​One of the biggest changes in garages over the years has been how people have utilized the space. Nowadays, a standard garage may also serve as a laundry room, exercise space, workshop, and even an office or brewery. Because of this, many people are opting for garage doors that enhance their space by adding natural light, insulation or other non-traditional features.

While you’re focused on the interior, let us help you meet the requirements you need. As the New Braunfels experts in overhead door options, we are committed to helping you choose the best kind for your home. Previously, we talked about the different materials and customization options that are offered to enhance the exterior of your home.

Here, we share the key features of an overhead entry that focuses on function, performance and safety.

Insulation
Not all doors are created equal. When it comes to insulating your space, you may have already covered the floors, ceiling and walls but have you considered your garage door? Buying an already insulated door, can help to regulate temperature – whether helping it stay cooler in the heat, or warmer in the cold – and in some cases, save on energy costs. Insulation can also ensure outside road noises and distractions are less prominent, so you can work all day without the hustle-and-bustle of cars and kids going by.

​Integrated technology
​Two words – smart house. More and more, our electronic devices are becoming a critical piece to maintaining the safety and security of our homes. It allows us to regulate the thermostat, turn on lights and capture security footage with the click of a button. As garages are often the main entry and exit point for families, it’s a no-brainer that this cutting-edge technology is being applied here as well. From basic opening and closing, to monitoring package drop-offs, and providing temporary access to plant waterers and dog walkers when you’re not at home.   

​Another great feature that can be found on some opening units is a backup battery system that allows your garage doors to work even when power is temporarily out. 

Safety
The typical garage door can be anywhere between eight and 16 feet-wide for single- and double-car options, respectively. Depending on the material, the weight of that door can be quite heavy, and if any issue arises, it could also be dangerous. That’s why in 1993, a federal law was made declaring that every door must have an automatic reversing feature to prevent damage, injury and even death. Nowadays, most doors come with the photo-eye or sensor that interrupts the closing of doors when obstacles, items or people cross the path – but it’s best to double-check.

Another way to keep yourself and family safe, is to make sure you are considering a security light as part of your main unit. Not only does this ensure that you can easily and safely walk around your car in the dark, but it also helps to deter unwanted pests and potential intruders.

​So just remember, when it comes to buying the best kind of door, you should look beyond just the appearance of it. Finding a beautiful entrance that is also safe, reliable and functional is key to transforming your 21st century space into your private oasis. If you live in the San Marcos, Kyle, Buda and New Braunfels areas contact us today to begin the conversation. 

By now, you probably know that garage doors can be highly sensitive, and a little tricky to figure out when they are not working. To help you troubleshoot, our experts have already outlined the four most common garage door issues.

But if your issues weren’t resolved with those simple solutions, you might be looking at something a little more serious, and even dangerous. Be smart about your home repairs, and if you suspect any of the following might be the cause of your problem – call the New Braunfels garage door experts.

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​We are happy to come and inspect any issues, determine the reason why it is not working and help you resolve it. As seasoned professionals, we know all the potential problems – large and small – and can help you. Call us today to have your questions answered, or to schedule a repair with our highly skilled technicians.

Misalignment of the track
One of the major components of the system, is the track. If your garage door is moving partially, you hear a rubbing noise or it slows at a specific spot – it may indicate a minor alignment issue. In some cases, you may be able to address the issue yourself, but when your door is not moving at all, it could mean something more significant. That is when you should call in backup. The seasoned professionals at New Braunfels can come to safely repair and realign the track, or replace the system as needed. 

Broken springs or cables
If you recently thought firecrackers were going off in your garage – think again. A loud noise or bang could actually indicate that you have a very serious problem with the cables or springs to your garage door. When this happens, it means that your heavy door won’t rise up anymore, or slams really fast into the ground.

​If it isn’t rising (or isn’t rising normally), it could indicate an issue with your torsion springs. This is typical after a few years, as the constant use can cause stress and strain over time.  Often, this could need just a replacement spring.

​If it is slamming shut, that could indicate an issue with your tension springs. This is quite serious, and a seasoned professional should be called immediately to come and repair it. Once a tension spring has broken, it will impact the door cables. If those also break, these cables can snap and fly out causing damage to the surroundings or people nearby. In this condition, we recommend parking outside the garage and not using it until it is fully repaired to reduce the potential safety risk to you and your loved ones. 

Don’t put the health and safety of you and your family at risk.
​When it comes to these heavy technologies, it is best to leave it in the hands of the professionals. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality service, and best experience so you can continue your life without any added stress. Whether you need a big or small repair, we will get the job done right and quickly. Call 830-200-0282 to schedule a consultation with our team today. 

​You went to bed or work, and your garage door was working just fine. But all of a sudden, you find yourself trapped either inside or outside of your home because something isn’t right. You may be asking yourself, “What is wrong with my garage door opener?”
 
While the system can have many complications, there are a few common issues that may be causing this extra stress. Check out these minor garage door issues, that can easily be fixed.  
 
If it is... 

​Highly sensitive
One of the most important features of your garage door is your photo eye sensor, which ensures that all objects and people are safe from harm’s way when the door is closing. But while this sensitive safety precaution is critical to your health, it can also become a pest. If your door is opening fine, but you are having trouble closing it – it could need a simple fix.
Do a quick observation, is your photo eye dirty or scratched, perhaps there is something blocking the line? If any of these are obvious reasons, take the appropriate action. The other option is that it could be misaligned, meaning you may need to do some hands-on adjusting until it’s working again.

​Not responding
Sometimes, a not working garage door remote or opener can be solved with some new batteries, other times – it can be more a hassle for the everyday Joe. If you know your remote is working (and you’ve already checked your photo-eye), but your opener is not functioning when triggered, you may need to take a few more steps.
If there was a recent power issue, check out your breaker panel and try to reset the system. If that doesn’t work, you may need to check your power outlets and test them as well. Another thing that happens when the power goes out, is that people enable the disconnection switch. Check your disconnection rope or handle to ensure it’s in the upright position. 

A bit noisy
We’ve all heard that horrible noise coming from a garage door, whether it’s a weird rumble or that annoying nails on the chalkboard feeling. If your door is still opening and closing properly – a simple solution is all you need. By applying the appropriate lubricant to the tracks, squeaky sections or tightening loose hardware – you’ll be humming a different tune once you’re all done.

​Quite drafty
Whether it’s the outside of your wooden door, or the weather seal – cracks and gaps need to be addressed. Seals can help keep out water, air and reduce street noise, but cracks may let in pesky bugs, or dangerous water that can damage the inner contents of your garage. Replacing the seal, and caulking or filling cracks in the door can help keep your door in functioning and looking great.
If you’ve run down this list, and still haven’t found out what is making your garage door issue happen – it is time to call in the professionals. The New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros have been servicing families in the New Braunfels area, and in the San Marcos, Kyle and Buda communities for years. Let us help you too! 

​The modern garage is much more than a place to store old boxes and shelter your cars. It has been transformed into everything from a simple space for a small business startup, to a man cave or even a playroom for your growing children. Long ago are the days where a smelly, dirty and damp garage is ok.
 
In fact, when it comes to protecting some of your most valuable assets, your carport can be your first line of defense. So if you begin to notice the undeniable stench of mildew, or notice small pools of water – you may need to take action to save your belongings and money in the long run.
 

​Our professionals can help you determine any issues with your garage door – from harsh noises to stalling on the track and even water problems. If you are experiencing any issues, give our team a call and we can help you determine the right steps.
 
Here are a few tips to help you in the meantime. 

​Check your seal
If you bought your house from a previous owner, you may not know all the details of your carport and when it was last inspected. Or perhaps, it’s been awhile since you even worried about the function of your garage. But one of the most important ways to protect your home and its contents, is by ensuring your seal isn’t worn out or not working.
 
Buying and installing a new seal is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to solve the problem. Once you have measured the door length, and purchase the appropriate seal – simply remove the old one and attach the new seal to your current door. From there, inspect your work for any gaps, and ensure it makes a tight seal against the driveway to prevent water and pests from entering.
 
Consider a drain
Over time, your driveway has seen its fair share of heavy vehicles and changes in temperature. Because of this, the soil and foundation of homes and driveways can shift, causing garages to sit lower than pavement and ultimately, creating a direct, downhill path for rainwater to flow.
 
If your water problem isn’t solved by installing a new seal, you may need to put a drain in your driveway to help eliminate the potential for water damage.  While this can be an expensive option, it can also be the most prudent. But for an endeavor like this, it can be quite challenging for a Do-It-Yourself project. Hiring a professional can help to properly route waterflow into appropriate spaces that won’t cause further damage to your home, garage or landscaping. 

​Look up
If your driveway isn’t downwardly or inwardly sloping, you may have a gutter problem. In some cases, a poorly functioning gutter system can be leaking water or not properly protecting your home’s assets. This can mean serious problems to your foundation, landscaping and pocketbook. After the next rain storm, do a quick perimeter check to see if there is any lingering water still falling after the storm has passed. It may mean your gutters need repair.
 
Leave it to the Pros
If you’re not sure, let the team of New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros come out and inspect your door. We can help you determine whether a new door, seal or other solution is necessary. Contact us today to get started. 

​While you may not remember, there was a time when garages didn’t come standard with the average home. As of 2017, nearly 70 percent of Americans own a home with a garage or carport.  Whether it’s detached or attached, a garage is meant to protect your belongings, shield your cars from extreme temperatures and serve as a space to have a workshop or small business.
 
But that wasn’t always true. The modern-day version of the garage didn’t even appear until the early 20th century, so what did people do before? Well, here’s a brief history for you.  
 


​Pre-modern times
In the 1800s, long before the modern garage door was invented, there was a strong need for storage of animals, horse-drawn carriages and bicycle.  Whether they were built as full barns or traditional carriage houses, these simple structures helped people to care for their prized possessions.
 
These carriage houses often held both the wheeled enclosure, along with the horses that pulled it. This simple structure was built with the most basic components of a garage, including dirt flooring, four standard walls and doors that swung open from the inside, out. 

​The advent of the automobile
Detroit, Michigan is considered to be the birthplace of the automotive industry, as Ford began manufacturing and mass-producing cars there in 1903. Even today, Detroit remains the automotive capital of the world with major companies Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles rooted there.
 
Because of the automobile’s adoption, many people were looking for safer spaces to store and protect the expensive purchase. Earlier versions of parking structures included public options, called outbuildings, where drivers could pay a monthly fee to park. These were often heated, cleaned and maintained by the building owner, leaving car owners with all the luxury perks, without the work or any added costs of building or maintaining a personal structure.
 
But over time, people found this structure lacking in convenience. Drivers and car owners began building private garages near their homes, to eliminate the additional burdens. Yet, people were confronted with the same trouble as the doors on the carriage houses, as these outward swinging doors could be impossible to open during snow or heavy wind. This left drivers with a desire for the next iteration. 
 
Back in Detroit, in 1921, C.G. Johnson invented the first overhead door, which lifted up and folded inward to solve the issue with the outward swinging doors found on carriage houses.  Just a few years later, he went on to also create the first electric door, which has evolved to fit the current technologies and trends.

​As time continued, the modern standard has been shaped to match the needs and demands of today’s family. From accommodating multiple cars and including space to work, play and create, the garages we know today have far more styles and designs, and superior safety standards than ever before.
 
From a more traditional wooden door to galvanized steel, the team at New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros has a wide selection of materials, styles and details to help your home and property look beautiful. If you live in the San Antonio area, and are looking for a new or replacement door, you can count on us. Our commitment to you is to provide the best customer experience that exceeds your expectations. 

​While you may only use your garage to park your car, store children’s toys or bikes, or polish off your honey-do list – a number of people have used these spaces to create billion-dollar companies. These famous founders needed a simple place to start their world-changing inventions.
Here are five famous companies that began where every creator goes – the garage. 

Hewlett-Packard
The infamous garage that started Hewlett-Packard is known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. Originally, it got its big break by creating an audio oscillator that was purchased by Walt Disney for its 1940 movie, Fantasia, to improve the sound quality of the movie. Since that big break, HP has gone on to develop computers, technology and computer accessories that has advanced modern life as we know it. 

The Walt Disney Co.
It’s hard to believe the world’s leading producer of cartoons, animated films and other movies began here as well. Walt and Roy Disney created the first film ever, the Alice Comedies, that would later inspire Alice in Wonderland, in their uncle’s garage before moving on to bigger production sets. Since the launch of its first official movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney has gone on to produce 200 more films.  

Amazon
What once began as an online book store, has now grown into the world’s most premier online delivery and goods provider. But it’s founder, Jeff Bezos – who is also the richest man in the world, originally started by selling his first book out of his garage. This company has gone on to become a house-hold name and service.
 
Harley-Davidson
Outside of technology realm, the iconic motorcycle company, Harley Davidson also began in the garage. Originally, it started out by developing an engine designed to fit inside a bicycle, before transforming it into an official race bike. While the first order only was for three motor-bikes, within six years it doubled its driving power by introducing the first V-twin powered motorcycle.   

​Mattel
Years before Mattel became the most popular toy manufacturing company in America, the founders of Mattel were making picture frames. Harold Matson and Eliot Handler then used the scraps from Lucite and flocked wood to make dollhouse furniture, and later the iconic doll that girls would play with forever, Barbie. 

​As you can see, the garage can be a place of inspiration, creation and production. From billion-dollar companies to small businesses that sell handcrafted goods or beverages – a good idea can blossom from anywhere.

​That’s why the experts at New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros know how important it is to protect that space. Whether you are just starting your next business idea, or growing a current one – having a well-equipped space is half the battle. Our experts can help to replace old doors and install new options that can make your workspace productive, energizing and just what you need. Whether you need window panes for light, insulation for temperature regulation or specialty needs, we can help you. Contact us today to get started. 

We all know how intense the Texas summer can be, and we are well-versed in taking the necessary steps to keep cool. But when you open your garage door, that can add an extra heat wave to an already hot day. In Texas, the inside temperature of a garage can be upwards of 120 degrees.

​This added heat can greatly affect the function of electronics in this space, along with stored items. It also can expand the track making it impossible for your door to properly open or close. Here are some simple tips to help keep this key area cool and working correctly. 

Get air flowing
​On of the biggest reasons it can got hot in the summer is due to lack of ventilation. Without a proper route for air flow, heat can get trapped inside and cause problems. If you feel comfortable, you can open your overhead door or windows throughout the day at least a foot to allow for the entry and release of air. Another option is to install vents near to the low to increase air flow.

Audit the space
If you are not sure how well insulated your current door or space is, do your own energy audit. Within the space, check all windows, doors and seals for drafts of air. If you find these, it could mean that your garage is letting in even more hot air. Once you have found the offending spaces, caulk and fill drafty spaces, or add weather strips to decrease the potential.

Consider a new color
When we are kids, we learn that dark colors absorb light, while lighter colors deflect it. The same rule still stands, and often a darker garage door color may be absorbing that extra heat from the Texas sun during hot summer days. By painting your it or the surrounding sides of your home, it could help to decrease the amount of heat absorbed.

Add to the outside
If painting isn’t an option, consider planting some trees in the south to help add a natural shading element. Bonus is that is also helps add oxygen to the atmosphere. You can also install an awning to provide relief from the sun and additional heat.  

Insulate
One of the best ways to keep your home secure, and your garage from overheating is through insulation. Depending on the type of door you have, you may already have a single, double or triple layer of insulation, but insulating the walls can help to further slow the change in temperature. An added air conditioner unit can also be a great way to make working on cars or construction projects more comfortable. 

The seasoned specialists of New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros can help you. Our residential and commercial garage door services can help you make repairs, or install new options to help you beat the heat. A new door can play a serious hand in helping keep your garage cooler for all. Just contact us today for a free estimate to get started.