Author: tricountyg

How Often Should a Garage Door and Opener Be Replaced?

Written by tricountyg on September 18, 2024. Posted in Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors.

Garage doors and openers are essential components of a home, providing security, convenience, and protection from the elements. Like all mechanical systems, they have a limited lifespan and will eventually require replacement. However, determining when to replace a garage door or opener depends on several factors, including usage, material quality, and maintenance practices.

In this article, we’ll discuss the typical lifespan of both garage doors and openers, the signs indicating it’s time for a replacement, and tips to extend the life of these critical home components.

Lifespan of a Garage Door

The lifespan of a garage door can vary depending on several factors such as materials, climate, usage, and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained garage door can last between 15 to 30 years. However, the actual lifespan will depend on the type of garage door you have:

Steel doors: Known for their durability, steel garage doors can last up to 20 years or longer with proper care. They are resistant to warping, cracking, and rust when coated properly, but rust can be an issue if the finish wears away.
Wooden doors: Wooden garage doors have a more limited lifespan, typically lasting 15 to 20 years, as they are more vulnerable to warping, rotting, and insect damage. Regular maintenance, such as painting or staining, is required to extend the life of wooden doors.
Aluminum doors: These doors are lightweight and resistant to rust, making them ideal for coastal areas. They typically last 20 to 30 years.
Fiberglass doors: Fiberglass is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, though not as strong as steel. These doors may last 15 to 20 years, depending on the thickness and quality of the material.

While material plays a big role in the lifespan, how often the garage door is used is also a significant factor. If your door is used multiple times per day, it will experience more wear and tear, shortening its overall life.

Lifespan of a Garage Door Opener

The garage door opener, a motorized device that raises and lowers the garage door, has a shorter lifespan compared to the door itself. On average, a garage door opener lasts about 10 to 15 years, though some well-maintained openers can last 20 years or more.

The type of garage door opener also impacts its longevity:

Chain-drive openers: These are the most common and tend to last 15 years or more with regular maintenance, but they can be noisy and require lubrication for the chains.
Belt-drive openers: Belt-driven openers are quieter and may last a little longer than chain-driven models, often reaching 15 to 20 years.
Screw-drive openers: These openers are durable and can last up to 15 years, but they require more maintenance to ensure the screw remains lubricated.
Jackshaft openers: Wall-mounted jackshaft openers are newer technology and can last around 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Garage Door

While the lifespan of a garage door may provide a general guideline, certain signs indicate that it might be time for a replacement. Look out for these red flags:

Frequent repairs: If your garage door requires frequent repairs and servicing, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Constant breakdowns can indicate that the door’s components are wearing out.
Excessive noise: Older garage doors often become noisy due to worn-out springs, rollers, or hinges. If the noise persists even after maintenance, it could be a sign that the door is nearing the end of its life.
Sagging or warping: Wooden and older doors can sag or warp over time. If the door becomes unbalanced or has visible warping, replacement is necessary to maintain proper functionality.
Difficulty operating: If your garage door struggles to open or close smoothly, despite regular maintenance, this may signal that the door’s components are wearing out and can no longer support its weight.
Outdated appearance: If your garage door looks outdated or doesn’t match the aesthetic of your home, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern doors not only improve curb appeal but can also be more energy-efficient and secure.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Garage Door Opener

Your garage door opener is just as important as the door itself, and there are several indications that it might be time for a replacement:

Inconsistent operation: If your garage door opener is unreliable and sometimes struggles to open or close, it may be due to worn-out components in the motor or sensors.
Excessive noise: While some noise is normal, excessive grinding, clanking, or rattling sounds could indicate that your opener’s motor is wearing down and needs to be replaced.
Slow movement: If your garage door is taking longer than usual to open or close, this could indicate a problem with the opener’s motor or drive system.
Outdated technology: Older garage door openers lack modern safety features such as rolling code technology, which helps prevent thieves from hacking your opener’s signal. If your opener is more than 10 years old, it may be worth upgrading for better security.
No backup battery: Many newer garage door openers come with a backup battery system that allows the door to operate during power outages. If your current opener doesn’t have this feature, you may want to consider an upgrade.

When Replacement Makes More Sense than Repair

While some issues can be fixed through repairs, there are situations where replacement is the better option. Here are a few examples:

Age of the opener or door: If your garage door or opener is near the end of its expected lifespan, replacing it may be more cost-effective in the long run than continuing with repairs.
Energy efficiency: Older garage doors are often less energy-efficient than newer models. If your garage is attached to your home and you notice rising energy bills, upgrading to an insulated garage door could improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Safety concerns: Garage doors and openers that lack modern safety features, such as auto-reverse mechanisms, may pose risks to children and pets. If your garage door opener is old and doesn’t meet current safety standards, replacement is highly recommended.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door and Opener

To maximize the lifespan of your garage door and opener, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to keep them running smoothly for years:

Lubricate moving parts: Regularly lubricate the door’s hinges, springs, and rollers, as well as the opener’s drive system, to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Inspect the door balance: Test your garage door balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If it stays in place, the springs are in good condition. If it falls, the springs may need adjustment.
Check the weatherstripping: Weatherstripping around the door helps keep out moisture and dirt. Inspect it regularly and replace any worn or damaged sections.
Test the safety features: Regularly test the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the door’s path. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s time to get the opener inspected or replaced.
Schedule professional maintenance: Having a professional inspect and tune up your garage door and opener annually can catch small issues before they become major problems.

Replacing a garage door or opener isn’t something homeowners need to do frequently, but knowing the typical lifespan and signs of wear can help you plan for the future. Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years, while openers generally last around 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance, such as lubrication and inspections, can extend the life of both the door and opener, helping you avoid premature replacements.

By staying on top of repairs and being aware of the signs that indicate replacement is necessary, you can ensure your garage door and opener continue to function smoothly and safely for years to come.

Custom garage door materials from Tri-County Doors Inc, Nashville, Tennessee

A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Garage Doors

Written by tricountyg on July 4, 2024. Posted in Garage Doors. 1 Comment on A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Garage Doors

Selecting the perfect garage door is a significant decision for any homeowner. The right choice not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also provides security, insulation, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of garage doors, focusing on steel, wood, composite, glass, and aluminum, to help you make an informed decision.

Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are one of the most popular choices due to their durability, security, and low maintenance. Available in a range of styles and finishes, steel doors can complement any home design, from traditional to modern.

Advantages:

Durability: Steel is extremely tough and can withstand harsh weather conditions without warping or cracking.
Security: Steel doors provide a high level of security, acting as a strong barrier against intruders.
Low Maintenance: These doors require minimal upkeep, often just an occasional wash and inspection for rust.
Variety: Steel doors come in various styles, including panels, carriage house designs, and even options that mimic the look of wood.

Disadvantages:

Insulation: Unless properly insulated, steel doors can be poor at maintaining interior temperatures, leading to higher energy costs.
Rust: If the protective coating is damaged, steel doors can rust, especially in humid or coastal areas.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors offer a classic and timeless look, adding natural beauty and warmth to your home’s exterior. They are customizable with various wood types, stains, and designs to match your aesthetic preferences.

Advantages:

Aesthetics: Wood doors provide a rich, natural appearance that enhances the curb appeal of your home.
Customization: Easily carved and shaped, wood allows for intricate designs and personalization.
Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, helping to maintain a stable temperature inside the garage.

Disadvantages:

Maintenance: Wood requires regular upkeep, including staining or painting to protect against moisture, rot, and pests.
Cost: High-quality wood doors can be more expensive than other materials.
Weight: Wood doors can be heavy, requiring robust hardware and potentially a stronger garage door opener.

Composite Garage Doors

Composite garage doors are made from a combination of materials, often including wood fibers and resins, designed to mimic the look of real wood without the high maintenance.

Advantages:

Aesthetics: Composite doors offer the beauty of wood with less maintenance, providing a similar curb appeal.
Durability: These doors are resistant to rot, warping, and cracking, making them a durable choice for various climates.
Low Maintenance: Unlike real wood, composite doors do not require frequent painting or staining.

Disadvantages:

Cost: Composite doors can be more expensive than steel or aluminum options, though typically less costly than real wood.
Weight: Composite materials can be heavier than steel or aluminum, requiring a robust garage door opener.

Glass Garage Doors

Glass garage doors are ideal for modern homes, offering a sleek, contemporary look. These doors can create a dramatic visual statement and allow natural light to flood into the garage.

Advantages:

Aesthetics: Glass doors provide a sophisticated, modern appearance and can enhance the overall design of your home.
Natural Light: These doors allow for increased natural light, which can make the garage space more inviting and usable.
Customization: Available in various styles, tints, and levels of opacity, glass doors can be tailored to your privacy and design preferences.

Disadvantages:

Privacy: Clear glass can compromise privacy, though frosted or tinted options are available.
Security: Glass doors may be less secure than solid materials, although tempered or laminated glass can enhance security.
Insulation: Glass doors are not the best insulators, which can affect energy efficiency.

Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for homeowners in coastal or humid areas.

Advantages:

Lightweight: Aluminum is much lighter than steel or wood, making it easier to operate manually and reducing strain on automatic openers.
Corrosion-Resistant: Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, ideal for humid or coastal environments.
Design Flexibility: These doors are available in various styles and finishes, and can mimic the look of other materials like wood.

Disadvantages:

Denting: Aluminum is softer than steel, making it more susceptible to dents and dings.
Insulation: Similar to steel, aluminum doors can have poor insulation properties unless designed with insulating materials.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garage door involves balancing aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. Steel doors offer strength and security with low maintenance, while wood doors provide timeless beauty and insulation. Composite doors give the look of wood with greater durability and less upkeep. Glass doors are perfect for modern designs, enhancing natural light and curb appeal. Aluminum doors are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for specific environments.

By understanding the unique characteristics and benefits of each material, you can select a garage door that enhances your home’s appearance and meets your functional needs. Whether you prioritize durability, low maintenance, or a specific aesthetic, there is a garage door option that will perfectly complement your home.

Nashville garage door service Nashville garage door service

Most Common Garage Door Problems that Require Repairs

Written by tricountyg on July 30, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors.

Your garage door is one of the fixtures of your home that is likely taken for granted. However, once it encounters a problem and stops working correctly, you will notice it immediately. While some garage door problems may be fixable on your own, others will require you to contact a garage door company to fix.

Your Garage Door Is Very Noisy

Most garage doors aren’t exactly quiet, but when there is a problem, it may be much louder than usual. If you start hearing odd noises or your garage door seems to be much louder during operation than usual, it may be difficult to ascertain the cause of the problem. From worn out springs, or squeaky tracks, to a combination of problems, you should refer to a professional Nashville garage door service and have it inspected to determine the causes of the sounds you’re hearing.

The Track Falls Out of Alignment

If your garage door cannot close completely due to a problem with the track, the door may stop part of the way through closing or even crumple as it attempts to slide into a misaligned track. When this happens, it’s too dangerous to attempt to fix the track alignment on your own. A garage door company will have the knowledge and safety equipment necessary for a safe repair.

The Springs Are Failing

If the springs of your garage door mechanisms start to fail, you should not attempt to repair and/or replace them yourself. Doing so could lead to serious injuries like lacerations and puncture wounds. Instead of risking these injuries, arrange a Nashville garage door repair from a professional.

Problems With the Sensors

A sensor issue may seem innocuous at first, until you consider the possibility that the sensor may cause the garage door to continue closing when it would otherwise stop, potentially causing a serious injury to a person or automobile. If you have noticed your garage door’s sensors are not as sharp as they should be or have encountered any incidents in which the door should have stopped closing but failed to stop, it’s time to schedule an inspection with a professional garage door service.

Excessive Maintenance

Does it seem like you need to repair your garage door very often? If you are noticing little things go wrong every month or so and are tired of dealing with interruptions to your daily schedule due to issues with your garage door, a garage door repair may not be the best solution. A garage door company can recommend a replacement unit that will perform better, last longer, and solve all the issues you have been experiencing. This will save you frustration and money over time.

Tri-County Garage, Inc. of Nashville offers professional garage door services for homeowners in the area, and our team can diagnose and repair common garage door issues quickly and effectively. Contact us today for more information about Nashville garage door repair and replacement in your Middle Tennessee area.

Safe garage doors for children Safe garage doors for children

Making Sure Your Garage Door Is Safe for Children

Written by tricountyg on June 4, 2017. Posted in Garage Doors.

A garage door can be a natural temptation for children, and even the safest door can cause an injury if handled inappropriately. Kids see a gadget when they look at a garage door, and they don’t fully understand the consequences of playing with it – the least of which could mean a broken door and the worst could be a serious injury.

Today’s garage doors come equipped with a safety reverse feature so that, if something is between the door and the ground, it will automatically reverse to open. Despite this, injuries can happen. Mechanisms break or become worn with age. To determine if the garage door is child-friendly, consider these best practices and tests.

Perform Garage Door Tests

The best and safest way to test if the garage door is fully functional is to place your hand in the middle of the path of the garage door as it’s coming down. Modern garage doors will retract well before they reach the hand. If it should retract but doesn’t, schedule an inspection. If an older model, the door may wait until contact before retracting. In this situation, when the garage door hits your hand in the air, apply a slight amount of upward force. If the garage door retracts back up toward the ceiling, then it’s in working order. If the garage door continues to push down despite your effort, it needs a professional inspection.

Reinforce Safety with Your Child

Safe garage doors for children — Photo courteous of Garage Door Child Safety.com

Have your children present for the garage door safety test so they can learn by watching. This will be especially beneficial if the garage door fails to retract. Let your children feel the material of the door to get a sense of its weight. With the door open, show children the lining of the garage door that they must avoid. Reinforce that rubbing their hands against the material could cause cuts.

Show children where the switch for the garage door is and explain how to use it in an emergency. Garage door switches should be installed five feet above the floor – this way, younger children who won’t understand these rules won’t have access. If you have a garage remote, give your children the opportunity to open and close the garage door under your supervision, which will quell any curiosity. Otherwise, remind your children that it is also off-limits, and keep it away from arm’s reach. Kids are less likely to try and play with something if it isn’t in their purview.

Kids often act impulsively, so arming them with knowledge before they decide to play with a garage door or its opener is a smart move. With this knowledge, children can stay safe. If a child ever does play near the garage door for any reason, keep an eye on them. Garage doors are crucial to today’s business lifestyle. By ensuring your door is in working order, establish ground rules and allow your child to learn responsibility through explanation and understanding, the garage door can function as a tool instead of a hazard.

Need an inspection of your Nashville garage door? Talk to our Tri-County Door team.

My Nashville garage door does not work. Help! My Nashville garage door does not work. Help!

Nashville Garage Door Repair & Maintenance

Written by tricountyg on December 25, 2016. Posted in Garage Door Repair.

Your garage door system is an important addition to your home. In order to keep it functioning properly (and protect your vehicles and valuables inside the garage), there are some simple maintenance tasks you can do, yourself, or have completed by a professional here at Tri-County Garage Inc.

Before you begin any inspections, tests, or repairs, however, it’s important to consider safety. You should alert everyone in your household when you’re planning on checking the garage door. Instruct them not to open or close it until you’re finished, and you’ll minimize the chances of it being opened or closed while you’re touching or near it.

Quarterly Garage Door Tests

Your garage is like any other appliance or system in your house – it needs routine checkups. Some problems are obvious, such as damaged panels, but others may require a more watchful eye. We recommend doing the following tests quarterly to ensure maximum efficiency and catch any signs of wear as early as possible:

Visual inspection. The first place to start is very straightforward. Stand inside with the garage door closed and just look over the equipment. Do you see any obvious signs of damage or wear? Is the door free of holes and dings? Are the springs, cables, rollers, hinges, etc., in good shape? Pay close attention to the look and sounds of your garage door. This is often the first sign something is off.
Balance test. For this test you need to disconnect the automatic opener on your door. Once it’s free, lift the door manually. This will allow you to feel how smoothly it rises and shuts. There should be little resistance and no shakiness or roughness. Once open, the door should remain still and not try to close. If your door doesn’t perform to these specifications, it’s likely out of balance and should be professionally serviced.
Reversing mechanism test. All systems manufactured since 1993 include a reversing mechanism and other safety sensors. To test this, place a section of wood, such as a 2 x 4, on the floor of your garage where the door should touch the floor. Close the door onto the wood. It should automatically reverse as soon as it strikes the obstruction. If your door fails this test, it’s important to have it serviced since this malfunction could cause injury.
Photo eye test. The photo eye is a component which scans for obstructions and stops the door. It works in partnership with the reversing mechanism, but it’s crucial for proper performance. To test yours out simply push the button to close the door. As it’s moving, wave an object under the door (a broomstick works well). The door should reverse as soon as the object is placed in front of its photo eye. Again, failure to reverse is a safety issue and should be taken seriously.

Whether you need your door serviced for one of these problems, or are simply looking to have some panels repaired, trust your home to someone with years of experience and glowing customer reviews. Contact your Nashville garage door repair company, Tri-County Garage Inc. for professionalism and experience you can count on over and over again.

My Nashville garage door does not work. Help! — Don’t let your Middle Tennessee garage door frustrate you. We offer same-day services for your garage doors and garage door openers.

Tri-County Garage, Inc.
1515 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 402
Nashville, TN 37210

Phone: (615) 360-3535

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When To Call A Nashville Garage Door Repair Company

Written by tricountyg on December 5, 2016. Posted in Garage Door Repair.

We have lawn service, plumbers, painters, roofers, and chimney sweeps make routine or one time visits over the life of our home ownership. One profession overlooked is garage door repair. If a garage door suddenly stops raising, lowering, or is not performing like it has in the past, it may be time to call a garage door repairman.

When Not to Call a Garage Door Repairman

Before seeking the help of a garage door repairman, make sure the fix to your problem is not a simple one you can easily solve. Save time, money, and effort by checking to see if these overlooked issues are causing your garage door grief.

An item is blocking your garage door. Check around the track and sensors of your garage door for any obstructions to your garage door function. Items that could be interfering with your garage door track include yard tools, toy balls, or rocks, even the tail end of your car bumper could be the culprit.
Your garage door opener needs a battery change. Don’t let the frustration of a failed garage door distract you from this quick and simple fix. Before calling a garage door repair man, try replacing your garage door opener’s batteries.
The garage door is not receiving electricity from the home. Ensure your opener is getting power from the home. One simple way to test if the cause of your malfunctioned door is a lack of home electricity is to pull the release string that disconnects the door from the automatic system. If the door works manually, then the problem is not a lack of electricity coming from the home.
Tighten door fasteners and lubricate the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs. Like changing your motor oil every 3,000 miles, it’s best to perform these tasks routinely to prevent garage door breakdown. If you can’t remember the last time you did either of these, then you may have found the cause of your problem.

When You Should Call a Garage Door Repairman

If you checked these commonly overlooked issues and your garage door function is still compromised, contact a garage door repair service expert. Someone with experience in garage door repair should be able to diagnose your issue.

If you suspect the garage door problem is related to a high tension spring or cable, make sure to wait for help. Leave spring and cable repair to a professional because mishandling their razor sharp blades can result in serious injury or even death.

There are many benefits of having a Nashville garage door repairman assess your problem. A few reasons you should call in a professional:

Garage door repairman are experts in their field.
Garage doors have tons of moving parts, so you may be overlooking a problem that is noticeable to them.
Modern garage doors are equipped with advanced technology that repairmen understand.

Contacting Tri-County Garage Inc. is a click away. Serving the families of Nashville, Brentwood and all of Middle Tennessee for almost two decades, Tri-County Garage Inc. is family owned, possesses an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

garage door repair company garage door repair company

Replacing Your Garage Door Springs

Written by tricountyg on October 18, 2016. Posted in Garage Door Repair.

Garage doors are a safety barrier to the outside world. They protect our families, cars, and possessions from the weather, theft, burglary, and even worse. As long as they are working properly, they barely get a second thought. But when they don’t work properly, we all notice.

The consequences of a malfunctioning garage door are greater than inconvenience. If a garage door doesn’t open, your car may be trapped inside – and that’s certainly a hassle come Monday morning. If a garage door doesn’t close, valuable property – bikes, auto equipment, snow blowers, or lawn mowers – could all be at risk.

If your garage door is not working properly, you may need to replace your torsion and extension springs. But if you are not experienced in garage door repair, don’t tackle this dangerous, tedious, and complicated task alone. Garage door repair sometimes requires an expert. This is never more true than when it’s time to replace your torsion and extension spring. Don’t risk your personal safety. Tri-County Garage holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has served Middle Tennessee families for over 16 years. They have the expertise to effectively, safely, and quickly cross this item off your weekend to-do list.

What Are Torsion and Extension Springs?

Torsion springs are responsible for balancing the door, and ensuring the door uses equal pressure to open and close. They are located directly above a closed garage door.
Extension springs are responsible for opening the door and are located above the upper tracks on both sides.

When Should I Replace Them?

Consider hiring a professional to replace your garage door springs if:

The door doesn’t stay in the up position when released from the opener in the up position.
The door doesn’t rest in the midlevel position when pulled there.

Why Spring Replacement Should Be Left to The Professionals

It is true that garage preventative maintenance and some repairs can be performed by a layman. Lubricating tracks and tightening fasteners promote long garage door life and prevent further complications down the road. These simple repair examples pose no safety risk and require no more than a quick Google or YouTube search. Certain repairs, however, aren’t so easy. Torsion and extension spring replacement fall into this complex category.

Torsion spring replacement is a dangerous task, leading to potential:

Eyes, hand, and limb injury.
Death.
Home property damage.

People have been mutilated and killed by attempting a DIY spring repair for their garage doors. If these springs are under enough tension to lift a 400-pound door, imagine what they are capable of doing if not replaced correctly.

Like ignoring one health problem can lead to more complicated body conditions, ignoring a spring that needs replacement could lead to greater garage door problems. Even if you feel like you understand the issue at hand, protect yourself and your property by calling in someone with expertise in garage repair. If you think your spring needs to be replaced, the experts at Tri-County Garage are happy to help. Don’t delay any longer. Contact our team today (615) 360-3535.

organize your garage organize your garage

How To Organize Your Nashville Garage Efficiently

Written by tricountyg on October 1, 2016. Posted in Nashville Garage.

Do you have all the tools but no space to store them? Maybe the clutter in your home is taking over your life. These are just a few good reasons to invest in a garage for your home.

Before you commit to your new garage, there are a few things to consider. Here are our organizational tips and ideas to create an orderly, manageable and accessible garage.

Zone Your Storage Areas for Efficiency

Three principles for creating order and neatness are; having a place for everything, storing similar items together, and making regularly used items easily accessible.

You can implement these principles in your garage by creating different storage zones. This ensures that every item has a place and that complimentary items are stored together.

Your specific storage zones will depend on exactly what you’re storing, but some common storage zone’s you can use are:

Regular use zone: Keep your most commonly used items in this space and make it close to the doorway for ease-of-use. You can grab them on your way in or out of the garage.
Working space: Do you garden, do arts and crafts, or house maintenance? Instead of putting your tools away after each step in the project, leave them on your working space to save time.
Seasonal items: Some items are only used once a year, and so they can be stored away in a cupboard. Your Christmas decorations, camping gear and snow equipment all belong here.
Rarely used: If you have items that are infrequently used, then put them in the space that is least accessible – this leaves you with more accessible space for regularly used items.
Wall accessible: Put your rakes, mops, and other long tools that can be hung on the wall together. This saves room on the floor and in the cupboard and allows them to air dry. It makes them easy to grab when you have something that needs to be cleaned up quickly.

Overhead Storage Racks

High ceilings are beautiful in churches or your living room, but in garages, they’re just underused space. Instead of wasting this dry, safe and clean space, build overhead storage racks. They are ideal for storing infrequently used items.

Foldable Worktables

A big, wide workbench is amazing to work on. You can spread out all your equipment and leave parts out while you work on something else. The only problem is that they take up so much space! Instead of losing that space when it’s not in use, implement a foldable table. You can set it up when you need it and save space by folding it away when you don’t.

More Tips to Organise Your Garage

Here are some more ingenious ideas to get the most from your garage:

Build a wall mounted toolbox – This saves space on the ground and saves your back from constant, heavy lifting.
Use labelled mini drawers for keeping small items – This makes tiny items easy to find and use.
Build a bike or surfboard shelf – If you cycle or surf; keep your board or bike up and out of the way, while making the most of your wall space.
Outline your tools – creating an outline around each tool’s hanging spot makes them easy to find and ensures that everyone puts them back where they belong!

Murfreesboro contemporary glass garage doors from Clopay Murfreesboro contemporary glass garage doors from Clopay

Clopay Garage Doors at the 2016 International Builders’ Show

Written by tricountyg on August 23, 2016. Posted in Garage Doors.

Each year at the International Builders’ Show, Clopay gets to hear firsthand what residential construction pros and their customers want when they are shopping for garage doors and entry doors. Here are the trends coming soon to a home near you – perhaps yours.

Modern Curb Appeal – Sleek Designs, Contemporary Colors

Amid continued and growing demand for contemporary design, Clopay showcased new looks from the Modern Steel Collection.

Building on the Collection’s already-sleek lines, the offering gives designers and their clients a wide range of customization options including window placement, glass packages, and bold color choices.

Choose from black, white, or a variety of standard colors, or custom color matching.

This Modern Steel Collection, shown here in a full view design, features an insulated three-layer steel construction. The Reed glass pattern provides a nice balance of natural light and privacy. Custom paint color: Peppercorn.

Open Garage Concept Designs

The line between interior and exterior is becoming increasingly indistinct as homeowners choose operable glass walls or wide French doors to create seamless transitions outdoors. Clopay’s Avante Collection aluminum and glass garage door carries the theme all the way to the garage.

The Avante Collection with a narrow 18 lite design shows the versatility of aluminum stile and rail construction.

Builders of the 2016 New American Home also chose the Avante in a more traditional layout with insulated frosted glass to allow ample daylight into the garage without sacrificing privacy.

Wood-Look Doors with Less Upkeep

Time constraints have homeowners clamoring for exterior products that don’t have to be cleaned or refinished as often.

Canyon Ridge Collection Limited Edition Series, Design 12 with ARCH3 windows. Pecky Cypress Cladding with Clear Cypress overlays.

Constructed in a durable, low-maintenance composite material that won’t rot, warp or crack, Clopay’s Canyon Ridge Collection faux wood carriage house garage door impressed show-goers with its realistic charm.

The Canyon Ridge Collection is also popular with architects, custom builders, designers and homeowners for its energy efficiency and thermal performance.

Canyon Ridge Collection Ultra-Grain Series Design 22 with SQ24 windows in a Walnut stain finish.

Pros told us garage door insulation is no longer a nice to have, it’s a must have, and not just for energy efficiency. A well-insulated door is more durable and secure and ultimately gives buyers a longer-lasting, better performing door.

Standout Entries by Clopay Murfreesboro Doors

Clopay smooth fiberglass entry door. with Reed glass and sidelights. Custom paint color: Peppercorn

The front door is an easy way to boost first impressions of a home and set it apart; think larger sizes, more light-admitting glass, and even a pop of color

Clopay Craftsman Collection fiberglass entry door.

Design Without Limits

Steel, composite, and aluminum and glass garage doors are becoming more customizable. However, none of these materials can surpass the most versatile and unique material – natural wood. It’s always a show-stopper.

Clopay custom Reserve Wood Collection carriage house garage door constructed in knotty alder, factory-stained in Sikkens “Butternut”.

Modern, traditional, or somewhere in between there are plenty of customizable garage door and front door design options to fit your home. And if you’re looking to upgrade with an eye towards resale, take a look at the 2016 Remodeling Cost vs. Valuereport.

Murfreesboro Garage door and entry door replacement projects offer the best returns on investment at resale.

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Rethink Your Entry Doors: 4 Beautiful Doors Setting Trends in 2016

Written by tricountyg on July 12, 2016. Posted in Entry Doors.

Entry doors are more than just gateways into your home. They’re the first features guests notice when they see your home. They also protect against intruders and keep your home secure. Today’s top designers create beautiful, unique entry doors that instantly become focal points of your home’s exterior. Your entryway gives you the opportunity to make a great first impression—make it count by upgrading your entry doors.

Fiberglass Doors

Installing wooden entry doors is a classic design trend that will never go out of style, but real wood can be tough to maintain and expensive. Faux wood doors are made with fiberglass – a more durable and efficient solution that looks just like real wood. Fiberglass entry doors insulate a home better than real wood, and are Energy Star-certified. Using modern technology, fiberglass doors imitate the look and feel of real wood, so your guests won’t be able to tell the difference.

Fiberglass doors are completely maintenance-free, giving you the best return on your investment. You won’t ever have to paint over fiberglass, or worry about it rotting or warping like real wood does. In the humid Tennessee summers, real wood can create problems – but faux wood never needs servicing. Enjoy the natural look of real wood without the upkeep hassles.

A New Way to Use Steel

Steel has been a popular material for entry doors for years due to its cost efficiency and security against intruders. Steel doors are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors. Steel doors can look smooth or have an embossed wood-grain pattern, depending on preference. Homeowners are taking advantage of the sleek, modern appearance of steel to update their homes’ exteriors.

Steel doors can come with stainable wood-fiber coating so you can choose your color preference, or choose a laminated wood veneer to duplicate the look of natural wood. Modern homes look great with the traditional steel door finish if you don’t want to alter its natural appearance. Steel doors aren’t typically solid metal. They have cores of different materials to provide enhanced insulation.

Precious Metal Entry Doors

A precious metal door may seem like a significant investment, but it can be worth it if you want unique doors with long warranties. Doors fitted with copper, bronze, and aluminum are great options for trendy homeowners who want distinct exterior home accents. Precious metals can accent both modern and traditional homes. You won’t have to worry about the finish, because natural oxidation hides any imperfections.

Raised-Panel Doors

To add texture to your home’s exterior, opt for raised-panel doors. These doors have intricately carved panels that are raised off of the door’s surface. This design choice can add intrigue and dimension to your home’s entryway and make it appear more expensive than it actually is. Raised-panel doors are trendy right now for homes with traditional architecture as they add flair to a classic style.

If you’re ready to replace your entry doors with new stylish and efficient options, contact Tri-County Garage, Inc., Nashville’s number one company for elegant and secure entry doors. Call today to get in touch with one of our representatives at (615) 360-3535.