Benefits of Installing a Garage Door Opener

The benefits of installing a garage door opener can significantly enhance your home and daily life. With an automatic opener, you can open and close your garage door without exiting your car or straining your back. After a long day at work, you can roll into the garage effortlessly, save time and enjoy the rest of your day.

Modern automatic openers are highly durable and secure, and some models can be connected to a mobile device for remote monitoring and control capabilities. Adding an automatic opener to your garage is a fantastic way to increase peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away.

Should You Buy a Garage Door Opener?

If you’re undecided about purchasing an automatic opener, consider the following garage door opener benefits:

Convenience

The main benefit of a garage door opener is its convenience. With an opener, you can streamline daily tasks and enter your garage without exiting your car or wrestling with the release cord. This is especially convenient on a rainy day or when you have a car full of groceries to carry into your home. After a long day at work, it’s nice to step out of your car into a dry garage.

Safety

A garage door opener increases your safety by preventing potential intruders from entering your garage and home. It also makes arriving home at night safer since you can open and close the garage door without exiting your car.

Quality garage door openers often feature sensors that alert you when your door opens or closes, giving you peace of mind when you’re away from home. Modern opener models also feature auto-reverse mechanisms to keep your family members and pets safe if they walk under the door as it’s in motion.

Opportunity for Remote Monitoring and Control

Certain garage door opener models are equipped with advanced technology, allowing you to control the opener with your mobile device. An opener connected to your smartphone can send activity alerts and notify you when the door opens or closes. It also lets you open or close the door from any location if you need to let a friend or family member in.

Lighting

Many automatic garage door openers also feature lights, increasing visibility inside your garage. When an opener is connected to your mobile device, you can use this technology to control the lighting remotely. This is especially helpful if you forget to turn a light out after leaving or want to illuminate your garage while you’re away at night.

Easy Maintenance

Quality garage door openers are durable and require little maintenance. After installing your opener, you can use it consistently without paying for costly repairs.

Increased Home Value

If you plan to sell your home in the future, a garage door opener can boost your home’s value. Every small feature counts when attracting potential homebuyers, and adding an automatic opener to your garage can help increase your return on investment.

Can You Add a Garage Door Opener to a Manual Garage Door?

If you have a manual garage door, the good news is that you can add an automatic door opener quickly and easily. You can convert a manual garage door to an automatic one using the following steps.

1. Choose the Ideal Type of Opener for Your Needs

You can choose from several types of quality garage door openers, such as the following:

Jackshaft opener: A jackshaft door opener is an ideal option if you want to optimize space in your garage. It mounts to your garage’s side wall, allowing for more overhead space than other openers. It also features a locking deadbolt for increased security.
Belt-drive opener: A belt-drive opener offers quieter operation than other openers, so it’s an excellent choice if your garage sits next to a family room or bedroom.
Chain-drive opener: If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, a chain-drive opener is a fantastic option. A chain-drive opener uses a highly durable industrial chain and a trolley that raises the door using a J-bar.

2. Schedule Professional Installation

You can schedule a professional installation when you purchase a quality garage door opener from a reputable company. You should only trust certified technicians with your garage door opener because they have the skills and experience to install it correctly and ensure top performance.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Manual Garage Door to an Automatic One?

Automatic garage door openers are affordable, and a wide selection of models makes it easy to stay within your budget. A professional can help you choose the best option for your needs and budget, and you can request a free estimate before purchasing an opener.

Installing an automatic garage door system is an excellent option if you want to replace your current garage door. However, converting your manual door is a great alternative if you want to enhance it while saving money.

High-Quality Garage Door Openers

Purchasing a garage door opener from the right brand is essential. LiftMaster manufactures the following high-quality automatic openers with advanced technology and convenient features:

LiftMaster 81650 Chain Drive: The LiftMaster 81650 Chain Drive is a ½ HP AC opener with Wi-Fi connectivity. You can rely on this opener to deliver steady performance and standard lifting power.
LiftMaster 98022 Elite Series: The LiftMaster 98022 Elite Series is a wall-mounted opener with Wi-Fi connectivity, and it can help you optimize overhead space in your garage.
LiftMaster 87504-267 Belt Drive: Equipped with LED lighting, a built-in camera and a quiet belt drive, the LiftMaster 87504-267 Belt Drive is a Secure View™ Smart Garage Opener you can install for heightened security.
LiftMaster 87802 Heavy Duty Chain Drive: A LiftMaster 87802 Heavy Duty Chain Drive is a heavy-duty Smart Garage Opener featuring LED lighting and a heavy-duty chain drive.

Enhance Your Garage’s Convenience and Security With a Quality Door Opener

An automatic garage door opener adds convenience to your life. From leaving and returning home from work to bringing groceries in, having an automatic door opener makes daily tasks safer and easier. You can enter your garage without exiting your car and enjoy the peace of mind that your home is safe from unwanted intruders. Installing a high-quality automatic opener further enhances security because modern models feature heavy-duty locks and remote monitoring technology.

At Hunter Door, we are passionate about enhancing your garage with a dependable door opener that meets your needs and budget. With over 50 years of exceptional service in Southern New Jersey, we are committed to providing quality service to each customer. Our experienced professionals can help you choose the best option for your garage, and we provide expert installation services to ensure your opener operates properly. Contact us to learn more and request an estimate.

How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Your garage door plays a vital role in securing your home — faulty parts can cause operational issues including damage to the garage door or garage door opener and even personal injury. A properly functioning garage door and garage door opener provide convenience as an alternate entryway into your home and protect your vehicle and other stored belongings. An important component of garage door openers is the safety sensors that are found near the bottom on both sides of the garage door tracks.

If you ever experience any issues or your garage door sensors are not working, the alignment may very well be the cause. This guide will help by providing steps on how to realign garage door sensors and answer a few commonly asked questions about them.

Steps to Align Your Garage Door Opener Sensors

Whether your garage door opener is LiftMaster or Genie, the safety sensors need to be properly aligned and functioning for the garage door and opener to work properly. For most units, if there’s a sensor issue, the automatic opener light will flash to let you know and the door will not be able to close from the remote control. Here’s how you can realign your Liftmaster garage door’s safety reversing sensors.

1. Locate the Safety Sensors

You can find the sensors by going to a location no higher than 6” off the floor on or next to the garage door tracks. Each sensor will have an LED indicator – the indicator light may be green, red or orange. Regardless of color, the indicator light should be on and constant; if the indicator light is off, dim or flickering, adjustment will be required.

2. Review Sensor Position

The safety sensors should be positioned no higher than 6” off the floor. Make sure the sensors on each side of the door are at the same height. If they are not, the bracket may have been bumped by activities in the garage. Set the brackets at the same height as the first course of action to align the garage door opener safety sensors. Some brackets clip to the garage door track and can be popped off the track and popped back on, or even slid up or down the track. Other sensor brackets may be permanently secured and can be twisted back to align the sensors.

3. Loosen the Sensor Wing Nut

Ensure the sensors are at the same height — if the sensors are not aligned then additional adjustment is needed. Some manufacturers will secure the sensor to the sensor bracket with a wing nut while other manufacturers will have the sensor permanently affixed to the bracket.

If there is a wing nut, loosen the wing nut by turning it counterclockwise and gently moving the sensor around in its loose position in the bracket. If the sensor does not have a wing nut but rather a permanent bracket then gently bending the bracket may be needed to align the sensors.

4. Check That the LED Light Stays On

If you’ve aligned the sensors correctly, the LED light will stay on without issue. If your sensors have the wing nut set up, then the last step would be to tighten the wing nut to secure the receiving sensor.

5. Identify the Flashing Light Signals

If loosening the wing nut or adjusting the sensor bracket has not solved the issue, the next step is to check the garage door opener’s diagnostics.

Depending on the model, your LiftMaster garage door opener will signal that something’s wrong by its self-diagnostic lights. On a LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 model, the up and down adjustment arrows located behind the light lens housing will flash up and down respectively. Understanding these self-diagnostic cues will help you diagnose problems with your garage door opener and sensors in the future. Misaligned or obstructed sensors will flash in the following way:

Up arrow: Four times
Down arrow: Six times

On other models, the learn button LED will flash 4 times every 10 seconds to signal a misaligned or obstructed sensor.

6. Test the Safety Reversing System

After any adjustments to your garage door opener, be sure to test the safety reversal mechanism to prevent injury. A properly functioning safety reversal mechanism should reverse on contact with objects 1.5″ in height. This can easily be tested by placing a 2×4 on your garage floor and closing your door. If you experience any issues, contact a certified technician.

Test the Safety Reversing System

Garage Door Sensor FAQs

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge on realigning your garage door sensors, you might have other questions you’d like answered relating to the topic. Below are a few of the most common questions and answers.

What Are Garage Door Sensors?

Garage door sensors are components that form part of the garage door opener unit. They work in conjunction by sending signals that alert the opener of obstructions or issues with the sensors, which in turn will prompt the opener to react accordingly. For example, if the sensors are misaligned, the garage door opener won’t receive the necessary instructions to close properly. Or, if there’s an obstruction, the garage door opener won’t close the door until the obstruction is removed.

The main sensor parts include:

Two sensors with internal infrared beams
Sensor brackets to keep them in place
Screws or wing nuts to secure each sensor
Wiring to connect the sensors to the opener and power supply

The yellow or orange sending sensor signals the green receiving sensor through a connecting infrared beam. Once they meet, the opener will perform its function to close the garage door. The sending sensor is also called the transmitting sensor because it transmits the beam to the receiving sensor.

How to Diagnose a Misaligned Sensor

Typically, a sensor is misaligned if the green receiver light flickers instead of staying on. The garage door opener arrow will flash up four times and down six times to signal this issue.

What Causes Misaligned Sensors?

There are a few reasons the sensors could be misaligned. They include:

Dusty or dirty sensor lenses
The sensors were knocked out of place by a person or object
Both sensor heights are not aligned, where one is higher or lower than the other
The mountings are damaged
They were installed incorrectly

Let Hunter Door Sort Out Your Garage Door Issues

Knowing how to line up garage door sensors is fairly easy, but if you’re ever stuck, give us a call. Hunter Door has more than 50 years of experience, so we know our clients and what it takes to keep them happy. Our highly skilled service technicians deliver the best quality service with a smile and are always eager and ready to assist.

Whether you’re having issues with your garage door opener, sensors or anything else or you’re upgrading your garage entirely, let us know. Contact us to request an estimate today.

What to Do if Your Garage Door Is Off the Track

What To Do If Your Garage Door Is Off Track

When your garage door is off the track, it doesn’t work the way it should. Learn the cause behind this issue and the steps to handle it so you can keep your door in working order.

Why Is Your Garage Door Off Track?

There are a few reasons why your garage door came off the tracks:

Your car hit the door. Sometimes you’re late for work or hurrying home, and you pull in or out of your garage before the door is open all the way. It can happen to anyone, and if it does, it may bump a few rollers off the tracks.
The tracks are a mismatch. If your tracks are not strong enough to handle the weight of your door, they start to bend and cause misalignment.
Rollers or cables are broken. Rollers and cables undergo a lot of wear with time. If your door is old, wear and breakage in these parts can lead to a door off the tracks.

How to Fix It

Your off-track garage door requires several steps to get it back in place:

Disconnect and open the door. You have to start the repair by releasing your door from the overhead opener and opening the door manually. An important garage door safety tip is to make sure you do this with at least one other person because the door may slam down while you’re trying to open it.
Apply a stop and find the jam. Put pliers on the track at the bottom of the door to stop the door from closing. Then, identify the spot where the wheels are coming off.
Align the wheels. Use another pair of pliers to pull the track closer to the door. This step makes it easier to get the wheels back on your track. From here, pull the wheels to the track.
Fix the track. With the wheels in place, hit the track with a mallet to bring it back to its original spot.
Test. Try opening and closing the door manually. Then, try it with the opener. If everything runs smoothly, you’ve successfully fixed your door. If not, you need a technician.

Contact a Professional Repair Technician at Hunter Door

Whether your repair didn’t go as planned or you’re not interested in a do-it-yourself fix, Hunter Door can handle the job. We specialize in fixing a range of garage door problems, including those times when it’s off the track. Request our services in southern Jersey today.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Garage Doors

If you’re looking for a new garage door, you may be considering one made from aluminum. These doors rank among the most popular types of garage doors, and many people seek them out for a look with clean lines, usually for a more modern or contemporary aesthetic, including specialty glazing and unique configurations. Why are aluminum garage doors so popular? Learn more about the characteristics of aluminum garage doors and the qualities that make them stand out.

Aluminum Garage Doors Qualities

Aluminum garage doors offer a polished, attractive and durable solution. Here are some additional excellent characteristics of aluminum doors:

Maintenance free: One of the best characteristics of aluminum garage doors is being maintenance-free. While these doors are usually a combination of aluminum and glass, both offer a maintenance-free option even when placed in harsh environments.
Unique style: The combination of an aluminum frame and glass or aluminum panels allows for a unique style element to help complete a sleek contemporary or modern look for your garage door. The aluminum frame (made of rails—the horizontal components—and stiles—the vertical components) can be anodized, painted or powder coated, while the panels can also be aluminum, as well as clear, tinted, mirrored, obscure or frosted glass along with similar panel options in acrylic and polygal (transparent or translucent multi-wall polycarbonate sheet). The variety of material and finish choices allows for plenty of design options for an aluminum garage door.
Cost of ownership: Aluminum and aluminum + glass garage doors tend to be in the higher price range due to the cost of components. Choices can be made to mitigate a higher price, however more energy-efficient or specialty glass can drive up the price. The benefit of selecting an aluminum and glass door is the fact that it is essentially maintenance-free.

It is safe to say that an aluminum and glass door falls into the category of a specialty door, however when aesthetics are the focus, it is difficult to achieve the unique look of aluminum and glass garage doors.

Choose Hunter Door for High-Quality Products and Reliable Service

Aluminum and glass garage doors can be the unique feature to complete the look of your home. At Hunter Door, we can provide you with the selection of aluminum garage doors you need to fit your project. Connect with us online today to discuss our inventory and schedule installation.

The Pros and Cons of Steel Garage Doors

When installing or buying a new garage door, it’s essential to choose the proper material. A well-constructed door provides better protection for your vehicles and enhances your home’s overall appearance. Steel is a common choice for modern garage doors. Like any material, though, steel offers a few pros and cons you should consider before making a purchase.

The Advantages of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are popular because of the overall value they provide. Some of the benefits of using steel include:

Versatility: Steel is a malleable material that can accommodate any style preference. You can use it to construct a garage door to suit your specific needs, such as an overhead door or a sectional door. Steel is also aesthetically adaptable, with many finishes and color options available.
Durability: A steel garage door offers more safety and security against the elements and day-to-day mishaps than wood or fiberglass. You can expect many productive years with a steel door since it’s more resistant to factors like harsh weather, denting and cracking.
Cost-effectiveness: The cost of a garage door can vary, but steel is often more budget-friendly than other construction materials. A steel garage door’s sturdiness and ease of maintenance mean you’ll save money on future repairs, too.
Sustainability: When it’s time for a new garage door, you can recycle your steel one. Many modern steel doors use recycled material, so you can help the environment even more if you opt for another one.

The Cons of Steel Overhead Garage Doors

Steel garage doors only have a few drawbacks worth considering. These disadvantages include:

Less insulation: Steel doors naturally provide less insulation than thicker materials like fiberglass. If you live in an area that’s prone to colder weather, you can look into buying an insulated steel door or insulate it yourself. A high R-value door will offer better insulation for your home.
Susceptibility to rust: Steel garage doors are vulnerable to rust and corrosion. To prevent rusting, you should touch up any scratches as soon as possible and wash your door regularly.
Need for new paint: You’ll need to apply a fresh coat of paint every so often to keep your door in good condition. That said, painting offers an excellent opportunity to try new colors and enhance your door’s aesthetic appeal.

Look Into Our Garage Doors Today

It’s important to select a door that fits your personal preferences, needs and location. Whatever your choice, our expansive inventory ensures you’ll find the perfect garage door. We offer stylish, practical designs to complement any home. Contact us online to request an estimate.

How to Secure Your Garage Door Before a Lengthy Vacation

When you go on vacation, you’re looking to relax. Before you leave, there are a few things you need to handle around the house to ensure you have a stress-free trip, including securing your home and garage entryways.

Your Vacation Checklist

Before going on vacation, you should create a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for vacation and to keep your house is safe when you’re gone. Besides the essentials like packing your bags, some items on your checklist may include:

Emptying the trash.
Watering your plants.
Turning off all appliances.
Locking up the house.

Locking your house is the most vital step on your checklist. Lock all the exterior doors and windows to your home. Don’t overlook the garage—make sure you lock your garage door to prevent intruders from accessing any part of your home while you’re gone.

How to Secure Your Garage Door

Securing your garage door is crucial to ensure no one enters your house while you’re gone on vacation. Check out these ways you can secure your garage door for a worry-free vacation:

1. Wireless Garage Door

Garage door openers have advanced over the years. Some models now offer smartphone compatibility, which lets you control, monitor and operate your garage door from anywhere. You can set up a specific ringtone on your phone to alert you when the door opens or closes, so you’re aware of any activity while you’re away.

2. Garage Door Opener Wall Console

When you’re looking for garage door security options, check your garage door opener wall console carefully. Your system may already have a vacation lock feature you can use. This feature disables handheld radio controls, digital keyless entry pads and vehicles with programming to operate the door to limit who can access your garage and how.

3. Locking Device

You can also secure your garage door with a locking device, which manually locks your door. There are two types of these devices:

Inside lock: This lock goes on the inside of the door. You push a bar through a hole in the tracking to lock the door.
Deadbolt lock: This lock has pieces on both sides of the door — a handle and key slot on the outside and a double lock bar on the inside. You turn the handle and extend the lock bar across the tracks, which a deadbolt holds in place. The only way to unlock the deadbolt is with a key.

The Benefits of Hunter Door

When you go on vacation, a garage door opener ensures your garage door stays locked and secure. Hunter Door offers over six types of garage door openers to keep your home safe. Our knowledgeable staff and skilled technicians can help you find the right opener and install it for you, giving you a prompt and professional experience from start to finish. We proudly serve communities throughout South Jersey.

Contact Us Today

Reach out to Hunter Door for all of your garage door opener installation, service and repair needs. To learn more about garage door openers, fill out our online contact form today. You can also call us at 856-265-0531 to speak to one of our team members.

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Summer Weather & Your Garage Door

Straightforward Hacks to Declutter Your Garage With Ease

Whoever came up with the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” must have had a garage. The garage frequently becomes a go-to place for unwanted stuff.

If you’ve decided to tame your out-of-control garage, congratulations. Decluttering a garage lets you make better use of it as a practical space. As a bonus, you might even be able to finally get your car inside!

Of course, you might still be wondering where to even start to clean out your garage. Below are a few garage cleaning tips to help.

Set up Convenient Garage Storage Options

Unless you have adequate storage in your garage, you won’t make much progress on keeping it clean for long. Instead, you’ll end up with another mess down the road.

Before you can turn your garage into a sublime storage spot, you’ll need to move everything out — yep, everything. It’s best to do this on a nice-weather day. Having all the boxes, tools, bikes, kids’ toys and furniture out of your garage will give you a clean slate.

Once your garage is all clear, scrub it up, take a broom to the floor and remove the cobwebs. At that point, you can start adding storage pieces, such as:

Shelves: Your local home improvement store will have tons of DIY shelving units. Find ones that will fit in your garage. Then, install them so you have shelving to rely on. Some homeowners even label their shelves to create organization “zones.”
Cabinets: Cabinets can provide valuable storage spots. You might choose overhead cabinets for storing tools or seasonal equipment, like gardening gloves and planters.
Hooks: Never underestimate how reliable ceiling and wall hooks can be as garage cleaning hacks. Many homeowners forget to use their ceiling space. As long as you’re not obstructing your garage door mechanism, you can hang hooks as needed.

Move Your Things Back Into the Garage

Once you have your garage organization system in place, start moving your stuff back in. During this process, you’ll want to evaluate each item and label it as “keep,” “toss,” “donate” or “sell.”

If an item falls into the “keep” column, find a place for it in your newly decked-out garage. Try to keep similar objects together so they’re easier to hunt down later.

If an item is listed as “toss,” give it the heave-ho without a second thought. As a side note, you might want to rent a trash container for the occasion.

If you intend to donate an item, put it in a special place to take to the nearest donation center. Don’t put it back on the shelves — store it elsewhere, such as in your car trunk. That way, you won’t end up keeping it.

If you’re selling an item, figure out where and how. Again, resist returning the object to a storage spot in your garage, otherwise you might never let it go.

Maintain Your Organized Garage

Now that your garage is the envy of the neighborhood, you want to keep it that way. A final garage cleaning hack is to think twice before loading up your garage again. Before anything becomes a permanent fixture, have a place and reason for it. That way, your garage will remain a bastion of organizational bliss.

Need a safe and attractive replacement garage door to go along with your freshly tidied-up home? Contact Hunter Door for a professional estimate.

9 Key Factors to Look for When Replacing Your Garage Door

An old or broken garage door can be more than just a hassle. If left unaddressed, it can be a safety issue. How do you know when it’s time to purchase a new garage door? Most garage door manufacturers say to expect your garage door to last anywhere between 15 years to 30 years, although we’ve certainly seen them last longer. If your door is well into that life span range, spending money on repairs may not be the most cost-efficient option.

Purchasing a new garage door is an important investment in the curb appeal and safety of your home. There are a number of great garage door options available to accommodate your taste and budget. Before you shop, it’s a good idea to know more about what’s available and what kind of doors are right for your home.

Signs to Consider Garage Door Replacement

There are many reasons your garage door may not be working properly. Sometimes there’s a problem with the track, opener or spring attached to the door. In many cases, the garage door itself is to blame for the problems you’re encountering when you try to open or close it. Because a garage door covers so much of your home’s exterior, investing in a new door is important for appearance, as well as your home’s safety and security. You might be ready to replace your garage door if you are experiencing problems with the following elements of your door:

1. Appearance

If your garage door is hanging improperly, the color is faded or the door is cracked, it may be detracting from your home’s curb appeal. The door’s appearance isn’t just important for looks. A sagging garage door may be a sign of a problem with the door’s tracks or its structural integrity. Cracks in the door might take in moisture and expand over time, creating bigger and bigger cracks.

2. Performance

If your garage door doesn’t open and close properly, this may be a sign it needs to be replaced. If you’ve had to call a repair company several times to address problems with opening or closing your door, it might be time for a replacement. A garage door that doesn’t go up and down as needed or doesn’t properly lock is a safety issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

3. Convenience

Does it seem like your door makes a lot of noise when it goes up and down? Do you have to get out of your vehicle and tinker with the door or coax it to open all the way? If you’ve experienced the hassle of a reluctant door or a door that doesn’t open without a lot of extra effort, it may be time to upgrade.

What to Look for in a Replacement Garage Door

Homeowners want a garage door that’s beautiful, durable, functional and affordable. What many homeowners aren’t sure about is which of these factors should be the most important and how to choose from the options that are available. When it comes to selecting a garage door, it’s important to weigh these key factors:

Request Your New Garage Door Estimate

1. Materials

Garage doors can be manufactured from a variety of materials, but the three that are most common include:

Aluminum: Homeowners often choose aluminum when they want an inexpensive but sturdy garage door. Today, you can find aluminum garage doors in a variety of styles and colors. Aluminum may have a tendency to acquire dents, depending on the door’s thickness and insulation, so other homeowners prefer wooden doors.
Wood: Wooden garage doors are an elegant option, especially for older homes. They come in a variety of colors or stains and they are solid, sturdy doors that can keep you safe for years to come. However, wooden doors aren’t always the best choice for homeowners who live near the coast or in an area with a lot of humidity. These are also an investment because they require regular maintenance and refinishing to keep them looking their best. This is one reason why steel garage doors have become increasingly popular.
Steel: Steel doors are increasingly popular because they stand up to wet weather and high wind, and they don’t require as much upkeep. They can be designed to mimic the look of wood doors, so these doors are a go-to option for homeowners who want the elegance of a wooden garage door without the cost or the upkeep associated with wood. Steel doors are some of the easiest doors to insulate, providing homeowners with maximum insulation to keep comfortable temperatures inside where they belong.

2. Style

Garage doors can be purchased in a variety of styles that complement a home’s design and color scheme, including:

Traditional garage doors: This style can be found throughout neighborhoods across America. Their characteristic look features squares or rectangles running horizontally across the door. Some have windows across the top, but others don’t. These doors can be painted to match a variety of home exteriors, and they pair well with traditional architecture.
Modern garage doors: Modern doors are typically found on homes that are designed with a contemporary flair. These garage doors can be identified by their clean lines and classic detail. Modern garage doors often have large glass-paneled windows, bringing plenty of natural light into the garage.
Carriage house garage doors: This style combines the old-fashioned, rugged look of a barn door with the modern convenience of an overhead garage door. While this style of door fits well with a variety of types of architecture, its rustic look nicely complements traditional, old-fashioned architecture.

3. Design Options

Many of our customers don’t realize there are a number of customization options to choose from to make a new garage door stand out, including:

Panel designs: The panels on a garage door are available in long or short patterns, as well as raised or flush options. This choice is often influenced by the architecture of your home and the look you are hoping to achieve with your new door.
Windows: Adding windows is a great way to add character to your garage door. They can also provide lots of natural light for homeowners who use their garage as a workshop or craft space. Windows can be added in a variety of different glass options, including a frosted window that prevents people from taking a peek inside or high-impact glass to protect doors in high-wind areas.
Decorative hardware: Decorative hardware is another great way to personalize a garage door design. Handles and hinges are most commonly found on carriage house style doors, but they can be incorporated into other styles as well. These options offer a unique, customized look on even the most traditional doors.

4. Cost

Garage door prices vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as size, material, style and finishes. Additions such as insulation and a new garage door opener can also impact the average cost of garage doors. When determining the cost of a new garage door, it’s important to include installation costs so you have a clear picture of what you’ll be paying when the new door is installed.

Before you choose a garage door, it’s important to know what your budget is. That way, you can maximize your investment into your curb appeal and ultimately the sale price of your home without overspending. Knowing your budget is also a good way to narrow down your options.

5. Energy Efficiency

Purchasing an insulated garage door is a great way to reduce your energy costs and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of a garage door is measured by its “R-value,” which is a measurement of the material’s ability to block the flow of heat in and out. When you’re looking at insulated garage doors, there are several different levels of insulation available. The higher the R-value, the better job it will do at insulating your home.

If you live in an area with a moderate climate, an insulated garage door may not seem like a necessary investment. But consider where your garage is located. Most people have a garage attached to their home. This means the space likely shares at least one wall with the home’s interior. The better insulated your garage door is, the less heat exchange you may see through the shared wall. An insulated garage door can also have a big impact on the air temperatures if you have a room above the garage or use your garage as a workshop, gym or other living space.

6. Garage Door Opener

Homeowners often opt to purchase a new garage door opener at the same time they purchase a new garage door. It’s important to have a garage door opener with a lifting capacity that matches your new garage door’s weight. It’s also a good time to replace an old, noisy opener with a newer, quieter model. If you have children or pets living in your home and your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it’s essential to make sure your new opener has safety sensors that prevent the doors from fully closing if anything is in its path.

Modern garage door openers come with a number of upgrades offering the latest technology. If you live in an area prone to power outages, it’s also a good idea to purchase an opener with a backup battery feature. This add-on can ensure your garage door is still operable when the power isn’t working.

If you were to experience an emergency during a power outage, this would allow you to get your car out of the garage and drive to safety if necessary. In fact, after a series of deaths due to people who couldn’t get their cars out of the garage during a power outage from wildfires, the state of California enacted a law requiring all garage door openers manufactured and sold after a certain date have a backup battery feature.

7. Safety

Many homeowners are focused on the appearance of a new door and may forget the garage door is one of the most vulnerable entry points in a home. Burglars often try to break into a home using the garage door, so safety should be at the top of your list of what to look for in a garage door. Choosing a sturdy door, such as a steel or wooden model is an important way to prevent burglars from damaging the door to gain entry to your home.

Some people opt not to incorporate windows into their garage door because they consider it a security risk. However, you can consider placing windows higher on the door or purchasing tinted or frosted glass that will restrict visibility from the outside. You can also purchase a garage door opener that has rolling code technology. This feature changes the entry code each time someone uses a remote to open the garage door so potential burglars can’t steal the code and gain entry.

Safety isn’t just about preventing break-ins. It’s also about choosing a door that can stand up to the weather in your area without compromise. If you live near the coast or in an area prone to rain or humidity, it’s important to choose a steel or aluminum door because those materials won’t be compromised by incredibly moist weather. If you live in a high-wind area, consider wind-resistant garage doors. These doors are built to withstand heavy storms, especially hurricanes.

8. Convenience

Garage door openers can come with a variety of convenient features, including rolling code technology to prevent someone from stealing your entry code and gaining access to the garage. Many openers also have the functionality to use an app to control them from your smartphone or tablet. If you’re prone to leaving home and forgetting to close the garage door, that’s a handy feature to have.

9. Professional Installation

Though DIY home projects are common, garage door replacement should never be a DIY project. When you hire an experienced company to install your new garage door, you are paying for the peace of mind that comes from their expertise. Professional garage door installers know how to safely remove old doors and hang new ones. They can also install a new opener, track or other equipment needed to get the most out of your new door.

When you pay for professional installation, you also get a warranty on the labor. If a problem arises, you have someone you can call to fix it without excessive expense or hassle.

Contact New Jersey’s Garage Door Experts at Hunter Door

You need a company with design experts who can help you choose the perfect garage door and professional installation services that ensure a job done right. You need Hunter Door. We’ve been servicing South Jersey for the last 50 years, and we’re proud to sell high-quality garage doors and accessories from top brands like Clopay® and LiftMaster®.

Our team of experienced service technicians is trained to handle any job. Besides offering design and installation services, we are proud to offer custom painting to ensure your new garage door will complement the other exterior colors of your home. Contact us today to get started with your new garage door.

How Often Should Your Garage Door Receive an Upgrade?

Your garage door is an essential feature of your home, especially if it faces the street. You always want your doors functioning smoothly and looking their best. After a few years pass, you may wonder when it will be time for an upgrade. We can help you figure it out.

How Long Do Garage Doors Last?

Your garage door is built to endure years of operation to accommodate your family’s busy schedule. A new garage door should last you at least 25 years if you provide the necessary annual maintenance and ensure that any minor hiccups are taken care of immediately. The goal is to perform regular service to your doors as is needed.

Letting a garage door run without any yearly upkeep can cause small problems to get worse. Dirt buildup hardens, cables wear down, hinges crack — every garage door endures wear and tear. With the proper maintenance, you can keep up with these issues and ensure your garage door continue operating smoothly. Upkeep includes lubrication, bolt-tightening and part replacements.

What’s the Average Cost of a New Garage Door?

The average cost of a new garage door depends on several factors. The material, technology, style and quality all play a part in the price. If you want garage doors that are simple, keep your home safe and handle extreme weather conditions decently, you’re looking at an average cost of $1,100.

A high-quality garage door that can endure extreme weather conditions and has the latest technology will cost $2,500 and up. Again, the price is based on what you require. Do your research, and you’ll be sure to find a quality garage door that meets your expectations and fits within your budget.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Garage

It’s best to keep an eye on your garage door and watch for signs that it’s time for an upgrade. If you wait too long to replace it, your door may stop working or experience other issues that can disrupt your routine. Consider the following factors:

Repairs: If your garage door malfunctions often and requires constant repair services, you will probably spend more money fixing it than you would by getting a replacement.
Damage: If your area has endured a bad storm or the garage door was hit by a car, it could suffer damage beyond repair.
Age: After a couple of decades of reliable operation, you may notice your garage door moves slower or is weaker than it once was. An upgrade is a good idea at that point.
Quality: If you have a low-quality garage door, it could let in cold winter air or summer heat, raising your energy costs. By upgrading your door, you can lower costs and keep your home comfortable year-round.

Hunter Door Offers High-Quality Garage Doors and Repair Services

With proper care, your garage doors will last many years. Hunter Door can help you make the most of your investment with maintenance and repairs if you need them. When you’re ready for an upgrade, we also work with Clopay®, the country’s leading garage door manufacturer.

A 3-Step Guide to Prepping Your Garage Door for Winter

Winter is fast approaching, and you need to think about preparing your house for the season. Cold temperatures have a direct impact on door operation, and winterizing is something you can do to save big by avoiding damage and preventing malfunctions. Set an afternoon aside this weekend to get your garage door ready to enjoy proper functionality and peace of mind all season long.

How to Winterize a Garage Door

Winterizing is essential regardless of the door’s size or how it opens. If your garage door breaks during the middle of the winter, things can get pretty uncomfortable. Broken doors can get stuck open, exposing your home and property to the harsh winter climate. They can also get stuck closed, trapping you inside or outside until you schedule repairs.

Take the right steps to prepare or you run the risk of having a garage door that doesn’t work when colder temperatures set in.

Step 1: Inspect Your Door

Give your garage door a thorough visual inspection. This includes:

Checking the weatherstripping: Take a look at the weatherstripping all around the door. If you see cracks or any sections lifting away, replace it.
Maintaining the door: Take this opportunity to clean the rollers and tracks. Use an appropriate garage door lubricant on all moving parts.
Inspecting the hardware: If you see any damaged hardware or parts coming loose, replace them. For complicated repairs, call a professional.

Step 2: Protect the Interior

Garages vary, but most have a wide assortment of personal items stored inside. Yours may also be home to exposed pipes and gas-powered landscaping tools. If you have lawn equipment that you won’t need until next spring, drain the fuel and store it safely away. Cover your pipes with plastic or foam pipe covering to protect against freezing. You can also put tape or covers over your electrical outlets to eliminate minor drafts.

Step 3: Stay on Top of the Snow

Keep the door clear of snow and ice. Ice can freeze the weather seal at the bottom of your garage door to the concrete. If yours does end up freezing, let it melt naturally. Forcing it open or melting the ice with heat or commercial products can wind up trading a temporary issue for a permanent one you will have to pay to fix.

Do Insulated Garage Doors Work?

Whether you have a detached garage or one connected to the home, there are multiple benefits to gain during the wintertime from an insulated garage door. These doors do an excellent job of trapping warm air inside and keeping cold winter winds outside where they belong. With reduced heat loss, you also end up paying less to keep your home and garage warm, saving on monthly costs.

Insulated garage doors have other advantages that extend year-round. As the snow melts and spring rains roll in, insulated doors help keep interior moisture levels low, reducing the chances for outbreaks of mold and mildew. When the summer sun starts beaming down, these doors help keep the garage much cooler inside than the standard alternatives.

Have the Local Professionals Winterize Your Door

Save time getting your home ready for the winter with service from Hunter Door. We provide professional garage door installation and care throughout New Jersey, including complete winterizing services and repairs.

Reach out today to request an estimate for your home or call us at 856-482-2325.