Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ Blog

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we invite you to remember to be grateful for your garage. It’s often the most overlooked room in your home and can be easy to take for granted. After all, your garage doors perform reliably day after day. However, this is one room in your house you should definitely be grateful for. Here are five reasons to be thankful for your garage.

1. It Keeps Your Car Toasty

Getting into a freezing car isn’t much fun. Neither is scraping ice off car windows in sub-zero weather. A garage makes winter driving much more comfortable by keeping your vehicle sheltered from the elements.

Moreover, by parking in the garage, you avoid battery issues. A frozen car battery can prevent a vehicle from starting. A car battery is most reliable between 30 and 90 degrees, so an insulated garage door could be the difference between a working or a dead battery.  It’s a hassle to have to jumpstart a battery, and in winter weather, it’s especially inconvenient.

To maintain a warmer and regulated temperature in your garage, choose a garage door with superior insulation. Garage door insulation levels are measured by R-value and U-value. A lower U-factor indicates better insulation, meaning the garage door will resist heat flow more effectively. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the better it will keep your garage’s air in. For example, the Overhead Door Thermacore^® garage door provides an R-value of 12.76 for enhanced thermal efficiency. To learn more about R-value and U-value, read our guide to choosing an insulated garage door.

Interested in upgrading to an insulated door? Read more about Overhead Door Thermacore^® garage door here. Or visit our website and see our options on insulated doors that can best suite your home.

2. It Keeps Your Car Safe

In addition to safeguarding your vehicle against this incoming winter, your garage door protects it against theft. Cars that are parked in the street are at risk of being targeted by unwanted activity. They’re also more prone to getting nicked or dented, whether by falling branches, stray baseballs, or other vehicles.

Garages are also a secure place to store bikes, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other items that tend to go missing if left outdoors.

Make sure your garage door has the right security features and are up to date. Never worry again about giving your garage passcode to anyone with the use of OHD Anywhere™, it’s as simple as opening the app on your smart device. The ability to monitor your garage from afar is not only convenient, but also safer than traditional monitoring methods. Door-mounted sensors monitor the position of the garage door rather than the operation of a garage door opener. Users will be alerted to any change in position of the garage door even if it’s been disengaged from the opener.​

For more information on OHD Anywhere™, click here to read about the launch of this feature in Overhead Door^® motors.

3. It Offers Storage Possibilities

Many people use their garage to store their things. Even if your car is parked inside, you may still have plenty of room for hardware, lawn tools, sporting gear, seasonal items, and other items you don’t want cluttering the rest of your home.

If you need more storage space in your garage, you can always put up shelves, cabinets, or hooks. For further tips on maximizing this space, read our guide on the subject of uncluttering and organizing your garage.

4. It is a Highly Versatile Space

If you don’t park cars in your garage, there are many other things you can do with the available room. Increasingly, people are renovating their garages to turn them into living spaces. Popular conversions include turning your garage into an extra bedroom, playroom, office, man cave, or home gym. If you have a detached garage, you can even turn it into a private guest house.

There are also garage door options to complement the various types of remodeling projects. For example, glass garage doors are often used to provide maximum natural lighting and modern flair.

If you’re looking for some more renovation ideas, read our blog post covering ways to repurpose your garage.

5. It Can Be An Extra Room For The Kids

If your home is cramped, you can use your garage as extra space for your kids or teens. For example, you can create a craft station for your kids or set up a tennis table or dart board. Alternatively, you can use your garage for special activities like camping, fort-making, or a movie night.

If you do turn your garage into a playroom, be sure to make the space kid-friendly. In particular, safely store and lock up all toxic products, including fuels, lighter fluid, paint, fertilizers, pesticides, and adhesives. Do the same with tools and all other dangerous items. In addition, make sure your garage is clean and free of clutter.

Give Thanks for Style, Safety, and Quality with Overhead Door™ Brand Garage Doors

At Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™, we’re grateful for the trust our customers place in us year after year. We take pride in helping homeowners design and install custom garage doors that combine beauty, performance, and long-lasting quality. This Thanksgiving, show your home some gratitude with a new custom garage door that reflects your style and keeps your family safe. Whether you’re looking for a modern design or something timeless, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our custom garage door options, contact us at 203-740-7691 today.

As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, it’s time to tackle that long-awaited spring cleaning project. While you’re decluttering and organizing your home, don’t forget about your garage.

Often overlooked, the garage is a vital part of your property and requires some TLC to keep it in top shape. Here’s a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist to ensure your garage, including your garage door, is ready for the season ahead.

Declutter & Organize

Start by clearing out any unnecessary items cluttering your garage space. Sort through tools, sports equipment, and other belongings, and donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need. Organize the remaining items into designated zones to maximize space and accessibility.

Clean & Sweep

Sweep the floors and wipe down surfaces to give your garage a thorough cleaning. Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings, and clean the windows to let in natural light. A clean garage can make the space feel more open and organized.

Check Garage Door Operation

Test your garage door to ensure it’s operating smoothly. Open and close the door several times to check for any unusual noises or delays in movement. If you notice any issues, such as grinding noises or jerky movements, it may be time for maintenance or repairs.

Inspect Hardware & Components

Take a close look at the hardware and components of your garage door, including springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying cables, rusted hardware, or loose bolts.

Call Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keep your garage door operating smoothly by lubricating the moving parts. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs to reduce friction and prevent premature wear. Regular lubrication can extend the lifespan of your garage door components and minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Test Safety Features

Ensure your garage door’s safety features function correctly by testing them regularly. Check the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object, such as a broomstick, in the door’s path while closing. The door should automatically reverse upon contact with the object.

Test the photoelectric sensors by waving an object in front of them while the door is closing. The door should stop and reverse if the sensors detect an obstruction.

Clean & Inspect Weather Stripping

Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door for signs of damage or wear. Replace any worn or damaged weatherstipping to prevent drafts, water infiltration, and energy loss. Also clean the weatherstripping regularly to remove dirt, debris, and mold buildup. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Consider scheduling professional garage door maintenance with our Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ team to ensure your door gets a thorough inspection and tune-up. A trained technician can identify potential issues early and address them before they become costly repairs.

Professional maintenance can also prolong the lifespan of your garage door and keep it operating safely and efficiently.

By following this spring cleaning checklist, including garage door maintenance, you can ensure your garage is clean, organized, and functioning optimally. Don’t neglect your garage door — give it the attention it deserves to keep it in top condition and enjoy reliable performance year-round.

Do you need help with garage door repair, installation, or maintenance? You can rely on the team at Overhead Door™ to service your doors. Contact us today to schedule your garage door services.

As a residential or commercial property owner or manager, maintaining your garage doors might not be the first thing on your New Year checklist—but it should be. While the new year often inspires thoughts of upgrades and replacements, you don’t always need a brand-new garage door to start fresh. At Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ , we’d be happy to help you find a new door if you need one, but we’re also committed to helping you get the most out of the garage door you already have.

With the right repair and maintenance services, your existing garage door can feel as good as new—saving you money and extending its lifespan. Routine maintenance is a small investment that ensures safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about maintaining commercial garage doors to help you keep your property running smoothly this year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Garage Door Repair & Maintenance

Why is garage door maintenance important for residential and commercial properties?

Garage door maintenance is essential for:

Safety: Prevent accidents by addressing worn-out components like springs, cables, and sensors.
Efficiency: Avoid unexpected downtime that disrupts daily operations.
Cost Savings: Extend the lifespan of your doors and reduce the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Energy Efficiency: Maintain proper seals and insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Compliance: Ensure your doors meet industry standards and safety requirements.

What is included in routine garage door maintenance?

A comprehensive maintenance service typically includes:

• Inspecting rollers, tracks, cables, and springs for wear.
• Lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Testing the door’s balance and alignment.
• Checking the opener and safety sensors for functionality.
• Inspecting and replacing weatherstripping to maintain energy efficiency.

What are the signs my garage door needs immediate attention?

Common warning signs include:

• Unusual noises like grinding or squeaking.
• Slow or uneven door operation.
• Difficulty opening or closing the door.
• Visible damage to cables, springs, or tracks.
• Gaps or cracks in seals that let in cold air or moisture.

If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional technician right away.

How does garage door maintenance improve energy efficiency?

Properly maintained doors help reduce energy loss by:

• Ensuring weatherstripping and seals are intact to block drafts.
• Keeping insulation in good condition to regulate indoor temperatures.
• Addressing gaps or cracks that let in cold air or moisture.

If your property prioritizes energy efficiency, consider upgrading to an insulated garage door for better temperature control.

Are maintenance costs worth it for older garage doors?

Yes! Routine maintenance can prolong the life of older garage doors, delaying the need for costly replacements. However, if you find yourself frequently repairing the same components or if the door no longer meets your operational needs, it may be time to invest in a new, more efficient model.

What are the risks of neglecting garage door maintenance?

Ignoring maintenance can lead to:

• Costly emergency repairs or replacements.
• Safety hazards from failing components.
• Energy loss due to damaged seals or insulation.

What types of garage door repairs does Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ handle?

We provide a wide range of repair services for both residential and commercial garage doors, including:

• Replacement of torsion and extension springs.
• Cable replacements.
• Individual section repairs or replacements.
• Weather-stripping and perimeter seal repairs.
• Garage door opener repairs for all major brands.

Whether it’s a minor issue or a major repair, our highly trained technicians are equipped to handle it efficiently and professionally.

Make Garage Door Maintenance Your New Year Priority

Don’t let overlooked maintenance disrupt your operations or increase costs. Adding garage door upkeep to your New Year checklist ensures safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Our periodic maintenance program helps residential and commercial clients extend the lifespan of their garage doors and openers and prevent unexpected breakdowns through regular inspections and adjustments. By proactively addressing potential issues, our maintenance program ensures your operations remain safe and uninterrupted. Ready to schedule your garage door maintenance? Contact Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ today for expert service and support tailored to your business needs.

Winterizing is a key part of any home’s annual maintenance, but if your garage door is overlooked, the results can be inconvenient and even dangerous. As temperatures plummet during the winter months, without proper garage door maintenance, you or your family could be stuck in your garage, or even worse — stuck outside.

Here are a few common garage door issues homeowners encounter in cold weather, along with the steps to safely resolve the issue and protect your garage door.

Check Your Garage Door Opener

If your garage door is not working properly and you have an automatic garage door opener, disconnect the opener and try to open the door manually. If the door opens fine, the issue could be related to your opener. Check the batteries for your opener’s remote, reconnect the opener, and try again.

If the door still doesn’t work, call your local Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor, as they can further diagnose issues related to your opener and power supply. Some opener issues may require a trained professional for safety purposes or to maintain any warranties that your opener may have. Always disconnect the opener when the garage door is in the closed position.

Garage Door Won’t Open or Is Very Difficult and Heavy When Trying to Lift

If your garage door won’t open manually, or it feels like it weighs a ton, you may have a broken spring. This happens more often in the winter/colder months because spring wire becomes more brittle and therefore weakens in colder temperatures.

If you’ve recently opened or closed your door and heard a popping noise, that may have been your spring breaking. If your spring is broken, you may be able to see the long coil above your garage door split into two pieces.

Garage door springs are usually rated for 10,000 cycles, with each cycle being an open and close of the door. If you have lived in your home for 7 years or longer, use your garage door daily, and have never replaced your springs, we recommend having them replaced to avoid being unable to open your door, either being stuck outside or inside your garage.

If you suspect your spring is broken, call your Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor right away. This repair must be handled by a professional, as attempting to repair this on your own could result in serious injury.

Garage Door Is Frozen Shut

If your garage door is stuck and you see ice or snow around the bottom of the door, your door could be frozen to the concrete. This happens when your bottom weatherseal sits in water or wet snow that eventually freezes when the temperature drops.

To fix a frozen garage door, gently chip away at the ice or use warm water to melt the ice. Raise your garage door, then clean and dry the area to prevent the door from refreezing when you’ve finished.

With a frozen garage door, it is very important to also know what not to do that may damage your door:

Do not try to force your door open and break the ice. This could rip your weatherseal, which will allow water, snow, and cold air into your garage. At that point you’ve simply traded one garage door problem for another more permanent one.

Do not use ice melt on your door, especially if it is a metal door. This can damage the door. Because many homeowners use ice melt during the winter months, if it gets on your door be sure to clean the door as soon as you can. Waxing your door can be a great way to prevent ice melt from sticking to your door.

Do not use “folk remedies” from friends or neighbors before checking with your Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor. Over the years, we’ve heard many recommendations, from the seemingly clever to the downright strange, but what works for one garage door may cause damage to another due to different materials and environments. Your Overhead Door™ Distributor can provide the guidance you need to get your door running smoothly.

Garage Door Opens Partially or Doesn’t Roll Smoothly

If your door opens but doesn’t roll smoothly or gets stuck at a certain spot in the track, it could be a lubricant issue on the rollers or in the track. As the temperature drops, lubricant can harden and get gunky, causing issues when you try to open or close your door. Applying a grease solvent to the moving parts of your door can remove any hardened lubricant.

Do not use WD-40 on your garage door as this lubricant can cause problems for your door in cold weather. Also, do not lubricate your nylon garage door rollers, which are typically black or white.

Still having issues?

Use our dealer locator to find a local Overhead Door™ Brand garage door dealer to help service or repair your doors.