Monsoon Season Do’s and Don’ts

Monsoon season always brings a respite from the fiery heat of summer. Beginning June 15^th and stretching until September 30^th, Arizona’s monsoon season can bring blinding dust storms, torrential rains, and storms complete with claps of thunder and lightning flashes. These storms, as most Arizonans are familiar with, often strike suddenly and with violent force. To help you stay safe this monsoon season, consider these tips.

Do: Check Your Garage Door

The durability of your garage door is vital. Not taking your garage door’s wind resistance into consideration could spell big trouble. If shopping for a new garage door, consider the door’s ability to withstand various wind speeds. If the garage door or garage door opener is malfunctioning or damaged, contact a garage door repair professional to service it.

Do: Make Room in the Garage

If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to clear out that over-stuffed garage, making room for your vehicles. Parking your car in the garage provides much needed peace-of-mind during a storm. This also allows you the opportunity to get any personal belongings off the floor, out of cardboard boxes and stored safely on shelving units so should any water penetrate the garage, they’re protected.

Do: Secure Outdoor Furniture

Loose items in your yard can become flying projectiles during monsoon season due to high winds. Take care to move any unsecured items, such as patio furniture, bird feeders, wind chimes, hanging or container plants, toys, and grills inside your house or garage if possible. If you can’t bring them in, use a chain or rope to secure them.

Do: Comfort Pets

During the monsoon, claps of thunder and flashes of lightning can strike terror in the best of us, but more so in your pet; even if he/she is normally calm. Veterinarians call this “storm anxiety” or “noise phobia.” This fear can manifest itself in a variety of challenging behaviors – hiding, whining or, if outdoors running away in a state of panic.

To help your dog cope, provide a safe area, like a crate (keep the door open so not to make him/her feel trapped) to create the feeling of a safe haven. You can also play calming music or distract your dog with treats and familiar games. The absolute best thing you can do, however, is to just stay with him/her until the storm passes.

Don’t: Drive Through Flood Water

One of the main hazards associated with the monsoon is flooding. Rainfall during this time is typically heavy, and because it doesn’t soak into the ground, it often results in copious runoff into our normally dry desert washes. It is extremely difficult to estimate the depth of running water or the strength of a current.

As reported by the National Weather Service, it takes only 6 inches of fast-moving water to sweep an adult off his feet, and 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car. 2 feet of rushing water can wash most any vehicle off the road. If that’s not enough to deter you, Arizona’s Stupid Motorist Law makes you responsible for the cost of the rescue as well as a fine.

Don’t: Speed on Wet Roads

Whether driving in a downpour or on wet roads, slow down and allow more time to get to your destination. Avoid using cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of your vehicle is magnified. Also, it’s important to increase the following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, ensuring ample stopping time. If caught in a blinding dust storm, you should:

Safely pull off the road
Put your vehicle in park, and turn the engine off
Make sure to turn off all lights, including tail and break lights
Most dust storms are short lived, so it’s important to wait it out until it’s safe to drive

Buying a Smart Garage Door Opener?

If you’re interested in home automation, a smart garage door opener is a worthy investment. To get started, simply connect your new garage door opener to your home wireless network, go through the typical iOS or Android Bluetooth pairing process to link the devices, and you’re granted access to your garage door from anywhere you can get online. It also works with iPad and Android tablets.

With the help of the opener’s accompanying app, not only will your smartphone replace your garage’s remote control, but you’ll also get real-time alerts when you’ve left the door open or when someone other than yourself operates the door. Additionally, you can easily manage who can access your garage, whether it’s a visiting relative or garage door repair professional. It’s completely customizable.

Enjoy no more waiting, and possibly even more importantly, no more needless worrying that you didn’t close the door when you drove away – all by installing a smart garage door opener. The following two smart garage door openers can provide you with complete peace-of-mind without breaking the bank.

Craftsman AssureLink™

Model: 3043

The Craftsman AssureLink™ Belt Drive Opener with Battery Backup provides the Internet connectivity you need to open, close and monitor your door from anywhere using your smartphone (iPhone or Android). The device is designed to be easily installed, and it will link up with your home WiFi within minutes. Additionally, with a DieHard® battery backup, you can operate your door up to 20 times during a power outage.

LiftMaster MyQ Garage

Model: 821LM

The LiftMaster MyQ Universal is designed to be compatible with a wide range of manufacturers, including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Sears/Craftsman, and most other major garage door opener brands with photoelectric safety sensors. Easy to install, this model can control up to two garage doors at once, although an extra door sensor is required (sold separately). The controller is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Help Fight Hunger in Our Community

In 2016, our customers donated over 5,200 pounds of canned foods!

It is our hope that we can surpass those numbers in 2017. According to St. Mary’s Food Bank – who we are proud to corroborate with – Arizona hunger rates are higher than national averages, with 1 in 3 children facing hunger on a daily basis. Statistics show that more than 2 million Arizonans are considered working poor, living at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

This is the majority of those we wish to help, but we can’t do it alone! Help fight hunger in Arizona by donating a non-perishable food item to St. Mary’s Food Bank. You will find food drive boxes set up at our Phoenix location. You can also donate directly to one of our technicians. As our way of saying “thank you,” you will receive a free service call with every donation made. When calling, simply mention this limited time offer: (602) 396-4717

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget the Garage!

Now that spring is showing off its brilliant colors, we can finally turn our thoughts to giving the house a good, deep cleaning. Spring cleaning though is not just for the interior of a house. There is also the garage to consider. With a few simple organization ideas, spring cleaning the garage in a manner that allows it to stay neat and tidy is not only possible, it’s very much doable.

Purge the Clutter

Garages are often one of the most neglected areas of a home. This spring, trash the junk and host a yard sale or donate those items that haven’t seen the light of day in years, as well as those you have too much of. If you have non-perishable food taking space in your garage, consider donating it to St. Mary’s Food Bank, and receive a free service call from Arizona Garage Door & Repair. Now is also a good time to properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as old paint, car batteries and electronics.

Scrub the Door

Be honest: When was the last time you gave your garage door a good cleaning? A clean, well-maintained garage door can do wonders for optimizing your property’s curb appeal, as well as its value. On that note, grab a wet cloth and get to work on both sides of the door, paying special attention to any lingering dirt and grime. One cup dish detergent to five gallons’ warm water works wonderfully. Rinse and allow to dry. While you’re at it, you may also want to consider scrubbing the garage floor.

Maximize the Space

Now that you’ve separated your trash from your treasures, and have a clean slate to work with, the real fun can begin. First, it’s a good idea to figure out how much room your car(s) require and then work with what’s left by creating zones throughout your garage for different storage needs – automotive, yard tools, sport/camping equipment, holiday décor, etc. Frequently used items should be kept within reach.

Consider vertical storage options to optimize space. Hang bicycles and use overhead storage racks for items that only need to be accessed once a year. Tools are best stored on the wall using peg board. It is recommended that you store items in clear boxes with labels for ease of reference down the line. You can label the shelves too. This will free up valuable floor space.

Inspect Your Garage Door

To ensure your garage door functions smoothly and safely all year long, it’s important to have it routinely inspected and maintained by a garage door repair professional, who services your area. A professional will expertly adjust the door’s vital components, lubricate moving parts, tighten all hardware, tracks and hinges, and test to make sure the safety sensors are working properly, as well as troubleshoot other issues.

March is the Time to Be in Scottsdale

The minute you arrive in Scottsdale – the West’s Most Western Town, you’ll be met with endless options for fun. Hike trails lined with saguaros? Catch a foul baseball? Sample award-winning Southwest cuisine? Attend an action packed rodeo? Browse the many art galleries? Enjoy panoramic views? How long do you have? Here are just some of the events you can attend in March.

Diamondbacks Spring Training

When: February 22 – March 31, 2017

Practice times vary based on each team’s schedule for the day.

Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

7555 N. Pima Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85258

What: Spring training is a BIG deal around here. The Salt River Fields at Talking Stick provides loyal baseball fans with the opportunity to be on top of the action and interact with their favorite players. Don’t forget to bring a few baseballs if you have kids. MLB stars have been known to autograph balls both before and after the game.

Admission: Individual and group spring training tickets can be found here.

Giants Spring Training

When: February 24 – March 31, 2017

Practice times vary based on each team’s schedule for the day.

Where: Scottsdale Stadium

7408 E. Osborn Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

What: Each spring, since 1955, the San Francisco Giants have ventured to the heart of the city’s downtown to soak up the Arizona sunshine as they prepare for the season ahead. Scottsdale Stadium is surrounded by the state’s top shopping, dining, and entertainment venues in addition to some of the most breathtaking views around.

Admission: Individual and group spring training tickets can be found here.

27^th Annual Celebration of Fine Art

When: Recurring daily until March 26, 2017

10:00 AM to 6 PM

Where: 18400 N. Hayden Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

What: The Celebration of Fine Art has been referred to as “One of the World’s premier art events” by Arts & Antiques Magazine. The event brings in 100+ artists from across the United States to set up working studios. Art lovers of every medium are invited to come interact with or simply watch these artists as they create works of art.

Admission: $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and military. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge.

64^th Annual Parada del Sol Rodeo

When: March 09, 10, 11 & 12

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale Equidome Arena

16601 N. Pima Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

What: Gather up your western attire and family members for one of the oldest, officially sanctioned rodeos, in the country. The Parada del Sol Rodeo event consists of four action packed performances including bull riding, wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing, along with other family fun.

Admission: Individual and group rodeo event tickets can be found here.

The American West in Film and Television

When: March 11, 2017

From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

3830 N. Marshall Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

What: It wasn’t just the outlaws that made the West wild! The American West in Film and Television program explores the cross-genres, supernatural tales that combined horror with classic westerns, such as “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” and “Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter.” Join Arizona’s official Western Film Historian Charlie LeSueur as he explores fiendish and downright weird Western films.

Admission: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and active military, $8 for students and children ages 6-17. Museum members and children under 5 are admitted at no charge.

National “Learn About Butterflies Day”

When: March 14, 2017

From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where: Butterfly Wonderland

9500 E. Via de Ventura

Scottsdale, AZ 85256

What: Here is an event your whole family is sure to love! Discover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Mother Nature’s most beloved winged creatures at Butterfly Wonderland’s education carts. Enjoy special butterfly activities. Curatorial specialists will be giving educational speeches at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

Admission: $19.95 for adults 18-61, $12.95 for children ages 3-12, and $17.95 for students 13-17 or with college ID. Children 2 and under are admitted at no charge. $2 off admission for active military personnel.

Are you a resident in need of garage door repair in Scottsdale? Contact Arizona Garage Door and Repair at (480) 289-2719 for more information or to schedule service. Our expert technicians can come to your home for a free service call with repairs over $100 and provide you with the highest level of service and reliability.

Considering a New Garage Door?

Home improvement, or at least the desire for it, is a shared American hobby. If you are one of the many people that wish to improve their garage door, the following tips have been designed to ensure your garage door functions properly all year long, therefore saving you money on costly repairs. You may also want to consider investing in a new garage door. We explain why below.

Invest in a New Garage Door

Upgrading your garage door can enhance your home’s curb appeal, and according to this year’s Cost vs. Value report literally pay for itself, should you ever decide to sell or refinance your home. If you have a damaged, malfunctioning or unsightly garage door that needs to be replaced sooner rather than later, make 2017 the year you treat your home and yourself to a new garage door.

Perform Regular Maintenance

All too often, we take our doors for granted, pressing the button once to open it and again to close it. Like most homeowners, you probably use your garage door to get into and out of your house. That’s why it’s so important to take a few minutes at least once a month to perform a visual inspection of your garage door. Certain parts, like the rollers, hinges and springs, should be lubricated twice a year (in the spring and fall).

Hire a Professional for all Repairs

Aside from basic preventative maintenance tasks, such as visual inspections and lubrication, you should never attempt to repair any of your door’s major components on a DIY basis – as most are under an immense amount of tension that can cause injury if improperly handled. Always consult a local professional garage door repair company like Arizona Garage Door and Repair. Most provide free, no obligation, no pressure estimates.