When to Replace Your Commercial Garage Door

Garage doors provide a functional and convenient way to exit and enter your businesses. They also protect the people, equipment and products inside your building from weather elements and security risks. Whether your door is getting to the end of its life expectancy or you’ve started noticing some strange movement or noises, it may be time to look into a replacement. Learn the most common signs you need a new door and the importance of investing in a high-quality replacement.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Commercial Garage Door?

Every garage door has a different life expectancy. Many factors can impact how long your model stays in working condition, including:

• Materials
• Construction
• Maintenance
• Proper installation
• How often you use the door
• Weather elements your building faces

Some businesses can get close to 30 years of use from their door, while others may only reach 10 years or less.

Rather than relying on a number of years to determine your door’s life span, you should consider the cycles you run daily. The springs in your door can typically handle between 5,000 and 20,000 cycles, depending on the spring system and materials. If you run multiple cycles a day, opening and closing often, your door will likely reach its limit sooner than it would if you only ran a cycle at the start and end of every day. Contact the company that installed your door to determine how many cycles your system can handle for the most accurate life expectancy.

Signs You Need a Garage Door Replacement

Several signs can indicate when it’s time to replace your garage door. If you’re noticing issues with your door, getting to the cause as soon as possible is important. Additionally, you should always leave repairs, replacements and installation to the professionals to ensure your safety and the door’s longevity. A reliable door company can help you find the best type of door for your business to meet your needs while staying within your budget. Determine whether you face any of these common indicators for needing a door replacement:

Inconsistent Opening and Closing

Inconsistent opening and closing could be the result of several issues. You could have problems with the connections between devices, and the opener isn’t registering when you click the button. You could also have blockages that prohibit your door from functioning properly, such as debris blocking the sensors or an object stopping the door from operating fully. However, inconsistent functioning could also indicate more serious problems.

For example, the door springs may be nearing the end of their life, releasing the door prematurely and causing it to slam closed or snap open. Continuing to use your door with this issue could cause stress on other parts of the door, leading to even more costly repairs. Damaged or broken springs can also be dangerous for any people, vehicles or equipment in the space. If the springs snap, the door could crush anything beneath it, and the springs could become projectiles, potentially harming those nearby.

Frequent Door Repairs and Part Replacements

As with most equipment, you can often tell it’s time for an updated model when you need frequent part replacements and repairs. Although it’s essential to replace parts when necessary, there can come a point when the services and maintenance become excessive and less cost-effective than replacing the door.

Wear and tear will happen naturally over time, but some damaged parts can cause strain on other elements of the door, leading to a need for maintenance and repairs. For example, broken or damaged cables could lead to more stress on the tracks, which can lead to track misalignments or damage to essential screws or other components.

Increasing Energy Bills for Your Business

Garage doors can help insulate your building. If you notice higher energy bills than usual, your door could have weather stripping or insulation issues. Along with causing you to pay higher energy bills, poor insulation could impact your employees or products. For example, if you have goods that have specific temperature storing requirements, you may diminish product integrity by lacking proper insulation. Employees may also feel less comfortable working in the space, potentially decreasing productivity and satisfaction.

Lack of Modern Safety Features for Employees

Modern garage doors offer a range of safety features to protect your business, products and employees. Features such as alarm systems, motion sensors and rolling code technology can prevent break-ins, alert you if something is wrong, and protect your employees and products from adverse situations. Whether you have an older door without these features or notice other businesses and competitors investing in these high-quality options, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Benefits of a High-Quality Garage Door Replacement

While garage doors serve a functional purpose for your business and employees, they can also aid in business success. High-quality garage doors can:

• Boost your curb appeal: For many businesses, first impressions of a building can impact potential sales or customer or partner relationships. Whether you want to sell your property in the future or present your business in a certain way, a high-quality, modern garage door can work wonders to boost your image.
• Reduce noise pollution: The proper insulation in a garage door can lower energy bills while preventing unnecessary noise pollution from impacting your employees. If your business is near busy streets, trains, construction work and other loud areas, a new garage door can prevent your employees from becoming distracted by unnecessary noise.
• Allow for easier use: Modern technology makes it easier than ever before to control your door. You can use smartphones and connected devices to control your door, and other advanced features can bring additional convenience to your daily operations.
• Save money: High-quality doors use materials and components that last longer. This can save your business money by requiring fewer maintenance and repair sessions and offering an extended life span so you don’t have to make significant purchases as frequently.

Request Commercial Garage Door Installation in Houston

Halo Overhead Door is committed to providing trusted garage door solutions. We’re a family-owned business in Texas, proudly serving business owners and homeowners in Houston. As a full-service overhead door company, we can meet all your needs for maintenance and installation. We can help with customized solutions for steel and glass commercial doors.

The dedicated team members at Halo Overhead Garage Doors are your go-to Houston industrial garage door experts. Our products are long-lasting, durable and efficient. We make it easy to request Texas commercial overhead door installation. Call our team at (281) 247-5679 for commercial garage door replacement.

Top Ways to Improve Your Houston Home With Glass Garage Doors

While glass garage doors offer timeless elegance and attractiveness, their benefits go beyond good looks. They are as durable, versatile and secure as traditional garages and offer sturdy structural integrity, improved damage protection and insulation for temperature control. Complete any home design with a new glass garage door installed by the experts at Halo Overhead Door.

Read more about how these garage doors will improve your Houston home.

Glass Garage Door Types

If safety is a concern, rest assured that manufacturers have made several changes to protect your privacy and keep prying eyes at bay, including adding polycarbonate coating and tempered or laminated glass. 

• Tinted glass: Various shades of tinted laminate film are available to cover the glass. You can see out, but your neighbors can’t see in.
• Decorative glass: Customize your garage door with decorative or ornamental glass in different colors and styles, including frosted, glaciered and hammered. This “obscure” glass creates a vague, blurry image that prevents passersby from seeing the garage contents. 
• Reflective glass: Like tinted glass, reflective or window glass has a film sheet covering that reflects the outside. Any outsiders looking in will see themselves instead. 

Glass Garage Door Applications

You don’t have to use your garage to park your car. Converting it into an expanded living area will boost your home’s curb appeal and potential return on investment if you decide to sell. Here are some you could consider with glass garage doors.

Entertainment Area

If you love spending time with friends, why not transform your garage into a private entertainment area? Add a pool table, couch, jukebox and bar to create everyone’s favorite hangout. You could even incorporate a Jacuzzi or steam room for ultimate luxury and pleasure. 

Office

People who work from home need a dedicated space to concentrate and check tasks off their to-do lists. Turning your garage into an office lets you get into deep focus mode, minimize distractions and improve your work/life balance.

Gym or Studio

A glass garage door can provide an ideal space for a home gym, with the option to keep the room open or closed. You’ll save money on gym membership and use the room at your leisure. The natural light that floods the garage also promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, ideal for a yoga or Pilates studio.

Patio or Deck

Enjoy a patio or deck’s flow and open space by incorporating glass garage doors. You can entertain year-round, even in winter, because an insulated glass garage door brings an outside feel indoors while keeping you warm.

Greenhouse Conversion

Take advantage of all the natural light a glass door provides by converting your garage into a greenhouse. Plants will thrive in the humid environment, and you’ll continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce like tomatoes in the colder seasons. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider turning your garage into a sunroom instead. 

5 Ways a Glass Garage Door Can Improve Your Houston Home

Installing a glass garage door has numerous benefits, including the following. 

1. Enhanced Curb Appeal

With so many glass garage door options in Houston, you can customize your door to suit your home’s style. Choose between colors like bronze, brown, white and anodized coating with aluminum frames that will enhance its curb appeal and make it stand out. 

Your home’s resale value will increase with the addition of glass garage doors, as a garage door replacement will recoup over 100% of your costs on average. 

2. Improved Natural Light

Glass garage doors invite more natural light to fill your home, which is excellent for your physical and mental health. Exposure to sunshine encourages your body to make vitamin D, regulates your circadian rhythms for better sleep and boosts your mood. You’ll still enjoy these perks even if you install a tinted or reflective door.

With ample sunlight streaming in, you can also save money on your energy bills. Give your lightbulbs a break, and let Mother Nature light up your life!  

3. Expanded Space

We all enjoy extra elbow room. Glass doors allow you to convert the garage into a versatile additional room or functional living area. Make the patio or pool house more accessible through the garage or dedicate the space to a hobby like painting or woodworking. Glass doors add versatility and create an illusion of space, even if you don’t get creative with your garage. 

4. Increased Durability

Contrary to popular belief, glass garage doors are highly secure and reinforced with similar materials as other doors. They provide the same protection against impact from high winds and thunderstorms.

5. Low Maintenance

Cleaning glass garage doors is easy — you only require a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe it down when it gets dirty. You won’t experience rust or rot like you would with a metal or wood door, and while insects may leave smudges, they won’t damage the glass. 

Choose Glass Garage Doors From Halo Overhead Door

If you’re in the market for a new glass garage door, call your Texas glass garage door experts at Halo Overhead Door. We have years of experience in overhead garage door installation and repairs and pride ourselves in delivering every style and design suited to your needs. Our selection of high-quality doors and materials includes:

• Glass
• Wood, faux wood and custom wood
• Steel garage doors
• Carriage style
• Clopay® WindCode®
• Insulated
• Barn style
• Fiberglass 

We provide reliable garage door and opener sales, repairs, installations and maintenance, and our Houston glass overhead door professionals are always available and happy to assist you with any service. 

Call us at 713-224-3667 or complete a contact request form to schedule a service or request an estimate when you’re ready to get the ball rolling. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Wood vs. Steel Doors

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current model, one of the most critical aspects of choosing a new garage door is how long it will last. Since different materials offer unique strengths and require varying maintenance levels, it’s essential to consider factors such as style and durability when making your selection.

Pros of Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors are often popular for homeowners because they offer a classic look with nearly endless customization options. Wood is also a durable material and does not dent easily, making it easier to maintain your home’s curb appeal.

Cons of Wood Garage Doors

Before choosing a wood garage door, be aware of potential drawbacks, such as:

• Price: Solid wood is expensive as it is more difficult to produce quickly than other materials.
• Insulation: Wood garage doors do not insulate as effectively as other materials, like steel.
• Maintenance: Since wood is a natural material, you will need to refinish and repaint your doors every few years, and they are more likely to experience sun damage.

Pros of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are often a top choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option. Unlike wood, steel is easier to reproduce, making it a more affordable option. Steel doors are also easier to install and offer better insulation levels to regulate temperatures while providing quieter operation.

Cons of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors come with a few cons to be aware of:

• Damage: Steel is more susceptible to denting and damage than wood garage doors.
• Rust: Since steel doors are metal, they may rust without proper maintenance and care.

Reasons You Might Choose One Door Material Over Another

When choosing one garage door over another, your decision will ultimately depend on the style and the level of maintenance you want to put in. Steel is an excellent option for homeowners looking for a reliable, long-lasting door with superior insulation. However, homeowners looking for greater curb appeal and who can handle the high level of care required may find wood to be the best option. Ultimately, your needs and preferences may make one material a better choice for your home.

Find the Right Garage Door for Your Home at Halo Garage Doors

At Halo Overhead Doors, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality garage doors and service to homeowners across Texas. If you know what kind of door you’d like or are still deciding, our team will help you find the right garage door. Transform your home through our exceptional garage door options by requesting an estimate today!

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

Custom Garage Doors for Texas Homes — Showcasing Your Style and Personality

Your home’s garage door is more than a functional component — it’s a powerful feature that showcases your style and personality. If you want to show off your individualism and pride, investing in a custom garage door can make your Texas home stand out. Whether you have an unusual garage door opening or want to create your ideal garage look, custom doors can bring you the style and features you want. 

Factors to Consider With Personalized Garage Doors

When investing in a quality custom garage door, you must consider more than your budget. Texas has a unique climate and style — you must design a garage door that works efficiently while elevating your home’s look. Work with your home’s existing style and create a custom piece that adds value and fits your taste. 

You have several essential features to weigh if you’re in the market for a personalized garage door. Figuring out what you want will help you save time and money while browsing. Let’s review the most critical considerations when choosing garage doors for your home. 

Design

You need a design that seamlessly blends with your Texas home’s architectural style. A cohesive visual exterior makes for better curb appeal. Different design elements will work together to help you cultivate a standout piece. Here are a few to think about: 

• Panel styles
• Window placement 
• Decorative hardware
• Shutters

Style

Style is a leading factor that will influence your door’s look. Texas’ architecture is as diverse as its landscape — from traditional ranch-style homes to polished modern dwellings, each style brings a unique character. By aligning your custom garage doors with your home’s architectural style, you create a seamless look — incorporating regional design elements like rustic wood or wrought-iron details can add a touch of Texan authenticity to your garage doors. Here are some ideas for garage door styles based on your home’s appearance.

• Modern: Simplicity characterizes modern homes. Choose neutral colors, streamlined details and sleek looks. Glass garage doors elevate a modern home and make it look like something out of the future. 
• Mediterranean: Mediterranean or villa-style homes look best with elegant garage doors. Carriage-style garage doors with natural or natural-looking materials bring out these homes’ elevated, regal look. 
• Traditional: You’ll want rectangular panels, windows and steel construction for your traditional garage door. Many conventional homeowners choose white or wood-colored garage doors to complement their home’s style.
• Victorian: Victorian-style homes or houses with a sophisticated air should consider carriage-style garage doors. These feature classic hardware and a vintage but timeless look. 

Material

Material significantly influences your garage door’s longevity. Texas experiences extreme heat and occasional hailstorms, so having a durable, well-insulated door is essential. You must select a sturdy material and insulation to keep the outside out. 

Steel is a sturdy material that resists extreme weather well. It’s also low-maintenance, making it highly convenient to own. Aluminum, wood, Fiberglas, glass and wood composite are also good options, though they are less durable than steel, and wood is susceptible to moisture damage. Investing in a long-lasting door material will help protect your home. 

Color 

Color selection is pivotal in your garage door’s overall visual impact. Texas’ diverse architectural styles and landscapes range from rustic charm to modern elegance. Choosing the perfect color can help you perfectly complement your home’s style while advertising your personality. Consider neutral colors for modern homes, earth tones for Mediterranean spaces and cool colors and neutrals for traditional homes. Picking hues that work with your home’s style and your surroundings helps the garage enhance your space’s overall aesthetics. 

Insulation

Texas’ changing temperatures and weather make insulation vital when selecting your personalized garage door. Insulated garage doors can help regulate the temperature within your garage, creating a more comfortable environment and reducing energy costs. The better your insulation, the less air escapes and the less work your air conditioning system has to do. Additionally, insulation reduces noise from the outside, creating a quieter and more enjoyable space. 

Quality insulation can also help make your garage door more durable. Uninsulated garage doors are still sturdy, but can be susceptible to dents and other problems. Investing in insulation adds layers of protection to your garage door, helping it better resist hail and weather damage as it guards your home 365 days a year. 

Maintenance

While maintenance is less fun than the other factors, it’s still an essential part of designing your ideal garage door. Various materials have different maintenance requirements, helping them last longer in your home. Here’s a brief rundown of garage door materials’ maintenance requirements to help you narrow down your options.

• Steel: Steel is durable and low-maintenance. It requires regular cleanings and occasional refinishing, but is rarely prone to warping or rot. 
• Wood: Wood garage doors require lots of care to maintain their classic look. You’ll need to give yours periodic staining or painting to protect it from moisture, sun and other elements. Watch out for rot, warping or cracks caused by weathering. 
• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant and easy to maintain. Its finish may need touch-ups to prevent rust, and you only need to occasionally clean them to keep it looking good. 
• Fiberglas: Fiberglas is highly moisture- and temperature-resistant. Periodically inspect it for scratches and minor damage, but otherwise, maintenance only requires regular cleaning. 
• Wood composite: Wood composite gives you a natural look with better durability. Clean it to keep it looking good. Like natural wood, wood composite needs repainting or staining every few years to keep it looking fresh.
• Glass: Glass also requires minimal maintenance. Use glass cleaners to maintain its transparency and shine. 

Additional Features

Custom garage doors are ideal for homeowners with a specific vision, an unusually shaped garage door opening or other ideas. Get the colors, embellishments and windows of your dreams with a made-to-order garage door. Additionally, customization is perfect for homes with unusual garage door openings. If your garage door opening has rounded corners, uncommon size or a specific track setup, a custom garage door gets you exactly what you need. 

Working with a reputable garage door company ensures your garage door fits your home and works with your style. Work with your garage door team to create a door that works for you. 

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

Get Custom Garage Doors for Texas Homes at Halo Overhead Doors

Halo Overhead Doors delivers high-quality garage doors and garage door services to your Texas home. Whatever your needs, our highly experienced team has the knowledge and skill to help you get the right garage door for your home. Our custom garage door options let you select your style, features, colors and more to ensure your garage door fits your home and preferences. If you want to elevate your garage door, contact us online to request an estimate today! 

Understanding the Different Types of Clopay® Garage Door Materials

If you’re in the market for a new garage door or looking for an upgrade, you naturally want to know all about the different kinds of garage doors and types of garage door materials available.

Clopay manufactures garage doors in various materials, styles, sizes and colors to accentuate any home. Before you settle for a door, read on to understand the different types of Clopay garage door materials. We’ll look at the pros and cons of wood, steel, fiberglass and glass garage doors made by Clopay to help you make an informed decision.

Wood Garage Doors

Clopay wood garage doors are a popular option because they’re sturdy and durable. A few pros and cons may help you better understand this garage door material type.

Pros

• Durability: Wood doors are tough and durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. They’re less likely to be damaged by corrosion and rust.
• Insulation: These doors are good insulators and help regulate the garage’s internal temperature so it’s kept warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Curb appeal: Wood doors are beautiful. They exude elegance and draw the attention of passersby, highlighting the home with their timeless look and style.
• Customization: Homeowners with wood garage doors can easily customize them for a truly unique look based on their taste, style, color and preference.

Cons

• Maintenance: Wood garage doors require maintenance in terms of staining, painting and resealing but will last for decades if well-maintained. They also tend to attract termites and other insects that eat through and damage the wood if they’re improperly maintained.
• Cost: These doors are costly depending on the type and quality of the wood used and the chosen design’s complexity. A suitable opener system should be installed because they’re heavier than most doors. This will likely increase the total door and installation price.
• Weather resistance: While they may not rust or corrode, wood doors are prone to shrinking and expanding in severe heat, leading to swelling and warping after extended periods of exposure without maintenance. 

Composite Wood Garage Doors

Many are taken aback when they learn that the wood door they admire is actually its composite counterpart, thanks to its uncanny resemblance to natural wood.

Although they look so much alike you can hardly tell them apart, there are some notable distinctions between natural wood and composite. The main difference is that composite garage doors are made of wood fibers and other synthetic matter and are finished with a wood sealant.

Clopay composite garage doors often have steel underneath, with the composite acting as an overlay. A few pros and cons of composite garage doors include:

Pros

• Durability: The materials used to manufacture composite wood help protect it from weather elements that can cause warping, expansion and cracking. As a result, composite garage door components are often more durable than wood in the long run.
• Cost-effective: Composite wood garage doors are one of the most affordable options.
• Maintenance: These garage doors require minimal maintenance and are less likely to rot and corrode because of the material used. Therefore, they’re lighter and easier to install than wood garage doors.

Cons

• Longevity: Composite wood garage doors may not last as long as natural wood doors and are prone to scratches and denting, even upon minor impact.
• Authenticity: It may resemble natural wood, but composite wood can be identified upon close inspection. This detail may be important for those who value authenticity and would prefer the look of real wood.

Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are high-quality, robust and favored by many homeowners. Like the other doors, they have benefits and downsides worth mentioning. Some include:

Pros

• Durability: Steel is a strong material that can withstand harsh weather and high-speed winds. It’s resistant to the elements and impenetrable to rain, snow and ice.
• Cost-effective: Steel garage doors are generally more affordable than wood, glass or fiberglass doors and are a popular choice as a result. However, a lack of insulation can lead to higher energy costs.
• Maintenance: These doors require less maintenance because restaining and painting aren’t necessary. 
• Insulation: Insulated steel doors save energy by regulating heat and cold within the garage and rooms in close proximity.

Cons

• Prone to dents and rust: Steel can withstand strong winds and heavy rain, but with time, rust may form if the protective coating is exposed. Additionally, the force of any impact will lead to dents even though it’s highly durable.
• Noise: With extensive use, steel garage doors may become squeaky and generally noisier than other doors, causing a disturbance to neighbors.
• Customization: Steel doors have less customization potential, although they still offer a large variety.

Glass Garage Doors

Some might question the effectiveness of garage doors, but they can offer significant benefits to homes. Here are a few advantages and downsides of these types of garage doors:

Pros

• Curb appeal: Glass garage doors offer a sleek, modern look that perfectly accentuates the rest of the home. 
• Home resale value: The visual appeal of a glass garage door may attract prospective buyers, which could increase your property value if you decide to sell.
• Lighting: Natural lighting openly flows into the garage through the glass, reducing the need for artificial lights and helping decrease energy consumption.

Cons

• Cost: Insulated glass garage doors tend to be more expensive because of their fragility.
• Prone to breakage: Harsh impacts can cause the glass to crack or break.
• Maintenance: You may need to clean the glass on the garage door frequently to ensure it doesn’t appear dirty.

Let Halo Overhead Doors Install Your Garage Door Today

At Halo Overhead Doors, we’re proud of the large variety of garage doors we have available for our valued clients. As a Clopay Master Installer, we can help you choose the right Clopay door for your needs and property goals. Beyond Clopay, we offer products from several other high-quality garage door brands, so you have plenty of choices.

Are you ready to install a new garage door? Call us at (713) 224-3667 or feel free to request a service or estimate online.

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

Are Glass Garage Doors Safe?

The short answer is yes, glass garage doors are safe! Many homeowners are hesitant to install glass garage doors because they believe the glass panels increase the risk of break-ins or can cause injuries when broken. Fortunately, leading garage door manufacturers design their glass doors with safety in mind.

Glass Doors Are Designed for Security

Glass garage doors feature tempered glass, which is different from the standard annealed glass you might find in vases, picture frames and glass coffee tables. Tempering is a high-heat treatment that modifies the properties of normal glass. The glass panels of a garage door sit in a high-heat tempering oven before quenching. That final step is a rapid cooling process completed with powerful blasts of cool air.

Tempered glass is much stronger than annealed glass, giving it significantly higher impact resistance. This quality is vital for a garage door for security purposes, and it ensures the glass remains intact as the door opens and closes. If a glass garage door offers the look you want for your home, you can rest easy that it’s designed for durability and safety.

If an incident arises where the glass on your garage door breaks, its altered properties from tempering will keep you and your family safe. Rather than shattering into shards, tempered glass breaks into small, dull pellets that won’t cause injury. Many times, an impact against tempered glass will cause the door to fracture into these small pieces without fully breaking apart, reducing your home’s vulnerability.

While the glass plays a huge role in the safety of a glass garage door, the metal framing is also valuable to its security. Most glass garage doors use aluminum framing, which is light and durable. Lightweight aluminum allows the heavier glass panels to be a part of the door while keeping it functional. The aluminum also ensures the panels remain stable and free from impact as the door operates.

Other Benefits of Glass Garage Doors

Tempered glass ensures glass garage doors are safe and secure for your home. Other advantages of these doors include:

• Modern and sleek curb appeal
• Light filtering to make your garage brighter and potentially reduce energy costs
• Additional versatility with the extra light, making your garage a multi-functional space
• Easy maintenance processes

Install a Glass Garage Door With Halo Overhead Doors

With Halo, Homes Always Look Outstanding. We carry glass garage doors from Clopay^®, which boast industry-leading designs to ensure your new overhead door’s safety and beauty. The key to a truly safe garage door is working with a professional installer. The Halo team is highly skilled to complete your installation according to manufacturer specifications so your door runs safely for the long term. If you ever need us for repairs and maintenance, we’re happy to support you throughout your glass door’s life span. 

Request an estimate today to learn more about your door installation, or get in touch with us regarding any questions. We look forward to working with you.

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

What Do Garage Door Springs Do?

While your garage door has numerous instrumental components, springs are the most essential. 

Your garage door springs’ primary purpose is to provide the required tension to maintain them in a closed position and the necessary counterbalance to enable the opener to lift them. As your doors open, the springs help bear the weight load. They feature sturdy metal construction and a coiled design that allows them to store energy used to support the door cycle.

Garage door experts match the spring size and number to the doors. For example, a one-car garage generally has lighter and fewer springs than a multicar garage with a single door. The door’s material is also a factor in spring size. Some materials, like wood, are naturally heavier than others and will often require thicker springs than a lighter-weight model.

Types of Garage Door Springs

There are two types of garage door springs — extension and torsion.

Extension springs appear on each side of the upper track, secured by safety cables. They work through counterbalance and pulley systems. As they contract, the door opens, releasing the tension. These components are often constructed with thinner-gauge metal than their torsion counterparts.

Torsion springs are long coils mounted horizontally above the door’s opening. They help lift the door by turning rather than expanding and contracting. Due to the rotation, the springs create the necessary torque to counterbalance your garage door’s weight. They’re tightly wound when the door is closed and looser when it’s open.

Which Spring Type Is Better?

Torsion springs are more common than the extension ones typical on older door systems.

The springs work independently of each other in extension-based designs. That makes it possible for one side of your door to lift faster than the other. Conversely, the springs in torsion configurations provide equal pressure to both sides of the door for a more balanced opening. 

If you want to upgrade an outdated system, garage door spring replacement from Halo Overhead Doors can help.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

The more often your entry cycles, the more wear and tear your springs undergo. Exposure to outdoor elements can also strain springs over time. On average, springs last for about 10,000 cycles. Opening and closing your doors four times a day equates to a life span of about seven years. Keeping your springs in prime operating condition with planned garage door maintenance can help extend their life spans.

The Importance of Garage Door Springs

In the simplest terms, garage door springs make it possible for your opener to cycle the door smoothly and easily. Garage doors generally weigh hundreds of pounds. Most residential door opening systems lack the horsepower to lift that amount without the spring’s assistance. The springs also help maintain stability and safe door function.

How to Tell Your Springs Need Attention

The more familiar you are with your door’s parts, the faster you’ll know something’s amiss. Common signs your springs are worn include:

• A door that closes too quickly.
• Noisy operation.
• Observable rust or stretching.
• A door that opens or closes unevenly.
• An opener that doesn’t completely raise the door.

If you hear a loud snap, it’s likely a broken spring. Another sign of this issue is a visible gap in your springs that indicates a break.

A worn or broken spring can make your door inoperable or pose a safety risk. Garage door spring repair or replacement requires specialized tools and knowledge, so it’s best to consult a professional for help.

Get Expert Garage Door Service From the Houston Pros

Halo Overhead Doors has been the trusted Houston garage door expert since 1991. Count on our family-owned company for prompt, professional residential garage door repair service.

Request a service appointment today or contact a specialist for more information.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Garage Door?

After years and years of use, you may find your garage door needs to be replaced. This entryway is likely one you use every day, whether to enter your home, park your cars or use your garage as a separate functional space. Over time, wear and tear and general use can lead to issues that may require you to replace the entire garage door.

Below, learn more about garage door replacement and how often you can expect to replace your garage door as a homeowner.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?

While your garage door may need some maintenance and a spring or roller replaced every now and then, the door itself is a sturdy and reliable feature of your home, so you shouldn’t have to replace it frequently. A garage door can last 15 to 30 years before needing replacing, with some standing strong for upwards of 50 years.

When the time does come to replace your garage door, you’ll need to know the signs, so you can get your garage door replaced quickly. Here are the top signs of damage and decay that suggest it’s time for a new garage door:

• Slow opening times: It should only take seconds for your garage door to open after pressing the button. While waiting an extra few seconds for your door to open is acceptable, it might be a sign of underlying damage, especially if the delay gets longer. There are a number of reasons for your garage door opening too slowly, like the remote, faulty rollers or broken opener cords.
• Sagging: A sagging door may be a result of the pulley being out of alignment. If your garage door snaps or slams open, it means it’s gone off-balance. A new garage door might be your best option if this keeps happening.
• Noisy operation: Squeaking means you must lubricate your door, but rattling and popping noises are signs of damage or decay. Other unusual sounds are grinding, banging and rumbling. A loud garage door can be disruptive for you and your neighbors and likely indicates that a repair is needed. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to replace the door than continuously pay for repairs.
• Off-track door: A garage door can dislodge itself from its tracks or rollers while moving. When this happens, it may start to malfunction or open unevenly. If this keeps happening, then your door may need replacing.
• Rising electricity bill: Garage doors lose their insulation as they age, which means they allow more cold air in and let more warm air out. If your electricity bill is higher than usual, it may be from your garage door’s worn insulation and weather sealing. Replacing the door is easier and potentially more cost-effective than reinsulating it.

If you notice any of the above signs or other indicators that may signal your garage door could need replacing, contact a professional garage door installer to start the process, so you can go back to using your garage as usual quickly.

What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Garage Door?

Replacing your old garage door with a new one can bring multiple benefits, such as: 

• Safety and security: A new door is better for your home’s safety and security. New garage doors can have additional safety precautions like keypad locks that can only be opened with a password or smartphone.
• Curb appeal: Your garage door is a noticeable feature of your house. Upgrading your garage door can significantly impact the appearance of your property.
• Higher resale value: A new garage door might increase your home’s resale value because of the benefits it can bring.
• Less maintenance: A new garage door requires less maintenance than an old one, so you won’t have to spend money or time on frequent repairs.

How Can You Make Your Garage Door Last Longer?

The life span of your garage door depends on many factors, including the material it’s made of, its quality and how often it’s maintained. There are several steps you can take to extend the life span of your garage door:

• Prevent wear and tear: Several moving parts help your garage door function properly. Springs, cables, tracks, hinges and rollers are all susceptible to wear and tear over time. Regular maintenance of these parts can make your garage door last longer, so try not to neglect making small repairs when they’re needed.
• Balance-test your door: Ensuring your door is properly balanced is a vital part of its operation. An imbalanced garage door’s springs and opener will receive more wear and tear. Have a professional test the balance of your garage door every year.
• Use weatherstripping: Your garage door affects your home’s security, convenience and heat retention. It’s always exposed to the elements, and over time, that can lead to a lot of damage. By weatherstripping your door, you’ll keep it protected and keep it functional for longer.
• Ensure ventilation: Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up and lead to mold, rust, and mildew, which can damage your garage door and its components. Windows in your garage and vents allow for air circulation that will help prevent moisture and dampness from affecting your door.
• Hire a professional: When in doubt, it’s always best to call an expert. Hiring a professional saves you time and money, ensuring the job happens correctly the first time. A professional has the knowledge and experience to keep your garage door operating as it should, can find issues before they escalate and help you reduce the effects of wear and tear.

Halo Overhead Doors Offers Premier Garage Door Replacement Services

Your garage door adds a lot of value to your home, both functionally and visually. Taking the time to maintain your door and trusting the right supplier for a new garage door is the key to keeping your garage door at its best for decades.

Halo Overhead Doors offers reliable garage door replacement and maintenance services throughout the Houston area. Contact our team to learn more about our services and offerings.

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

Upgrading your garage door is an excellent home improvement project with various benefits. Deciding on a new garage door can be tricky, so we’ve compiled a complete overview of the advantages of installing an insulated garage door to help you learn if it’s a good fit for you. 

Pros and Cons of Insulated Garage Doors

Each type of garage door has unique upsides and downsides, including insulated garage doors. It’s always worth considering these before buying a new door. To effectively weigh the assets and potential liabilities, start by thinking about your wants and needs. 

Consider what aspects are non-negotiable and which features you are willing to compromise on. Do you have a specific design in mind? Do you have kids or pets that may damage your garage door? What do you store in your garage? These are all questions to get you thinking about what your ideal garage door will look like and what features it will have. 

Advantages of Insulated Garage Doors

Insulated garage doors are a popular choice among homeowners for a reason. Various benefits come with installing an insulated garage door. From energy efficiency to sound absorbency, learn more about the advantages of insulated garage doors below. 

Saves Energy

As the name suggests, an insulated garage door lets you maintain your desired temperature all year long. Attached garages are a significant culprit in heating or cooling loss. Air can escape or enter through your garage, forcing your HVAC system into overdrive to maintain your requested temperature. 

With an insulated garage door, you can avoid this constant temperature fluctuation. By keeping warm or cool air inside your garage, you can use less energy to maintain your desired temperature. Of course, you’ll also have lower energy bills. Insulated garage doors create an energy-efficient garage that keeps your home and belongings at a comfortable temperature for a fraction of the energy costs. 

Added Durability

The insulation that regulates your garage temperature also acts as a thick protective layer that increases your garage door’s durability. As a result, your garage door is more impact- and shock-resistant. An insulated garage door can easily handle the daily wear and tear of opening and closing. 

Insulation keeps the door in excellent shape, but it also helps the garage door opener function correctly by keeping it at an ideal temperature. Thanks to an insulated garage door, the motor and any moving parts can function even in extreme weather. 

Increased Home Value

Garage doors offer one of the highest returns on investment for home improvement projects. A new garage door improves your home’s curb appeal while increasing your home’s functionality. Installing a new insulated garage door lets you change or enhance your home’s exterior design. Select a modern-style insulated garage door to update your home’s look, or pick something that coordinates with your current aesthetic. Either way, a new garage door makes your home look put together. 

While potential buyers look for aesthetic value, they also value homes with highly functional appliances — garage doors included. New garage doors experience fewer issues and maintenance needs than older models. Homeowners will also appreciate that a brand-new garage door will last them a long time. An older garage door will likely need a replacement someday soon, which is a task some potential buyers may want to avoid. 

A new insulated garage door will be even more appealing because buyers will understand the energy savings they’ll benefit from. As a result, you can expect to see your home sell for a higher amount than it would have without the insulated door. 

Sound Absorbency

Insulated garage doors have a thick layer of insulation that can decrease noise. This insulation can absorb distracting or unwanted outside noise, such as traffic, barking dogs or lawnmowers. It can also minimize any noise coming from inside the garage. So, you can work with your tools, listen to music or host a gathering without worrying about bothering your neighbors.

Additionally, the added insulation will help your garage door operate more quietly. The insulation absorbs more operating noises, so you can open your garage door late at night or early in the morning without disrupting sleeping family members in your house. 

Disadvantages of Insulated Garage Doors

While insulated garage doors provide multiple advantages to homeowners, no garage door is perfect. Before installing an insulated garage door, review the following disadvantages below.

More Expensive

Since insulated garage doors have more benefits, they will cost more upfront. Even the most affordable insulated garage door will still have a higher price tag than any uninsulated option. However, while there is more of an initial investment, your insulated garage door can save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills and increasing your home’s value.

Ineffective When Left Open

When left open, an insulated garage door is no different from an uninsulated one. An insulated garage door cannot help regulate your garage’s temperature if you leave it open for extended periods. For your garage door to be effective, you need to keep it closed. If you frequently keep your garage door open, an insulated garage door may not be the best fit for you. 

Install an Insulated Garage Door Today 

Start reaping the benefits of an insulated garage door and schedule an insulation today. At Halo Overhead Doors, we offer many garage door styles, so you can always find a door that fits your design taste and preferences. Plus, our clients also enjoy extended warranties and 0% financing options.

Our team of experts is ready and eager to help you find the perfect insulated garage door for your home. Use our online form and contact us today for a free estimate or stop by our beautiful showroom to speak to an expert in person. 

4 Ways to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

If you’re like most homeowners, your garage door is one of your home’s most frequently used entrances. It’s a convenient way to get in and out, plus a crucial security feature to protect your home and family.

But with all that use, your garage door will suffer some wear and tear over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your garage door last longer and avoid costly repairs down the line.

In this article, we’ll explore some simple, effective tips and tricks you can use to keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave the maintenance to the professionals, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s start by reviewing ways to make your garage door a long-lasting and reliable part of your home.

How Long Do Garage Doors Last?

If you’re a homeowner, you may wonder how to make your garage doors last before needing replacement. After all, garage doors can be a significant investment, and you want to get the most bang for your buck.

A garage door’s life span depends on several variables, including its quality, upkeep and frequency of use. On average, a garage door can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

Here are some things that can impact your garage door’s longevity.

1. Material: Garage doors typically consist of materials like steel, aluminum, wood and vinyl. 
2. Quality: Your garage door’s quality can also significantly influence its life span. An inexpensive, low-quality door will likely wear out more quickly than a high-end model.
3. Maintenance: Like any other mechanical system, a garage door requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. 

1. Regular Maintenance

As a homeowner, you likely plan your daily routine around your garage door. You rely on it to open and close smoothly, providing a secure and convenient entrance to your home. A maintenance schedule ensures your garage door lasts longer, operates safely and saves you money in the long run. 

• Preventing wear and tear: Your garage door has several moving parts, including springs, cables, rollers, tracks and hinges. Over time, these components can become worn, damaged or misaligned, causing your garage door to malfunction. Regular maintenance can prevent this wear and tear, extending your garage door’s life.
• Saving you money: By identifying potential issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements. Additionally, a well-maintained garage door can help you save on energy costs by keeping your garage insulated and preventing air leaks.

What Does Proactive Maintenance Entail?

At least once a year, a professional technician should perform routine maintenance for your garage door. During this check, the technician will inspect your garage door and its components, lubricate moving parts, tighten bolts and screws and make necessary repairs. While servicing your garage door, they may also check the opener and sensors to ensure they function properly.

Balance-Test Your Garage Door

Testing a garage door’s balance is another essential part of regular maintenance. A properly balanced garage door is crucial for its safe and efficient operation. An imbalanced garage door can cause excessive wear and tear on the opener, springs and other components, leading to costly repairs down the line. It can also be dangerous, causing it to close unexpectedly or fail to stay open. Have a professional test your garage door’s balance annually.

2. Care for Garage Door Weatherstripping

Your garage door is a central component of your home’s security and convenience. It’s also the largest moving part of your house, with year-round exposure to the elements. You must take care of the weatherstripping around your garage door to ensure it functions properly and protects your home from extreme climate fluctuations and harsh environmental conditions. 

What Is Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping is a material installed on the bottom and sides of your garage door. It seals the gaps between the door, ground or walls, preventing drafts, dust and moisture from entering your garage. Weatherstripping also reduces noise and improves energy efficiency by keeping the conditioned air inside your garage.

Caring for the weatherstripping on your garage door is essential to its proper function. Over time, the seal can become worn, damaged or loose, allowing drafts, dust and moisture to enter. Exposure to the elements can damage your belongings and create an uncomfortable environment in your garage. 

Start by inspecting the weatherstripping for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any cracks, tears or missing pieces, it’s time to replace it. You can purchase weatherstripping from your local hardware store or have it professionally installed.

3. Protect Your Garage Door

There are various ways to extend your garage door’s life span.

• Insulation: Insulating your garage door is one of the most effective ways to protect it. Insulation keeps your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing your energy bills and preventing damage to your belongings. It also reduces noise, making your garage a more comfortable and enjoyable space.
• Ventilation:Moisture can build up in an unventilated garage, leading to rust, mold and mildew. The resulting damage to your garage door and its components can lead to costly repairs. For adequate ventilation, ensure your garage has windows or vents allowing air circulation. You can also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, avoid storing wet items in your garage, such as snow-covered vehicles or damp clothing.

4. Hire a Garage Door Professional

While some homeowners may feel tempted to tackle garage door maintenance and repair themselves, hiring a garage door professional can increase your garage door’s longevity and provide many other advantages. 

• Expertise: Garage door professionals have the necessary knowledge to maintain and repair your garage door. Their specialized training enables them to identify and solve common issues, such as broken springs, faulty openers and misaligned tracks. 
• Saves time and money: Hiring a garage door professional can save you time and money in the long run. Instead of spending your valuable time and hard-earned money trying to fix the problem yourself, call a reliable tech who can quickly diagnose and repair the issue. 
• Increased life span: Regular professional maintenance can prolong your garage door’s life span. An experienced tech can identify and fix issues before they escalate into significant problems, which can prevent costly repairs down the road. Additionally, regular maintenance can keep your garage door running smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and tear on its components.

Call Halo Overhead Doors for Excellent Maintenance and Service

There you have it — some straightforward, successful ways to make your garage door last longer. By implementing these tips, you can ensure your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently for years to come. However, remember it’s best to leave some garage door maintenance and repairs to the professionals. If you need help performing these tasks yourself or encounter a problem requiring expert assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Halo Overhead Doors and chat with our team. 

Take care of your home and enjoy the many benefits of a fully functioning garage door. Schedule your service today!

How to Make Your Garage Doors More Modern

Would you like your Houston home to have a sleek, contemporary look? Typical modern designs consist of an aluminum frame with glass window panels, although other materials are also available.

Another identifying characteristic of modern garage doors is the absence of “flashy” design features like decorative trim or hardware. The smooth, clean lines and abundance of shimmering glass reduce the need for ornamentation. Below are some other ways you can “modernize” the look of your garage door.

4 Ways to Modernize Your Garage Door

When purchasing a new garage door or updating your old one, you can customize your options to fit your vision. Some suggestions for making your garage door more modern include:

1. Changing the Color of Your Garage Door

Changing your garage door’s color is easy. Enhancing your home’s appearance with a modern garage door relies on choosing the right shade. Most modern doors showcase subtle colors such as gray, brow, or black to blend in with the rest of the home. These colors will also give your home an elegant feel while complementing other decorative options. 

2. Decorative Handles and Hardware

Adding decorative handles and hardware to your garage door is a simple and affordable way to make it look new. Many decorative pieces are easy to install and can go wherever you choose to place them, allowing the hardware to accent your garage door’s most eye-catching features while accenting its color and style. 

3. Updating Window Panels 

One key to achieving that modern look is upgrading your window panels for more natural light. New garage doors achieve their modern look by adding more window panels with limited details, keeping the appearance simple but effective. With modern windows that keep passersby from seeing inside, you can enjoy all the benefits of a window with increased privacy. Beyond improving your home’s curb appeal, replacing your window panels offers renewed functionality and convenience. 

4. Adding Lights

Finalizing your modern garage door with new lights will enhance your garage door’s look, boosting curb appeal at all hours of the day. Adding lights to your garage door can help modernize your door by highlighting accents and providing a focal point while illuminating your driveway and reducing insects. 

Halo Overhead Doors Offers Beautiful Modern Garage Doors for Sale

If you choose to purchase a modern garage door, turn to the experienced garage door professionals at Halo Overhead Doors in Houston. As the only Clopay® Master Authorized Dealer® in Houston, we’re your exclusive source for the most attractive and durable garage door products. Our offerings include:

• Glass Garage Doors: We carry AVANTE doors from Clopay that will bring a modern look to your home. This stylish aluminum and glass product line will deliver a clean, contemporary aesthetic to any residential property. 
• Wooden Garage Doors: This visually appealing Clopay series features faux wood-look overlays that add a sophisticated design touch.
• Steel Garage Doors: These beautiful, sturdy doors are available with or without grooves and a choice of 13 finish options to help you achieve the perfect look.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors to Learn More

If you are interested in a modern garage door replacement for your Houston home, Halo Overhead Doors can meet all your sales and installation needs. We’ll also be there to provide timely maintenance and repair services whenever you require them. Contact us to request an estimate today.

How Do Roll-Up Garage Doors Work?

If you’re searching for new garage doors for your business, you will likely come across roll-up products. As the name implies, these doors coil upward into a roll that rests atop the door’s opening when not in the closed position. The door then uncoils when you lower it. The method is similar to rolling and unrolling paper towels on a spool. 

This process differs from a traditional sectional door that runs on a steel track system. Roll-up doors feature wider panels that rest parallel to the garage’s ceiling upon retraction.

What Are the Types of Roll-Up Doors?

There are two types of garage doors that roll up:

• Roll-up sheet: These doors consist of one large steel piece and are ideally suited for loading docks, storage areas, smaller warehouses and other light commercial applications. 
• Rolling steel: While these doors resemble roll-up sheet products at first glance, they feature a more robust design and construction. Instead of one expansive steel sheet, this door type consists of multiple metal slats. Rolling steel roll-up doors work well for high-security operations and heavy industrial applications.

What Are the Benefits of Installing Roll-Up Doors?

A roll-up garage door provides many advantages, such as:

• Increased security: The steel construction of roll-up doors offers extra strength and helps prevent break-ins and vandalism. Fire-rated products are available that resist combustion.
• Excellent durability: The stainless steel material withstands extreme weather conditions and wear over extended periods. Your door could last up to 35 years.
• Saves space: Folding the door requires only a small area above the opening. Your roll-up door will take up little overhead room in your garage or dock.
• Aesthetic appeal: Some roll-up door models are available in multiple color, design and finish options, enabling you to complement and enhance your building’s appearance.

Residential vs. Commercial Roll-Up Doors

Roll-up doors primarily serve the needs of business owners looking for a durable, functional solution to protect their goods and facilitate truck traffic at loading docks and storage areas. However, smaller roll-up sheet versions can meet the needs of homeowners who want a stronger alternative to traditional sectional doors for their garages or sheds. 

Halo Overhead Doors Offers Roll-Up Doors for Sale in Houston

Commercial and residential property owners in the Houston area can turn to the experienced garage door professionals at Halo Overhead Doors for high-performing roll-up doors from Clopay®. Contact us for additional product and pricing information.

How Often Should You Grease a Garage Door?

If you’re like most responsible homeowners, you make maintaining your property a top priority. In addition to mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters and power-washing the deck, it’s also important to service your garage door. 

A garage system consists of many moving parts and components. Chains, rollers, springs and other parts require lubrication to ensure proper performance and minimize the failure risk. A noisy garage door that makes squeaking sounds during opening or closing is often a sign that it’s time for service. 

What Type of Garage Door Lubricant Should You Use?

While you may hear the phrase “greasing a garage door,” this terminology is inaccurate. Applying grease will make rollers, springs and other components gummy and trap damaging dirt and debris. Liquid engine oil is a more effective garage door lubricant — just a drop or two is all you need to do the job. 

What Is the Appropriate Lubrication Time Frame?

Perform a visual inspection of your garage door at least every other month, though once a month is better, to determine if you need to lubricate the springs and other moving parts and components. You’ll only need to apply lubricant if the part appears dry. 

What Are the Benefits of Garage Door Lubrication?

Making lubrication part of your regular maintenance practices offers numerous benefits:

• Reduces noise: Your garage door will operate more quietly — you’ll only hear the “normal” sounds during opening and closing.
• Minimizes friction: Regular lubrication helps prevent heat-generating friction that occurs when moving components grind against each other. The parts will last longer and require fewer repairs and replacements.
• Ensures smoother operation: A properly lubricated door will open and close more efficiently, reducing the wear and tear on the moving parts.
• Increases door longevity: Regular maintenance that includes timely lubrication will maximize your garage door’s life span and lower your long-term ownership costs. You’ll increase the time between expensive door replacements.

Halo Overhead Doors Knows How to Maintain Garage Doors

If you’re in the Houston area, the experts at Halo Overhead Doors are available to provide regular maintenance for your garage door. Our annual and semi-annual programs include parts lubrication to maximize your door’s performance and prevent mechanical issues. We’re a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company and we’ve been delivering high-quality service since 1991. 

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of garage door lubrication or to set up a convenient service appointment today.

How Long Does a Garage Door Last?

You might not frequently think about replacing your garage door. But if you live in your home long enough, you’ll likely need to upgrade eventually. Over many years, a door can lose its curb appeal or require more expensive repairs, making it necessary to purchase a new one. 

What Is the Average Life Expectancy of a Garage Door System?

The life span of a garage door varies depending on many factors. With regular maintenance, a door could last up to 50 years, although 15-30 years is a more realistic time frame. Frequent exposure to harsh weather, inferior materials, heavy use and improper installation can significantly reduce a door’s service life. 

How to Tell If You Need a Garage Door Replacement

These telltale signs can indicate that it’s time for a new garage door:

• Sagging: If you own a wood door, the material may begin to sag due to rotting, decomposition and general deterioration, even with proper maintenance.
• Excessive noise/vibrations: Unusual or loud sounds when opening or closing can indicate a problem with the springs or other essential components. The door may also appear to shake during operation.
• Increased repair frequency: Does it seem like you’re always calling a technician to come to your home and fix a broken garage door? If repair expenses are prohibitive, purchasing a new door can be more cost-effective. 
• Unattractive appearance: A garage door is a prominent exterior feature. Chipped, peeling or faded paint, cracks, broken windows and dented panels can detract from the door’s visual presentation. An upgrade will make your property more attractive and increase its resale value.
• Reduced energy efficiency: If your garage feels drafty, the door may be losing its ability to insulate. A new door can keep hot or cold exterior air from infiltrating the garage and your home’s interior, leading to lower energy consumption and smaller utility bills. 
• Decreased performance: If the door opens or closes more slowly than it used to, it could mean that the system is wearing out and it’s time for an upgrade.

Halo Overhead Doors Is Your Headquarters for New Garage Doors in Houston

Houston-area residents have trusted Halo Overhead Doors for their garage door needs since 1991. We have the experience and expertise to help you select the best garage door system for your home and perform a fast, professional installation. Contact us with your questions or to request an estimate today.

8 Modern Garage Door Trends

A modern garage door lends your home spectacular curb appeal, which boosts your house’s overall appearance and can increase your property value. You can choose from a range of materials, colors and accessories if you’re looking to upgrade your home exterior — the first step is to discover all your options.

Garage Door Style Ideas for a Contemporary Look

Explore these trendy ideas for a garage door that will give your home a modern pop without going out of style:

1. Glass Garage Doors

For a chic option that provides plenty of sunlight and lets you see the outside world, choose glass garage doors. Clopay® carries AVANTE® glass and aluminum garage doors if you desire a streamlined appearance. Insulated door panels let you enjoy full-view glass without worrying about your heating and air leaking out of your home.

2. Wooden or Faux Wood Garage Doors

Doors from the CLASSIC™ WOOD, RESERVE® WOOD and LIMITED EDITION series can be stained or painted to complement your exterior. Want a wood look without the maintenance? Invest in faux wood garage doors from the CANYON RIDGE® or GALLERY® series for a solution as high-quality as the real thing.

3. Carriage-House Doors

COACHMAN® garage doors offer a traditional carriage-house style with a modern twist. These swing-out doors look like wood but consist of durable steel layers for enhanced longevity.

4. Barn Doors

The barn door trend lets you achieve a rustic aesthetic with the sleek functionality of a modern garage door. Explore options from the AMARR® CLASSICA® line.

5. Plank-Style Garage Doors

Plank-style doors are one of many wood or faux wood design types you can choose for a home upgrade. Explore the CANYON RIDGE® MODERN line for various plank styles.

6. Aluminum Door

Aluminum models offer low maintenance for beautiful doors that provide a great return on investment. Pinnacle doors from Martin Door display a carriage-house style consisting of aluminum.

7. Windows and Other Hardware

Select windows, metal lift handles and other decorative hardware options to make your door uniquely yours. Obscure glass windows let in sunlight while preserving your privacy.

8. Colors

You’re no longer limited to the same traditional garage door colors — try daring hues like black, burgundy, forest green or blue. Our doors come in a range of colors to suit the modern homeowner.

Contact Us or Visit Our Showroom

These timeless trends will upgrade your house with eye-catching designs perfect for your tastes. If you’re ready for an update, reach out to us to request a quote for a new garage door. You can also stop by our Houston showroom to get an up-close look at our many options.

How to Modernize Your Home

Homeowners are always looking for new ways to update their homes. Modern updates can keep your home contemporary and attractive. Whether you want to replace existing structures or add new ones, there are always new ways to modernize your home.

If you’re wondering how to make the exterior of your house look more expensive or how do you make a traditional house look modern, read on!

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Modern

One of the best strategies for modernizing your home is focusing on its exterior. Your house’s exterior is the image you display to neighbors and other passersby. By choosing to modernize the exterior of your home, you can raise your home’s value and enhance its attractiveness.

Here are seven ways to make your home look better outside:

1. Enhance Your Front Door

Your front door is an integral component of your house. In many ways, it gives visitors the first impression of your home. The color and design can set the tone of what to expect inside your home. One excellent way to modernize your exterior is by replacing or upgrading your front door. 

You can modernize your front door by:

• Painting: A new paint job is a great way to update your door. Many homeowners select a vibrant shade that adds a spark of color to their exterior. And with so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your desired look. From bright blue to forest green, a new color could give your home a fresh new feeling. 
• Replacing with a new material: Many modern front door designs feature sturdy materials that increase safety. If you’ve used your door for many years and it has experienced a lot of wear and tear, you could replace it with a new one. For instance, if your door is made of wood but shows signs of wear, you could install a new one. Door replacements can enhance your exterior’s attractiveness and provide more protection.

2. Try a New Paint Job

You can also modernize your home by repainting its exterior. In the same way you choose an interior color scheme, you can select a new color that complements the exterior’s design. 

You can consider the architectural features of your exterior while selecting a new color. For instance, you can use brick tones or wall materials to inform your choice. One example of a modern paint design is balancing light and dark colors. The contrast accentuates your home’s structure to create an eye-catching appearance. 

Similar to painting your front door, there are many colors available. Whether you want a pastel hue or more natural hues, you could repaint your exterior to meet your desired design.

3. Focus on Your Landscaping

Your landscaping also plays a big role in your exterior appearance. From flower beds and shrubs to pathways, your outside greenery impacts your overall look. 

An updated landscape can help you achieve a more modern and engaging look. Try adding some new flowers, trees or other plants to your exterior. These can give a new burst of color and life to the surrounding area.

4. Upgrade Your Locks

You can also upgrade your external locks to be more modern. For example, you could implement a popular new tool called smart locks. These locks are enabled by either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and allow you to enter your home without a traditional key. Instead, you can use components like:

• Voice commands
• Fingerprint scans
• Numeric codes
• Smartphone apps

Implementing a smart lock can modernize your home while providing additional security. They only recognize specific codes, fingerprints or voices, making them a secure choice. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about misplacing a physical key again. 

5. Replace Your Shutters

Shutters are a staple for many homes because they add color and structure to your exterior. Many shutters are generic and non-functioning, possibly detracting from your home’s overall appearance. You could replace your shutters to give your exterior a more modern look. For instance, new shutters that match your home’s structure or have a bold color could give your home a bright new appearance. You can choose from a wide range of colors and styles to find the best modern look for you. 

6. Add More Lighting

The right external lighting ensures your home’s visibility no matter the time of day. Your family, friends and other visitors can find your home easily at night. And, adding new light fixtures can modernize your home. 

These are some ideas for modern lighting fixtures:

• Garage lights: Exterior garage lights increase visibility when you arrive home at night. You can place these over the top of your garage to illuminate the driveway and surrounding area. With both porch lights and garage lights, you can create a comprehensive and attractive lighting situation.
• Motion sensor lights: Many homeowners use motion sensor lights to increase safety. These lights automatically turn on when they detect movement. They can alert you of suspicious movement in your yard and make it easier to find your way home safely when you’re outside. 
• Hanging lights: Hanging lights are a modern and attractive choice. You can hang larger light fixtures from your porch ceiling or try installing string lights across your yard.
• Landscaping lights: You can also install lights in your landscaping by positioning them on the ground. They add to your landscape’s aesthetic while illuminating your yard when it’s dark outside. 

7. Update Your Garage Door

Lastly, your garage door is a crucial component of your home. It also contributes a lot to your exterior appearance. Regular maintenance and upkeep can keep your garage door in great shape, but you might experience issues or want an updated design.

You can contact a local garage door service provider to install a modern-style garage door. These doors are attractive and durable, allowing you to create a modern look and improve security all at once. Many modern garage doors are available in a wide range of colors and styles, helping you create a tailored look.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors Today

One of the best ways to modernize your home’s exterior is by upgrading your garage door. Modern garage doors can enhance your home’s appearance and create the modern look you desire.

At Halo Overhead Doors, we understand the importance of a high-quality garage door. We offer a wide range of modern garage doors that can help you modernize your home. These doors combine a beautiful wood appearance with a contemporary design. We also carry modern designs with glass and aluminum. Our expert technicians can install your new door efficiently and securely.

To get started with Halo Overhead Doors, contact us today.

Types of Commercial Roll-Up Doors

There’s a common perception that all commercial roll-up doors are the same — they all roll up and down and serve as an access way to certain premises. However, there are several types of industrial roll-up doors, each serving different purposes. In this article, we discuss five types of industrial roll-up doors, their characteristics, benefits and applications.

1. Overhead Service Doors

Roll-up overhead doors offer security to your property against unwanted entry and protect it from harsh weather conditions. They protect both the interior and exterior parts of your commercial or industrial buildings. Both standard and insulated heavy-duty service doors are available in durable materials such as galvanized and stainless steel. You can operate roll-up service doors by hand-chain, crank, push-up or motor.

You can customize overhead service doors according to your preference guides, weatherstripping, operations, spring, bottom bars finish and more. Overhead services doors are helpful for various industrial and commercial outlets, including:

• Parking garages
• Sally ports
• Warehouses
• Fire stations

Service doors offer a myriad of advantages. Some of these benefits are:

• Protection and security: Service doors protect your space from intruders. The doors are solid and tough to breach. Additionally, they protect your property from severe weather conditions.
• Low maintenance: Service doors are simple to maintain. Parts usually take longer to break and are easily replaceable. The doors can withstand harsh climates, including snow, rain, hail and wind.
• Insulation: The thick materials used for the doors help keep out loud noise and outdoor air. As a result, you can keep your property insulated from excess sound and create a comfortable temperature indoors.

2. Roll-Up Sheet Doors

Roll-up sheet doors are made of horizontal steel sheets without a track system, unlike standard garage doors. Roll-up sheet doors gather around the drum when opened. Roll-up sheet doors are similar to rolling doors in some respect, particularly in their operation and compact design. However, rolling doors have interlocking slats, while roll-up sheet doors feature corrugated steel. 

Rolling steel doors are ideal for lighter-duty applications, such as:

• Mini warehouses
• Ticket booths
• Self-storage facilities
• Manufacturing facilities
• Retail spaces
• Outbuildings
• Storefronts
• Loading docks

What are the benefits of roll-up sheet doors? Industrial rolling steel doors have several advantages. These include:

• Extra security: High-quality roll-up sheet doors provide added security to your commercial property. They create layers of protection, providing a durable solution for your premises. Steel is formidable, shielding your property from theft and damage.
• Low maintenance: Steel roll-up doors are springless, saving you time, effort and money on broken parts. Moreover, steels are resistant to corrosion and can withstand years of heavy usage, harsh weather conditions and wear and tear.
• Insulation: Roll-up sheet doors keep the inside of your warehouse comfortable, keeping out cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer. This attribute can help mitigate energy costs for your facility and provide a comfortable working environment for employees.
• Noise blocking: The bottom seals and insulators cancel external noise. This allows you to use the premises peacefully and privately without disturbance.
• Saving space: Many people scarcely use ceilings other than to provide lighting, meaning you likely have plenty of free space on your ceiling. The doors coil into a tubelike shape and roll into the ceiling and out of your way.
• Easy customization: Roll-up sheet doors are available in different sizes and colors. You have the option to choose a model which meets your specifications.

3. Fire-Rated Doors

These doors are constructed with materials that prevent or slow the rate at which fire or smoke spreads to a secondary space. These doors are one of the safest ways to protect commercial and industrial workplaces. Fire-rated roll-up doors are made of galvanized, coated or stainless steel that halts the spread of fire and smoke. The fire ratings of these doors range between three-quarters of an hour to three hours.

Fire-rated roll-up doors are suitable for the following:

• Warehouses
• Parking garages
• Mills
• Distribution centers

Aside from helping prevent fire damage, other benefits of fire-rated doors include:

• Saves lives: Fire spreads through conduction, convection and radiation. As the door obstructs the spread, it reduces the rate at which the flame and smoke escape. Consequently, there’s less human exposure to the fire.
• Protects property: Fire-rated doors slow down the spread rate. The door restricts the flame to the area without affecting other items.
• Reduces cost: Controlled fire translates to controlled damage. This reduces the cost of repair and replacement.

4. Counter Doors/Shutters

Counter shutters, also called rolling counter doors, are interlocking slats made from anodized aluminum, stainless steel or steel that secure the openings above the counters. They create a barrier, covering both side walls and the ceiling.

Counter shutters are designed for both interior and exterior use. Counter doors provide maximum protection, especially for retailers. Counter doors are available in several operational options, including standard motor, hand crank or push-up designs. In other words, you may choose either the automatic or manual option.

These doors are ideal for commercial spaces, including:

• Cafeterias
• Cashiers
• Sport stadiums
• Libraries
• Concession stands
• Ticket booths
• Tool storages
• Pharmacies

Why should you choose counter doors or shutters? The answer is simple. Some key advantages are:

• Aesthetically pleasing: Counter doors are available in different shapes, gauges, materials, sizes and designs. This allows you to customize them. Regardless of the specifications you select, counter doors deliver a seamless look to your property.
• Easy to install: The units are simple to install without field assembly. This makes it a convenient alternative for many building owners and contractors.
• Durable and reliable: Coiling counter shutters are usually made of aluminum or steel. These materials are resilient and resistant to damage, so a counter shutter is likely to serve you for years.
• Discreet: Counter shutters are unimposing. Many people are unlikely to notice them unless when closed. Also, they save space by occupying unused areas around the ceiling.

5. Security Grilles

Security grilles are see-through security barriers. They offer visual access and ventilation. Rolling grilles can be made from anodized aluminum, stainless steel or galvanized steel. They can be straight patterned, brick-patterned or glazed panel models. They’re available in different operational options, including push-ups, hand cranks, chains and motors.

The typical applications include:

• Shopping malls
• Schools
• Bars
• Reception venues
• Arcade openings
• Food service establishments
• Garages
• Conventions centers

The benefits of using security grilles make it clear they’re worth it:

• Design flexibility: Security grilles are available in several design options and are built-to-order. You can install the unit at your warehouse according to your design, style and operational requirements.
• Added security: Rolling grilles offer protection for your business, preventing unauthorized access and forced entry.
• Aesthetics: The curtains are available in various designs, including brick, straight and pattern. Again, you can choose from multiple metal finishings, such as polished or brushed stainless steel, clear or painted aluminum, anodized aluminum and more.

Purchase a Commercial Roll-Up Door Today

There are several industrial roll-up door types. Each kind has distinct features regarding purpose, materials, functionality and benefits. Halo Overhead Doors offers high-quality, customizable commercial roll-up doors with a team of professionals to help you throughout the process. Contact us now for all your commercial garage door installation needs.

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Garage Doors in Houston

Your garage door is an essential part of your everyday routine as a business. You have to rely on a quick exit and entrance to deliver goods, offer reliable services and keep up productivity. You also trust your door to keep valuable parts, machinery, products and staff safe. 

Your garage will always need a little bit of maintenance throughout the year to keep it running. From cleaning the tracks to lubricating the rollers, you’ll need to inspect your door and make sure it’s working correctly. If you’re experiencing drafts, hear startling noises or your door is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may need to replace your door and start fresh with a new one. 

There are many common problems when it comes to garage doors. Thankfully, we have some commercial garage door maintenance tips that can help you keep your door running smoothly so you can focus on what drives your business.

Tighten the Bolts

After years of consecutive use, your bolts will show signs of wear and start to loosen. Businesses may use their garage doors multiple times a day as staff members clock in, clock out or leave for a scheduled service. All of that opening and closing takes a toll on the pieces that keep your door moving. 

You should check the bolts on your hinges, brackets and spring plates. The bolts on your hinges may have widened the holes that keep them in place after a lot of use, and if you notice this, you should replace the screws with ones that will allow for a tighter fit. When you check the screw on your brackets, you should also ensure that the tracking system is level so your door won’t become misaligned. 

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keeping your door lubricated will help it run smoothly and extend its lifetime. You’ll want first to remove any dirt or buildup that you find is in the way of moving parts. You should plan to lubricate your door about twice a year, but you may want to add more if you use your door more frequently. 

You may find rust on your springs, which you should remove as soon as possible so they don’t snap. Your torsion or extension springs need special attention because these are the parts that open and close your door. If your door is snapping shut or struggling to open, it’s probably time to get these replaced. 

You should never try to replace springs on your own because they can become projectile when they break and cause injuries to yourself or staff and damage vehicles and equipment. It’s always best to contact a professional if you think you need to replace your garage door springs.

Check for Damages

It’s always a good idea to look for damage when you perform your garage door inspections. As you examine your door, bring some cleaning supplies and give everything a good wipe down. Cleaning debris will help you spot any cracks, bends or other damages in places where there’s excessive dirt. It’s essential that you remove any buildup that you find in the tracks because this can prevent your door from opening and closing smoothly. 

Some damages will only worsen if you don’t fix them and affect other parts of your door. For instance, the rollers aid in moving your door quietly, and when these pieces are worn or broken, the rest of the unit will have to work harder to get your door to the right place. This will create a screeching sound and put a lot of strain on those other parts and pieces, leading them to break. Some pieces you may be able to replace on your own, but others could cause injury, so you should hire a professional to service those parts.

Look for Rust

Metal is prone to rust, which can make your door less attractive and cause future door problems. Rust makes metal weaker and can create holes if you don’t remove it. Additionally, rust on moving parts can cause your door to get stuck when you try to open or close it. If you don’t give your door proper maintenance, it won’t last as long as you need. Areas with humid air can cause rust to appear sooner than others, so you should check for this more often. 

While modern doors are more resistant to rust, older steel doors are especially susceptible to rust, and you should contact a professional to take care of your rust issue before a larger one develops. You may decide to replace your door instead of getting it repaired, but an experienced technician will be able to inspect your door and tell you the best course of action. 

Check the Insulation

You want to ensure that your door is energy-efficient, especially in very hot or cold weather. If your team works in the garage, it’s essential that they can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. First, you should evaluate the door’s weatherstripping to determine if it’s worn. The seals on your door should prevent dirt, air, insects and moisture from coming under the door. If it’s worn, you should replace it. 

However, if you’re still seeing high energy bills or feel a draft when the door is closed, you may want to get your door replaced. Modern doors have a layer of insulation that keeps the inside of your garage safe from the elements, and they tend to last longer with an added layer of protection. 

Using an insulated door will reduce the chances that air and energy escape and keep your team and equipment safe from the weather. Additionally, insulated doors add a layer of protection from break-ins and can keep your equipment and property safer. 

Contact HALO Overhead Doors for Garage Door Repairs

HALO Overhead Doors is a family-owned garage door business that has been operating since 1991. We believe each door is an opportunity to serve, and our team is passionate about providing you with solutions that fit your budget and preferences.

We know you want to protect your business, property and staff, and we have a large selection of doors to meet your needs. Every one of our team members has five or more years of experience in the industry and knows how to handle any problem you have. 

HALO provides tough doors and loyal service. Schedule a service or request an estimate with HALO Overhead Doors. Whether you need a new door or maintenance on your current one, we’ve got you covered. 

How Do I Fix the Rollers on My Garage Door?

Garage rollers are an essential part of your garage door. When they age or break, your garage door can become inoperable. 

Read on to learn more about the various types of garage door rollers, including how to know if your garage door rollers are bad, how to fix them and when you should replace them. 

What Are Garage Rollers?

Garage rollers are the small wheels on your garage door. The wheels fit into tracks on either side of the door, enabling it to move up and down.

These wheels often contain ball bearings to reduce friction, letting the rollers move more smoothly and quietly. The wheels attach to a shaft that fits into a steel bracket on the garage door. When they’re working correctly, these rollers move along the tracks and guide your garage door up and down. 

Types of Garage Door Rollers

Garage rollers come in a variety of materials, each with advantages and disadvantages: 

• Plastic rollers: Made of hard plastic, these basic rollers are inexpensive and often come with new garage doors. However, they typically only last a couple of years.
• Steel rollers: Durable and cost-efficient, steel rollers are a solid step up from hard plastic. However, they’re often noisier than other rollers and need regular lubrication. Rust may also be a concern if they’ll be operating in a damp environment.
• Nylon rollers: While more expensive than either plastic or steel, nylon rollers have become a popular choice. Their highly durable nylon is quieter and more weather-resistant than steel and these rollers require very little maintenance overall.

Knowing the type of garage door roller you have will be very helpful when you need to fix or replace them. You’ll be able to estimate how long your rollers will last and how frequently you’ll need to maintain them.  

How Often Should Garage Door Rollers Be Replaced?

How often you change your garage door rollers largely depends on the type of rollers you have. While basic plastic rollers usually only last a couple of years, steel rollers and nylon rollers can last a long time. 

The life of your rollers also depends on the average number of daily cycles your garage door goes through, or how many times it opens and closes on a daily basis. When buying garage door rollers, you can measure their longevity by their cycle ratings. While you’ll likely have to estimate your average daily cycles, this rating can still give you a good idea of how long the rollers should last. 

How Do I Know If I Need New Garage Door Rollers? 

Once you know what to look for, you’ll find there are a variety of other signs that can let you know it’s time to replace your rollers:

• Old age: One of the easiest ways to know if it’s time to replace your garage door rollers is to check the cycle rating. If you remember when you bought them, this rating will give you an idea of whether or not your rollers are approaching the end of their lifecycles. 
• Noisiness: If you hear a constant grinding, scraping or screeching noise, it may be a sign that you need to replace your garage door rollers. You may just need to add some lubrication if you have steel rollers, while plastic or nylon rollers may be on their last legs. 
• Shaking: Rusted garage door rollers can cause your garage door to vibrate and shake as it opens. Check the tracks for signs of rust, especially if you have steel rollers.
• Slow operations: Even the most durable materials can only last so long. General wear can make your garage door rollers less effective, making your garage door open more slowly than usual. 
• Visible signs of wear: Make sure you inspect your garage door rollers every so often for signs of damage. Check for cracking and chipping, loose parts and any broken seals on the rollers. Your garage door is made up of a lot of intricate parts — it’s important to check every once in a while to make everything is still intact. 

How to Replace Garage Door Rollers 

You’ve spotted one of the signs above, and it’s time to consider a replacement. Rather than tackling the job yourself, it’s best to contact a professional service for any significant garage door roller repairs and replacements. While you may think that a DIY approach could save you some money, there are many advantages to using a service, including:

• Safety: One of the biggest benefits of a professional service is safety. There are many moving parts on a garage door — if you’re not sure what you’re doing, you could be risking injury. Hiring a professional will help you stay protected. 
• Quality: With a professional service, you’ll be getting garage door technicians with years of experience in the industry. They’ve done countless replacement jobs and know exactly what they’re doing. You’ll be able to trust the quality of the final product. 
• Reliability: Although you may save money by doing a repair or replacement yourself, you also might lack the reliability that a professional service would give you. Invest in a service to get expertise that you can rely on for years. 

Garage doors can present multiple dangers when they’re not operating correctly, so it’s important to find someone who has the training and experience to replace your rollers safely. However, you still have several ways to determine if your rollers need repairs or a complete replacement. 

1. Examine Your Rollers 

When you’re experiencing those telling signs of garage door roller wear, get up close and inspect them. Look for any loose or chipping parts, scratch marks or signs of rust. Clear away debris, lubricate all moving parts and then test the door again.

2. Tighten Parts 

As your garage door moves up and down, the vibrations can loosen the bolts, nuts and screws that hold its parts together. Perform a thorough check to see if any have come loose.

If you do notice any loose bolts or screws, you can get a screwdriver and tighten these parts. Sometimes simple tightening can do the trick. 

3. Check Springs and Chain 

You can also inspect other parts of your garage door like the springs and chain to determine where the problem originates. While the rollers could be causing noisiness and shaking, it’s best to investigate every possibility. Improper track alignment or an old chain could be complicating your garage door operations. 

Contact Halo Overhead Doors Today 

Finding a professional service is the way to go when you need a garage door repair or replacement. When you need a company you can trust, Halo Overhead Door is there to help. We’re a family-owned company that’s been in business since 1991. We offer a wide selection of residential and commercial garage doors as well as a variety of services. 

Work with us to find a quality garage door or get your door back in working order. Contact us today! 

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

Glass Garage Doors for Indoor Use

Nothing makes your home feel fresher than revamping your living space with new decor. When you’re looking for an attractive solution to add a modern design twist and open up your interior space, consider an indoor glass garage door. Contemporary glass garage doors are becoming a popular interior design solution to reimagine traditional household fixtures like hinged patio doors. With a new glass garage door inside your home, you can seamlessly merge your favorite aspects of indoor and outdoor living.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

Benefits of Glass Garage Doors

• They provide natural light: Allowing the glow of sunlight to enter your garage can transform what feels like a dark and gloomy cave into a bright, warm living area you’ll want to start spending more time in.
• They allow you to enjoy your surroundings: A glass door will allow you to enjoy the beauty of your land, while still providing you with the same protection as a solid door.
• They’ll lower your electric bills: Because glass doors allow natural light to enter, they will also help you save on energy costs, as you will not have to use electricity to light up your garage during the daytime.
• They increase the curb appeal and value of your home: Except for the roof, the garage door tends to be the most prominent feature on a home’s exterior, so having a new, modern door can significantly boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers, especially considering that glass garage doors are currently trendy.
• They’re highly customizable: You can choose any color, style and finish you desire, which makes it easy to match the style of the door with the rest of your home.
• They’re strong and durable: Although many may assume glass garage doors are fragile, they are reasonably strong due to their stable aluminum frame and reinforcing fin.
• They’re low-maintenance: Another advantage of doors that use aluminum is that they don’t require any extra coatings, as is the case with most wooden doors. Aluminum will always persevere. You will not have to worry about rust, corrosion and other problems traditional garage door materials face.
• They can still offer you privacy: Tthere are many types of glass available, such as frosted and tinted glass, that will maintain your privacy while still allowing light into your garage.
• They can help prevent a tragedy: When backing out of your garage, you can see exactly who is in the driveway even before opening the garage.

Common Interior Uses

A glass garage door for your home interiors will make your space appear brighter, larger, welcoming and natural. By easily clicking on a remote control button, you can open up your living area, creating a seamless connection and transition between indoors and outdoors. An indoor glass garage door is great for:

Kitchens

You can enjoy wide-open views while cooking and working in the kitchen. A glass garage door is a great solution for creating a more open kitchen space while enjoying the natural scenery surrounding your home.

Dining Areas

Who doesn’t love amazing views while enjoying a meal with friends and family? Dining rooms are one of the most popular installation options for many homeowners to enjoy open, unforgettable views and have the opportunity to expand their dining space to the outside.

Living rooms

Replace your living room’s current doors with a glass garage door for a refreshing look in your home. This is a beautiful, modern solution for connecting indoor living spaces with terraces, outdoor dining and other outdoor areas.

Patios

Create an open space by adding a glass garage door between your indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. You can make a more continuous and spatial interior design allowing guests to move easily between areas.

Decks

Make use of your deck during the winter by adding garage doors to enclose the area, transforming it into a sunroom. Especially if you live somewhere with a lot of natural scenery, you can take advantage of this new indoor living space and appreciate nature year-round. 

Pool and Boathouses

Add to the accessibility and visibility of your pool house or boathouse with a glass garage door. Including glass garage doors in your pool house or boathouse design can help you move through the building better while still protecting its contents.

Other Spaces

Use a glass door for different rooms in your house to benefit from a more open feel. You can easily walk into the backyard from your office or have quick access to your master bathroom from the pool or hot tub.

Glass garage doors have many functions within the home beyond connecting rooms. You can also use glass garage doors to function as wall dividers between living areas. If you crave the appeal of an open design plan, then consider opening up your home with an indoor glass garage door and use these fixtures as dividing walls. You get the same privacy and sound control as a standard wall but with aesthetically pleasing views and natural lighting. 

Regardless of your home’s layout and the amenities you have, glass garage doors are a great way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces quickly and easily. If you eventually decide to sell your home, having a unique and functional feature like glass garage doors can help increase your home’s curb appeal.

Reimagine Your Interiors With a Glass Garage Door From Halo Overhead Doors

An indoor glass garage door offers nearly endless design potential for your home or business — you can enjoy luxurious living and scenic views at your leisure. At Halo Overhead Doors, we exclusively stock a beautiful selection of commercial and residential interior glass garage doors from Clopay, including the Avante collection with wide-open window panels and sturdy aluminum construction. 

Our team welcomes all local Houston home and business owners to our expansive showroom, where our team of design experts can help you select, design and install a new indoor glass garage door that suits your design needs, lifestyle expectations and budget.

Learn more about our glass garage doors by calling 713-224-3667 or contact us online today to request a free installation estimate.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

How to Choose The Right Commercial Garage Door in Houston

Commercial garage doors are vital tools for various industries, from warehouses to garages to retail stores. The needs of businesses will vary, so you must choose an appropriate garage door to meet those needs in the most efficient way possible. With an array of options available, finding your ideal fit can prove to be difficult, but the experts at Halo Overhead Doors will strive to assist you.

As you explore your options, you will want to consider various factors, like door type, materials, insulation, usage and security, before committing to a specific model. Carefully considering every element and determining what to prioritize for your business and its needs will help increase the likelihood that your door will be secure and functional.

Types of Commercial Overhead Doors 

Choosing a commercial overhead door will take time and careful consideration. You need to identify where you plan to place your overhead door, and then you’ll have to select the right specifications that match the environment and circumstances. Each type of overhead door offers specific benefits and services to improve its energy efficiency and functionality, letting you get the most from your investment. 

You have several options to explore to determine the model that will best fit your business needs, including: 

• Sectional: This type offers cost-efficiency and flexibility, making sectional doors an excellent option for businesses. They are supremely durable, and they come equipped with features that maximize thermal efficiency. Depending on your area, you will need a significant amount of headroom or backroom to install them.
• Rolling Steel: If you operate in a tight space with little headroom or backroom, rolling steel doors utilize interlocking slats that coil around a suspended barrel for space conservation. These options are durable and highly secure.
• High-Speed: For businesses requiring doors that can frequently cycle while holding up against the strain, we offer high-speed models that can raise and lower as fast as 54 inches per second.
• Security Grilles: Security grilles provide a visual presentation of your business while preventing theft during closed hours. You can show off your facility while ensuring strong security. 

Many factors go into choosing the right type of overhead door for your company. Think about aspects like door function, door purpose and building limitations to determine how to best integrate your overhead door into your business. 

Materials 

In addition to choosing the type of garage door, you can also select from several materials. Each material has a unique look, allowing you to choose something that adds to your business’s overall aesthetic. However, when selecting a material, you should also consider functionality and usage. 

If you use your door each day, you may want to choose something more durable, like steel. Other materials like aluminum can work for doors requiring less safety and protection from dents and damages. You can even explore glass overhead door selections to create an open and inviting atmosphere in your business. 

Insulation

Your overhead door helps protect your business from outdoor conditions to keep your products and customers safe. Like other forms of insulation, insulated overhead garage doors can create an energy-efficient environment that keeps air conditioning and heat inside while keeping the winter cold and summer heat out. 

Additionally, investing in an insulated overhead door can safeguard your facility from other weather conditions, like rain, wind, snow, ice and more. Insulation can add to your door’s life span, providing you with a solution that’s durable and meant to last. 

Usage

When choosing an overhead door for your company, you should consider the demands of your business by measuring the amount of traffic you experience. You might require a door that only needs to cycle a few times a day, like a security gate for a lot at the mall. Conversely, the garage doors of a warehouse or body shop might open a dozen times in just a few hours. 

Since each door type has unique demand capacities, determining how frequently you will use your door will help you choose the best model for your business. By recording the frequency of your cycles, you’ll know if you need to have an automated or manual garage door opener. 

With more usage comes more garage door maintenance, so if you plan to use your door often, you will want to choose a durable model with a long life span. Making the right choice ensures convenience and can also increase your business’ efficiency and revenue.

Security Features 

Any commercial garage door you select should provide uncompromising security and safety for your business, and that’s what you’ll receive when you choose Halo Overhead Door products.

You can customize your doors with sturdy locks and choose from various features, including inside or outside placement and manual or powered options. Beyond that, your door’s opener can integrate state-of-the-art security features through automatically engaging deadlocks, scrambling opening codes to prevent inadvertent cycles and closing after a pre-programmed amount of minutes.

With a high-quality door you can customize to fit your security needs, you can adequately prepare for any situation that comes your way.

Contact Halo Overhead Door With Questions About Commercial Garage Doors 

When determining how to choose a roll-up door for your business, you’ll have to consider several factors to ensure you find the right model to meet your needs. By exploring all your options, you can create a door that will best serve your business for years to come.

At Halo Overhead Door, we operate the largest garage door showroom throughout the Houston area, and we’re the only Clopay® Master Authorized Dealer® in Houston. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will do all they can to assist you in choosing a commercial garage door as well as the perfect commercial overhead door opener to go with it. Contact us today or call us at (713) 224-3667 to learn more about our product catalog and services.

Commercial Garage Doors vs. Residential Garage Doors

Commercial Garage Doors vs. Residential Garage Doors

Commercial garage doors and residential garage doors perform the same primary function — letting people and vehicles in and out of their garages. So how are they different from each other, exactly?

One obvious difference between commercial garage doors and residential garage doors is the type of building where you can find them, whether that be businesses and industrial applications or homes. But the differences extend further than that into the design, construction, aesthetic and functional qualities of the doors.

Understanding the key differences between these doors will help you make the right choice for your home or business. Below, we’ll outline some of the biggest differences between residential and commercial garage doors and how these differences affect their uses.

An Overview of Commercial vs. Residential Garage Doors

When it’s time to invest in a new garage door, it’s essential to understand the differences between types. Traditional residential doors are only made to open a few times every day, and they are not available in large sizes that will accommodate trailers, big trucks and heavy equipment. Commercial doors are the right choice for large garages that see heavy use because designers build them to withstand heavy use and protect a larger opening.

Garage Door Spring Systems

For that reason, there’s a big difference between commercial and residential spring systems. Depending on the weight of the door, residential garage doors typically use one or two torsion springs. The arrangement of the springs balances the door and keeps it from falling down. On the other hand, industrial garage doors often use three or more torsion springs that are larger than residential springs in wire size and diameter.

Boosting Your Curb Appeal

Though residential doors are not the industrial workhorses that commercial garage doors are, their visual appeal and financial impact are hard to ignore. An attractive new garage door can brighten a house’s appearance and enhance its curb appeal. More practically, it can also help boost the resale value of the home. Homeowners typically recoup 90% of their costs in the increased sale price of the house, and 70% of real estate agents report that a home sells faster when it features an attractive new garage door. If these options are important for your home, you’ll want to go with a traditional residential garage door.

Garage Door Lift Type

Lift type is another major difference. Because they’re so much larger and heavier, commercial garage doors can use standard, full vertical and high-lift types. The lighter residential doors normally use standard or low-headroom lift types, which fit more neatly in a small garage.

Opening & Closing

Commercial and residential doors can also differ in the ways they open and close. Most commercial doors are overhead doors that roll up toward the ceiling. While you can find a few side-sliding doors and even swinging garage doors, overheads are the most popular because they don’t need open space on the sides for the doors to swing-out. However, residential doors are readily available in swinging and sliding options.

Some commercial doors are roller doors, which feature multiple thin panels that roll neatly up into a narrow space. These doors are generally more expensive but are popular with businesses that have less available space than a large standard door requires. Due to their utilitarian look and expense, roller doors are not typically available for residential properties. It is more common to see residential sectional garage doors.

Energy Required to Operate

The energy needed to power the garage door opener is also different for each type. Predictably, commercial garage doors require more energy, which can be anywhere from 115 to 575 volts. Therefore, the motors on commercial garage door openers are also higher (industrial door openers), coming in at up to 1 HP. In comparison, traditional residential doors only require about 115 volts and have smaller motors of up to 3/4 HP. Depending on the door and your needs, you might need more energy, so keep that in mind when looking for a new system.

Cost of Residential vs Commercial Garage Doors

At first glance, commercial garage doors cost substantially more than residential doors. However, though they are not always as flashy-looking, they are also more durable. If you are going to put your door through heavy use, then a commercial door is the right choice. Where a residential door would have failed and fallen apart, your commercial door will still operate smoothly. Consider the difference in life span and potential savings with a commercial door before making your decision.

The Size of the Garage Door

One main difference between residential and commercial doors is their size. Commercial bay doors are designed to admit much larger vehicles, so they’re substantially larger than their residential counterparts.

Although some custom-built residential garage doors can be several feet taller to accommodate motorhomes, standard residential doors are available in 7-foot heights and are designed for one- or two-car garages. Commercial businesses typically need taller doors as they pull in trucks, accept deliveries from large trucks or need extra clearance for larger loads. If you are building a private garage and want a taller door to accommodate an RV or other large equipment, consider commercial garage doors.

The dimensions of residential and commercial garage doors also affect their weight. Residential garage doors generally weigh only a few hundred pounds, while commercial garage doors can weigh more than a thousand pounds.

Commercial vs. Residential Garage Doors Repair

Employees working on any garage doors should take care to protect themselves from grievous injury, but this is particularly true concerning massive commercial garage doors. For this reason, it’s wise to consult with experienced, professional garage door companies for maintenance and repairs.

The Material of the Garage Door

Homeowners often choose the materials used in a residential garage door for their appealing appearance, along with their durability and cost-effectiveness. Residential users may also have strong feelings about the insulative properties of their garage doors.

So what are the different types of garage doors? Below are some common materials for residential garage doors:

• Wood: Though wood is less durable and requires more upkeep than other options, a traditional wooden door‘s classic, rustic beauty is hard to beat.
• Glass: Though it’s rare to find an entire garage door made of glass, glass paneling provides an attractive feature to let in some light and enhance the modern beauty of the door.
• Steel and aluminum: Steel provides for an exceptionally sturdy and low-maintenance door, and although it lacks the charm of other materials, many paints and finishes are available to make the metal look cheerier. You could also add a wooden overlay for a more natural look. Galvanized steel also resists rust and corrosion, as does the lighter-weight aluminum, though it tends to cost more.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is beneficial for giving a door the natural appearance and charm of wood without requiring the same level of maintenance. It is also a cost-effective option for residential garage doors.
• Composites: Composite doors provide the benefits of multiple materials in one door. For example, a residential garage door made of steel and polyurethane offers the durability and security of steel with the insulating properties of polyurethane for greater energy efficiency.

With residential garage doors, the aesthetic appeal of the door is often a high priority for the homeowner. With commercial doors, however, functionality usually takes priority over aesthetics. The materials used to make commercial garage doors reflect this priority. Commercial doors are typically made of galvanized steel or an aluminum blend. Due to their size and weight, they are also more difficult to open if the automatic lifter breaks.

Generally, the reason for the use of steel and aluminum blends in the construction of commercial garage doors has to do with their durability. Though residential garage doors get plenty of use — on average, a garage door in the United States opens and closes about 1,500 times every year — that’s nothing compared to the frequency of use of a commercial garage door. You open your home’s garage door a few times each day, but the door on a loading dock may be opened several times a day.

The extra wear and tear could destroy a residential door, but the commercial options can withstand the additional use. If you know your door is going to be raised and lowered continually throughout the day, then you should invest in a more durable commercial door.

The added durability of a commercial garage door also increases the security of the garage. Security is of paramount importance in commercial facilities that store substantial quantities of expensive products. A hardy, durable commercial garage door helps protect the products from theft and damage.

The Appearance of the Garage Door

With residential garage doors, curb appeal is an essential factor. Depending on the home’s layout, a residential garage door can make up a large percentage of the home’s facade, so the door should have an attractive appearance.

Ideally, a residential garage door should have an aesthetic appeal that coordinates well with the architecture and style of the house. A well-chosen and well-designed garage door can accent the home’s exterior and harmonize with its architectural features. It should appeal to the eye and help create an attractive appearance for the home. Customizable options like windows, panel designs, wood-grain finishes, a bold palette of paint colors and decorative handles or trim help create this appealing, polished look.

With a commercial garage door, these concerns are less important. Commercial garage doors are typically more robust and durable, but they aren’t as ornate and tend to look utilitarian. While you can find residential doors that beautifully match a carriage house, most commercial doors will be plain. You can get basic raised or glass panels to make commercial doors a little more attractive, but you probably will not find very ornate styles in commercial options.

This unornamented style fits perfectly with the no-frills aesthetic of many industrial garages and loading docks, and the decreased focus on appearance allows manufacturers to focus on the functionality of the doors. The customization options for commercial garage doors tend to be limited to paint color and sometimes windows.

Commercial garage doors can still look sleek and attractive, though. Many commercial garage doors feature an appealing modern industrial look.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors for All Your Garage Door Needs

At Halo Overhead Doors, our motto is “Tough doors, loyal service,” and that’s precisely what you’ll get when you partner with us.

We are a family-owned, full-service garage door company and one of Texas’ premier garage door businesses. We offer the most extensive selections of doors in Houston, and our staff members have years of collective expertise. We also take enormous pride in our long-term customer relationships and are dedicated to kind, caring, helpful customer service. Whether your need a commercial or residential garage door, our quality doors are rugged and reliable over the long term, and when you need us, our friendly service gets the job done right.

Contact us today to get started on finding a residential or commercial garage door solution.

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

3 Tips for a Quieter Garage Door

While a garage door can never be completely silent when it’s operating, it should never sound excessively loud or grating. If yours is frequently disturbing your entire household as you come and go, your garage door might need some TLC.

Check out these three helpful tips on how to make your garage door much quieter — and likely safer and more functional to boot.

1. Check Your Garage Door Parts

Your garage door is made up of rollers and tracks designed to make it operate as smoothly and quietly as possible. When these metal parts are loose, worn, misaligned or damaged, they can create an annoying grating sound as they move and scrape against each other. You can easily tighten any loose nuts in the track by using a socket or adjustable wrench. Just keep in mind that you never want to overtighten any of these parts.

Next, make sure all the parts are working as they should. For example, as their name suggests, rollers need to actually roll and not slide along the tracks. Replace any worn and damaged parts to reduce excessive garage door noise. Be sure to have a professional handle the rollers in the bottom brackets as well as any adjustments required for the nuts and bolts on the springs or drums — these fixes can be more involved and potentially dangerous.

2. Lubricate the Metal 

Any metal parts in your garage door should be lubricated regularly. Doing so once or twice a year will help to reduce noise. While there’s a variety of lubricants to choose from, always ensure that the one you choose is made specifically for metal use. You’ll want to focus on a few specific areas when lubricating, including the:

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Tracks
• Springs
• Panel hinges
• Chain on the chain assembly

Following the lubrication process, gently wipe all areas with a rag to remove any excess material.

3. Make a Few Simple Swaps

If after you’ve tightened, adjusted and lubricated the metal you’re still not happy with the amount of noise your garage door is making, you can try some more permanent changes to reduce noise. Consider:

• Changing steel rollers to nylon rollers: This change will reduce noise and make the entire operation smoother.
• Choosing a rubber belt reinforced with metal: Instead of the typical steel chain used in garage doors, a rubber belt will help buffer sound.
• Adding a noise isolator system: This system will cut out any vibrations that are noisily occurring between the engine and metal support found on your ceiling beams.

Let Us Know How We Can Help

If while you’re working and fixing up your garage door you find that you need some extra help, remember that Halo Overhead Doors offers free estimates and full service. Whether you need a part maintained or repaired or require some help picking out a new garage door to replace or refresh your current one, the team will work with you to create a customized solution.

5 Best Garage Heating Tips

While it may be a convenient storage space for vehicles, yard equipment and tools, your garage is probably not the warmest place in your house — especially during the winter. With the lack of insulation and concrete flooring, garages are usually not designed with warmth in mind.

As more and more garages are being transformed into workshops and even living spaces, knowing the best ways to heat your garage in the winter is key to your comfort. Here are five ways you can make your garage a toasty and welcoming environment.

1. Add a Heater

A few different heating options work effectively in garages:

• Forced air heater: Offers powerful heat and can be mounted on the ceiling
• Combustion space heater: Uses fuel like kerosene or propane to heat the space
• Infrared heater: Radiates heat quietly and evenly

2. Seal out Drafts

Garages have a few different spots where drafts are common. Before getting started, take a look throughout your garage to see if there’s any old weatherstripping. Over time, it can become worn or cracked, making it ineffective at keeping the space warm. Remove and replace any old weatherstripping, or get ready to add some new sealants.

When you’re sealing out drafts, pay close attention to three main areas: the garage door frames, gaskets and windows. First, look at your garage door frames. Frigid air can easily enter all around your garage door if it’s not sealed tightly. You can use an integrated weatherstrip seal for a simple solution. Next, move on to the gaskets. This is the area at the bottom of your garage door, and it’s crucial to check because cold air can commonly slip under the gaskets when they’re old and worn.

While not all garages have windows, if yours does, remember that adding a shrink-type film to the inside is a great way to seal out those pesky drafts.

3. Insulate the Garage Door

Your garage door takes up a significant portion of your garage, so you want it to be a strong barrier against the cold. One of the most effective and affordable ways of heating your garage in the winter is to insulate the garage door and add weatherstripping. Be sure any cracks and crannies are sealed up as well.

4. Insulate the Garage Walls

If your garage is not finished or just has some sheathing and siding covering the wall studs, adding insulation will be a great solution for your chilly space. You’ll want to make sure fiberglass batt insulation is added in each stud space. Following that, you can insulate the space further by adding drywall panels, plywood sheets or oriented strand boards (OSB).

5. Add Radiant Heat

If you’re in the process of building your home or replacing your floor, adding radiant heat, which essentially comes from tubes of hot water placed under the concrete floor, is a great permanent solution. Radiant heat is effective at heating a garage evenly by using infrared radiation.

Need More Help?

If you’re looking to replace your existing garage door or need it serviced before or during winter for maximum warmth, the team at Halo Overhead Door is ready to help. We offer a large showroom of all the leading major brands as well as customized solutions. Contact us today and let us know how we can serve you!

Pros and Cons of Glass Garage Doors

Glass garage doors have emerged on the market as a modern take on a classic feature for homes. Some only associate them in businesses, having seen commercial glass garage doors used as space separators in trendy restaurants or at mechanics shops. This design trend, however, is moving into homes as a way to update the look of a residence and improve curb appeal. Like any major change to your home’s appearance, you must put careful consideration into both the advantages and the disadvantages of glass garage doors before making the choice that’s best for your residence.

If you live in the Houston area, your concerns will include questions that those in other parts of the country don’t need to worry about, such as strength in hurricanes and insulation against sweltering summers. We’ve brought together the most popular questions we’ve received about glass doors so that you can find the answers you need quickly.

Table of Contents:

Common Questions on the Benefits of Modern Glass Garage Doors

1. Do Glass Garage Doors Add Curb Appeal?
2. Can Glass Garage Doors Maximize Living Space With Natural Light?
3. Are Glass Garage Doors Strong Against the Elements?
4. Are Low-Maintenance Glass Garage Doors Available?
5. Can I Choose Different Colors?
6. Do Glass Garage Doors Have Lasting Investment Value?

Concerns About Glass Garage Doors

1. Will Glass Garage Doors Reduce My Home’s Privacy?
2. How Well-Insulated Are Glass Garage Doors?
3. Are Glass Garage Doors Expensive?

Common Questions on the Benefits of Modern Glass Garage Doors

Request a Free Estimate Today

Garage doors have come a long way from the simple wooden structures of the last century. Today’s glass doors can add a modern aesthetic to your home. Whether you’ve seen these types of garage doors on houses or home improvement shows, you likely have many questions about them. It’s one thing to see an interesting design element on a home and a whole other thing to invest in it yourself.

Many people wonder about how practical glass is as a garage door material, especially when they’re making a long-term investment in their homes by buying a new door. For the Houston area, residents wonder about weather resistance and local appeal. For new constructions and existing homes, the choice of garage door matters more than you think. Now is the time to get the answers to your concerns about the many benefits of glass garage doors.

1. Do Glass Garage Doors Add Curb Appeal?

Depending on the size of your home and the orientation of the garage, your garage door could account for 30% or more of the curbside view of your home. Because the overhead door accounts for such a large percentage of your home’s facade, changing it can have a dramatic effect on how your home looks.

Depending on your home’s current design, contemporary garage doors can mirror the modern look of it or add contrast. If your home has numerous windows to admit light, integrating a glass overhead door will provide balance and add to the trend you’ve already started. You can even select colors for the frame of a glass door to complement the existing colors on your home.

The reason you want increased curb appeal may extend beyond having a great-looking home. At night, few things can brighten your home’s appearance and make it more inviting than lit windows. The light coming through glass garage doors will give your home a warm glow after dark, making it look better at all hours of the day.

2. Can Glass Garage Doors Maximize Living Space With Natural Light?

Garages are increasingly becoming secondary living spaces. Whether you want to convert your garage into a game room or home office, increasing the amount of natural light in the area will reduce the electricity needed to illuminate the area.

You can even customize the amount of sunlight your overhead door allows into the room. Full-view glass garage doors admit the greatest amount of light. If you want to increase privacy, opt for frosted or mirrored glass. You can choose from multiple glass options that allow varying amounts of natural light into your garage while helping you customize your level of privacy.

3. Are Glass Garage Doors Strong Against the Elements?

Living in Houston, it’s not a matter of if you experience a storm, but when. Everything from spring tornadoes to summer thunderstorms to fall hurricanes can strike, lashing wind and debris against your home. Many people feel concern about the strength of glass doors in the face of windstorms in southeast Texas.

The AVANTE® collection from Clopay is a series of glass garage doors that allows for customization. For windstorm protection, you can opt for extra strength built into the door based on where you live. Because Harris County is so large, your home may require doors to stand up against wind speeds between 115 and 150 miles per hour.

The closer you live to the coast, the higher the wind speeds your garage door must withstand. Your location plays a vital role in the wind code rating you need for your garage doors. The surrounding area will also help you choose the score for your garage door. If you need help with this calculation, feel free to ask us here at Halo Overhead Doors.

4. Are Low-Maintenance Glass Garage Doors Available?

Maintenance should factor into any fixture you have installed on your home. For garage doors, you have several options, some of which require more care than others. If you fail to properly care for wooden doors, their paint may fade, and the wood may splinter. Ill-cared-for metal doors may rust when exposed to the elements. Glass offers the benefit of requiring little maintenance, especially compared to other overhead door materials. To clean the glass doors, use a soft cloth.

Don’t worry about the frame surrounding the glass either. We offer commercial-grade aluminum framing. The frame resists rust and can come in numerous colors. You won’t need to fret about splinters, rusting or wearing coloring if you choose glass doors for your garage.

When it comes to changing your home’s appearance, you don’t need to repaint or engage in any other heavy-effort task. A new door covering your garage will transform your home’s appearance and require less upkeep than a new paint job on your home’s trim, wooden garage doors or other renovation options. As a result, you’ll add value to your home without needing to commit to a renovation that will require extensive maintenance.

5. Can I Choose Different Colors?

Color is essential in choosing garage doors to complement the appearance of your home. We offer standard colors for the aluminum framing and matching handle. Options include:

• Bronze
• Brown
• White
• Clear anodized, or protective coating
• Bronze anodized
• Black anodized

In addition to these standard colors, you can also choose ColorBlast customized colors. You are the artist of your home’s appearance, and customizing your garage door is a small but crucial part of creating your masterpiece.

Along with selecting the right colors for your home, you’ll also have control over the appearance of the glass. You can choose clear glass, mirrored, frosted or other types to better balance the look of your home with your garage door.

6. Do Glass Garage Doors Have Lasting Investment Value?

In 2018, upscale garage door replacements, such as glass models, rose to the top of the list of home renovations and their value. Depending on the market, upscale garage doors added more than their purchase price to the value of the home, averaging 98.3% across the country in return on investment. This value was an increase from 2017 of 85%.

Compared to other exterior renovations, high-end garage doors costed less and had a more significant impact on the home’s value. Exterior projects helped raise curb appeal, which explained why most exterior projects ranked higher than the interior ones. Among projects ranking in the top 13, 10 were exterior renovations, with a new garage door at the top of the list. Yes, new garage doors show an increase in the return on investment you’ll experience, and if history shows correctly, that ROI will continue to rise over the years.

Concerns About Glass Garage Doors

Request a Free Estimate Today

While glass garage doors have multiple benefits, they also have some perceived drawbacks. Some of these concerns, however, are based on myths or notions about older, less efficient garage door models. You can mitigate some problems through the choices you make before having the doors installed. How much these minor factors affect your choice comes down to whether the drawbacks outweigh the advantages of installing glass doors. Only you can answer that question for your home.

1. Will Glass Garage Doors Reduce My Home’s Privacy?

If you want to use your garage as a living space, privacy will become a factor in choosing the right door. However, with glass doors, you do not have to choose full-view clear glass. You have several options for glass types and opacity selection. If you still want the look of glass without allowing the neighborhood to see inside your garage, consider choosing a more private option like frosted, mirrored or tinted glass.

Along with privacy, the security of glass doors often comes up. Luckily, you can choose tempered glass, which increases the strength of the material, decreasing the chances of it breaking. The extra strength of the tempered glass will also help to protect your home in a windstorm.

Privacy is critical, especially if you live in a neighborhood with homes close together. However, safety is just as important. Let us help you, here in Houston, find the right balance between these factors for your home’s garage doors, whether you choose glass or another material.

2. How Well-Insulated Are Glass Garage Doors?

If you’ve been in Houston for any length of time, you know two things about the weather — winters are mild, and summers are unbearable. While other parts of the country require means of keeping their homes tightly closed to protect against freezing temperatures in winter, in Houston, homeowners don’t have that problem. However, residents know that summer heat can sap energy and raise electric bills.

Rarely does a summer go by in this region without at least one day where the thermometer reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, the days show temperatures in the 90s with high humidity. The last thing you want is to raise the cost of cooling your home by allowing heat inside.

Because glass allows the sun’s light and heat inside, you may feel like you’re turning your garage into a greenhouse. Fortunately, this scenario does not need to be the case if you choose insulated garage doors. Yes, even glass doors can have insulation incorporated into them to protect your home from extreme temperatures.

To get the most from your insulated door, also add insulation to the walls and ceiling of the garage. If you have an attached garage, insulating it will prevent the heat or cold that collects in the space from affecting the temperature inside your home. Adding insulation also makes it easier to convert the garage into a living area, whether you want to use it seasonally or all year long.

3. Are Glass Garage Doors Expensive?

When you’re comparing prices, you should also consider how the new garage door will affect your home’s value. Anything that increases your home’s worth can raise the amount you’ll sell the house for in the future. Your home is an investment that should grow over the years, but renovations can increase that growth even more. They’re also great ways to boost your home’s resell value in the months before putting it on the market.

If you plan on selling your home in the future, certain upgrades that enhance curb appeal will also give you a return on your investment. A new overhead door could net you up to an 85% or more return on your investment, especially if you choose a secure, sturdy door. Selecting a strong glass garage door will add security in addition to improving your home’s appearance. With the small investment in a new garage door, you can maximize the amount you can sell your home for.

In the 2018 study of cost versus value, only upscale garage doors made the list, but this choice ranked at the top for the highest return on investment. In 2017, mid-range garage doors recouped 76.9% of the value, while upscale doors returned 85% of the investment. In both years, higher quality doors gave better returns on the investment, almost entirely returning the payment price in 2018, with an average recouping of 98.3%.

Learn More About Glass and Other Houston Garage Doors

You may already be thinking about replacing your garage door. At Halo Overhead Doors, we sell glass garage doors in Houston, TX. Our professionals can get you the doors you want to create a modern, upgraded look. If you’re still not sure whether glass doors are for you, see our other offerings. Browse through all our residential garage doors or commercial overhead doors.

Whether or not you want glass, we can help you get the perfect garage doors for your home. We’re the only Master Clopay Dealer in the Houston area. Through us, you can have a glass door from the coveted AVANTE® collection installed on your garage, giving you access to numerous customizable features.

Give us a call at (713) 224-3667 or use our contact page when you’re ready to get started on changing the look of your home or business with new garage doors. Our experts can help you customize your door for the look and attributes you need. We’ve been offering “tough doors, loyal service” to all our customers since 1991. Make us your choice for long-lasting, beautiful Houston glass garage doors, and we’ll do the same for you.

Benefits Of Roll Up Doors In Houston

Selecting a garage door — or multiple garage doors — for your company or residence can be challenging. Let’s face it — there are a lot of options on the market today, and it can be difficult to narrow down the selection to the right door for your home or business.

If you’re looking for both beauty and functionality in a garage door, then a roll-up garage door just might be the door you’re looking for. Attractive and practical, roll-up garage doors are an ideal solution for both commercial and residential applications in the Houston area.

Most people are familiar with the traditional overhead garage door, which is the door commonly found on houses around any modern neighborhood. But fewer people know what a roll-up door is — and how it can benefit them at home or work. Check out the topics that are covered in this article. 

• What Are Roll-up Garage Doors?
• How Much Does a Roll-up Garage Door Weigh?
• How Much Do Roll-up Garage Doors Cost?
• 5 Benefits to Roll-Up Garage Doors
• Roll-up Doors in Houston, TX

What Are Roll-up Garage Doors?

Also referred to as “service doors,” roll-up doors are steel or aluminum doors that roll up and down, rather than swinging upward or outward on a track to open. You’ve likely seen commercial roll-up doors at loading docks, storage facilities and auto shops. You might have also seen them blocking off particular areas of an airport or coming down over storefronts during off-hours. There are many different types of roll-up doors on the market today, including wood and glass roll-up doors, with each one designed for different needs.

Roll-up garage doors are designed with a series of metal slats locked together so they move as one piece. Sometimes the slats have foam in between to add insulation to block extreme temperatures and prevent them from messing with a building’s energy efficiency.

Overhead roll-up doors wrap around a drum until they are compacted into one roll. The roll is then stored above the opening they protect. They can be rolled up manually or with an electronic opener.

One of the benefits of a roll-up garage door is that it doesn’t move on a ceiling track like its traditional upward counterparts. This means that the track — and the door when it’s up — aren’t taking up space in the ceiling. The extra overhead space means more storage space, which can be significant if your workplace or home garage doesn’t have much square footage to start with.

While they are most known for their industrial uses, roll-up garage doors can also be a practical choice for certain residential garages. Besides being easy to roll up and down, they hold up well to constant use and withstand extreme weather, including storms and high temperatures. Also, modern roll-up doors come in a variety of colors, which means residential roll-up garage doors can be matched to your home’s exterior.

How Much Does a Roll-up Garage Door Weigh?

The weight of a roll-up door will vary, depending on the thickness of the door, as well as whether or not it’s insulated. The door’s weight will also depend on its size, since larger doors will naturally contain more material, therefore increasing the weight.

Roll-up doors are available in light-, medium- and heavy-duty gauges — or thicknesses — and it’s up to you to decide which will suit your needs. For example, Clopay makes three different gauges of roll-up doors — 150C, 157C and 160C. In general, a light-duty door will be used for smaller structures, such as portable buildings or recreational facilities. A medium- or heavy-duty door will be needed for places such as warehouses and commercial freight operations. When you work with an experienced sales representative at Halo Overhead Door, they can guide you through these choices and help you decide which best suits your needs. 

Roll-up door dimensions also vary, which means they can fit a variety of openings.

How Much Do Roll-up Garage Doors Cost?

Let’s face it — your budget is going to play an essential role in determining the kind of garage door you purchase. So, how much are roll-up garage doors?

The cost of a roll-up garage door varies depending on the strength of the door, but that’s not the only factor when it comes to determining the price. The material you choose and the size of door you need will also impact your costs.

Clopay roll-up doors are made from 26 gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel and bonded together to form a continuous sheet. The steel sheets are covered with a top coat of silicone polyester which can be painted in a variety of colors, including white, gray, blue, tan, brown and red.

Our doors can be configured to meet wind load requirements, and we also offer fire doors which can protect your valuable assets at home or work.

In some cases, you may find that the up-front costs of a roll-up door are slightly higher than those of a traditional overhead door. However, when you’re calculating the price, it’s important to factor in the long-term costs associated with both kinds of doors. If you intend to install a garage door somewhere that it will be used a lot, then you need to consider costs for maintenance and repair over time. Steel roll-up doors are typically more durable long-term because their springs aren’t exposed, and steel holds up well against weather. Even the light-duty doors are designed to withstand 20 openings and closings every day.

Because roll-up doors are designed for extensive use, their parts are made to last. This means they won’t require as much maintenance over time, which may save you money if you opt for a roll-up door over a traditional overhead door.

Your costs will also depend on whether you buy an electronic opener or jackshaft operator as well. If you plan to purchase these accessories along with the door itself, make sure to tell your sales representative up front so they can give you accurate details about pricing.

Benefits to Roll-up Garage Doors

Roll-up doors are often used in commercial applications because of how durable and low maintenance they are. If you’ve done any kind of research related to garage doors, then you probably realize that steel and aluminum doors are some of the strongest, longest-lasting doors on the market today. They hold up to the elements, withstand daily use and keep unwanted people out of your space.

Steel doors are also more economical than garage doors made of other materials.

Other advantages to these doors include:

1. Security

When you install a roll-up garage door, you get a durable door, as well as peace of mind that your business is protected when you aren’t there. Roll-up doors are incredibly secure, which makes them an excellent choice to protect retail companies, factories and warehouses. The door can withstand a lot of punishment from burglars looking to break inside as it is more difficult to break the steel or aluminum in a flexible sheet than it is to damage panels in a wood or composite door.

Besides exterior applications, roll-up doors can be used indoors to seal off spaces during off hours. Halo Overhead Door also offers roll-up fire doors which are often used as interior doors to divide a building and protect its contents from areas that might present an increased risk of fire.

2. Durability

If you’re purchasing commercial garage doors for a company in the Houston-area, you need a door that can withstand varying weather conditions and climate changes. After all, these doors are an investment in your business, and you want to know that you are making a good investment when you buy them. Roll-up garage doors won’t bend, warp or rust, which means they’ll stand strong and serve you well for many years. Clopay doors are designed to withstand 20 cycles each day, which means you can have the peace of mind that your door will stand up to all the use you give it.

3. Low Maintenance

Roll-up garage doors require very little maintenance to keep them looking beautiful and functioning properly. Simply wash off the door occasionally so it continues to look as good as new. When you keep the doors clean, then you aren’t likely to have many maintenance issues with them. This is because roll-up doors don’t have as many moving parts, and the parts they do have are mostly contained. Keeping them free from dirt is the best way to preserve their function.

Because of the way roll-up doors are constructed, they have fewer parts to maintain or replace as the door ages. Roll-up garage doors also take up less space because they do not have the track system along the ceiling. For business owners, this can be a big bonus because it increases the amount of usable space available in your garage or storage facility. If you own an auto shop or a warehouse with limited storage space, you can use the extra headroom to store things or to give forklifts and auto lifts more space to operate.

4. Safety

When you talk about commercial garage door safety, there are typically two primary concerns — heavy doors falling when a spring breaks and damage to a door while it’s resting on the ceiling in an open position. Most modern garage door openers are designed with a safety mechanism to prevent the doors from falling. However, creating a safe work environment for your employees should still be a major consideration when you’re buying a garage door.

The reason traditional overhead doors are at risk of falling is because of the spring mechanism that they are attached to. The springs holding a traditional overhead door can become worn out and, in some cases, break unexpectedly. When springs break, the door falls. This can be extremely dangerous if it happens when an employee is nearby.

A roll-up garage door’s parts, including springs, are all enclosed, which means that they are less vulnerable to damage and, therefore, less likely to break. And, just like traditional fold-out garage doors, roll-up doors can be equipped with sensors so they cannot accidentally close on people or objects in their path. When you install roll-up garage doors rather than a traditional overhead door, you’re taking steps to keep your employees safe. And when your employees are safe, they feel more confident and can work with fewer distractions.

If you’re looking for garage doors that will be used in an industrial setting, another concern about overhead doors is that they’re vulnerable to damage from forklifts when they’re open. Depending on the height of your ceilings, the forklift may not be able to clear the door when it’s in the open position. When this happens, the door can be damaged. Then, you’re stuck paying for repair — or even a replacement.

When roll-up doors are open, the door is enclosed in the casing, protecting the steel from potential damage and keeping a clear space for forklifts and other tall equipment to operate. Besides being safer, this can equal massive savings because your door is protected from accidental damage and expensive repairs that might result from that damage.

5. Insulation

Roll-up doors can be insulated, which can be a huge benefit if you want to install the door in a warehouse or space that needs to remain at a certain temperature. Installing an insulated roll-up door is also a primary way to save on your company’s energy costs because it will keep unwanted hot air outside while helping to maintain cool, air-conditioned temperatures inside. This keeps your employees comfortable and, in many cases, can be a valuable asset if your building is home to equipment and supplies that should be kept at cooler temperatures.

Roll-up doors are designed to fit snugly in your building’s opening, and they come with accessories designed to reduce the possibility of air leaks around the door itself. When you purchase a Clopay insulated roll-up garage door, it comes with top and side draft stops that also help prevent leaks. After all, an insulated door won’t do much to keep temperatures cool if air can leak around the top and sides.

Insulated doors are also stronger, which can be an additional benefit if you’re in the market for a door that will provide optimum security and protect your home or business from unwanted visitors. 

Roll-up Doors in Houston

The benefits of a roll-up door for your home or business are many — they’re durable, secure and give you a lot of bang for your buck. In short, they’re an excellent investment. And with the variety of colors and options on the market today, they look good too.

If you’re in the market for residential or commercial roll-up doors in the Houston area, let Halo Overhead Door guide you through the process. Family-owned and operated since 1991, we offer a wide selection of doors and pride ourselves on our ability to match our customer’s needs with the door that’s right for them. Whether you know the door you want or you don’t know where to start, our goal is to walk with you through the entire process, from selection to installation.

As a full-service company, we also pride ourselves on our outstanding maintenance and repair services. We know that a garage door is an investment, and we’re committed to helping you protect that investment for many years to come.

Ready to purchase a new garage door? Thinking a roll-up door is just what you need to improve the function and curb appeal of your business? Give us a call at (713) 224-3667 or contact us online to get started.

Six Places in Your Home Where You’re Losing Energy

Did you know your home can lose between 25 to 40 of its cooling and heating energy because of air leaks?

When homeowners think of “energy efficiency,” they often think about things like solar panels, better light bulbs and turning off the lights when they leave a room. All those things do help. In fact, reducing the amount of energy consumed in your home decreases the average monthly cost of utilities, reduces pollution and keeps your home at a more comfortable temperature.

But, there’s more to an energy-efficient home than a few lightbulbs. 

Making your home energy efficient means finding ways to help your home’s existing systems to operate efficiently during each season. Unfortunately, a homeowner’s efforts to increase their home energy efficiency can often be hampered by pesky air leaks, gaps and holes in areas of the home. These let air pass in and out of the house and negatively impact a home’s temperature.

How to Tell Where Your House is Losing Heat

One important step toward reducing the amount of energy you consume in your home is to identify air leaks. Detecting and correcting air leaks is essential for preventing heat loss and improving energy efficiency in any home. Heat loss can be a huge drain on your home’s energy efficiency because it forces your home’s systems to work harder to compensate. A homeowner could easily assume their heater isn’t working properly when, in fact, leaks are causing the temperature in the home to remain below what is desired.

There are two primary ways to identify where your house is losing heat from air leaks:

1. Visual Inspection

Visual inspection has two parts: interior and exterior. To complete a visual inspection of your home, you’ll want to make sure you thoroughly inspect both areas. 

When you inspect the exterior of your home, pay close attention to any place where two different materials meet, including corners, the areas around faucets, the convergence between the foundation and the home’s exterior walls. You’ll also want to check the place where your home’s siding and chimney comes together.

Inside, you’ll want to follow the same rule of thumb and thoroughly inspect anywhere two materials come together, including window and door frames, electrical outlets, baseboards, fireplace dampers, fans and vents, cable television outlets, phone jacks, door frames and more.

2. Building Pressurization Test

If you suspect an air leak, but you can’t identify it with a visual inspection, a building pressurization test should be your next step. When the pressure in a room isn’t balanced correctly — which is ideally what a good heating and/or cooling system should do — the temperatures in the room will be off.

For example, if the pressure in a room is too low, that means interior air is being drawn outside through a leak. If the pressure is too high, then exterior air is finding its way into your house and you are losing energy.

What Are Some Areas of Your Home Where Energy Might Be Lost?

Wondering where the air leaks are in your home? Air leaks can be in all sorts of places around your home. It can be challenging to identify them if you aren’t sure where to start, but typically there are five primary places where leaks occur. Knowing where these places are can help you quickly identify and correct a leak as soon as possible.

1. Walls

Insulation within your walls creates a barrier to air flowing in and out of your house. That means it keeps warm air inside during winter and blocks heat from coming inside during the summer months. If you don’t have proper insulation inside your walls, they won’t be able to adequately prevent air from entering spaces it doesn’t belong.

How to Fix It

If your walls don’t have insulation at all, and your walls are your typical stud walls, applying blown-in insulation can make a big difference in preventing heat loss. If you already have existing insulation, it may not be doing its job. Consider upgrading your insulation, especially in your attic space — which can have a big impact on your home’s overall temperatures. It’s the most common place for air leaks to occur.

There are three common materials for insulation you’ll find on the market today: foam, fiberglass and cellulose. On their own, none of these is necessarily better than another. However, their effectiveness comes down to how well they are installed. To ensure maximum efficiency, it’s essential to hire a contractor who is experienced in installing insulation and will use an infrared camera before and after installation to identify any empty spaces where insulation is missing or is not thick enough.

2. Outlets

Many homeowners don’t realize their electrical outlets are a potential source of leaks around their home. These items are so small and so common that it’s easy to overlook their potential to impact your home’s efficiency. Outlets are actually a significant potential source for leaks, though, because they are cut into the wall of your home. Both interior and exterior outlets have the potential to allow air through the tiniest of cuts.

Think of it this way — if you have six electrical boxes on your ceiling, each with a 1/8″ gap around it, that’s the same as having a 4″ hole in your ceiling. That’s a lot of space for air to leak through!

How to Fix It

One way to seal electrical outlets is to place a foam gasket between the outlet plate and the switch. Unfortunately, these don’t always seal as they should, and air leaks continue to happen. The best way to ensure your outlets are properly sealed and able to prevent air leaks is to seal ceiling boxes and gaps themselves. The gaps around wall-mounted boxes can be sealed with a standard caulk. For ceiling boxes, you’ll want to opt for fire-blocking foam or caulk. The fire blocking properties of this are important because, in the event of a fire, the caulk or foam will swell to maintain the seal, rather than melting and creating an air flow that can actually feed a fire.

If you have recessed wall boxes — ones set back into your drywall — you can purchase a box extender to attach to the existing box making it easier to seal.

3. Pipes/Wires

One place you might not think to inspect for air leaks is the space around your pipes and wires. Because pipes and wires come through holes that are cut in walls and flooring, however, there is always the potential for even a small gap to transfer outside air in and vice versa. This can also be a problem because these gaps can allow moisture-heavy air into your home where it can condense and create moisture issues.

How to Fix It

Ideally, the company or person who built your home should have sealed the pipes when they were installed. Some pipes are sealed inside flooring or drywall, or even behind a shower or tub. If you suspect a leak behind your drywall, you’ll want to call in a professional to evaluate the situation and help you determine a good solution. If you find a leak around exposed pipes, though — such as those under your kitchen sink — you can easily seal the gap yourself using caulk or a canned foam spray.

If you’re about to undertake a kitchen or bathroom remodel, this is the perfect time to address potential air leaks around pipes and wires.

4. Windows

Windows are a huge source of potential air leaks and energy loss in the home, especially if your home’s windows are older. Many homeowners assume that if their windows are leaking, then it must be time for replacements, but that isn’t always true. If you live in an older home with single glazed windows, then the problem may be that they just aren’t effective barriers between your home and the outdoors.

In that case, purchasing Energy Star-rated windows will give you the best return on investment. However, replacing windows can be an expensive undertaking that should only be done after you have exhausted other options.

How to Fix It

If you aren’t in the market for new windows, but they’re causing problems, then it’s time to improve the seal around them. Replacing — or adding — weatherstripping and caulking around the frame can do a lot to reduce potential sources of leaks. There are a number of products on the market designed to help homeowners correct this problem on their own.

In some cases, adding storm windows over top of single glazed windows may be an option. Storm windows are a removable glass panel that can be placed over existing windows to block extreme temperatures, especially cold. If you suspect that your single glazed windows are the source of air leaks, it’s best to consult with a contractor or a company who specializes in windows to determine the most cost-effective way to improve the efficiency of your windows.

In cases where existing windows have damage to the glass or the frame around them, repairing the damage by filling in cracks and replacing broken pieces can also help to resolve air leaks.

5. Doors

The framing around your door can be a big source of air leaks, as can your door itself. If you have a wooden door that expands when it’s hot and shrinks when it’s cold, the door itself might not fit properly into the frame. Or, the frame may have some gaps causing leaks around it. In either case, this can cause problems for homeowners.

Doors are one of the many items a homeowner can check with a building pressurization test or visual inspection. In fact, it’s easy to inspect a door frame for air leaks because you can simply hold a stick of incense up to a closed door and watch for movement in the smoke. You can also look for gaps of light that might be visible between the door and frame.

How to Fix It

In some cases, it might be time for a new door. But, in most cases, just as with windows, homeowners can take steps on their own to repair air leaks around the doorways. When you identify the places air leaks occur, you can note what kind of fix they will require. In some cases, you may need to install new weatherstripping on the door. In other cases, homeowners can use caulk or sealant to fill small gaps that have occurred.

6. Garage

Many people don’t consider their garage to be part of their home’s living space, so it is often overlooked as a potential source of air leaks. The truth is that your garage’s energy efficiency has a direct impact on the rest of your home. In fact, the more efficient your garage is, the lower your home’s overall carbon footprint will be. In other words, if you want your home to be more energy-efficient, it’s important to spend time making sure your garage lives up to that goal as well.

Many times, garages aren’t very energy efficient because contractors don’t place the right compressible foam between the concrete floor and lower framing. Or, in other cases, the walls of the garage were not insulated properly, allowing air from the outside to easily penetrate the walls — this is especially a problem for any wall that connects the garage to the rest of your home.

A lot of other potential problems you might find in the garage are similar to ones you’d find in the house itself, including leaks in the electrical outlets, windows or even doors.

Also, the condition of your garage door can make or break your home’s ability to properly regulate temperature. This typically happens for one of two reasons: Either the weatherstripping around the door is worn, damaged or missing, or if the door itself is in poor condition.

How to Fix It

If you suspect that your garage door is a source of air leaks in your home, then your first step is to have your door evaluated by a professional garage door company. Halo Overhead Doors has a team of experienced, highly trained technicians who can identify problems with your current door and help you figure out how to address them quickly and safely.

While it is possible to add insulation to the walls of your garage problem yourself, we never recommend using your garage door as your next DIY project. Because garage doors are heavy, they can quickly become dangerous. Besides that, home repairs don’t always go as planned, and you run the risk of causing more damage. In the case of garage doors, a small repair may end up costing much more than it should because of the damage that was incurred during a homeowner’s attempt to fix it on their own.

In some cases, your garage door may be old and needs to be replaced. Purchasing a new garage door is a great way to improve your garage’s energy efficiency because you can choose a door that is built for your home and the climate where you live.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors to Stop Losing Energy with a New Garage Door

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean converting to cleaner fuel or installing expensive equipment. Sometimes the best thing you can do for the environment is to improve on what you already have.

Your garage is a great place to start. If your door is old or damaged, it might be time for a new one. You could shop around for weeks looking for beautiful doors. But why shop around when you can come straight to Halo Overhead Doors?

As Houston’s only Master Clopay Dealer, Halo Overhead Doors is proud to showcase a variety of the highest quality doors on the market today. Contact us to request a free estimate or drop by our showroom. You can also check out our selection online. Your home — and your family — will thank you.

Will a New Garage Door Increase the Value of Your Home?

A high-quality, well-designed garage door is a huge part of your home’s curb appeal. It can elevate your home, boosting its value and making it stand out in your neighborhood. In comparison, an old, worn, outdated garage door can have the opposite effect. If you’re planning to sell your home, a damaged garage door can deter potential buyers.

As a result, upgrading your garage door is a great place to start if you want to increase your home’s value. With a high-quality, durable door that aligns with your home’s style, you can instantly catch the eye of buyers. Read our guide below to learn how much value a new garage door can add to your home and when the best time is to replace your garage door with a new model.

How Much Value Does a New Garage Door Add? 

New garage doors can provide an average return on investment (ROI) of up to 102% as of 2023, making your garage door the second-best upgrade you can make to your home after heating and cooling improvements. With an average garage door replacement cost of $4,302, homeowners who invest in new garage doors typically recover $4,418 once they sell their homes. In addition to financial value, a new garage door will provide numerous benefits for homeowners, making the space more comfortable to live in.

Garage Door Features That Increase Home Value

Adding the most value to your garage door means upgrading several features. Your garage door is a home focal point — having an updated, stylish garage door elevates your home and makes it more desirable to buyers.

While upgrading garage door features can help boost your home value, doing them all at once can be a significant investment. Instead, update different features when you can, giving your home a fresh look while keeping your budget in mind.

Here are some garage door features you can touch up to boost your home value:

Insulation

Insulation is a great way to make your home more comfortable while boosting its value. Insulation sits between your garage door’s layers, helping to regulate the ambient temperature so the garage feels comfortable throughout the year. By limiting outdoor air from entering the space, insulation may also help you reduce your home’s energy bills.

A comfortable garage and reduced energy bills are big wins for any homeowner. When you’re ready to sell, buyers will love the extra comfort and savings the insulated garage door provides.

Windows

Windows and lighting can make a big difference when it comes to your garage door. Natural light helps your garage feel more spacious. 
You can pick from large, small and even custom window designs for your garage door, letting light into your garage and making your home stand out.

For even more lighting, consider integrated lighting. You can create custom lighting designs inside your garage, illuminating it at night and giving your home that extra touch to take it to the next level. Buyers love the additional light that windows and lighting create in a garage. 

Smart Openers

Smart technology turns your garage door into an easy-to-use, one-touch device. Whether you’re investing in Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control access or virtual assistant compatibility, you can make your garage door more convenient to operate.

Many potential buyers appreciate how easy smart technology makes their lives, and a smart opener adds an extra touch that other garage doors in the neighborhood might not have. By investing in a smart garage door opener, you can make your life easier and turn your home into a more desirable property for buyers.

High-Quality Materials

Like most house components, garage door material matters. Upgrading your garage door to one with strong, high-quality materials can give you a longer-lasting door and an increase in home value. Materials like aluminum, steel or composite wood are excellent choices for homeowners looking to refresh their garage doors. These materials are highly durable, withstanding harsh weather and bump-causing forces. 

Additionally, choosing a new garage door with upgraded materials allows you to select an eye-catching design. Having an updated garage door makes your home feel fresh, even if you only redo the garage door. Whether you’re looking to sell this year or down the road, a newer garage door made of high-quality materials will help draw buyers in and increase your home’s worth.

Security Features

Security is an important part of any home. While standard garage locks are fine for keeping the door shut against mild winds, taking your security efforts to the next level can raise your home value and your peace of mind.

Garages with sturdy locks and smart security systems help boost your home defenses. They help protect your belongings from unwanted intruders and harsh weather. Buyers looking for somewhere to live long-term will enjoy this high-tech security’s convenience and the safety it provides. 

Modern Style

Garage doors are a huge part of your home’s first impression. Having a visibly worn or outdated garage door can keep your home from reaching its true resale value potential. Investing in a modern garage door with custom options or stylish designs can be beneficial for increasing your ROI.

You can find a new garage door with a style you love that complements your home, giving your property a boost in curb appeal.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?

While a well-made garage door is designed to last 15 to 30 years, all garage doors need replacing eventually. Keep an eye on your garage door to make sure it’s still in good condition. Once your garage door starts to get close to its expected life span, it’s time to start looking for a replacement.

Here are some signs to watch out for so you know exactly when it’s time for an upgrade:

• Visible damage: Starting to see warping, dents or cracks on your garage door? These are signs that you need to consider replacing your garage door. Visible damage makes your garage door look old and worn. Additionally, damage can harm your door’s structural integrity, making it unsafe and hard to use.
• Lots of noise: While garage doors often make some noise during use, excessive noise can be a sign you need a replacement. If you’re hearing lots of grinding, squeaking or rattling, you might have damaged or worn-out components. Getting a new garage door can help eliminate these noise problems and keep your garage quiet. 
• Performance issues: If you’re dealing with garage door operation problems, you might need to think about replacement. Long-term performance problems might mean your garage door has underlying issues. Issues with components like openers, springs, rollers or tracks can lead to problems using the door, meaning you have to make excessive repairs. It can be more cost-effective to replace the garage door completely at that point. 
• High energy bills: Higher-than-normal energy bills might be a sign you need a new garage door. Old, outdated garage door insulation that has been damaged can cause drafts and strain on your heating and cooling system. Upgrading to a new garage door can reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
• Minimal safety features: Older garage doors often have minimal or outdated security features. Getting a new garage door means you get access to auto-reverse sensors, smart home security features and upgraded locks. If your garage door is missing these effective security features, replacing it with a newer option can help you keep your home and your family safe. 
• Outdated design: An outdated garage door design can make your home look less visually appealing. If you want something that complements your home’s architecture or aligns with your neighbors’ designs, you should look at new garage doors. Getting a modern, stylish garage door can elevate your entire home, making it feel like new. You’ll boost your property value and enjoy a fresh look. 

Benefits of a New Garage Door

Getting a new garage door can increase your home’s value, but it can also provide even more benefits.

1. Boosted Curb Appeal

Garage doors are large, and they’re usually at the front of your home. This makes them the first thing many people see when they pass by. As a centerpiece, they draw the eye and make up much of your home’s curb appeal.

Over time, your garage takes on wear and tear from the elements, making it look worn. A new garage door will instantly make your home exterior look better. Investing in a door with a new design, modern features and updated colors makes your whole home look refreshed. An attractive, fresh garage door will help make your home stand out on the curb, drawing eyes with its impressive design. 

2. Better Security

Garages are places to store your cars, keep your belongings and hang out. They hold valuable property while providing an entry point to your home. Older garage doors often have weak points, outdated locks or other issues that can make them a target for break-ins. 

With a new garage door, you can invest in upgraded security features that make your garage more secure. Reinforced panels, smart security systems and strong locks can help your garage door hold up against harsh weather and intrusion attempts. With a new garage door and better security, you’ll enjoy greater peace of mind.

3. Custom Designs

New garage doors also come with more customization options. From updated carriage doors to doors with sleek, minimalist lines, you can create the aesthetic you’ve always wanted with a new garage door. Pick from decorative hardware and windows to create a timeless design. Explore custom paint colors and panel designs to give your home a unique look. With a fresh, custom garage door, your home will look restored without much work.

4. Less Maintenance

Your garage door experiences daily use and exposure to the elements. Over time, these conditions will lead to wear and tear. An older garage door is going to need more maintenance, increasing your expenses. Additionally, older doors are more likely to break or have performance problems, inconveniencing your daily routine.

Newer doors with high-quality materials are durable and designed for reduced maintenance. Investing in features like weatherproof seals and rust-resistant coatings means even less maintenance. You can also enjoy a new warranty with your updated garage door, giving you extra help if something goes wrong with your door.

With a new garage door, you’ll save money on maintenance and enjoy reliable performance for years.

5. Quieter Garage

If you’re dealing with an extremely loud garage door, getting a new one can help you get your peace and quiet back. Before, you may have dealt with loud banging sounds or screeching noises, which can be especially disruptive if your garage is attached to your home. If you use your garage as a gathering space, excess noise every time you open and close the door can be a hindrance to your family and friends.

New garage doors feature advanced technology, producing minimal noise. Insulated motor compartments and belt drives on the latest models help reduce sound and vibration. Investing in a new garage door with these features can help you stop dealing with excessive garage door noises.

6. Increased Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency plays a big part in your comfort and energy spending. Older garage doors often have little to no insulation, making them significant energy drains. Without good insulation, outdoor air can enter your garage more easily, which can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Investing in a new garage door with sufficient insulation can help keep out drafts and prevent temperature loss. You’ll enjoy more consistent temperatures while saving on your energy expenses and keeping your heating and cooling systems in good condition.

Boost Your Home Value With Garage Doors From Halo Overhead Doors

If you want to refresh your home and increase its resale value, upgrade your garage door with help from Halo Overhead Doors. As a trusted Texas family-owned company for over 30 years, you can count on our team to provide unmatched garage door services. When you need comprehensive garage door services — installation, repair, maintenance or replacement — we’ve got you covered. 

At Halo Overhead Door, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We want to help you find the best possible garage door for your home. With our wide selection of high-quality, high-performance garage doors, you can easily find an option that suits your home and your preferences. Our expert team will work with you every step of the way, helping you select the right door and keeping it maintained for years.

Reach out to our team and let us help you find the perfect garage door solution for your home today!

Glass Garage Doors for Houston Restaurants and Bars

It’s time for your local Houston business to stand out, making a distinguished, unforgettable impression on customers, and incorporating a full-view glass garage door into your restaurant’s or bar’s architecture is a bold step to take. Commercial glass garage doors feature a modern design aesthetic and will transform the exterior and functionality of your business. The unique appeal of the glass garage door will draw diners to your space and easily convert your traditional indoor dining spaces into a dynamic outdoor eating experience.

Why Choose a Glass Garage Door for Your Bar or Restaurant?

Glass garage doors for bars and restaurants are a popular design choice because they’re exceptionally attractive, durable and versatile. By incorporating a commercial glass garage door into your architectural decor, you can experience:

• Enhanced mood and aesthetics: With wide-open views of the outdoors and access to additional natural lighting, your dining and bar spaces will be illuminated and lively — attracting a wide range of new and old customers vying to experience your unique eating atmosphere.

• Improved curb appeal: Whether you work in a beautiful, historic location or a simple storefront, glass garage doors can add a contemporary twist to your existing architecture that will increase your curb appeal and foot traffic. Commercial glass garage doors available at Halo Overhead Door come in a wide range of styles to suit your personal tastes and design needs. Choose from custom colors and window styles like clear panels for a crisp, clean look or frosted glass for a soft appeal.

• A universal dining environment: By simply rolling up the glass door, you can quickly transform your eating spaces into an enjoyable outdoor and indoor area with plenty of access to fresh air and pleasant weather. As the temperature cools or inclement weather approaches, easily close your commercial glass garage door or keep it partially opened for a more closed-off result. 

Halo Overhead Door — Houston’s Most Trusted Source for Commercial Glass Garage Doors

Every Houston business owner deserves an eye-catching, functional commercial garage door system that offers a unique dining and relaxation experience. At Halo Overhead Door, we offer several of the highest-quality commercial garage doors from leading manufacturers like Clopay, featuring modern design principles and superior craftsmanship. Our stunning Avante collection provides local bars and restaurants with a pleasing, contemporary design, allowing you the flexibility to reimagine your drinking and dining spaces.

We invite all Houston-area business owners to visit our local showroom, featuring the widest selection of commercial glass garage doors throughout the area. Our design team will be happy to work with you to find designs and materials that suit your needs and budget.

Request a Free Glass Garage Door Installation Estimate Today

Explore our wide selection of Clopay commercial glass garage doors for restaurants and bars today. To learn more about our garage door products and services, call us at 713-224-3667 or complete our online contact form to request a free installation estimate.

Halo Overhead Door is a proud family-owned and operated company with more than 25 years of experience providing garage door services for residents and business owners throughout the Houston area. We’re happy to help you find the best restaurant glass garage door for your establishment while providing personalized solutions and the highest-quality products and services.

Wood vs. Faux Wood Garage Doors: Which Is Right for You?

What is one of the best things you can do to increase the resale value of your home? Replace your garage door. Are you surprised by that?

According to the Remodeling 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, investing in a high-quality, good-looking garage door has been proven to net a 98 percent return on investment when a home is sold. In other words, if you put the money into a garage door now, you’ll see almost all of it come back to you at the closing table.

Why?

A garage door replacement is often viewed as more functional and not one of the more glamorous home improvements, but consider this. In many modern homes, the garage door has overtaken the front door as the home’s main entryway. It is typically the most-used point of entrance and exit for a home’s occupants. It also typically faces the road, meaning its one of the first things people see when they look at your house.

That means it has the potential to either make or break your home’s curb appeal. And, let’s face it — whether you’re planning to live in your home for the next twenty years or you’re about to list it on the market, what people think about your home — and how much they are willing to pay for it — matters.

If you’re looking to replace your current garage door with a new one, there’s no better option for improving your home’s curb appeal than a wooden or faux wood garage door. They’re eye-catching, solid, dependable doors. And, there’s no denying how much beauty a good-quality wood garage door can add to your home. It’s also a quick and easy way to change the overall look of your house if it’s time for an update.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

If you’re like a lot of people, you may not know much about the different kinds of garage doors on the market today. You’re not sure what the difference is between wood and faux wood garage doors. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place. Here’s a rundown on what type of garage door you should consider for your property.

What Is the Difference Between Wood and Faux Wood Garage Doors?

A wood garage door is exactly what it sounds like — a garage door made of solid wood, often redwood, cedar, hemlock or even Douglas Fir. In contrast, a wood-look, or faux, wood garage door is a door that has a steel core and then a wood overlay. This gives it the beautiful look of a classic wood door but means that it’s lighter and typically less expensive than the real thing.

Their similarities come in look and feel — a good-quality faux wood door will generally be indistinguishable from a wood door from the street. The difference between a wood and a faux wood garage door are typically found in their price point, availability and maintenance needs. For example, a wooden garage door is going to typically be more expensive, take longer to install and going to need extra maintenance to protect it from elements like extreme weather and termites. However, they also come with many benefits that make them the right choice for certain homeowners. While each offers its own set of pros and cons, it’s important for homeowners to understand the pros and cons of both options in order to decide which is the best choice for them.

Pros of Wood Garage Doors

There are many pros to owning wood garage doors. Here are just a few to consider for your home.

1. Curb Appeal of Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors are designed to be beautiful and elegant and often are regarded as much as a decorative item as a functional one. Typically wood doors are custom-made for each home, which means owners can personalize them by selecting the look and color that goes best with their home — in other words, there is much more variety available in wood doors.

At a time when homeowners are more likely to go in and out of their garage than their front door, having an attractive entry point in the garage door is an appealing option.

2. Durability of Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors are solid and built to last. It takes a lot to damage them, and they can stand up to pretty much anything you throw at them.

If you’re worried about the impact of overzealous teenagers’ game of pickup basketball in your driveway or a well-meaning relative who attempted to park a little too close, don’t be. Wood garage doors don’t dent. Not only that but when they do experience typical wear and tear — in the form of cracks, chips, rot or warp — you can simply have the damaged panels replaced instead of the entire door.

3. Good Resale Value on Wood Garage Doors

A beautiful garage door is a showstopper. If you’re thinking about selling your home now or ten years from now, consider how your home is going to look to someone as they pull up into the driveway. Will they see a beautiful, custom-made wood door? Or will they see something old and dented and the same as what your neighbor has across the street?

Garage doors have a huge impact on the resale value of a home. Their appearance and condition can even make or break someone’s interest in seeing the interior of your home, which will impact how quickly you sell your home and what kind of profit you make on it.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

Cons of Wood Garage Doors

There are a few considerations to allow for if you decide to install wood garage doors.

1. Wood Garage Doors Can Require More Budget

Wood garage doors usually cost more than faux wood garage doors. This is mainly because of the material — wood, especially high-quality, moisture-resistant wood like cedar — is usually a more expensive material.

2. Wood Garage Doors Require Regular Maintenance

Wood garage doors are vulnerable to weather and other outside factors like moisture buildup and termites. Rain, sun, storms and varying temperatures wear away at the wooden surface. This means that a wood garage door will need to be sanded and repainted every couple of years. And that’s not a maintenance item you can put off, either. If a wood garage door isn’t re-painted and re-sealed regularly, it can become susceptible to moisture and rot or even bow in the winter because of the colder temperatures.

3. Wood Garage Doors Have Longer Initial Wait Times

Being able to customize your garage door’s style and color is fun, but it does mean that you’ll have to wait for it to be constructed. It can’t just be pulled out of a warehouse. Expect a longer wait time between order and installation, which may become a factor if your timeline is constricted for some reason.

Pros of Faux Wood Garage Doors

Like wood garage doors, faux wood doors also have a number of pros. The main pros of a faux wood garage door are their reliability, affordability and ease of maintenance in comparison to traditional wood garage doors. Learn more about the pros of these types of garage doors below.

1. Faux Wood Garage Doors Are Reliable

By choosing a door with a steel core and wood overlay, you guarantee your garage door will hold up better against the elements — sun, rain, storms and temperatures can’t get through steel. These doors are harder to damage and crack, and, when your door can’t crack, then moisture can’t get inside and cause rot and other damage. This ultimately extends the life of your door and helps it to maintain its appearance over time.

2. Faux Wood Garage Doors Are Affordable

Faux wood garage doors are not custom-made, although they are still available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Since they aren’t custom-made, they’re typically readily available. This means a huge cost-savings AND time savings because you won’t have to wait for your garage door to be constructed. These lighter-weight options are also easier and quicker to install, so your installation costs will be lower, a definite bonus for the budget-conscious consumer.

3. Faux Wood Garage Doors Are Low Maintenance

Real wood doors have to be sanded down and repainted every couple of years. If you don’t want to spend much time or money on upkeep, faux garage doors are for you. They do not require regular painting needed to keep them looking gorgeous. You won’t need to reseal them as they age. Over time, they remain easy to clean and hard to damage.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

Cons of Faux Wood Garage Doors

You will also discover a few cons of faux wood doors, including the following.

1. Higher Cost of Faux Wood Garage Doors

Yes, they’re cheaper than real wood garage doors, but faux wood doors are still a more expensive option than doors made from other materials. This is because you’re still paying for a high-quality steel door, and it is still overlaid with real wood products.

2. The Appearance of Faux Wood Garage Doors May Vary Based on Quality

Like anything, there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to faux wood doors, and it’s important to make sure you’re satisfied with the appearance of the “faux” wood. While these doors can look like the real deal from far away, some of the less-expensive options aren’t as convincing when you’re up close. Some people have gone as far as to say that they don’t look or feel like real wood.

While there are many high-quality products out there that do look like the real thing, be careful what you choose. Looking at samples up close or asking to drive by a home with the door you’re considering are always a great way to evaluate the authenticity of a particular product.

Choose Halo Overhead Doors for Your New Garage Door

With so many options available to you, don’t you wish there was somewhere you could go to touch the doors, see the colors and get a feel for which style would complement your home? You can.

The showroom at Halo Overhead Doors boasts a wide variety of samples of materials, colors and styles for you to choose from. We aren’t going to let you pick a door you aren’t sure about. We want you to be thrilled when the new door arrives. And the best way to make sure that happens is to let you see it before you buy it.

We know this is especially important when you’re trying to decide whether to buy a wood door or a faux wood door. Sometimes the best way to determine if you prefer the classic look and feel of real wood over the price and convenience of faux wood is to touch and see it up close and in person.

For the last 25 years, Halo Overhead Doors has been installing residential and commercial garage doors in the Houston area. Locally owned and operated, we proudly offer high-quality personal service to each of our customers. We provide installation of a variety of styles, including the following real wood and faux wood collections:

• Clopay®’s RESERVE® Wood Collection, 
• CANYON RIDGE® collection and
• CLASSIC™ Wood Collection.

We are a Cloplay® Master Installer. Our technicians are experienced in the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of brands of garage doors, and they have years of experience with a wide variety of garage door issues, including:

• Malfunctioning photosensors
• Broken torsion springs
• Cracked panels
• Frayed cables 

But don’t worry if you don’t see your issue on this list or you aren’t sure exactly what’s wrong. Our technicians can diagnose problems and come up with the best solution to have your door functioning at maximum capacity as quickly as possible.

Whether you’re in desperate need of a new garage door or your existing door isn’t functioning like it should, we invite you to give us a call at (713) 224-3667, request a free estimate online or visit our showroom to discover just how we can turn your garage door from something functional into something beautiful.

Call Now   

Request an Estimate

How to Know When You Need Garage Door Repair

Your overhead garage door is critical, allowing you to access your garage, park your vehicles and protect your property and belongings. Learn the warning signs indicating your garage door will require maintenance soon to ensure it continues working.

Signs You Need Overhead Garage Door Repair

While several signs indicate you require immediate garage door repair, others can be much more subtle. Keep an eye out for these signals that your overhead doors could require maintenance:

1. Abnormal Noise

Garage doors make noise when moving, but popping, rumbling, grinding, banging and grating are unusual. Issues could include a problem with the torsion springs, doors dragging against the track or misaligned doors.

2. Slow Movement

If your garage door opens or closes slower than before, there is likely an issue causing it to behave that way. Parts, such as the hinges, tracks or rollers, may be due for lubrication. The problem could also be related to the door’s age or how it is programmed.

3. Inability to Open or Close

Overhead doors that don’t open or close could be experiencing one of many problems. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Broken or disengaged cables
• Malfunctioning garage door opener
• Garage door off the tracks
• Damaged torsion springs

Whether your door is stuck open or closed or moves part way and then reverses, the inconvenience is often caused by one of these issues.

4. Damaged or Broken Panels

Garage door panels that break or start to rot can cause the door to stop working properly. Damage often occurs due to general wear and tear, but extreme weather and sunlight can also play a role. Whether you bumped into the overhead door with your car or discovered decay, you’ll want to schedule repairs quickly.

Request Service From Halo Overhead Doors

If you notice a problem with your home or business’s garage doors, our team is here to help. Trust Halo Overhead Doors for reliable overhead door services in the Houston area. Fill out a contact form or call 713-224-3667 to schedule maintenance and repairs today!

Benefits of Glass Garage Doors

When picking out a material for your garage door, glass is an option you probably questioned at first. Maybe you had never even heard of glass garage doors until you began researching. However, these doors are a rapidly growing trend — and for several good reasons. Not only are they sturdy and low-maintenance, they can also enhance your home’s curb appeal and transform your garage into a warm, inviting space.

If you’re wondering, “Should I get a glass garage door?” read on to learn about all the benefits glass garage doors can provide.

1. They Provide Natural Light 

The first benefit of glass doors that comes to many people’s minds is their ability to let in natural light. Allowing the glow of sunlight to enter your garage can transform what feels like a dark and gloomy cave into a bright, warm living area you’ll want to start spending more time in.

It’s true you can also bring in light by cutting out a few panels from your door and installing windows, but this will only brighten your garage to a certain extent. A garage door that is transparent from top to bottom will bring significantly more sunlight into your space, and will allow you to perform more tasks without relying on artificial light.

Allowing in this natural light may also improve your quality of life: Studies have shown natural light improves health, boosts happiness and productivity and provides visual and mental stimulation your body needs to control your circadian rhythms. Even if you only spend a few minutes in your garage each day, this short period of exposure can positively impact your mood. Considering that average humans in modern cities spend more than 90 percent of their lives indoors, it is essential to get natural light while you’re inside. 

If you are a business owner and are considering installing a glass garage door, this is an especially important point to consider. Giving your employees exposure to natural light will likely improve their health, morale and productivity.

2. They Allow You to Enjoy Your Surroundings

If beautiful nature, stunning landscapes or picturesque homes surround you, why block that view with a solid garage door? A glass door will allow you to enjoy that beauty, while still providing you with the same protection as a solid door. Being able to see an outdoor area will also make your interior space feel bigger.

The light streaming in through a glass door converts your garage from a dark storage space into a bright living space. Once your garage is full of the warm glow of sunlight, you will likely feel inspired to use it for other purposes: You could convert a section of all of your garage into a workshop, a gym, a greenhouse, a den or anything your heart desires. The options are practically endless.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a new room to your house, you can save time and money by converting your garage into the room you want.

4. They’ll Lower Your Electric Bills

Because glass doors allow natural light to enter, they will also help you save on energy costs, as you will not have to use electricity to light up your garage during the daytime.

And just because your doors are glass, that doesn’t mean they’re poor insulators. Many garage doors come with insulated glass panels, which will increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping the heat outside during the summertime and inside during the wintertime.

Insulated glass consists of two pieces of glass sealed around the edges, with an air space between them. These are called “IG units,” and when they have reflective coatings, they are effective at conserving energy.

These garage doors also feature a vinyl bottom weather seal and capped tongue-and-groove joints to keep out the cold and other harsh elements. 

5. They Increase the Curb Appeal and Value of Your Home

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, keep in mind a glass garage door can make your home much more attractive. Except for the roof, the garage door tends to be the most prominent feature on a home’s exterior, so having a new, modern door can significantly boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers, especially considering that glass garage doors are currently trendy.

As you might expect, an increase in your home’s curb appeal often means a boost to your home’s value. In fact, a 2016 report in Remodeling magazine ranked garage doors as one of the top five investments that increase your home’s resale value. The same report found a new traditional garage door produces a 90 percent return on investment for homeowners. If the new door is a modern, distinctive glass door, it could likely produce an even higher return.

You can achieve this increase in value with relatively little cost or effort. Especially when you consider how costly and time-consuming it is to install floor-to-ceiling windows, installing a garage door with glass from top to bottom is relatively affordable and easy.

6. They’re Highly Customizable

Glass garage doors are more customizable than you might expect. You can choose any color, style and finish you desire, which makes it easy to match the style of the door with the rest of your home. For instance, you could pick a bright style with opaque glass panels and white aluminum, or you could opt for a darker, rustic style with blacks and grays. There are also more distinctive and colorful options available. 

Despite the name, glass garage doors are not 100 percent glass, since that would not be very practical. The panels are glass, held together by a metal framework, which is typically aluminum alloy or steel. This framework allows the door to fold as it opens and closes.

A great place to find a wide selection of high-quality glass garage doors is the Clopay® AVANTE® collection. These sleek, modern doors consist of glass panels and aluminum frames. The glass panel options vary widely in terms of transparency, and the option that is best for you will depend on your needs for light and privacy.

Here are the types of glass panels the collection offers:

• Clear glass
• Gray tinted glass
• Bronze tinted glass
• Mirrored glass
• Obscure glass
• White laminate glass
• Frosted glass or acrylic
• Clear acrylic
• Gray acrylic
• White acrylic 
• Clear polygal
• Bronze polygal
• Clear anodized

And the aluminum frame that holds the panels is available in the following options:

• Clear aluminum
• Standard white
• Bronze 
• Chocolate
• Black
• Dark bronze 
• Cherry light finish
• Cherry dark finish 

These doors come with a five-year warranty for the finish and a three-year warranty for the hardware.

7. They’re Strong and Durable

Although many may assume glass garage doors are fragile, they are reasonably strong due to their stable aluminum frame. In fact, they are often more durable than traditional garage doors made of wood or metal. They also have an integral reinforcing fin that contributes to their sturdiness.

Compared to many other materials, aluminum is much better at resisting dents and accidents, which may impact the garage door. Garages tend to be full of items, some of which may topple over and damage the door, but aluminum is particularly resistant to this type of damage.

On the outside, high winds and extreme weather can do a number on garage doors, but doors made of aluminum can easily endure these conditions as well. Aluminum also does not rust and is impervious to temperature changes, which is essential for a fixture that gets regularly exposed to heat, cold, rain and humidity.

8. They Can Withstand High Winds

If you live in a hurricane-prone region such as Texas, Florida or the Carolinas, you may be concerned a glass garage door cannot withstand hurricane-force winds. However, do not worry: The Avante collection includes Windcode® rated products, which are doors that have been designed to withstand winds up to certain speeds. Follow these steps to determine your home’s Windcode rating, which depends on factors such as your location and the structure of your home. Then, when shopping for a garage door, make sure to order a door with that rating.

If you buy any type of garage door that is not tested or wind-rated, the results can be catastrophic: High winds can rip it out during a storm, which will cause pressure inside the house to build up. Your home’s roof and supporting walls will ultimately blow out.

9. They Can Withstand Break-Ins

If you’re wondering, “Are glass garage doors safe?” rest assured the strength of these doors will also help prevent a break-in. The panels on some of these doors feature tempered glass, which is the type of glass found in cars. This material is four times stronger than normal glass, and can withstand pressures of up to 24,000 pounds per square inch. When broken, tempered glass does not break into shards, it shatters into millions of small pieces to greatly lower the chance of injuring anyone near the door at the time of the incident.

If you want to further reduce the chance of shattering, you can stick security film on the back of the panels. This way, if the glass gets broken, it will remain contained and not fall out. It would be much easier for a burglar to break in through a wooden garage door that has become weak from years of weathering.

10. They’re Low-Maintenance 

Another advantage of doors that use aluminum is that they don’t require any extra coatings, as is the case with most wooden doors. Aluminum will always persevere. You will not have to worry about rust, corrosion and other problems traditional garage door materials face.

The only upkeep required is for the glass panels. You must clean them periodically with a regular glass cleaner to remove any handprints or smudges.

11. They Can Still Offer You Privacy 

Some people fear glass garage doors will make them feel like they’re in a fishbowl and will allow passers-by to spy on them. Others may be concerned a transparent door will advertise their belongings to burglars — and let them know whether anyone is home with the presence of a car. Luckily, there are many types of glass available, such as frosted and tinted glass, that will maintain your privacy while still allowing light into your garage.

12. They Can Help Prevent a Tragedy

There is another, rarely discussed advantage of transparent glass garage doors: safety. When backing out of your garage, you can see exactly who is in the driveway even before opening the garage. If you have kids in your house, this is a particularly important point. Statistics reveal more than 50 children in the U.S. get backed over by cars every week — and many of these incidents involve a parent backing out of their garages and running over their children because they can’t see them. If you live in a neighborhood that doesn’t have a high risk of break-ins, transparent glass garage doors may be a wise decision.

13. Glass Garage Doors Aren’t Just for Garages

Most people associate garage doors with one area of the house: the garage. However, a recent trend has emerged that uses garage doors in different parts of the house as an “opening wall.” These doors get installed in areas of the house such as dining or entertainment rooms to provide a beautiful view of the outdoors and, when opened, give access to patios, pools and other recreational outdoor areas. They also have the effect of making a space feel bigger, especially if the room is on the small side. Another advantage of this type of makeover is that it doesn’t require any changes to the flooring.

Even some businesses have followed suit and installed these doors as a memorable way to grab customers’ attention and increase sales. Adding a glass garage door to the front of your business can provide the following benefits:

• Prominently advertise your best stuff. You can display your best merchandise right by the glass door to attract passers-by. 
• Prominently display promotions. You can use it to hang banners and signs that advertise sales and bargains. 
• It livens up your atmosphere. It allows abundant natural light to enter your store and brightens up the atmosphere. Most employees and customers prefer natural light over artificial.
• They won’t look weathered. The glass garage doors resist rusting and corrosion, so as long as you clean them regularly, your doors won’t make your business look unprofessional.
• They’ll help your business pop. The glass garage doors feature a sleek design that will help your business stand out.

Choose Halo Overhead Doors

If you or your company is searching for the perfect glass garage door in Houston, look no further than Halo Overhead Doors. We’re a family-owned, full-service garage door company that has been selling and repairing garage doors for more than 25 years. We can help you choose the perfect door or restore your current door.

A garage door is one of the most prominent features on your home’s exterior, so choosing the right one can have a significant impact on the curb appeal and value of your home. Let the experts at Halo Overhead Doors help you pick and install the right one for your budget and needs.

At Halo Overhead Doors, we strive to treat our customers well and offer them generous benefits such as the Gold Bar Warranty, which protects their investment for as long as they own their home. We also offer financing at 0 percent interest and are willing to match any written quote.

We Achieve Quality and Quantity

Our company prides itself not just on our experienced professionals, but also the quality of the products we sell. Clopay doors, with their exceptional strength and variety of style, are the gold standard of the garage door industry.

We are also proud of the size and variety of our product selection: We own the largest showroom in Houston, offer the most extensive selection of doors in town and are the only company in the city to offer high-end doors. We are confident we can find the one that best suits your home or business.

Halo Overhead Doors is Houston’s only Clopay Master Authorized Dealer. To earn this certification, we had to sell more than $500,000 of products and consistently maintain a growth rate of 25 percent in customer purchases. We believe this certification reflects not only our high standing in the Houston area as a garage door dealer, but also our demonstrated expertise with Clopay products.

Contact Us

For a free estimate on garage doors, repairs or installations, feel free to reach us by calling (713) 224-3667 or filling out our online contact form. We’d love to hear from you.

8 Garage Door Security Tips to Prevent Break-Ins

When you see anti-burglary advertisements on TV, the focus is often on a shady trespasser attempting to break in through a window or the back door.

While those are essential areas to fortify, people often forget about one of the largest parts of the home: their garage. Without proper security measures, thieves might find a loophole in your garage door to exploit, which exposes your family to danger and your property to plundering.

Halo Overhead Doors cares about total customer satisfaction, which is why we place such a considerable emphasis on safety. Here is a list of eight smart security tips that might help you to protect your garage from any future incidents.

1. Use an Insulated Door

Clopay^® doors are designed with premium strength and durability, but insulation can add an extra level of security to even the most durable garage door. Many collections come with insulation options that will both increase your home’s energy efficiency and make it harder for intruders to break down your door.

2. Implement a Security System

You can extend your house’s existing security system to cover your garage door with relatively little difficulty. By arming your system, motion sensors on the inside or outside of your door will immediately trigger an alarm.

3. Secure Your Garage Door Opener

If you need to park one of your cars outside and leave the opener’s remote in it, that presents an opportunity for thieves. While it’s convenient to place your opener in the center console or overhead holster, you can connect it to a keychain to ensure it’s always on your person.

4. Institute a Garage Door Timer

Sometimes, hurrying to leave results in mistakes. Unfortunately, accidentally leaving your garage ajar just once can result in terrible consequences. To prevent this problem, you can install a LiftMaster garage door opener featuring a preprogrammed timer that will close the door after a set number of minutes or seconds of being opened.

5. Add a Lock

Locks are a tried-and-true method for securing your garage door, and they come in many different types to adapt to the style. You can install a variety of deadbolts, padlocks or automatic locks that operate either manually or through your opener or a keypad. You can also purchase a LiftMaster opener with preinstalled PosiLock^® technology.

6. Block Your Emergency Release

You can install all of these fancy tech tools, but sometimes, even that isn’t enough. As it turns out, many trespassers are intuitive. All modern garage doors include an emergency release mechanism, which people can reach through the use of a coat hanger or another jury-rigged tool. You can stymy this strategy by looping a zip tie or another kind of thread through an opening in the system, which prevents someone from fully engaging it.

7. Link Your Smartphone App

You can control every aspect of your garage door opener and its integrated security system at any time with your smartphone. The LiftMaster MyQ app allows constant access from any location, and it can send real-time alerts that show when the garage door opens. You can also use it to set schedules for lights and opening cycles.

8. Use Motion-Sensing Lights

Take your security system up to another level with motion-sensing lights, which will secure the inside and outside of the garage. Motion detector lighting in openers such as the LiftMaster 8360W instantly deters potential intruders, as it takes away their cover and gives off the impression that you’re aware of their presence.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors for Security Upgrades on Your Garage Door

If you’d like assistance with upgrading your garage door security, our staff will analyze your situation and provide potential solutions. Contact us today or give us a call at (713) 224-3667 to discuss your options in detail.

Are Glass Garage Doors Safe?

Glass garage doors have become increasingly popular amongst homeowners and architects, as they combine an appealing look with better access to natural light.

That said, glass also carries certain stereotypes that cause hesitancy amongst customers. One of the top concerns is the door’s potential safety, both when it comes to security and structural integrity. Can you trust it to hold up against intense weather conditions or car accidents? What about strangers who might try to grab a peek into your home?

Whether you’re using your glass door for your garage or another area of your home, Halo Overhead Doors can put those worries to rest with a customized solution that functions just as well as any standard metal or wooden door.

We Offer Tempered Glass

The apparent disadvantage that glass panes hold against metal or synthetic options is their fragility. An accident, either involving your car or other means, will likely shatter your door’s windows, which can hold a higher safety risk than a dented door ever could.

While we can’t necessarily correct that problem, we can minimize its effects by commissioning your door to have tempered glass. This option is not only significantly stronger than standard glass, but it also ensures your panes will shatter into thousands of tiny, evenly-sized pieces in the event of a mishap. Standard options break down into uneven, sharp fragments that pose a significant danger to your well-being and your property.

Smaller fragments make the debris relatively harmless, which can give you peace of mind if you have children running around, or if you operate a business that needs to worry about liability. It also makes cleanup much more manageable.

Choose Frosted Glass for Privacy

People use tints, curtains and blinds for a reason.

While most passersby tend to mind their business, some strangers can’t resist taking a peek into your private spaces, as they might carry malicious intent. More innocuously, you might also be concerned with your friends driving up and witnessing your garage’s cluttered space. Or it might be as simple as wanting a particular look for your glass garage doors.

No matter your desired result, we can apply a wide range of tints that achieve a variety of looks.

Frosted glass and similar variants will significantly obscure your garage’s interior while allowing for light to filter through. If you want to achieve total privacy, we have mirrored glass that reflects that outside world in its entirety. We also have gray and bronze tints, which match multiple styles.

We Have WindCode Available

Hurricane Harvey recently ravaged countless homes throughout our area, as thousands of windows and other glass surfaces met their demise due to the mighty storm’s wind gusts, which reached peaks of nearly 100 miles per hour. High winds can dislodge garage doors and create partial openings, which cause buildups of internal pressure that can severely damage your home’s roof and supporting walls.

With those images in mind, it’s easy to understand why people might be hesitant to trust glass garage doors in those kinds of circumstances. However, our Clopay products can be adjusted to withstand high winds with WindCode technology.

Reinforced struts, heavy-duty railing systems and commercial-grade steel rollers allow you to customize your door based on exposure level and house design without sacrificing safety.

Contact Halo Overhead Doors for Your Glass Garage Doors

As the only Master Dealer for Clopay in Houston, we can assure you our doors will meet every safety standard there is. Not only are glass garage doors safe, but they will also be everything you’re looking for style-wise. Contact us today or give us a call at (713) 224-3667 to learn more about your options.

Can You Replace Just the Bottom of a Garage Door?

Your garage door is one of the most important features of your home. A quality garage door protects your vehicle, tools, and other personal belongings from theft and environmental threats. The first sign that your garage door may require repair is when damage occurs to the bottom panels. Fortunately, it is possible to replace the bottom panels to help preserve the entire door’s integrity and longevity.

Call Us (713) 224-3667 

Request Service

When It’s Okay to Just Replace a Panel or Section

Each type of door and the damage it has incurred is unique and needs to be diagnosed on a case-by-case basis. Some forms of damage will require complete door replacements, while others may be fine with either a repair or a replacement. You may be able to repair or replace your panels if you have:

• New panels that have available replacements
• Minor dents or dings on the door
• Slight scratches or scuffs in the paint

The bottom panels of your garage door may require repair or replacement, but promptly scheduling a panel replacement will ensure your garage door does not accrue any further damage. 

How to Replace a Panel

Learning about the panel replacement process will give you insight into the timeline of this service and how detrimental panel replacement is. The steps to efficiently replace a garage door panel include:

1. Unplugging the garage door power chord
2. Measuring the garage door’s height, width and depth
3. Attaching the hoists to the garage door and the track
4. Finding something sturdy to balance the door on
5. Using an impact wrench and vise grip to remove panel hardware
6. Positioning the new panels
7. Using a vise grip to attach the panels to the tracks
8. Ensuring your new panel is attached

Browse New Garage Doors

Hiring a Halo Overhead Doors Expert to Replace a Panel

At Halo Overhead Doors, we understand that you want to solve your garage door problems immediately. However, we caution anyone wanting to attempt to repair a panel without a professional. Benefits to hiring an expert for the replacement process include:

• Your insurance may require it
• DIY repairs risk causing more damage to the door
• Professionals offer warranties

If you need a panel or section replacement for your garage door, trust the experts at Halo Overhead Doors to provide you with the most reliable and highest-quality door repair service. 

Call Us (713) 224-3667

Request Service

The Benefits of Investing in a Long-Lasting Garage Door in Houston

A homeowner can benefit in many ways by investing in a long-lasting garage door. Houston residents often know that a durable garage door can help a homeowner save money on repairs. When a homeowner has to call a technician several times a year to replace springs, realign the door or check the garage door chain, it can stretch the household budget. By purchasing a long-lasting garage door, a homeowner can avoid dealing with a lot of those repairs.

Here are some other benefits of purchasing a long-lasting garage door in Houston:

A Long-Lasting Garage Door Stands Up to Poor Weather Conditions 

A low-quality garage door can be damaged by hail, freezing rain, strong winds, and other harsh weather conditions. In many cases, these garage doors have to be replaced. Alternatively, a well-built garage door Houston can endure the punishment of inclement weather without sustaining damage. In short, the investment in a quality new garage door can help a homeowner to avoid replacing the door after a bad storm.

A Dependable Garage Door Operates Properly at All Times

A person who buys a long-lasting garage door is getting a high-quality product. A homeowner can depend upon the performance of the garage door whether it’s pouring rain outside or sunny. Alternatively, a person who purchases a substandard garage door may encounter malfunctions. For instance, the garage door may rise halfway and then close. Or, the door may hesitate when a user pushes the control button. The operations of a substandard garage door can be inconvenient and even dangerous.

A Long-Lasting Garage Door Provides Security

Some homeowners purchase a high-quality garage door because they want to store valuables in the garage. Stored valuables may come in the form of: a classic car, antiques, furniture, or rare books. Not surprisingly, homeowners want to feel that their items are safe in the garage at all times. A reliable garage door can only be opened with the controller or a specific code. Trespassers and intruders won’t be able to get access to a homeowner’s valuables because of the solid garage door.

A Long-Lasting Garage Door Can Add Value to a House on the Market

When someone is trying to sell a home, he or she points out every favorable quality of the property to potential buyers. A solid, well-built garage door is certainly an attractive, valuable feature when selling a home. The person purchasing the home will be getting a garage door that will last for many years. This means that the person can avoid spending money on that area of the home. Also, the person has a secure place to keep valuables. The convenience of a solid garage door that opens automatically is also an appealing feature for potential homebuyer. The person doesn’t have to get out of the warm car during a snow or rainstorm. A roomy garage with a first-rate garage door would be an enticement to anyone looking for a new home. Finally, by investing in a long-lasting garage door adds visual appeal to any Houston property. An attractive garage door is a standout feature of a home. A homeowner can be proud of his or her home with the help of a top quality garage door.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Garage Door

Going to work, taking the kids to school or running to the store starts and ends the same way — opening and closing your garage door. If something keeps it from working properly, your entire routine suffers. By performing regular maintenance, you can ensure every day is as productive as the last.

4 Benefits of Regular Garage Door Maintenance 

The average life span of a modern garage door is anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Regular garage door maintenance helps you get the most value from your system with the longest serviceable life possible. Consider these benefits of investing in regular maintenance:

1. Preventing Major Mechanical Issues

By servicing your garage door regularly, you can limit the number of mechanical issues that occur — and catch existing ones before they worsen. A garage door expert can identify areas needing cleaning or replacement to limit future damage.

2. Ensuring Safety and Security

Operational issues — like failing to open or close your garage door — compromise your family’s safety and security. If your garage door stops working as it should, your home could be more vulnerable to intruders. Your system also withstands immense tension in the springs to lift and release the door. Without regular maintenance, this system could wear out and the springs may break, making your door unsafe and inoperable.

3. Improving Your Home’s Appearance

Your garage door is an essential part of your home’s curb appeal, and if it doesn’t look well-maintained, neither will the rest of your property. Dents and large scratches are unsightly. Plus, if your garage door is stuck in an unnatural position or off the track, it can detract from your home’s beauty. Curb appeal is an important factor to many homeowners, and your broken garage door can impact surrounding homes if it is in poor condition.

4. Limiting Expenses

Regular garage door maintenance can prevent you from spending money on major repairs and potentially a garage door replacement. Choosing a trusted garage door maintenance company like Halo Overhead Doors gives you access to affordable maintenance options that will help you save money in the long run. 

Contact Halo Overhead Doors for Garage Door Maintenance

At Halo Overhead Doors, we strive to provide the best garage door maintenance, replacement and repair services. With decades of experience, we can help ensure your garage door’s safety and keep it performing at its best. Learn more about our maintenance services today!

Five Factors to Consider When Choosing an Overhead Door in Houston

An overhead door is an investment. Because of this, consider these 5 points before you decide on which overhead door is the most appropriate one for your needs. There are some instances in which more than one type or style of overhead door in Houston will suit your needs. If that occurs, decide which one to have installed based on your priorities. For example, if ease of use is a top priority, but insulation is a lower one, you might be happier choosing the door that is easiest to use even if it doesn’t provide the best insulation.

 What is the Purpose of the Overhead Door?

When you ponder the purpose of your overhead door, consider what types of vehicles will drive through the doors or up to them. Will the doors need to provide full access to tractor-trailer rigs? Will you need to fit scissor lifts or other equipment through them? How much freight or cargo will be placed on these vehicles when they are crossing through the overhead door? All of these factors can impact the type of door you choose. If you are purchasing an overhead door for your home, consider what types of items will go through the door. Your vehicle might be the tallest object that you can think of that will go through the door, but you should also think about objects like ladders and yard equipment that might be stored behind the overhead door.

In What Industry Will the Door Be Used?

If your overhead door will be installed at a business, consider your industry. While this won’t necessarily make or break your decision, it can have an impact on which choices make the top of your list. Think about it this way — you wouldn’t want a thin overhead door protecting your valuable merchandise. Instead, you want a sturdy door that protects your items and that can be locked when you need extra security. If you have a self-storage company, you need overhead doors that are sturdy enough to endure the repeated use by people who aren’t trained in how to operate the doors. In this case, the doors also need to be able to support the locking system that is required for customers to keep their possessions safe and secure.

In What Conditions Will the Door Be Used?

The conditions that the overhead door will be exposed to have an impact on which options will be suitable for your needs. For example, if the overhead door is being used to divide a freezer space from another space, it will need to be insulated. If the overhead door is being used in a climate controlled area, such as a warehouse that is storing electronics, it will need at least some insulation. The door you choose should block the heat from the outside during the summer and prevent the warmer air from seeping outside during the winter. You should also consider the weather conditions and the frequency of use when you are trying to decide on what type of overhead door is appropriate. In some cases, more ornate doors might be suitable for homes but not for industrial settings.

How Much Ease of Use Do You Require?

You can choose from manual, automatic, or high-speed overhead doors. Deciding which one is appropriate for your needs depends on how the door will be used. If you open the door once or twice a day, a manual door might be appropriate. If the door will be opened frequently, you will likely need an automatic overhead door. If the door will be used a lot and in a time-sensitive manner, a high-speed door might be your best option. The way that the door is operated is also important. Think about who will use the door and how it needs to open. Is a handle appropriate for the manual door or do you need a chain to roll the door up? Is a remote control needed for an automatic door or do you need a push button or switch installed? Knowing the answers to these questions can simplify your decision.

How Important is the Appearance of Your Overhead Door?

When you think of the appearance of your overhead door, consider more than just the color of the door. You can choose from a full view door if you need to be able to keep an eye on what is happening on the other side of the door. This might be suitable in factory settings. The material of the door also matters when it comes to the appearance. You can choose from aluminum, wood, or steel for the overhead door. Once you choose the material, you can choose the finish. If you are going to have the door painted, make sure that you take the likelihood of items impacting the door into consideration. If your company is highly likely to have frequent impacts on the door, which would be common for self-storage areas or manufacturing facilities, you should make sure that the finish you choose for your door can withstand the impacts that are likely.

Our experts at Halo Overhead Door will help you choose the overhead door that is the best fit for your needs. Contact us today!

Sources: https://energy.gov/energysaver/insulation

6 Industries That Can Benefit From Roll-Up Doors in Houston

Roll-up doors provide benefits for several different industries. These doors are durable, have a host of finish options, and offer security for the items kept behind them. While it is easy to think that these doors can only meet industrial needs, that isn’t the case. Various businesses can benefit from having roll-up doors in Houston.

1. Self-Storage businesses

The self-storage industry is a very competitive industry. Besides price, one of the top factors for people choosing a self-storage company is convenience. There are several points to consider when thinking about convenience: location, hours of operation, and ease of access. When it comes to ease of access, roll-up doors provide a stark advantage over hinged doors. Roll-up doors don’t take up space in the walkway, which leaves ample space open for people storing items to maneuver. Since the doors roll-up, people moving in don’t have to compensate for the hinged door’s impact on clearance. Another bonus to using roll-up doors for self-storage areas is that these doors are easily secured. You can use locks that ensure only authorized parties have access to the items that are being stored. Once the locks are in place, the door won’t be able to be rolled up.

2. Warehouses and factories

Roll-up doors are an obvious choice for warehouses and factories because once the doors are rolled, it is easy to move freight in and out of the building. If your company uses forklifts and other heavy equipment to move items around in the warehouse or even outside of the warehouse, roll up doors make it easier for employees to move these pieces of machinery around. Roll-up doors are also very helpful for loading docks. If you have sunken ramps to accommodate tractor-trailers, the roll-up doors are easy to open once the truck backs up to the door. This provides you with security as the merchandise is loaded or unloaded since you don’t have to leave clearance for a hinged door to open and close. Instead, the trucker can back the trailer up until it is as close as possible to the door.

3. Retail stores

Receiving merchandise for retail stores is done in a host of ways. Your store might receive shipments through ground shippers or freight shippers. If you have a roll-up door at your store, you can easily receive all shipments without having to figure out how to get them in the building.

4. Medical centers

Medical centers have unique equipment that won’t likely fit through a standard door. There are two ways to address this issue: large hinged doors or roll up doors. Roll up doors have an advantage because the equipment purchased is less likely to get scratched, bumped, or damaged as you bring it into the facility. Another advantage to roll up doors is the easy way they get medical waste, trash, and other disposables out of the building. If your medical center plans on using a mobile shredding company, the company could likely pull the shredding truck up to the roll-up door and take care of the documents there. That minimizes the distance the documents must be moved, which decreases the chance they will end up in the wrong hands.

5. Restaurants

The cost of getting a restaurant up and running is staggering. When you purchase tables and furniture, which can easily average up to $40,000, you want them in the restaurant in perfect condition. The same is true for expensive or sensitive kitchen equipment. A roll-up door gives the delivery team ample space to work so you don’t have to worry about damage. A roll-up door can also help you with food and supply deliveries. When you are preparing to open the restaurant, you will spend around $80,000 on the initial delivery of supplies like dishes, utensils, and bar equipment. That is on top of the $8,000 you will likely spend for the initial delivery of food and beverage items. The roll-up door allows deliveries to occur as quickly as possible without having to try to maneuver through a normal hinged door.

6. Farms

Many farmers use hinged barn doors to keep equipment safe. Roll up doors take away the need to ensure proper clearance that is required for hinged barn doors. Additionally, roll-up doors enable you to maximize the space you have for storing your equipment and supplies.

Visit Halo Overhead Doors to find the perfect roll-up overhead door for your industry. Request an estimate today!

Sources: https://www.who.int/medical_devices/innovation/core_equipment/en/ https://www.inc.com/articles/201111/business-start-up-costs-restaurant.html

5 Reasons to Hire a Houston Garage Door Repair Professional

Garage doors are useful components to have in many businesses. These large doors make it possible to receive large deliveries. They also make it possible to secure vehicles indoors when they aren’t in use at night or after hours. When these garage doors are fully functional, you won’t think twice about them being there or using them, but if something happens and the garage door stops functioning properly, getting the problem fixed will be a top priority. You might be tempted to try to fix the issue on your own; however, you should first consider these five reasons and hire a Houston garage door repair professional to get the repair done.

Warranty Concerns and Compliance 

Depending on when the garage door was installed, it might still be under warranty. In order to keep the warranty valid, you shouldn’t try to repair any components on your own. Almost all warranties have a clause in them that would void the warranty if certain components are accessed by an individual. There isn’t a way that you can get around this type of clause in the warranty, so it is best to not and skirt around the issue. Hiring a garage door repair professional ensures that all the components of the garage door will be repaired in a manner that keeps the warranty valid. You will have a receipt as proof that the work was done by a qualified professional.

Knowledge of Door Components and Function

Garage door repair professionals have specialized training that helps them troubleshoot problems with these doors. As they go through their troubleshooting method, they can determine the possible problems. This requires the components, its individual purpose, and the way it works. By going through this troubleshooting process, the repair professional can usually determine the issue and decide how to address it in short order. Many who attempt a do-it-yourself repair don’t have the knowledge so the troubleshooting process ends up being more like a guessing game. This takes more time and can lead to you replacing components that don’t need to be changed. This means that you could spend more money than necessary for repairs.

Garage Door Repairman Ease of Obtaining Parts and Proper Tools

A big part of a proper garage door repair job is having the correct tools and parts. Instead of trying to use makeshift tools or having to find and wait on proper components to come in, you can simply hire a garage door repair professional who will have the proper tools. In many cases, the professional will have access to the components that are needed to repair the door. This is especially true if the components that need to be replaced are some of the more commonly replaced components like springs, sensors, tracks, and cables. Even if the components needed to fix the garage door must be ordered, the repair professional might have resources available that help them to get the component in as quickly as possible. This minimizes the amount of time that you are without a fully functional garage door for your business.

Insurance Considerations

It might be surprising to learn that a garage door repair can affect your insurance coverage. If the repairs aren’t done by a qualified professional, your insurance might not approve claims that result from the garage door or its components malfunctioning. For example, if the overhead control mechanism falls because it wasn’t properly bolted to the ceiling or track, your insurance company might not cover the damages that are caused by the falling component. Another example would be if an electrical component catches on fire because it wasn’t properly installed. This could mean that your business burns down, but the insurance might not cover it if the repair that caused the fire was a do-it-yourself job. While you are thinking about that, you should also think about ensuring the repairs that are done are in compliance with the Electrical Codes that apply to work being done in Houston. Even if you are outside of the city, Texas Electrical Codes compliance is also a factor. When electrical projects aren’t completed in compliance with this code, you can run afoul of the law.

Focus on Your Business

Finally, hiring a Houston garage door repair professional frees up your time so you can focus on running your business. The last thing that you need is for your business to suffer because you are trying to deal with troubleshooting and monitoring the repair of the malfunctioning garage door. This ensures that employees, contractors, and others who have access to the garage door remain safe while the repair is being done since the repair person will know how to secure the garage door during the repair process. That means that you have less of a chance of having to deal with an on-the-job injury because your employees got hurt while trying to do the job of a garage door repair professional.

Call Halo Overhead Door for Houston garage door repair today, or use our website to request service!

Sources: https://www.sll.texas.gov/law-legislation/building-codes/

https://edocs.publicworks.houstontx.gov/documents/divisions/planning/enforcement/2011_nec.pdf

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/most-common-garage-door-repair-costs.htm#