The weather can significantly affect your garage door. You might not think rain would cause issues with a well-maintained door, but that’s not always the case. A garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home to water damage. If it’s compromised, your garage, the belongings you store there, and the rest of your home are not safe from the elements. When your garage door won’t close in the rain, call for help right away. 

Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close

If your area recently had heavy rain, here are some reasons you may be having garage door trouble:

The Garage Door Has Soaked Up a Lot of Moisture

Some materials, especially wood, are effective at absorbing moisture. The more water your garage door absorbs, the heavier it becomes. Excess weight can strain various components and put more force on the garage door opener than it was designed to handle. Attempting to operate the door manually may be dangerous.

Your Garage Door’s Material Has Warped

Water damage can change the size or shape of a garage door’s panels or frame. The door can then get stuck as it can no longer move smoothly along its tracks. If your garage door won’t close in the rain, continuing to operate it can cause more damage. Misshapen parts can break or cause the entire door to fail.

Metal Components Have Rusted

In heavy rain, water can reach any part of your garage door and garage door opener. Exposure to moisture can cause metal parts to rust. When parts and components corrode, mechanical issues can occur and the garage door can get stuck. 

Fallen Rainwater Has Frozen

If the temperature drops below freezing after a rainstorm, any water that’s fallen can become ice. It’s common for rainwater to pool around the rubber seals. When ice forms, it can prevent your garage door from opening (melting it with salt or heat can fix the problem). But if other parts of the system are affected, call a professional right away.

Rainwater Has Caused an Electrical Malfunction

Water can seep anywhere. If you can’t close your garage door, check whether the wall switch or its wires are damaged. Other wires that run to the garage door opener can also be affected. When this is the case, you’ll need not only a garage door repair professional but also a licensed electrician.

Your Garage Door Isn’t Well-Protected

Rain will seep through if the weather stripping has worn out. Replace the seal on the bottom and sides of the door to protect it against heavy rain. Aside from checking the weatherstripping, check your garage door’s condition. Any cracks, holes, warped panels, or alignment issues should be quickly addressed if your garage door won’t close or you find any damage. Check your door often and schedule routine maintenance or repairs to avoid such an issue.

Other ways to protect your garage door include adding a trench drain to direct rainwater away. Also, remember to clean the rain gutters above the garage so water can flow away instead of onto your garage door.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for Garage Door Repair

Unless there’s a simple reason your garage door won’t close, such as a dead remote battery or dirty photo eye sensor, you’ll need a technician to troubleshoot and fix the problem. One wrong move can lead to more serious damage or being injured by heavy or high-tension components. We are available in Los Angeles and Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino Counties. If your garage door has been affected by heavy rain, call (714) 844-5741 to schedule your free garage door repair estimate.

It’s not uncommon to see glass garage doors in Los Angeles. Sleek and modern, they are desirable to homeowners who want to modernize their properties. Glass garage doors typically have an aluminum frame, which is durable, lightweight, and rust- and corrosion-resistant. If you are considering installing one in your garage, here’s a guide to help make important decisions.

What Is a Glass Garage Door?

A glass garage door functions the same as any other garage door. It is opened and closed by a standard garage door opener. A metal frame serves as the main structural component. However, glass panels determine the overall look and feel of the finished product. Glass doors can be installed in residential or commercial garages.

Glass Garage Door Options

Glass garage doors are highly customizable. For that reason, there are many considerations when purchasing one, including:

• Glass Type: Tempered glass is often standard. It is heat-treated to make it four times stronger than standard glass and won’t break into large dangerous shards. Insulated glass is thicker and increases energy efficiency if you want to keep your garage warmer. For even greater shatter-resistance and soundproofing qualities, laminated glass is available.
• Glass Thickness: The standard thickness for garage door glass is ⅛ inch. However, it’s more common for people to choose ¼-inch thick tempered glass. Insulated glass is typically available in 7/16-inch, ⅝-inch, and 1-inch thick options.
• Opacity: Frosted glass allows less light in and increases privacy. It can also have aesthetic advantages depending on the design you prefer. Window glass can be tinted, mirrored, or shaded black for the most privacy.

Cost of Glass Garage Doors

As of June 2022, installing a residential glass garage door costs $4,500 on average.1 But the actual installation cost varies. Glass garage doors in Los Angeles are found in a range of sizes, materials, finishes, and designs. Tempered glass garage doors tend to cost less than insulated or laminated units. And, generally, the larger the door, the higher the price. Common sizes include 8’ x 7’, 8’ x 8’, 9’ x 8’, 10’ x 8’, 16’ x 8’, and others.

Door style is another cost factor. Rollup doors are usually more costly than swing-up garage doors but have fewer maintenance requirements. Anodized aluminum frames are often standard, but many manufacturers offer a choice of colored powdered coatings that can add to the price. Filling the frame, rails, and stiles with an insulative layer also increases the cost. The cost of replacing or upgrading your existing garage door opener may be a factor as well.

Benefits of Glass Garage Doors

In addition to boosting your home’s curb appeal and modernizing its exterior, installing a glass garage door allows you to enjoy these perks:

• Resistance to the Elements: Unlike wood and other sensitive materials, glass doors won’t decay, rot, or warp due to weather conditions. They are also moisture- and insect-resistant.
• Durability: Most people think of glass as fragile and easily breakable. But tempered glass is much stronger. It does not wear out and is as durable as wood or aluminum panels.
• Energy Efficiency: Glass garage doors allow natural light into your garage, reducing the need for artificial light. Insulating materials keep your garage cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so your HVAC system doesn’t work as hard.
• Privacy: You can choose opaque glass that allows enough light to enter. Meanwhile, it protects your privacy inside and prevents potential intruders from taking a peek to see your valuables.
• Low Maintenance: A glass garage door doesn’t need to be re-painted or re-stained. You can remove dirt and grime with a glass cleaning solution and towel. However, you will need to clean the glass panels frequently. The aluminum frame can be cleaned with mild detergent and rinsed with a garden hose.

Accessories for Glass Garage Doors

You can add latches, pull handles, or ring pulls to your garage door. Strap hinges can also be included. There are custom door stops and seals as well. If you desire, you can install faux handles that match the style of the door. Contact your garage door installer to learn about all your options. 

Contact Us About Glass Garage Doors in Los Angeles

Mesa Garage Doors provides high-quality products and services at unbeatable prices. We install and repair all types of garage doors. Our installers and repair technicians are factory trained and covered by full liability and workers comp insurance. Conveniently located in Anaheim, we serve Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernadino County, and Ventura County. To learn more about installing a glass garage door or request repair service, call (714) 613-0646 today.

Modern automatic garage doors are convenient. But for many reasons, a garage door can get stuck, and sometimes this is while you and your car are still in the garage. This isn’t fun when you need to get to work, have an appointment, or are on a tight schedule. If you get locked in the garage, here are some things you can do to escape this sticky situation.

Try to Open The Garage Door Manually

Check that the door is fully closed and disconnect the garage door opener from its power source. This ensures motorized components won’t suddenly activate and avoids any electrical hazards. Then pull the emergency cord, which is typically a red rope with a handle. This will release the trolley from the rail so the door won’t be connected to the garage door opener.

When the door is in manual mode, lift the door straight up with both arms. Make sure it stays put where you leave it, before letting go. The door should stay in place as long as its springs are properly balanced. If it becomes crooked or falls, there’s likely a damaged spring so call a professional to fix the issue and resolve any safety risks.

To restore automatic mode, close the door manually until the bottom is level with the floor. Lock the door by sliding the lock bar and reconnect the garage door opener. Release the manual lock to avoid damage when the electric opener is operating.

Troubleshoot the Problem

A garage door may not operate for simple reasons. If you’re locked in the garage, you can try the following steps:

• Use the Wall Switch: Instead of the remote, try opening the door by flicking the wall switch.
• Replace the Batteries: Install new batteries in the remote control and try opening the door again.
• Check the Electrical Connection: If the opener is unplugged, put the plug back in the socket; if a breaker has tripped, reset it.
• Check the Garage Door’s Sensors: The door won’t open if the safety sensors on its sides are dirty or not directly facing each other. Clean them or bend the units back into alignment.

What to Do If There Is a Mechanical Issue

You can get locked in a garage because the door is off the tracks. In this case, you may not even be able to lift it manually. Attempting to operate the door at this point can cause additional damage, such as broken door panels. 

To avoid costly repairs, check whether only one roller is slightly misaligned or multiple rollers have fallen off the track. If it’s only one roller, set the door in manual mode and bend the track open with pliers to fit the roller back in. Then bend the track back into place. Check that it works by opening and closing the door a couple of times.

If multiple rollers are affected, contact a garage door repair professional.

A broken spring can also cause the garage door to get stuck closed. Garage door springs endure intense pressure when moving the door and serve as a counterbalance. Attempting to adjust or fix the torsion springs yourself is way too dangerous. This can lead to severe injury. To play it safe, call a professional who can safely and quickly fix the problem.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We repair garage door springs, openers, panels, cables, tracks, rollers, and any other component that needs to be fixed. Our qualified technicians service most makes and models of garage doors and garage door openers in the Los Angeles area. If you’re locked in your garage, you need a professional fast. Fortunately, you can count on Mesa Garage Doors. Contact us for a free repair estimate or call us 24/7 at (714) 364-4987.

Most people don’t give much thought to a garage entry door. It’s simply a convenient way to get into your home from the garage, and vice versa. But investing in a higher quality door can have many benefits, including improved safety and efficiency. Therefore, it’s wise to weigh the following considerations when installing a garage entry door.

1. Type of Door

Your standards for a door leading from the garage to your home should be the same as for your main front door. A garage entry door should be well-built and sturdy. It should lock just as firmly as a front door while a solid core increases durability and safety.

2. Installation

Installing a door can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires accurate measuring and precise drilling. Safety is also a concern. You’ll need safety glasses, gloves, overalls, boots, and other items to protect yourself.

Most of the time, you can find a door that’s prehung on a frame with pre-drilled spaces for a doorknob and deadbolt lock. This can simplify matters. But unless you have some experience and knowledge, it’s best to leave door installation to a professional.

3. The International Residential Code (IRC)

Section R302.5.1 of the IRC provides guidelines and regulations for garage entry doors. Here are some of the requirements it specifies:

• A solid wood door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
• A solid core/steel door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
• The door must have a 20-minute fire rating.
• It cannot open directly to a bedroom/sleeping space.
• Automatic/self-closure for safety and protection.

4. Steel vs. Fiberglass

Steel doors are relatively low in cost yet are weather-resistant and secure. Energy efficiency is another benefit, while little maintenance is needed unless the door is scratched. Scratches must be painted over quickly to avoid rust. Dents can be tough to fix.

Fiberglass is more resistant to wear and tear, although it can crack in an impact. Depending on your siding, a fiberglass entry door can fit aesthetically as it has a smooth surface. It can also be embossed to create a realistic grain texture. Fiberglass can also be easily painted or stained.

Wood entry doors are common as well. While steel or fiberglass can mimic their appearance, solid wood doors are notably wear-resistant, albeit more expensive. With regular painting or varnishing, they can retain their look and durability.

5. Use of Glass

Glass can be incorporated into a garage entry door if IRC guidelines are met. The material used isn’t so much of a concern as is the door’s fire rating. Therefore, the unit must be tested at an authorized laboratory before glass panes are installed.

6. Swing In or Out

An entry door for a garage can swing in or out. For safety, it’s best if the door swings out of the garage, assuming you’d have to leave the space quickly if there’s a fire. A self-closing door protects you as well, as fire and smoke will be contained inside the garage and won’t spread to the rest of your home.

7. Insulation/Energy Efficiency

Steel and fiberglass are more insulating than wood. Frame design affects efficiency as well; Energy Star-rated frames are tighter-fitting and have more insulating cores. Insulated glass panes are effective at reducing heat transfer. Insulating a door (during or after installation) will add to the cost, so it’s better to invest in a higher-quality product.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

As the nation’s largest garage door installation and repair company, Mesa Garage Doors can provide advice and assistance if you’re considering a new garage entry door. Our technicians are factory trained to provide any type of garage door service. Schedule a new door or repair estimate online or call us at (714) 989-7421 today.

When installing a garage door, homeowners often select custom features and options. The garage door is a prominent element of a home’s exterior. Customizing it can improve visual appeal, durability, and security. There are many choices for custom garage doors in Los Angeles, so we’ll break down some of the options and important decisions to make.

Style/Design of the Garage Door

First, you need to pick a style that you prefer. Styles can be selected based on your home’s architecture, and include:

• Victorian/Georgian/Colonial: Provides a stable or farmhouse look, with decorative hardware and windows that match those of your home.
• 1950s Ranch Style: Doors with a plain finish and banding, wood slats, or other horizontal features; no hardware provides a streamlined look.
• Edwardian: Raised panels or sections with arch-top or divided-light windows.
• Modern/Contemporary: Often making a statement, this style uses an aluminum frame, stained wood, frosted or pebbled glass, and/or a horizontal or V-ribbed banded design.

You’ll also find common designs to customize your garage door, such as:

• Raised-Panel: A popular choice among homeowners, a raised-panel design can be achieved with different materials; it suits most home styles and provides a high insulating value.
• Roll-Up: Doors that roll up are more compact, which is beneficial for smaller garages and homes.
• Sectional: Sectional doors are well-insulated against wind and water and are suited for a homeowner who prefers more garage space.
• Sliding: Horizontally moving garage doors are quieter and easier to maintain. They can be operated remotely or manually.
• Swing: Swing garage doors have one or two steel panels. They have a classic design and will fit so long as there’s enough horizontal space. Our Carriage House Style garage doors simulate the look of a swing-style model.

Materials

• Wood: While wood requires more maintenance than other materials, many people prefer its classic look. Wood is easy to customize with overlays, painting, or staining.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is rustproof, durable, and requires little or no maintenance. Its low weight reduces the stress on the garage door opener. Many custom options are available.
• Steel: A stronger option than aluminum, steel can accommodate a wide range of styles, finishes, and colors.

Windows

Windows are popular for garage doors because of their aesthetic appeal. They come in all shapes and sizes too. Adding windows can make a garage look fresh and your home seem larger. Letting in natural light, garage door windows can also increase visibility and efficiency inside your garage (the brightness and warmth reduce the need for electric lighting and heating). To boost privacy and security, windows can be tinted or frosted.

Colors

You can choose from practically any color or combination of colors. It’s generally advised to complement the color of your home. Tan or beige is more visually pleasing when the siding is made of red brick. Some suggest matching the garage door color with that of the front door; others say to match it with the window trim. But if you plan on selling your home soon, a neutral color is the safest choice.

Decorative Elements

There’s a nearly infinite range of possibilities when it comes to hinges and handles. Hardware can be showcased out in the open or hidden, depending on the garage door’s overall style and your preferences. The size, shape, and material of these elements are also up to you. Wrought iron hardware is popular, especially for rustic homes. Decorative strapping in an “X” or “Z” shape is another option.

Insulation

Not all options for custom garage doors in Los Angeles are about the look. For example, you can often choose the type of insulating core that’s built-in. It can make your garage more comfortable, your home more energy efficient, and contribute to lower energy bills. Insulation shields against hot and cold as well as noise. The higher the R-value of an insulating material, the more effective it is.

Security

Garage door security features have gotten more diverse and smarter. You can often select from keyless entry, remotes that easily switch frequencies, and garage door openers that provide each user with a unique access code. Proximity sensors, which detect when someone is using an app to operate the garage door, are available as well.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We are a leading installer of custom garage doors in Los Angeles and Southern California. Our catalog consists of numerous styles, from traditional to contemporary, and our specialists can provide any type of garage door repair. Browse our inventory and brochure and choose from a selection of garage doors, garage door openers, decorative hardware, and window designs. For award-winning service and a free new door estimate, book an appointment online or call 714-844-5741.