by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

During winter, buildings need to be well heated. Areas like the garage that are directly exposed to the elements need to be protected from damage. Whether it is a garage at your home, or one at your place of work, it is important to preserve your door with weather stripping during the colder months in Amarillo, Texas.

Do I need weather stripping for my garage?

One method is weather stripping. It creates a barrier between the garage door and the garage door opening. Over time, the stripping starts getting worn down. It becomes brittle and it starts cracking. When this happens, cold air gets into the garage and into the house via the door and the frame.

When the weather stripping starts to show signs of wear, it should be fixed immediately. It is best to inspect it once the temperatures start to drop before the worst of winter starts.

For the sake of ensuring that weather stripping is as effective as possible and your home has maximum energy efficiency, you would do well to leave the job to the experts. They will do a professional job so that the stripping lasts longer.

How is weather stripping restored?

The process begins with removing all the weather stripping and scraping off any sealant that is left. New weather stripping will only adhere well and last for long if applied on a clean and smooth surface. It will also seal much better.

The professionals will do it right by aligning it such that the rubber flap lies slightly flat against the garage door. This provides a good seal and ensures the door opens and closes without a problem.

Another way to protect your garage is through insulation. Even if you will not be spending much time here, insulating your garage will ensure that the rest of your home is energy efficient. Modern garages are usually attached to the home so if your garage is not well insulated, you will be losing heat through it. A well insulated garage will also protect your car from incidents of freezing if you are using gel fuel and the engine refusing to start because of freezing temperatures.

Remember that the garage walls and door also need to be insulated. You can lose heat through the walls and doors as well. It is important that you call in the experts to do a professional insulation job. A DIY job using insulation kits may cost you less but it may not be properly done which  means  that when you think you have done a good insulation job, you'll  actually be losing heat through your garage.

Amarillo Garage Door Experts

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door is well known for their professionalism, affordable prices and expertise. Call them today, get your weather stripping restored and keep your garage well protected during the often unpredictable Amarillo winter weather.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

Why does R-Value matter when it comes to garage doors? R-value is the measure of thermal resistance to the flow of heat. It is commonly indicated on manufactured items to show how energy efficient a product is. The value is arrived at based on the thickness of the insulation material and its chemical properties.

Why is R-value important?

In most houses, the garage door is the largest opening.  It's also exposed to the elements. It therefore plays a big role in regulating the transfer of heat in and out of a home. Good insulation will ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. You can measure the insulation of a door by its R-Value.

Apart from overall energy efficiency,insulation is essential if you have converted your garage into a home office, a workshop, an extra bedroom or guest wing. You will need it to be warm during the chilly months and cool in spring and summer.

What is best when it comes to R-Value?

Generally speaking, the higher the R-Value of a garage door, the higher the value of its insulating material. While this is true, there are other facts that you need to understand. For instance, a door or other item that has an R-Value of R-16 does not necessarily have double the thermal resistance and will not necessarily cut your energy costs by half. The fact is that an R-Value of R-16 reduces heat flow by 5% and improves energy efficiency by 5% compared to an R-8 value.

What are the options when it comes to garage door insulation?

Today, there is a choice of garage doors that are insulated and those that are not. If you can, it is best to buy one that comes with built-in insulation. If you are considering changing your garage door, go for one with insulation.

Contact a Professional

If you want to insulate the garage door that you have rather than spend on a new do, you can do so. There are kits for doing this yourself. However, it is best to leave the job to a professional. They will do it the right way for maximum energy efficiency in your home. They will know the right R-Value for your garage door based on your climate, which you may get wrong. They can also examine your door and fix other problems before they get out of hand and that are interfering with the smooth opening and closing of your door.

Who can do garage door insulation for you?

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door offers some of best service, products and prices around. Call them today for installation of a new door with insulation or to insulate your existing one.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

A garage door is part of the overall design scheme of the house and it should be chosen not only for the security function but also esthetic and fiscal value. Whatever your tastes and preferences are, quality must remain the main factor that guides your choice. At Willow Creek Overhead Door, we offer the best from Raynor and Midland garage and overhead door companies.

Why Raynor and Midland?

Raynor and Midland garage door companies have risen to the top by offering customers quality and affordability. The two companies each have their own range of  products.

What options does Raynor Garage Door company offer?

Raynor StyleView is one option. The doors in this range have different styles and personalities to suit yours such as those that are made like French doors, mixed panels and carriage house designs. These and other designs come in no less than an amazing 180 powder coat colors from white, clay tone, bronze and so many others.

Raynor also has the Innovations range of garage doors. These are doors that are highly insulated with polyurethane. The doors offer maximum security and they feature the company's Finger Protection System that includes section joints. The doors in this series are available in Western, ranch and colonial styles and they also come with a broad choice of colors.

The Wood Collection Series is the third series of Raynor doors. It offers a customization option for doors of various designs including bi-fold, swing-up, swing-out and accordion designs. The doors are made of African mahogany or Western Red Cedar and they can be customized with architectural glass and hardware.

What are the options from Midland Garage Door?

One option is the 2" Thermo-Steel raised steel panel. Durability is guaranteed thanks to thermo steel it is made of and the polystyrene center. There is also the classic panel door with stylish steel panels and top windows. It comes with and without insulation and in a wide selection of colors and decorative hardware.

Midland has quite a number options of steel garage doors. These are the vintage carriage door with old-school charm, ranch door with long steel panels and pebble grain texture and the TS-138 thermo-steel door. There's also Series 24 doors with rugged steel exterior, Valuecraft Plus Raised Steel Panel, Valuecraft raised steel panel, series 26 ribbed panel, 2" overlay V-Groove and smooth thermo-steel and 2" overlay thermo-steel. All options come in a wide range of colors.

See Our Selection of Raynor and Midland Garage Doors

Raynor and Midland garage doors are available through Amarillo garage door company, Willow Creek Overhead  Door. All you have to do is call Willow Creek and there will take you through the options and then professionally install the door of your choice. Contact us today for a free estimate and to find out what is the best type of garage or overhead door for your home or business.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

The goal to declutter and organize the garage is one that is often put off again and again. The challenge is often where to get started with the high piles of assorted items that have accumulated over time.

How should I organize and clean my garage?

A good place to start is by knowing exactly what is in there. Likely, it’s tools, lawn and garden equipment, pet supplies and maybe exercise equipment or an extra freezer or refrigerator.

Put like items together. You then have to decide what you will do with the different items. Again, sort out items into three piles. One should be of the things you wish to keep, another of items you wish to donate or sell online or in a garage sale and another of items to be discarded. Pack the items to be donated or sold in the same boxes and pack those to be discarded in another box.  Put what can be recycled in recycle bins from the items you are getting rid of.

How will remaining items be stored?

Look at the items that you need to store and get the best containers to store them in. Boxes are not the best for storing some items. For instance, paints, antifreeze, pesticides and other chemicals should be stored on high shelves where children and pets cannot reach them and where they cannot be accidentally knocked off. If you don't have high shelves, put some up or call in a handyman to put them up.

Some items are best stored on hooks. This includes items like ropes, cords and tools for gardening and doing repairs or DIY jobs around the house. This makes it easy to find a tool that you need and to put it back. Most home improvement stores will have organizational kits and sets to hang on your garage’s wall.

What to keep out of your garage

Another sensitive item you may have in your garage is a gas grill that you tuck away there when it is not in use. Propane is highly combustible and when it becomes a gas when it leaks. This is a potentially dangerous situation because a cigarette, flick of a switch or spark of static electricity can spell disaster in form of an explosion. Ideally, propane grills should be stored away from the house.

Where do other items go?

The goal should be to have the garage floor and walls clear except for the shelves and cabinets. Put other items in sturdy crates, boxes or clear plastic chests where everything is visible.

Willow Creek Overhead Door is a leading Amarillo garage and related products company. They know everything there is to know about garage doors. Whether you need anew door installed, your garage door repaired, or simply have a question about keeping your garage tidy, they can help. And, if your garage is neat and organized, it sure does it make it easier for Willow Creek Overhead Door employees to do their jobs! Contact these friendly, Amarillo garage door specialists today.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

There are a number of considerations to be made before choosing a residential garage door or commercial overhead door. These include durability, the esthetic factor, cost, ease of operation and the existing design of the house or business so there's no clash. There is also the big decision of what the door will be made of: wood or steel. These are the two materials that are most popularly used to make garage doors: wood

Which look do you want?

Home improvements should add aesthetic as well as fiscal value to your home or business. There are so many options with wooden doors, including color, designs and finishes such as those that preserve wood and protect it from the elements. There are also many steel door options. If you like the look of intricately curved and shiny, metallic metal, go for a steel door. There is also the option of combining both and going for a wooden door with steel handles and hinges.

How much maintenance?

Apart from the cost of purchase and installation, you should also factor in the cost of maintenance. With wood, it depends on the type and the kind of finishing it gets. It is best to go for hardwood rather than softwood and it is advisable to get the wood finished with products that will seal it so that it will not absorb moisture which can warp it and it cannot be damaged by termites. The finish will need to be done every two or three years to keep the wood protected.  Steel is tough and durable but it can also use paint to give it polish.

What about insulation?

Insulation is another factor to consider when choosing between a steel and wooden garage door. Insulation levels are particularly important for garages that are attached to the home and those that have been converted and used for other purposes such as a home office or guest quarters. Steel is a metal and thus a better insulator than wood. However, you can get wooden doors that are well insulated. A well insulated garage door will keep the garage warm during the chilly months and cool during the warm months.

Is steel or wood better?

Steel is stronger, requires less maintenance and does not rust. However, wood can be treated to be strong, well insulated  and it comes in an array of designs. Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door has a wide range of wood and steel garage doors for you to choose from. Selling Raynor and Midland garage and overhead doors, Willow Creek Overhead Door can help you select the best door for your home or business, and can even have them customized. Call these Amarillo garage door specialists today and give your home or commercial building a whole new look.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

What does a drive do on a garage door? A drive is part of a mechanism that make locomotion possible and facilitates power transfer within a machinery. A belt or chain drive transfers power so that hoisting or conveying is possible. They are commonly used on cars, motorbikes, bicycles and mechanically operated equipment including garage doors. Both types are made as continuous loops that make it possible for the garage door to move. So what exactly is the difference between a belt drive and chain drive when it comes to your garage door? 

How does a chain drive work?

A chain drive is so called because it is made up of chains that have structures resembling teeth on one side and a corresponding line of the same on the other. These are known as teeth shafts. The chain drive works when the two sides come together so that the chain moves which moves the garage door to open or shut it. The chain is also designed such that it is held in place for smooth movement. Apart from cars, motorbikes and garage doors, chain belts are also used in military tankers and in the mining industry.

A simple chain drive has two gears. More complex ones have more gears which are known as idle gears because they are usually not used or considered in the overall gear ratio. The gear ratio is only affected by the number of teeth that the first and last gears have.

How does a belt drive work?

A belt drive works differently. Rather than having teeth like a chain belt, it is made of a wide, smooth length of synthetic material. The belt can be made of different materials such as plastic, rubber or other strong materials.

Which one is better?

There are pros and cons of both drives for garage doors. The chain belt is made of metal which makes it much stronger. It also lasts longer and repair jobs are easier to undertake. Another advantage is that changing gears is not so complicated if the chain gets broken.

It has some downsides too, and one is that frequent lubrication is required to keep a chain belt moving smoothly. Without it, the chain can get stuck in the links or it can get mangled while it is being run.

Belt drives are quieter, and it's easy to see wear that needs repair. They also run more smoothly and do not require frequent lubrication. They are, however, not as strong or durable as chain belts.

Where can you get the best garage door service in Amarillo?

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Dead is a top-rated garage door supply and installation company. Whether you need a repair or installation, or simply some servicing and maintenance tips for your residential garage or commercial overhead door, Willow Creek Overhead Door can help.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

Garage door safety sensors are automated or motorized devices that work to open garage doors remotely at the touch of a button. Buttons are wired to an electric circuit in the house. There are also buttons that are remote controlled and battery powered connected to a car. Most garage door opening systems have both types of wiring. This is to make it possible for the door to be operated from the car or the house. The system is also designed with an infra-red radio signal which is conveyed to the control unit once the button on the opener is pressed. The control unit will then trigger the electric motor which is connected to a track and pulley system that makes it possible to remotely open and close the garage door.

Why are safety sensors on my garage door necessary?

Garage door safety sensors are a rule rather than a choice. In 1990, the federal government put in regulations that made for garage doors to be fitted with  sensors in order to avoid accidents. They certainly help to avoid accidents with children and pets.

Most companies abide by this rule by installing photo eyes with the garage opening systems. Photo eyes detect obstructions on the door which may stop the door from closing completely. The photo eyes must be in view of each other or come into contact for the door to close properly. If this does not happen, this is an indication of an interruption with that the ray of the infrared beam that connects the photo eyes, which makes it impossible for the door to close completely.

The sensors therefore serve as a security check. When the door will not close completely, you will know it, and you will therefore know that your car, family member, friend or pet is not safe. You will do what is necessary to correct the problem to avoid giving intruders access to the house via through the garage, too.

What should you do if there is a malfunction?

You will know the infrared sensors are not working properly; one or both sensor lights will start blinking. If there is an obstruction at the door, removing it should get the door to open as it should.

If there is no obstruction, the problem may be the sensor, which may be need to be realigned. It may also be that the photo lens needs to be cleaned. If doing this does not get the door working as it should, you should call in the professionals.

Leading Amarillo garage door and overhead company, Willow Creek Overhead Door, is the company to call for anything you need regarding your residential garage door or commercial overhead door. From installation, repairs, servicing and routine maintenance checks, the friendly staff will at Willow Creek Overhead Door will happily help you.

How much curb appeal does your home have? First impressions count for a lot and that applies not only to people but to homes as well. It is important that the exterior of your home looks as good as the inside. A garage door is part of that overall appearance. Here’s why.

What style garage door should I get for my house?

Apart from the front door and the driveway, it is important that your garage door looks just as good and creates the right impression of what the inside is like. Its appearance will enhance or draw away from the way your home looks. Color and design are a big part of this. When choosing the color and design of a residential garage door, choose one that works with that of the house so that the two blend r rather than clash. For instance, if you have a home with a traditional design, get a residential garage door that is also simple. If you have a more complex or contemporary house design, go for a garage door that has distinctive contours and details.

It is also important to keep in mind that a garage door is always exposed to the elements. It is therefore important to choose a paint that is made for the outdoors rather than ordinary paint. It is made to stand up to the elements and will keep your garage door looking good before it needs to be repeated because of peeling and chipping. This will reduce your costs in the long run. Take the time to maintain and clean your garage door as well. 

Which Material Is Best?

The material a residential garage door is made of is another important consideration. Ideally, it should go with rather than contrast with the design of the house. Options include natural wood, which is always beautiful; steel which is a good energy saver and low maintenance. There is also durable glass and also aluminum. If your home has touches of natural wood like a picket fence or window shutters,  go for the same look with the garage door. If there is wrought iron such as on window grills, go for a door that has some as well such as a steel and composite carriage one. 

Whatever your choice of residential garage door is and your budget, quality is important. Raynor and Midland Garage Doors offer quite a bit of variety. This are two of the reputable garage and overhead door brands available from the Amarillo garage door company, Willow Creek Overhead Door. The more choices you have, the better the chances you have of getting a door that looks good and that complements design of your house; one that is high quality and durable; and one that is within budget. If you are looking for a garage door, contact Willow Creek Overhead Door. These Amarillo garage door professionals can help you find the perfect residential garage door to make your home be the envy of the neighborhood.