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I don’t know whether it’s because I was born in the 70s or I am still a kid at heart but I still find automatic garage doors cool. Like something out of Star Trek the way they open when prompted seems like something out of the future. Well 30 odd years on and I now work in the garage door industry (standby for gasps of shock!). In all honesty I did stumble into the profession and it wasn’t due to having an obsession with them for if I had a job involving something I am obsessed with I would most certainly be a couch potato!

I thought it would be a good idea to write a bit on how an automatic garage door is installed. Now I realise that this my not be the most thrilling of subjects however if like me you have had to put up with a temperamental automatic garage door braking down on you it is well worth knowing a thing or two.

Now before I begin it is well worth noting that if you are to install an automatic garage door then it is advisable to get a professional  garage door supplier to install it for you otherwise you may find yourself trying to force the thing to open as it is chucking it down with rain…been there done that and it is not nice!

Well on we go, and I won’t go into too much detail really but rather just the basics. To go into too much detail will confuse/bore/make you want to blow your brains out…so I won’t go there!

So to install an automatic garage door you need to:

•  Attach the track to the drive unit. The drive unit houses the motor and the motor is the part that does all the smoke and mirrors magic for you.

•  You then need to connect the rest of the sections of the track together.

•  The next step is to attach a mounting bracket to the track’s end, and then attach that to the beam above the garage door opening.

•  Once the above has been done you need to attach the motor according to the manufacturers instructions (so do not throw away the instruction manual when you buy one!). This must be attached to a beam in the ceiling because of its weight.

•  Attach the wires from the ceiling motor to the wall switch.

•  Then install the infrared sensors in front of the garage door so that it can detect your movement and open

•  Lastly connect your garage door to the door opener.

•  And voila! You have your nice new spanking garage door up and running.

There are a lot more niggly things involved but this is the basics. Knowing these little bits may help you if ever need to fix your/your neighbours/your sisters garage door, and who knows it may even help you if you decide to enter the world of garage door installation!



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Olly Fallon


Everyone would like a comfortable life. Most would say that to achieve this you need a comfortable home. If you already have a comfortable home you may be looking to improve things to make your life even more comfortable.

I would like to talk about a couple of home improvement products that not only make your life easier but can also add significant value to your home – everyone is a winner.

Today I would like to discuss Garage Doors and what automated garage doors are available on the market.

These really are good – perhaps you have a disability, perhaps you feel vulnerable getting out of your car in the dark winter nights or maybe you are just plain lazy and looking for the easy life!

If any of the above applies to you then an automated garage door could significantly improve your life and add value to your home.

These garage doors come in many different shapes and sizes. You may choose to opt for a roller door – this is a slatted door that is quite attractive in appearance. It rolls up into a casing. These doors are generally quite quiet and provide good insulation for your garage.

The negative point about these doors is that you need the headroom above the opening to fit the box in the first place. If you do not have this then the box will have to sit within the opening – this could leave you with a vastly reduced opening height, which is a huge issue for smaller garages or owners of large vehicles.

There are solutions to this issue – doors are available that rather than rolling into a coil they continue on a track on your ceiling roof – this allows to very little headroom requirement. Generally though these doors can be a lot more expensive than the traditional roller door.

Another quite attractive door is the same as mentioned above but the slats remain vertical and the door slides to the left or right wall of the garage. Of course here you need the depth of the garage to be available and if you have a side door or windows it may not be a practical solution

Options are available other than the slatted roller door. Sectional doors are similar but they have much larger panels. These can be very attractive but they come with added complications.

Finally the typical up and over doors are also available with an automatic operation. These tend to be the noisiest of doors so bear this in mind if you have a bedroom above and need to use the door when people may be sleeping. Kits can be purchased that allow you to motorise your existing door. These allow for quick and easy automation at low cost.

All the above operate on the same principle. You have a remote control in your car or on your person. As you approach the door you press the remote. The door should be pretty much open by the time you reach your garage. Dive in and press the button again and the door closes.

A few points to be aware of when considering using a garage door of this kind – What will you do in the even of a powercut – or even a breakdown? There are several options available today including manual override systems and battery backups.



Content

Nathan Lynch


Plasma TVs are one of the hottest electronic items being sold today. They are somewhat of a financial investment so whether you’re planning on creating an entire home theatre system for your family or just want a nice way to show off your new TV, a plasma TV stand is an excellent idea. Here’s a few different types of TV stands and cabinets to assist you with your decision making.

Metal Plasma TV Stands

Metal plasma TV stands are modern and stylish and come in different finishes like black or silver. A nice feature of these types of stands is that in some circumstances, the metal is even textured with a powder coat finish to hide fingerprints. They are also very sturdy and easy to assemble. Some manufacturers even give you of choice of features such as glass shelving and magnetized trims in different types of wood finishes.

Console Styles

Consider a console plasma TV stand in your choice of contemporary or elegant wood and metal finishes. Consoles are great because accessories like tapes and DVDs can be stored inside them, out of sight. They also help to ‘hide’ wires and components because the front is covered by the cabinet doors. These aren’t the bulky TV consoles from the ‘old days’ either. Their designs are streamlined and modern and in addition to their functionality, can add a really nice touch to your existing décor.

Designer Style

These types of plasma TV stands come in wide variety of styles and can really add an additional degree of drama to a room. Choose from wood or metal in different finishes and then mix it up with shelving choices in different materials than the base. An all glass stand is a great way to give the illusion of more space in smaller rooms and you can select from clear, frosted or beveled. These stands are also very sturdy and what’s nice about the open style of these types of TV stands is that all of your components are easily accessible. Many also include a swivel turntable so you can easily adjust your TV for different viewers around the room.

Stands with Motorized TV Lifts

Automatic TV lifts are built into the cabinet and designed to raise heavy plasma TVs. They use four rails to guide the unit as motor raises the lift quickly, quietly and safely. Some models will even stop automatically if something obstructs its path in the same way an automatic garage door mechanism works. These are pretty cool but are actually more of a furniture piece so you’ll need to make sure you have the space if this is your choice for a plasma TV stand.



Content

Keith Hutson


Home safety is probably one of the most talked topics on people’s mind today. Can you imagine watching television with your family and suddenly a robber busts through your front or back door? It’s sad but our homes are not 100% safe. There are however some tips you can learn to help protect yourself.

First make sure you have durable doors. They should be heavy, thick doors that are difficult to damage and break down, equipped with durable locks. Be sure to visit your local hardware store or locate a reputable locksmith to install heavy duty locks. One of the easiest but neglected or overlooked practice; lock your door! The amount of homes that are simply walked into unlocked is staggering. Many would be robbers look for the easy targets and unlocked doors are what many burglars dream of.

Be sure to keep your windows locked, especially when you’re at the opposite end of the house. Some burglars will climb through unlocked windows. They’ll steal jewelry and other items in the bedrooms while you’re at the opposite end of the house or outside. You can install inexpensive but highly effective window alarms. Door alarms ideal for patio French or sliding glass doors. These devices will set of an audible alarm over 120 db scaring off the burglar.

Many homeowners will hide keys under door mats, in flower pots, on a window ledge, even in the dirt next to the stoop. These common places are where burglars tend to look, especially if they are not in plain view from the street or neighboring houses.

You can invest in diversion safes, such as a fake sprinkler head where a key can be hidden. However, if you don’t have a sprinkler system then a fake sprinkler head may be a dead giveaway. Fake flower pots are ideal for hiding keys. Another secure method is to install a digital lock where entry is done by entering an access code to either unlock the door.

You may want to consider installing surveillance cameras around your property. Some homeowners place a monitor beside their television so they can see around the perimeter of their home while watching television. Let people who pass your houses know you are aware of their presence. Burglars tend to be leery of houses with surveillance cameras. An additional tip…install signs that indicate the house is under camera surveillance.

If you park your car outside your garage that’s equipped with an automatic garage door opener make sure your car is always locked. An unlocked car is an opportunity for burglars to easily open your car and gain access to your house with your remote opener. Don’t become easy prey for a burglar.

Wireless home monitors are ideal to detect motion in your home while you’re away. These alarms can be programmed with up to 5 telephone numbers that you wish to program. When the alarm senses motion it automatically calls your cell phone, office or other numbers you desire to have notified. With these clever alarms you remove the risk of entering your home to an unwanted guest. If you come home late at night these devices are a must for you.

If you are going away on vacation be sure to stop your mail and newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor whom you know and trust collect these deliveries. Install timers so that lights in your home turn on toward dusk and turn off in the morning. Bathroom lights are good to leave on, if on the outside wall of the home. Try to have your exterior lights turn off during the day. Burning outside porch or flood lights can give a hint that no one is home.

Hopefully these tips can give added security to your home and family.

Good luck and be safe!



Content

expert02


Gates and doors are an important part in a house because they protect the house from various frauds and it adds a different beauty to the person’s house. If the gates and doors are constructed accurately it can provide a lot of help to the person. Every person wants his house to look beautiful and attractive so he always goes for attractive designs. These gates and doors are visible to many people who live in the neighborhood as it creates a good impression about the house and its interiors. So these doors should always be constructed under the guidance of reputed company who can provide qualitative results in the end.

 

American garage doors and gates is one of the most highly reputed companies in America because it has been serving its customers with utmost sincerity and honesty. The company believes in complete customer satisfaction and they see to it that the work is completed in the given period of time. The company deals in entire construction of gates and doors from getting the materials and to give out a final product. The final product given by this company is highly dependable and reliable. The customers have full faith in the company’s service and they know that they will always get qualitative product in the end. The company sees to it that the customer’s doubts and problems get solved within one day as they don’t like to delay on any matter as their company’s name is being highlighted.

 

The designs provided by this company are very attractive and beautiful and they see to it that the customers get a lot of options in selecting a particular product. The materials used for making garage doors are of steel which provide extra protection to the customer’s house and a beauty gets added by its presence. If the customer’s are not satisfied then they see to it that the work is done according to the customer’s need and desires. The best part about this company is that if the customer gets his own choice on selecting any product he wants. The materials used are of top most quality hence the doors and the gates are very much reliable and are very strong and firm. 

 

Thus this company has been serving the people of America with all the best and qualitative service and this has helped them to gain demand in the market. Whenever people want to construct a door or gates in their houses they always think about American doors and Gates Company. For more details you can visit them at               www.americangatesanddoors.com.    

 

 

 



Content

David Fishman


The concept of a garage opening system arrived during the Second World War. Garage Openers have been saving Americans from back injuries for over 35 years, yet there have been few new modifications or major innovations in these door openers. Believe it or not some people have voice activated door openers instead of you having to place your finger over the button when you walk from your house to the garage.

Garage door can keep the home safe because when they close the doors are locked automatically, this way you don’t have to worry about locking the doors. Garage doors are important features in a security system for a number of reasons and those who use openers, however, need to be mindful of a few things. The main parts in a garage opener system are: transmitter, the remote control, safety sensors, key pads, receiver/remote kits, screw drive and much more.

The door openers are automatic and so convenient they are standard in most garages today. An automatic opener is not just a convenience; it’s an investment in your house, and an important home appliance that will get daily use for many years to come. An automatic door opener is a terrific convenience and it may give you a sense of security as well.

When building a home it is sometimes confusing when trying to figure out the opening of the garage. The rough opening for a garage door, simply put, is the actual size of the door itself. You should make sure the door is properly balanced you can do this by slowly opening and closing the door, when the bottom of the door hits the floor evenly and the door doesn’t sway back and forth the door is balanced.

The reason garage door openers do not burn out is because the springs allow the door to open easily by pulling the door up so the opener has less strain on the motor, the springs also help if you need to open the door manually. Usually two types of springs are used linear expansion and tensional springs. The springs on your garage door can pose a safety hazard. These kinds of springs are installed over a shaft that helps roll the door up to the open position. Garage springs are very dangerous, even when the garage is closed, as they contain large amounts of potential energy (that’s just waiting to be suddenly converted to kinetic energy, ie movement) and have killed or seriously injured many people.

Some garage door openers offer heavier steel or a sturdier design. Some openers do not use the steel chain pulley system; they use a screw threaded steel rod that turns to move the garage door up and down. If you are deciding on which type of garage door to purchase keep in mind the differences between wood and metal, the wood doors need to be taken care of just like a deck, you need to stain or paint it so it doesn’t rot, a steel door is easier to maintain. If you decide to get a steel door the main thing to check is that it has been properly prepared to prevent rust.



Content

anonymous


There is nothing like coming home from a hard day’s work and having your garage door open automatically for you. While still some distance away from your home, at the press of a button, a radio beam is sent that activates the door opener. This allows for you to simply pull into your garage, close the garage door by hitting the same switch, getting out of your car and walking into your home. This convenience is especially useful during inclement weather.

Not only is a garage door opener a modern day convenience that is handy to have, but can also serve as a safety measure for the family. Imagine that no one is home and a member of the family arrives at the house during the hours of darkness. What a relief it is to know that the opener will allow for easy and safe access of that family member. Once safely inside the garage, the garage door can be shut safely by that member of the family while still secure in the vehicle. Once the door has been shut then they may safely embarked into the home.

In addition, there are certain convenient features. These features include remote controls, keyless entry pads and switches that are keyed.

When installing a door opener or using an opener for a period of time there may be certain adjustments that need to be made. Those adjustments include adjusting the limits of the door opener, adjusting the force and adjusting the safety feature.

Adjusting Limits

Sometimes the garage door opener does not allow for the garage door to fully close or open. If this is the case it may require that the limits be adjusted.

On the main panel of the garage door opener there are a number of adjusting screws. The adjusting limit screw can be turned to compensate for the garage door’s lack of closing securely or not opening to the proper height.

Simply turn the adjustment screw in a clockwise direction to fully open the limits of the garage door or the opposite direction to allow for complete closure.

Adjusting The Force

Another adjustment that may need to be made with the garage door opener is adjusting the force. The force of the garage door opener needs to be adjusted if the door, while closing, does not reverse its direction when pressure. This pressure can be applied by holding onto the door. Also, if the door reverses on its own the same adjustment in force needs to occur.

The forced applied by the garage door opener needs to be decreased if the garage door does not stop its movement when held as it is opening.

Adjust The Safety Feature

The door openers of today have a built in reverse direction system. The safety feature is engaged when the door touches an object as it is being closed. This object could be your car, member of the family, etc. A simple test to determine the sensitivity of this feature can be accomplished by deliberately placing an object in the closing door’s path. If the door stops its motion downward, but does not automatically return, simply turn the down limit screw clockwise and retest.

Continue this process till the safety feature of the garage door opener is functioning properly.



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Jennifer D. Melville


One of the most important inventions of the last few years has been the advent of the safety beam. The safety beam is a beam of infrared light that sits near the floor of your garage. If something is in the way or if something breaks the beam as your door is closing, the sensor will automatically make the door rise back up. It is basic motion sensor detection technology that, thanks to military research, has come down in price considerably from where it was just a decade ago. Let’s take a look at why these beams are so important.

Along with high quality insulation and a durable opening mechanism, the safety beam is definitely one of the most important inventions in garage door history. The idea of someone being crushed under a 400 lb. door has become such a part of modern culture that even the popular television show, The Simpsons, had it happen to clumsy main character Homer Simpson. Of course, for thousands of families across the country, the idea of being crushed to death by your garage door is no laughing matter. According to a 1991 press release by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 46 confirmed deaths from 1982-1990 involving children and garage doors. It was this call by the CPSC and other groups that brought the use of the safety beam into today’s homes. Best of all, the addition of safety beams has not significantly increased the cost of garage doors, which makes this addition something everyone can agree on. The beams help protect you and your family from accidents, slips, falls, and disasters. They also protect the garage door companies from being sued by families that have experienced such accidents.

If you have chosen to install your own garage door at home, the safety beam is one of the easiest parts to install. You can purchase a garage door set that includes a safety beam or you can purchase the beams on their own for anywhere from $150-$200. If you aren’t sure how to install or retrofit your garage doors with safety beams, you may want to call a professional to do the installation for you. Many of the best safety beams on the market are made by the same manufacturers that make the doors, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility problems. If you have a significantly older garage door, however, you may want to consider calling your manufacturer before you go out and invest the money in safety beams.

The safety beam is a basic motion detector. The units transmit a beam from one end to the other that, when broken, serves as an effective safety device. When you close your garage door, the censor in the safety beam allows the door to continue closing as long as the beam remains unbroken. Should a person, pet, or even a piece of paper happen to break the beam, the door will immediately begin to open. It is a long overdue safety feature that works like a charm and can saves lives.



Content

David Faulkner


Gone are the aged labor-intensive doors. Today you’ll find that remote controlled and motorized garage doors have fashioned a more usable garage. The most popular style is the automatic garage door. If you want to maximize the value of your home, you’ll find automatic garage doors are an easy and reasonably priced method to increase your homes curb appeal. A good garage door will distinguish it from the rest of the locality. For something extra special, custom made automatic garage doors can be designed to your specifications.

Where limited space in your driveway is an issue, sectional garage doors are the right choice. They open and shut vertically, allowing cars to park very close to the door without keeping it from opening. Among the wide variety of designs, the most popular garage doors are automatic upward acting, and self storing.

A garage door is one of the most important apparatus of your garage. It not only provides protection but also can be a design statement for the rest of your property.

Before you build a garage or decide to give existing one a facelift, it is indispensable for you to determine the style, shape and size of your garage door. This will give you a fair idea on how much drive through width you require and also so you don’t end up compromising on a mannered garage entry.

Select The Material Wisely:

The most important apprehension in setting up your automatic garage door is the material used. Selecting the best automatic garage door materials for your needs will depend on a few things like the style of your home, and how warm you want your garage to be. When you’re planning to establish a garage door, you must think about door type and materials. You can also incorporate into your plan such things as heated garages or unique window options.

Automatic garage doors are by far the trendiest type of garage door available to homeowners. With automatic stop and begin features, people find automatic garage doors easy to use, with wonderful options and security features. Automatic garage doors work with a rolling system. The door rolls up and stores along the roof of the garage. Automatic door features to look for are that they are smooth, quiet and condensed. Installing an automatic garage door is simple; do it yourself, or get help from the manufacturer.

Walk With The Upcoming Trend:

Automatic prefab garage doors are becoming progressively more fashionable because of the economy. Everyone wants to have a beautiful garage door and still purchase within his or her budget. By purchasing a automatic garage doors you can have the beautiful home and not worry about the stress of building or paying several businesses to make your home look great. By purchasing an automatic prefab garage door, you still get to choose your options and most places allow you to personalize your home so that you feel like you build it. You get to have control on what it looks like, but you get it for a fraction of what it would cost for you to build. For more info see http://www.garageplanshelp.com on garage storage.

People who procure automatic prefab garage door from all of the social classes have different interests. There is no specific group of people who purchase prefab doors. Automatic doors are usually associated with rednecks since most automatic prefab garage door are like trailers, but that is not the case. Don’t stereotype prefab doors because even people who are well to do have a prefab home.



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Dan Fritschen


If you are tired of trudging through rain or snow to get to your car, adding a garage to your home might be just what the doctor ordered. If your car or truck is beginning to show the effects of bright sunlight and the elements, a garage might be just what the body shop would recommend.

Adding a garage to your home can provide controlled access to your vehicle, protect your vehicle from damage or theft, and also provide a little extra storage or work space, or both. Best of all, adding a garage can also increase the resale value of your home possibly more than you paid to have the garage built!

Before you go too far with planning your garage addition, you will need to check with your municipality and understand local building codes, space requirements, access requirements, etc.

The first decision to make is whether the garage will be free-standing or attached to your house. Local building codes may require that your garage be attached to the house.

The second step is to begin to plan the project.

* Select a style and roof line that is consistent with the style of your house

* Select building materials that are consistent with the style and exterior materials of your house; ensure that the materials meet local standards

* Decide whether the garage will be designed to accommodate one or two or more vehicles

* Decide whether you will build an “oversized” garage to provide space for a workbench, gardening supplies and equipment, lawn care tools and equipment, etc.

* Decide whether you will include an exterior door, perhaps for access to the back yard

* Decide whether you will include windows and a skylight. The added light can change a dark, dingy garage into a much nicer space

* Choose a garage door and opener

* Decide if you will use the space above the garage for storage and, if so, how you will have access to that space

* Consider the electrical wiring needs you will have in the garage (for example, will you need outlets all around the interior, or only in one or two places; will you need a 220 line and outlet for a freezer or other appliance?

* Decide if you want the space heated and cooled

* Determine if you want to have a sink or bathroom in the garage. A mud room with full bath can be a nice feature

When your plans are complete and you have the necessary permits and permissions in hand, it is time to begin construction. Here are the primary steps in the construction process:

1. Clearing the area of trees, fences, shrubbery, etc.

2. Excavation  removing grass, top soil and dirt

3. Filling the excavated area with gravel and compacting

4. Build and set the form for the footings and concrete

5. Anchor the floor to the foundation of the house

6. Pour the concrete floor and footing

7. Frame construction

8. Roof construction

9. Install exterior siding

10. Install shingles

11. Install ventilation, plumbing and electricity

12. Install windows and the garage door(s)

13. Install insulation and vapor barrier

14. Install interior walls and ceiling

15. Install access to attic area

16. Prime and paint

Building a garage is not a simple project. Unless you have the specific skills required, you will probably need to hire either a contractor or several skilled workers or teams. Assuming that you will do only decorating and finishing work, the kinds of skilled professionals you will need are:

* Excavator

* Concrete form builder/setter

* Carpenter

* Roofer

* Electrician, plumber

* Bricklayer, stone mason, wood or vinyl siding installer

* Drywall installer

* Window and door installer

Current trends in garage construction clearly favor building a garage that is attached to the house, with windows on at least one side and an automatic garage door opener. If you want to provide access to the attic without sacrificing space, the best answer might be a drop-down stairway. If space permits you to do so, some built-in shelving or strips for hanging lawn and garden tools make a garage very functional. The more organized the garage, the more functional it will be. Anything you can include in your plans that will enable you to organize the space for neatness and cleanliness will be a clear asset when you sell your home.

Another thing to consider, both for your own comfort and to protect your investment, is a coating of sealant on the concrete. This will protect the appearance of the garage in the event of fluid leaks from your vehicle.

Insulation may seem an unnecessary expense in a garage. Spending the additional money to insulate a garage will generally make the garage more functional in any of a number of ways. First, it will make the journey from the house to the vehicle more comfortable in hot or cold weather. Second, it will be more comfortable if you use the garage for a work area. Third, if you store gardening or lawn care chemicals or automotive fluids in the garage, insulation will reduce the risk of fire. Finally, an insulated garage reduces the influx of hot or cold air into the house.

Adding a garage to your home can answer several needs and provide some much-appreciated creature comforts. With careful planning, you can create a multi-functional addition that will meet your current needs and increase the value of your home.

Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing



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