Repair or replace.

Let’s be honest, a garage door is one of those things that you have it installed and from that point onwards you expect it to work. Most garage doors will continue to swing open and closed quite happily for many years, rarely causing problems, from time to time however and particularly as time passes by they may develop problems; Issues such as opening or closing partially, failing completely or just not functioning as efficiently as they used to.

There are basic things you can do seasonally to maintain and prolong the life of your garage door and of course there are times when you’ll need the advice of a specialist. Some of the more common problems can be found below, along with some general advice; it might just save you some money.

Checking for obstructions.

Definitely one of the first investigations you should perform on a garage door that isn’t opening or closing as it should, and a potential issue for both electrical and manual garage doors. Any and all objects can cause obstructions, from something as simple as pebbles off your driveway, to something inside your garage falling against the mechanism. Even debris bought in with the wind can cause problems, in the event of any access issues with your garage doors, this type of thing should be eliminated before anything else.

Rollers and Tracks.

This is where things sometimes get a little more complicated, and this kind of problem with your garage door system might need more specialised attention. It can often be difficult to notice issues with tracks and rollers as the fall in efficiency can be gradual. However, if you start to notice any kind of stiffness, resistance or grinding when opening and closing your door, then it’s worth checking your tracks and rollers, check them thoroughly for buildup of dirt, debris or grime, particularly on heavily greased parts as they attract this kind of debris like a magnet. The tracks themselves can carefully be wiped with a clean rag, while checking for obvious bends and twists, rollers too should be kept clean and only greased very slightly, from time to time rollers and tracks may need replacing, which is far cheaper than buying a new garage door.

Springs and things.

If your garage door suddenly starts to feel heavier and is taking more to lift, then the springs should be one of the first things you may want to take a look at. The springs in garage doors are classified into two different types: The types that run along the top length of the doorframe are Torsion Springs. The types that are fitted along each side of the frame are Extension Springs. Over time both types can develop problems.

Metal springs naturally lose their tension over long periods of time and use, particularly on garage doors with heavy usage and often may fail completely. While it is easy to identify a failed spring, one that is fatigued can be harder to diagnose and it may well be better and quicker to call a specialist.

Similarly replacing springs that are under a lot of tension carries with it some risk, both of injury and of sourcing the correct springs to keep your garage door safely balanced.

It is always recommended in the case of extension springs to replace both at the same time to ensure your garage door is balanced safely and correctly, if you are in any doubt, it is best to contact a specialist, who will be able to source the correct springs, replace them quickly and safely or even add tension to existing springs, a service which is a lot cheaper than replacing your entire garage door.

Keeping things warm and dry.

Many modern garage doors have seals attached, to keep the weather out, and the contents of your garage safe and dry, again these seals can wear over time; however most of them can be quite routinely replaced, which should  keep your garage door looking good and doing its job as well as possible. Damage to your garage door can look unsightly, can make your door difficult, even impossible to operate and can pose a serious security risk to your property. Depending on the extent of the damage, panels may be sourced and replaced, or if the damage is significant a new garage door may be the best option.

Of course, each garage door we fit is unique in its own way. That’s the great thing about garage doors – you can make them your own. From high-tech automated garage doors to vintage roller garage doors, we have so many materials, textures and garage door styles to choose from. It’s just up to you on what your personal tastes are. Here are just a few garage doors in Newcastle that would seriously upgrade your home!

1. Up and Over Garage Doors
These are the classic favourite with people across the UK. They’re traditional, sturdy and extremely reliable. Our up and over garage doors are created to last for years, requiring little maintenance. They’re suitable for extensions such as an extra bedroom, office or gym. Most importantly, they’re one of the most secure garage door choices out there – that’s why they’ve been popular for decades! If you fancy automating this type of garage door then you’re in luck – it’s very easy to transform an up and over garage door into an automated model. Garage Doors Newcastle can help automate your garage door – just call 0191 2037 861.

2. Roller Garage Doors
As one of the most trendy types of garage door, roller garage doors are the perfect answer if you have a short driveway. That’s because, unlike the up and over garage doors, they take up a lot less space when opening and closing. But similarly to up and over doors, they’re a wonderful choice if you’re looking to use your garage as an extension such as a games room or nursery. This is because they don’t have a draughty gap between the door and floor, offering lots of insulation.

3. Sectional Garage Doors
Those of you who appreciate the vintage look will love our sectional garage doors. In fact, those of you who prefer a more contemporary look will not be disappointed – sectional garage doors are so versatile! They’re suitable for period properties just as much as new-build homes – it’s just a matter of choosing a colour to match with your tastes. Sectional garage doors provide optimum security and protection against the elements – they’re a robust choice for any property. The vertical opening mechanism means they’re ideal if your driveway is on the short side, or if you have multiple cars.

4. Side Hinged Garage Doors
Go retro with our side hinged garage doors. They’re amazing if you have more than one vehicle as they’re so much space. Don’t let their beauty fool you – side hinged garage doors are also very strong and secure. Your neighbours will love them because they barely make a sound when opening and closing. They’re also a good option for people with restricted mobility as they’re easy to use. We can provide additional insulation with these garage doors should you be thinking of using your garage as an extra room.

5. Automated Garage Doors
If you love high-tech gadgets then you’re best bet are automated garage doors. With just a push of one button you can be in your garage in seconds. Our automated garage doors are fitted with an obstruction sensor, so they’re one of the most reliable choices out there. Our highly trained experts will fit your automated garage door and give you a little demonstration!

As we always say, we stock some of the best garage doors Newcastle has ever seen. Why not take a look around today?

Roller garage doors are often one of the most underlooked options at the moment. We provide a fantastic collection of roller garage doors that provide the highest levels of security and save you lots of space. Here at Garage Doors in Newcastle, we are a huge fan of roller garage doors – here’s 5 reasons why you should pick them!

Highly versatile
First off, garage roller doors are extremely flexible in terms of which garage style they can be fitted onto. So whether you have a gorgeous vintage wooden garage or a contemporary brick garage, a roller garage door could be the perfect choice. They also come in a huge range of colours including bright and zany primary colours and classy woodgrain patterns. They’re incredibly easy to maintain as well. This is because roller garage doors usually covered in a foil overlay that can be wiped down with a damp cloth and still look brand new. As well as the easy maintenance side of things, roller garage doors are available in an array of mechanisms including an electric motor or manual mechanism. For the DIY enthusiast, it’s deceivingly simple to customise and will make you feel like you’ve achieved something great!

Easy to DIY
A roller garage door is surprisingly easy to install yourself – saving you money on a professional. They don’t have loft hatches, sloping roofs or ceilings so they’re relatively straightforward to fix yourself. Furthermore, roller garage doors are so easy to automate! This is great if you wish to do this in the near future. If you don’t really fancy fitting it yourself you can call one of our helpful technicians on 0191 2037 861.

More room
Roller garage doors are a brilliant way to save space in your garage so you can store even more things such as gardening equipment, the kid’s toys, gym machines and, of course, your vehicle! Speaking of vehicles, some garage doors may not allow room for bigger things such as vans and large cars, but a roller garage door means you’ll have plenty of room. A roller garage door is the perfect match for families, as they’re bound to need to store a lot more stuff and they’re more likely to have bigger cars.

Super secure
As the most important aspect of picking a roller garage door, security is a huge factor. Luckily, at Garage Doors in Newcastle we take home security very seriously. After all, 3 in 100 households are burgled every year according to Office for National Statistics. Our roller garage doors are some of the sturdiest doors available on the market today. Featuring a dual skin, roller garage doors can withstand a lot of impact, making them one of the ideal choices for preventing burglaries. We all know it’s just as important to keep your garage and other exterior buildings safe as much as your actual house because it’s where a lot of expensive machinery and vehicles can be found.

Ready to secure your home? Shop for roller garage doors with Garage Doors in Newcastle today.

It’s not often that you get to buy a new garage door. There are lots of things to take into consideration before you decide to repair your current one, or purchase a new one.

What style is your home?
There is a garage door style to fit every home; whether it is a bungalow, Victorian, Georgian or country-style house. Whatever your style, there is a garage door to suit it. There are lots of design choices to choose from: wooden, classic, rustic or roller garage doors. The key factor for all of these options is that it needs to be relatively maintenance free and also suit your home. So what factors do you need to take into consideration before you buy?

Insulation
Firstly you need to figure out what you use for garage for. Is it just for your vehicle? Or do you prefer to use it for storage? Could it be that you prefer to use it as a living space or somewhere to work on DIY projects? Depending on your usage you will need to make sure that you have the best insulation, seals and components ready for your new garage door.

Budget
Whatever your budget Garage Doors Newcastle will have a repair service or door to suit your needs. For example; if you are going for a traditional look the roller garage door would be more suited to you budget, especially if you’re using the garage as an office space.

Door openers
Door openers have become an increasingly useful tool for garage doors. It allows you to open or close the door at a distance, so you can drive straight inside. This cutting edge technology means that you can even install an app straight into your smart phone, making the process of opening and closing your garage door even more convenient.

Windows
Adding in windows to your garage door could be the perfect solution if your garage doesn’t have windows. You’ll need to take some time to consider which panels to replace with windows, but remember that it should be closely matched to your front door to provide continuity.

Selling your home
If you decide to sell your home in the future, picking the perfect garage door is a big factor in upping the kerb appeal and increasing your home’s value.

Renovating your garage door
Your current garage door might be in perfect working order but it’s starting to look at bit worn down. You can’t really afford to go to the expense of replacing the door (after all, it works fine) so what can you do to freshen it up?

New colour
The most inexpensive way to update your garage door is by painting it a different colour. Depending on the type of doors you have you’ll need to do a bit of prep work beforehand. With metal doors make sure to sand off any rusty spots. Wooden doors will need to be sanded and have any cracks filled in. A power wash will be required before for each door.

When deciding on the colour you could look to have it blend in with the current surroundings, or have it be bold and stand out.

Faux wood
You don’t have to stick with a block of colour. Instead you could add a faux wood look to your door. Creating a simple wood effect isn’t that difficult and could take around one afternoon. You will need to clean the door thoroughly before applying the stain. Apply brush strokes one section at a time and finish it off with a clear glaze for that long lasting effect.

Architecture detail
Another effective way to add kerb appeal is to add some architecture detail. You could add faux windows, which are easy to create. This look can be achieved by taping off sections of your garage door to create the ‘windows.’ Then use an exterior primer and finish with satin finish black enamel on each panel. Once dry, remove the tape to reveal the finished panels.

Garage doors are relied upon to safeguard our vehicles as well as protect any belonging which may be stored inside. Garage doors also provide an additional barrier which prevents unauthorised access to the house, particularly if inside the garage, there is an entry door. The level of protection that garages provide mean that when they become faulty, it is imperative that you seek a garage door repair or get it replaced. This blog will help you to identify which garage door you own and how best to rectify problems that might arise.

What type of garage door do you own?
It is firstly important to establish which garage door type that you possess. Up and over garage doors are the most common type so it is highly likely that you own one of these. There are two styles of up and over garage doors available. The ‘canopy’ up and over garage door overhangs from the door frame by approximately 2 feet. The ‘retractable’ version does not protrude to create a canopy which is how you can identify the difference between the two styles. Another popular choice are the roller garage doors in Newcastle. This garage door is very economical because it simply rolls up neatly without occupying valuable wall or roof space. Sectional garage doors have an intricate design with horizontal hinged sections that neatly slide into the interior of your garage roof. Another clever design are the automatic garage doors that can smoothly open and close at the touch of a button. An automatic garage door uses advanced technology because it is fitted with an automatic three-minute courtesy light sensor and an obstruction sensor. You may however own a side-hinged garage door which can be opened like a traditional door. Perhaps you own a custom-made wooden door which incorporates one of the above mechanisms to function. If any of these descriptions resonate with your garage door, you will be able to identify which door type that you own and discover if it is repairable.

Is it repairable?
Up and over doors do occasionally break from time to time. The most common fault is a broken cable which prevents the garage door from functioning as it should. Cones and cables can be purchased and replaced on an up and over garage door providing that you identify the exactly model type and buy the correct components. Another possible fault for both retractable and canopy up and over garage doors are malfunctioning springs. These can also be purchased online or in dedicated shops. There are many tutorials online that will teach you how to replace these parts. However you might want to commission a professional to complete this job for peace of mind. Roller garage doors do not often go wrong, but when they do, it is likely that the slats are made from inferior materials and have started to misalign. If the problem is too comprehensive, then the whole door might have to be replaced. However, you can buy individual slats and replace them accordingly. The same incident may occur if you have a sectional garage door whereby the horizontal hinged sections become damaged. These sections can be replaced and the functionality of your garage door will be restored. Wooden garage doors can be prone to rot if they are not treated thoroughly because they are exposed to the wet. Sections of the wooden door can be replaced and painted over discreetly. However, if the rot is extensive, the garage door might have to be completely replaced. Side-hinged doors are safeguarded from most garage door problems however, if they are made from wood, they might succumb to rot too. Automatic garage doors can go wrong because they rely on technology. If your automatic garage door fails to open or close, it might simply be that the key fob battery needs replacing. Other common mistakes are not plugging the opener’s cord into a working outlet, or inadvertently activating the lock feature. You could also check that the beam sensor is plugged in, clean the sensor located in front of the on/off button or reprogram the remote. All these aspects can be found in the user manual if you are unsure. If you have tried all these methods and your automatic garage door still does not open, you may need to contact a professional.

Would a different garage door be a wise investment?
If you can not repair your garage door, a professional might be able to at a reasonable cost. However, sometimes it is cheaper and more effective to replace your garage door with another. The damage that is caused might be because your door is not the most suitable option for yourself and your family. For example, you might have caused damaged to an up and over garage door because of an obstruction inside the garage. In this instance, a roller garage door would be a better because it is more compact and does not occupy valuable wall and ceiling space. If you are finding heavy wooden doors a strain to lift, it might be wise to invest in an automatic garage door which will be easier to use.

There are many reputable companies which will conduct garage repairs in Newcastle. If you need to replace your garage door, carefully consider which one would most suit yourself and your family at present and in the future.

Garage Doors Newcastle have been providing the best in installation and Garage Doors Repairs for over 25 years. Well-established and family run, they are the largest garage door retailer in Newcastle with a large selection of garage doors at unbeatable prices.

With Garage Doors Newcastle you can choose from a range of quality products and gain professional advice from a team of expert advisors and installers who will work to your requirements and budgetary needs to achieve what works best for you.

There a wide range of garage doors available out there, as well as a lot of retailers and varying information on types, designs and installation options. As a result it might be a little difficult to determine what type of garage door is the best for you and your property. Here at Garage Doors Newcastle there is a great selection of garage door types and installation options from roller garage doors to up and overs, not to mention sectional, side hinged, automated/electronic and wooden garage doors. As well as providing installation Garage Doors Newcastle also offers garage door repairs and upgrades. We can help you to understand the different options available to you and select the best choice for your garage.

One of the ever more popular garage door choices is the Roller Garage Door, and you too can secure your garage at the touch of a button with a roller garage door from Garage Doors Newcastle.

More and more people are choosing to replace their old garage doors with a roller garage door. Why is that? Well, not only do they offer excellent value for money, but they also have a multitude of benefits over other garage door options, which make them a great choice for you and your garage.

The benefits of having a roller garage door installed:

• If you have a short driveway you are not alone. It is becoming increasingly common for properties to have shorter driveways in the UK, and this can often cause problems for owners in terms of manoeuvrability of your car and ease of opening the garage itself. With roller shutters they don’t swing out, making it the perfect solution to short driveways. You can park your car right up against the garage door and it will still operate easily and safely without you having to figure out how to open the garage door and manoeuvre your car into the space.
• If you’re also using your garage to store items other than your car, or you’re utilising the space for a home office, gym or workshop, for example, you are aware that traditionally garages are not the warmest of places within any given house. With roller garage doors however you can choose from a wide range of insulation options that will help to create a warmer environment for you and your garage.
• This kind of door also means that you can save on space within your garage because this design doesn’t take up as much room as any other given garage door might. For example up and over garage doors tend to take up a lot of ceiling space that could be utilised for something else.
• A roller shutter garage door can be fitted into nearly every shape of garage opening either inside, in-between or in front of the aperture with no internal tracking, giving the door a neat, compact style operation. As there is no internal tracking mechanisms it takes up less space, and all the pitfalls that can occur when fitting other types of garage doors are removed with this kind of installation. Meaning that this type of garage door is easily installed and maintained.
• Operating a roller garage door is very easy and safe because of its remote automation.

All in all roller garage doors are a worthy upgrade to any garage and with a wealth of unique benefits they are a really great choice over any other garage door options out there on the market.

If you’re looking for excellent value for money, expert advice and professional installation contact Garage Doors Newcastle for a free, no obligation consultation. You can secure your garage at the touch of a button with a roller garage door today.

It’s one of every man’s dreams isn’t it? To have their own space in their own home dedicated to being a man and doing man things. It might be a place to work out, to play games or simply to chill with your mates with a few beers whilst watching the football or playing FIFA. Whatever you’d like from your man cave, if you’ve got a garage then the dream needn’t be that far away. It’s easy these days to transform a garage into a man cave, so why not stop dreaming and start doing with our 5 steps to turn your garage into the ultimate man cave.

Start with a blank canvas
Whether you currently use your garage for storing your car or just general household storage, chances are there are going to be a whole host of items in there that you’re going to have to find a new home for. Don’t be tempted to keep part of the garage for storage, a good man cave is all or nothing, so get rid of EVERYTHING and start the construction of your man cave with a blank canvas.

Get the paintbrush out
Most garages aren’t naturally the most stylish places. Most aren’t decorated or painted in any way and those that are are done so for function rather than flair. Man caves however need that touch of male sophistication so think what colours you’d like and get painting. Add some posters and other wall adornments and you’re man cave will soon start looking the business.

Consider your lighting options
When your garage was just a garage, it was probably perfectly OK to use just one light. But if you’re going to be chilling out in there whether on your own or with your mates, you’re going to need some decent lighting. Whether you go for the industrial look or a more modern look is up to you and how you want your man cave to look.

Get some flooring
The standard concrete garage door is cold and unwelcoming which isn’t really becoming for your new man cave. There are various options, such as installing floorboards, carpets, a wooden floor and laminates or even just some simple rugs. As soon as you get some sort of floor covering down, your man cave will really start to take shape.

Think about insulation and heating
It’s all very well and good having a fabulously cool man cave, but it’s no good if you and your mates find it too cold to chill out in there. If you really want to make the most of your man cave, consider extending your central heating system in there. You should also consider any heat that is escaping from your garage door. If your door is more than a few years old, then you should check out the latest garage door technology. Our doors have a range of insulation options, ensuring that your garage, whatever you use it for is as energy efficient as possible and will keep you warm in your new man cave.

Kit it out
This bit is completely up to you and how you want your man cave to be. You might want gym equipment, comfortable sofas, a drum kit, retro arcade machines or simply a huge TV with a range of consoles. Whatever your choice, it’s YOUR space so it is up to YOU.

Don’t forget about security
Once you have kitted your man cave out, chances are you are going to have thousands of pounds worth of equipment in there. Ensure that your garage is wired up properly to your burglar alarm and if you’re relying on an old garage door to keep your good safe, it might be worth thinking about replacing it with a new one. Garage door security has come along a lot these days and whichever design of door you go for, you’ll sleep safer knowing man cave and its goods are safe and sound.

Here at Garage Doors Newcastle we’ve been supplying garage doors to the Tyne and Wear area for over 25 years. If you’d like a quote, give us a call now on 0191 2037 861.

How old is your garage door? If it is about 10 years old or more, then it really is time to start considering replacing it. Chances are, it is getting well past its sell-by-date and if it doesn’t look a bit shabby already, that day will soon come. Although replacing your garage door may be well down on your ‘to-do’ list, take a look at our 5 reasons to replace your garage door. You’ll find that it might well not cost you anything at all effectively, because it can actually make you money..

1. Improves the appearance of your home
Depending upon the exact design of your house, if viewed from the front, your garage can take up to approximately 25% of the front aspect of your property. Whilst we’re all aware of how things like nice new windows, guttering or fascias can improve the appearance of any home, many people forget about their garage door. A brand new garage door can instantly improve the appearance of any house for a relatively small outlay. With a wide variety of options available to suit all kinds of homes, you may choose from an expansive range from simple metal up and over doors to highly crafted wooden garage doors. Whatever you choose, it’s going to significantly improve the appearance of your property.

2. Add value to your home
Of course, one of the main benefits of improving the appearance of your house with a new garage door is the fact that it will increase the value of your property. According to the Halifax, one of the UK’s biggest mortgage lenders, garages are one of only two home improvements (the other being central heating) that immediately add value to your home, with estimates of a 6% increase for a single garage and a 15% increase if it’s a double garage. That means garages are a serious asset and if you are looking to add value to your home, you should be maximising its appearance by ensuring it has the garage door it deserves.

3. Save you money on heating
We seem to have ever rising energy bills in the UK, which means that most of us are now doing what we can to save money and make our homes more efficient. Garages are one of the worst areas for heat loss in your home but one that many people fail to think about when making their home more efficient. If you’ve not changed your garage door for a while, there is a significant possibility that it’s letting a lot of heat escape from your home. All of our garage doors are built with energy efficiency and the environment in mind and are designed to retain warmth and protect against the elements. The money a new garage door can save you makes it a savvy investment for any homeowner.

4. Make your home safer
Garages can house thousands of pounds worth of goods and equipment. As well as your car, you may have work tools, office equipment, white goods or hobby equipment stored away in there. This makes garages very tempting for would-be intruders. Garage security has moved on significantly in the last few years, which means if your garage door is a number of years old, your car and other goods may not be as well protected as they should be.

5. Less maintenance
If you have an old garage door, whether wooden or metal, you’re probably used to having to keep it well maintained to ensure that it looks as well it can. This can be time consuming and expensive over the years. Thankfully, the new garage doors that we supply are very low maintenance, especially when you choose pre-finished colours. So say goodbye to spending hours scraping and painting and say hello to a maintenance schedule that consists only of an occasional and quick soap and water wash.

If you’d like to discuss replacing your garage door, then call us on 0191 2037 861 or email info@garagedoorsinnewcastle.co.uk.