There are a number of choices when it comes to garage doors. There is the material they are made of, size, design and there’s also the choice of manual and automatic garage doors. As you install a new garage door or upgrade your old one, it’s important to first carefully consider the pros and cons of manual and automatic garage doors.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Automatic Doors?

The first advantage is the convenience of being able to open and close your garage door from your car. This is ideal during foul weather or when there is any form of danger lurking around as you drive in or out.

Automatic doors also give you a number of options when it comes to how the opener works. You can, for instance, choose the opening and closing speed of the door. Automatic doors are safe, with sensors to push the door back up when there are obstructions in its path.

Automatic doors also increase the value of your home. If you’re staging your home to sell it, consider upgrading to an automatic door. It will be a major selling point.

Automatic doors cost more than manual ones. You will also run into additional repair charges whenever the opener breaks down and the door is not opening and closing smoothly. Periodic servicing will be needed, too.

Are Automatic Or Manual Doors More Popular?

Although manual doors will cost you less to purchase, install, and maintain as there are no electronic parts to service or repair, automatic garage doors tend to be more popular. The benefits of automatic garage doors outweigh the disadvantages. Choices of design and material abound for automatic doors. You can also choose to have your automatic garage door custom made to suit specific tastes and preferences. They can be made to fit large vehicles like a truck or RV that you wish to be parking in your garage.

Where Can You Get A Quality Garage Door?

The higher costs of maintaining an automatic garage door can be brought down by choosing high quality doors that don’t easily break down. You must also ensure you get a long-term warranty for the door and the installation service. With these checks, you will only be paying for periodic, seasonal servicing, which is inexpensive.

Willow Creek Overhead Door has built a reputation on quality doors and efficient service. Whichever type of garage door you choose, they will supply and install it to the highest standards. Contact them today.

One innovation for garages that is both trendy and functional is garage door screens. These are separate from garage doors and they serve a number of purposes. One is that they make it possible for the garage door to be open and let fresh air and natural light in while keeping away bugs like mosquitoes and flies. They also offer a measure of privacy when the garage door is up, which is ideal if you work in your garage frequently. There are also anti-sunscreens that reflect off UV rays.

What Type Of Garage Door Screen Can I Get?

There are various types of garage door screens.One option is retractable screens that retract completely into a cassette at the top. There are automatic and manual ones. Even with manual garage door screens, there are no bottom tracks that need to be installed or that need to be cleaned.

Another option is sliding screens that slide across the garage door. When you open the garage door and slide the screen shut, you can use your garage for so much more than parking your car or storing items. You can convert it into space for a party, a home office or workshop or just a shaded hangout. When you want to park your car, the screen will smoothly glide out of the way.

There is also the option of having a French screen, which closes at the middle. With this screen, there are top and bottom locks that hold one side of the screen at the center. Some have a full top to bottom magnetic seal that holds both doors in place at the center. This is a good choice if you have a French garage door since the screens can be customized to fit the two sides of the garage door.

You have a choice of colors. You can choose a color that is similar to that of your garage door or you can go for a screen in a darker shade for more privacy. You can also get your custom screen made in a specific shade of your choice.

How Do I Measure For And Install A Garage Door Screen?

Dimensions have to be very precise for the screen to fit exactly and to open and shut all the way without a problem. Honestly, it may be best to have a professional come in and do it, unless you are quite the handy person!

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door can help you design the perfect space for your garage. Contact owner Tony Hall today to learn more about what Willow Creek Overhead Door has to offer.

There are several reasons why your garage door may be stuck. But here’s one of the most likely causes: Do you sometimes leave your garage door partially opened? 

When you are cleaning out the garage or if you have a pet, you may leave the door partially opened. You should never do this. Why? Well, because it can cause your garage door to get stuck and not open or close smoothly.

How does a garage door become damaged?

There are two types of springs on garage doors. A door may have extension springs, which float above the roller track that is at the top. Other doors are fitted with torsion springs, which are mounted on the header at the top of the door.

A garage door may open singularly or as a whole in an upward directions. Others roll up panel by panel. Either way, the door operates on spring tension. Opening and closing is facilitated by the metal tracks that are fixed on the garage wall as well as one heavy weight spring or a number of them.

When the door is left partially opened, the springs are getting damaged every time. Over time, they may break. When they do snap, the door will unexpectedly come down which can seriously injure a person or pet in its way. The door would also crash any object in its path. Insurance may not cover any such injury or damage if the company determines the accident was a result of negligence.

Another form of damage that could be caused by the habit of leaving a garage door partially opened is that it could become stuck at this position. It can refuse to go up or come down which would bring a lot of inconvenience. The security of the garage and home would be compromised and you wouldn't be able to get the car in or out. This is also a cost that insurance would not cover so you would have to pay out of your pocket for experts to come in and do the necessary repairs.

How can I keep air circulating and light in my garage then?

If you leave the door partially opened for ventilation, you can have windows installed. This would be on the door itself or on the garage walls. There is a variety of designs and you can choose one that will enhance the fiscal as well as esthetic value of your home.

During the warm months of spring and summer, windows may not be enough. You may therefore want to look into having an air conditioner installed. You would really need one if the garage is also used as a workshop of home office.

If you leave your garage door for your dog, cat or other pet to come in and get out of the house without your having to open the door for them, you can have a pet door installed. The door will be cut to fit your pet so it will be able to get in and out without bothering. The pet door can be secured from the inside so you can do so at night to keep unwanted pets like snakes and rodents away.

Willow Creek Overhead Door in Amarillo, Texas is known for its professionalism and affordable, high-quality work. Contact this locally owned and operated Amarillo garage door business to fix the problem of a stuck garage door and to install useful features like pet doors, windows and more.

Are you considering insulating your garage? An insulated garage is very energy efficient since it consumes a lot less energy than a detached garage. Insulation reduces heat transmission into the garage which further limits transmission into the environment. Insulation also reduces noise. You should definitely consider it if you live along a busy or noisy environment. If you are thinking about having a garage door installed, you may be considering having windows.Windows in garage doors are great if you work in your garage often, because they allow natural light in. However, you may be wondering if windows can affect the insulation.

What are my options as far as garage door insulation?

There are basically two types of insulation: polyurethane and polystyrene. Polystyrene is a tough block of insulation that is put between two layers of your garage door. The insulation is not permanently attached to the door. You can compare it to the filling in a sandwich. 

On the other hand, polyurethane is an injected foam insulation that is fixed to the garage door. It is bonded to the two outer layers of the door.

Which type of insulation works best?

Polystyrene costs less. However, polyurethane gives double the insulating R-Value, which means much better insulation. It also helps to make a door  stronger. Polyurethane foam that is fixed on wooden and metal insulated garage doors it bonds to the door chemically and makes the door tougher.

How do garage windows affect insulation?

It is advisable for some homeowners to have windows installed on their garage door. For one, you can open them during those warm days and let in fresh air. This way, you can avoid leaving your garage door partially open for ventilation, which can damage it. 

Also, a lot of people use their garages to store items like paints, fuel, anti-freeze, garden supplies, pesticides and fertilizers. Such items tend to give off fumes as can a car, especially if there's more than one in the garage. Windows also bring in natural light to your garage and they do add financial and esthetic value to your home.

There is also  a disadvantage to having garage windows. It is that they reduce your garage insulation. Heat can be lost through the windows which means more energy is consumed to keep the garage adequately heated.

What can be done?

The good news is that there is a way around this. Get garage windows that are made of insulated glass. This glass keeps the heat in just like the insulation on the door so they are very green and energy efficient.

Who sells garage doors with windows?

Raynor and Midland offer insulated glass garage windows to go with their insulated garage doors. Each of the two companies have their own selection of products. The Raynor Garage Door company has doors made like French doors, others with carriage door designs and those with mixed panels. You have more than 180 options of powder coat colors so there is something for everyone. This is under the company's StyleView range and there is also the Innovations and Wood Collection Series. Midland Garage Door company have the thermo-steel raised steel panel doors as well as Series24 options with a rugged steel exterior.

Raynor and Midland doors and insulated glass garage windows are available from Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door. Call Tony Hall today to find out about your garage door options, and he can find one that fits your needs and budget.

You’ve probably never taken notice that sometimes you don’t close your garage door all the way. Whether you are cleaning out your garage or leaving it open for the cat, it’s important to not leave it cracked open all the time. Why? A garage door may develop problems and fail to open or close as it should if left partially open on a regular basis. 

Why Do People Leave Their Garage Doors Partially Open?

It is usually pet owners who leave the door to their garage partially opened. This is so that pets can get in and out without their having to let them out and back in again throughout the day and night. The door may also be left partially open to air out the garage if you are working on your car, for example.

How Does This Damage The Garage Door?

Springs on garage doors come in two types. They may have extension springs that float above the roller track at the top or they may have torsion springs that are mounted on the header above the door.

Whether a garage door opens upwards singularly or it roll ups bit by bit, it operates on spring tension. The door opens and closes because of metal tracks on the garage wall and one heavy spring or a series of them. When you don't always close it completely, you risk damaging the springs. Leaving the door partially opened will keep damaging the springs over time and may cause the springs to break. If this happens, the door can come down unexpectedly and any person or pet that is in its path can be seriously injured.

My Garage Door Won’t Open Or Close All The Way

Can you imagine a scenario where you need to back out of the garage and go to work, school or another place, but you can't because you can't get your garage door to open?

Your only option would be to call in an expert to repair the door. In most cases, insurance will not cover the cost of negligence and by their definition, that includes closing the door only partially. So this job may cost a pretty penny, depending on the amount of damage and the type of overhead door you have.

How Can You Repair The Garage Door?

If you must leave room for your pets to go in and out, you can have a pet door installed in the door. However, it’s important to note that any opening in a garage door may make it easier for burglars to break in. 

When you need your garage door repaired, contact Amarillo garage door company Willow Door Overhead Door. Owner Tony Hall can advise you on the best garage door for your style preferences, needs and budget. Willow Creek Overhead Door sells a variety of garage doors, including ones with pet doors. 

Tony can also install a pet door in the door you already have. If your springs need to be repaired or replaced, Willow Creek Overhead Door sells discounted springs. You can install them yourself or hire Tony to come out and do the job for you. Contact this leading Amarillo garage door company today for installation prices.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

As you may have heard, there have been instances of home burglaries and attempted break-ins in the Amarillo, Texas area as of late. 

One such instance took place in the neighborhood of City View. The homeowners left their garage door open for their children, who were outdoors playing.  While eating dinner, the husband stepped into his garage to discover two young men breaking into the cars. The husband tried to stop one of the alleged burglars, and the other burglar pulled a gun on him. The couple’s son approached and the burglar turned the gun on him. This happened in broad daylight. 

Just two days later, there was a break-in on the 6000 block of Chisholm Circle in Amarillo. This alleged crime also took place in broad daylight. 

How Can My Garage Door Protect My Family And Home?

Your home is your castle. A strong, efficient garage door provides another layer of protection for your home, possessions, your family and pets. You would think we could leave our garage doors open during the day, but with recent events, it seems we cannot. 

No matter what time of day it is, please try to keep your garage door closed. An open garage door provides burglars with easy access to the contents of your garage, such as your cars, and your home, especially if the door to your home is unlocked. Burglars could break into your cars, steal your garage door opener and then come back to your home later on.

When you are not home, always keep your garage door shut. If you need to leave it open for someone, such as a repair-person or a house-sitter, opt for a garage door app, such as the MyQ app for LiftMaster. This app allows you to open and close your garage door from your phone or smart device, no matter where you are. 

Whether you are at work or across the country on vacation, you can control your garage door and keep track of when it was opened and closed. LiftMaster also offers a Security+ line, which transmits a new security code each time you use your garage door remote. Referred to as rolling-code technology, this type of technology reduces the likelihood of a potential thief from using a code grabber device to open your garage door.

If you are home, it’s advisable to keep your garage door shut, too. Keep your doors locked. If you or are your children are outside, use a key to get back in.

What Else Can I Do To Protect My Home From Burglaries?

Did you know that the average dollar loss from a break-in is around $2,000? There are at least 2,000 burglaries every year in Amarillo, according to Amarillo Crime Stoppers and city data. There has been a decrease in recent years, but that does not mean you should be lax in your efforts. Please do the following to help protect your family and home, and prevent burglaries:

1. Don’t leave your garage door remote or opener in your vehicle. Look into purchasing a keychain remote opener rather than one that clips to the visor of your car.
   
2. Make sure your garage door is sturdy, strong and in working order. A weak or damaged garage door makes it easier for criminals to break into your home. Wooden or steel garage doors are best. For added protection, you can even have a deadbolt lock installed.
   
3. Do not leave your garage door open. We have to reiterate this, as an open garage door is just an open invitation for people to steal something from you. When you leave your home, stick around until you see your garage door close all the way. 
   
4. Don't forget about windows or pet flaps. If you have garage door windows, frost them, tint them or get mirrored garage door windows so people can’t see into your garage. If your car is gone, a burglar could easily find out and take advantage of you not being home. Pet doors can be risky because someone could squeeze through the opening. Look into getting a pet door that restricts access by using a pet's microchip or programmed collar for entry and exit. 
   
5. Maintain your garage door. Do a maintenance check on your garage door springs, hinges, tracks and any mechanical parts. A garage door professional can also do this for you.
   

If you want to make sure your garage door is safe, secure and in working order, contact Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door. Owner Tony Hall will come to your home and make sure your garage door is working as it should. He also provide repairs and replacements for garage door and parts. 

Remember, a working, secure, well-maintained garage door is one of the best ways to protect your home and family from burglary. A garage door is one of the most common things people overlook when it comes to home security. Make sure yours is doing its job by contacting Willow Creek Overhead Door today. 

Willow Creek Overhead Door owner Tony Hall discusses Garage Door and Home Security Measures with NewsChannel 10 in Amarillo.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

Garage door options have evolved greatly over the years. While there are still simple, basic doors out there, there are now doors that boast an array of high-tech features. Mobile phone operated garage doors are just one example, such as LiftMaster’s new Quiet Belt Drive Garage Door Opener with MyQ capabilities.

Who is LiftMaster?

LiftMaster is an industry leader in the manufacturing of access control product. LiftMaster has turned around the sector of garage door openers. A garage door is the primary entrance in most homes. It should therefore be as secure as possible and operate smoothly.

What is MyQ technology?

MyQ technology is the brainchild of LiftMaster. This technology that makes it possible for you to remotely secure and monitor your garage door and the lights in your house via a computer, smartphone app or tablet. You can also receive alerts through pop-up notifications on your cell phone. 

This way, you can always be sure that your garage door is secure wherever you are. You will immediately be notified of attempted break-ins and you can take action to deter burglars.

You may imagine that such high-tech features come with a hefty price tag but that it is not the case. The doors are very affordable and MyQ mobile app can be downloaded at no cost. No annual activation fee is charged. This garage door opener is also very energy efficient and because it has a belt drive, it is very quiet.

What comes with the LiftMaster Quiet Belt Drive Garage Door Opener?

This Premium Series 1/2 HP AC garage door opener that uses a belt drive comes with accessories. One is the 882LM  multi-functional control panel. It is used to operate the opener and it lights up the garage from inside. This panel also makes programming quick and easy, thanks to a new learn button.

Another accessory is the 893LM remote control with three buttons. This multi-door accessory is powerful enough to operate three garage doors, gates or MyQ technology lighting accessories. It also has multi-frequency security with 2.0 technology that eliminates all interference.

Which security features do MyQ openers have?

There is the 2.0 technology that sends a new code to your phone on request so that only you can open your garage door. There is also PosiLock that electronically locks your garage door so that forceful opening is not possible. There's also Alert-2-Close that gives audible warnings when the door is about to close. There is the Protector System that will not let the door close when there is something in its way.

Whether you are 10 feet away from your garage or a 1,000 miles, the LiftMaster MyQ 8355 app allows you open and close your garage door. The app will also keep a log of your garage door's activity.

Another perk of LiftMaster's MyQ technology is the sheer convenience. If you are at work or out of town and need a service professional, such as the cable company or plumber to get in your home, you can open and close the garage door without being there.

Where can you get LiftMaster’s MyQ garage door opener?

Willow Creek Overhead  Door in Amarillo, Texas is an appointed dealer of LiftMaster products. Call owner Tony Hall today for a free consultation about the options of garage doors with the cutting-edge MyQ technology. 

Watch owner Tony Hall's instructional video below to see LiftMaster's MyQ app in action!

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

The modern garage door has evolved to include several features for enhanced security and convenience. You no longer have to opt for the Plain Jane look. Whether you want a pet door, exhaust port or windows, those options are all available to you.

Pet Doors and Flaps in Garage Doors

A pet door or pet flap is an opening that is made to allow your dog or cat to get in and out of the house without your having to constantly do it yourself. You can buy a garage door that has a pet door or have one built into your existing one.

Windows for Garage Doors

Garage windows are another convenient feature. With windows, you can not only let air into your garage, but you can also add curb appeal and increase the fiscal value of your home. Garage windows that are made of automotive-grade ASA composite are a good choice as they are durable. For security reasons, go for those made of opaque plexiglass.

If your  garage has windows, you may only open them occasionally for fresh air. However, fumes from your car or cars are constantly accumulating. Your garage may also have a variety of products like paints, anti-freeze products, fuel and others whose combined fumes and smells can become a hazard. If you work out of your garage, that is likely the case.

The solution is exhaust ports, which are always moving fumes from your car out of the garage through the exhaust pipe. There are various options of them in size and capacity to suit your needs.

Can you access and monitor your garage door no matter where you are?

With an internet accessory, you can connect to the internet and operate your garage from just anywhere in the world. Access is gained from your smartphone or computer. With the device, you can operate your garage door, turn the lights in your home on and off and block access when you perceive a threat, like an attempted break-in.

Do you need parking assistance?

With a laser parking accessory, you can be sure that you will park in the right spot every time. This is thanks to the laser that automatically goes on and projects a beam onto the dashboard. When the beam hits a pre-selected spot on the dash, you know when to stop.

Do you want other features on your garage door?

You can get a full inventory of these features from Willow Creek Overhead Door. Call this leading Amarillo garage door company today for a broad catalog of garage door accessories, styles and designs from Midland and Raynor.

by Tony Hall - More by Tony Hall

Mobile phones now have the capability to control garage and overhead doors. Why is that a big deal? Ask yourself, "What is the top concern when it comes to garage doors?" Cars are parked in garages rather than outside to fulfill the basic need of security. It is therefore only natural that a garage door opener should be secured to the fullest extent, including how it is operated. Today, the option is available for home and business owners to control their garage door with their mobile phones, garage doors. Consider this just one more level of security when it comes to garage doors.

The best garage door option is one that offer maximum security and convenience. This would be a system that allows the driver to open and shut a garage door is without having to leave the car.  A keyless garage door opener is also advantageous because it gives a burglar no chance to tamper with keys and locks and gain entry.

The best option is one that puts access to a garage door right in your hand. It is a system that has the controls for the door on your mobile phone which is always with you and which therefore means that only you can open and close your garage door.

What openers operated by phone are available?

One option is the LiftMaster Elite Series 8550. It is operated using an application that you can downloaded free to your mobile phone and that has no annual fee. You can choose settings on your mobile so that you can always check that your garage door and house lights are secured. You can also control the system with your computer or tablet.

The Premium Series 8360 with Battery Backup is the other option. This system is also free to downloading without any activation or annual fee. Battery backup ensures that you can operate it even when power is out. When it is running on power, it consumes up to 75% when it is in standby mode. Whenever you access this system on your phone, a new code is sent to you so that only you can open your garage door. It also comes with a security feature that electronically monitors forced openings.

You can also go for the Elite Series Model 8500 Wall Mount opener and the Premium Series 8355. Both of these garage door openers can also be downloaded to your phone without any charges. These are the only two in the market that have MyQ technology built into them. With these systems, you get a whole new level of remote activation in comparison to hardwired home automation systems which are also more costly.

Phone operated garage door systems

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door offers cell phone operated devices. Contact Willow Creek Overhead Door today to find out more about their products and services.