Tips for Improving Loading Dock Safety

A loading dock, also sometimes called a loading bay, is the area of a commercial or industrial facility where goods are loaded onto or unloaded from a vehicle, often a semi-truck. Loading docks are typically attached to a storage room, staging area or freight elevator. Though all loading docks serve the same purpose, they don’t all look the same. The most common type of loading dock is an opening that is flush with the building’s exterior. A truck can back all the way up to the opening, and freight can be loaded and unloaded without exposure to the elements. 

One thing all loading docks have in common is that, while they’re essential to loading and unloading operations, they can be one of the most dangerous areas of the facility for warehouse workers. Loading docks are home to approximately a quarter of all reported warehouse injuries. The good news is that the majority of accidents that take place on a loading dock are preventable. With the right safety equipment and protocols, your business can make loading docks a safer place to get the job done.

Table of Contents

• Most Common Loading Dock Hazards
• OSHA Loading Dock Requirements
• Loading Dock Safety Tips
• Improve Loading Dock Safety

Most Common Loading Dock Hazards

To know how to make a loading dock safe for employees, you have to first understand what the most common hazards are. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) highlights two major hazards. Since a loading dock is elevated to meet the height of a semitrailer, falling off the edge of the dock is one serious risk. The other is skidding or slipping when the surface of the dock becomes slick from rain or ice.

These are both major risks, but they aren’t the only potential perils of loading docks. Here are several other dangers to be aware of:

• Trailer Separation: This problem is common enough that it goes by several nicknames: trailer walk, dock walk and — most commonly — trailer creep. The weight of forklifts entering and exiting the trailer can cause it to gradually drift away from the dock until there is a dangerous gap between the trailer and the dock.
• Premature Departure: If a miscommunication occurs and a truck driver mistakenly pulls away from the dock prematurely, it could cause a forklift driver entering, exiting or inside of the trailer to be injured.
• Landing Gear Collapse: Damaged or weak landing gear on a trailer can suddenly fail, allowing the trailer to move. It could either pitch forward or swing off to one side. This can injure employees who are entering, exiting or inside of the trailer.
• Trailer Pop-Up and Up-Ending: Pop-up can occur when the weight of a loaded forklift entering the back end of the trailer causes the trailer to press down in the back and pop up in the front. Up-ending is the opposite, but equally dangerous, problem, where the trailer’s nose is forced down, causing the back to rise.
• Dock Shock: Dock shock refers to the health and safety hazard that lift truck operators experience when they are jarred by a bumpy transition crossing over from the warehouse floor to the loading dock.
• Unsecured Loads: When a load on a forklift or other powered truck isn’t properly secured, it can slide off, causing injury to the forklift driver or any other employees within close proximity.
• Lifting: Though not unique to loading docks, lifting equipment is also a common source of warehouse injuries and often occurs when employees are loading and unloading goods at the loading dock. Though a back strain may seem less serious than a fall or other injury, a first-time back injury can cost $10,000 and can put an employee out of commission for some time.

OSHA Loading Dock Requirements

Since loading docks present so many potential hazards, it’s no wonder that OSHA outlines requirements in an attempt to safeguard employees working on loading dock areas. Depending on your industry, the types of equipment you use and specific hazards related to your operations, there will be many OSHA standards you should pay attention to. Let’s look briefly at three different standards that are relevant to any loading dock. Note that OSHA standards are a federal baseline. Your state may have its own more stringent requirements to pay attention to.

Guard Rails

When your dock door is open, a worker could potentially fall from the platform. OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.23 outlines the requirement for guard rails on dock door openings when they’re open. This standard requires any wall opening that is four or more feet up from the ground to be guarded by a barrier consisting of a top rail, intermediate rail and posts. The guard rail should be about 42 inches from the floor, so it effectively stops someone from falling.

Forklifts

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178 covers the use of powered industrial trucks, more commonly referred to as lift trucks or forklifts. An overturned or fallen forklift can crush people, causing serious injury or even fatalities, so there are many requirements for these vehicles. Some of the most basic requirements are that these pieces of equipment must meet the American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969 and must be operated only by trained workers.

Another relevant requirement for loading docks is that railroad cars or highway trucks or trailers that are being boarded by powered industrial trucks for loading and unloading purposes must have their breaks set and be secured by wheel stops or other effective protection, so they don’t move. If a semitrailer is not attached to a tractor, then it may need to be supported by fixed jacks. OSHA also requires that workers check to make sure the floor inside a trailer is in good shape before driving into it.

Personal Protective Equipment

Standard 29 CFR 1910.132 discusses the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace. This information has fairly broad applications, including on the loading dock. The standard states that, wherever it is necessary, the proper PPE must be provided. This leaves it up to businesses to carefully determine what types of PPE their employees might need. However, based on the OSHA standard, the following are typically recommended for loading dock workers:

• Safety boots
• High-visibility clothing
• Gloves
• Hearing protection
• Eye protection

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Loading Dock Safety Tips

Now that we’ve looked at the hazards present on a loading dock and at the relevant OSHA requirements to take into account, let’s look at 10 tips to help you adopt effective loading dock safety precautions that will keep all workers safe. Make sure you evaluate your own facility and operations to see if there are other ways you can help prevent problems with loading and unloading.

1. Train Employees on Safety Precautions

Any time you look at improving loading dock safety, you need to get any employees who work on loading and unloading or who work within the vicinity of the loading dock on board. Provide training to any new workers and periodically to experienced workers to remind them of important safety protocols such as inspecting palletized product to make sure it is secure before moving it or properly communicating with other workers to keep the loading dock safe for everyone.

2. Step Carefully and Use the Three-Point Rule

Emphasize to employees that they can help prevent falls by stepping carefully on the loading dock. Workers should never run and should be careful to remain a safe distance from the dock edges. They should never jump off the dock as this can cause trauma to the back, knees and ankles. When stepping on or off of a piece of heavy equipment, remember the three-point contact rule. This rule says that operators should keep three limbs on the vehicle when stepping in or off.

3. Keep Floors Clean and Dry

Another way to help prevent slips and falls is by keeping the floor dry and clear of any objects or debris. Containers, tools and any other materials should stay out of the way of loading and unloading operations. Schedule regular cleanings to make sure the loading dock area remains tidy. If spills occur or if rain, snow or ice leaves the floor wet, mop the floor immediately and allow it to dry.

4. Provide Plenty of Light

When an area is dark, it increases the chance that employees won’t see spills or small objects like nails that could cause an injury. It can also make it easier for collisions to occur. Make sure the dock area is well-lit and that lift trucks are equipped with spotlights so drivers can see everything in front of them, whether on the warehouse floor or in a semitrailer.

5. Lift Carefully

To prevent injuries from lifting heavy materials, make sure all employees follow best practices for lifting. This includes never lifting skids and pallets on their own and, when they are lifting materials, bending their knees with their back straight so as not to strain their back. They should also wear work gloves to help them get a firm grip on whatever they’re lifting.

6. Keep On-Foot Personnel at a Safe Distance

Because workers can be hit by heavy machinery and seriously injured or killed, workers on foot should make sure they maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment. This especially means making sure you are never in a trailer when a forklift is entering or exiting. To help enforce this precautionary measure, try marking the floor with highly-visible tape or paint to indicate where it is safe to walk.

7. Ensure All Forklift Operators Are Qualified

OSHA requires that all powered industrial truck operators are trained for a reason. If an employee is unauthorized to operate heavy machinery but thinks they can operate a forklift in a pinch, this could lead to potential injuries and lawsuits. Make sure employees you intend to operate forklifts or other heavy equipment have gone through the training they need for that particular piece of machinery, and make sure unauthorized workers understand they are never allowed to operate a forklift if they haven’t been trained to do so.

8. Use a Smooth Dock Board, Plate or Leveler

Dock boards, plates and levelers provide a connection between the loading dock and the inside of the semitrailer. Dock boards and plates provide a straight transition while dock levelers help to make up for differences in height between the loading dock floor and the trailer. Whatever you’re using to make the transition, make sure it provides a smooth path. The smoother the transition, the less chance lift truck operators have of experiencing dock shock. Make sure these transition pieces are correctly positioned and secure before anyone drives over them.

9. Communicate With the Truck Driver

Since a miscommunication with a driver could cause a serious injury, make sure the driver is aware of what’s going on at all times. Whether you use colored lights, hands signals or some other system, make sure the driver has a visual at all times that they can see in the truck mirrors. Drivers should always do their due diligence to make sure the trailer is clear before pulling away from the loading bay. Some drivers may hand their keys off to someone else who can return them once loading or unloading operations are complete.

10. Use Vehicle Restraints

Trucks should always be secured with vehicle restraints, so they aren’t able to roll away from the loading dock. Wheel chocks are a traditional way of doing this, but modernized rear impact guard (RIG) locking devices can do even more. As the name suggests, these locking devices attach to the truck’s RIG using a full rotating hook. These devices can prevent the hazardous issue of trailer separation. For added protection, look for a model that includes a communication system, so you always know when they’re engaged. Some may even issue an audible alarm when necessary.

Improve Loading Dock Safety

Loading docks may be known as notoriously dangerous areas, but they don’t have to be. A major step toward keeping your loading dock safe is committing, along with your employees, to observing safety precautions at every turn. Think of the OSHA standards only as a starting point. Follow the tips in this article and look for other ways you can make your environment safer.

Another critical step toward a safer loading dock is having the right safety equipment. The right vehicle restraints, levelers and more can make all the difference in preventing injuries and other problems.

Since 2000, Continental Door, Co. has serviced the communities in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas in Washington, Northern Idaho, Northeastern Oregon and Eastern Montana. In addition to providing and installing residential and commercial garage doors, we carry quality equipment for loading docks. We understand just how crucial the right equipment is to helping you get the job done safely day after day. Contact us today with any questions or comments or to learn more about how you can make your loading dock a safer place to work.

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Updated: 05/22/2019

How Cold Weather Impacts Garage Doors

A garage is a major convenience, especially during the winter. With this useful storage space, you don’t have to brave the cold weather, scrape snow off your car or risk slipping on icy sidewalks. However, the cold temperatures of winter can cause your garage door to malfunction in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll discuss how cold weather affects garage doors and what to do if this crucial contraption suddenly stops working.

Table of Contents

• Ways Cold Weather Can Impact Garage Doors
• Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors
• What to Do If the Garage Door Stops Working Due to the Cold
• Importance of Preventative Maintenance for Garage Doors

Ways Cold Weather Can Impact Garage Doors

Garage doors consist of many components, most of which are affected by the cold in one way or another. Below we’ll cover the parts most likely to fail when the temperatures drop.

1. Springs

Broken springs are a common problem and usually due to wear and tear, as the springs in a garage door last approximately 10,000 cycles on average. 

Many homeowners forget to perform checkups on their springs when the weather is cold, but it should be done frequently. You can do this by lifting the door by hand. Raise the door roughly halfway and then release it. It the garage door does not fall, this means your springs are in working order. If the door moves down, however, this may be a sign that you need to purchase new springs.

One way to avoid this unpleasant situation is by having a safety cable installed. This cable exerts sufficient force to serve as a counter to the weight of the door. If your springs do end up breaking even when you have a safety cable attached, you should still contact a professional immediately to replace the springs.

This situation can also be prevented by scheduling regular preventive maintenance.

2. Seals

If water collects on the ground around the door, the door can become frozen shut. This is one of the most annoying garage door malfunctions. If you notice that your garage door is frozen to the ground, there are a few ways to deal with this issue:

• Open it manually. Although it may not work in more in more severe winter conditions, it is worth it to try opening the door by hand. Make sure to use the emergency release cord. 
• Scrape the ice. Using a scraper, try scraping and chipping away at the ice.
• Melt the ice. Use a heat gun to melt the ice — but do so with care. Metal doors should not be exposed to too much heat at once.
• Pour hot water. Dumping some hot water at the door’s base can provide a quick solution, although remember that if this water refreezes, it could create a slipping hazard.

While all of these methods are worth trying out, there is no guarantee any of them will be effective. It is best to prevent this issue altogether by sweeping away water and snow from the base of the door as soon as you notice them.

3. Openers and Motors

Cold weather affects garage door openers as well. Because the motor consists of many moving parts and has to work extra hard in cold weather, it is particularly important to ensure that all the parts are well lubricated with the right lubricant. If you use the wrong lubricant, the consistency can become thicker, requiring the motor to exert itself even more. 

You should also examine the photo-eyes during cold weather. Snow or condensation can block the photo-eye lenses, which means that the garage door openers will cease to operate. If your door suddenly stops working, the first thing you should inspect and clean is the photo-eyes. 

4. Structure

Garage doors contain many parts made of metal, and metal contracts when it’s cold. This includes the track, the springs and the hinges. If these parts do not regularly move during the colder months, they may warp or seize up. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you lubricate these components so that they can continue to work correctly.

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

Buying a garage door with insulation can help you avoid many garage-related problems commonly experienced during the winter months.

Here are some of the benefits of an insulated garage door:

1. Your Garage Will Be Warmer

While space heaters and insulated walls will help to warm your space, if the garage door is not insulated, this will cause the warm air to escape through the door, and you may end up spending a small fortune on your heating bills. A warmer garage doesn’t just make your trip to and from the car more comfortable, but it also makes it easier to use the space for other activities.

2. You’ll Save on Energy Costs

Garages are not considered to be a living space, so the standards for building them are not the same as for the rest of your home. Unlike in most other areas of a house, gaps and air leakage are allowed in the garage. Because of this, garages tend to be one of the least energy-efficient areas of a house. Researchers have found that upgrading your uninsulated garage door to an insulated model can lower your heat loss by over 70 percent, especially if your garage walls are insulated as well.

3. Your Tools Will Be Protected

Freezing temperatures in your garage can cause damage to your vehicles, appliances and many other things. In particular, tools that have water inside them, such as power washers, may freeze and crack, which will effectively ruin them. Cold temperatures can also cause the fuel in your lawn mower engine to gel up, destroying this pricey piece of equipment. By investing in an insulated garage door, you may be avoiding thousands of dollars in damage.

4. Other Items Will Be Protected

Protecting your garage from extreme temperatures can also increase the life of paints, fertilizers, motor oil, cleaning supplies. Exceptionally cold or warm temperatures can change the consistency of these items.

5. Insulated Garage Doors Protect Your Car

Cold temperatures can affect many components of your car. They can lower the air pressure in your tires as well as thicken your engine, transmission and brake fluids. Cold weather can also cause your battery to die since most batteries function optimally between 30 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If your garage door is insulated, you could avoid dealing with all of these car issues.

6. Insulated Garage Doors Are More Durable

Insulated garage doors are manufactured differently than single-layer doors, and are stronger as a result. Insulated garage doors commonly feature a steel or aluminum frame, which is filled using solid-core insulation. This insulation is then put in between steel panels. This construction style makes the door more durable and reduces the chances of it being damaged or dented. Because garage doors should be able to withstand various weather phenomena, cars, equipment and kids, this additional strength comes in handy.

7. Insulated Garage Doors Are Less Noisy

The insulation also helps to dampen any vibrations your garage door, which is especially desirable if there is a living space next to or above the garage, as the inhabitants will not be disturbed whenever the door opens or closes. If you have a noisy garage door, you may want to consider upgrading to an insulated model.

8. They Reduce Sound Transmission

Garage doors with insulation also reduce the transmission of sounds passing through it, which can be a great option if you live near a busy street or have noisy neighbors.

What to Do If the Garage Door Stops Working Due to the Cold

If it’s uncomfortably cold outside and your garage door has suddenly stopped working, your first step should always be to replace the batteries in your remote. The batteries should all be of the same brand and should always be changed as a set.

If you’ve replaced the batteries in the remote and your door isn’t moving, the number of possible causes is substantial. By lifting your door by hand, you will be better able to isolate the issue.

To begin, disconnect the garage door from the lifting mechanism, which can usually be done by pulling a cord. This cord dangles from the lift and often has a red handle. This feature allows your door to operate independently of the lift mechanism. Knowing how to do this may also come in handy if your power goes out and you need to use your garage door.

Next, lift the door manually and pay attention to how it feels to lift it. Depending on how your door feels, you will take one of the following three courses of action:

1. Your Door Feels Heavy

If it feels heavy, this likely means that the springs, which are there to help you, are either broken or worn out. Garage doors have springs installed to provide a counterweight, which makes it easier for you and your motor to lift the door. With time, though, these springs may break or wear out.

However, under absolutely no circumstances should you try to repair or replace broken garage door springs on your own. Because the springs are under tremendous pressure, they could snap and cause injury or even death. If you believe that your garage door springs have broken, immediately contact an experienced technician.

2. Your Door Is Sticking in Spots

If your door does not feel heavy but rather appears to get stuck at certain places while you lift it, this issue is more likely related to lubrication.

Keep in mind that garage doors tend to be made of metal and travel along a track made of metal. For this reason, lubrication is critical, especially when the weather is cold. Remember that lower temperatures can affect the consistency of your lubricant, causing it to harden or become gunky. Check the rating on your lubricant to make sure it can withstand the lowest possible temperature that is likely to occur in your region.

Having too much lubrication on your tracks can also present a problem, as can lubrication that is unevenly distributed as a result of the cold. Make sure to visually inspect your tracks and keep an eye out for these issues.

Fortunately, adding more lubrication is a fairly straightforward task that any homeowner can handle, provided that they are wearing appropriate gloves. When reapplying the lubrication, make sure that the sharp metal on the tracks does not cut you.

3. You Have No Problems Opening the Door Manually

If your door opens smoothly with little effort, this means that the problem must be with the motor. In most cases, this is not an issue that you can solve yourself. It is best to hire an experienced professional to come and fix your motor.

Importance of Preventative Maintenance for Garage Doors

Even if you can fix your garage door with relative ease, a garage door malfunction in the dead of winter is no fun. It’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Garage doors should be inspected annually, and there’s no better time to do it than right before winter starts. Hire a professional to come and search for any issues that might lead to a malfunction.

If you’ve noticed a minor problem with your door, you should get it fixed right away — not when the temperature is below zero, there’s a snowstorm outside, and your garage door won’t open.

Contact Continental Door for All Your Garage Door Needs

If you live in the Greater Spokane, Wash., area and are in need of garage door repair, service or maintenance, you can count on Continental Door to get the job done correctly, efficiently and safely.

If you’re interested in buying a garage door, we offer a diverse collection of high-quality doors from the most trusted manufacturer in the industry. We are Spokane’s only Master Authorized dealer for Clopay® and are their largest dealer in the Western United States.

We also offer a large selection of other products, including:

• garage door openers
• automated security gates
• shop and pole building doors

Come in person to our showroom to explore options right for you. If you are looking for help with ideas, we even offer design consultations free of charge.

In addition to our wide selection of high-quality products, we also pride ourselves on our commitment to superior customer service and fast response times. Once you decide on the perfect product, you can enjoy our premium service and knowledge that we’ve come to be known for. We’ve grown rapidly in the 10 years that we’ve been serving the Spokane community, and we attribute this growth to our expertise and high standards of service.

If you’re in need of a service, you can schedule one using our online contact form. If it’s an emergency, you can call us at 509.921.2260 any time of day or night and a well-trained team of technicians will be at your door right away.

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Updated: 05/22/2019

What Are Photo Eye Sensors and How Can They Interfere With Your Garage Door Functioning?

What Are Photo Eye Sensors and How Can They Interfere With Your Garage Door Functioning?

Is your garage door refusing to close and not giving you any clue as to why? One reason might be a feature of your garage door that you probably never notice but that you almost certainly have if your garage door opener has been manufactured since 1993, thanks to Federal Law UL 325.

This feature is your photoelectric eye sensors, also known as the automatic reverse safety mechanism. In 1993, to minimize the likelihood of a garage door coming down unexpectedly with someone or something underneath it, the federal government required all automatic garage door openers to come with a photoelectric eye system. This is great news for garage door owners and their families, as it helps to provide protection from serious injury or property damage.

How Do Photoelectric Eye Sensors Work?

The system consists of two photoelectric “eyes,” mounted no more than six inches above the ground in your garage, located on either side of your garage door. The two eyes generate a beam between them. The sender (amber light) sends the message and the receiver (green light) receives the message. If that beam is interrupted as the door is coming down, it tells the system that there is an obstruction. The door immediately reverses direction, avoiding landing on someone or something underneath. If there is an alignment issue with the garage door, the amber light will remain lit and the green light will be turned off.

How Can Photoelectric Eye Sensors Interfere With Your Garage Door Working?

Under normal circumstances, they don’t. If your garage door keeps reversing because there is something in the way, these sensors are working exactly as they are supposed to, and you should remove whatever the obstruction is. In some cases, however, circumstances can occur that make the photoelectric eye sensors unable to communicate with each other. If one of them somehow gets knocked out of alignment, the connection will be broken, and the door may keep reversing even when there is nothing in the way.

Similarly, if there is dust or debris obscuring one of the eyes, it may not be able to receive the signal from the other one, and again, the door may behave as if there is something in the way and reverse. It is also possible for UV interference (direct sunlight) to cause photo eye issues where the opener will sporadically stop working at certain times of the day.

What to Do About a Photoelectric Eye Sensor Problem

If your door keeps reversing direction, there is a good chance a problem with the photoelectric eyes is the culprit. Locate the sensors and make sure they are in their proper place and that the lenses are clean. If you do this and make sure there are no obstructions under your door — including yourself — it could mean one of the eyes or some other part of your garage door opener system may be defective. If you’re in the Northern Idaho or Spokane, WA area, contact Continental Door as soon as possible for assessment and possible repair service.         

The Benefits of Rolling Doors for Your Business

The Benefits of Rolling Doors for Your Business

Did you know that you have many more options when it comes to your shop than just ordinary garage doors? For example, we recently had a customer in northern Idaho who hired Continental Door and Ramey Construction to install four insulated Cornell coiling doors. We’d like to thank Ramey Construction for that opportunity and also take a moment to let you know why you may also want to consider rolling or coiling doors for your business.

Why Steel Rolling or Coiling Doors?

There are a number of reasons why you may want to choose rolling steel doors for your business. For one, we have coiling doors with an R-value as high as 8.1. This is quite a high rating for commercial coiling doors, and it means your inventory and the interior of your facility will be better protected against heat transfer, saving you energy on heating or cooling costs.

Coiling doors are also very convenient to install and maintain. They can be customized to fit even in tight openings and easily roll up and out of the way without a complex overhead track system taking up space, such as you might find with a standard commercial overhead door. A quality steel coiling door can raise and lower fast for easy entry and exit, are convenient and often last a long time with little maintenance.

Here are a few additional benefits of rolling doors for your business: 

1. Better Security

Every year, the losses due to burglary, robbery and theft add up to billions of dollars. While not all losses are to small business, around 23% occur at business and another 19% in other locations. Shipping and warehousing services, in particular, need strong security to protect inventory. Rolling steel doors provide better security than flimsy sheet metal. 

2. More Durable

Most types of roll-up doors are made of steel or heavy-duty aluminum. They hold up to daily use and outside elements better than many other materials. Rolling doors are rust-resistant and can withstand the many rainy days in the Northwest, as well as wind, ice and even hail. They also do well with intense daily usage. 

Sectional doors have numerous parts where dust and dirt can collect and damage cables and eventually springs. Because rolling steel doors are made up of slats, it is easy to replace damaged sections and clean the doors. 

3. Improved Insulation

Coiling doors come with R-values as high as 8.1. A higher insulation rating keeps the inside of your facility at a steady temperature. Prevent heat transfer, which saves on heating and cooling costs. A customized fit allows coiling doors to be installed even in tight spaces and ensures the fit prevents gaps. Sometimes it is hard to get the right fit for wide or tall doorways, but rolling garage doors provide the perfect solution for these spaces. 

4. Special Functions

Rolling doors take up less space inside the room and need less headroom than other types of doors. They easily roll up and out of the way to allow taller vehicles into a warehouse for deliveries and shipping needs. Because these doors roll straight up, you keep your floor space, and your ceiling remains free and clear for moving tall things in and out. 

Rolling doors can also be used as a firewall or barrier in manufacturing facilities where heat or dangerous chemicals are used — but warehouses and manufacturers aren’t the only businesses using rolling doors. They also provide added security for retail establishments and offer a convenient way for restaurants to open up the interior and include an outdoor seating area during nice weather. When the weather isn’t desirable, the doors are simply lowered to separate indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Learn More About Rolling Doors

Continental Door for Rolling Steel and Coiling Doors in Northern Idaho and the Spokane, WA Area

At Continental Door, we offer high-quality coiling doors from top brands like Cornell and Alumatec. Cornell is a coiling door manufacturer that has been in business for nearly a century and is famous for their flexible design, top-level quality and LEED® compliant products. Alumatec coiling grilles and rolling counter doors are a popular choice among businesses that require quality, dependability and reliable security in their doors.

As a trusted source of residential and commercial garage doors in Washington and Northern Idaho, we are more than happy to help you find the right rolling steel doors for your business. To learn more, give us a call today at 509.921.2260, or stop by our showroom to see samples of our commercial door options for yourself. We are open to the public every day except Sunday. Our hours Monday through Friday are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday, we are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Have a look at our doors and talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable commercial garage door experts who can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to the perfect door for your business.

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Everything You Need to Know About Automated Security Gates

Automated security gates are basically driveway gates that activate via automatic gate openers. At apartment complexes and residential properties, electric security gates function as a safety feature that protects vehicles and occupants from unwanted intrusions. Electric gates are also often used at government buildings and power facilities to keep out unauthorized personnel. 

There are three main types of automatic gates, and their benefits range from protection and safety to increased privacy and property value.

Table of Contents

• The Three Main Types of Automated Security Gates
• Brands & Industry Updates
• Benefits of Automated Security Gates
• Security Gate Uses

The Three Main Types of Automated Security Gates

Automatic gates generally come in three basic types — the swing gate, the slide gate and the tilt security gate. Each gate type opens and shuts in its own unique way and is suited for a certain type of property.

1. Swing Gates

A swing gate is an open/close entryway consisting of one or two gates that swing horizontally inward to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate opens at one end and pulls inward and aside at the other. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and pull inward and aside. When fully open, the gate/s run parallel along each side of the driveway. You’ll often find this gate type on both public and private properties.

Swing gates work best along flat driveways with sufficient horizontal leeway. If the property is situated on an even plane with no irregularities or obstructions within 10 or 20 feet of the entry line, a swing gate would be a suitable option. The main benefit of this automated security gate option is the way the doors align parallel to the driveway. When open, swing gates consume the least amount of lateral space in relation to the road itself.

Swing gates do not work well for properties where the driveway is situated along dips, slopes or inclines. Additionally, if the driveway curves immediately upward within a few feet of the entryway, the gate will not have sufficient space to open and align to the side of the driveway. A swing gateway could also be awkward if the entryway precedes an abrupt slope in the driveway — the open gates would have a significant gap between the bottom of the gate and the ground.

2. Slide Gates

A slide gate is an open/close entryway consisting of one or two gates that slide horizontally aside to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate opens at one end and slides left or right until it has cleared from the driveway. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and slide to their respective ends until the driveway has cleared for traffic. When fully open, the gates run perpendicular to the driveway. Gates of this type are seen on both public and private properties.

Slide gates work best along flat driveways with sufficient peripheral leeway. If the property is situated on a flat, wide plane with no hills or obstructions to either side of the entry line for at least 10 feet, a slide gate would be a suitable option. One of the best features of slide gates is the way that they pull aside from the entrance when fully open. They clear the driveway completely, creating a big access area.

Slide gates are not ideal for properties where the driveway is narrowly slotted between abrupt slopes or inclines. If the entryway is situated next to a hill on one side, you would need to have a one-gate assembly that slides open to the side opposite of the hill, otherwise you would need to use a swing gate. Automatic sliding gates can also seem awkward along driveways surrounded at both ends by bodies of water. If the entryway is situated on a bridge above a pond, a slide gate would not be a suitable option.

3. Tilt Gates

A tilt gate is an open/close entryway that raises vertically to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate pulls up and aside to one end of the entrance. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and pull up and aside to their respective ends of the entrance. When fully open, the gate sits at a 90-degree angle to the side of the driveway. Gates of this type are most common at the entrances of wide, open parking lots for high-security buildings.

Tilt gates work best along driveways with sufficient overhead space. If the entryway is clear of trees, overhanging lights or overhead structures, a tilt gate could be a suitable option. The best quality of tilt gates is the way they open upward from the entrance and consume the least amount of horizontal space when fully open.

Tilt gates do not work along driveways where overgrowth or overarching structures inhibit the placement of vertical-rising components. If the entryway is situated within a building or a roofed parking lot, a tilt gate wouldn’t be suitable unless the roof is high enough to allow the gates to open upright.

Brands & Industry Updates

The brands that specialize in automatic gate openers have been enhancing their products for improved ease of use. These days, the activation of electric security gates is more convenient than ever thanks to innovations from the following brands:

LiftMaster^®

From one of the most trusted brands in the gateway business comes the LiftMaster Commercial Gate Operator, which comes equipped with battery backup and anti-interference technology for smooth, automated gate-activation for all authorized personnel. LiftMaster operators are often used on the properties of government buildings and power facilities. More recently, LiftMaster has also been put to use at apartment complexes and gated communities.

Linear

The latest in a line of wireless gate activators is the Model MCT-3 3-Channel Visor Transmitter, which is equipped with three buttons, one that works on gates, another that works on garage doors and a third that can access an additional receiver. Linear also offers one-button transmitters, keychain transmitters and wireless keypads.

Benefits of Automated Security Gates

Why should homeowners and businesses consider adding security gates to their properties? There are many reasons to install an automated gate at your entryway, from enhanced security and privacy to increased value and visual appeal. Home and building owners are choosing security gates primarily for the following reasons:

1. Increased Property Value

With a security gate at the entrance of your home or building, the value of the property is increased due to the enhanced safety. To those looking to purchase the property, the presence of a security gate will make the property seem like a more sound investment. 

For anyone looking for space to rent, a gated building would seem like one of the safest options. The numerous benefits that come with a security gate all add up to an increase in property value.

2. Enhanced Curb Appeal

A security gate can be an attractive addition to any property. To onlookers, the design of the gate will generally enhance the curb appeal of the estate or building in question. Gated entrances often have a regal quality that people associate with wealth and prestige. 

As such, a security gate can make your property seem of high value, whether you live in a mansion or a modest home. With various designs on the market, there are numerous gates that could complement the exterior of your property.

3. Improved Security

For most property owners, the main benefit of security gates is the security factor. When the entryway to your house or building is guarded with an automatic gate, you have the peace of mind of knowing that no car or person can wander onto your property without authorization. 

On a residential property, unwanted visitors are kept at a safe distance from your home and yard. On the grounds of a high-security place of business, a security gate will likely keep out trespassers. Overall, a security gate offers far greater safety than just a locked front door.

4. Improved Safety for Children and Pets

On a residential property, a security gate makes outdoor areas safer for children and pets. With a security gate in place, your children or pets are less likely to wander off, and the gates can also help prevent stray animals from coming onto the property. You can have peace of mind as you let your kids, or pets, roam free in the yard.

5. Increased Privacy

A gate puts distance between a house and the streets outside. In a residential neighborhood, a security gate can give your house an increased level of privacy. When seated in the comfort of your living room, for instance, you don’t have to worry as much about passersby seeing in your windows. The gate will likely block your windows from their view. 

5. Better Insurance Premiums

With the enhanced protection of a gated entrance, your property will look safer in the eyes of insurance companies. As such, your property will seem like less of an insurance risk. That means a security gate could help you secure lower premiums, depending on your insurance company.

Security Gate Uses

For many years, entry gates have been a fixture on premises of high-security buildings. These days, even apartment complexes, condominiums and private communities have automatic gates that protect the entryway. The following examples of where security gates are used range from common to arbitrary:

1. Homes

Security gates are good for residential properties that have enough entryway space to accommodate a gate assembly. In communities where homes are spread apart from one another, the driveways and yards are generally spacious enough to accommodate gated entrances. A security gate is also a wise addition to any remotely-situated property.

Learn More About Residential Automated Security Gates

2. Gated Communities

Security gates are one of the defining features of gated communities where middle and upper-class families reside to escape the malaise of the world outside. Inside a gated community, parents can allow their children and dogs to play without worry — everyone is acquainted with one another, and random people can’t just wander in.

3. Business Buildings

The parking lots of business buildings are often sealed off with security gates. This makes it easier to protect the vehicles of building employees and prevent unauthorized use of the parking spaces. Each person who works at the gated building is issued a card that authorizes their entrance through the gate as well as guaranteed parking in an assigned spot.

Learn More About Commercial Automated Security Gates

4. Airports

Security gates are one of the many safety features at airports. They help prevent unauthorized vehicles and aircraft from accessing restricted areas. They also provide a way for airport visitors to know where they can and cannot go. 

Additionally, at larger airports, in particular, security gates provide a point where license plates can be tracked and recorded. If a crime is committed inside the airport terminal or on one of the aircraft, licensing info can be accessed if necessary to aid in the identification of suspects.

5. Power/Energy Facilities

At power facilities, security is vital. You simply cannot have unauthorized personnel wandering onto the premises of a facility that handles energy. That is why security gates are seen at the entrances of all such establishments. The gate prevents people from coming onto the property to loiter and potentially put themselves, and others, in harm’s way. Security gates can also help to deter would-be criminals.

6. Government Facilities

Government buildings require top security. As such, you are unlikely to find a government building that lacks a gate before the parking lot. Security gates can help deter trespassers, criminals and others from entering the property unauthorized. This, of course, keeps government buildings as well as government workers safer. 

7. Apartment Complexes

A lot of apartment complexes are also equipped with security gates. At some of the higher-end complexes, the presence of a security gate is one of the main attractions to new tenants. With the security gate in place, tenants feel safer in the comfort of their units. Those vehicles also have peace of mind that their vehicles are much less likely to stolen from the gated parking lots.

8. High-Traffic Businesses

At places of business that draw heavy amounts of foot traffic, security gates allow the building owners to manage and monetize the flow of traffic in and off the premises. In addition to helping the business cover its overhead, the security gate helps reserve parking space for those who pay to enter. The gate can also prevent car thefts.

Buy Security Gates and Transmitters From Continental Door

For any house or building in which you have heavily invested your earnings, you owe it to yourself to arm that property with the utmost protection. With an automatic security gate, only you, your family, friends and authorized guests will be able to enter the property. 

At Continental Door, we sell a range of commercial and residential security gates, as well as sectional doors, operator coiling doors, fire doors and products from brands like Clopay^®, Linear and LiftMaster.

Contact us to learn more about our security gate products or to request a free estimate.

• Phone: 509.921.2260
• Showroom location: 12718 East Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
• Showroom hours: Monday – Friday: 7am-4pm & Saturday: 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm

Request Information About Automated Security Gates

Updated: 05/22/2019

Why Isn’t My Garage Door Working?

Why Isn’t My Garage Door Working?

If you get home, press your garage door remote and the thing won’t open or won’t close, it can be extremely frustrating. Your first instinct may be to call the garage door repair professional, and you just might have to do that. But before you make that call, here are a couple of things you can try:

Check Your Photo Eye Sensors

All garage doors installed in the last 25 years are required to come with photo-eye safety sensors. This is what prevents the door from coming down with you, your child or your car underneath it, doing untold damage. The way it works is with two photo eyes, one on either side of your door, that transmit a laser beam across the bottom. If something like your foot interrupts that connection, the door won’t come down. If your door isn’t coming down, it just might be that one of those eyes is blocked, too dusty or not lined up with the other one.

Check Your Remote’s Batteries

This may seem like an obvious one, but many a garage owner has slapped their head after hours of frustration or a visit from the repairman when they realized they never made sure to check if it’s the door or the remote that is not working. If you can open or close the door using the keypad on the wall or an enabled smartphone app, try changing the batteries on the remote and see if it works after that.

See if the Disconnect Switch Is Activated

If you can’t open the door remotely and you’ve changed the batteries, check to see if you can open the door by hand. If you can, you may have tripped the disconnect switch, which is usually attached to a string hanging from the top of your garage. It’s there in case the power goes out and you need to open the door manually, but it’s possible to trip it by accident. If you did, just reattach it.

Determine if Your Torsion Springs Are Broken or the Door Is off Track

If you’ve tried these other possibilities and the door still won’t open or close properly, you might have a problem that requires professional intervention. Some common problems you may encounter of this nature are a broken spring or a door whose rollers have come off the track. Both problems and others like them are dangerous to attempt to repair yourself, so you should always call a professional to help.

In the Northern Idaho or Spokane, Washington areas, that professional should come from Continental Door. We have years of experience dealing with these types of problems and can have your door back in business in practically no time. Contact us for quality garage door repair service today.

Indoor & Outdoor Uses for Garage Doors

Although a fresh coat of paint or a new set of furniture can revitalize a room, many homeowners are seeking out fresh and innovative ways to truly transform a space in their home. Both prospective buyers and longtime owners desire transitional spaces for a variety of activities including options for outdoor entertainment. When creating these spaces, they want a result that blends form and function and provides an attractive balance of trendiness and practicality. The latest technique for modern design uses a familiar household staple: the garage door.

For years, businesses in the service industry have incorporated garage doors into their design. Restaurants use roll-top garage doors to connect their patio seating to their main dining area. Retail stores and boutique shops use the transitional wall to extend their sales floor out onto the sidewalk. Now, homeowners across the country are catching onto this trend and are adopting these outside-the-box ways to use garage doors to transform the living spaces in their own homes.

Table of Contents

• Much More Than a Door
• Common Indoor Uses for Garage Doors
• Area Expansion and Wall Removal
• Specific Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
• Ways to Use Your Garage Doors to Transform Your Living Space
• Benefits of Using a Garage Door to Open Your Space
• Transform Your Space With Continental Door

Much More Than a Door

At first glance, a garage door performs a limited role: It is a large door that encloses the garage. However, consider the inherent benefits an automatic garage door offers.

• You can conveniently open and close it with the touch of a button.
• You can choose to insulate it to keep your space temperature-controlled. 
• It functions safely, requires little maintenance and enhances the aesthetic of your home. 

Now, imagine effortlessly expanding your entertaining area with the touch of a button. Envision instantly transitioning from your living space to the outdoor patio or deck. While a solid wall will define a room, a garage door can offer a transformative solution for homeowners seeking innovative design options that easily convert their indoor and outdoor spaces. The reality is, garage doors are changing the world of interior design.

Common Indoor Uses for Garage Doors

Though garage doors have been repurposed to become smaller décor pieces around the home, this latest trend showcases the door in all its glory. Nonconventional uses for garage doors are making their way into the mainstream. The popular television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, as well as the Green + Wired exhibit in The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Smart Home, have shown how trendy glass garage doors can tastefully blend indoor and outdoor living spaces.

There are dozens of interior and exterior uses for garage doors. Depending on where you choose to install a garage door inside a home, you can create an open layout within the area or open your interior spaces to the outdoors. Some popular applications include eliminating borders between rooms, expanding living areas and uniting indoor and outdoor spaces.

Area Expansion and Wall Removal

Whether you live in a large home or a cozy cottage, the absence of an open floor plan can leave much to be desired. While you could potentially remove a wall to combine two rooms into a single space, some homeowners are hesitant to commit to such a drastic renovation that isn’t easy to reconstruct. Instead of being stuck with a permanent decision, installing a garage door allows you to convert the space to an open layout and redefine the room with a wall whenever you please.

Unfortunately, not all home designs make it possible to adopt a more open floor plan. Retractable garage doors also allow you to merge your indoor and outdoor spaces fluidly. You can instantly expand your entertaining, living or dining space to the outdoors to provide additional room for family or guests. You can open up your entertaining space to your patio to enjoy the summer months and keep the insulated garage door closed to keep your living room warm during the winter.

Garage-Door-Used-In-Interior-Space

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Specific Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Though a garage door provides limitless opportunities for endless entertainment, you can incorporate this feature of your home into other private spaces as well. Install frosted glass or acrylic and windowless doors in areas like bathrooms and bedrooms to give you privacy when you need it and an open space when you want it.

Those who have home offices or use a living space for professional meetings may want to install a handcrafted wooden garage door. The Reserve Wood Custom Series collection, for instance, comes in a variety of wood types and can be installed with or without windows. Match the wood to your home’s existing wood floors or furniture to perfectly complement your home’s style, while providing you with a private meeting space when necessary.

The Canyon Ridge Modern Series collection is a low-maintenance garage door ideal for those who may use spaces that are not attached to the house. These faux wood doors offer style and functionality without the worry of rotting, warping or cracking. This collection can beautifully complement midcentury or modern spaces that were converted into studios, workshops or exterior home offices.

Ways to Use Your Garage Doors to Transform Your Living Space

Because of their permanence, walls and windows are inherently limited in functionality. While both offer opportunities for design, they aren’t nearly as versatile and adaptable as a modern glass garage door. When you install a glass garage door inside your home, you’re getting the accessibility of a door, the visibility of a window and the defined space of a wall. This single transformative feature gives you the ability to create the space you want when you need it most.

Install a Retractable Wall

Though they may be nontraditional openings, garage doors can immediately make a statement when tactfully incorporated into a home’s design. Having a retractable wall that leads out to a patio or swimming pool can create excitement and intrigue for your guests. Even garage door dividers that open to reveal additional dining or entertaining spaces in your home’s interior can give your home a modern and stylish feel. 

Create a Wall of Windows

Floor-to-ceiling windows are increasing in popularity. This modern movement is actually a historic trend that’s found a resurgence thanks to today’s tasteful homeowners. Natural light brightens up a room and can help keep energy costs down. Although this renovation is an appealing idea, the costs associated with window reframing and redressing can add up quickly. Additionally, window prices are steadily increasing, which means having to replace individual windows in the future may also be costly in the long term.

Our Avante collection of contemporary glass and aluminum doors is perfect for creating a single, undivided wall of windows. This affordable solution features strong tempered glass that can be insulated. These garage doors are single units that also come with warranties on their finish and hardware. Instead of worrying about the quality and installation of each individual floor-to-ceiling window, a glass garage door is a cost-effective way to preserve the quality of your investment.

Exterior Roller Shades

Clopay’s Avante collection is a popular choice for homeowners. With a long-lasting and low-maintenance frame made from commercial-grade aluminum, it’s no wonder these stunning garage doors are making a splash in houses across the nation. Although they offer a spectacular amount of light and visibility, it’s natural homeowners may want to decrease the amount of heat or vibrancy of sunlight traveling through the glass. Instead of losing your view and shutting out all light with blinds or curtains, we suggest installing exterior roller shades.

Exterior roller shades are the perfect solutions for glass garage doors. Unlike other tools that can only prevent heat or light while blocking visibility, these roller shade systems are designed to provide ultimate comfort without compromising your view. With exterior roller shades, you can instantly:

• Reduce the amount of glare and heat entering your indoor spaces
• Maintain clear visibility of the outdoors
• Easily lower or raise the shades via a motorized operation
• Match the fabric colors to your room’s aesthetic

Why install a garage door inside of your home if you can’t enjoy it throughout the day? With exterior roller shades, you can preserve your view of the outdoors while effortlessly limiting the heat and glare that enters your home.

View Garage Door Styles

Benefits of Using a Garage Door to Open Your Space

As with any investment in your home, you want to make sure the finished product is worth the expense. Though the cost to install a garage door inside a home may seem comparable to other renovations, the unique benefits make this feature a worthwhile investment for homes and families of all sizes. Using garage doors inside a home to open up a space can increase energy efficiency, boost resale value, improve your lifestyle and offer you an incomparable view.

Maximize Light

Allowing more natural light into your house is a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Since artificial lighting can make up approximately a quarter of your home’s energy, using natural light whenever possible can help you significantly cut energy expenses. By modifying your home with a glass garage door that faces a particular direction, you can use daylight to save nearly 22 percent on your combined lighting and HVAC bills.

Aside from energy efficiency, exposure to natural light can also have positive effects on your health. It can improve your mood and increase your productivity. Studies have also shown sufficient amounts of natural light can also help you improve the quality of your sleep, decrease eye strain and increase your body’s vitamin D storage. Replacing a solid wall with glass garage doors will brighten your days in more ways than one.

Open Your Home to the World

Visualize your favorite time of year. Beautiful sunsets on long summer evenings. The tranquility of a spring thunderstorm. Windy autumn afternoons blowing leaves across the yard. A gentle snowfall that falls elegantly from the starry night sky. Now, imagine being able to gaze upon weather’s wonders all year long from the comfort of your living area, kitchen or dining room.

Glass garage doors open your home to the world. Regardless whether you open them wide, or leave them closed, using garage doors as a wall allows you to gaze at the beauty of the outdoors at all times. Your family can enjoy a sunrise with breakfast. Your guests can appreciate the beauty of winter’s first snow flurries from a cozy seat. You can relax and watch raindrops dance across your deck. When you install a glass garage door inside your home, you’ll always have a front-row seat to watch the seasons change.

Add Value to Your Home

Though renovations allow you to transform your house into the home of your dreams, future prospective buyers may not share your vision. A remodeled basement, high-end upgrades and extensive landscaping may be appealing features that won’t offer you a return on investment if you decide to sell your home. In fact, converting your garage into a gym, living space or entertainment area may hurt your home’s value. A buyer may entertain the idea of an indoor-to-outdoor living area, but not at the cost of losing a dedicated garage.

Instead of potentially losing the functionality of the garage, install a garage door inside the home to expand your entertaining space. Adding glass garage doors that open to the living area of the home is swiftly becoming the latest trend. Attention to curb appeal is vital when selling your house, and an attractive glass garage door creates a striking first impression. This desirable feature instantly adds a modern charm that may give your curb appeal a boost. Insulating the door may also further increase the value.

Transform Your Space With Continental Door

How do you picture your home’s new garage door? Whether you want dazzling sunlight to flood through clear glass windows into your dining area or the warm evening glow to gently pass through obscure glass panels onto your entertaining space, Continental Door Company has the right glass garage doors for every style. Along with acrylic and solid aluminum frame panels, our Avante collection includes:

• Clear glass
• Gray tinted glass
• Bronze tinted glass
• Mirrored glass
• Obscure glass
• White laminate glass
• Frosted glass

Our glazing choices give you the freedom to control the amount of light and visibility that passes through each door. With optional insulated glass and a replaceable vinyl bottom weather seal, our Avante garage doors allow you to enjoy your retractable wall throughout every season.

Nearly 20 Years of Exceptional Service

Continental Door Company has proudly served customers throughout Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana and Northern Oregon since 2000. Our passion for delivering the absolute best products and services is only rivaled by our dedication to crafting the perfect garage door solution that fits your unique budget and style.

Visit us today and allow us to answer all your questions about the fantastic garage door collections throughout our showroom. We’d be happy to sit down and speak with you between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Because we understand how busy the workweek can be, we’ve also made our knowledgeable and friendly staff available for you on Saturdays by appointment only. Call or visit our website to receive a free design consultation that’ll make you change the way you view your walls.

Where others see a wall, we see an opportunity to transform any area into the awe-inspiring space of your dreams. Don’t allow a barrier between your indoor and outdoor lifestyles. Enjoy your living space on your terms with attractive, high-quality garage doors from Continental Door Company.

Updated: 05/22/2019

Use Your Tax Return to Upgrade Your Home

Use Your Tax Return to Upgrade Your Home

Most people this year will receive money after completing their tax returns. While it’s tempting to splurge on new personal items like a tropical vacation or electronics, consider using the extra money for some home improvements. While most refunds can’t provide enough cash for a new home addition or a major kitchen renovation, they can give you enough funds to provide a range of home improvement options — like investing in a new garage door.

Replacing your garage door can improve your home’s value and curb appeal — plus increase your quality of life. Garage door replacements, on average, recoup nearly all of their installation costs in improved value — with an estimated 80 percent return on investment!

Upgrade Your Garage Door Using Your Tax Refund

Many homeowners probably don’t consider improving their garage doors, but most use the garage door more often than their front door to enter their house. At Continental Door, we offer a variety of Clopay® residential garage doors — the leading manufacturer of doors today — showcasing the perfect blend of style and durability. Our showroom features several classic and contemporary designs that can easily be incorporated into your home’s architecture, not only adding style and curb appeal to your home but also significantly increasing your home’s value.

These finely crafted garage doors are only constructed from the best wood, steel and aluminum available and tested to be the best defense against variable and harsh climates, cold temperatures, rain and direct sunlight.

Visit our showroom today to view the latest garage door designs, including Clopay’s MODERN STEEL™, AVANTE™, CANYON RIDGE® and GRAND HARBOR® collections. Also, ask one of our garage door specialists about creating a custom, handcrafted Clopay wood door. If you can dream it, Clopay can manufacture your door with or without windows and construct it from the finest woods available, including Knotty Alder, Spanish Cedar or African Mahogany.

Garage Door Opener Upgrades

If you’ve recently upgraded your garage door, consider also installing a new LiftMaster or Linear garage door opener to further improve the functionality of your garage door. Being one of the main entry points into your home, the garage door opener raises and lowers your garage door several times every day. Investing in a high-quality garage door opener means you’ll have a machine to reliably open and close your door without frequent and inconvenient repairs.

Contact the Professionals at Continental Door Today

Now that you’ve received your tax refund, invest in a new garage door today to improve your home’s value and curb appeal, receive an excellent return on investment and further increase your daily quality of life. At Continental Door, we have over 15 years of experience helping the residents throughout the Greater Spokane, WA, area with all of their garage door installation and maintenance needs.

Visit our showroom today to view our wide selection of Clopay garage doors, complete our online contact form to receive a free estimate or speak to one of our team members at 509-921-2260.

What’s the Difference Between Torsion Springs and Extension Springs?

What’s the Difference Between Torsion Springs and Extension Springs?

You likely know that your springs are among the most important elements of your garage door system. If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, it’s very often that a broken or worn out spring is the culprit.

If you’ve heard people talk about garage door springs before, you’ve most likely heard them called either torsion springs or extension springs. These are two different types of garage door springs — but what’s the difference, and which one is better?

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Torsion springs are large springs you will find in a shaft above your garage door. Extension springs are smaller springs attached to the sides of your garage door. Most doors will have one of these types of garage door springs— you would never have both types of spring on the same door, however, smaller garage doors (8×7 or 9×7) only have one spring.  

When you open or close the door, if you have torsion springs, they wind or unwind to lift or lower your garage door. Extension springs fully expand or contract when opening or closing the door.

Learn More About Garage Door Spring Replacement

Which Are Better, Torsion Springs or Extension Springs?

In general, we prefer torsion springs to extension springs, for a number of reasons. One, even though torsion springs tend to be more expensive, they usually last twice as long, so you get a better value. Torsion springs tend to open and close your door in a more controlled motion as well. Extension springs usually operate with a jerky motion, and this puts more wear and tear on the springs with each use.

Extension springs also tend to require a bit more maintenance than torsion springs, as they have a more complicated apparatus, and it’s not as easy to get to all the areas you might need to lubricate. Additionally, if a torsion spring snaps, it can make a scary noise, but it usually stays on the shaft. If an extension spring snaps, it could fly off. This is why it’s important to have regular professional garage door maintenance to make sure your springs are in good shape.

Should I Choose Torsion Springs or Extension Springs?

So why would you use extension springs? They do have their advantages. In addition to being less expensive, extension springs are useful if you do not have a lot of overhead space in your garage for a torsion spring system. Extension springs will certainly do the job, and they are generally safe when you maintain them properly. If you’re not sure which type of springs you have or which kind you should get, ask your garage door professional.

For more information about torsion springs, extension springs, scheduling garage door maintenance or other garage door-related issues in the Spokane, Washington or Northern Idaho areas, please visit us today at Continental Door Company.

Request Garage Door Spring Replacement or Service

Upgrade Your Garage Door, Update Your Home: 7 Reasons Replacing Your Garage Door Is a Great Investment

Many homeowners are wondering about simple, affordable and worthwhile investments they can make to upgrade their homes. Some homeowners look for ways to update the look of their home, increase their home value, add new features or improve the functionality and efficiency of their homes. For other families, improving safety and security are paramount.

No matter your reason for making home improvements, you’ve likely considered the best way to get a return on investment. You want to make sure any renovations you commit to are going to be financially feasible, especially if you’re going to be putting out a fairly substantial payment upfront.

There are a few common home improvements experts recommend that earn a great return on investment. Typically, these are kitchen and bathroom upgrades. However, if you aren’t careful, these types of projects can quickly go over budget or take much longer than expected to complete. Other experts recommend investing in landscaping and exterior improvements to enhance curb appeal and improve the resale value of the home.

However, there’s a significant, yet often overlooked home improvement task that’s easy and financially affordable for homeowners — replacing the garage door.

Reasons to Replace a Garage Door

Upgrading your garage door accomplishes many home improvement goals. In addition to being a home improvement project with a great ROI, a new garage door helps save money over time by being one of the top energy-efficient home improvements owners can make. There’s an additional financial incentive to replacing a garage door. Because new garage doors improve energy efficiency, homeowners who upgrade their garage doors may be eligible for various rebates and tax credits at federal, state and local levels as well as through private companies.

For families with young kids or anyone living in urban areas, upgrading your garage door has another all-important benefit — increasing your home’s security. That is one investment outcome you simply can’t put a price on.

There are countless reasons to invest in a home improvement like replacing your garage door. While they seem virtually endless, we’ve narrowed it down to seven key reasons to replace your garage door:

1. Improve the curb appeal of your home
2. Increase your home’s resale value
3. Earn a great return on investment (ROI)
4. Reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs
5. Lower your maintenance costs on old garage doors
6. Improve your home’s security
7. Offset your investment through tax credits and rebates

Read on to learn how each of these seven reasons for upgrading your garage door can help improve your home’s curb appeal, value, energy efficiency and home security — and why it’s worth your investment in time and money.

Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home

Imagination and budget are the only limitations when it comes to opportunities to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Updating your home’s exterior is important, especially in older homes. Not only does it help make the home look better overall, but it also shows that as the owner you care about your property, and you’re taking good care of it.

There are countless ways to update your home’s exterior. You can repaint and reside your home or invest in professional landscaping. These will help update the look of your home, but don’t offer the extensive list of benefits that a garage door upgrade does.

A garage door upgrade is an inexpensive way to update your home’s exterior while producing measurable ROI. You can give your home an entirely new look with a modern garage door that will provide plenty of additional benefits — that’s not something a fresh paint job can claim.

If attached, garages account for a large part of the visual design of the home’s exterior. With an element as substantial as a garage door that takes up one-third of the front view of the home, it’s important to make sure it looks high-quality and adds to the home’s style instead of detracting from it.

In order for your garage door to enhance your home’s curb appeal, you need to:

• Modernize your home’s look
• Remove an unsightly, old garage door
• Install a garage door in a color that complements your home
• Select from endless styles and design ideas that add to your home’s character
• Choose a new garage door material and finish
• Add decorative details like handles and hinges
• Add windows for extra interior light and exterior charm

Re-siding, repainting and landscaping are sizeable undertakings. These types of exterior home improvements may take several days or months to complete. A new garage door installation can be completed in a single day, saving you from the hassle of extensive home renovations that often run over schedule and budget. With a garage door upgrade, you’ll see a substantial improvement in your home’s curb appeal immediately.

Increase Your Home’s Resale Value  

Your home’s value is based on many different factors. Some are factors you can’t control, like your location, the homes in the area and the overall market health. But some of the factors that affect your home’s value are within your control. You can control the upkeep of your home, its overall appearance and the upgrades you invest in.

Replacing an outdated garage door with a new, high-efficiency and modern garage door can instantly add value to your home’s sale price. Garage doors have also shown to retain their value compared to many other conventional household renovations.

In fact, real estate investment experts have established that garage door replacements result in a greater increase in home value compared to some more time-consuming and expensive remodeling projects. One survey showed 70% of homeowners felt a garage door improved the value of their home.

Garage doors are also easier remodeling projects to undertake than other renovations that are proven to increase home value. Professionals can install a new garage door in less than a day in many cases. This frees up your time compared to remodeling projects that require your design input, sign-off and continued communication.

You can’t overlook the fact that a new, modern garage door makes a great first impression when buyers pull up to your house. If you’re looking to increase your home’s resale value and sell your home faster, upgrading your garage door can catch a buyer’s attention and help close the deal quickly.

Earn a Great Return on Investment

When considering ways to improve your home’s value, security, curb appeal or energy efficiency, you need to be smart about how you invest your money. A smart investment is one that requires minimal upfront costs, retains its value and works for you in the long-run. Investing in remodels requires homeowners to weigh the costs of the project with the benefits it will produce.

We’ve already seen how a garage door replacement can add value to your home when you go to sell it. But what if you aren’t planning on selling your home anytime soon? Garage doors are still a smart and worthwhile long-term investment.

In addition to helping to add value to your home, garage door upgrades are one of the top home improvement projects with a great return on investment. Here’s why garage door upgrades have a great ROI:

• They retain their value. According to Remodeling Magazine, garage door replacements are one of the smartest upgrades a savvy homeowner can make. The average garage door replacement project retains up to 88.4% of its value. Based on a national average, a garage door replacement job costs $1,595. At resale, the garage is still worth an impressive $1,410. In the Pacific region, a garage door replacement recoups its cost and then some with a value of 110% at resale. The initial job costs an average of $1,756 in the Pacific region and is worth $1,929 at resale.
• They help cut energy costs. If one of your goals is to find ways to reduce heating and cooling expenses at home, then choose a new garage door installation. Many brands of garage doors, including ones from Clopay®, provide energy-efficient solutions. Energy-efficient garage doors prevent heat or cold loss and gain, which cuts back on the unnecessary use of your heating and cooling system. By improving energy efficiency, you can lower your energy costs right away and start earning a return on your garage door investment.
• They provide rebates and credits. In addition to cutting down on monthly bills, garage door upgrades can earn you tax credits and rebates. When you factor this income into the overall costs of the garage door installation, your total investment amount decreases and your payback period shortens.

Looking at the same data from Remodeling Magazine, garage door upgrades are in the top two of remodeling projects that earn a return on investment. Garage replacements beat out bathroom remodels, roof replacements, kitchen updates and siding replacements. The only other remodeling project that had a better return on investment was replacing the entry door with a steel door.

Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs

As a homeowner, you know operating and maintaining your household can be expensive. That’s why many families look for ways to save on their monthly bills. Reducing household expenses requires that homeowners look at opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

One of the best ways cut back on energy costs is to tighten up your home’s building envelope. Ensuring your home is properly sealed prevents expensive heat from escaping during the winter months. It also means that during the colder months, you won’t be air conditioning the outdoors. With proper sealing and insulation, you can prevent heat and cold loss and gain year-round.

Experts are quick to recommend homeowners look at their attached garages as a primary culprit of heat loss and gain. After all, a garage door is the largest opening to your home with the greatest potential to allow hot or cold air to enter. Unless upgraded, most older garages aren’t properly sealed or insulated. By insulating your garage walls and installing an energy-efficient garage door, you can save on energy bills.

Energy-efficient garage doors help with climate control. Garage doors achieve this based on the type of insulation they’re constructed with. The thickness and density of the insulating material also contribute to a garage door’s ability to prevent heat flow. The more heat-resistant an insulating material is, the higher its “R-value”. Well-insulated garages are important in colder climates, especially if you use your garage as a work space or studio. Not only does climate control make your workplace more enjoyable, but it also protects your contents from possible damage due to heat and cold.

Another way garage doors help with climate control is by preventing air leaks. Energy-efficient garage doors mitigate the potential for air to pass through the space between the door itself and the garage’s door frame. This is done through skillful engineering that ensures the strong perimeter lasts. If your garage door has windows, it’s important to ensure they’re energy-efficient, have proper weatherproofing and don’t allow for air leaks.

Lower Your Maintenance and Repair Costs on Old Garage Doors

When you own an older home, you can expect to set aside a portion of your budget for maintenance and repair costs. Plus, there’s the added cost in the time required to regularly examine different elements of your home for wear and tear or any glaring issues. Old garage doors typically fall into this category. Because they’re mechanical products, the older they get, the more they wear out — especially if they weren’t properly maintained by previous owners.

A garage door opens and closes an average of 1500 times per year. With that level of use, it’s no wonder garage doors in older homes start to show their age. Garage doors may start to malfunction or just stop running as smoothly as they once did. This requires ongoing inspection and attention to keep them operating properly.

An improperly functioning garage door can even be dangerous. A common issue with older garage doors is that the track isn’t aligned correctly because the rails are bent or there are gaps between the rollers and rails. The weight of the door adds further stress to the track until eventually, it becomes a hazard.

You can try to remedy the problem yourself. Hiring a garage door repair professional is the safer option, but it’s also an added and expensive cost. At that point, you’d have to decide whether it makes more sense to repair or replace your garage door.

Today’s generation of garage doors are engineered to last. A high-quality garage door can last up to 30 years with proper preventative maintenance. By installing a new garage door when your old one wears out, you can cut back on ongoing repair costs and maintenance time, not to mention safety risks. Eco-friendly garage doors have the added benefit of being made from extremely durable materials, which extends the life expectancy of the product.

Improve Your Home’s Security

Home technology has come a long way in the past 15 years. With alarm and alert technology, today’s homeowners can always know exactly what’s going on in their homes. This gives homeowners the peace of mind in knowing that while they’re on vacation or at work, their home will be safe.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. Unfortunately, many older homes lack the same level of security that newer homes have today. Old doors and windows compromise your home, giving experienced burglars easy access points through which to intrude.

One of the ways burglars can gain entry into a home is through the garage. Roughly 9% of people surveyed about break-and-enters in their homes claimed the burglar entered through the garage door. There are a few reasons that make it possible for intruders to breach old garage doors:

• An aging garage door doesn’t lock as firmly. With the right tools, a burglar can easily manipulate an old door lock or pry open the door.
• The motors in old garage doors wear out. This makes it much easier to lift the garage door from the bottom.
• Old garage doors have outdated technology. It’s possible that someone else has a garage door opener with the same frequency as yours. If a thief were to obtain an opener, they could use it to find random homes that matched its frequency.

You won’t have to worry about these security risks with a new garage door. Today’s garage doors are reinforced, lock firmly and can be integrated into a home’s existing security system.

For an added sense of safety, new technology allows homeowners to be in control of their garage doors. How many times have you left the house and wondered whether you left the garage door open? Garage door manufacturers like LiftMaster use smart technology to deliver real-time alerts letting homeowners know when their garage door is open. Smartphone apps also let homeowners control their garage doors remotely.

Your family’s safety is your top priority, and a new garage door can help protect your home so you can sleep better at night.

Offset Your Investment Through Tax Credits and Rebates

All homeowners want their upgrades to make sense financially. Fortunately, several incentive programs encourage homeowners to invest in energy-efficiency home improvements. These rebates, tax credits and other incentive programs are available at a local, state and federal levels. Private companies also offer rebates and credits to their customers.

Incentives help make it more affordable for homeowners to choose the best energy-efficient garage door for their home. It also gives homeowners more options because they know they’ll be getting cash back or an income tax deduction. Here are some of the types of incentives available to Idaho and Washington homeowners:

• Federal–Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal): This federal financial incentive is available for homeowners investing in upgrades designed to reduce energy consumption or manage energy demand at home. This program is a 100% subsidy program.
• Idaho–Income Tax Deduction for Energy Efficient Upgrades: Homeowners in Idaho can benefit from a statewide income tax deduction program on energy-efficient home improvements, including adding new building insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, such as through the installation of an energy-efficient garage door. This is a 100% credit on costs of materials and labor on homes constructed before 2002.

Choose Continental Door Company  

If you’re looking for ways to improve the value of your house, make your home look new or reduce heating and cooling expenses, consider replacing your garage door. New garage doors can enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase your home’s resale value and earn a great return on investment. Your choice of garage doors is endless. With high-tech, energy-efficient garage doors, you can reduce your home’s energy consumption and rest assured the door will remain tightly secured.

Right now, Clopay customers are eligible to win $1000 in the Clopay ImagineNATION Makeover Contest. Submit your before-and-after photos of your Clopay garage door makeover. Visit Clopay to enter the contest before the December 31, 2017, deadline.

Contact Continental Door Company today for more information on replacing or upgrading your garage door. If you’d like to know more about a garage door installation project, reach out to us or stop by our showroom. Our garage door installation experts are looking forward to helping you choose the garage door of your dreams.

Contact us online or by phone at 509-921-2260. You could also visit our showroom Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., or make an appointment for a Saturday showing. We’re located at 12718 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, Wash.