At the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we’re focused on bringing our customers the highest-quality garage doors regardless of what type of project they are looking to create. While this blog usually focuses on residential projects, the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri also has a fantastic selection of commercial garage doors to fit businesses of every shape and size, and, today, we would like to take the time to discuss the differences between the two types.
The Size
The main difference that you notice between commercial and residential garage doors is the size. The average residential garage door is between seven and eight feet tall and eight to sixteen wide depending on whether it is a one or two-car garage. Commercial garage doors, on the other hand, can be double, or even triple, in size. For instance, our Model 600 Rolling Door is scalable up to 16×16 feet while our Stromtite Insulated Rolling Door is expandable up to 30 feet both ways.
The Materials
As much as your garage door goes through at home, it does not take nearly as much punishment as a commercial garage door. Therefore, the materials on a commercial door are even more rigid and dent-resistant. Our commercial garage doors are made of everything from aluminum to galvanized steel. Some models even include our Thermacore®technology.
In addition to the door itself, the rollers, tracks, and spring are all made of the strongest materials we carry. The reason being is the usage rate is much higher than that of a residential door. In fact, the difference is astronomical. While a standard residential garage door is opened a few times per day, large warehouses can see their doors rise and fall as many as 50 times per day.
Cost
As you might imagine, there is a difference between the cost of residential and commercial garage doors due to the higher-grade materials and the custom sizing for the larger doorways. Business owners should also factor in the cost of service. As with everything else on your custom, commercial garage door, taking care of it is going to cost a smidge more.
If you have any additional questions on how these garage doors differ, or you are a business owner looking to purchase a commercial door of your own, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri.
Last month, we talked about how to keep you safe from your garage door. For July, The Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri is here to show you how your garage door keeps you safe from the outside world. Below are a few helpful suggestions about the precautions you can take and the upgrades you can make in order to turn your home into an impenetrable fortress.
Eye in the Sky
If you know that you are being watched you will be on your best behavior. Burglars and criminals are not immune to this rule. The second they catch a glimpse of a home security system they move on to the next house.
Nowadays, there are plenty of cost-efficient home security measures that you can pick up both online and in-store. Motion sense lights, cameras, garage door sensors (see below for more details), and full-on home security systems are all at your disposal. Even if you are not able to afford the real thing, there are plenty of fake versions of the items mentioned above that can also help to deter criminals
OHD Anywhere
Like turning off lights or grabbing our lunch from the fridge, closing the garage door is something we all forget to do from time to time when we are on our way out the house. Now, thanks to the OHD Anywhere® app, you don’t have to worry about driving home to correct your mistake.
The app is simple. All you need to do is attach the OHD Anywhere® sensor to your garage door and download the corresponding OHD Anywhere® app. Once everything is in place, you have full control over your garage door from anywhere. Not only that, but the opener gives you a full history of all your comings and goings.
Stay Frosty
Windows look amazing when they are artfully placed on a garage door. Burglars enjoy them because they let them see what they could steal.
An Alternative? Frosted glass. Sand-blasting gives these windows their translucent appearance, which makes it impossible for intruders to make out what you have stored in your garage.
Hide Your Openers
Finally, just a quick reminder to never leave your remote openers out in plain sight – especially if you park your vehicle on the street during the evening. It might not be as easy as placing it in the unused cupholder, but trust us, it is worth the extra effort.
For more home and garage door security tips, or to upgrade current setup, contact the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri.
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-07-01 11:00:412019-07-01 15:56:14Breaking Down How to Prevent Break-Ins
Almost everyone has fallen victim to the trap of thinking they’re a handyman (or woman). You believe something is just a quick fix and you either a) end up breaking said item b) hurting yourself or c) all of the above. At the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we’re all too aware that this happens with garage doors way more than it should. So for Garage Door Safety Month, we’ve listed a few points that will make you reconsider the next time you’re thinking of going all Home Improvement on your garage door.
Number Don’t Lie
The numbers vary a bit, but according to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) – a database maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on all consumer product-related injuries – approximately 10,000 Americans are injured per year in garage door-related accidents. Almost three-quarters of those accidents are due to people putting their limbs in the wrong places at the worst times: fingers between panels, next to the springs, or underneath the rollers. Ouch! On top of that, a large chunk of these come during unsupervised repair attempts.
Don’t Be A Stuntman
In addition to the reckless DIYers mentioned above, there are people who attempt to get creative in the ways they mess with their garage doors. They hang on them like they would playground equipment and try slide underneath them in order to act out some sort of Indiana Jones-style fantasy. Unsurprisingly, this does not end well. An additional 800 injuries per year occur due to stunts. Just a gentle reminder: YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS NOT A TOY!
Safety Extends To You And Your Home
Garage Door Safety Month is about more than preventing you and your family from doing questionable stunts, it’s also about keeping you up to date on the latest and greatest technology to keep your home safe. With OHD Anywhere® app, it’s now easier than ever to control your garage door. Once the OHD Anywhere® sensor is attached to your garage door, you check to see if it is open or closed. Additionally, the OHD Anywhere® app gives you a full history of when your door has been opened and with which opener.
Leave It To The Pros
It doesn’t take a trained eye to see if something is off with your garage door, but it takes a trained pair of hands to fix it. Whether it’s a hitch, a kink, or a hiccup in how it’s running, simply using the eye test and taking a few notes is all you should do before you call a professional.
In fact, the only test we recommend you run is the 2×4 test. Designed to test the reversing mechanism, it’s as easy as placing a board in your garage door’s path and hitting your opener. If it does not reverse before reaching the board, then it’s once again time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company.
For all the do’s and don’ts regarding garage door safety, or to set up an inspection, call the experts at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today.
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-06-03 08:00:182019-05-14 20:59:29Maintenance and Safety Tips for Garage Door Safety Month
Summer has arrived and the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri is back with another list of helpful, seasonal tips to make your garage a bit more hospitable, and profitable, during the summer months. Read on to find out more!
Colors Count
If you’ve studied color theory then you know the lighter the color, the more light it reflects. The more light it reflects, the cooler it is. Through some math property that we don’t fully understand (the transitive?), that means making your garage a lighter color will make it a much more pleasant place to venture out to. Consider lightening your garage door a few shades with a fresh coat of paint or swap it out for something made of a lighter wood like a door from our Carriage House Collection.
The Last Airbender
Like every other room in your home during the summer, your garage is bound to get hot and stuffy. Unlike every other room in your home, you don’t want to pay to pump in air conditioning. However, if you don’t want to be greeted by a wave of heat every time you head out to your vehicle, you should consider installing a fan.
A simple ceiling fan keeps the air from becoming hot and stagnant. Even better, consider a ventilation fan. These cost-effective units funnel the hot, muggy air back outside with ease.
To go along with that, you might want to think about partnering your new fan with a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from the air means that the heat will no longer have something to cling to. It’s such an easy upgrade you might even say it’s a breeze to install (sorry, we couldn’t help it).
Turn It Into a Guest Room
Everyone is looking to pocket a little extra money, especially during the summer. One way to do this is to rent out a room in your home. By sprucing up your garage with the necessary trimmings, you can create an additional guest bedroom and a steady stream of supplemental income to go along with it. Just add a bed, nightstand, maybe a window (which will also help with the airflow), and a rug. Topping it off with a Wind Load door to make your garage feel less like a place where you store your car and more like a cozy bed and breakfast. It won’t be the Four Seasons, but it will make your home into a solid, budget-friendly option for folks traveling without much coin.
Insulation Isn’t Just for the Winter
Insulation normally comes to mind when you’re thinking about the winter but it can be a godsend during the summer months as well. Not only is something like our Thermacore technology perfect for preventing your car from becoming an ice cube during the winter months, but a properly sealed garage door can also keep the sun’s heat from creeping inside and upping your cooling costs.
If you’re looking for more ways to prep your garage for summer, or if you want to upgrade to one of the garage doors mentioned above, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today!
(573) 243-3111
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-05-06 20:00:322019-04-29 20:59:05How To Prepare Your Garage Door For The Summer
Springtime is the perfect opportunity to get out and get going on any home improvement projects you might have. It’s also the perfect time to make a few upgrades to your garage door. The Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri has put together a list of things you might want to consider adding, upgrading, or, at the very least, checking out on your garage door while the weather is perfect.
Start Thinking About Winter Now
This may seem like a bit of a downer but bear with us here. Spring is the perfect time to get your garage door ready for winter. It’s not crazy hot, it’s easier to get an appointment with the Overhead Door Company, and you won’t have to worry in eight months like every other Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Plus, it might not actually involve that much work. Adding a weather-resistant strip of rubber to the bottom of your garage door is a simple way to make a big impact on your heating cost and keep water from leaking into your garage.
If you’re looking to go bigger, it may be time to upgrade to a Thermacore® door from the Overhead Door Company. This series of doors features our sandwich construction of steel-polyurethane-steel as well as between-section seals with thermal breaks to reduce air infiltration. That means when you close your garage door, you’re truly sealing out all the elements.
Pay Attention to More Than Just the Door
Torsion springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks are vital to your garage door working properly, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. When making sure your door is sealed for when the seasons change, check on these lesser-known parts as well. While it’s important to make sure these elements are working properly, it’s not something you should try to do yourself – after all, they do have the tension that comes along with holding up a 500-pound garage door. Always make sure to call a trained professional in order to avoid injury.
Install a Keypad
It’s always the small things that make the most difference.
Even if you already have an opener in every car – and one in the kitchen drawer for safety – a wireless keypad outside your home can still be a wise investment. Despite your best efforts, there will always be those times when one of your openers seems to magically disappear, and in those instances, you don’t want to find yourself locked out.
It’s also a great addition if you have kids. Now you don’t have to worry about them forgetting the opener when they leave the house. They can simply punch in the code whenever they return.
Enough with the Noise
Most folks believe garage doors are noisy. At the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we want to change that perception. In fact, we offer a range of openers (the thing that actually pulls the garage door, not the remote we talked about above) – including the Legacy® 920 Belt Drive Garage Door Opener – that can open your garage almost silently. That means no more late-night or early-morning wakeups listening to metal-on-metal grinding.
Looking for more ways to improve your garage door this spring? Call us at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri and we will help turn your garage door dreams into reality.
(573) 243-3111
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-04-02 08:00:552019-04-01 14:41:05Spring Garage Door Touch Ups
It’s finally time to sell your home. First off, congratulations. Now it’s time to start thinking about making your home more marketable. The easiest way to add to the curb appeal of your home? Sprucing up your garage door! Think about it, it’s the largest, most visible item on the front of your home and it’s usually the first thing people see when they drive by.
Adding visual intrigue to your garage door has its advantages, especially when it comes time to sell. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri has listed a few tips to bump up your home’s style to help you attract a few more eyes and dollars when you decide it’s time to move.
A Home Improvement Project That’s Actually Worth the Effort
According to Remodeling.net, adding a new garage door is the number one return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. Adding windows, a new set of hinges, some interesting light fixtures, or a tasteful finish will instantly make your garage door look more distinguished.
And there’s no easier way to figure out which features you want than by using the DoorView® Garage Door Designer App. It’s simple, just upload a picture of the front of your home and start experimenting with our massive selection of garage door styles and features.
Add a Little Color
Slapping a fresh coat of paint, possibly even in a bold color like burnt orange or light blue, will instantly brighten your garage door and set it apart from every other one beige or brown one on the block.
If you’re looking to get even more adventurous, you might even consider our Envy™ Model 956. These doors combine aluminum with glass paneling to instantly give your home the sleek, modern feel of that trendy restaurant you’ve been trying to get reservations at for weeks.
Before You Do Anything, Clean
Chances are it’s been a while since you washed the outside of your home – and by “a while,” we mean “never.” We get it, it’s a big undertaking and you think the rain will wash off whatever grime is on the outside anyway. But giving your home’s exterior some TLC is the best way to see what exactly needs to be updated. Is the paint looking a bit faded? Slap a new coat on. Are those knobs looking a little worse for wear? Swap them out. The truth is, you have to see what’s underneath the buildup in order to really know what needs to be adjusted.
If you’re looking for any additional tips on how to add curb appeal to your home, or if you’re looking to upgrade your garage door call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today.
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-03-08 20:16:552019-03-08 20:16:57Curb Enthusiasm: Updating Your Garage Door to Sell Your Home
February. It’s a month dedicated to love, groundhogs, and continuously crappy weather that can take a toll on your home.
Last month, we here at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri went over some ways to help you maintain your garage door during the winter. However, for those especially frosty February days, it helps to know a few additional tricks to keep it from freezing shut.
Sometimes, You Just Gotta Shovel
It’s not the most glamorous answer, but it’s usually the thing that works best. If you don’t want your garage door to freeze, you have to try your best to keep it clean. This doesn’t mean you have to be out in the cold with a shovel and scraper every morning, but taking the time to brush away a little ice and snow on your way out the door is usually all it takes to prevent the build-up that causes garage doors to freeze shut.
Feel the Heat
Space heaters are good for more than just keeping your basement livable during the winter months, they can also help to combat the elements in your garage. Turning on a space heater in the morning will make your excursion out to your car a little warmer and a lot less smoky than if were to turn on your vehicle while it’s still in your garage (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway). A space heater will also help to keep the weather seal (that’s the fancy name for that thin piece of rubber on the bottom of your garage door) from cracking and the battery in your opener from draining – just make sure to be mindful of the cords and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Look in the Pantry
Heavy-duty ice melt is essential during the winter. However, we’ll forgive you if you chose to stay in during that cold weekend when you probably should have been at the hardware store picking up a bag. In those instances when you need something to break down icy build-up, look no further than your pantry for assistance. Both table and Kosher salt are serviceable replacements for the heavy-duty stuff. Just treat your weather seal like you would a good roast: season from a height, massage it in, and then give it a little time to marinate. Before you know it, your garage door will be back to its best.
Just Add Water
If your garage door does freeze, the solution may seem a little counterintuitive – adding water. Just heat up a measuring cup of water in the microwave until its hot, but not boiling, and slowly pour it on and around the weather seal. It’s a cost-effective way to unstick your garage door and prevent further damage.
If you’d like any additional tips or think you might need to replace the weather seal on your garage door, call the trained professionals at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today!
(573) 243-3111
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-02-05 02:11:002019-02-05 02:11:00Essential Steps for Keeping Your Garage Door From Freezing Shut
We here at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri know that now is the time to stay indoors. No one wants to be bumbling around outside inspecting their garage door when it’s this chilly. However, taking a bit of time to ensure everything is running smoothly can save you some hassle when mother nature throws her worst your way.
Keep It Clean
We’ll start off slow. Cosmetic damage to your garage door is the easiest to see and the easiest to fix. Metal can rust, wood can rot, and the entire door can go through a warping process that will make it look like something is trying to bust out from behind it. To keep the elements from taking their toll, give your garage door a scrub with a mild cleanser and thoroughly wipe it down.
Check the Accessories
Keypads and remote openers make entering and exiting your house incredibly easy. Like the garage door itself, these items are also susceptible to the elements and deserve a little extra care during the snowy months. Make sure you put fresh batteries in both devices as the winter cold can drain them much quicker than during the warmer months. At the very least, keep some handy both in your car and inside so you have them on hand when things take a turn for the worst.
Seal it Up
When you think about taking care of your garage door, you’re probably thinking about the big-ticket items: the panels, paint, finish, motor, and moving parts. What might slip your mind? The seal. That small strip of rubber at the bottom of your garage door does more than just make sure your garage door doesn’t land with a thud. It helps to regulate the temperature of your garage, and, by extension, your home. It also keeps water from seeping in. To make certain that it’s doing its job properly, treat it like the windshield of your car and give it a little scrape to prevent icy buildup.
Listen to the Music
You know what your garage door sounds like. There’s a familiar hum that signifies when your significant other gets home from work or your son or daughter is trying to sneak back in past curfew. The sound your garage door makes can also tell you how well it is functioning. During the winter, give it a closer listen. Does it sound smooth? Do you hear any clinks or cracks as it travels along the tracks? Does it sound downright scary? If the answer to any of these questions, especially the third question, is yes, it’s time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri to take a look.
To schedule an appointment, or, if you have any questions about garage door prep and maintenance, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri at the number below.
(573) 243-3111
https://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.png00Houston Wiltseyhttps://overheaddoorsemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ohd_southeast_missouri_logo_tm.pngHouston Wiltsey2019-01-08 18:18:512019-01-08 18:18:51Winterizing Your Garage Door (In the Dead of Winter)
The busy elves at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri are finally finishing their Thanksgiving leftovers and beginning to unpack their holiday decorations.In doing so, we want to take a moment and share with our community of friends and neighbors some helpful reminders of both what to do and what not to do to avoid the naughty list this season.
Movie Guidance
As most of us can attest, the Home Alone series are not only fun and entertaining movies but, for some, a Christmas family watching tradition.Not only do these movies provide a bellyful of laughs, they clearly demonstrate what not to do when it comes to preventing unwanted injuries or high power bills this holiday season.
Here are just a few items from the film series worth mentioning to ensure your home remains the warm hearth it is meant to be:
As cute and creative Kevin demonstrated in his ultimately victorious attempt to prevent a home invasion, breakable ornaments can do some serious damage to unexpecting feet and paws.Keep those types of ornaments as well as anything that could potentially be a choking hazard near the top of the tree and out of reach of our smallest family members.
Although Marv the burglar was not deterred from receiving electrical shock from Kevin’s clever booby traps, it would be best to take all precautions to avoid that type of reaction.One idea that may not be an obvious hazard is placing holiday lights on metallic trees.The metal from the tree will become a conduit for the electricity which could lead to a potential shock or, possibly, electrocution.
Home Alone was a blockbuster success and, as such, had a blockbuster budget.Unless you too have those type of funds to blow during the holidays, refrain from keeping outside and inside holiday lights on when you are not home (alone) or when you head to bed.To do so would waste a lot of energy, especially when nobody is there to enjoy them.
Cord Safety
As our goal is to keep you and yours safe, we would not being doing our job if we did not strongly recommend that you thoroughly inspect all electrical cords prior to use.By this, be sure to first check the insulationof each strand to ensure the wrapping is intact.If it becomes separated from the wires, you can run the risk of causing a power shortage, starting a fire or creating a serious shock hazard.
Candle Awareness
Although candles add a nice ambiance during this holiday season, December is known as the peak time of year for fires caused by them.Keep the following simple precautions in mind when displaying this festive feature:
Never leave a room with lit candle.Extinguish the flame regardless of how long you think you will be away.
Keep burning candles out of reach of little fingers and curious pets.
Candles should never be placed near anything that can easily catch fire to include books, bedding, curtains, carpets, etc.
Always use a candle-holder designed to resist wear and is sturdy enough to hold any drips from melted wax.
Keep candles away from any item that can circulate air to include ceiling fans, vents and portable fans.
We at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a Joyous Kwanzaa in which you and yours create memories and traditions that last a lifetime.
If you haven’t done any routine maintenance on your door lately, now may be a good time. At Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri™, we recommend some fall garage prep and can help you with any service or upgrade needs.
What Separates Residential Garage Doors from Commercial?
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyAt the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we’re focused on bringing our customers the highest-quality garage doors regardless of what type of project they are looking to create. While this blog usually focuses on residential projects, the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri also has a fantastic selection of commercial garage doors to fit businesses of every shape and size, and, today, we would like to take the time to discuss the differences between the two types.
The Size
The main difference that you notice between commercial and residential garage doors is the size. The average residential garage door is between seven and eight feet tall and eight to sixteen wide depending on whether it is a one or two-car garage. Commercial garage doors, on the other hand, can be double, or even triple, in size. For instance, our Model 600 Rolling Door is scalable up to 16×16 feet while our Stromtite Insulated Rolling Door is expandable up to 30 feet both ways.
The Materials
As much as your garage door goes through at home, it does not take nearly as much punishment as a commercial garage door. Therefore, the materials on a commercial door are even more rigid and dent-resistant. Our commercial garage doors are made of everything from aluminum to galvanized steel. Some models even include our Thermacore® technology.
In addition to the door itself, the rollers, tracks, and spring are all made of the strongest materials we carry. The reason being is the usage rate is much higher than that of a residential door. In fact, the difference is astronomical. While a standard residential garage door is opened a few times per day, large warehouses can see their doors rise and fall as many as 50 times per day.
Cost
As you might imagine, there is a difference between the cost of residential and commercial garage doors due to the higher-grade materials and the custom sizing for the larger doorways. Business owners should also factor in the cost of service. As with everything else on your custom, commercial garage door, taking care of it is going to cost a smidge more.
If you have any additional questions on how these garage doors differ, or you are a business owner looking to purchase a commercial door of your own, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri.
(573) 243-3111
Breaking Down How to Prevent Break-Ins
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyLast month, we talked about how to keep you safe from your garage door. For July, The Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri is here to show you how your garage door keeps you safe from the outside world. Below are a few helpful suggestions about the precautions you can take and the upgrades you can make in order to turn your home into an impenetrable fortress.
Eye in the Sky
If you know that you are being watched you will be on your best behavior. Burglars and criminals are not immune to this rule. The second they catch a glimpse of a home security system they move on to the next house.
Nowadays, there are plenty of cost-efficient home security measures that you can pick up both online and in-store. Motion sense lights, cameras, garage door sensors (see below for more details), and full-on home security systems are all at your disposal. Even if you are not able to afford the real thing, there are plenty of fake versions of the items mentioned above that can also help to deter criminals
OHD Anywhere
Like turning off lights or grabbing our lunch from the fridge, closing the garage door is something we all forget to do from time to time when we are on our way out the house. Now, thanks to the OHD Anywhere® app, you don’t have to worry about driving home to correct your mistake.
The app is simple. All you need to do is attach the OHD Anywhere® sensor to your garage door and download the corresponding OHD Anywhere® app. Once everything is in place, you have full control over your garage door from anywhere. Not only that, but the opener gives you a full history of all your comings and goings.
Stay Frosty
Windows look amazing when they are artfully placed on a garage door. Burglars enjoy them because they let them see what they could steal.
An Alternative? Frosted glass. Sand-blasting gives these windows their translucent appearance, which makes it impossible for intruders to make out what you have stored in your garage.
Hide Your Openers
Finally, just a quick reminder to never leave your remote openers out in plain sight – especially if you park your vehicle on the street during the evening. It might not be as easy as placing it in the unused cupholder, but trust us, it is worth the extra effort.
For more home and garage door security tips, or to upgrade current setup, contact the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri.
(573) 243-3111
Maintenance and Safety Tips for Garage Door Safety Month
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyAlmost everyone has fallen victim to the trap of thinking they’re a handyman (or woman). You believe something is just a quick fix and you either a) end up breaking said item b) hurting yourself or c) all of the above. At the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we’re all too aware that this happens with garage doors way more than it should. So for Garage Door Safety Month, we’ve listed a few points that will make you reconsider the next time you’re thinking of going all Home Improvement on your garage door.
Number Don’t Lie
The numbers vary a bit, but according to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) – a database maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on all consumer product-related injuries – approximately 10,000 Americans are injured per year in garage door-related accidents. Almost three-quarters of those accidents are due to people putting their limbs in the wrong places at the worst times: fingers between panels, next to the springs, or underneath the rollers. Ouch! On top of that, a large chunk of these come during unsupervised repair attempts.
Don’t Be A Stuntman
In addition to the reckless DIYers mentioned above, there are people who attempt to get creative in the ways they mess with their garage doors. They hang on them like they would playground equipment and try slide underneath them in order to act out some sort of Indiana Jones-style fantasy. Unsurprisingly, this does not end well. An additional 800 injuries per year occur due to stunts. Just a gentle reminder: YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS NOT A TOY!
Safety Extends To You And Your Home
Garage Door Safety Month is about more than preventing you and your family from doing questionable stunts, it’s also about keeping you up to date on the latest and greatest technology to keep your home safe. With OHD Anywhere® app, it’s now easier than ever to control your garage door. Once the OHD Anywhere® sensor is attached to your garage door, you check to see if it is open or closed. Additionally, the OHD Anywhere® app gives you a full history of when your door has been opened and with which opener.
Leave It To The Pros
It doesn’t take a trained eye to see if something is off with your garage door, but it takes a trained pair of hands to fix it. Whether it’s a hitch, a kink, or a hiccup in how it’s running, simply using the eye test and taking a few notes is all you should do before you call a professional.
In fact, the only test we recommend you run is the 2×4 test. Designed to test the reversing mechanism, it’s as easy as placing a board in your garage door’s path and hitting your opener. If it does not reverse before reaching the board, then it’s once again time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company.
For all the do’s and don’ts regarding garage door safety, or to set up an inspection, call the experts at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today.
(573) 243-3111
How To Prepare Your Garage Door For The Summer
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseySummer has arrived and the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri is back with another list of helpful, seasonal tips to make your garage a bit more hospitable, and profitable, during the summer months. Read on to find out more!
Colors Count
If you’ve studied color theory then you know the lighter the color, the more light it reflects. The more light it reflects, the cooler it is. Through some math property that we don’t fully understand (the transitive?), that means making your garage a lighter color will make it a much more pleasant place to venture out to. Consider lightening your garage door a few shades with a fresh coat of paint or swap it out for something made of a lighter wood like a door from our Carriage House Collection.
The Last Airbender
Like every other room in your home during the summer, your garage is bound to get hot and stuffy. Unlike every other room in your home, you don’t want to pay to pump in air conditioning. However, if you don’t want to be greeted by a wave of heat every time you head out to your vehicle, you should consider installing a fan.
A simple ceiling fan keeps the air from becoming hot and stagnant. Even better, consider a ventilation fan. These cost-effective units funnel the hot, muggy air back outside with ease.
To go along with that, you might want to think about partnering your new fan with a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from the air means that the heat will no longer have something to cling to. It’s such an easy upgrade you might even say it’s a breeze to install (sorry, we couldn’t help it).
Turn It Into a Guest Room
Everyone is looking to pocket a little extra money, especially during the summer. One way to do this is to rent out a room in your home. By sprucing up your garage with the necessary trimmings, you can create an additional guest bedroom and a steady stream of supplemental income to go along with it. Just add a bed, nightstand, maybe a window (which will also help with the airflow), and a rug. Topping it off with a Wind Load door to make your garage feel less like a place where you store your car and more like a cozy bed and breakfast. It won’t be the Four Seasons, but it will make your home into a solid, budget-friendly option for folks traveling without much coin.
Insulation Isn’t Just for the Winter
Insulation normally comes to mind when you’re thinking about the winter but it can be a godsend during the summer months as well. Not only is something like our Thermacore technology perfect for preventing your car from becoming an ice cube during the winter months, but a properly sealed garage door can also keep the sun’s heat from creeping inside and upping your cooling costs.
If you’re looking for more ways to prep your garage for summer, or if you want to upgrade to one of the garage doors mentioned above, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today!
(573) 243-3111
Spring Garage Door Touch Ups
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseySpringtime is the perfect opportunity to get out and get going on any home improvement projects you might have. It’s also the perfect time to make a few upgrades to your garage door. The Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri has put together a list of things you might want to consider adding, upgrading, or, at the very least, checking out on your garage door while the weather is perfect.
Start Thinking About Winter Now
This may seem like a bit of a downer but bear with us here. Spring is the perfect time to get your garage door ready for winter. It’s not crazy hot, it’s easier to get an appointment with the Overhead Door Company, and you won’t have to worry in eight months like every other Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Plus, it might not actually involve that much work. Adding a weather-resistant strip of rubber to the bottom of your garage door is a simple way to make a big impact on your heating cost and keep water from leaking into your garage.
If you’re looking to go bigger, it may be time to upgrade to a Thermacore® door from the Overhead Door Company. This series of doors features our sandwich construction of steel-polyurethane-steel as well as between-section seals with thermal breaks to reduce air infiltration. That means when you close your garage door, you’re truly sealing out all the elements.
Pay Attention to More Than Just the Door
Torsion springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks are vital to your garage door working properly, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. When making sure your door is sealed for when the seasons change, check on these lesser-known parts as well. While it’s important to make sure these elements are working properly, it’s not something you should try to do yourself – after all, they do have the tension that comes along with holding up a 500-pound garage door. Always make sure to call a trained professional in order to avoid injury.
Install a Keypad
It’s always the small things that make the most difference.
Even if you already have an opener in every car – and one in the kitchen drawer for safety – a wireless keypad outside your home can still be a wise investment. Despite your best efforts, there will always be those times when one of your openers seems to magically disappear, and in those instances, you don’t want to find yourself locked out.
It’s also a great addition if you have kids. Now you don’t have to worry about them forgetting the opener when they leave the house. They can simply punch in the code whenever they return.
Enough with the Noise
Most folks believe garage doors are noisy. At the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri, we want to change that perception. In fact, we offer a range of openers (the thing that actually pulls the garage door, not the remote we talked about above) – including the Legacy® 920 Belt Drive Garage Door Opener – that can open your garage almost silently. That means no more late-night or early-morning wakeups listening to metal-on-metal grinding.
Looking for more ways to improve your garage door this spring? Call us at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri and we will help turn your garage door dreams into reality.
(573) 243-3111
Curb Enthusiasm: Updating Your Garage Door to Sell Your Home
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyIt’s finally time to sell your home. First off, congratulations. Now it’s time to start thinking about making your home more marketable. The easiest way to add to the curb appeal of your home? Sprucing up your garage door! Think about it, it’s the largest, most visible item on the front of your home and it’s usually the first thing people see when they drive by.
Adding visual intrigue to your garage door has its advantages, especially when it comes time to sell. Below, the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri has listed a few tips to bump up your home’s style to help you attract a few more eyes and dollars when you decide it’s time to move.
A Home Improvement Project That’s Actually Worth the Effort
According to Remodeling.net, adding a new garage door is the number one return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. Adding windows, a new set of hinges, some interesting light fixtures, or a tasteful finish will instantly make your garage door look more distinguished.
And there’s no easier way to figure out which features you want than by using the DoorView® Garage Door Designer App. It’s simple, just upload a picture of the front of your home and start experimenting with our massive selection of garage door styles and features.
Add a Little Color
Slapping a fresh coat of paint, possibly even in a bold color like burnt orange or light blue, will instantly brighten your garage door and set it apart from every other one beige or brown one on the block.
If you’re looking to get even more adventurous, you might even consider our Envy™ Model 956. These doors combine aluminum with glass paneling to instantly give your home the sleek, modern feel of that trendy restaurant you’ve been trying to get reservations at for weeks.
Before You Do Anything, Clean
Chances are it’s been a while since you washed the outside of your home – and by “a while,” we mean “never.” We get it, it’s a big undertaking and you think the rain will wash off whatever grime is on the outside anyway. But giving your home’s exterior some TLC is the best way to see what exactly needs to be updated. Is the paint looking a bit faded? Slap a new coat on. Are those knobs looking a little worse for wear? Swap them out. The truth is, you have to see what’s underneath the buildup in order to really know what needs to be adjusted.
If you’re looking for any additional tips on how to add curb appeal to your home, or if you’re looking to upgrade your garage door call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today.
(573) 243-3111
Essential Steps for Keeping Your Garage Door From Freezing Shut
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyFebruary. It’s a month dedicated to love, groundhogs, and continuously crappy weather that can take a toll on your home.
Last month, we here at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri went over some ways to help you maintain your garage door during the winter. However, for those especially frosty February days, it helps to know a few additional tricks to keep it from freezing shut.
Sometimes, You Just Gotta Shovel
It’s not the most glamorous answer, but it’s usually the thing that works best. If you don’t want your garage door to freeze, you have to try your best to keep it clean. This doesn’t mean you have to be out in the cold with a shovel and scraper every morning, but taking the time to brush away a little ice and snow on your way out the door is usually all it takes to prevent the build-up that causes garage doors to freeze shut.
Feel the Heat
Space heaters are good for more than just keeping your basement livable during the winter months, they can also help to combat the elements in your garage. Turning on a space heater in the morning will make your excursion out to your car a little warmer and a lot less smoky than if were to turn on your vehicle while it’s still in your garage (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway). A space heater will also help to keep the weather seal (that’s the fancy name for that thin piece of rubber on the bottom of your garage door) from cracking and the battery in your opener from draining – just make sure to be mindful of the cords and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Look in the Pantry
Heavy-duty ice melt is essential during the winter. However, we’ll forgive you if you chose to stay in during that cold weekend when you probably should have been at the hardware store picking up a bag. In those instances when you need something to break down icy build-up, look no further than your pantry for assistance. Both table and Kosher salt are serviceable replacements for the heavy-duty stuff. Just treat your weather seal like you would a good roast: season from a height, massage it in, and then give it a little time to marinate. Before you know it, your garage door will be back to its best.
Just Add Water
If your garage door does freeze, the solution may seem a little counterintuitive – adding water. Just heat up a measuring cup of water in the microwave until its hot, but not boiling, and slowly pour it on and around the weather seal. It’s a cost-effective way to unstick your garage door and prevent further damage.
If you’d like any additional tips or think you might need to replace the weather seal on your garage door, call the trained professionals at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri today!
(573) 243-3111
Winterizing Your Garage Door (In the Dead of Winter)
/in Uncategorized /by Houston WiltseyWe here at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri know that now is the time to stay indoors. No one wants to be bumbling around outside inspecting their garage door when it’s this chilly. However, taking a bit of time to ensure everything is running smoothly can save you some hassle when mother nature throws her worst your way.
Keep It Clean
We’ll start off slow. Cosmetic damage to your garage door is the easiest to see and the easiest to fix. Metal can rust, wood can rot, and the entire door can go through a warping process that will make it look like something is trying to bust out from behind it. To keep the elements from taking their toll, give your garage door a scrub with a mild cleanser and thoroughly wipe it down.
Check the Accessories
Keypads and remote openers make entering and exiting your house incredibly easy. Like the garage door itself, these items are also susceptible to the elements and deserve a little extra care during the snowy months. Make sure you put fresh batteries in both devices as the winter cold can drain them much quicker than during the warmer months. At the very least, keep some handy both in your car and inside so you have them on hand when things take a turn for the worst.
Seal it Up
When you think about taking care of your garage door, you’re probably thinking about the big-ticket items: the panels, paint, finish, motor, and moving parts. What might slip your mind? The seal. That small strip of rubber at the bottom of your garage door does more than just make sure your garage door doesn’t land with a thud. It helps to regulate the temperature of your garage, and, by extension, your home. It also keeps water from seeping in. To make certain that it’s doing its job properly, treat it like the windshield of your car and give it a little scrape to prevent icy buildup.
Listen to the Music
You know what your garage door sounds like. There’s a familiar hum that signifies when your significant other gets home from work or your son or daughter is trying to sneak back in past curfew. The sound your garage door makes can also tell you how well it is functioning. During the winter, give it a closer listen. Does it sound smooth? Do you hear any clinks or cracks as it travels along the tracks? Does it sound downright scary? If the answer to any of these questions, especially the third question, is yes, it’s time to call the professionals at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri to take a look.
To schedule an appointment, or, if you have any questions about garage door prep and maintenance, call the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri at the number below.
(573) 243-3111
Holiday Season Safety Tips
/in Safety /by Houston WiltseyThe busy elves at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri are finally finishing their Thanksgiving leftovers and beginning to unpack their holiday decorations. In doing so, we want to take a moment and share with our community of friends and neighbors some helpful reminders of both what to do and what not to do to avoid the naughty list this season.
Movie Guidance
As most of us can attest, the Home Alone series are not only fun and entertaining movies but, for some, a Christmas family watching tradition. Not only do these movies provide a bellyful of laughs, they clearly demonstrate what not to do when it comes to preventing unwanted injuries or high power bills this holiday season.
Here are just a few items from the film series worth mentioning to ensure your home remains the warm hearth it is meant to be:
Cord Safety
As our goal is to keep you and yours safe, we would not being doing our job if we did not strongly recommend that you thoroughly inspect all electrical cords prior to use. By this, be sure to first check the insulation of each strand to ensure the wrapping is intact. If it becomes separated from the wires, you can run the risk of causing a power shortage, starting a fire or creating a serious shock hazard.
Candle Awareness
Although candles add a nice ambiance during this holiday season, December is known as the peak time of year for fires caused by them. Keep the following simple precautions in mind when displaying this festive feature:
We at the Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a Joyous Kwanzaa in which you and yours create memories and traditions that last a lifetime.
(573) 243-3111
Fall Garage Prep
/in Maintenance /by Overhead DoorIf you haven’t done any routine maintenance on your door lately, now may be a good time. At Overhead Door Company of Southeast Missouri™, we recommend some fall garage prep and can help you with any service or upgrade needs.
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