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Author: tricountyg

4 Garage Door Trends You Can Expect to See This Year

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors.

If you want to boost curb appeal and invest in a high-quality product, replacing your garage doors may be a perfect small-scale home renovation you haven’t thought of yet. Most people overlook their garage doors, or don’t think of replacing them unless they break. Today, however, the garage door industry is making strides with designs that can completely upgrade the exterior of your home.

 

Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors

Clopay has several new collections on the market that debuted at this year’s International Builders’ Show, including their Modern Steel collection and Avante Collection garage doors. They make the doors in these collections out of aluminum and glass, creating beautiful yet solid alternatives to common garage doors.

Garage doors today are completely customizable, from bold color choices to specialty glass panels. Clopay can tailor your garage doors to your specifications, so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you imagined. You can adjust Clopay’s aluminum doors to let a certain level of light into your garage, or arrange the glass panels in a modern, art-deco style. Clopay’s new and improved collection will make you wonder why you hadn’t thought of a garage door update sooner.

 

Modern, Sleek Design

Modern garage door designs opt for large windows, sleek lines, and bold color choices. They offer layers of steel construction to keep your home safe and secure, without sacrificing fashion. Why not continue the open, airy theme of your home in your garage? Operable glass doors or wide French doors allow homeowners to combine the benefits of the indoors and outdoors. The versatility of the aluminum and glass designs available today give you a wide range of options, so you can find one that matches your home’s style and architecture.

 

Contemporary Colors

Instead of hoping your white-washed garage door will simply fade into the background when people look at your home from the road, you can make it stand out from the crowd. Contemporary colors are an easy way to upgrade your garage door and turn it into a beautiful focal point. Today’s savviest homeowners are opting for bold colors, such as olive or dark red, to make their garage doors pop. Upgrading from the standard white or tan can make you a neighborhood trendsetter and boost curb appeal.

 

Faux Wooden Doors

One upgrade that won’t go out of style anytime soon is opting for wooden garage doors. Wooden doors offer an attractive and secure alternative to typical doors, and make a bold yet timeless statement. Wooden doors add a level of sophistication to your home, and increase your home’s value. Instead of investing in expensive real wood that may rot, crack, or warp, opt for faux wood. Faux wood is constructed to look like the real thing, but provides more durability.

If you want to discuss your options for new garage doors in 2016, please get in touch with Tri-County Garage Inc. Nashville at (615) 360-3535. Our garage door experts are in the know about all the latest fashion trends, and can fit your home with upgraded doors on your schedule.

 

What to Do If Someone Steals Your Garage Door Opener?

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors, Nashville Garage Door Security.

Garage door openers are a helpful tool during the cold winter months, but, in truth, they make life a lot easier all winter long. When evaluating the potential convenience of these devices, it is important to remember stolen garage door openers can be a means of accessing your garage or home. What should you know and what should you do if someone steals your garage door opener?

Garage door opener thieves
Illustration of garage-opener thefts.

New Trend in Theft

Stealing garage door openers from unlocked cars is a growing threat. Burglars realize many people do not lock their cars at night, even if they are diligent about locking doors and windows in the house. Burglars also know it’s easier to enter through garage doors than breaking into a person’s home.

It’s common for garages to be connected to homes, so access to one usually means access to both. In fact, police often report cases where thieves broke into locked cars to steal the garage door opener and other valuables. Once they have access to the garage, they have easy entry into your home, so your garage door opener should be safeguarded the same way you look after your house keys.

If You Are a Victim

As soon as you realize your garage door opener has been stolen or lost, take necessary steps to protect you and your family. Contacting the manufacturer immediately to find out the exact method to reset it is a very good idea. If that isn’t immediately possible, most garage door openers work in similar ways, so follow these general steps to erase and reprogram the access code:

  1. Find and hold the learn button for about 10 seconds. The learn button is usually underneath the white plastic cover. Holding it will erase the original code.
     
  2. Purchase a new remote. This remote can be programmed for your current garage door receiver.
     
  3. Program a new code to operate your garage door. Most likely, you will press the learn button and hold down the button until you hear a click or see flashing lights.
     

Bear in mind that these steps may not work for every brand, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with your particular opener’s features before any potential emergency situations. If you can’t find instructions, you can find many videos on YouTube for all major brands of garage door openers. If you are using an old system, you may take this opportunity to upgrade your entire garage door system rather than spend money on replacement parts.

Wiser by Experience

Don’t panic if you’ve been a victim, but learn from your mistakes to avoid a similar or worse situation in the future. Lock vehicle doors when unattended, especially at night. Even if you utilize street parking, thieves watch residents’ habits and which vehicles belong to which house. Parking inside your garage is the safest solution.

If you are in the Nashville, Tennessee area and looking for a new garage door operating system or just to replace a lost, stolen, or malfunctioning part, contact Tri-County Garage Doors. We offer a large selection, knowledgeable representatives, and fast, reliable service.

What to Know Before Buying an Insulated Garage Door

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors.

Nashville may be in the sunny south, but we still see plenty of frosty mornings and cold evenings. On days where it’s cold and humid, vehicles and tools need a bit of extra care and warmth to make sure they stay in their best shape. One way to ensure the longevity of your cars and equipment is through insulated garage doors.

Insulated garage doors make a lot of sense, especially during these cold winter months. They make the entire garage warmer and quieter, increasing overall efficiency. Usually, the stronger and more powerful a door is, the more you sacrifice for aesthetics. Thankfully, that’s not the case for us. Our Nashville garage door company offers a wide selection of beautiful doors that come in all sorts of designs, including the classic carriage house style. Keep your garage in updated, beautiful and warm with insulated garage doors.

Making the Right Garage Door Purchase

Garage door construction impacts heat transfer, so the integrity of your garage matters, especially if it is attached to your home. Of course, your garage door needs depend on your uses. There are three levels of garage door strength and insulation.

The first is the simplest. A single-layer construction garage door will shut out the elements, but it won’t provide insulation. These also tend to be less durable.

A garage door with a vinyl back is considered a two-layer construction. For insulation, a layer of Styrofoam is added to this type of door, but it is the most minimal. Some insulation is better than none, but keeping your vehicles happy in the chilly Tennessee winter may require a garage door with a bit more integrity and strength.

The best quality door is usually the one with the most insulation. Insulation does more than keep a garage warm, it protects your property and insulates against noise. Properly insulated garage doors will have what is known as a three-layer construction, meaning there are three layers of protection. The front and back layers are steel with a layer of insulation between them. This type of door will keep the wind out and the warmth in.

Styles and Choices for Nashville Garage Doors

There are many variations of the three-layer construction garage doors. These variations include steel thickness and insulation type. One of the best choices on the market is Intellicore insulation. Choice garage doors have Intellicore, where proprietary polyurethane foam is blown into the garage door. This unique insulation expands to fill the entire inside, reducing heat transfer, reducing noise, and increasing in efficiency.

Once you evaluate your home’s needs and typical garage uses, you’ll have a better understanding of the type of garage door you’re going to need. To help you decide among the many options you have available to you, contact our office at (615) 360-3535. Our service & installation business can repair or replace your garage doors. If you aren’t sure if your door needs to be fixed or replaced, we can help you with that, too; we also offer free, no obligation estimates. Tri-County Doors is proud to be the #1 Garage Door Company in Middle Tennessee.

Thoughts On Choosing an Entry Door for Your Nashville Home

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Entry Doors.

A house’s entry door is the setting for the entire home. As a guest’s first introduction, it plays an important role in creating curb appeal. A door with inset windows gives an open, welcoming appearance, while a solid color can make a bold statement about the owner’s taste. The wrong door can leave a strong impression, as well. Peeling paint, splintering, or a contrasting garnish makes the entire home seem uninviting.

Nashville entry door design ideas

When replacing an entry door, there are three main considerations:

  • Safety. An entry door’s primary function is a means to enter and exit the house – but doors also have psychological significance. They welcome friends across the threshold and help us feel safe when we’re inside.

    Beyond the feeling of security, entry doors keep us safe, physically barring us from the outside. A strong door makes a house a safe haven, protecting its inhabitants from rain, snow, and potential invaders. A secure entry door is solid with a functioning lock, but isn’t so stark or overly fortified that it makes the home feel like a jail cell.

    Luckily, reinforced steel doors can be styled in different ways. For example, wood grain finishes and any variety of colors can be used to give a warm feeling to a deceptively secure entrance.

  • Aesthetics. A dirty or damaged front door instantly gives the entire home an aura of neglect. Conversely, a property’s appeal can be spruced up with a new door, so if an entryway is showing signs of age, it may be time to replace it with something more weather resistant.

    When selecting a door, remember that it should match the house’s style. It can be jarring to see a lovely cottage-style home with a bland white steel door. Likewise, a rustic, antiqued wood frame would look out-of-place in a Frank Lloyd Wright style design.

    Wood doors are a versatile choice, as their compatibility with existing features depends on the home’s material and styling. Oak, mahogany, cherry, and walnut are classic choices. If a solid color would better suit the property, paint-grade wood is an option.

  • Durability. A door’s longevity and ability to withstand the elements can be a major factor when choosing an entry. While any door from a reputable supplier is a safe bet in terms of durability, aluminum is especially sturdy and rust-resistant.

    In the past, aluminum doors were easily recognizable by their harsh metallic appearance. Today they’re suitable for nearly any home, as they come in a variety of finishes to help them blend seamlessly. Wood-grade finish on an aluminum door is nearly indistinguishable from authentic wood, and inlaid windows are a common feature.

    But perhaps nothing is as impressive as a faux finish on a fiberglass door. Due to its malleability, this material produces a likeness to wood so exceptional that it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference.

    Unlike traditional wood, though, fiberglass is low-maintenance and surprisingly durable. It’s impervious to moisture, so it won’t warp or rot even after years of use. The coating won’t peel despite exposure to sun or heavy rain. It’s also more energy-efficient than other options, thanks to its superior insulation.

    • Other Nashville Doors

    Although an entryway is most visible, side-entry doors also deserve some consideration. Many side entrances lead to a utility/laundry room or directly into the garage. As they’re not frequently visible from the road, their appearances aren’t always given much thought. If visual appeal isn’t a high priority for side doors, they should at least look new and secure. A shambled entrance can be a temptation for buglers.

    With so many options in terms of strength, style, and durability, choosing a door may seem slightly overwhelming. Every home has its own needs when it comes to the front door, and every type offers something different.

    Are you ready to replace your Middle Tennessee home’s entry? Click here to learn more about our Nashville Doors selection.

4 Trends in Garage Automation and Technology - Nashville, TN

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors, Nashville Home Automation.

Technology is an amazing thing. It has brought us smart phones, home theaters, and cars that drive themselves. It has also brought us some impressive advances in how we live in our own homes. In the early days of home automation, it was too expensive for most people. But nowadays, home automation is becoming easier to use and more affordable for everyone.

Homeowners can control lights, security systems, HVAC, and other systems all from a smart phone app. Recently, home automation technology has come to garages across the U.S. With this and other technologies, garages have become much more than just a place to store your yard equipment. Your garage is an extension of your home; an extra room you can use and control just like you would any other area of your house. Here are the best new trends this year for that extra room in your home.

Garage Door Security and Automation

Garage automation came as a natural extension of whole home automation. You can control your surround sound system and the lights in your home, so why shouldn’t you be able to control your garage? Now you can. The MyQ Connected Home system by Liftmaster is easy to set up and use. The system lets you monitor and control your garage door and entryway lights from a smart phone or tablet. It’ll send you an alert if you’ve forgotten to close the garage door or if someone opens it while you’re not home.

The Total Control system can be retrofitted to any Nashville Liftmaster garage system manufactured after 1998, and it controls everything from the door to the lights. The system is also compatible with several other garage door manufacturer brands.

Open-Me is another garage security and automation option. Like the MyQ system, Open-Me lets you control and monitor your garage door from your smart phone. However, it has one significant advantage: it uses GPS to sense when you are nearing your home and will open the door automatically. It also uses sonar to detect if your door has been opened when you’re not home and will send you an alert on your phone.

Whisper-Quiet Garage Door Openers

Gone are the days of clattering, creaking door openers. The new Chamberlain garage door opener operates on one of the quietest belts in the industry. It also has a backup battery, so it’ll function even on stormy nights when the power goes out. One of its most impressive features is the garage door timer. Set your garage to open right when you get home from work or to close right after you leave so you never have to worry if you’ve left it open. The Chamberlain garage door opener is compatible with the MyQ Garage system, which lets you monitor your garage door from your smart phone.

For those with a heavy or insulated garage door, the Chamberlain Power Drive has the strength to lift any garage door on the market. With one of the strongest and quietest belts around, the 1/2 horse power motor provides industrial strength with residential size (and volume). This compact model is compatible with the Chamberlain Protector system and comes with two sensors and a garage door remote. It’s an affordable, strong option for homeowners with heavy, solid wood garage doors most other models struggle to lift.

Parking Assistance

If you’ve ever pulled into your garage and bumped the back wall, you might need a little help from the Maxa Laser-Guided Parking System. It’s available for one and two-car garages and uses a laser beam to mark the parking safety zone in your garage. It’s affordable and easy to install, and it protects you from damaging your bumper or garage wall. This is particularly useful if your garage is on the small side or is filled to the gills with bikes, toys, and equipment. Never worry about knocking over your gear again.

Storage Systems

Do you have a lot of equipment, toys, and sports gear cluttering up your garage? Can’t seem to find the floor or wall space to accommodate your kayak? The MyLifter motorized lifting device stores your gear up and out of the way. It attaches to the ceiling of your garage and lifts up to 100lbs with strong, 25 foot steel cables. Units can be combined to lift heavier objects, but one unit is perfect for bikes, kayaks, or storage boxes. The device itself weighs a light 2lbs, and lifting is controlled by a smart phone. Get your equipment out of the way, and make room so you can actually move around in your garage.

With all the technological advances in home automation this year alone, it’ll be exciting to see what the future continues to bring us. Manufacturers and technology companies are constantly finding ways to make our Middle Tennessee homes safer and more “user-friendly.” Soon our homes will be making intelligent security decisions without us having to even press a button. If you’d like to learn more about these or other garage technology trends or how you can install a new garage door system, contact Tri-County Garage, Inc.

Why Does My Garage Door Sound Like A ‘Monster’?

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors. No Comments on Why Does My Garage Door Sound Like A ‘Monster’?

When your garage door is opened can it be heard from anywhere in the house? Does your garage door wake you when your spouse heads to work? Does the sound of your Brentwood garage door opening scare you or make you fear for your life?

Whatever is causing your garage door to sound like a monster, it’s best to figure out the cause and put a stop to it before you end up the least popular house on the street, or before something goes wrong and someone gets hurt.

What Is Making All That Noise?

No garage door or opener runs absolutely silently, but there is a difference between normal function and a monster. As with any machine with gears and moving parts, there are a number of things that can be causing a particular type of noise or malfunction. Depending on the model and how it’s installed, even some brand-new garage doors and garage door openers can make a surprising amount of noise.

One of the most common causes of garage door noise is friction. As garage door opener mechanisms age, their parts can lose their lubrication and noisily grind against each other. Bolts and screws can loosen, and parts may wear out and need replacement. Any of these normal elements of wear and tear will cause your garage door opener to get a little louder. Same with the hinges and rollers on the garage door itself. While this doesn’t necessarily signal a particular problem, it can be annoying and inconvenience. But some causes of garage door noise, especially in older models or those that have sustained damage, will need attention quickly before they become a safety concern.

Should I Repair The Garage Door Myself?

In many cases you can simply apply a lubricant to the moving parts. Lubricants specially made for garage door openers are available, but any good silicone based lubricant will work. (Note: Please don’t use WD-40! While it will help silence the monster – it tends to attract additional dirt and can drip on your car). Then, double check that all the nuts and bolts are secure and tighten any in need.

When Should I Call A Professional Garage Door Company?

You should contact a professional Brentwood garage door company if you have any doubts about how to proceed, or if the parts to your garage door or opener need replacement. Garage door openers that were installed before 1995 should be replaced if they begin having problems. New garage door openers are built to much higher standards and run almost silent in comparison to older models.

For garage door repair services, contact us in Brentwood or Nashville, Tennessee at (615) 360-3535.

Your Brentwood Garage Door Springs Need Attention

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors. No Comments on Your Brentwood Garage Door Springs Need Attention

Have you ever stopped to think about how often you use your garage door? Even if you open and close it only when you’re leaving for work or coming home, that’s a total of approximately 600 times per year. All that wear and tear puts a lot of strain on your garage door springs, which act to counterbalance the door and hold it in place. If one of these springs breaks, you are stuck … literally … until you can get it replaced. Worse, malfunctioning springs are dangerous to cars and, scarier still, to humans.

The Function Of Garage Door Springs

Springs maintain the equilibrium of your garage door, and are essential for its proper functioning and security. There are two types. Torsion springs, either singly or in sets of two, are used to hold a wide and/or heavy garage door (weighing 365-1200 pounds) in place. They are located on the wall directly above the door. Extension springs are used for smaller garage doors (usually 9′ x 7′ or less, or under 365 pounds) which are relatively lightweight. They are installed as pairs, one on each side of the door track.

The repair of a garage door spring is a complex task, which requires a great deal of expertise. If not done correctly, it will be hazardous to the safety of anyone using the door. The cost to replace garage door springs runs about $175-275, including labor, but will vary according to the size of your garage, the type of door, and your location.

Clues You Have A Faulty Spring

Here are common signs that one of your garage door springs is faulty:

  • Your garage door does not open or close in response to the automatic opener, even though there is no mechanical fault in the device itself. NOTE: If this happens, do not try repeatedly to use your opener, because you may end up damaging it permanently.
  • The door stops unexpectedly in the middle of opening.
  • The door looks like it is hanging crookedly.
  • There is a visible worn area or separation in the spring.
  • The spring appears elongated and irregular, and has lost its tension.
  • If you hit the door with your vehicle, this can cause the spring to fail.

Normal Lifespan Of Garage Door Springs

The expected lifespan of a torsion garage door spring is rated in terms of cycles. A cycle consists of a complete action of opening and closing. According to industry standard, the minimum life must be 10,000 cycles, but better quality springs may last as long as 100,000 cycles. This means that replacement of your garage door springs should be necessary after approximately 7-12 years, due to metal fatigue resulting from normal wear and tear.

Regular Maintenance Is Needed

As with any piece of mechanical equipment, proper maintenance will both help garage door springs function and extend their lifespan. The springs, as well as the pulleys, bearings, and rollers, should be treated once or twice a year with a light silicone lubricant. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear.

When you need to replace your Brentwood garage door springs, make sure that the correct size for your door’s weight is installed. This will ensure smooth opening and closing, while it avoids damaging the opener. Even if only one of a pair of springs is broken, both should be replaced to ensure balanced tension. What’s more, the two springs will have approximately the same lifespan, meaning that the other could break at any moment.

Most importantly, hire a Professional Brentwood Garage Door Company with years of experience replacing garage door springs to ensure the job is done right.

Transom and Sidelight Ideas for Your Brentwood Entry Door

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Entry Doors. No Comments on Transom and Sidelight Ideas for Your Brentwood Entry Door

There are many different ways to improve your Brentwood entry door, but none can compare to arched and sidelight windows. They come in many shades, shapes, and sizes to add personality and character to your entry door.

What Are Transom Windows?

A Transom window is basically a pane of glass mounted above your entry doorway. Entry door transoms provide a stylish look and let in lots of natural light. Transom windows are a great way to provide lighting to your entry doorway and when paired with sidelight windows it can provide even more natural light and a nice view as well as a sophisticated look to your entry doorway.

This arched transom with custom sidelights provides a dramatic entryway to this Brentwood home.

Types of Transom Windows

Transom windows can come in arched as well as rectangular shapes. You can also get them in a stained or glazed tint for privacy, which gives off that open look you’ve been searching for while still providing privacy. Most transom windows are made of a tempered glass to prevent shattering. There are many different styles of windows you can pick from to find the perfect window to match your personality and your home’s architecture.

Designing Your Transom Window

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a transom window. Perhaps the best part of all is you can fully customize the width and height to fit the size of your entry door and space. It can be a very simple design to one that is very elaborate. After deciding on how you want the transom to appear, next comes the material to be used. Some of the more popular materials used to make transoms are glass, wood, and wrought iron. Glass being the most popular due to the fact it can be used as a source of light. You can get glass frosted, glazed or etched. Stained glass can also be used on the more elaborate designs such as you would find in a church entry door. The wood used is often dependent on the existing structure or personal taste of the design. Wrought iron can give your home a classy appeal.

Using a Transom With Side Light Windows

Combining sidelight windows with a transom not only adds to the natural light but also can be used for aesthetic reasons. Sidelight windows are typically narrow and match the design of the transom. Sidelight windows have the benefit of making your doorway appear wider. Taking out the side window panes can make room for larger entry doorways or even a double doorway, and provide room for a larger arched transom window or a taller door. (Figure1) There are many different things you can do with your transom windows and your side light windows such as removing them and installing an arched doorway.

An arched transom and sidelight windows were removed to install a taller, arched double door.

Transom windows are a great way to improve any home’s look and style. Transoms have many benefits to give your home a unique look and personal touch. Instead of custom doors, they can be used on a new home with a tight budget to enhance your entry doorway and give you the additional space for customization later down the road when your budget is ready. For anyone looking to remodel their home and entry door with transom and sidelights, you have unlimited options to do so. Contact Tri-County Doors of Brentwood today. We can customize an entry door that not only increases the opening size but also will add resale value to your home.

A Look at Nashville Internet Controlled Garage Doors, Home Automation and Security

Written by tricountyg on . Posted in Garage Doors, Gutters, Nashville Garage Door Security, Nashville Home Automation. No Comments on A Look at Nashville Internet Controlled Garage Doors, Home Automation and Security

Home automation offers the consumer services and functions available through various systems. What can you include in this list? You can control the lighting in your home through a remote, manipulate an appliance from far away, and monitor fire and carbon monoxide. In addition, it’s possible to use security cameras and live video surveillance to keep an eye on possessions, pets, or children. You may have email and text alerts sent to your smartphone the moment something happens. You can lower the temperature in the home at a moment’s notice. This is very helpful for homeowners who wish to cut back on their heating/cooling bills.

Many refer to home automation as “The Internet of Things.” Why do they do this? What does it mean? Home automation allows us to link our appliances and devices through a network. We get to control every part of our home, providing us with convenience and peace of mind. But home automation isn’t a recent invention. People have utilized home automation for several decades for straightforward appliance and lighting control. Until recently, we didn’t have the ability to do much in terms of connecting everything in a household together. Because of changes in the world of technology, it’s now possible to manipulate your home from anywhere in the world. This is a new reality that people of all ages should keep in mind. Do you want to tell a device what it should do and when it should do it? What about why it should do it? Home automation gives you the key to unlocking such a power. Use your personal preferences to set an automated schedule. This gives you authority and keeps your budget out of harm’s way. If you want to go away on vacation, it’s hard to know if something goes wrong unless you have a house sitter. Your Android or iPhone device may tell you about unwanted visitors, water leaks in the basement, and much more.

Controlling Your Garage Door with Home Automation

When you walk around your property, what items do you interact with the most? One of them is most likely your garage door. While some people are content with a regular, standard garage door opener, you may want something different – something smart. Why not use your phone to dictate the movements of your garage door? No matter where you are in the world, you may open or close the door, lock it, and perform a variety of other commands. Do you leave your home in the evening? A special garage door device may be able to anticipate your departure by noting that you locked the front door and turned off all the lights. It may then open the garage door and let you out without wasting time.

Does such a device exist? Can you really dictate the movements of your garage door with a few swipes on your smartphone’s screen? The MyQ®-enabled Internet Gateway is a good example of what you can find on the market. Manufactured by Liftmaster, you use it as part of your home automation platform. But don’t assume you have to install something large in your garage – on the contrary, a small device is all you need. Simply connect it to your garage door opener. Once you do this, you connect it to a central hub using Ethernet. Download a companion app for your smartphone and you get complete say in how your garage door works. If you so wish, you may tie the actions of your opener to other gadgets operating through your networked system.

When Hackers Threaten Your Home Automation System

Home automation has its advantages. However, you have to take the disadvantages into consideration, too. Your family members could find themselves at the mercy of a hacker. When it comes to “The Internet of Things,” you have to remember that home automation works thanks to the online world. Hackers thrive on the Internet, and you have to know where they strike to keep your household safe. What are a few things hackers can do if they gain access to your home automation system?

  • Access Your Wi-Fi

    • Hackers can get into your system by accessing your Wi-Fi. Many homeowners don’t bother with passwords, so hackers don’t have to work to gain entry. Once they get inside your Internet, they may be able to manipulate any devices running through your “smart” system.

  • Turn On Lights, Manipulate Temperatures

    • Your electricity bills could go through the roof once a hacker gets into your system. They could activate your hot tub, change the thermostat, keep lights on all night, or even turn on your television.

  • Unlock Doors

    • Yes. A professional burglar could potentially hack your network and gain access to your doors.

How to Fight Back

Be smart about automation. There are steps you can take to keep hackers out of your home.

Use a Difficult Password

When you use something like “1234” or the name of your dog, you’re just asking for trouble. A person sitting thousands of miles away could easily hack into your system through a series of lucky guesses. Give yourself a harder password by using a series of numbers, capital letters, and symbols. If you can’t think of one, use a random password generator website on the Internet. If you don’t want to use a website, look around the room and note words and numbers you see. Write the password down and hide the information. Never reveal where you put it unless that someone has your trust.

Demand More from the Companies You Use For Home Automation

Ask For Double Protection

Tell them you want the ability to create a special username and password. Ask them to include security questions that a hacker would never be able to guess. “What was the name of your first pet?” or “What was your first grade teacher’s name?” are good examples. Make sure they know that you want complicated passwords to be a requirement for all customers.

Be Sure Your System Cannot Show In Internet Search Results

Using a few simple phrases on Google, a potential hacker may be able to find your home system in the search results. He may then click on the link and start raising havoc. Make sure the company behind your home automation has taken steps to prevent this from happening. Tell them that even discontinued devices need security. You have the ability to keep “The Internet of Things” inside your own four walls.

Tri-County Garage Doors has experience working with home automation and we will be more than happy to help add your garage door to the list of devices you can control remotely in your home. Give us a call today at (615) 360-3535 for a free estimate. We are your go to professional source for Nashville Internet Controlled Garage Doors and Entry Door Home Automation!

The Beauty of Carriage House Garage Doors

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A garage is more than a place to store your possessions. It’s an extension of your home, one that deserves attention beyond the occasional visit to get to your car. When you want to give your home a makeover, consider working on your garage door. You have many options, but carriage house garage doors stand among the best. Why should you bother with carriage house garage doors? How does installing this kind of garage door benefit you and your household?

You Have Many Materials to Choose From

When you invest in a carriage house garage door, you’re getting more than something that looks attractive and adds something tasteful to your property. You’re getting choices. You have the ability to pick from several materials, and you don’t have to settle for something that fails to appeal to you. Vinyl doors have the ability to fight back against the sun’s rays – they look fresh even after hot summers. Wood doors appear warm and inviting, and you may paint or stain them in any color of your choosing. Fiberglass garage doors give you the look of wood without the maintenance that comes with it. An insulated steel door is energy efficient. If the mood strikes you, add windows for extra class.

Safety Is Always Included

You can replace garage doors – your family is another matter. That is why carriage house garage doors remain relevant in a technology-driven world. These old world doors offer you more than one way to open them. You may select doors that swing out, fold, or slide. The worry that your children may suffer an injury from a garage door falling on them from above stays out of the picture. If you want something traditional, carriage house garage doors may also roll up.

These Garage Doors Save You Money

Purchasing carriage house garage doors is an excellent idea if you want to cut back on household costs. These doors showcase durability -you don’t have to stress out about large scratches and reapplying paint with the changing seasons. Insulation allows for decreasing the costs of running an air conditioner or heater. No matter what your unique financial needs are, these doors cater to you. Step outside of your comfort zone and sample what the market has to offer.

Why settle for the same basic garage door found in homes around the world? Give your curb appeal an instant upgrade and make your garage the next discussion topic at family gatherings. If you don’t know what to do next, talk to a professional Brentwood garage door installation company. It’s never a good idea to move forward on extensive home projects without the assistance of an experienced outside party. A person who installs garage doors knows his trade inside and out – you’re never in the dark. Make the move to carriage house garage doors and reap the rewards.