How to Hang Christmas Lights on Your Garage

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!

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By |2023-11-20T17:49:07-05:00November 20th, 2023|

Battery Backup System for Summer Storms—Don’t Get Trapped!

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!

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By |2023-07-05T09:43:23-05:00July 1st, 2023|

9 Clever Home and Garage Door Safety Tips

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.

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By |2023-06-05T09:40:19-05:00June 5th, 2023|

Garage Door Springs vs. Cables

Cables and springs are some of the most important components of a garage door system. Today, we’ll give you an overview of what they are, how they work, and why you shouldn’t attempt to repair either of them on your own unless you’re absolutely qualified.

Cables

Torsion cables run along each side of your garage door. Composed of strong, flexible metal, cables must have just the right amount of tension, or your garage door may not open (if there’s not enough) or close (if there’s too much). Cables are raised and lowered with a pulley system and wound or unwound around a drum as the door opens and closes. The cable falling off the drum or winding incorrectly around the drum are both common problems for homeowners. If either of these things happen, your door can become jammed. Call a technician to reattach the cable or wind it correctly around the drum for you.

Cables are under extreme tension, and when they get old or rusty, they can weaken and snap. Never cut the cable to get your door to go down or attempt to repair a damaged cable on your own. Call a technician for immediate assistance, and don’t attempt to operate your garage door under any of these conditions.

Springs

Torsion springs are wound tightly and contain an immense amount of stored energy when they aren’t being used. Typically situated horizontally above the garage door opening, they work with the cables and motor to open and close your garage door. The springs are what support the weight of your heavy door. When the door moves, the cables wind or unwind the springs, storing or releasing the energy required to raise or lower the door.

If a spring breaks (which it will, eventually), the pressure of lifting the garage door will be placed on the motor, forcing it to work very hard. This could result in serious damage to your garage door operator. That’s why it’s so important to fix a broken spring immediately; don’t operate your garage door if a spring is broken.

Most springs last an average of 5-7 years or 10,000 cycles. The more often you use your garage door, the more quickly they’ll wear out. If your torsion spring is broken, you might notice a gap in the coils. Do NOT attempt to replace the spring yourself. Don’t remove the old spring or get too close to a broken spring, either. Call a professional to handle the situation for you as soon as possible.

Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster Springs

When it’s time to replace your springs, consider TorqueMaster! The spring is housed in a steel tube instead of exposed, making it safer for consumers. When the spring breaks, it will be contained. Nevertheless, only trained professionals should replace or repair TorqueMaster springs, so if one breaks, call a technician. You can still seriously injure yourself working on this type of spring without the knowledge, experience, and specific tools necessary to do the job right.

Inspect your system; check for frayed cable, rust on the cable or the springs, and gaps in the springs. Call a garage door technician if you notice anything suspicious. WD Door provides garage door repair and installation services across the state of Iowa. Call us today for immediate assistance, or fill out our online form to request a quote.

 

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By |2023-04-18T11:40:04-05:00April 18th, 2023|

Problems Your Garage Door May Face This Winter

It’s difficult enough to get moving on a cold, blustery winter morning in Iowa without anything going wrong. A garage door that becomes sluggish or stops running when you need to leave the house can be downright annoying. Before you run into a serious problem, beware of what could go wrong (and often does during the winter). Knowing how to prevent certain problems and avoid common issues can make your winter a bit less turbulent.

Your garage door gets stuck to the ground.

If you determine that your garage door is stuck to the ground, don’t attempt to open it by force or by repeatedly pressing the remote button. You could seriously damage both the weather stripping at the bottom of your door and your garage door motor.

The reason your garage door is stuck is likely because moisture made its way between the bottom of your door and the ground and froze. You’ll need to melt the ice that’s holding your garage door hostage. Try using salt or salt water to melt it, and then, once your door is free, wipe off the salt to prevent corrosion. If you find the weather stripping has ripped or become damaged, replace it so it can effectively keep the cold air, ice, and snow out of your garage.

The sensors become dirty.

With the extra snow and mud in the winter, you need to pay careful attention to your garage door system’s photo eye sensors to ensure they stay clean and continue working properly. If they become dirty, they’ll view the dirt as an obstacle, and your door won’t open or close properly. Clean them carefully with a soft cloth.

Your garage door isn’t running smoothly.

Old lubricant can harden and thicken when the weather turns cold, making it difficult for your garage door to run smoothly along its tracks. Remove old lubricant using a solvent, and then apply fresh, silicone-based oil to the moving components of your garage door system. To keep your garage door system clean and to prevent buildup, wipe down the lifting mechanism regularly with a rag dipped in solvent.

A spring breaks.

You’ll be able to tell if a spring has broken if you attempt to lift the door manually (after pulling the red emergency handle and releasing it from the lift mechanism). Your door should lift fairly easily if it’s in proper working order. If it feels very heavy, you likely have a worn or broken spring. If this is the case, call a professional to fix the problem for you as soon as possible. Garage door springs should never be repaired or replaced by anyone but a trained professional.

The metal begins to contract.

Cold temperatures naturally cause the metal to contract. Because of this, your garage door system may become tight and have more trouble moving during the winter. The best way to keep the problem at bay and prevent it from causing serious damage is to keep your system well-maintained by cleaning and lubing it regularly. Even if your system does tighten as the metal contracts, the lube will help decrease friction as the door moves.

Have you experienced any of these problems? If you’re having trouble identifying what’s wrong, contact WD Door. We service residential and commercial garage door systems around Iowa. Email or call us today for help!

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By |2023-01-18T17:00:09-05:00January 10th, 2023|

Take Advantage of this Flash Sale

FLASH SALE!

For a limited time, get up to 50% off select overstock residential garage doors! Colors and sizes vary. These amazing deals won’t last long – contact Kody for details! (kody.smith@wd-door.com / (515) 268-7356

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By |2023-01-19T15:58:37-05:00November 10th, 2022|

Is Your Garage Door Ready for Winter?

Fall is officially here! It’s time to start thinking about preparing our homes for the colder weather. Before temperatures really drop and it gets too cold to spend time outdoors, you should perform a few maintenance tasks on your garage door system to ensure it works smoothly for you throughout the winter.

Skipping fall maintenance could force you out into the bitter cold to deal with a problem you could have prevented if you had been prepared; it could also cost you a lot of extra money. Getting outside sometime this fall and going through this checklist could pay off for you in more ways than one! (more…)

By |2023-01-18T14:57:28-05:00November 2nd, 2022|

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