Benefits of Adding Smart Technology to Your Garage Door

Thousands of Americans are switching to smart home alternatives because of the benefit they offer. Smart garage doors improve your home’s security and make life simpler by giving you access to your home regardless of your destination. All you need is a smartphone or any mobile device and internet connectivity.

Today, we’ll look at what a smart garage door opener is and five ways smart technology can change your home’s experience. We’ll also talk about how you can make your garage door smart and three essential factors to consider when purchasing a smart garage door for your home.

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What Is a Smart Garage Door Opener?

With a smart garage door, you can operate your garage door from any destination in the world and monitor your garage from a distance.

A smart garage door control is a remote system integrated with Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to access and operate your garage door on multiple digital devices, such as your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The smart garage door is embedded with sensors on the garage door rails and a controller that transmits information to an associated application. The application offers more features than the once revolutionary traditional garage remote systems, including real-time security alerts, automatic controls, voice activation, fingerprint access and face recognition.

Smart garage doors rely on industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity systems and cloud computing to provide the finest experience. The application has a user-friendly interface, making it simple to use.

What Are the Benefits of a Smart Garage Door?

Installing a smart garage makes life safer, more straightforward and more convenient. Unsurprisingly, 74% of smart garage door owners say they would repurchase the device. Let’s consider the benefits of using smart garage doors in detail:

1. Improves Home Security

Security is one of the essential considerations when securing a new garage door. The garage is the largest access unit to your home, so it’s crucial to ensure optimum safety. Smart garage doors employ cutting-edge technology to protect your home and your family.

You can use the camera installed on the devices to monitor activities if your children are alone at home. If someone attempts to break into your home or enters without your permission, the security system will automatically alert you or the security authorities of the intrusion in real-time. This function is accessible even when you are several miles away from home. You can also integrate fingerprint scanners and face recognition into your garage door, allowing only authorized entries into your garage.

2. Control Your Garage From Any Location

The transmission on traditional garage doors operates only when the remote control is a few meters away — you cannot control the door from long distances. Smart garage door systems allow you to manage your garage door from any location on the planet.

Supposing you’re on vacation but expecting a package. The smart tool lets you open the door for the delivery person to place the package safely inside your home and close the door immediately after they leave. This feature is a must-have, considering that 1.7 million packages are stolen or lost daily in the United States.

Remote access also helps to keep your family safe and makes access to your garage convenient. When your kids forget their keys, you can let them in without traveling back home to open the door.

3. Enjoy Automatic Operations

You can instruct your smart garage door to open and close at certain times, and it will comply. The technology allows you to schedule times around your clock to operate the door automatically. You can activate the automatic lock feature if you’re likely to forget. Besides controlling the door, you can schedule when the lights in your garage should turn on or off. The feature is accessible whether you’re home or on a trip.

4. Operate Your Garage Door With Multiple Devices

Smart garage systems turn your digital devices into remote controls with a simple process. Unlike traditional garage door openers, which are limited to the number of remotes in your possession, smart garages allow you to “create” more at your convenience. Using digital devices to access your garage doors has added sub-benefits.

First, any person with access to your traditional garage door remote control can assess your garage — smart garages solve this problem. Garage doors embedded with smart controls allow you to include extra security features. Second, you can use your garage door without worrying about maintaining your remote control. You can switch or add new remote controls at any time. Third, the device’s user interface offers you a simple yet exciting experience.

5. Enhance the Capabilities of Your Smart Home Ecosystem

Smart home automation is growing popular because of the convenience and feasibility it offers to consumers. The products are designed to simplify your day-to-day activities and make your tasks more efficient. Smart garage doors can also collaborate with the rest of the smart products in your home and enhance the ecosystem, which makes it possible to control your home from a single device. The system is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you voice control over your garage door opener.

How Can You Make Your Garage Door Smart?

Two systems can make your garage door smart. The first allows you to install devices on your existing garage door and convert and embed it with smart features. This approach works by wiring the smart garage door opener to the existing garage door’s control panel and pushing button terminals. It allows you to control the door with the application software installed on your smartphone or other mobile devices by sending signals to the upgraded opener. The instructions you put in the app act like the push button and operate the door.

The second type is a complete unit containing a new motorized opener with integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. You get complete access once the door is installed and connected to the internet. You can make the settings on the app on your smartphone and request additional features depending on your needs.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Smart Garage Door Opener for Your Home

Before you secure a smart home garage door, consider the following factors:

Internet connectivity: Smart home garage doors operate with the help of internet connectivity. You can connect the garage door to your home Wi-Fi system for complete access. Your mobile device must also have internet access to control and monitor your garage from miles away.
Desired features: Smart garage doors have standard features that allow you to open and close the door with your smartphone. However, the system is customizable according to your needs. You can include features such as lights, cameras, keypad control and sensors for extra security.
Budget: Determine how much you can afford when selecting a smart garage door. There are varying features at different prices. Think about the features you need the most and choose the options that fit your budget.

Learn More About Smart Garage Doors With American Overhead Doors, Inc.

Smart garage doors improve your home’s safety and make your life easier and more efficient. Modern garage doors with smart technologies allow you to access, control and monitor your garage from anywhere. Advanced security features such as cameras, light control, motion sensors and real-time notifications help keep your family and property safe. When selecting the right garage door for your home, ensure a stable internet connection and choose the features according to your needs. Also, consider how much you want to spend on the door without compromising quality.

American Overhead Doors, Inc. is a family-owned and operated garage door company with over 30 years of experience in the business. We carry only the best brands that add value to your home. Our smart garage doors are customizable with a wide range of options.

How to Detect a Garage Door Repair Scam

If you see a deal for a garage door repair that seems too good to be true, it probably is. While many professional garage door companies offer safe repairs, illegitimate businesses attempt to scam well-intentioned home and business owners with low prices and poor-quality work. Learn about the different types of garage door scams and how to avoid them.

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Signs of a Garage Door Scam

You can detect a garage door scam by these signs:

The company’s name differs across its website, phone greetings and advertisements.
The business explains the various names by claiming it has recently acquired another company.
The business hesitates to share information about itself or its services.
The business is located far from your area.
The technician’s van and uniform do not have the company logo.
The prices are significantly lower or higher than the average for your area.
The company will give you the total cost of the repair without having seen your garage door.
The company requests upfront payment.
The company asks you to pay in cash.

Three Types of Garage Door Repair Scams

Many illegitimate garage door businesses rely on these scams to get homeowners to pay more for repairs.

1. The Lifetime Guarantee Scam

The lifetime guarantee scam involves a technician installing a part with a lifetime guarantee. This part is actually low-quality, so it will break down sooner than expected. When you reach out for a replacement, they will install another shoddy part for free but charge labor costs. Homeowners get caught in a continuous loop of replacing overhead door parts and paying for labor every time.

Though a lifetime guarantee sounds like a great deal, it doesn’t mean future replacements and repairs are free. What does “lifetime” mean, and what services are “guaranteed?” Scammers take advantage of assumptions to get more money from homeowners.

2. The Rebuild Package Scam

With the rebuild package — or hardware overhaul — scam, the technician will inspect your garage door and inform you nearly every part needs to be replaced. In reality, the garage door needs one simple repair, like realigning the photo eye sensor. The scammer will often mark up the cost of the parts in the installation fee, so you’ll pay much more than you need to.

Even if you have a broken garage door hinge, you likely don’t need to replace all your hardware. Garage door components have different life spans, so some will fail sooner than others.

3. The Unidentified Technician Scam

The unidentified technician scam occurs when the business claims to send their in-house team to make the repair. In reality, they subcontract the repair to an independent contractor without a license, insurance or experience. Even worse, you can’t contact the technician if your garage door has a problem.

It is common for professional garage door companies to subcontract jobs based on their expertise. Scammers take advantage of this fact so they can get paid for poor-quality work.

How to Avoid a Garage Door Scam

Find a reputable garage door company and avoid scam services by taking these steps:

Research the garage door repair company. You can read reviews, browse its social media, confirm its address and phone number, and look for associations and accreditations.
Call the company and ask about its business and services.
Educate yourself about garage door parts and functions so you can tell if the technician is being honest about what’s wrong with your door.
Get your repair estimate in writing.

Why Choose American Overhead Doors, Inc. for Your Garage Door Service?

American Overhead Doors, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated garage door installation and service company with more than 30 years of experience. We serve Connecticut home and business owners with professional and trustworthy services. We are prepared to help with any garage door needs, from replacing broken springs to repairing garage door panels and more.

Schedule your garage door repair with our experienced technicians today. Request service online or call 860-347-1507.

I Backed Into My Garage Door — How Do I Fix It?

Accidents happen, and sometimes they involve your garage door. If you’ve just crashed into the garage door with your car and aren’t sure what you need to do to fix it, this guide will get you started.

Common Problems Caused by a Car Crash Into the Garage Door

After you run into your garage with a car, the damage will depend on how fast your car collided with the door. Some typical problems include:

Dented or broken panels: The bottom panels on the door may be damaged, as these sections are the most likely to be hit by a car. You can replace the broken panels or all of them, depending on the severity of the damage.
Off-track rollers: More serious garage door damage can bend the vertical track and misalign the rollers. You may need to replace the garage door hinges and rollers and get the door back on the track.
Damaged track: Misaligned and broken garage doors are dangerous to operate. It’s best to call a professional to replace the track or bend it back into place.

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How to Fix a Garage Door After Backing Into It

Follow these steps if you’ve backed into your garage door.

1. Keep the Garage Door Shut for Now

Damaged garage doors may be too dangerous to operate. It’s best to inspect the door first before trying to open it.

2. Review the Extent of the Damage

Check over your garage door to see the damage. Look at the impact site and the damage on both sides of the door’s surfaces. Your car most likely hit the bottom panels, so pay attention to these areas.

Next, look at the rails, garage opener, rollers, hinges, lifting cables, springs, bottom bracket and other components to see if any hardware got hit. Take note of any damage you see to communicate to your repair technician.

3. Try to Open the Door Manually

If the garage door components are operable, try to open the door without power. Opening it automatically can cause more damage. See if you can open the door on your own without forcing it.

4. Call Your Local Garage Door Repair Company

Start your repair with a professional garage door company. Garage door maintenance can be dangerous to complete on your own, so it’s best left to the experts.

Tell your technician about the damages, dent location and size, and garage door material. They will assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs to get your overhead door working again.

FAQs About Fixing Garage Doors Damaged by a Car

Here are our answers to a few commonly asked questions about garage door repairs.

Does Insurance Cover Hitting the Garage Door?

Your home insurance may cover the costs of your garage door damage. If your car was damaged severely, your car insurance might cover those repairs. Consider your policies’ deductibles to decide if you should open a claim or cover the costs yourself.

How Much Does a Garage Door Repair Cost?

Your garage door repair expenses will depend on the age and condition of your door. Older garage doors with severe damage will cost more to fix than newer overhead doors with minor dents, for example. The type of repair needed will also affect your cost. For instance, replacing a few rollers will likely cost less than replacing all the door panels.

Will I Need to Replace the Entire Overhead Door?

You may need to replace your entire overhead door depending on the repairs and labor costs. It might be more cost-effective to get a new garage door than to repair your current door.

American Overhead Doors, Inc. Will Repair Your Damaged Garage Door

After you’ve backed into your garage door and looked everything over, schedule a repair with American Overhead Doors, Inc. Our technicians can repair damage from a car collision, including panel repair, track realignment and door hinge replacement.

Request service from your local garage door expert by reaching out online or calling 860-347-1507.

How to Open a Garage Door Without Power

Losing power to your garage can leave your home vulnerable or make it difficult to move your car. Knowing how to safely open and close your garage door when you don’t have power and what to do when your power comes back on is essential.

Opening the Door Manually

Take the following steps to manually open your garage door when your unit loses power due to wiring issues or a power outage.

1. Unlock Your Door

The first step you should take is ensuring your garage door is unlocked. If the door is down, locate the latches or lock on the outside. You will be unable to manually open the garage door without power if it is locked.

2. Start With the Door Down

It’s best for your garage door system if you start moving the door from a closed position. It’s dangerous to disengage your garage door opener when the door is still halfway or fully up. If the door’s spring is bent or broken when you release the opener, the garage door could slam down on anyone or anything underneath it.

If the door is open, you can move it manually by carefully pushing on it until it begins to slide down. Try to get the door to touch the ground. If it’s being stubborn, lower it as close to the ground as possible.

If you can’t move the door low enough, hiring a technician is best. Pulling on a stuck garage door could damage the unit and the door might be stuck because its sensitive components require repairs.

3. Unplug the Automatic Opener

Disconnect the power to your automatic door opener before you continue to avoid damaging the electric component. Unplugging the opener allows you to work on the door without any surprises. If the power comes back on suddenly, the door could start moving on its own.

4. Pull the Emergency Release Cord

Once you have closed the door and found the release, you’ll want to pull on the emergency release cord. The cord is designed for this type of situation, allowing you to manually move your garage door.

The release cord is attached to the center rail of the door’s track and has a red handle to make it easier to identify. It will hang down from the door trolley at the front of the door.

If you are having trouble finding the emergency release cord, start by locating the trolley, the power device that opens and closes the garage door. The trolley connects to the carriage of your garage door power opener, which automatically moves the door when you have power. Pulling the release cord will disconnect the door’s trolley from its carriage.

5. Manually Move the Door

Once you free the garage door, you can manually move it to an open position and return it to the down position. Move the garage door using these techniques:

Opening the door: Pull from the bottom of the door instead of the middle or any other position. Lift the door until it stops moving. Make sure the door stays in place before you let go completely.
Closing the door: You can pull on the door from the outside until it closes. If your garage door has a lock, remember to lock the door manually before you leave.

If you feel significant resistance when you try to open the garage door manually, you might have a broken spring. The spring is the component that allows the opener to lift the door — if the spring is broken, it will be difficult or impossible to push the door up.

Be cautious if you’re trying to open the garage door manually from inside. A broken garage door is a safety hazard that should be handled by a professional, and you will want to avoid an accident or mishap. If you can’t move the door manually and suspect that the issue is a broken spring, you should call a professional garage door technician to look at the unit.

Reconnecting the Automatic Opener

Once your power returns, you’ll want to reconnect your automatic garage door opener. Follow these steps to do so safely.

1. Pull the Emergency Release Cord

To re-engage the door’s carriage, slowly pull the cord toward the door. As you pull the cord, the spring will compress so the door mechanisms can connect. You will be able to use your garage door’s electronic components after this.

2. Reconnect the Trolley

Next, you’ll need to connect your trolley to the carriage so you can use the garage door’s automatic operations again. Run your garage door opener through a complete cycle to ensure the trolley connects.

Have the door move up and down to complete the entire cycle. You should hear a click when the carriage and trolley connect. You should be able to start using the automatic functions after this.

What if the Garage Door Fails to Raise or Lower?

If you can’t raise or lower the door manually, it might have other issues than the loss of power. The problem could be related to:

The age of the door: If your older door has wear and tear that keeps it from opening, it may be time to replace it with a new one.
The size or weight of the door: A heavier or wider door is more challenging to work with. Try to find someone who can help you move it.
The spring mechanism: If the spring is damaged, the door will be difficult to lift. You should seek repairs if any component of your garage door is failing.

Safety Concerns for Garage Doors Without Power

Suddenly losing power can damage your garage door. If the springs are worn or damaged, the door becomes a hazard to anyone attempting to use it manually. Here are some safety tips for engaging a door that has lost power:

Only use the garage door if you have to: Keep it closed until you regain power if possible.
Be careful with raising the door: When your door loses its automatic function, the mechanisms that ordinarily hold it up can’t turn on. Without those mechanisms, it may be prone to falling unexpectedly.
If the door has a locking mechanism, remember to use it: When the door loses power, so does its electronic lock. The door will lack security until you regain power, so be sure to lock it manually.

Get Your Garage Door Repaired With American Overhead Doors

Do you need a reliable, knowledgeable technician to repair a garage door? We provide services for commercial and residential owners. Please request an estimate if you have questions about our services and contact us if you would like assistance with your garage door!

Benefits of MyQ Technology

An automatic garage door opener makes it easy to operate your garage door without keys or even getting out of your car. If you haven’t changed your garage door opener in a while, you may be in the market for a new one. In the past, these devices simply opened and closed your garage door. Modern garage door openers have some exciting new features, such as Wi-Fi access and connectivity to LiftMaster’s MyQ technology.

Having a smart garage door opener provides many benefits to your house by making it more safe, secure and convenient. MyQ technology allows you to operate your garage door opener from anywhere in the world. All you need is a smartphone or another mobile device to connect to your garage door opener and the LiftMaster MyQ app. Explore some of the benefits of a Wi-Fi garage door opener to know how myQ technology can add value to your home.

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What Is MyQ Technology?

LiftMaster MyQ is the technology created by the Chamberlain Group that connects your garage door opener to your smartphone through cloud-based software. You can monitor or operate your garage door from anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection, whether you’re at home or on vacation. Even though a new garage door opener typically has Wi-Fi capabilities, you can also configure your existing opener with a Smart Garage™ Control. Consult your local garage door technician about the best option for your property.

With the myQ app, you can:

Connect your Wi-Fi garage door opener with smart devices and platforms, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Receive real-time notifications from your garage door opener.
Operate your garage door from your smartphone or another mobile device.
Create recurring schedules to have your garage door and lights operate at certain times of the day.

This program works by connecting to your garage door opener and the photo-eye sensors through your home’s Wi-Fi connection. You can have the myQ system installed by a professional garage door technician. After you have your wireless garage door opener installed, you can use the cloud-based app to monitor your garage door and operate it accordingly.

What Are the Benefits of Liftmaster MyQ?

When you invest in a brand-new garage door opener with LiftMaster myQ Wi-Fi technology, you can add value, security, convenience and safety to your property. Explore the ways that having myQ technology in your home can make your daily life easier.

1. Monitor Your Garage Door From Anywhere in the World

MyQ technology gives you access to up to two garage doors and 16 myQ-enabled accessories from wherever you are, whether you’re on vacation in another country or down the block from your property. Instead of waiting until you’re at home, you can open or close your garage door while you’re in the car coming or going from your errands. The myQ app also allows you to monitor your garage door’s activity and operate it as necessary to give you peace of mind throughout the day.

If you spend all day wondering about whether you closed your garage door, you’ll be distracted from work or errands. Your myQ-enabled garage door opener helps you stay focused in the following ways:

Receive real-time notifications about your garage door’s activity: The myQ app alerts you through your smartphone when your garage door opens and closes, or when your garage door opener’s lights turn on or off. That way, you know when your kids arrive at home or when someone tries to enter your property without your permission. You can even customize the notifications you receive.
Check on your garage door anywhere, anytime: With the myQ app on your smartphone connected to your Wi-Fi-enabled garage door, you can always make sure that your garage door is closed and secure. As you leave your house in the morning, you may have the nagging feeling that you left your garage door open. You can check your garage door wherever you are, so you can have peace of mind and be present at work or on vacation.
Close your open garage door from where you are: If you happen to leave it open, you can close it with the tap of your phone screen. Then you can go back to whatever you were doing, whether you were working on an important project at work or cheering your child on during a soccer game. You also don’t have to rush home if you’re stuck in traffic, so you can drive safely and be attentive to the road.

2. Have an Additional Layer of Security for Your Home

You may have a security system in your house that protects your loved ones and valuables from theft. MyQ technology is another way for you to make your property even safer. You may have property in another part of the world during the cold months, and you’d need to keep your primary residence safe while you’re traveling. Some of the ways myQ technology can keep your living space safe include:

Connection to your security system: Smart myQ-enabled garage door openers are compatible with your security system, whether you have Vivint, Alarm.com, Ring, Apple® HomeKit™, Resideo, Clare or IFTTT. If your older children are home alone, you can keep them safe by monitoring your garage door activity at all times. Your security system can also alert the authorities if your garage door is opened without your permission.
Real-time notifications: Since you can get alerts to let you know when your garage door opens, you can take the appropriate actions to deal with intruders who you didn’t want in your house. It can also make sure your home is safe while you’re on vacation, which usually attracts intruders.
Recurring schedules: If you’re ever on vacation or out of the house at night, it’s helpful to have the lights on in front so your neighbors think that someone’s home. Intruders may try to break into people’s properties when it’s dark because they know that no one will see them. You can prevent theft by setting up a schedule for your garage door or lights. When the lights turn on at a reasonable time at night, people might still think you’re home.
Protect your packages from theft and bad weather: When your packages are on the doorstep, they’re vulnerable to damage and theft. Amazon Key works exclusively with myQ technology to allow Amazon delivery personnel to take your packages safely into your garage instead of leaving them in front of your house. You can open the door for the delivery person and close it after they leave. If you have a myQ-connected garage door camera, you can also make sure they get into your garage safely.

Besides your myQ-enabled garage door opener, you can also get myQ security cameras and locks installed on your garage door. Consult your local garage door technician to find out what security options are available for your property.

3. Make Your Home Safer for You and Your Loved Ones

Since your garage door is the largest opening into your home, you need to make sure it can safely guard your family and valuables. MyQ technology can help reduce the risk of injury or damage in the following ways:

Alerts and notifications: Smart garage door openers will have a beep alert and flash the lights to let you know the garage door is operating, so anyone who’s home can be aware that someone else is entering the house. You and your loved ones will also know if someone is trying to get into your home without your permission. With real-time notifications, you can know about any activity in your house and get the necessary help immediately.
Automatic closure: An open garage door can let intruders, harsh weather conditions and pests into your living space. You can set up a time when your garage door will automatically close, in case you or the kids forget to close it, to keep the inside of your home safe.
Lighting control: Instead of fishing for your keys or navigating your front lawn without lighting, you can see your way around your property with lighting control. Besides controlling your lights to prevent people from breaking in, you can also set up your smartphone to connect to your garage door opener lighting so you can safely enter the garage after being out late after dark.

4. Get Started Right Away With the Simple Setup

MyQ-enabled garage door openers feature simple-to-use and advanced operating systems to monitor and control your garage door from your computer, smartphone or tablet. To take advantage of this convenient operating system, you only need to download the free myQ app after installing a Wi-Fi-enabled garage door opener. Once you first install the myQ operating system, there are no subscription fees or service charges.

Chamberlain® Smart Garage™ Control allows you to use myQ technology with your existing garage door opener, making setup even more convenient. Keep in mind that it’s best to invest in a new garage door opener, especially if yours is old or damaged. If you’re getting a new garage door, you should consider upgrading your garage door opener to handle your door’s weight and style. The myQ app works best with Wi-Fi garage door openers.

5. Conveniently Access Your Home Through a Mobile Device

Connecting your garage door to your smartphone allows you to open and close it anywhere, anytime. In the past, homeowners would have to be home for deliveries or services to let people inside. Accessing your garage door from a mobile device comes in handy when you have to:

Let expected guests into your home: With the myQ app, you can let people inside while you’re on vacation or at work. All you have to do is open and close the door with a tap on the screen. If you don’t want to have your door automatically open during a scheduled time, have them call you when they arrive, and you can “buzz them in” by opening the door for them.
Bring your kids home inside safely: Maybe your kids forgot their keys and they need to get into your house after school. Instead of leaving a spare key outside your house or leaving work early, you can schedule a time for the garage door to open so you can conveniently let them inside. You may also want to open it for them through your smartphone.
Access your garage door from your vehicle: Besides connecting to your garage door from your phone or mobile device, you can also operate it from your vehicle. When your myQ garage door opener connects to your vehicle, you can safely access your door without using your hands. It also uses geofence technology to alert your garage door opener of when you’re close to home, so it can open and close automatically when you arrive or depart. You can also get in-car notifications like you would on your phone.
Share entry codes with others: Instead of copying keys and handing them out to people who need to get into your house, you can set up access codes for them. The myQ app allows you to share limited control over your garage door opener with up to five users. Send them a user invite and set up their guest profiles on the myQ app. You can manage how and when they can get inside, allowing you to remain in full control of your property.

6. Connect Your Garage Door Opener to Other Smart Devices in Your Home

The makers of myQ have partnered with many of the smart home brands and platforms that you’re probably already using in your living space. Whether you want hands-free control or voice activation with your garage door opener, you can easily make your house “smarter” with myQ technology. You can also get notifications about your garage door from your other smart devices, so you don’t have to have your phone nearby.

The myQ app is compatible with Google Assistant and other artificial-intelligence-powered virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Apple® HomeKit™. With this exciting feature, you can open and close your garage door with your voice. Instead of being limited to your smartphone, you can also access your garage door through your smart speakers, such as Google Home or the Amazon Echo. As long as your smart device can hear you, you can open, close or check on your garage door.

Get a Smart Garage Door Opener With American Overhead Doors, Inc.

If you want to take advantage of all the benefits of a Wi-Fi garage door opener with LiftMaster MyQ technology, reach out to our team at American Overhead Doors, Inc. We supply, install and maintain residential garage door openers and can help you set up the myQ app. You may also decide that it’s time for you to get a new garage door for your home to change up its look or make the entrance even more convenient.

Besides installing your garage door opener, we’ll also help you maintain and repair your garage door opener so it continues to work for many years. You can request an estimate online or contact us for more information about our garage door products and services. You can also visit our showroom in Middletown, Connecticut to see our garage doors and openers in person.

Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repairs

Many homeowners or business owners use their garage doors several times per day, resulting in a lot of wear and tear. Eventually, your garage door will need some repairs. When you notice your garage door is working incorrectly, you may try to do the repairs yourself. This can be costly, difficult and even dangerous. Your best course of action is to hire a professional to get the job done, keeping you and your loved ones safe from garage door repair dangers.

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Garage Door DIY Dangers

If you’re wondering if you should fix your garage door yourself, we recommend thinking about the possibilities first. Let’s face it — a broken garage door is a huge inconvenience. You may want to grab your toolbox and start tinkering with your garage door to get it up and running, but this could have poor results. Consider the dangers of repairing your garage door yourself to help make a safe and affordable decision:

1. DIY Repairs Can Get Costly

One of the main reasons people try to repair their garage doors themselves is to save some money. Many assume getting a professional to repair their garage door will be costly. You may feel like it’s simply not in the budget, but think again.

When you repair your garage door yourself, you run the risk of making things worse than they already are. Garage doors are complex pieces of equipment containing motors, electronics, hinges, springs, cables and many other components. A simple mistake can lead to more damage, repairs and money spent trying to solve the problem. Over time, this could cost much more money than the cost of hiring a professional.

2. Repairing Your Garage Door Yourself Is Time-Consuming

Time is one of your most valuable resources, and you’re always spending it. Chores and maintenance are a normal part of life for business owners and homeowners, but sometimes, it’s better to leave certain tasks to the people who do them for a living.

Your garage door repair may seem simple at first, but it could easily turn into a whole afternoon of work. An afternoon repair could turn into a whole-day project, then a weekend project. Soon, you may find yourself spending several weekends trying to fix an issue that a professional could solve in a couple of hours. Take control of your schedule and let the garage door professionals do the fixing.

3. You Could Damage Your Belongings

If you’re one of the countless homeowners or business owners who use their garage for storage, you should think twice before trying to do your own repairs. You may store valuable items in your garage, including the vehicle you use for daily transportation. A mistake in your repair work puts these items at risk.

Improper repairs and installation could result in your garage door falling down, crashing into your car or valuable items. Although this event would be the worst-case scenario, it’s a possibility you should be aware of. You could be out of a garage door and a car, causing you to spend far more money than you planned.

4. Falling From a Ladder Is a Serious Danger

If you try to repair your garage door yourself, you’re going to need a ladder. Whether you need a small boost or you have to climb several feet high, using a ladder could be dangerous. Ladder use puts you at risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries and even death.

Each year, ladders account for 500,000 injuries and 300 deaths. While you can use safe ladder practices to reduce the risk of an unfortunate situation, you may be better off staying on the ground and letting a trained professional go up to repair your garage door. A simple misstep can have disastrous results. You can remove this possibility by hiring a professional instead.

5. Garage Door Springs Are Complicated and Dangerous to Repair

Garage door torsion springs allow your garage door to open and close with ease. Without these springs, garage doors would feel heavier, and your garage door opener would have to work harder to function. These springs have a limited life span, and they’ll eventually need replacement if you want to keep using your garage door.

Is it dangerous to replace garage door springs? Ask any garage door professional, and they’ll tell you to always leave spring work to people who know what they’re doing. These springs are under a lot of tension, and a simple mistake can unleash this potential energy on you. You could suffer serious injuries or even death. If you think something is wrong with your garage door springs, keep a safe distance and call a professional right away.

Safe Garage Door Repair Solutions

Though many fixes should be left the pros, you can still troubleshoot some garage door repair solutions. As a homeowner or business owner, you can improve your garage door’s functioning by doing the following:

Test your garage door’s safety features to make sure they’re working.
Keep the photo eye sensors at the base of your garage door aligned and cleaned.
Lubricate the moving components of your garage door on a regular basis.
Inspect your garage door and listen for unusual sounds during operation.

These activities can go a long way in preserving the life of your garage door. As you become more familiar with your garage door, you’ll have an easier time detecting any malfunctions. Then, you can call a professional for repairs before the problems get worse.

Should I Hire a Garage Door Repair Professional?

When you hire a garage door repair professional, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Faster repairs: Professionals know what they’re doing, reducing the length of time needed to make the repairs.
Lower costs: When you hire a professional, you’ll get the repair you need the first time and avoid mistakes that could lead to extra costs.
Increased security: Keep your car and possessions safe with a functioning garage door. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your garage door will keep you safe and protected.
Safety: It’s dangerous to perform garage door repairs yourself. Let the trained professionals handle your repairs so you can stay safe and healthy.

Contact American Overhead Doors, Inc. for Professional Garage Door Repair Services

Invest in your safety and well-being by letting the professionals at American Overhead Doors handle your garage door repair needs. Whether you need residential garage door work or a commercial garage door fix, our repair and maintenance services will get the job done. We’ve been in business since 1987, so you can trust our expertise and years of experience for your garage door needs.

My Garage Door Is Frozen Shut

You’re heading out on a cold morning, bundled up and prepared to go. But when you try to leave, you realize your garage door is frozen shut. Or perhaps you arrive at your business, ready to work. But when you try to open the garage, the door doesn’t move. If your garage door gets stuck when it’s cold or you want to prevent a frozen garage door, you need this guide.

Your garage door is a main entry point to your home or business, so you need it to function year-round. Learn more about how to get a frozen door open and prevent this problem in the future.

Schedule a Service Appointment

What to Do If My Garage Door Is Frozen Shut

If you try to open your garage door but it won’t budge, don’t try to push the automatic opener button again. Doing so risks damaging the door or the system, creating a dangerous situation.

The first thing you should do if it’s cold and your garage door won’t operate is check that your garage door is frozen to the ground. You don’t want to go through all the steps of unsticking your door if there’s really an issue with the opener. If you see ice built up under the weather seal, continue with these steps:

Remove and chip away ice: Grab an ice scraper and move to the outside of your garage. Chip the ice away, being careful not to hit the weatherstripping seal along the bottom. Remove as much as you can and sweep it away from the door.
Loosen your door away from the frozen seal: With the excess ice removed between the door and the ground, try to lift the door manually. Don’t force the door open if it doesn’t move easily. Instead, go back and try to chip away more ice or follow the next step.
Apply heat to the frozen area: Set a blow-dryer or heat gun to a low temperature and direct it at the remaining areas of ice buildup. If you have a heater in your garage, you can turn that on near the door, keeping the heat low, to help melt the ice. You can attempt to chip away the remaining ice once it’s somewhat melted.

During these steps, try not to use too much force. Disengage the automatic opener and try to lift the door manually. That will avoid putting strain on the opener system. You could also consider using hot water to help melt the ice, but note that if temperatures are extremely low and you use a lot of water, it could create more ice later on.

If you have ice melt or rock salt, you could throw it down for a solution that will take longer but won’t involve as much effort on your part. Once the ice melts, you need to clean away the salt to prevent corroding the material at the bottom of your garage door.

As for how to close a frozen garage door, you may need to check the panels and other components to make sure nothing is frozen there. Use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting to melt the ice away from these areas and close your garage door. You could also contact American Overhead Doors for services to avoid causing any damage to your garage door or opener system.

How to Prevent My Garage Door From Freezing Shut

Preventing a frozen garage door can save you the hassle and time required to unstick it. If you know cold weather and freezing conditions are on the way, take some steps to help maintain your garage’s functionality, especially when your garage door freezes to the ground often:

1. Clear Water, Ice and Snow Early

Whether you just unstuck your garage door or you’re checking it before cold weather, clear any ice, snow and water from the floor. The sooner you catch these concerns, the easier it can be to maintain your door. If the garage door can operate, keep it open as you scrape, sweep or shovel the ice and snow away.

If the temperature hasn’t dropped yet but the garage floor is wet, open the door and dry the area. Use dry towels and mops to pick up the water or a wet vacuum if there are any puddles.

Clearing ice and snow away also involves keeping your driveway clear. Your vehicle or anyone walking into the garage can track in snow, and snow close to the garage door can end up underneath it. That could eventually create a garage door that’s frozen shut.

2. Keep up With Maintenance

Preventative garage door maintenance is essential to maintain the door itself and the opener system. While you should take care of your door throughout the year, it’s essential in the winter for preventing a frozen garage door. Keep up with maintenance with these steps:

Lubricate the seal at the bottom of the door.
Lubricate other components, like rollers, springs and hinges.
Look for moisture buildup.
Check for damaged or worn components.

If you notice any problems with the garage door opener components, contact a professional for repairs and maintenance assistance. An opener is a delicate system with parts under great tension, and trying to maintain those yourself could create a dangerous situation.

3. Open and Close the Door Periodically

Operating your garage door can help it from freezing. As the garage door moves, thin layers of ice that started to build up can more easily break away. That can make it simpler to clear away ice later, and it could prevent your garage door from freezing shut.

If you’re able, manually opening and closing the door is ideal. You don’t want to risk damaging the opener system by automatically opening it if the door is stuck. With your door in the closed position, pull the release cord. That disengages the opener and lets you lift and close the garage door manually. When you’re done, pull the cord toward the door and reengage the opener.

4. Layer Sand or Salt Where the Door Touches the Ground

Throw salt down where the garage door touches the ground to prevent ice from forming in the first place. A light sprinkling of sand or rock salt is sufficient, so avoid spreading too much. That could impact the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door.

Once the weather warms up, make sure you sweep away leftover salt or sand and clean the components at the bottom edge of the garage door. This helps to avoid causing damage while trying to prevent your garage door from freezing to the ground.

5. Avoid Warming Your Car in the Garage

Running your car in a closed garage is dangerous because it releases carbon monoxide. Even with the door open to let the hazardous gas out, your car can melt ice and snow on the garage floor, creating puddles of water under the door. Unless your garage is heated, those puddles will refreeze once you leave and shut the door.

6. Install a Garage Heater

A garage heater can keep your garage warm and comfortable, making it more suitable to store your items year-round. A heated garage can also prevent your door from freezing as the floor is warmer and prevents ice from building up. It’ll also keep the door warmer to prevent sticking throughout the panels. Buy an insulated garage door to help your garage heater stay efficient.

Contact American Overhead Doors for Garage Door Services

If your garage door sticks in cold weather, seek help from the experts at American Overhead Doors. We’ve been proudly offering our services to all of Connecticut for decades. Those years of experience and our expert team of trained technicians give you the best residential and commercial garage door services in the state. Whether your garage door gets stuck in winter or you need services other times of year, call on us to help.

Contact us today to schedule garage door services, whether you need replacements, repairs or help with a frozen garage door.

An Article on Professional Garage Door Installation Versus the DIY Market

Check out this great article on professional garage door installation versus the DIY market!

https://digitaledition.courant.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=6b86540e-a0ad-429f-817f-e04d318ccb4a

Tips for Garage Door Safety Month 2020

It’s June, which means it’s Garage Door Safety Month! Here’s a friendly reminder to ensure that you and your family maintain a safe home environment. Your garage door may not seem like the biggest threat, but many individuals are hurt by garage door malfunctions each year. Fortunately, you can help prevent these accidents. Start by taking a look at these garage door safety tips.

1. Check Door Balance

Your garage door should move up and down with ease when it’s balanced. If you neglect its maintenance, however, it can become unbalanced. You’ll notice this problem if your garage door seems unevenly weighted. You can test your theory and determine a solution with a few tricks. It’s smart to conduct this check every few months to stay safe.

Turn off your garage door’s opener. Then, slide it up and down the tracks a few times to see if it glides smoothly. Let go at a certain point to see if the door stays put. If it moves, you’ll know there’s a balance problem. You may need to replace your garage door’s springs — it’s best to contact a professional for this project.

2. Look for Wear

You should check your garage door for wear and tear. All garage doors endure damage over time, especially when it comes to severe weather. If yours has cracks or dents, it likely doesn’t function as it should. Plus, any moisture buildup can lead to mildew and rot. It’s more common for wooden doors to take on water-related decay, but you should make time to check for these issues no matter your door’s material.

You can use a flashlight to illuminate your garage door’s cracks and crevices. If you notice any prominent damage that may affect your door’s performance, you should have an expert take a look.

3. Test Door Sensors

Your automatic garage door can prevent injuries, but only when it works correctly. A garage door that comes with sensors and functions properly can sense when there’s an object around or underneath it. It won’t close unless the item moves. However, if the sensors are damaged, missing or misaligned, your garage door could shut abruptly even if there’s an obstruction. Your sensors can help you avoid such risks.

Look at your garage door’s sensors to see if there’s an LED light. Do you notice any blinking? If you do, it’s time to readjust them. You can use a screwdriver to secure the bracket around the sensor. Once it’s secured, the sensor should be ready to work correctly.

4. Consider a Tuneup

How do you keep your garage door safe and operating as intended? An annual garage door tuneup can answer this question. A professional can inspect your door to ensure that it works properly. They’ll check hardware and cables to make sure every component is secure. An expert can also replace different parts that could’ve worn down over time. Opting for regular tuneups is one of the best steps for keeping a garage and garage door system safe.

Contact a Garage Door Specialist at American Overhead Doors, Inc.

If you want to ensure that your garage door works reliably, contact us at American Overhead Doors, Inc. today. Our garage door specialists can conduct a check and provide specific recommendations that enhance your safety. Whether you need a spring replacement or a new garage door entirely, we’re here to provide reliable service for anyone in the state of Connecticut.

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repairs

Garage doors are a vital component of every home — they protect our cars and homes while boosting curb appeal. However, despite using garage doors every day, we almost never dedicate any time to examining their condition — unless, of course, something goes wrong. In this article, we’ll discuss some symptoms that commonly indicate when you should have your door repaired. (more…)