Category: Blog

A lot of people are now more conscious about following eco-friendly and sustainable practices in their everyday lives – simple changes like reusing and recycling more often. But what about in your business? Adopting sustainable business practices helps to identify you as a socially responsible business, which is great for your reputation as more people are likely to want to buy from you, and job candidates will want to work for you.

If sustainability is something you want to work toward in your business, then read on for some tips on how to achieve this.

Switch to recycled packaging

If you sell products, then your packaging can produce a lot of waste. A lot of products are sold in plastic packaging, which is usually either thrown away or, ideally, recycled properly. Your business can reduce this waste by using recycled materials in your packaging and reducing plastic use wherever possible. Recycled plastic or paper packaging makes for a more eco-friendly choice.

Embrace remote working

Remote working is becoming a more and more popular trend. This is partly to do with the flexibility it affords workers, allowing them to fit their workday around obligations like childcare. However, it offers an additional benefit of reducing carbon emissions, since fewer people will be driving to work each day.

Reduce office waste

The materials that you and your employees use each day can add up to a lot of waste, especially in larger businesses. Be conscious about what you are using and how much. For example, relying primarily on digital communications and documents can reduce your paper waste. If your office has a water cooler, then opt for paper cups rather than plastic ones. Even better, encourage all your employees to use refillable water bottles.

Lower energy costs

Heating and cooling your business premises can also account for a lot of a company’s waste when there are inefficiencies. Properly ventilating your offices can help to keep cooling costs down in hot weather, while insulating can help all year round. Windows and garage doors, in particular, can lose a lot of heat in the winter and let more warm air in during the summer. Installing double-glazed windows and properly insulating your commercial garage doors makes it easier to heat and cool your premises, meaning that you can use less energy.

If you need new or upgraded commercial garage doors for your North Carolina business, then contact Carolina Garage Door for our services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point.

Garages are typically less insulated and more exposed to the outdoors than the rest of your house. This can make it much more difficult to control the temperature inside your garage. They have a tendency to be extremely cold in the winter and hot and stuffy in the summer. This article will give you some tips on heating and cooling your garage all year round.

Do you need an HVAC system?

You can maintain a comfortable temperature in your garage whatever the weather with an HVAC system installed in there. But this can have high running costs, along with the initial cost of installation. So, it’s important to consider whether you really need an HVAC system or not, since you don’t want to end up wasting money.

The main thing you should consider is how much time you or your family members spend in the garage. If you’re only in there briefly when getting into and out of your car a few times a day, then the temperature isn’t too important. However, if you spend time on hobbies or projects in your garage, then you’ll want it to remain temperate.

Another consideration is whether you have a detached or an attached garage. An attached garage can affect the temperature inside your home, making it more difficult and expensive to maintain the right temperature. So, heating your garage in winter, for example, can help to keep your home warm, too.

Heating and cooling without an HVAC system

Installing an HVAC system in your garage will allow you to maintain your preferred temperature, but what if you decide not to invest in HVAC? Or maybe you have one but want to find out ways to spend less money on your heating and cooling. Here are some tips to help maintain a comfortable garage temperature without HVAC…

• Insulation – An insulated garage door can lower heating and cooling costs by keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, and vice versa in the summer. Insulating the walls of your garage adds to this, making it easier to control the internal temperature.
• Ventilation – One of the reasons garages get so hot and humid in warm weather is because they are not properly ventilated. Many garages don’t have windows and the door is closed most of the time. Adding windows to your garage door or ventilating it using fans and vents can help to keep you cool.
• Eliminate draughts – Cracks and gaps in the walls or around your garage door will let draughts in from outside. While this may provide a welcome breeze in the summer, it will also make your garage much colder in the winter. Filling in any gaps and adding weatherstripping around your door will help to eliminate these draughts.

Do you need a new garage door or any upgrades to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your garage? If so, then contact Carolina Garage Door for our repair, maintenance, and installation services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, High Point.

One of the best things about owning your own home is being able to design and redesign it however you like. Think about garage doors; you no longer need to put up with the standard garage door that every other house on your street has. You can design a custom door that suits your home, style, and the needs of you and your family.

Whether you want a different style, a different color, a different size, or a different type of door, Carolina Garage Door can help you design the custom garage door that’s right for you.

The benefits of a custom garage door

If you have a garage that’s slightly different to the standard size and shape, then choosing a custom garage door ensures that you still get a door that fits your garage perfectly. Maybe you’re building a new garage and want it to be wider than a standard garage in order to fit your car comfortably. A custom garage door is the perfect companion to this.

You might also be looking for a specific aesthetic for your garage and the front of your home. In this case, being able to choose every aspect of your new garage door helps to make sure you’re not disappointed by the end result. Whether you’re going for a rustic farmhouse look or a more modern aesthetic, you can choose the style, material, and colors that suit your idea.

Try our online garage door visualizer program

If you’re starting to design your custom garage door or are having difficulty imagining how it will look, then try out our online garage door visualizer program to help you. This takes you through step-by-step to test out different styles, sizes, colors, and materials. Just start off by entering the size or dimensions of your garage door to see a range of styles you can choose from.

Go through a number of options in order to see the end result, helping you imagine how it would look and to see whether you like the style. You can even upload a photo of the front of your home and garage to literally visualize your custom design on your home. Alternatively, you can choose one of our sample homes to view your design on.

If a custom garage door is next on your home renovation list, then contact Carolina Garage Door today for our design and installation services across Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point.

When you’re in a rush to get to work on time or hurrying to get back inside the house when you’re caught in the rain, it can feel like your garage door takes an age to open and close. This might not just be down to impatience, though. Not all garage doors open and close at the same rate, and a slow opening door could indicate a problem with your garage door or its opener.

What determines the speed of your garage door?

Your garage door opener is the main cause of the speed at which your garage door opens. The size of your garage door opener’s motor and the amount of horsepower it has plays a part in how quickly or slowly your door opens. On average, a residential garage door opens at a rate of approximately 7 inches per second.

There are high-speed garage door openers that allow your garage door to open more quickly, but these are typically only used for commercial garages in order to improve productivity and save time. These are much more expensive to account for the extra power.

Your residential garage door opener is likely to have more than one speed setting, though. By default, this is typically set to the lowest speed setting when you purchase and install it. Look for a speed setting switch on the side of your opener and set it to a higher speed if you feel that your garage door is opening too slowly.

Another determiner of speed is whether you have a DC or AC motor. Garage doors operated by AC motors tend to open at a constant speed whereas DC motors may cause your garage door to move slowly at the beginning and end of its opening cycle, while speeding up slightly in the middle.

Why is my garage door opening slowly?

If your garage door starts to open and/or close more slowly than usual, then there could be a problem with one or more of the parts involved in the opening and closing mechanism. This may simply be down to the age of your door and the regular wear and tear that comes with everyday use.

Try applying a lubricant to the moving parts of your garage door to help it run more smoothly. You should do this on a regular basis to help prevent excessive wear and tear to these moving parts. If this doesn’t increase the opening speed, then it’s a good idea to call a professional technician to perform a garage door tune-up. They’ll be able to identify if any problems are causing the door to slow down.

If a maintenance issue is not causing your garage door to open slowly, then you might need to invest in a new, more powerful garage door opener to help improve your door’s opening speed.

If you need maintenance or repair for your garage door or its opener, then contact Carolina Garage Door for our support.

There are lots of different measures you can take to secure your garage door, from expensive locks to security cameras. But could your garage door opener also be contributing to or detracting from your garage’s security? In this article, we’ll look at some of the different security factors to consider when choosing a garage door opener.

Modern garage door openers

Technology has come a long way over the last few decades. As well as new technology like smart features for your garage door, garage doors have also become more secure over the years. So, if you have an old garage door or opener, then it might be time for an upgrade for the sake of security. Maybe the garage door was there when you moved into your house and it was working fine, so you left it. Installing a new garage door opener and door could be an easy way to boost your home security.

Manual vs. electric garage door openers

The more sophisticated technology of electric garage door openers is definitely more convenient, but is it secure? Although it’s unlikely, an electric garage door can be hacked if someone has the knowhow, allowing them to open your garage door without a remote control. Again, more modern garage doors tend to be less prone to this kind of attack. If you’re buying a new electric garage door opener, then look for ones that use rolling code technology as this makes them less vulnerable to hacking.

If you ever experience a power cut at home, it is possible to manually open your electric garage door. The downside to this is that thieves can also do this. If you’re confident you won’t need this manual override method yourself, then there are ways to secure your garage door opener from intruders using this method.

Smart garage door openers

Do smart garage door openers provide greater security? They certainly have some useful features, like being able to lock and monitor your garage door from wherever you are by using your smartphone. You can even access activity logs to track when your garage door was opened and closed. These features can alert you to any potential intruders while also allowing you to lock your garage door remotely if you forgot to do so when leaving the house, for example.

If you’re looking to upgrade your garage door opener or purchase a new garage door, then contact Carolina Garage Door for our advice or for garage door maintenance and installation around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point.

A lot of consideration goes into buying a new home, as it should do. After all, this is perhaps the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life. House hunters view every room, imagining what it would be like to live there and making sure that everything meets their standards. But the same amount of attention is not usually given to the garage.

Is having a garage a priority for you? Don’t just inspect and ask questions about the house, look around the garage and consider whether it meets your needs.

How important is the garage?

The first thing to decide is how much of a priority the garage is to you. Is it a must-have for your new home or would you be willing to sacrifice it for an otherwise perfect house? If the garage is a must-have, then consider what you’ll be using it for and what you require of it. Does it need to be a certain size? If you plan on parking a car in your new garage, then make sure it will be big enough for this purpose.

Detached or attached

Is it important to you whether your garage is attached to your house or detached? There are pros and cons to each, so think about what you’ll be using your garage for and how often you’ll use it to decide which is better for you and how important this is. If you want to use your garage as a workshop or a kids’ playroom, for example, then it would be more convenient if you can access the garage directly from your home.

Do you need the extra storage?

When looking around the interior of the house, pay attention to how many closets there are and how much storage space there is, in general. Is there an attic, basement, or spare room where you could store a lot of extra belongings? This could help you determine how much storage space you would need inside your garage.

Is there space to build or extend a garage?

Take a look at the space available at each property you look around. If you’ve found a property you like but it doesn’t have a garage, is there enough room for you to build one. Also, consider whether or not this would be within your budget. Or, if you’ve found a house you like but the garage is on the small side, is there enough space to extend it or add a second garage?

It’s important to consider every factor carefully when deciding which house to buy, as this is a long-term investment. If you need help when planning an extension or a new garage, and the new garage door to go with it, then contact Carolina Garage Door.

Lighting serves various purposes in and around your home. It’s not just for practicality, but also for safety, security, and aesthetic purposes. When it comes to selecting lighting for your garage, you should think about both the interior and exterior. Here are some lighting essentials you might need to consider for your garage.

Indoor lights

Lighting is essential inside any garage, especially if you spend time in there working on your car or at a workbench, for example. If your garage doesn’t have any windows, then this lighting may be necessary at all times of the day. Even if you don’t spend much time inside your garage, lighting is still needed to allow you to find stored items in there and not trip over any clutter on the ground.

The type of lighting you install and the number of lighting fixtures will depend largely on how you use your garage, as well as personal preferences. Fluorescent lighting is usually the most popular choice for residential garages, although LED lighting is also gaining popularity. If you spend a lot of time in your garage, then you might want to prioritize energy-efficient lighting to help you cut down on your electricity bills.

If you do spend time at a workbench, then you might want to install additional lighting over this area. Or you could simply add a desk lamp to your workbench, or one that clamps onto the bench.

Security lights

Many homeowners install motion-activated lighting outside their garage door to help boost security. The garage can often be the most vulnerable entry point in your house, so it’s important to deter potential thieves from breaking in and potentially stealing or damaging your property and belongings.

Motion-activated lights switch on as soon as someone enters a certain range. This may attract attention from neighbors and people passing by, making it more likely that any potential opportunists could be caught. This is often enough to deter that person from attempting to break-in.

Landscaping lights

Lighting outside your garage and around your garage door can also serve decorative and aesthetic purposes, not just practical ones. You can use landscape lighting to highlight certain aspects of your home and garage design. You might want to highlight the garage door itself if you are particularly proud of the design and quality.

Uplighting the walls to either side of your garage door helps to accent them and add texture to the appearance of the front of your home. You could also use path lights to highlight the way to your garage and to show off any plants or shrubs planted in the area.

Whether you need a new garage door or are just upgrading your garage with lighting and other accessories, we can guide you toward the best choices. If you need garage door installation, repair, or maintenance around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point then contact Carolina Garage Door today.

It’s almost summertime! And just like harsh winters can wreak havoc on your garage door, so can hot summers. To keep your garage door in good condition all year round and to avoid any surprise repairs, here are some tips to help you prepare your garage door for summer.

Check the finish

Cold weather, ice, snow, and hail may have caused some superficial damage to the finish of your garage door over winter. Check for worn areas and scratches on the surface of your garage door. You may need to repaint or refinish your door if it suffered from any extreme weather. If your garage door is often in direct sunlight, you might consider a paint or finish with UV protection. You should also properly clean the surface of your garage door to get rid of built-up dust and dirt that could damage the finish.

Check the weather-stripping and insulation

Weather-stripping and insulation will stop your garage from becoming too hot in the summer sun. Check around the weather-stripping to ensure it hasn’t become cracked or damaged, and replace it if necessary. Your garage door should also be properly insulated to control the temperature inside your garage. Consider upgrading your garage door if needed or purchasing a new garage door with insulation.

Test the sensors

Garage door sensors are a useful safety device that stops the garage door from closing if something is blocking its path. Unfortunately, bright sunlight can sometimes interfere with this process, preventing the safety system from working properly. If your garage door receives direct sunlight during the day, then you may be able to get around this problem by creating a shade for the sensors.

Lubricate moving parts

It’s important to keep moving parts well-lubricated to keep them functioning, in good condition, and to prevent wear and tear. Changes in temperature can cause hardware to expand and shrink slightly, which can leave parts vulnerable to wear and tear. So, make sure you lubricate all moving parts in time for the summer heat.

Book a garage door tune-up

As well as your own checks and maintenance, it’s a good idea to book a professional garage door tune-up in time for summer. A garage door technician will be able to inspect all the parts of your garage door, like the springs and cables, to make sure there is no damage and everything is functioning properly. If there are any problems, it is better for a professional to spot them now and fix them before they become more serious.

If you need garage door repair or maintenance in Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, or High Point, then contact Carolina Garage Door for our support and services.

The front surface of your garage door is always out in the open, making it subject to whatever weather you’re experiencing that day. Sun, wind, rain, snow, fog, and ice – your garage door has to put up with it all. All of this can weaken and even damage your garage door over time, especially during extreme weather conditions. But there are certain things you can do to protect your garage door from the elements.

Here are our tips for weatherproofing your garage door…

Make sure all the seals are intact

Garage doors should have seals and weatherstripping around them to help seal off any gaps that might let water, debris, and pests inside. These can deteriorate over time, so inspect all the seals around your garage to check if any of them need repairing or replacing. If you see any cracks in the weatherstripping or gaps between the door and the floor or walls around it, then contact a garage door technician to make sure your garage is properly sealed.

Add insulation

Whether it’s hot summers or cold winters, a properly insulated garage door can help to keep the inside of your garage at a comfortable temperature. This can help you save on heating and cooling costs inside, especially if your garage is attached to your home. If your garage door isn’t insulated, then you can add insulation or install a new garage door that is properly insulated.

Add a protective finish

Rain, snow, hail, and UV rays can all weaken or damage the surface of your garage door over time. The sun may cause the color of your garage door to fade while heavier weather like hail can cause scratches and dents. Plus, rain and humidity can cause metal doors to rust and wooden doors to rot or warp over time.

Your garage door should be sealed or finished appropriately to provide the level of protection it needs. The kind of finish you’ll need will depend on the material of the door and whether or not it is painted. This will help your garage door last longer in good condition. You can also paint the walls of your garage with a waterproof sealant to help keep mold and mildew out of your garage’s interior.

If you need help maintaining or repairing your garage door, or upgrading it to better withstand the weather, Carolina Garage Door are here to help. Get in touch for our garage door tune-up and installation services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point.

Your garage door takes up a large proportion of the front of your home, so you want to make sure it looks good. Part of this is keeping it clean all year round. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the front of your garage door, particularly in seasons with little rain. So, we’ve got some tips to help you keep your garage door clean and in good condition.

How to clean your garage door

When preparing to clean your garage door, you should fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and dish soap or any other kind of mild detergent. If you have a specialty car wash soap, then this would be preferred. You will also need a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth and your garden hose. In most cases, you can clean your garage door in just 4 simple steps:

1. Rinse the front of your garage door with the garden hose to wash away any surface dirt and dust.
2. Soak your non-abrasive sponge or cloth in the bucket of water and wring out the excess water. Wipe down the front of your garage door with the soapy sponge.
3. Spray your garage door again with the hose to rinse off any soap or detergent left behind.
4. Leave your garage door to dry thoroughly.

You should always avoid rough and abrasive materials when wiping down your garage door as these can scratch the finish of the door. Strong detergents can erode the finish, so always stick with mild soap or detergent. And you should not power wash your garage door as this can also be damaging to the paint or finish.

It’s a good idea to clean the inside of your garage door while you’re in cleaning mode. Even though this doesn’t add to the image of your home, keeping it clean will help to maintain its condition. While doing so, you should also check the hardware of your garage door, removing any debris from the tracks and lubricating moving parts.

Tackling stubborn stains

If there are still marks or stains left behind after cleaning your garage door, then you could try diluting bleach with water and using this solution to scrub away the stubborn stains. Still ensure that you use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface. And make sure you thoroughly rinse the solution off after cleaning to avoid damaging the finish.

If you need any help maintaining your garage door in Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, or High Point, then contact us for our professional garage door service.