Tis the season! Many of your neighbors probably already have their Christmas lights set up. If your house is one of the few sad-looking homes left on the street, it’s time to get out the ladder, untangle your lights from last year, and get to work! Hanging lights around the garage area can sometimes be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help make the process go smoothly and to help you avoid damaging your garage door, the largest moving part of your home.

Don’t use staples, nails, or a hot glue gun to hang your lights.

To avoid damaging your lights and creating a fire hazard at the same time, use clips or hooks to hang your lights from your garage. You can find various types at a hardware or home improvement store. Many attach securely and safely to shingles or gutters.

Hanging Lights Vertically

To hang lights on the sides of your garage (vertically), purchase clips or hooks designed specifically for the task. Buy some that can be nailed in place or attached with a removable adhesive. They should be designed so that the light cords can wrap around them to be held securely in place. DO NOT ATTACH CLIPS OR HOOKS DIRECTLY TO YOUR GARAGE DOOR.

Spacing

Clips and hooks should be spaced approximately one foot apart. Set them up before you begin hanging any lights. Make sure they’re all facing the same direction as you install them.

Get out the lights!

If you’re using the same lights you used last year, carefully untangle them, lay them out on the ground, and plug them in to make sure you don’t have any bulbs or strands that have burned out. If you have a faulty strand, it can be a fire hazard. Throw it out and purchase a new strand; it’s not worth the risk. Consider LED bulbs to save money and avoid the risk of overheating. Make sure all your lights are for outdoor use and don’t attach too many strands together. Many electricians recommend connecting no more than three strands.

Use outdoor extension cords.

Make sure your extension cords are UL approved and specifically designed to be used outdoors in winter.

Hang your lights!

Have someone help you with this part. Your assistant can hand you the lights as you need them to keep them untangled and to make it safer for you if you have to stand on a ladder. Secure your lights in their respective clips or hooks starting on one side of your garage door, and then move gradually across the top and down the other side. Keep them unplugged until you’re finished, and then light them up and appreciate the view!

WD Door is a professional garage door installation and repair service company that serves across the state of Iowa. If you need any garage door services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! If you’d like a quote, click on the button below, and we’ll get back to you soon!

Summer is here, and with it comes the potential for storms. With the increased chance of a power outage and damage to your garage door, it’s time to take precautionary measures. Don’t get trapped during a power outage; install a backup battery system for your garage door opener before summer storms strike.

What Is a Battery Backup System?

Your garage door opener usually operates on the power to your home, but in the case of a power outage, a traditional system would be inoperable. A battery backup system is a small battery-operated unit that will power your garage door system in case of a power outage. Some models house the battery within the motor casing (the shell of your opener), while others are added to the casing’s exterior.

What Are the Benefits of a Battery Backup System?

The benefit of a battery backup system is just that—it has your back! In the event of a power outage, you can still open and close your garage door. This feature is helpful for everyday inconveniences and essential in an emergency. Your battery backup system will keep your garage door system working when the power goes out due to

• Summer storms
• Frozen power lines
• Natural disasters
• Power line maintenance

Can I Get Battery Backup with My Current Garage Door System?

Battery backup can be added to nearly any garage door system. Some older models may not be compatible with battery backup, but most systems manufactured within the last 15 years should have the necessary setup to accommodate battery backup. If you have an old garage door opener, a battery backup feature is something to consider when you purchase a new one. If you’re uncertain whether your system can utilize battery backup, you contact your local garage door retailer. 

How Do I Purchase a Battery Backup System?

Battery backup systems can be purchased through your local garage door specialist. A representative will be able to match you with the best backup system for your opener and even install the battery backup for you.

What Will Happen If I Don’t Use a Battery Backup System?

If you don’t have a battery backup system, you will still be able to manually operate your garage door. If this is the route you choose, you’ll want to install a safety lock on your door track so an intruder won’t be able to open your garage door in the event of a power outage.

If you’re in need of garage door repair in Iowa, contact WD Door. Whether your door is broken, stuck, or just needs a tune-up, the professionals at WD Door are here to help. Don’t let summer storms leave you trapped—call WD Door today!

It’s June again, which is Garage Door Safety Month! We’ve compiled a list of clever safety measures you can take to deter burglars from breaking into your garage or home. Burglary is one of the most common crimes, but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent. Follow these tips to keep your home, family, and belongings safe.

1. Keep your car keys near you while you sleep.

If you hear something strange or suspicious in the middle of the night, you can press the panic button to set your car alarm off. If a burglar is lurking around, it will most likely scare them away.

2. Be smart about where you store valuables.

If you leave for the weekend or a vacation, don’t store all your valuables in the master bedroom. Think about leaving them in a location burglars are less likely to look, such as in a child’s bedroom nightstand or in the attic or basement—places burglars are less likely to search when in a hurry.

3. Plant thorny plants beneath windows on the first floor

Planting thorny bushes, like roses, beneath ground-floor windows won’t only add beauty to your landscape; it will also make it harder to get into your home this way.

4. Don’t make it obvious that you’re leaving.

Instead of making a big scene by spending hours packing up the car the day before you head out of town, get everything ready and place it by the front door the night before you leave. Pack up quickly on the morning of your trip.

5. Don’t let the world realize you’re gone.

If your home looks deserted, burglars will feel more comfortable targeting your home. You could set your TV and/or radio on a timer so they play periodically to give the illusion that someone is home. Automatic light timers and motion sensor lights are other helpful tools.

6. Make sure your garage door is secure.

Garage doors are common entry points for burglars. Don’t make it easy for them! Make sure your garage door is shut whenever you leave your home, and consider incorporating MyQ technology so you can check on your garage and home while you’re away. You’ll be notified if someone opens your garage door, and you can open or close it from your smartphone. Burglars have become skilled at breaking into garage doors. They stick the wire through the garage door panels and unlatch the emergency release so they can lift the door manually. To prevent this, add a zip tie that will keep your emergency release handle intact, or purchase a deadbolt lock system for your garage door.

7. Tell a friend or neighbor you trust to check your house regularly.

If you’ve gone for an extended period of time, you may need to have someone mow your yard or shovel your driveway and pathways. Otherwise, have someone collect your mail, check for newspapers and flyers in your driveway and near the front door, and keep a watchful eye on your property.

8. Keep doors and windows locked.

This one may seem obvious, but some people make it too easy for burglars by forgetting to lock all possible entry points. Don’t hide keys outside your house where someone can find them, either.

9. Invest in a home security system (or make it look like you have one).

If you don’t want to spend the money on a new security system, you can buy decals and place them on your doors and windows to try to fool burglars.

WD Door is a garage door repair and replacement company in Ankeny, IA. We serve customers throughout the state of Iowa. Let us know what we can do to help you make your home safer and your garage more secure.