The weather has a big say in what we can do. It determines choice of wardrobe, leisure activities, vacations, among many other things. It is advisable to always work ahead and be prepared for the coming season to avoid getting caught up in problems and dilemmas that can be avoided, such as with your garage door. Going from bitterly cold winters to hot, dry summers in the Texas Panhandle (not to mention flash floods and hail), can wreak havoc on your garage door. Therefore it’s important to do seasonal maintenance.

How do I prep my garage for the winter?

There are certainly things you can do to get ready for the cold season. One is to clean both sides of the garage door with a solution of water and mild detergent. Rinse well with clean water and apply wax to steel doors for protection from weather elements.

Lubrication of every moving part is important. Use a good quality lubricant like WD-40 on the springs, hinges and rollers, applying a light, even coat. The lubricant will ensure that parts do not stick together which cold weather can cause. Apply some on the tracks as well.

Pay attention to the weatherstripping as well. Clean the stripping in between the door panels and around the edges with a good plastics cleaning product. When it is completely dry, apply a silicone-based lubricant. Check for cracks and tears on the stripping and replace it in time.

When the cold weather sets in, open and close the door daily. It will prevent the door from freezing shut and it will ensure your door opens and shuts smoothly.

Does my garage door need maintenance during warmer months?

It is necessary to get garage doors ready for the warm season, too. Take advantage of the warm weather to clean out your garage. Have boxes and a trash can on hand. Go through everything on the shelves and floor, and sort out what you need and what should be thrown away. Leave everything outside while you wipe the shelves and clean the floor.

Start right from the walls, using a long handled cobweb brush or broom to remove cobwebs and sweep the walls. After dry sweeping, use a stiff, long-handled scrubbing brush to scrub the floor with mild detergent and then rinse and dry it. Tackle oil stains with a stain remover. You can then tidily put everything back. As you work, check for damage such as broken windows and cracks on the walls. Get them repaired accordingly.

Pay attention to the garage door. Clean it, lubricate it and clean sensitive parts like the photo eyes with a soft, dry cloth. If there are any problems like jerky or noisy movements that lubricant does not take care of, have it checked.

Which Amarillo garage door company should I call?

You will always find a friendly and expert ear at Willow Creek Overhead Door in Amarillo, Texas. Whether all you want is some advice on how to do seasonal maintenance or you need your door repaired or replaced, you can count on owner Tony Hall for affordable prices and speedy service.

Perhaps the one thing in your home you take for granted, your garage door has always been there to protect your vehicle and add esthetic value to your home. However, things do happen, and you may decide to update an older door for a newer model, or repair a door that isn't working quite right.

Garage Door Repairs

Your garage door may decide to stop working, or only work sporadically. Should it be repaired or replaced? The best option is to call an expert in to make that determination. Repairs such as cosmetic dents from a hailstorm are an easy fix, and sometimes a mechanical problem can be caused by a broken spring, damaged track, or electrical issue. These problems can be fixed by an expert in garage door repairs. If the problem is not an easy fix, you may need to replace the door altogether for the most cost effective solution. However, a problem such as a dented door may look harmless but leads to other issues that can keep your door from working properly.

Garage Door Installation

Decide to install a new door? There are many options available, from recycled garage doors to environmentally friendly designs. Choose from reputable brands like Raynor and Midland garage doors, in a wide range of types including steel garage doors or wooden garage doors. Some styles include carriage house designs, ranch house doors, and classic designs in a wide range of colors. Once you've picked out the perfect garage door, have an expert install a garage door opener at the same time for a more convenient way to open your door without worry or frustration.

Who To Call

Not sure who to call for repairs and installation in the Texas Panhandle? Contact Willow Creek Overhead Door, which services the Amarillo and Dalhart areas as well as the entire panhandle. Willow Creek will give you a free estimate for their services, and will help you find the safest, most secure, and attractive garage door for your budget and install it professionally, or assist you in repairing your existing door for an affordable price.

Contact Willow Creek Overhead Door today at 806-731-2999. Browse the website for answers to your questions, or send an email with your questions or concerns about garage door repairs or installation. Whether you need a garage door for a commercial property or a residence, Willow Creek Overhead Door combines high quality with experience to bring you the best experience available.

Though the Energy Tax Credit for garage doors is now expired, there are plenty of benefits to getting an energy-saving garage door from Raynor and Midland from Willow Creek Overhead Door. Want to know more about what an eco-friendly garage door can do for you, and what your choices are when it comes to sustainable garage doors for your home?

Environmentally-friendly Garage Door Options

There are several options for consumers looking for ways to save money and energy by installing an environmentally-friendly garage door. You can purchase a garage door made from recycled materials, or choose an insulated garage door to lower your energy bills. Choose a steel garage door for the most planet-friendly garage material, because steel is primarily composed of recycled materials. Doors made with polystyrene or polyurethane foam insulation are safe and the greenest garage door choice available.

A garage door with a weathertight seal at the bottom is perfect for protecting your garage, and prevents any leaks that cause heat or cooling transfer. If you choose a garage door with glass inserts, ensure the glass is insulated to increase energy efficiency, and created with special UV protection to keep glass looking good for years to come. If you're on a budget and can't afford a new garage door, purchase a used one from Willow Creek for an affordable and environmental option.

Raynor and Midland both offer plenty of garage door options that are stylish, energy efficient, and durable so they’ll last for years to come. You can choose between materials like steel, custom built wood, and French style doors along with many color choices.

What To Look For

Some things to keep in mind when you're shopping for an environmentally-friendly garage door include:

• Recycled materials. Doors made of composite materials need fewer repairs because the material doesn't crack or warp when exposed to the elements -- and they look beautiful, too.
  
• Door insulation. Look for garage doors with a high R-value, which is the door's measure of energy efficiency. Essentially, a garage door with a higher R-value has better insulation and is more efficient.
  
• Maintenance. Garage doors that require little to no maintenance saves you money in the long run, and great garage doors increase the value of your home; any improvements you make that increase your home's energy efficiency allows you to ask more for your home if you decide to sell it later on.
  
  

Looking for an environmentally friendly garage door that's also affordable? Look no further than Willow Creek Overhead Door. Willow Creek installs and repairs commercial and residential garage doors. Check out their website for answers to your questions, or contact them at 806-731-2999 to discuss your options for purchasing the best Raynor or Midland garage door.

Automatic garage doors are one of those things that you want to set up and then never think about again. Whether you have a small residential home with a two-car garage or a large corporation with multiple garages for company vehicles, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your garage door is going to work properly. 

Make the effort to get the door installed the right way initially and then take care of repairs in a timely manner for minimal maintenance issues.

What Type Of Installation Options Can I Expect From A Overhead Door Company?

Experienced garage door companies have installed a wide range of residential and commercial doors. Regardless of the needs for your specific garage, it is likely that they have encountered a similar situation with a previous customer.

Inquire about available inventory. You want to work with a company that offers a large selection of styles and designs from reputable top name brands. Trusted garage door manufacturers, such as Midland Garage Door MFG. Co. and Raynor, offer overhead doors that are safe, sturdy, easy to operate, and most importantly secure. When you select a door from one of these companies, or another trustworthy garage door manufacturer, and hire an experienced overhead door company to install it, you're guaranteed to get a high quality door that matches the aesthetic of your home and that will last for many years to come.

Why Do I Need A Technician To Repair My Garage Door?

Whether you have a tiny issue or a major problem with your residential or commercial overhead garage door, you don't want to delay getting it fixed. Avoiding the issue can end up costing you more money in the long run. While a small issue may not seem like a big deal now, over time it can turn into a much more serious problem. Don't wait until this happens. Get an estimate for the work as soon as possible.

Alternatively, are you convinced that the issue looks like something relatively straightforward that you can fix yourself? Unless you have extensive personal experience fixing garage doors, you don't want to make the problem worse or end up not addressing the heart of the issue. For example, the problem may stem from the operator as opposed to the garage door.

Willow Creek Overhead Door is the leading Amarillo garage and overhead door company. We serve the greater Texas Panhandle area, including Pampa. If you need an estimate for your residential or commercial overhead door installation or repair, give us a call today at 806-731-2999.

A broken garage door is a problem for many reasons. First and foremost, a broken garage door is unsafe. Not only could it be potentially physically damaging, it can also allow unwanted visitors (whether it be rodents or thieves) the ability to breach the perimeter and gain access to your home. Because of this, it is important to find a qualified professional to fix your garage door. Garage doors should be fixed as soon as possible after they break.

How To Find A Qualified Professional

To find a professional to fix your garage door, you can begin by asking friends and family who they’ve used in the past. Word-of-mouth advertising is important to companies of this nature, and those who do good work will come highly recommended. You can also check online for reviews of local companies in the Vega, Texas-area. Remember, finding a company that specializes in the work will ensure you better service even though most contractors or handymen will offer garage door maintenance and repair.

What To Ask The Professional

When working with a garage door repair specialist, remember you have the right to ask questions and request confirmation of their ability to complete the job. Don't be afraid to ask what their qualifications are, and how long they've been doing business. A company that’s been in business for many years is more likely to be on the up-and-up. Many fly-by-night operations will close quickly and move onto another part of the country, so ask the professional how long they've been in business.

After you feel comfortable with the company's track record, find out exactly what the repair costs cover, and what type of warranty you'll receive after the job is fixed. Your goal should be to find a company that offers a warranty or guarantee. A garage door is not always an easy fix and it can be a relatively expensive venture, so protecting yourself with a warranty is a necessity.

Whenever you’re dealing with home maintenance or repair, it is important to find a company that you feel comfortable working with. When it comes to dealing with your garage door, or any problems associated with them, call the professionals of Willow Creek Overhead Door. They will be happy to answer any and all of your questions, and will ensure your garage door in Vega, Texas, gets the care it requires and deserves.

Whether you’re in need of a garage door fix or a brand new installation, you probably have a lot of questions about how to approach the situation. On the one hand, minor repairs might seem like something you can tackle yourself, but more complicated problems and new garage doors are a different story. 

Have a look at the most frequently asked questions about garage door repair and installation as a guide to help you out.

Are there garage repairs I can make myself?

There are some fixes that you can try, especially if you’re handy with tools. Sometimes a garage door won’t work because the sensors that prevent the door from closing are dirty. Here, it’s just a matter of cleaning them off so the door will go down all the way. You might also be able to replace a broken spring with the right tools.

When is it best to hire a professional garage door contractor?

For most other repairs, it’s smart to contact a garage door company to take care of the problem. Safety is a primary concern, as garage doors are heavy and can cause injuries to someone trapped underneath. Plus, unless you’re in the business, you don’t have the knowledge and expertise of garage doors and opening systems. You can cause damage to the door if you don’t know what you’re doing, which can be quite expensive.

How should I handle a new garage door installation?

Considering the difficulty of installing a cumbersome, heavy garage door, hiring an expert to tackle the task is the best move. These professionals have the experience and tools to get the job done at a reasonable price. Without the right equipment, you’d need quite a few helpers to assist you with installing the door on the track and implementing the opening machinery.

What should I look for in a garage door repair or installation contractor?

As with any company doing repairs or other work on your home, you want your garage door contractor to have significant experience and expertise in the business. Depending on your circumstances, you might need a company that specializes in both residential and commercial work. Also, make sure any garage door company you speak to about repairs has extensive knowledge on the most popular brands and manufacturers. Finally, consider customer service when choosing a garage door company. Give them a call with questions and see how they respond.

If you’re in need of a garage door expert for repairs or installation, please give us a call at Willow Creek Overhead Door in Amarillo, Texas. Our experienced staff has been handling both commercial and residential work for almost 15 years, serving Nazareth, Texas, and the Texas Panhandle area.

Garage doors have two basic components: the door and the opener. When something goes wrong with either part, it can affect the operation of the door. These malfunctions can often be repaired without having to replace expensive parts. Anytime your door starts behaving less-than-optimally, you can go through a maintenance checklist. This checklist will tell you if you need to bring in a professional to handle the problem. 

What Is The One Thing My Garage Door Needs In Order To Work Properly?

Answer: spring tension. It doesn't matter if your garage door lifts up in sections or swings up in one solid piece; even unplugging the opener and lifting it manually requires spring tension. The door moves on a track and the heavy-duty springs provide the power and weight distribution it takes to lift the door. The first place to look for signs of a problem is the track the door slides on. 

Common track issues include loose mounting brackets and dents, crimps, or flat spots on the track itself. Simply tightening the bracket screws will restore some functionality. Additionally, if you are good with a rubber mallet or hammer, you can pound these flaws out by hand. However, a badly damaged track will have to be professionally replaced. 

Should The Tracks Slant At All?

This question brings us to the next item on the checklist: alignment. Horizontal tracks should slant slightly toward the back of the garage, while vertical tracks should be perfectly straight -- or plumb. No matter what, the tracks should always be the same height. Use a level to check the alignment of the tracks. If they are out of alignment, loosen, but do not remove the screws in the brackets. Gently tap the tracks back into place and check your work with a level. When you have achieved the right alignment, tighten the screws in the brackets. 

What’s The Best Cleaner To Use On Dirty Garage Door Tracks?

According to our checklist, the best cleaner is one of the simplest. A concentrated household cleaner will remove dirt, buildup, and hardened grease. Make sure to thoroughly dry the tracks once they've been cleaned.

What Does It Mean If One Side Of The Door Is Sagging?

It means that it’s time for the last step on our checklist: a tightening tuneup. Tighten the aforementioned bracket screws, but for roll-up doors, also check the hinges. Tighten the loose ones and replace the damaged ones. Doors with a single tension spring should always be professionally serviced, so you avoid injury; don't try self-repairs. 

Based in Amarillo, Texas, Willow Creek Overhead Door serves the Texas Panhandle, including Hereford. If you can’t seem to fix your door on your own, contact one of our technicians.

As a homeowner, you want to ensure your home looks good both inside and out, and that it is well-secured. A garage door is therefore a big part of the overall impression of a home. If it is attractive, it increases the curb appeal of a home. If it's neglected or clashes with the design of the rest of the house, it creates an unkempt, drab impression of a home.

An attractive and well-maintained garage door is also a factor when it comes to the fiscal value of a home. It significantly increases this value. The state and type of garage door is also a security issue. As the home can be accessed through the garage, it is important that the door keep intruders out.

Considering The Options?

If you are building a new home or want to upgrade the garage door that you have, then you'll want to take the time to go through the options and pick out the best one.

• Manual or automatic? A lot of people are moving away from manual to automatic garage doors. It is one of the most popular reason for upgrades. Apart from having an attractive, modern look, automatic doors offer several benefits. The most important is safety, thanks to the sensors that push the door back up when there is something in its way. In a home with children and pets, this is particularly important. They also have alarms that warn of intruders before they can get into the house, and offer the convenience of opening and closing the garage door without leaving the car.
  

• Wood, steel or aluminum? There is an array of designs to choose from. You can also choose a door made of wood, steel, aluminum or a combination of two materials for aesthetic effect.
  

• With or without windows and pet openings? You can choose to have windows added for ventilation as well as opening for pets to get in and out of the house as they wish.
  

• Standard or custom size? You also have a choice of a standard garage door or one that is customized to let through large vehicles, like trucks or items like RVs and boats.
  

Where Are They Available?

If you live in or around Bushland, Texas, you can have the leading garage door company taking care of your needs. Willow Creek Overhead Door has a wide range of doors to suit your needs, preferences and budget. Get in touch today and get an attractive and safe garage door. The company also undertakes repairs and upgrades.

When you’re a homeowner, you have to worry about various problems cropping up. Security should be a top priority for your home, and there might be a few weak points that would allow a burglar, whether a professional or an amateur, easy access to your home. If you happen to own a garage that includes pet doors or windows, you might be at risk for break-ins. Exactly how insecure are these aspects and what can you do to prevent burglars from accessing your home from these weak points?

Are Windows And Pet Doors A Home Security Concern?

By and large, most would agree that windows in a garage door and pet doors aren't the biggest security concern you likely have. Windows, traditionally, are a non-concern. Most garage door windows are set high off the ground and would make it difficult for a criminal to access the inside of the garage from these windows. Lower set windows are a potential concern, as they could give criminals access to sensors or levers on the garage door, which would allow a criminal access to the home. Windows do pose one significant risk, however -- they allow would-be thieves to see when your car is not in the garage, giving them potential knowledge of your comings and goings.

How To Protect Your Home

While you can safeguard your home with proper bolts, the garage is a susceptible area of the home. To ensure your garage does not allow thieves access to your goods, follow a few, simple, easy rules to keep things safer than ever:

1. Frost garage windows and doors. Frosting the glass will not allow a thief to see into the garage, which would give them information about your comings and goings and the type of goods you have in the garage. This is a good first step for anyone who has garage door windows.
   
2. Remove valuable items from the garage and place them elsewhere, away from prying eyes. Large windows make it easy for would-be thieves to scope out the contents of your garage. Keeping it bare can be a deterrent.
   
3. Never keep your garage door opener in the car, nor should you connect buttons within your car to the garage door operator. This could give a thief easy access to the garage when you car is not inside. Consider a key fob opener instead.
   

If you have questions or concerns about the security of your current garage door system, call the professionals at Willow Creek Overhead Door, an Amarillo garage door retailer, installer and repairer serving the Texas Panhandle. They'll be happy to answer your questions and find a solution that works for your specific needs.