Garage doors can become noisy and sluggish if you don’t lubricate them. Increased friction can contribute to overall wear and tear as well. To maintain your garage door and reduce the strain on the motor, lubricate moving parts every six months. You can avoid costly repairs, accidents, and premature replacement by following these tips for lubing your garage door:

Prepare to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Before lubricating your garage door system, perform some general maintenance tasks to make sure everything is in working order. Here’s what you need to do:

• Tighten Loose Parts: Look for loose nuts and bolts and tighten them. Be careful not to overtighten anything and, if something looks excessively worn, replace it or call a garage door technician.
• Check/Clean the Rollers: Roller bearings are often unsealed and can collect dirt. Clean them if necessary; if a roller is worn out and wobbling in the track, replace it.
• Inspect the Hinges: Noisy hinges are usually ones that have gone bad. A bad hinge can cause your garage door to get stuck, so it should be fixed/replaced before proceeding.
• Adjust the Chain: Tighten the garage door opener’s chain if it’s loose, making slapping noises, or also causing the garage door to jerk when moving.

How to Properly Lube a Garage Door

To start, all you need is a store-bought garage door lubricating oil. Have a cleaning rag, an old outfit, a face mask, and gloves/goggles handy. Protective gear will shield you from dirt, allergens, and irritants. Close the garage door and shut off the power to the opener. Then follow these steps:.

• Clean the Tracks: Use a damp rag to wipe the inside and outside of the garage door tracks. Make sure to remove all dirt and debris. Avoid using lubricant directly on the tracks, as it will strain the rollers and garage door opener. For tiny crevices, use a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment; stubborn dirt can be removed with an automotive brake cleaner.

  It’s also a good idea to quickly wipe down the interior and exterior of the garage door.

  Next, proceed with applying lubricant to the:

• Hinges: Open the garage door and lubricate each hinge, one at a time. Place the lubricant where each hinge contacts the bend in the track.
• Rollers: Aside from nylon rollers which should never be lubricated, a garage door roller should be thoroughly lubricated, including its internal ball bearings. Too much lubricant can cause the door to be unbalanced, so wipe the excess away.
• Springs and Bearing Plates: These components are located at the top of the garage door, so you may need a step ladder; once the compound is applied, slowly open and close the door manually to distribute the lubricant. Apply more if the springs are noisy
• Armbar and Lock: If these are present, apply lubricant to prevent rust from forming. The compound protects these parts from harsh elements. Also, apply lubricant directly into the keyhole.
• Garage Door Opener Rail: Grease the top of the rail on which the opener’s chain rides. Apply the lubricant and spread it with a clean rag. Do not put oil directly on the chain; it is already pre-lubricated. Spraying the bottom of the rail is not necessary.

Use the Right Lubricant

When lubing a garage door, use an all-weather product as cold temperatures can cause some lubricants to thicken and increase wear on parts. Silicone sprays have a straw attachment to reach small parts. White lithium grease is effective as well. However, it’s applied by hand so it can be messier, but it is easy to spread around. Mechanic grease, engine oil, and WD-40 or other standard degreasers can collect dirt and dust, so are not suited for lubing garage doors.

Call Mesa For Garage Door Repair

Lubricating your garage door is simple, but contact us if any part of your garage door system appears damaged. We specialize in the installation and repair of all types of garage doors. Get more tips and answers to frequently asked questions or request a free garage door repair quote online. To speak with us directly, call (714) 364-4987 now.

7 Signs to Replace Your Garage Door Weather Stripping

While it usually won’t affect how your garage door operates, the weatherstrip is important. People tend to overlook it and miss signs it should be replaced. A bad weather strip can affect the comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency of your garage. Here are seven signs it’s time to replace your garage door weather stripping, so you know when to take action.

1. The Weatherstrip Looks Worn Out

A worn weatherstrip may be dried out or more rigid than you’d expect of a rubber seal.Discoloration is a sign of wear as well. If sections of the strip start to droop, that’s also a sign it should be replaced as soon as possible.

2. The Seal Is Cracked or Otherwise Damaged

Install new weather stripping if the old one is brittle, cracked, flaking, or broken, which is often caused by exposure to UV light from the sun. A significant problem is a missing section of a seal. If you see any of these signs of damage, the strip is not providing the seal needed to insulate and protect your garage.

3. Water Is Leaking Into Your Garage

A solid weather strip will block water from seeping under the garage door. If there are streams of water or puddles inside after it rains or you use a garden hose, and the door is closed, the weather seal is likely compromised. Water leaks risk mold, pests, and water damage. If it freezes, the door can stick when you try to open it, potentially damaging the garage door and the opener.

4. You Feel a Draft When the Garage Door Is Closed

Many garages are draftier because they’re less insulated. If you notice an increase in the draft and it’s cooler than usual, the garage door weather stripping is probably wearing out. Air intrusion and leakage can reduce efficiency and lead to increased heating or cooling costs.

5. Light Can Be Seen Through the Edges of the Door

Periodically inspect the edges of the garage door to see if any light is coming through. A tight seal will block any sunlight. If you see pinholes or strips of light when the door is closed, there are breaks in the weather stripping.

6. Mice, Rats, and Other Animals Are Getting Inside

Rodents and other small animals are adept at finding and squeezing through small spaces. They can get into your garage unseen. Once they do, these creatures will find shelter, feed, and reproduce, potentially leading to an infestation. Only by replacing your weather stripping can you prevent such a misfortune.

7. The Garage Door Is Blocked On One or Both Sides

Perimeter weather stripping can wear out from the door opening and closing. If the seal becomes loose or damaged, the sides of the garage door may not align properly. This can affect performance and eventually damage the door.

Tips on Maintaining Garage Door Weather Stripping

To help weather stripping last longer:

• Check and clean it at least twice a year.
• Inspect the door regularly for damage and get it fixed quickly.
• Protect the weather seal with a silicone-based spray.
• Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants and oils.
• Use an all-purpose cleaner for vinyl parts.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

If your garage door weather stripping is damaged or there are any other issues with your garage door system, our experienced professionals can help. We provide award-winning service throughout Southern California. Our technicians are factory trained to repair or replace any type of garage door. Schedule your free repair estimate online or call 714-975-5951 today.

If you’re remodeling your home, adding to it, or constructing a new residence, “Should I build a detached garage?” may be among the most pressing questions. Depending on your needs, a detached garage can have many advantages over an attached one. But there can also be downsides. We’ll explore both and the potential cost of building a detached unit.

Benefits of a Detached Garage

Attaching a garage structure to the home became a widespread phenomenon by the late 1940s. By the 2000s, about 80% of all homes had attached garages.1 But more and more homeowners are rediscovering the beauty and convenience of having a detached garage and seeing benefits such as:

Design Flexibility

The façade of most homes, especially in suburban areas, is dominated by the garage. Building a detached garage can avoid overwhelming a small house. It can also be arranged any way you like. The garage can be set back, designed like its own little house, or placed at an angle. You can even hide it somewhere in the backyard.

As far as design options, there’s much to consider. You can choose different styles of doors and windows. There’s practically a limitless choice of colors and sizes. Insulation, ventilation, electricity, lighting, plumbing, and other amenities can be added if necessary.

Free Up Space

Not only does a detached garage give you more room for living and vehicle/tool storage. It also frees up room outside your home. A usable area can be created that can accommodate a deck or patio. Perhaps you might want to expand your landscaping, plant a garden, add a pool or pond, or install a gazebo or pergola to boost the charm of your outdoor space.

Safety and Security

If you store fuel, oil, paints, cleaners, insecticides, weed killers, and other flammable and/or chemical-based products in the garage, these can emit fumes that can reach living areas. Storing these items in a separate building eliminates such risks.

In addition, access points to your home are limited. Once an intruder finds their way into an attached garage, they can break into or simply step through an unlocked interior door. With a detached garage, even if the door is left unlocked, the security of your home isn’t compromised.

Less Noise

Sounds from a detached garage won’t disrupt people in the house, whether a car is leaving or entering, you’re operating power tools, or playing an instrument. Some people use a detached garage as a getaway. In that case, they’re cut off from noise from the house.

Privacy

Not everyone uses a garage to store cars and tools. If you choose to use it as a man cave or retreat for kids to play, there’s a high degree of privacy. You can use a detached garage to practice playing instruments. Or, you can use it for woodworking or other projects that require power tools. It’s also an ideal space for a home office away from home where you can get work done without being interrupted.

Disadvantages of a Detached Garage

Detached garages aren’t as convenient for everybody. Installing one can be a burden if:

• Winter in your area is harsh and walking to the unit requires bundling up and being uncomfortable.
• You forget a tool or other item you need and must walk back to the house to get it.
• There’s limited yard space and you enjoy having an open area for kids and pets.
• Building an entirely new structure is more work than you bargained for.
• The cost of installing/using extra utilities will strain your budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Build?

When many homeowners ask, “Should I build a detached garage?” the first consideration is often cost. HomeAdvisor puts the typical price range in 2022 at anywhere from $19,200 to $45,000. However, a 3-car detached garage can cost up to $65,700 to build, but you could spend as little as $12,600 for a 1-car, 12- x 24-foot unit. On average, a detached garage costs from $40 to $70 per square foot. Materials account for half the total cost and labor accounts for the other half. Generally, you’ll spend up to 15% more to build a detached unit than an attached garage.

The cost factors during the project include building a concrete foundation, hiring an electrician, and installing siding and roofing. Insulation, painting, and installing a driveway add to the cost too. The longer a driveway, the more you’ll spend for it. Then the cost of garage door installation is a factor, so there’s more to think about than initial construction.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We offer numerous collections and styles of garage doors. These include our steel frame Bronze Series, insulated Gold Series, and three-layer, low-profile Platinum Series as well as our carriage house, modern aluminum, and wood doors. Request a new door estimate or book an appointment online. For immediate assistance, call us at < href="tel:7148445741">714-844-5741 today.

The garage door is often the most prominent feature of a home’s front façade. Depending on many factors, it may also be the most vulnerable. It’s a common entry point for burglars. And garages hold many valuables, from cars to power tools, to lawnmowers and other items we don’t often think thieves are looking for. You can avoid theft with these effective ways to boost garage door security and protect your garage.

1. Close the Door : It’s not uncommon to see garage doors left open in residential neighborhoods. Even if you briefly leave the area unattended when, for example, taking out the garbage or doing yard work, a thief can quickly do their dirty work. Simply leaving the garage door closed can avoid trouble.
2. Add a Garage Door Lock : A handle is like an open invitation to a burglary. Many handles don’t lock on their own, but you can install a locking handle for protection. Also put a slide lock on the inside of the door, which manually slides into place from the inside. A padlock attached to a door track is also effective.
3. Lock the Entry to Your House : If you have an attached garage, lock the door between the garage and your house. An unlocked door allows easy entry when your garage has already been compromised. Installing a steel security door with a deadbolt provides even more protection.
4. Cover/Frost the Windows : An effective precaution is to cover the windows to your garage. Blinds or curtains work well, or you can add a translucent film that will let in some sunlight. Frosted glass will too, while hiding whatever a would-be thief may be looking for.
5. Secure Your Garage Door Opener Remote : Never leave the remote unattended in the car. Some people leave it in the glovebox; others let it dangle from the sun visor. Instead, keep the garage door opener remote in a pocket or your purse, link it to a keychain, and always store it in your house.
6. Cover the Emergency Release Cord : Using a coat hanger, a garage door can be opened from the outside in under a minute. To prevent this, cover the emergency release cord so a thief can’t reach it. Securing the cord with a zip tie can also boost garage door security.
7. Add Motion Sensing Floodlights : Thieves prefer to work in darkness. A burst of bright light usually sends them running, which is why motion-detecting floodlights are an effective deterrent, especially for detached garages that might not be illuminated as well. There are solar-powered lights that don’t require electrical connections.
8. Install Security Cameras : Place the camera in a visible location. No burglar want’s their face, physical appearance, or clothing recorded. Some security cameras are motion-activated, and start recording when you leave or someone approaches, while other models have night vision. Others sync to smart home systems so you can monitor your garage door from a smartphone.
9. Keep Valuables Out of Sight : High-value items should not be near windows or where they can be seen from outside. Instead, place them in closed cabinets or a separate storage room. Also, store your tools in a specialized cabinet with locks; if necessary, add locks to your tool storage.
10. Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener : The newest garage door openers can be operated using a smartphone app. Some of these, like MyQ from Liftmaster, shows you whether the door is open or closed and, if someone tries to break in, you’ll get an alert on your phone. You can even tap the screen to close the door or open it to let someone in.
11. Update Your Garage Door : A secure garage door lock isn’t enough. Your garage door should be in good condition. Warping, poor seals, and damaged/run-down garage doors are a security risk. Outdated units should be replaced with secure options like steel garage doors. A fresh new door will also improve curb appeal and likely energy efficiency.

Schedule New Garage Door Installation or Repair Today

Mesa Garage Doors installs garage doors, garage door openers, and wood gates for clients across Southern California. We are the nation’s largest garage door installation company. Our factory trained installers and repair technicians provide high-quality service every time for our Bronze Series, Gold Series, and Platinum Series doors. To get a new door or receive a repair estimate, contact us online or call 714-975-5951.

You may consider a garage extension if you purchased a larger vehicle than your previous one. A garage extension can also turn your garage into a home office, dining room, entertainment center, home gym, kitchen, bedroom, or play room. Bear in mind this is not a low-budget project. We’ll detail some of the basic expenses below, in addition to various factors that can impact your garage extension cost.

Total Cost of a Garage Extension

According to HomeAdvisor, it costs $27,984 on average to build a garage (with a general range of $16,994 to $39,308). This equates to about $40 to $70 per square foot. But, it can cost $50,000 or more to build or expand your garage, depending on many variables. It can pay off to have a larger, more functional garage, both in terms of your experience and the impression it can have on potential home buyers down the road.

Factors to Consider

• Size: Construction contractors often bid on garage projects based on size. A one-car garage is usually at least 12×20 feet. A two-car garage is at least 20×20 feet. The larger the garage, the higher the basic cost of building an extension, and many people choose larger dimensions such as a 24×24-foot garage. But keep in mind size is just a starting point in determining the ultimate cost.
• Attached/Detached Garage: Complexity will certainly add to the cost. An attached garage is well-suited for small lots and homeowners who want direct access to their homes (especially when adding living space). Detached garages can be expanded as well, and you may have more choices in terms of layout, style, and size. They often require more materials and labor to modify. But here’s another garage extension cost factor—engineering help, as hiring a professional can cost a few hundred to up to $5,000 or more.
• Structural Elements: If you’re starting from scratch, a foundation can cost from $1,600 to $2,000, for a 20 x 20-foot garage. Excavation work will add to the cost. But you can lower the cost if the new garage is built on the same site as the old one, or little demolition work is required. And location is a factor here; you can build or keep an on-grade concrete slab if the ground doesn’t freeze, but if it does, you’ll need a footer below the frost line.
• Materials: All the materials used will add to the garage extension cost, and can include:
  • Siding: Aluminum siding ranges up to $7, brick up to $15, Hardie board up to $5, and natural stone up to $50 per square foot. Vinyl siding averages roughly $4 per square foot as does cedar siding, a visually appealing and environmentally sustainable option. Durable fiber-cement siding averages about $10 per square foot. If you want to refurbish the side of your garage with brick, it can cost up to $9 per square foot.
  • Flooring: Expect to spend $0.15 to $25 per square foot on flooring, depending on the material. Laminate flooring is about $2 to $5, but in the mid-range, vinyl flooring costs $2.50 to $5.50, engineered wood from $3.50 to $7, and Oak from $8 to $15 per square foot. Natural tile flooring ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot on average.
  • Roofing: If you have beams and columns in the middle, they can interfere with the finished space’s functionality. Removing these involves labor and potentially redoing the roof, and new roof trusses and beams vary in cost depending on lumber prices. Roofing ranges from $1 To $15 per square foot; asphalt shingles run up to $3.50, wood shingles up to $5.50, metal up to $6, and slate up to $15.

Framing is another factor. It can run, with materials and labor, from $15 to $30 per square foot if your garage frame needs to be expanded. Lumbar generally starts at $250 per 1,000 board feet; however, costs do fluctuate. Wood averages $1 to $5 per square foot and a steel frame averages around $2 to $6 per square foot in 2022.

• Project-Related Costs: The garage extension cost can increase with various fees, which can include:
  • Architect Fees: An architect can charge from $2 to $25 per square foot, or from $125 to $250 per hour.
  • Architectural Plans: Custom planning can take a lot of time and effort. However, you can save with premade plans (cost between $500 to $1,000).
  • Permits: You’ll need a garage building permit, which can range from $1,200 to $1,500. However, permitting costs vary by location; according to the National Association of Homebuilders, permit fees typically account for 1.7% of the total project cost.

Other Garage Extension Costs

In addition to materials and labor, other costs you may incur include those for materials delivery, debris removal and disposal, and for protecting existing structures on your property. Modifications to your electrical and plumbing system add to the final cost as do HVAC, insulation, lighting, and security elements. Project management is another factor. Your project can cost 15% to 23% more to have someone supervise construction. And don’t forget the sales tax on materials and supplies in your state.

Schedule Your Consultation and Estimate with Mesa Garage Doors

We install high-quality garage doors throughout Southern California. Specializing in leading-brand garage doors and garage door openers, our factory trained installers and repair technicians do all it takes to ensure your satisfaction. Call 800-893-1107 to schedule an estimate on work related to your existing garage or an extension.