Pros and Cons of Aluminum Garage Doors

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, an aluminum option might be worth considering. Aluminum garage doors are among the most favored choices available today, as many homeowners appreciate their sleek lines and modern appearance. These doors often feature specialty glazing and distinctive configurations that enhance their contemporary style. What makes aluminum garage doors so appealing? Let’s review the features that set them apart from other options.

Understanding Aluminum Doors

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

• Lightweight yet strong material: Certain aluminum door styles, like those without glass windows, provide a unique combination of strength and lightweight properties, making it easier to operate and keep for a long time.
• Resistance to rust and corrosion: Unlike steel, aluminum does not rust, making it perfect for coastal areas and regions with varying weather conditions.
• Maintenance–free: One of the best characteristics of aluminum garage doors is their maintenance-free nature. 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: Aluminum’s versatility allows homeowners to choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to match their home’s exterior. You can combine an aluminum frame with glass or detailed aluminum panels to help complete a sleek, contemporary or modern look for your garage door.
• Cost of ownership: Aluminum garage doors, as well as aluminum and 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 increase 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 these garage doors.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Doors

While aluminum is a fantastic material for garage doors, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Understanding both the benefits and potential drawbacks will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs:

Pros of Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum garage doors offer several advantages, making them an attractive choice for homeowners. Here are some key benefits to consider:

• Cost-effective: Aluminum doors generally come at a more accessible price point than wood or high-end steel options.
• Easy to install: The lightweight nature of some aluminum doors makes installation quicker and less labor-intensive.
• Energy-efficient when combined with insulated panels: Many aluminum doors can be fitted with insulation, enhancing their energy efficiency.
• Eco-friendly: Choosing aluminum contributes to sustainable practices because it is a recyclable material.

Cons of Aluminum Garage Doors

While aluminum garage doors come with many benefits, there are also some factors to keep in mind. Aluminum doors provide the best thermal performance when they have insulation — an insulated door can also provide quieter operation and block more street noise. Aluminum doors are best installed by a professional since it can be prone to scratching or denting.

Choose Us for Residential Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum and glass garage doors can be the unique feature that completes 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.

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.

Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Came Off the Tracks

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 wear out quickly. If your door is old, wear and breakage in these parts can cause it to go off the tracks.

Initial Safety Steps to Consider Before Fixing Your Off-Track Garage Door

Before attempting any repairs, it’s essential to take safety precautions:

• Disconnect the garage door opener: This will ensure the door doesn’t move unexpectedly while you’re working on it.
• Secure the door: Use clamps or sturdy objects to hold the door in place while you assess the situation.

How to Fix Off-Track Garage Doors

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

Identifying the Issue

Start by inspecting the tracks and rollers:

• Inspect the tracks for bends, gaps or obstructions: Look for any visible damage or debris that may be causing the misalignment.
• Examine rollers for wear, misalignment or breakage: Check each roller for signs of wear and ensure they are correctly aligned.

Adjusting or Repairing the Track

To fix a garage door that is off track:

• Use pliers or appropriate tools to straighten bent tracks: Carefully adjust any bent sections to restore functionality.
• Tighten any loose brackets, bolts or screws: This creates stability and will help prevent future issues from arising.

Resetting the Rollers and Testing Manual Operation

Once you’ve addressed the track issues:

• Carefully guide the rollers back onto the track: Ensure all rollers are securely in place.
• Manually lift and lower the door: Test the door’s movement without the opener to confirm that everything is aligned correctly and opening smoothly.

Re-Engaging the Opener and Testing Automatic Function

After confirming manual operation:

• Reconnect the garage door opener following safety guidelines: Ensure all connections are secure and functioning properly.
• Test the door’s automated function: Observe how the door behaves when operated automatically to make sure it’s properly aligned.

When to Contact a Professional

If your attempts to fix the door are unsuccessful or if the damage seems extensive:

• Situations where extensive damage or repairs seem unsafe: If you are unsure about any part of the repair process, it’s always best to consult a professional.
• Regular maintenance tips to prevent future off-track issues: Schedule routine inspections and maintenance to keep your garage door functioning properly.

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.

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.

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. 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

View More Summer Garage Door Care Resources

• 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.