13 Jan 2021
Garage Doors Permalink

Leave It to the Muskegon Garage Door Repair Experts

January 13, 2021

Leave It to the Muskegon Garage Door Repair Experts

 

When it comes to Michigan garage door replacement and repair, it’s best to leave certain tasks to the professionals. Around 20,000 to 30,000 people are injured by garage doors each year. A single garage door weighs at least 130 pounds, but depending on style and size, can weigh over 400 pounds. Not only that, but other parts of the garage are just as dangerous. Certain aspects of Muskegon garage door repair should be left to the experts, and here’s why.

How Dangerous are Garage Door Springs?

Despite what you may believe, garage door openers don’t lift the garage door as much as the springs. Garage door springs help lift the weight of the door and are necessary for the door to open and close. There are wo types of garage springs: torsion and extension springs. Torsion springs are more dangerous. These horizontal springs sit at the top of the garage and lift the weight of the door. Extension springs expand and contract to collect and release energy when the garage door opens and closes. An important aspect of springs that many do-it-yourselfers get wrong is installing the wrong size springs. Springs that aren’t the correct size can cause damage to the garage door opener, wear cables, damage the door itself, and be a general safety hazard overall. Trying to fix broken torsion springs requires proper tools, an understanding of mechanics, and safety precautions. If the spring fails, it could break apart into sharp pieces, essentially maiming a person. The door could also fall. An improperly installed spring may also damage the door itself, requiring further repair by professionals.

How Dangerous are Garage Door Cables?

Garage door cables, also called safety cables, sometimes fit inside of the springs, so that they don’t pop and ricochet off the walls, damaging you and your property. Again, it is advised to hire experts for garage door repairs, as cables could snap and flail like whips. A cable that has been damaged during install could chip flooring or, like with springs, damage the garage door.

Other Common Garage Door Injuries:

Falling Doors:

Over 2,000 people are crushed by garaged doors each year, around one hundred of which are injured due to running under a door while it’s closing. Door sensors are supposed to prevent the door from falling on a person, but it’s best to stay smart. Make sure your garage door is not in motion when walking in or out of a garage. If you’ve done a maintenance check and found the sensors to be faulty, consult a Muskegon garage door professional.

Pinched Fingers:

Over 7,500 people receive pinched finger injuries from garage doors. These injuries are often caused by sectional garage when people their fingers caught in between the panels. Other pinched finger accidents are due to the sharp springs on the sides of the door.

Lacerations:

Many older garage doors have glass windows. When this glass shatters, it can cause lacerations and other wounds. Over 800 people a year are injured due to garage door glass. If you have an old garage door that’s caused injury, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Getting Locked Inside:

The last garage door injury on the list is getting locked inside of a garage. This is more frightening if the garage is detached and there are no other exit points, or if you’re unable to get back into the house due to a locked door.

The professionals at Shepherd Shoreline want you and your family to remain safe. That’s why it’s advised to call the professionals when it comes to garage door repair and replacement. It’s always recommended to maintain the upkeep of your garage, but fixes to difficult problems are best left to the Muskegon garage door experts.

13 Jan 2021
Gutters Permalink

West Michigan Seamless Gutters

January 13, 2021

West Michigan Seamless Gutters

 

Grand Haven seamless guttersRain not only dampens peoples’ moods, but can cause harm to the exterior walls of your home. Grand Haven seamless gutters aren’t just for decoration, they catch rain and sometimes even debris to prevent your walls from eroding, basements from flooding, and protect siding. And although Michigan may not be listed as one of the top ten rainiest places in the United States, it is considered one of the top ten snowiest states. The same principle that applies to rain gutters applies to snow. If you’re still wondering “Why do I need gutters,” or what the difference between regular gutters and seamless gutters are, continue reading to find out more.

 

The importance of Gutters:

seamless gutters in snowAs stated earlier, gutters protect a home from erosion, mold, and mildew, as well as leaky roofs. If you’ve slathered a fresh coat of paint on your home without paying attention to the weather, you may be shocked to find rain altering your paint’s color and texture. Fresh paint can bubble and peel when in contact with moisture. Even after power washing, it’s recommended to wait two days to paint your home, so why risk painting before a rainy day? If this was accidental, gutters may be your saving grace. The purpose of gutters is to divert water away.

 

Regular Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters:

seamless gutters vs sectional gutters

In various parts of Michigan, like Muskegon, seamless gutters are quite popular. The differences between regular gutters and seamless gutters are that seamless gutters are stronger due to their unique construction and are also easier to install. Seamless gutters are custom fit for your home and are made up of single seamless pieces, whereas traditional gutters are made up of sections, increasing the possibility of leaks. The other issue with sectional gutters is that the more joints, the more debris that builds up and can clog the system. Seamless gutters require less maintenance due to only having joints that connect at the corners, and; therefore, also have fewer leaks and clogs than regular gutters. Both types of house gutters last 20 years of longer depending on the type of material they’re made from, like copper or aluminum.

 

Leaf Guards and Other Gutter Covers:

In addition to seamless gutters, a homeowner can add further protection with covers, grates, or guards, like leaf guards. Leaf guards are used to prevent large leaves and debris from entering the gutter system. Gutter guards assist not only with water prevention, but helps deter a buildup of debris that would otherwise attract pests. Birds will often use gutter debris to build nests, or rodents will construct dens, so it’s beneficial to mitigate the issue and be sure to clean your gutters throughout the year. When it comes to Michigan gutter covers, their best use is for snow. Some guards are designed so that snow will slide off, instead of into the gutters themselves. This is beneficial because snow and ice can place pressure on gutters, damaging them in the long run. Shepherd Shoreline installs gutters guards and covers in Muskegon, Allendale, Grand Haven, as well as surrounding areas.

How Much do Seamless Gutters Cost:

Seamless gutters cost anywhere between $3 and $25 per square foot depending on material and location. Copper is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum. According to homeadvisor.com, the average cost of Muskegon seamless gutters is $913, while Grand Haven seamless gutters average out at around $1300. The national average cost of seamless gutters is around one grand and tend to be only slightly more expensive than traditional gutters. The low end cost for sectional gutters is a little under $900.

 

How to Clean Seamless Gutters?

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year. You can clean gutters with a leaf scoop or by wearing gloves and picking up hard to capture debris by hand. Some brands of gutters claim that they don’t need to be cleaned. Contact your West Michigan gutter specialists at Shepherd Shoreline to find out more if you’re ideal gutter solution is one with minimal maintenance.

 

If you’re interested in replacing your sectional gutters and installing seamless gutters, the benefits are superior and come at an affordable price. Whether you require seamless gutters in Grand Haven, Muskegon, or Allendale, Shepherd Shoreline will provide superior service. Call or Email for a quote.

 

 

18 Dec 2020
Garage Doors Permalink

How Does the Weather Affect My Garage Door?

December 18, 2020
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How Does the Weather Affect My Garage Door?

While you’re sitting comfortably inside your home, shielded from the cloudy west Michigan sky, your garage door is facing the elements and protecting whatever you may have stored within the structure’s interior. Having a quality garage door is key to keeping your property safe, but any garage door can be adversely affected by weather. From wind to rain, and frost to snow, nature can take its toll on your garage door’s functions. If you’re curious about how your garage door is altered by the weather, continue reading to find out more.

Moisture

Muskegon seamless gutters, or gutters in any west Michigan county, are a must. On average, Michigan gets around 34 inches of rain per year. Gutters are utilized to catch rainwater, and, without them, water can seep into your property’s structure, including the garage. If your garage is wooden, it will expand and contract when wet. This is especially important if the frame is wooden. A wooden frame that’s been exposed to moisture will swell and cause the garage door to get stuck. When exposed to too much moisture, swelling is irreversible. Humidity can also cause a door to stick to the seal. Apply a topcoat to prevent wood from breaking down when moisture is a factor.

Hot weather affecting garage door

Heat and Sunlight

Although Michigan may be mostly cloudy, there are sunny days and, in a way, similar to humans, a garage can be blinded by the light. Garage doors have one sensor on each side. These sensors are called photo eyes and are utilized to prevent the garage door from closing when a person or animal is trying to pass under it. Sunlight can trick photo eyes, so that they’ll assume there’s an object blocking the garage door, preventing it from shutting. To correct this issue you can either shade or tent the photo eyes with paper. Heat can also cause electronics to fail. If this happens, the garage door may not open or close properly. Batteries can even be drained because of the heat. High temperatures can weaken a battery’s charge, so if your battery seems to be dying, change it as soon as possible.

Cold

Winter is also hazardous for a garage door. The cold alters a garage door’s components and increases the amount of pressure on door springs, causing them to break. A thin layer of lubricant will assist with contracting metal, but too much may harden, causing more problems than solutions. Hardened grease has to be scraped away, otherwise the garage door won’t function as intended. Extreme cold may cause garage doors to freeze shut at the base. Be mindful of the weather and shovel away ice and snow away from the garage’s bottom seal. Ensure your weather seal hasn’t broken down with age, otherwise it may capture snow. Even the interior of a garage can be affected by the cold. If your garage door isn’t insulated, you may find the garage itself uncomfortably chilly. You can either have insulation added, or purchase a replacement garage door that is already insulated.

Natural Disasters

Michigan is also windy and strong winds may cause unintended damage, like from fallen tree branches or even the tree itself. Tornados are also possibilities. It’s best to reinforce garage doors, but still note they should not be used for shelter in case of a tornado. Reinforcing is utilized to lessen damage to the garage itself in case of a natural disaster.

From rain to cold, heat, to sunlight, garages are manmade and fighting with the elements can be a challenge. Investing in a high-quality garage door can help it withstand extreme temperature changes that come and go with the seasons. Weather affects your garage door, but with proper care, your door can hold up against harsh Michigan weather. Whether you require garage door repair in Allendale, or Coopersville, Shepherd Shoreline is here to service your garage and assist you with your needs.

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  • Address: 950 E. Broadway Ave, Norton Shores, MI 49444
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13 Nov 2020
Garage Doors Permalink

Know Your Garage Door, Part 2: Types of Garage Doors

November 13, 2020
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Know Your Garage Door, Part 2

In “Know Your Garage Door Part 2,” we’re going to dive into the various types of garage doors, as well as the anatomy of a standard garage door. As explained in “Know Your Garage Door Part 1,” garage doors were originally carriage houses with doors that swung open to the sides, like the typical door in a home entryway would. Now there are several ways garages open, and each has a style of its own.

Opening Up: The Types of Garage Doors

Although garage doors initially opened sideways as double doors, with the evolution of technology came the evolution of the modern door.

A red sectional garage door with windows

Roll-Up – A type of garage door made of horizontal strips of steel that rise vertically and roll-up around an overhead spindle when opened. Roll-up doors are often seen in commercial and industrial sites, like warehouses, but they’re beneficial in residential areas as well. Roll-up garage doors are fire resistant and extremely sturdy. Due to their strength, they’re more secure than standard sectional garage doors. For those who like to use garages as storage areas, roll-up doors save more space than traditional garage doors.

Sectional – Sectional garages are the most common type of door; these are made up of horizonal panels attached together by hinges that bend when opened and closed. Sectional garage doors are popular because they’re reliable. Many homes have this type of door and they’re often perceived as adding curb appeal.

Horizontal/Side Sliding – They slide out to the left and right manually or electronically. A side sliding or horizontal sliding garage door is quiet and doesn’t vibrate like garages that open and close vertically.

Sliding – Slides into the side of a garage when opened. For some, the sliding garage door is even more attractive than a standard garage door. A popular trend with sliding garage doors is the rustic barnyard look.

Side-Hinged – Similar to the original carriage doors, they open like any other door and are more popular in the countryside. These are often chosen for their appearance, but can be automated like any other garage door. Side-hinged doors are also quiet, similar to side sliding doors.

Tilt-up/Canopy – Made of a single piece of material that uses a spring mechanism to raise the door into a canopy. A third of the door will stick out when opened. Tilt-up garage doors generally have more style options available, but they’re not as safe as sectional garage doors.

Anatomy of a Garage Door

The last way to understand your garage door is to become familiar with its anatomy. Many garage doors are made up of the following:

Door panels – The panels on the exterior of a garage door that are broken up into bendable sections. Doors without panels are canopy or tilting doors.

Torsion spring – Makes the door light enough to be lifted manually by storing energy.

Vertical tracks – The tracks the door rides when opening or closing.

Horizontal tracks – The tracks the door carriage rides along to raise the door.

Lock– Prevents the door from being forced open.

Weather-stripping – Prevents breezes, drafts, insects, water, etc. from entering the garage.

Drive unit – The motor that runs when the door is opening or closing.

Opener unit – The remotes used to open a garage door, such as a hardwired remote, car remote, or keypad.

Emergency Release Cord – A red rope that disconnects the trolley, allowing the door to be opened in case of emergency.

Door sensors – Prevents door from closing on people or animals when entering or exiting the garage.

 

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13 Nov 2020
Garage Doors Permalink

Know Your Garage Door, Part 1

November 13, 2020
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Know Your Garage Door, Part 1

 

Having over 50 years of garage door industry experience, the professionals at Shepherd Shoreline acknowledge the importance of your door’s functions and features. Regardless of whether your door is used for residential or commercial purposes, understanding your own garage will help keep your doors well-maintained and prevent long-term wear and tear.

A Garage Door’s Importance

The first garage doors came in the form of double doors that opened outwards and were attached to carriage houses. These early doors were unable to stand up to nature and would often break. It wasn’t until 1921 when the overhead door was invented to better service the needs of car owners. However, garage doors aren’t just for opening and closing, they have many other practical purposes, such as:

Protections against the elements – When parking in uncovered spaces one risks a surprise attack from hail, the piling on of snow, or even destruction from the blazing sun. Parking in a garage is optimal in these instances, but what prevents the elements from creeping in? Garage doors are equipped with a bottom seal, made of either rubber or vinyl, that prevents flood water from seeping in. These seals also block out drafts, dirt, sand, dust, and even bugs or other pests. Garage doors also usually consist of weather-stripping seals, which have the same function as the bottom seal, but are used to tightly close gaps on the sides of the door, which is most effective against rain.

Energy Conversion – Most homeowners don’t realize that they can make their garages more energy efficient and cut down their energy bill each month. The best way to make a garage door energy efficient is by adding insulation to the door and windows. Insulating the garage door and garage door windows will keep the garage cool in the summertime, but maintain heat in winter; however, using an insulation kit is not as effective as installing a door designed with insulation in mind.

Security – Aging or flimsy garage doors make buildings easy access for thieves. Installing a quality durable door, such as a solid-core door (a wooden door filled with wood composite instead of being hollow), provides an extra layer of protection for your home or commercial building. It’s easy to leave your garage door open or your remote in the car, but it’s also best to always keep your door closed when not supervised and to store your remote in places that aren’t visible to passersby.

Property Value – When remodeling your home, it might be easy to forget about the garage door. Updating your garage door to one that matches the exterior style of your home adds curb appeal, which may, in turn, boost your home’s property value. Taking things a step further and installing a high-quality weather resistant door may even increase your investment return. The garage door is as essential as any other feature of your house.

Garage Door: A Material of Beauty

Modern garage door
Wood garage door
Carriage garage doors

Garage doors are more versatile than they may appear on the outside. Most garage doors do not come in a standard size and many are constructed of different materials, each have their own benefits:

Steel – Steel and aluminum doors are the most common/readily available and most popular to own. Steel costs less to produce than aluminum and are constructed with 1-3 layers, with or without insulation. They can come in various finishes, some of which make them appear as if they’re made of wood, but are not as resilient to rust as aluminum doors.

Aluminum – Aluminum doors are similar to steel, but don’t rust when exposed to moisture. Aluminum doors can come in various finishes as well, but are oftentimes left unpainted. Aluminum doors are also more prone to dings and dents due to being a thinner metal than steel.

Wood – Often more expensive than steel, these doors are lauded for their craftmanship and natural appearance. Wood doors are extremely strong and are a great choice when considering home security. The downside of wooden doors is cracking and warping in hot climates.

Vinyl – Less expensive than wooden doors, but more than steel, these strong doors require little maintenance, are rust-proof, and kid-friendly. They are hard to dent, unlike aluminum doors, and built strong thanks to steel frames and insulation made of polyurethane.

Fiberglass – Fiberglass doors often have steel cores and harder to dent than steel or aluminum doors. They can break more easily if struck with force, but do have longer shelf-lives.

Glass -Glass garage doors add a modern touch to a home while providing ample natural light. Glass door panels range depending on privacy needs, from transparent, to opaque, and frosted. Glass doors may look great, but they’re fragile.

 

So, now that you understand the importance of your garage door and the materials doors are made of, it’s time to discover how they function. Head on over to “Know Your Garage Door Part 2” to learn more about the various garage door opening styles and the components that make doors work.

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CONTACT US

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION

  • Address: 950 E. Broadway Ave, Norton Shores, MI 49444
  • Phone: (231) 780-2847
  • Business Hours: Mon – Fri, 8AM – 5PM
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