by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Nov 23, 2018 | Troubleshooting
Some people are just difficult to buy for and dads can certainly fall into this group. Lots of dads go out and buy whatever they want when they want it, and when the holidays come around, family members and loved ones are at a loss trying to figure out what to buy that he doesn’t already have.
Unique Gifts for Dad
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for dad, choose a gift that won’t end up in the bottom of a drawer or collecting dust on a shelf. Here are five unique gifts that will pleasantly surprise him and he is sure to get plenty of use out of:
- Monthly Subscription Box
- Cooking Classes
- Garage Makeover
- Homebrew Kit
- Remote Control Anything
1) Monthly Subscription Box
Choose a gift for your father that will keep on giving. There are so many different monthly membership boxes available these days for your dad to enjoy. Find the perfect one for your father’s hobbies or interests. Here are some of the most popular monthly subscription boxes for the men in your life:
- Standard Dispatch: This company sends out only the finest finds each month. Some boxes have included items like a Yeti, leather journal, or a high-end folding knife. All these products come handsomely monogrammed with your dad’s initials.
- Stick in a Box: If your dad loves jerky, this is the monthly box for him! Choose between three different subscription levels.
- gain[z] box: If your dad loves working on those muscles of his, this box will be his favorite gift of all. This monthly subscription is filled with health-inspired gear, including items like workout gear, snacks, apparel, and more.
- BBQ Box: If your dad has claimed himself to be the grill master, the BBQ Box might be the perfect last minute gift for your dad.
2) Cooking Classes
If your dad loves cooking, look around your area for a cooking class for him to attend. Sur La Table has a delicious program where he and his guest can learn to make a delicious meal (and then dine on it), all led by a top chef. There are other restaurants and places that offer such classes, so check around and see what around where he lives.
3) Garage Makeover
ProTip: If you are wondering what gift to get your dad this holiday season, one of the best surprises you could give him is a garage makeover!
If you don’t have time to do it prior to the holiday, gift him a handwritten card with news of his awesome garage makeover. Spend the weekend deep cleaning it, organizing it, and setting up his garage workshop. If it hasn’t been done, give the garage a fresh coat of paint, and have garage door repairs, if needed.
4) Homebrew Kit
Lots of dads love beer, and if yours is one, a homebrew kit might be an ideal last minute gift. Let your dad brew his own special beer to share with the guys. A homebrew kit is a great way to get him involved in a whole new hobby!
5) Remote Control Anything
Most dads are just big kids and they love pretty much anything that comes with a remote control. Head on down to your local hobby shop to see what they have. Remote control cars, helicopters, or drones are all a blast and can help provide some leisure time spent between dads and kids (or grandkids).
Last Minute Gifts that Don’t Seem So Last Minute
There is no need to fret over finding a last minute gift idea for dad when you think about the things he likes and take into consideration the above suggestions. These unique gift ideas are sure to bring a smile to his face and he won’t even know you waited until the last minute, either! Remember–if you don’t yet have the item to wrap and hand to him, you can always give him a handwritten card detailing the surprise gift he can expect inside!
Contact us to learn more great gifts for last minute gift ideas for dad.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Nov 16, 2018 | Homeowner Tips, Troubleshooting
A garage can be quite a gift in the bitterly cold winter time. Parking in the garage can save you time from needing to scrape ice off your windshield or having to deal with dead batteries in the early morning hours. Unfortunately, the cold temps can also have a negative effect on your garage door, leaving it stuck or unable to open. Did you know that cold weather can negatively impact the performance of your garage door? It can.
Cold Temperatures and Your Garage Door
If you are suffering from a garage door that won’t open in the cold, check out these five common issues and their solutions.
- Replace Batteries
- Worn Weather Stripping
- Broken Garage Springs
- Check Lubrication
- Examine Remote Sensor
1) Replace Batteries
If your garage door won’t budge, check the batteries in your remote control. Put a fresh set of batteries in and see if that was causing the problem before you move on to any other garage door troubleshooting.
2) Worn Weather Stripping
If there is water around your garage and it freezes, it can cause your weather stripping to stick to the ground and be torn off when the door opens. This can leave your garage uninsulated and feeling frigid–not to mention it will boost your electric bill, too!
ProTip: To help keep the frigid air out of your garage this winter, take some time to replace your weather stripping and keep that cold air where it belongs–outside!
3) Broken Garage Springs
As the temperatures get colder and near the freezing range, the metal springs on your garage door can weaken and snap. This typically happens with older or rusty springs, so make sure to check and replace any springs that look like they could use a repair.
4) Check Lubrication
Be sure to check the lubrication and grease used on your garage door track and parts. When the temperatures drop, this lubrication can thicken and create issues with your garage door working properly. Remove old, hard grease with a solvent and apply the right amount of lubricant suggested by the garage door manufacturer.
5) Examine Remote Sensor
Although rare, extreme weather can damage your garage door sensor. A common issue is the sensor cracking due to the cold. If you think your sensor is cracked or broken, you will need to call a garage door repair professional.
Contact a Garage Door Professional
One of the best ways to prevent these common garage problems caused by cold weather is to keep up with regular garage maintenance throughout the year. You can do this yourself, or hire a professional to help keep up with annual maintenance. If you are experiencing any of the above garage door issues, enlisting the help of a garage repair service can get your garage door working in no time.
The Garage and Cold Weather Issues
If your garage has been neglected for some time, you might find one of the above garage door issues happening to you. Be sure to use the above guide to help troubleshoot your problem, and be sure to contact a professional to help get your garage door working again.
Contact us to learn more common garage problems caused by cold weather and how to remedy them.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Nov 9, 2018 | Homeowner Tips
Your garage door is a large part of your home’s look and it can add to the beauty or detract from it depending on what your garage door looks like. While traditional garage doors still keep your car and belongings safe, they might not add to the curb appeal or value of your home. A custom garage door adds value and curb appeal and makes your house stand out from the others on your street.
Custom Garage Door for Your Home
If your garage door is outdated or needing repairs, it is the perfect time to get a custom garage door. There are many factors to consider when designing your unique garage door. Here are seven things to consider before you begin the process of creating your own custom garage door.
- Garage Door Width
- Garage Door Style
- Garage Door Material
- Garage Door Color
- Garage Windows
- Glass Type
- Garage Door Opening
1) Garage Door Width
You need to start by choosing the proper width of your garage. Is it an one car or two car garage? Or, do you have a special-sized garage that is not standard size?
2) Garage Door Style
There are numerous garage door styles to choose from. Choose from options such as accents wood tones, raised panels, carriage house style, recessed panels, or flush panels.
3) Garage Door Material
Standard garage doors are typically made from aluminum. When you design a custom garage door, you have many options, such as metal, wood, better quality aluminum, steel, and other durable materials.
4) Garage Door Color
Depending on your garage door material, you can either paint or stain your new door. While most people stick with white, beige or neutral colored doors, a custom garage door allows you to chose the color, design, and finish to match or complement the exterior of your home.
5) Garage Windows
Adding glass to your garage doors also boosts home value and curb appeal and there are many different options to choose from. Choose from:
- Sunburst
- Cascade
- Cathedral
- Sherwood
- Mission
- Waterton
- or the many other window designs available.
6) Glass Type
Once you choose what type of windows you would like, you can decide whether you want clear, plain, frosted, glue chip, tinted, or obscure glass types.
7) Garage Door Opening
When you design a custom garage door, you can also decide what the opening will look like. There are many different arch options or choose a clipped corner look to make your house stand apart from those around you.
Design Your Custom Garage Door
ProTip: Designing a custom garage door not only adds aesthetics to your home, but boosts your home’s value, too.
Custom garage doors allow you to create a home look that is unique to you. Don’t choose a plain and boring garage door. Let your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood when you design your custom garage door. Call your local garage door professional to start the design process today!
Contact us to learn more about designing the perfect custom garage door for your home.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Nov 2, 2018 | Homeowner Tips
The garage is no longer a neglected an overlooked room in the house. People are cleaning them up and using them in new and exciting ways. In fact, the New York Times is calling the garage the “next frontier in remodeling”.
Top Garage Trends
Your garage is a reflection of the rest of your home, so make sure it is clean, organized, and keeping up with trends. Here are the top five garage trends that can help you add value to your home, as well as giving you more space to use and be excited about.
- Get Organized
- Extend Your Home
- High-Quality Flooring
- Modern Garage Door
- Smart Garage Technology
1) Get Organized
A little organization goes a long way when it comes to your garage. Garages tend to become a catch-all for unused junk, tools, and other things that don’t belong in the house. Start getting organized by throwing out anything you don’t use, and then set up shelving, pegboards, or overhead storage to keep everything organized in its new place.
2) Extend Your Home
No longer are garages used only to park cars or keep tools. One of the top garage trends is to use your garage as an extension of your home. Transform your garage into a home office, a family movie space, a workshop, or even a kid’s playspace. With proper planning, you can use your garage in a multitude of ways.
3) High-Quality Flooring
Is your garage floor dirty and covered with oil stains? Many homeowners are painting, staining, or covering their garage floors with epoxy floor covers. This not only adds value to your home but also creates a more durable and impact resistant garage floor that is easier to clean.
ProTip: Putting high-quality flooring in your garage will make it look and feel clean, modern and functional.
4) Modern Garage Door
Most homes come with boring, plain garage doors. One of the top garage trends is to replace these drab doors with new, modern ones. Garage doors take up a large part of your home’s exterior and don’t go unnoticed. Upgrade your garage door so it has windows, or get a garage door made from beautiful wood, or modern steel painted to coordinate with your home. If a new, modern garage door isn’t in your budget, have necessary garage door repairs and then give it a fresh coat of paint.
5) Smart Garage Technology
It seems like everything in the house is smart these days, and the garage is no different. Upgrade your garage with the latest trends, such as smart garage door openers, cameras, smart smoke detectors, motion sensors, and garage lighting.
Elevate Your Garage with these Top Garage Trends
It’s easy to elevate your garage with the above top garage trends. With so many terrific options for updating your garage, this space will no longer be neglected and unused.
Contact us to learn more top garage trends you are sure to love.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Oct 26, 2018 | Homeowner Tips
You might not realize it, but your garage door plays a large role in the curb appeal of your home. Your garage is an extension of your home and is a reflection of how well you take care of your house. Highlighting your garage door and outside area with landscape or motion activated lighting is an ideal way to boost curb appeal, and the overall value of your home.
Boost Home Value with Garage Door Lighting
Enhance your home’s nighttime look by installing landscaping and garage lighting to your home. Here are three reasons how adding garage door lighting can boost your home value and curb appeal.
- Home Safety
- Showcase Home Beauty
- Garage Security
1) Family Safety
When you get home at night is it dark? Do you struggle with seeing while walking to your front door? Adding lighting to your exterior helps illuminate your path and creates a more safe space for you and your loved ones. Lighting up the garage and walkway helps you see more clearly and avoid potential accidents.
2) Showcase Home Beauty
You can enhance and showcase your home’s beauty when lighting is added to your landscaping and garage. Consider up-lighting to show the curves and architectural splendor of your home. This creates a unique nighttime curb appeal, sure to attract the attention of those passing by.
3) Garage Security
If you’re like most people, you use your garage to store tools, bikes, and maybe even your car. Adding lighting to your garage area is the perfect way to deter thieves and keep your property safe. Motion lighting, down lighting, and security lights are all perfect for placing around the garage area and not only will they help keep your garage safe, but they also give your home that added curb appeal you are looking for.
Garage Door Lighting for Curb Appeal
ProTip: By adding garage door lighting to your home, you not only increase your home’s curb appeal but its safety and value, too.
One thing is for sure–there are no reasons not to install garage door lighting at your home. If your garage door is outdated or has broken panels, however, you might want to consider getting a new garage door or calling a professional for a garage door repair. Either way, your home will be looking wonderful and you’ll attain that increase in curb appeal and additional safety you’ve been hoping for.
Contact us to learn more reasons garage door lighting can help boost curb appeal.
