Author Archives: Harry P

Loveland Garage Door Service  /  Articles by: Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

The Importance of Garage Door Lubrication During Hot Months

garage door lubrication summer

As the summer heat intensifies, most homeowners focus on cooling their homes and maintaining air conditioners. Yet, an important aspect that frequently goes unnoticed is the garage door system. High temperatures can negatively affect the mechanical parts of your garage door, making seasonal lubrication not just helpful—but essential.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of lubricating your garage door during hot months, the benefits it offers, signs your system needs lubrication, which parts to lubricate, and best practices for long-lasting performance.

Why Hot Weather Demands Extra Garage Door Care

Extreme heat causes metal parts to expand, increasing the friction between moving parts like springs, hinges, and rollers. Without proper lubrication, your garage door can suffer from:

  • Loud squeaking or grinding noises
  • Increased component wear
  • Extra strain on the garage door opener
  • Potential damage to rollers or spring mechanisms
  • Shortened lifespan of the overall system

Using the right lubricant helps your door operate more efficiently while reducing the chance of summer breakdowns.

Key Advantages of Lubricating Your Garage Door in Summer

  1. Protects Against Heat-Induced Damage

Heat makes metal expand and parts grind against each other more intensely. Lubrication cushions these moving elements, allowing them to glide instead of grind.

  1. Keeps Rust and Corrosion at Bay

Although summer is generally dry, humidity spikes or coastal climates can cause moisture to settle on metal parts. A protective layer of lubricant acts as a barrier against rust formation.

  1. Minimizes Noise and Vibration

Loud garage door operations are a common summer complaint. Lubrication significantly cuts down on squeaking, rattling, or clunky sounds caused by dry parts.

  1. Improves Mechanical Efficiency

Well-lubricated components require less effort to move, reducing the load on your opener and improving energy efficiency, especially in high temperatures.

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Lubrication

During the hot season, be on the lookout for these warning signals:

  • Noisy opening or closing
  • Jerking or shuddering while moving
  • Visible dust or rust on tracks or rollers
  • Sluggish door response to remote commands
  • Uneven or off-track door motion

If you notice one or more of these issues, it’s a strong indicator that your door needs immediate lubrication.

Critical Parts to Lubricate

To ensure your garage door functions smoothly, focus your efforts on the following components:

✔️ Rollers

Apply lubricant to the metal roller bearings. Do not use grease on nylon rollers unless they feature exposed bearings.

✔️ Hinges

Lubricate the pivot points of all metal hinges. If your hinges are plastic, skip them as grease can degrade plastic over time.

✔️ Springs

Torsion and extension springs are primarily responsible for handling the majority of the lifting work. Lubricate them to reduce stress and protect them from corrosion.

✔️ Pulleys and Cables

These are common in extension spring systems. A little lubrication here keeps them gliding effortlessly.

✔️ Chain or Screw Drive Opener

For garage door openers using a chain or screw mechanism, apply a white lithium grease to the drive system to reduce wear and prevent overheating.

Important Note: Don’t lubricate the tracks themselves. Instead, clean them with a cloth to remove dirt and buildup.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

Not all lubricants are garage-door friendly. Avoid general-purpose oils like WD-40. Instead, choose:

  • Silicone-based lubricants
  • Lithium-based greases
  • Garage door-specific spray lubricants

These are specially designed to handle high temperatures and keep parts moving smoothly without attracting dirt or debris.

How Often Should You Lubricate?

While twice a year is generally recommended, hot climates or frequent door usage may call for lubrication every 3 to 4 months during summer. Regular upkeep prevents small issues from turning into major repairs.

DIY vs. Professional Lubrication

Lubricating your garage door is a relatively simple task most homeowners can handle. All you need is a proper lubricant and about 20–30 minutes of your time. However, if you’re unsure about the process or suspect bigger issues, it’s wise to contact a professional. A garage door technician can:

  • Perform a complete system check
  • Lubricate all required components
  • Tighten loose hardware
  • Spot and resolve potential problems early

Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips

In addition to lubrication, consider these hot-weather maintenance tips:

  • Check the door balance
  • Inspect weather stripping for damage
  • Clean sensors and tracks
  • Listen for unusual sounds
  • Test the auto-reverse feature

Incorporating these steps with regular lubrication ensures your garage door performs reliably throughout the summer.

Final Thoughts

Summer heat can be harsh on your garage door system, but regular lubrication is an easy way to reduce stress on mechanical parts, prevent costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of your garage door. Make it a seasonal priority—just like checking your AC or cleaning your gutters.

Don’t wait for strange noises or sudden malfunctions. Lubricate your garage door today and ensure a smooth, quiet, and safe operation all summer long.

Need Help with Garage Door Maintenance?

Get your garage door summer-ready with expert lubrication, tune-ups, and full system inspections from Loveland Garage Door Service. Our skilled technicians ensure smooth, reliable performance in the heat. 📞 Call now (970) 367-8600 or 📧 Schedule to keep your garage door running at its best all season!”

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

How to Align Garage Door Sensors – Troubleshooting Guide

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Misaligned

Is your garage door refusing to close or reversing for no reason? Chances are, your safety sensors are out of sync. The good news? Realigning them doesn’t require a toolbox full of gadgets or a call to a technician. This guide will walk you through how to fix the issue quickly and safely—no tech degree required!

What Are Garage Door Safety Sensors and Why Do They Matter?

Garage door sensors are small yet powerful safety devices mounted on either side of your garage door near the floor. They communicate using an invisible beam of infrared light. If anything interrupts that beam, the sensors tell the door to stop or reverse. Pretty smart, right?

Protecting People and Property

The whole point of these sensors is safety. Whether it’s your car, your pet, or your kids, sensors ensure nothing gets crushed under the heavy garage door.

How They Work

One sensor sends an infrared signal, while the other receives it. If they’re perfectly aligned, the beam connects without issues. But even a slight nudge can misalign them, breaking the beam and causing operation errors.

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Misaligned

Door Reverses While Closing

Does your garage door start to shut, only to stop and head back up? That’s a red flag your sensors aren’t seeing each other clearly.

Flashing Sensor Lights

Most sensor systems use indicator lights. If you notice one of them blinking or going dark, it’s usually a signal that something’s wrong with alignment or connection.

Garage Door Stalls or Won’t Close

If pressing your remote doesn’t fully close the door—or it won’t close at all—your sensors might be screaming for attention.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

  • Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
  • Measuring tape
  • Clean cloth
  • Zip ties or brackets (optional)
  • A spirit level (if available)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Align Garage Door Sensors

  1. Cut the Power First

Always start by unplugging your garage door opener or switching off the breaker. Better safe than sorry.

  1. Inspect the Sensor Units

Take a close look at the sensors. Are they dusty? Are the wires loose? Are they mounted at different heights? Any of these could be your problem.

  1. Loosen the Sensor Mounts

Use your screwdriver to slightly loosen the screws holding the sensors in place. This will allow you to move them around and get them back in proper alignment.

  1. Line Them Up Properly

Make sure both sensors are exactly the same height above the floor—around 4 to 6 inches is standard. Use a tape measure to double-check.

Some folks use a string or laser level between sensors to ensure accuracy. Don’t have one? No worries—just make sure the indicator lights come on solid (not blinking) when you’re done adjusting.

  1. Tighten the Sensors in Place

Once the sensors are aligned and both lights are solid, go ahead and tighten the mounting screws carefully. You don’t want to knock them out of position again.

Extra Tips to Keep Sensors Working Perfectly

Wipe Off Dust or Debris

A simple wipe-down can fix more than you’d expect. Use a clean cloth to remove dust or cobwebs that might block the beam.

Look for Objects in the Path

Storage bins, toys, or even leaves can break the beam. Keep the area around your sensors clear at all times.

Double-Check Wiring

Check for loose connections, frayed wires, or any visible damage. Often, the problem isn’t misalignment—it’s faulty wiring causing the issue.

What to Do If Re-Alignment Doesn’t Solve the Problem

Replace the Sensor Pair

If one sensor still won’t light up after cleaning and adjusting, you may need to replace them. Thankfully, new sensor kits are relatively inexpensive.

When to Call in the Pros

Still not working? It could be a deeper wiring or logic board issue. In that case, bringing in a certified garage door technician is your best bet.

Conclusion

Garage door sensors are a small part of your setup, but they play a huge role in safety. Misalignment is a common issue and one that you can often fix yourself in under an hour. With a little patience and a steady hand, you’ll get your sensors lined up and your garage door running smoothly again.

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

What Are the Best Dark Color Options for Garage Doors in 2025?

Top Dark Garage Door Colors for 2025

Dark-colored garage doors are a top trend in 2025, offering a sleek, modern look that enhances curb appeal. Whether you prefer bold, dramatic shades or subtle, sophisticated tones, dark garage doors can elevate your home’s exterior. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dark color options for garage doors in 2025, along with design tips and maintenance considerations.

Why Choose a Dark-Colored Garage Door?

Before diving into the best color choices, let’s discuss why dark garage doors are gaining popularity:

  • Modern Aesthetic – Dark hues create a striking contrast with lighter exteriors, adding depth and sophistication.
  • Increased Home Value – A well-chosen dark color can boost curb appeal, making your home more attractive to buyers.
  • Versatility – Dark shades pair well with various architectural styles, from contemporary to traditional.
  • Hides Dirt & Wear – Unlike white or light colors, darker tones can better conceal minor dirt and scratches.

Top Dark Garage Door Colors for 2025

  1. Classic Black (#1 Trend for 2025)
  • Why It Works: Timeless and elegant, black garage doors complement almost any home style.
  • Best For: Modern, farmhouse, and industrial-style homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Light stone facades, white trim, or wood accents.
  1. Charcoal Gray (Sophisticated & Neutral)
  • Why It Works: A softer alternative to black, charcoal gray offers a refined, neutral look.
  • Best For: Traditional, colonial, and transitional homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: White or beige exteriors with metallic hardware.
  1. Navy Blue (Bold Yet Timeless)
  • Why It Works: Navy adds richness without being overly dark, working well in both classic and contemporary settings.
  • Best For: Coastal, craftsman, and Victorian-style homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: White trim, brick facades, or gold accents.
  1. Forest Green (Nature-Inspired Elegance)
  • Why It Works: Deep green blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, offering a luxurious yet earthy vibe.
  • Best For: Rustic, cottage, and Tudor-style homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Stone walls, wood beams, or black window frames.
  1. Espresso Brown (Warm & Inviting)
  • Why It Works: A deep brown shade provides warmth while maintaining a modern edge.
  • Best For: Ranch-style, Mediterranean, and craftsman homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Cream exteriors, natural wood doors, or bronze fixtures.
  1. Slate Blue (Moody & Unique)
  • Why It Works: A mix of gray and blue, this shade is perfect for homeowners seeking something different.
  • Best For: Modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, and mid-century homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Light siding, black shutters, or matte finishes.
  1. Burgundy (Rich & Dramatic)
  • Why It Works: Deep red tones add a luxurious, bold statement.
  • Best For: Victorian, colonial, and European-style homes.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Gray or white exteriors with wrought-iron details.

Design Tips for Dark Garage Doors

To ensure your dark garage door enhances your home’s aesthetic, follow these expert tips:

✅ Contrast with Light Elements
  • Balance a dark door with light-colored trim, siding, or landscaping to prevent an overly heavy look.
✅ Add Texture & Materials
  • Incorporate wood grain, metal panels, or windows to break up the darkness and add visual interest.
✅ Consider the Sun Exposure
  • Dark colors absorb more heat, which may cause warping in extreme climates. Opt for insulated doors in sunny regions.
✅ Match Your Home’s Style
  • A modern home may suit matte black, while a traditional home could benefit from a deep navy or forest green.

Maintenance for Dark Garage Doors

While dark garage doors hide dirt better than light ones, they still require proper care:

  • Regular Cleaning – Use mild soap and water to prevent streaks.
  • Inspect for Fading – UV exposure can cause dark colors to fade over time; consider UV-resistant finishes.
  • Touch-Up Scratches – Keep matching paint for minor repairs.

Final Thoughts

Dark garage doors are a stylish and practical choice for 2025, offering a bold yet elegant upgrade to your home’s exterior. Whether you choose classic black, sophisticated charcoal, or rich navy, the right dark shade can transform your curb appeal.

Ready to upgrade your garage door? Contact us today for expert advice and premium installation services!

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

Breaking the Mold: Asymmetrical Garage Door Designs for Modern Homes

Asymmetrical Garage Door Designs for Modern Homes

Are you bored with regular, matching garage doors? For today’s modern houses, the focus is often on sharp lines, different shapes, and moving away from the usual. Your garage door is a big part of how your house looks, so it shouldn’t be boring either. Let’s look at asymmetrical garage door designs. This trend is becoming popular because it adds personality and a modern touch to any home.

This isn’t like the garage doors from the past. Asymmetrical designs are made to be uneven, which makes them interesting to look at and creates a strong impression. Maybe the panels are not the same size, or the windows are placed in a special way, or different materials are used in an unexpected pattern. These doors are made to get attention and make your home look better.

Why Pick Asymmetrical Garage Doors?

Besides looking great, asymmetrical garage doors have some good things for homeowners today:

  • Special and Different:
    Most houses look similar. An asymmetrical garage door helps your house stand out. It shows that you like new designs and aren’t afraid to be different. This special look can really make your property look better and seem more valuable.
  • Modern Look:
    Uneven designs feel very modern. They fit well with today’s house styles that often use unusual shapes and layouts. An asymmetrical garage door can be the perfect final touch for a simple, industrial, or other modern house designs.
  • Better Curb Appeal:
    A well-designed asymmetrical door can make your house look much better from the street. It adds a touch of class and interest that regular doors often don’t have. This makes your property more attractive to people visiting or thinking of buying.
  • Lots of Ways to Customize:
    Some companies have asymmetrical doors ready to buy, but because they are uneven, you can also easily make them your own. You can work with designers to create a door that perfectly matches the small details of your house.

Different Asymmetrical Styles to Think About:

The great thing about asymmetrical designs is that they can be used in many ways. Here are some ideas for your garage door:

  • Panels That Aren’t Centered:
    Instead of panels that are the same size and lined up, an asymmetrical design might have bigger panels on one side and smaller ones on the other. This creates a lively visual pattern.
  • Windows in Unique Spots:
    Forget windows that are all in a straight line. Asymmetrical designs can have windows of different sizes and shapes in different places. This adds light and makes the door more interesting in surprising ways.
  • Playing with Materials:
    Using different materials together, like wood and metal, in an uneven way can create a strong and textured look. Imagine a door with a large, smooth metal part next to a thin, upright piece of beautiful wood.
  • Parts That Overlap or Cross:
    Some very modern designs even have panels or sections that go over or across each other in an uneven way. This makes the door feel like a piece of art.

Choosing the Right Asymmetrical Door:

Picking the best asymmetrical garage door needs some thought:

  • Match Your House’s Look:
    The most important thing is to choose a design that goes well with your house’s overall style. Think about the lines, materials, and sizes of your house to make sure the garage door looks like it belongs there.
  • Balance Still Matters:
    Even though the goal is to be uneven, the whole design should still look balanced and nice. Avoid designs that look messy or accidentally crooked.
  • Material and Finish:
    Just like any garage door, think about how strong it is, how much work it needs to keep it looking good, and how the materials and finishes look.
  • Get a Professional to Install It:
    Because asymmetrical designs can sometimes be more complicated, it’s best to have a professional install it. This makes sure it works correctly and looks its best.

Ready to Try Something Different?

If you want to make your modern home even better with a garage door that’s not like everyone else’s, then looking at asymmetrical designs is a great idea. These new doors mix art and usefulness in a special way. They let you show your own style and make your home look amazing from the street in a way that’s truly unique.

Contact us today to talk about your options and see the possibilities of asymmetrical garage door designs for your modern home. Let’s go beyond the usual and create a garage door that really makes an impact.

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

Smart Garage Doors with Built-in WiFi and Security Features

Smart Garage Doors with WiFi & Security Features

Think about your garage door. It’s a big part of your house, and it’s getting smarter. New smart garage doors with built-in WiFi and security features are making life easier and homes safer. You can use your phone to control them from anywhere, and they have special ways to keep your garage secure.

This easy-to-understand article will tell you all about smart garage doors with WiFi and security. We’ll look at what they can do for you and why they are becoming a smart choice for many homeowners.

The Simple Way Garage Doors Became Intelligent

A long time ago, opening and closing your garage door was a simple, often heavy task. But now, with the rise of smart homes, even garage doors have gained intelligent brains. By adding built-in WiFi, which lets them connect to your home internet, and strong security features, these new garage doors offer a level of ease and safety that wasn’t possible before. They make managing your garage simple and give you peace of mind.

What You Can Easily Do with a Smart Garage Door

Smart garage doors have special technology inside that makes them very easy to use and control. Here are some of the main things they can do for you:

  • Easy WiFi Connection: The built-in WiFi lets the garage door connect to your home’s internet network, just like your phone or computer. This connection is what allows you to control it remotely.
  • Simple Phone Control: With a special app on your phone, you can open, close, and even check if your garage door is open – no matter where you are. If you’re at work and can’t remember if you closed the door, just check the app.  
  • Easy Message Updates: You can get simple messages on your phone whenever your garage door opens or closes. This helps you stay aware of any activity, even when you’re not at home.
  • Easy Viewing with a Camera: Some smart garage doors have a camera built right into them. This lets you see who is near your garage using your phone. It’s like having a security guard for your garage.  
  • Easy Two-Way Talk: Some models even let you talk to people at your garage door through your phone. This is very helpful for when delivery people come or if you have visitors.  
  • Easy Tracking of Who Used the Door: The app keeps a simple record of when your garage door was used and who might have used it (if you have multiple users set up).  
  • Easy to Share Access: If you have family or friends who need to get into your garage, you can easily give them access through the app on their phones. You don’t need to give out keys or codes.  
  • Easy Connection to Other Smart Things: Smart garage doors can often connect and work with other smart home devices you might have, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Easily operate your garage door with your voice.
  • Easy Automatic Opening When You Arrive: Using your phone’s location, some smart garage doors can open automatically when you get close to your house. This is great when your hands are full. They can also close automatically when you leave.  
  • Easy Safety Stop: Smart garage doors have built-in safety sensors that can tell if something or someone is in the way of the door. If there’s an obstacle, the door will stop and go back up.

Simple Reasons Why a Smart Garage Door is a Good Idea for You

Choosing a smart garage door with built-in WiFi and security features offers many simple benefits for your home and your peace of mind:

  • Simple and Better Security: You can see who is at your garage with the camera and get alerts on your phone if the door opens unexpectedly. This makes your home more secure and helps you feel safer.  
  • Super Simple Convenience: Being able to control your garage door from anywhere with your phone is incredibly convenient. You’ll never have to turn around to check if you closed it again.
  • Simple Connection to Your Smart Home: If you already have a smart home, a smart garage door can easily connect and work with your other devices, making everything work together smoothly.  
  • Simple Peace of Mind: Knowing you can check on your garage door at any time, from anywhere, can give you a great sense of security and reduce worry.
  • Simple and Safe Package Delivery: Some smart garage door systems even allow for safe delivery of packages inside your garage. This helps protect your deliveries from being stolen or damaged by weather.  
  • Simple Way to Give Access to Others: Granting access to family, friends, or service people is easy through the app, without the hassle of keys or codes.  
  • Simple Potential for Savings: Some home insurance companies might offer discounts if you have smart security features like a smart garage door with a camera, as it can help reduce the risk of theft.  

Simple Things to Think About When Choosing Your Smart Garage Door

Planning to buy a smart garage door? Here are a few key things to consider:

  • Is it compatible with your other smart devices? Ensure it integrates seamlessly with your existing smart home system.
  • How good is the camera? If the model has a camera, check if it has good picture quality, even at night.
  • Is the phone app easy to use? A good smart device needs a simple and user-friendly app.
  • How strong and safe is the actual garage door? Don’t forget about the physical security and safety features of the door itself.
  • Will you need help to install it? Consider whether you can install it yourself or if you’ll need professional help.
  • What’s your budget? Smart garage doors come in different price ranges, so decide what features are most important to you.

In Conclusion: Making Your Garage Smart, Secure, and Simple

Smart garage doors with built-in WiFi and advanced security features offer a convenient and secure upgrade for any home. They offer a simple way to control your garage door from anywhere and provide valuable security features to protect your property. With their easy-to-use apps and connection to other smart home devices, they bring a new level of convenience and peace of mind. If you’re thinking about a new garage door, a smart one is definitely worth considering for its simplicity, security, and smart features.  

Ready to make the switch? Compare top models, check compatibility, and invest in a system that fits your needs.

📢 Need help choosing the best smart garage door? Contact our experts today for personalized recommendations!

Author Harry P
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