How to Choose a New Garage Door

A new garage door purchase is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to transform the exterior of their homes. However, since most doors only get replaced once in a lifetime, it’s crucial to spend the money right.

This guide covers crucial factors to consider when purchasing a new garage door:

Choosing the door style and finish

Homeowners should choose a garage door style matching their home setting and preferences. Sometimes, it’s possible to match styles. For example, a modern home pairs great with full-view doors.

The door’s finish makes a huge difference in whether the end look is universal or authentic. Garage door shoppers can choose from various finishes to achieve a modern, natural, rustic, or another look.

The climate can also affect the type of finish best for a particular garage door, so it’s essential to consider that.

Window considerations

Windows add character to a house, increase its appeal, and allow a better natural light influx. Garage door windows have the same purpose. In addition, most modern-day solutions have impact resistance and can withstand hurricanes and similar harsh weather conditions.

The budget

The budget plays a crucial role in whether homeowners can get the garage doors they want. The cost varies depending on the material, style, insulation, hardware, door size, etc.

Shoppers after low-cost solutions can opt for a garage door without insulation. These doors work great in mild climates and when not used often. However, buyers who plan to use their new garage doors often and spend a lot of time in the garage should consider more expensive solutions with insulation.

Material

Natural wood, steel, composite, aluminum, glass, and faux wood are some of the most commonly used materials for garage doors. Ultimately, the material should consider three factors:

Size

Garage size is an essential element to consider when shopping for garage doors. Single-car garage doors in most homes range from 8 to 9 feet in width and 7 to 8 feet in height. For double-car garage doors, the width is around 16 feet, and the height is from 7 to 8 feet. Garages that fit RVs or similar taller vehicles can be 10 feet tall.

Measuring the opening correctly before making an order to ensure the perfect match is essential.

Make the garage door purchase easier

A garage door is a lifetime investment that adds value, aesthetics, and functionality to any home. Additional features like insulation and windows contribute even more to the overall performance and are worth considering for all installations.

For additional questions or assistance with garage door installation, it’s best to contact local garage door contractors. Doing so will increase the work quality and bring peace of mind to the homeowner.

How to Plan Your Perfect Garage Addition

Garages have become one of the most essential and convenient rooms in modern households. Besides keeping the car safe from the elements, a garage hosts several household items and often serves as a workshop, game room, entertainment zone, or hang-out space. However, most people end up with a messy garage space with dirty and damaged floors, making it difficult to find things when needed amidst the clutter of boxes. Disorganized garages ruin the purpose of having an additional storage space in the first place. 

Fortunately, it is never too late to design your dream garage space and use it for the desired purpose. Here are a few ideas if you are planning a new garage addition or intend to facelift the existing one:

Plan the space around specific needs

Careful planning is the first step towards making your dream garage a reality. There are endless possibilities for a garage, and it is essential to determine how you will utilize your space. Usually, people use garages as a home office, gym, hobby room, playroom, entertainment room, store garden equipment, tools, bikes, sporting gear, and other occasionally used household belongings. For old garages, decluttering is critical to free up valuable space. Define the purpose and then design the room accordingly.

Consider proper storage solutions

Storage is among the primary purposes a garage serves. Therefore, it is vital to eliminate clutter and keep things organized. Consider efficient storage solutions while also leaving space for personal projects. Choose ceiling-mounted racks, shelves, slat walls, car lifts, cabinets, pegboards, and tool storage solutions made from sturdy materials, depending on the function of the garage. When choosing storage solutions, look for aesthetics, ease of access, and functionality. 

Do not overlook the flooring

Flooring is a vital aspect to consider when upgrading your garage. Most garages have concrete floors that develop cracks and oil and grease spots over time. Updating the flooring can completely transform the look of the garage. Pick a flooring material with a pattern and style that looks beautiful and is easy to clean and maintain. You can also consider durable, attractive, and customizable epoxy floor coating to enhance the beauty of concrete floors.

Choose the best garage door

A garage door significantly impacts your home’s curb appeal, value, and security. Replace the old and outdated garage door with a new one having advanced safety features and high R-value to avoid accidents and lower your utility bills. Choose from a myriad of garage door styles and complete it with an electric garage door opener for easy and smooth operation.

Insulation

Consider insulating the garage or installing a dedicated HVAC system to regulate the temperature and create a more comfortable space. An insulated garage cuts the energy use and keeps the utility bills under control. Also, drywall the garage and paint the walls and floors with high-quality paint to enhance the overall look.

Lighting

A dark and gloomy garage space is no fun at all. Brighten your garage with attractive lighting options or, if possible, allow more natural light into it. Use bright colors when repainting or add mirrors to make the space appear big and bright. Accessorize the garage to let it reflect your taste and style.

Contact a professional garage service company for assistance in creating your perfect garage.

Understanding the Difference Between Single and Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional Garage Door

If you’re thinking about installing new garage doors, it’s important to understand the options. In terms of design, garage doors are either single panels or sectionals. The more traditional of the two are single-panel garage doors which come in one large piece.

Sectional garage doors are made of several horizontal panels joined together, which curve when going up. To get the complete picture, we’ll compare the two types of doors and highlight essential features.

Advantages of single-panel garage doors

Single-panel doors hang on a solid hinge system and slide in the space above the vehicle once opened. These days, single-panel garage doors are typically found in older homes. However, it’s still a fantastic option for several reasons.

They’re less expensive upfront

Replacing garage doors is a significant out-of-pocket expense for most homeowners. If the idea is to stay on the budget, single panel doors are a better option.

They’re simple

The installation process of single panel doors is faster and less complicated. This is because there are fewer parts involved, and most garage door companies will be able to handle it swiftly.

More variety

Choosing single panel garage doors allows homeowners to be pickier. The single panel style offers an extensive palette. It’s easy to select any material as there are no additional interjecting panels.

Disadvantages of single panel garage doors

There are a few notable drawbacks of this type of garage door worth mentioning.

Repairs are expensive

Indeed, single-panel garage doors will require less maintenance and repairs, but once they do break down, it’s a different story. If there’s severe damage, repairs are often not sufficient, and it’s necessary to replace them.

Space constrictions

Smaller garages are not the perfect fit for single-panel garage doors. Due to the angle at which they operate, they need a few extra feet of space to open.

Advantages of sectional garage doors

Sectional doors are a more modern solution and are often the standard. Here are several benefits of installing sectional garage doors.

They’re more durable

Sectional garage doors were made to sustain harsh weather conditions. They also allow greater control over how much the door is opened, allowing ventilation and sun protection.

They’re more secure

Sectional garage doors do not have a clear point of entry and offer better protection from intruders.

They’re compact

Unlike single-panel garage doors, sectional doors don’t need clearance to operate. The narrow range of motion makes them a perfect fit in smaller garages.

Disadvantages of sectional garage doors

While they are an excellent choice in almost any situation, there are a couple of reasons why they might not be perfect for everyone.

Frequent maintenance

Sectional garage doors will need regular upkeep to ensure they’re operating correctly. Routine maintenance will make a significant difference, but it can also be time-consuming.

They’re more expensive

This type of garage door will cost homeowners more due to the operating mechanism and practicality. However, they are typically a better long-term investment.

Choose the best doors for your garage

Single panel garage doors are less expensive, plus they’re a great choice if you’re building a retro-style home. On the other hand, sectional garage doors are more convenient, and if there’s an issue with garage space, they’re the obvious choice.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference and budget restrictions. Either way, it’s essential to find the best possible garage door installation company for the project.

Holiday Lights in Phoenix

As the end-year holidays near, take delight in driving to different neighborhoods aglow with the spirit of the holidays, throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Here are four holiday light displays in Phoenix that you won’t want to miss this year! You can enjoy all of these for FREE over the extended holiday weekend.

Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane, on Moon Valley Dr., features 40,000 plus lights, an iconic bridge, and vintage decorations. Walk the lane by crossing the bridge and looking at all the lights and attractions. Stop by between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. each night and the organizers, the Kinman’s, will present you with a candy cane.

When: Experience the holiday cheer for yourself Monday through Sunday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., now until the end of December. For two hours each night, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Kinman’s hand out candy canes.

Where: 618 W. Moon Valley Dr., Phoenix, 85023

Cost: Free

Christmas on Comstock

Located near Elliot and Higley roads, this holiday favorite spans across 13 homes and features more than 110,000 lights; 50,000 feet of wire; 300-plus strobe; and various snow machines and other attractions spread down the block. While driving through the neighborhood is permissible, assuming you stick to their Traffic Flow map, the organizers encourage visitors to park a short distance away and check everything out on foot. This will allow you to really immerse yourself in the magic.

Don’t forget to tune to 93.9 FM.

When: Operates Sunday through Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. starting December 1st until the 30th.

Where: 3642 E. Comstock Dr., Gilbert, 85296

Cost: Free, but visitors are invited to donate to Make-a-Wish of Arizona.

Santa Train

Now in its 40th year (28th in Arizona), the Santa Train is the brainchild of Ahwatukee residents, Frank and Dianne Polimene. Highlights include a 1/6-scale train, which can be activated by headlights of passing cars or if on foot, by pressing a red button on the PCH donation box. Additional features include an illuminated volcano, an animated Ferris Wheel with stuffed animals as passengers, a rooftop display featuring Ol’ Saint Nick and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty who makes it snow.

Tune to 87.9 FM to hear the mountain show.

When: Open nightly until 11:00 p.m., beginning Thanksgiving Night until New Year’s Day’ candy canes are distributed to the kids each night until 9:00 p.m. It snows in Phoenix every 30 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where: 541 E. Mountain Sky Ave., Phoenix, 85048

Cost: Free, but visitors are invited to donate to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital as well as donate candy canes.

Winter Wonderland

What began as one boy’s childhood dream, has now become a nightly, digitally-orchestrated extravaganza. Visitors are greeted with a series of choregraphed light shows featuring holiday music and a flurry of snow. At the front of the garage, there’s a holiday village, and to the right of that is a small fire pit. Visitors can purchase hot chocolate and s’more kits (roasting sticks are provided). In 2016, the backyard was given a Disney-esque holiday makeover, which was “Frozen” over.

When: Operates nightly from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., beginning December 7, 2018 and concluding on New Year’s Eve.

Where: 8414 E. Valley Vista Dr., Scottsdale, 85250

Cost: Free, but donations are accepted.

Happy Holidays from Arizona Garage Door and Repair!

Happy New Year!

The Best Pumpkin Patches in Arizona

What better way to get into the fall spirit than spending an afternoon with your family, and perhaps some friends, picking your own pumpkins for carving? There are several places in and around Phoenix you can go. Don’t forget to grab a cooler and picnic blanket from the garage before heading to any one of the following pumpkin patches.

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival

October 2nd to November 5th

4011 S. Power Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85212

(480) 882-1482

During the month of October, Vertuccio Farms is hosting a variety of family-friendly fall activities, including a seven-acre corn maze and live entertainment (specific nights only). Admission to the festival includes corn maze, mini golf, mule-pulled wagon rides (Saturdays and Sundays only), mini zip line, and more. The farm will also be selling pumpkins perfect for carving, as well as hay bales, and corn stalks. Visit vertucciofarms.com for hours.

Admission:

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party

October 5th to the 29th

24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd.

Queen Creek, AZ 85242

(480) 987-3100

Every Thursday through Sunday, families can enjoy hayrides, a petty zoo, corn mazes, and live entertainment. A variety of other activities, shows, and rides are also included in your admission cost. Pumpkins, organic vegetables (you pick), and train rides, as well as chili and an assortment of other food are available for an additional cost. Visit schnepffarms.com for hours. This event has been voted, “The Best Fall Family Event in the Valley” by both Phoenix and New Times magazines.

Admission:

Mother Nature’s Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch

October 1st to the 31st

1663 E. Baseline Rd.

Gilbert, AZ 85233

(480) 892-5874

Rated Arizona’s best in New Times, the Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm is stocked daily with fresh pumpkins, ranging from 1 ounce to 500 pounds. After decorating their pumpkin, kids can enjoy the air bounce, a hayride, feeding the animals, and Alexander’s Adventure Maze (included in kid’s admission). Food is available at Maneau’s Munchies. You are also invited to bring your own picnic lunch. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. Visit mothernaturesfarm.com for details.

Admission:

MacDonald’s Ranch Annual Pumpkin Festival

October 1st to the 31st

26540 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

(480) 585-0239

Take an authentic Western hayride pulled by horses or mules, or train ride to the patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving and enjoy the petting zoo, gold panning, hay maze, and tour through town. Blazin’ Barbeque will be serving hot food and cold drinks daily, and specialty vendors, including face painters are available on the weekend. Visit macdonaldsranch.com for hours and special discount days.

Admission:

Arizona State Fair

October 6th to the 29th

Open Wednesday through Sunday

1826 W. McDowell Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 252-6771

While not quite a pumpkin patch, we couldn’t go without mentioning the Arizona State Fair, which attracts more than one million people annually. The fair’s 150-foot Ferris wheel towers over attractions, livestock shows, concerts, fair food, and more fun. Visit azstatefair.com for hours and details on this year’s concert series. This year’s lineup features Snoop Dog, Gin Blossoms, and Rick Springfield. It promises to be fun for the whole family.

Admission: