors to operate in very smooth and quiet manner. If your garage door tends to be noisy, for the benefit of your family and neighbors, you may want to consider replacement.

Constant Maintenance Required

If you haven’t been diligent in following these simple maintenance tips over the years, you may have found yourself calling to have your garage door serviced more often than you expected. Money spent on service calls, labor, and parts associated with garage door repair can add up over time. If this describes your situation, you may want to consider spending your next dollar in purchasing replacement garage doors instead of investing any more money into your current garage doors.

Garage Doors Slowing Down

Have you noticed a significant change in how rapidly your garage door responds when you try to raise or lower it? It should take only a moment between hitting the opener button and your garage door beginning its operation. If there’s any sort of delay, especially a lengthy one, it’s time to have your door examined by a professional who can identify any issues or take it as a sign to replace.

Lack of Safety and Efficiency Features

Unlike older garage doors, more modern garage doors typically provide great insulation to keep the cold out and heat inside. This can make a serious dent in your monthly energy bills, potentially making up the cost of garage door replacement over a few years. New garage doors also include the latest in safety technology, including automatic reversal if the door comes into contact with an unexpected object. If your aging door does not provide the safety and security you want, it’s time to consider a new garage door.

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5 Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tips

garage door maintenance tips

Even as the largest movable part of most homes, garage doors are often overlooked and unappreciated, that is until there is an issue that prevents it from running smoothly. Most minor garage door issues that naturally occur over time can be avoided with a little TLC. So, whether you just purchased a new garage door and want to keep it running smoothly throughout the years or maybe just trying to extend the useful life of an older garage door and delay a complete replacement, we recommend the following 5 essential garage door maintenance tips to keep your garage door functioning like new.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips #1: Garage Door Lubrication Goes A Long Way

Lubrication is important and if done properly can keep your garage doors running efficiently and effectively extend the overall lifespan of the doors. However, there are several things to keep in mind when lubricating the parts of your garage door. While WD40 would seem like the most logical choice for lubrication purposes, we recommend a lithium or a silicone spray when lubricating garage door parts like the top part of the chain rail, hinges, metal rollers, stems, nubs, the arm bar, and the lock. While these components can benefit from occasional lubrication other components such as the chain, the garage door track and the spring should not be lubricated under any circumstances.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips #2: Monitor Weather Seals

Making sure your garage doors remains energy efficient should be a high priority for homeowners looking to save on energy costs. Take a look at the rubber seals along the threshold of your garage door. If you notice the seals are cracking or otherwise wearing away it’s probably time to replace.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips #3: Keep Your Garage Door Tracks Clean

Dirt and dust has a way of finding its way onto the tracks of your garage door and over time can seriously inhibit your garage door from functioning as well as it should. A simple proper cleaning of the tracks can go a long way in remedying this situation. We recommend using a damp towel with a little soap solution to clean your garage door tracks from time to time.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips #4: Test the Balance of Your Garage Door

Your garage door should be able to stay halfway open when disconnected from your automatic garage door opener. To test this, use the manual release mechanism to open your door halfway by hand. If it fails to stay open, your springs’ counterweight system is out of balance and in need of a tuneup.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips #5: Safety Features Need to Be Regularly Tested

Most garage door openers include numerous safety features, some required by law. Test these features on a regular basis. The auto-reverse mechanism should be fully working, and your battery backup should engage when the opener is disconnected from power if your opener includes a battery backup.

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