Things You Shouldn’t Store in Your Garage

Most people — 74 percent — wish their garages were better organized, while 34 percent don’t even know what they store in their garage. Garages can easily become the default storage place for the odds and ends that seem to accumulate at home no matter how hard you try to stay organized.

It’s easy to toss items that are too dirty or too big to keep indoors straight into your garage, but do you stop and think before you store items in your garage? No matter how cluttered or organized your garage, some things just do not belong there.

Take a look at the belongings you keep in your garage to make sure it’s all safe for garage storage. You can use this helpful guide to learn what not to store in your garage.

Things You Shouldn’t Store in Your Garage

Garages serve as excellent storage space because they offer shelter from the elements and plenty of space that is out of the way of your day-to-day living. But, it’s important to remember garages are still subject to extreme heat and extreme cold. Not everything you may need to store can be safely kept in your garage.

If you are wondering what to store in your garage, keep these nine items off of your list.

1. Hazardous Materials

People want to avoid keeping dangerous materials in their homes, so storing them in the garage seems like a natural fit. However, before you decide to store something potentially flammable or toxic, stop and think about the risks.

For example, propane tanks are a common household item — maybe you have one for your summer barbecues. These tanks can leak in your garage, and a single spark can cause the propane to ignite. A fire in your garage could easily spread to your home, especially if it’s attached to the house.

Rather than risking your property and your family, stick to storing your propane tanks either outdoors or in a space with plenty of distance from your house, such as a garden shed. The tanks are durable and can withstand the wind and rain.

2. Important Documents

Over the years, we seem to collect an enormous amount of important documents. From tax records and bank statements to old photographs and school projects, it can be hard to figure out where to keep it all.

Before you stick boxes full of documents in the garage, ask yourself how important they are. In the garage, they are exposed to changing temperatures, potential leaks and the possibility of pests. The next time you go to pull out an important record or treasured photograph, you don’t want to find that it has been warped by humidity, ruined by flooding or nibbled away at by insects of mice.

Instead, find space for your important papers inside. Invest in some filing cabinets or place your boxes full of paper in an indoor closet.

3. Leftover Paint

Extreme temperatures are likely to affect the consistency of paint. If your garage is not temperature-controlled, extremely hot or cold days could cause those opened cans of paint to become either too thick or too runny. It is possible for extreme temperatures to ruin even unopened cans of paint. So, all of that money you spent on the perfect shade of paint for your home improvement project will go to waste.

If you are in the middle of a painting project and you need somewhere to check your paint, you can carefully seal the cans and store them inside in a closet or the basement. Somewhere cool and dry is the ideal environment. When you’re done with your project, instead of storing cans of paint you are unlikely to use ever again, safely dispose of them.

4. Wooden Furniture

When it comes to wooden furniture, extreme temperatures are, once again, a big issue in garages. As the seasons change and the temperatures fluctuate, the wood can warp and even crack. The possibility of humidity in the garage only compounds the problem.

If you have a table or chair you keep meaning to restore and put to use when you get time, store it somewhere that is dry and temperature-controlled. Keep in a spare bedroom or the basement until you are ready to start the project. If you leave it in the garage, you may find your furniture is only fit to be pulled out to the curb and trashed.

5. Clothing

Clothing is another one of those belongings that piles up over the years. There are those outfits we swear will come back into style, clothes we can’t bear to part with even though we will never wear them again and hand-me-downs we save for our kids, nieces and nephews.

No matter what you’re saving all your clothing for, it can be hard to find the space. But, in the garage, those clothes can quickly become unusable. Critters like mice and raccoons might find their way into your garage and be delighted by the comfy nest those old coats provide. Or, humidity in the garage can turn those tightly packed bundles into a mildewy mess.

Consider donating clothing you will never use again — take pictures of your favorite pieces beforehand so you can remember them forever without them taking up room in your house. Or, find a suitable space to keep them inside your home. You can invest in some storage containers or make use of empty suitcases. Vacuum-sealed bags are also handy storage tools for clothing and linens.

6. Electronics

Old TVs, computers, keyboards, DVD players, VHS players and gaming consoles can easily stack up. Whenever we upgrade to the newer model, we are left with something we might need or want to use again in the future.

Bulky electronics might be tough to store inside, so we turn to the garage. Those old electronics may seem incredibly durable, but they likely won’t withstand the humidity and temperature changes of your garage.

If you’re saving old electronics for a future project or to give to someone else, keep them inside. If you do not want to throw that old TV away because it still works, consider donating or selling it instead of letting it get older and older as it sits in your garage.

7. Food

Canned food is full of non-perishable options, but the conditions in your garage increase the risk of those foods going bad before their expiration date. Temperatures over 85 degrees can make the food go bad, while extreme cold temperatures could freeze the food. The humidity typically found in garages could also make the cans on the food rust. If you are planning to eat the food in the future, keep it inside. If you have too many cans to store, consider donating them to your local food bank.

Other types of food, like pet food or bird seed, may seem like they belong in the garage, but you run the risk of attracting pests. Both insects and rodents would love to dive into that puppy chow or bird feeder food. Instead of leaving your garage vulnerable to invasion, store those types of foods inside in air-tight containers or a location further from the house, like your garden shed.

8. Wine

Wine is sensitive to temperature. Extreme heat and cold can cause wine corks to contract and expand, which leaves the wine inside the bottle exposed to contamination. That bottle of white or red you were saving for a rainy day could easily become undrinkable if you store it in your garage.

Instead of risking your beloved vintages, store your bottles inside in the refrigerator or pantry. If you’re looking for more long-term storage options, consider investing in a wine rack or wine refrigerator for indoors.

9. Refrigerator

A second refrigerator may seem like the answer to all your food overflow, but it will come with a price. If you decide to plug in a fridge in the garage, it will struggle with the fluctuating temperatures. On hot days, your fridge is going to need more power to maintain its cool temperature. You will likely see the result in your monthly electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, leave the fridge inside.

Things You Can Store in Your Garage

So, what is safe to store in your garage? These four items can easily fit in your garage and withstand extreme temperatures with no risk of damage to your belongings or your home.

1. Cars

It may seem obvious, but many of us forget that garages were primarily designed to keep our cars out of the elements. Once you clear the clutter, especially those things you shouldn’t store in your garage, you may find you suddenly have space to pull your car (or even two!) into your garage. Storing your car in your garage helps protect it from harsh weather. Plus, it is a big plus to avoid the rush out on the driveway if it is raining or snowing. A car is often one of our most significant assets. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing it safely stored in your garage.

2. Outdoor Gear

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you probably have a ton of equipment. Most of your camping gear, like your tent, can be safely stored in your garage. But, consider storing your sleeping bags indoors. Like clothes, these are vulnerable to moisture and pests looking for a place to nest. Other durable outdoor gear like bikes, fishing gear and coolers will be right at home in the garage.

3. Gardening Tools

If you do not have a gardening shed, your garage is the best place to keep all your gardening tools. You can find shelves and racks to keep your rakes, shovels, trowels, watering cans and fertilizer organized.

4. Seasonal Items

The garage is a great place to keep items you do not use all year round. For example, the pile of Christmas and Halloween decorations you put up for a few weeks every year does not have to take up space indoors. If you have a fake tree and ornaments, you can safely store them in your garage. Likewise, you can tuck those spooky skeletons and goblins away in the garage until October rolls around again.

If you have plastic or metal deck furniture, you can store it in the garage, too. However, consider alternate storage options for wooden deck furniture or furniture with cloth cushions.

The Benefits of a New Garage Door

No matter what you store in your garage, you want to make sure it’s protected. A new garage door is an investment that keeps your belongings safe. Other benefits include:

• Durability: Home maintenance takes dedication. Some things are worth repairing, while others make more sense to replace. If you find yourself regularly spending money to fix your garage door, it could be time to invest in a new one. When you get a new garage door, you can select one designed for durability. You can trust the door will last for years, and you will save money on expensive and frequent repairs.
• Energy Efficiency: Old garage doors tend to have gaps that allow airflow in and out of the garage. This allows for greater temperature fluctuation, which can put stress on your home’s heating and cooling systems. A new door will provide better insulation and keep a more regular temperature in your garage. In addition to helping your energy efficiency, it also helps protects the belongings you keep in your garage from temperature extremes.
• Smoother Operation: Old garage doors can make quite the racket. You might worry that your neighborhoods down the block will be able to hear the rattling of the door every time it goes up or down. A new garage door will operate smoothly and quietly. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the door stopping halfway through its journey up or down. A new garage door means living without the fear of dealing with a garage door that won’t close all the way when you’re running late for work.
• Increased Home Value: You might not think about your garage door often, but it is a big part of your home’s appearance. Investing in a new one can have a positive impact on your home’s value, whether or not you’re thinking of selling in the near future. A new door can make your home more attractive, while a properly working door is going to be an important consideration when determining value.

About Oregon City Garage Door

If you are looking to safeguard the items you store in your garage with a new garage door, we are here to help. Oregon City Garage Door serves the Portland metro area and several surrounding areas, including Oregon City, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Oak Grove, Wilsonville, Tigard, Tualatin, Beaverton, Mulino, Canby, Milwaukie, Estacada, Damascus, Boring, Clackamas, Happy Valley, and Gladstone.

Some of our most notable products and services are:

• Clopay®
• Northwest Door
• Amarr garage doors
• Wayne Dalton garage doors
• LiftMaster openers
• Garage door installation
• Garage door repair
• Emergency garage door service

We help our clients choose the right garage door for their home and provide free installation estimates. If you want to upgrade your garage door, we have a variety of styles and colors to fit your tastes and the character of your home. Call us at (503) 632-3070 or send us a message online to get started.

How a New Garage Door Can Increase the Value of Your Home

When trying to boost the value of their homes, many homeowners decide to remodel their kitchen or bathrooms. However, these projects can easily go over budget or take more time than expected. There is actually a much simpler and more affordable home improvement project that many homeowners overlook completely: a garage door replacement. In this article, we’ll discuss the many benefits of a new garage door and how this upgrade can lead to a higher home value.

How Much Value Does a Garage Door Add?

A garage door replacement is thought to be one of the most valuable investments homeowners can make. In fact, Remodeling Magazine ranked an upscale garage door replacement to be the remodeling project with the highest return on investment (ROI) in its 2018 Cost vs. Value Report. This study investigated the costs for 21 common home renovations and the value they retained when the homes were resold.

It was found that the average cost to replace an upscale garage door was $3470 and the project delivered an average return of $3411 when resold, which equates to an ROI of 98.3 percent. In other words, this replacement pays for itself.

The report also studied nine regional markets in the United States and found that the ROI for a new garage door in the Pacific region — which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii — was 120 percent, meaning the returns were even greater than the costs of the project. In Portland, OR, the ROI was 130.7 percent!

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How New Garage Doors Increase Home Value

A garage door replacement has an exceptionally high ROI because the benefits it provides — including increased curb appeal, lower energy bills and increased safety — are all things that potential buyers look for. Read below to learn about the many ways this remodeling project can boost resale value.

1. Increases Curb Appeal

If you’re preparing to sell your home or looking to tackle a new remodeling project, why not start by improving your home’s street view? Garage doors play a significant role in influencing your home’s curb appeal, and the curb appeal is what lures potential buyers inside.

When shopping for a new garage door, you can choose a color that complements the scheme of your home or a bold shade that makes a statement. You can also select a door with a distinctive panel style that suits your home’s aesthetic.

2. Boosts Energy Efficiency

A new garage door with insulation can increase the value of your home by 4 percent. What’s more, the insulation leads to energy savings, as it will keep hot air out during the hotter months and cold air out during the colder months. If your garage is heated, an insulated garage door is especially worth considering.

As your garage door gets older, the energy costs associated with the door increase, which, in turn, lead to higher energy bills. Regardless of whether you own an attached or detached garage, you should find out the insulating power of your garage door. A new door with good insulation will allow you to lower the costs of energy consumption in your house.

When shopping for insulated garage doors, look for models with a high R-value, which is a measure of the door’s insulating ability. It’s a good idea to buy a door with a minimum R-value of 11, and if you live in a region that experiences colder temperatures in fall and winter, a door with an R-value of 14 or 16 is recommended.

3. Improves Safety

New garage doors come with advanced safety features, including:

• Motion Detectors: You can keep trespassers away with motion detectors, which will light up when someone or something approaches the garage door in the dark. It also makes it safer for you when returning home at night.

• Smartphone Operation: LiftMaster now offers a feature that allows you to operate your garage door from anywhere using your phone.

• Photo Eyes: This safety feature keeps the door from closing if something is in the way.

• Garage Door Openers: Garage door openers consist of a trolley and a motor. The motor moves the trolley, which is attached to the garage door. When the motor activates the trolley, the garage door moves down or up. Openers can run on belts, chains or threaded parts. This feature, along with photo eyes, is now standard.

• Automatic Timers: For those of us who forget to close our garage doors every now and then, automatic timers are a useful feature. Some modern garage doors allow users to set a timer that will automatically close the door after a certain period of time. Visit Liftmaster’s site to see which openers come with this feature.

If you have an older garage door, getting a new replacement can ensure your safety and provide your home with better security. When shopping for a new garage door, focus on getting one with the latest security features to maximize your safety.

4. Leads to Smoother Operation

One common complaint from garage door owners is that the doors don’t run as quietly and smoothly as they used to, and opening them seems to require more effort. They also get stuck on occasion, which can be a pain to fix. If you invest in a new garage door, you will obviously avoid all of these problems.

5. Reduces Your Maintenance Costs

While an old garage door may require constant maintenance, a newer one requires significantly less or even none at all. A modern prefinished garage door, for instance, will not require any maintenance, as the door’s color bonds into the surface of the steel. By purchasing a new garage door, you’ll gain the money and time back that you would have spent repairing and maintaining your old one.

If your current garage door suffers from any of the following issues, you may want to consider replacing it:

• The door has noticeable dents and dings: Although some dents can be taken out, many others cannot. A dented door will significantly lower your home’s curb appeal.

• The wood is starting to rot or has peeling paint, holes, or cracks: If your garage door is made of wood and showing these signs, a replacement may be a good idea. Wood doors require regular maintenance and refinishing to keep them from deteriorating. Sun can also cause fading, and if moisture gets into the cracks and holes, this could lead to serious damage that can’t be fixed.

• The door is old: Older doors often have poor insulation, which can be a particular problem if the garage is connected to the house. Buying a new garage door, which will be better insulated, will boost your energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs.

• The door is starting to sag: If you notice any sagging, this most likely means you should replace it. This is a common occurrence with wood doors, especially if they’re not well maintained. If your wood garage door starts sagging, this means it’s likely deteriorating and rotting as well, in which case there is little that can be done to repair it. If your door is made of another material and is sagging, call a professional technician to inspect it and determine what’s causing the problem.

• The door is noisy or shakes a lot: If your garage door doesn’t operate smoothly or makes lots of loud noises when raising or lowering, there is a good chance some parts are broken and must be repaired or replaced.

• Parts, cords or wires are broken: While some parts can be replaced easily when they break, if the bottom part of the door gets damaged, this probably means you need to replace the whole thing. If there’s something wrong with the wiring, people could get seriously injured because of the great force that may be exerted when the door is closing. In this case, you should hire a professional to take a look at and repair the system.

• It’s difficult to raise and lower your door: As your door ages, the parts allowing the door to run smoothly can gradually wear out. If opening and closing the door is more difficult than usual, have a professional take a look. Failing to do so may put more stress on the parts and lead to more damage.

• The door won’t open by itself or is slow to respond: The door should respond within several seconds of pressing the button on the opener. If it takes longer, this means there is something wrong with either your opener or the door. Check to see if anything is blocking the door, which would prevent it from closing or opening. If not, call a professional technician.

6. Makes Less Noise

Door openers these days can be exceptionally quiet. Consider installing an opener with a belt drive that uses a rubber belt reinforced with metal. If all parts remain well lubricated, you’ll notice that these openers make very little noise.

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Contact Oregon City Garage Door

If you would like to boost your home’s resale value with a new garage door and live in the greater Portland, OR, area, Oregon City Garage Door would love to assist you. For more than 25 years, we have been providing home and business owners in the area with expert garage door installations, maintenance and repairs. Here is an overview of the garage door services that we offer.

1. Sales

At Oregon City Garage Door, we sell high-quality, durable doors that combine superior function with beautiful design. We have a vast selection of steel, wood, glass and aluminum doors and all of our products are made by industry-leading brands including Clopay, Amarr and Northwest Door. Some examples of our garage door collections include:

• CANYON RIDGE® (LIMITED EDITION)
• GRAND HARBOR®
• COACHMAN®
• CLASSIC™
• GALLERY®
• AVANTE®
• MODERN STEEL™

Whether you’re shopping for a streamlined glass and aluminum door, a carriage-house door or a traditional door with raised panels, we have a product to suit your tastes and needs. Once you’ve picked the one you want, we can customize it so that it blends seamlessly with the existing decor of your home’s facade by providing a variety of options such as different window styles, paints and finishes. Our finishes include the ULTRA-GRAIN® finish, which provides steel doors with an appearance that is practically identical to that of authentic wood.

2. Installation

No competitor in or around Portland rivals our installation quality or customer service. We have installed new, cutting-edge doors for hundreds of businesses.

We offer free estimates to make sure that you are satisfied with the services. Before leaving, we perform tests on the door to ensure it functions properly. For our commercial installations, we offer a generous one-year warranty as well as maintenance and repair services designed to ensure your door continues to run smoothly for many years. You won’t ever have to worry about any unexpected malfunctions or breakdowns.

3. Repairs

Doors can experience many types of malfunctions. Sometimes they won’t close despite there not being any obstructions, sometimes they open or close randomly and sometimes they make strange loud noises. Regardless of what your problem may be, our experienced technicians will quickly arrive at your location to conduct a thorough analysis to determine the cause.

When you deal with Oregon City Garage Door, you’ll get complete transparency. We won’t attempt to sell you unnecessary replacements — we strive to find practical solutions that work with your budget. We give you the pricing upfront as well as the warranty information regarding your new product. We’re also prompt — once we choose and order the needed products, we’ll speak with you and decide on an ideal date and time for repairs. When we arrive, we’ll take out the malfunctioning parts, install the new ones with care and test them to make sure that they function properly.

4. Emergency Garage Door Service

If your garage door has suffered damages or you’re in need of an urgent repair, leave it in the hands of Oregon City Garage Door. We are available seven days a week to help you with any emergency repairs and will work hard with you to make appointments that work well with your schedule. We have the experience and tools needed to deal with any type of garage door emergency, including photo-eye sensor issues, damaged or broken springs, bent or broken panels, remote or opener issues, bent tracks, malfunctioning cables and break-in-, accident- and storm-related damages.

Our technicians, all of whom are insured, licensed and bonded, are committed to taking the recommended safety precautions and performing installations that meet the latest industry standards.

Our Service Areas

Although located in Clackamas, we also provide our services to the following surrounding communities:

• Oregon City
• Beaverton
• Beavercreek
• Tigard
• Molalla
• Oak Grove
• Hillsboro
• West Linn
• Lake Oswego
• Wilsonville
• Damascus
• Boring
• Estacada
• Gladstone
• Happy Valley
• Tualatin
• Canby

To learn more about our products and services or receive a free estimate, call us at 503-632-3070 or fill out our online form. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will respond to you promptly.

Reasons to Insulate Your Garage Door

Reasons to Insulate Your Garage Door

If you’re looking to replace your home’s garage door, you’ve likely heard or come across door upgrade options like added insulation. By selecting a garage door with insulation, you can improve the door’s durability, reduce heat loss and add home value.

Benefits of Garage Door Insulation

Over the past few years, more homeowners have been choosing to install an insulated garage door because of their unmatched value and benefits. By improving your garage door construction to include added insulation, you can experience the following benefits:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Garages aren’t always considered a part of your home, and many are built using different construction methods, but garages do contribute to the comfort of your house. Many doors often have gaps or thin outer materials that can lead to frequent air exchanges between indoor and outdoor environments. With an insulated garage door, you can prevent this airflow and establish regular, steady temperatures, which reduces the amount of work your heating and cooling system performs to keep your home comfortable.
• Added Durability: To include the added insulation, these garage doors have different construction techniques than a single-layer garage door. Insulated garage doors are often made from a steel or aluminum frame that’s filled with the insulation. This thicker construction means the door is more resistant to dents and other damages.
• Quieter Door Operations: Not only does garage door insulation mean your door is more resistant to damage, but its thicker construction also means it has sound-dampening properties, so you notice less noise while the door is opening and closing.
• Better Protection: Extremely warm or cool temperatures can wreak havoc on items stored in your garage, decreasing the quality of your vehicle and stored fluids. Having an insulated garage door will better regulate the temperature of your garage and prevent several temperature-related car issues, like thickened motor fluids, low tire pressure, dead batteries, or malfunctioning spark plugs and wiring.
• More Comfortable Environments: Whether scurrying to your car to seek relief from cold or hot temperatures or performing hobbies in your garage, having more consistent indoor temperatures will make being in your garage more comfortable. With an insulated garage door, the temperature in your garage can be kept steady and pleasant.

Keep Comfortable and Efficient With Oregon City Garage Door

To learn more about the benefits of an insulated garage door, contact the skilled professionals at Oregon City Garage Door. We have over 25 years of experience working with garage doors throughout the Portland area, and offer a variety of stylish and efficient Clopay insulated garage doors. With a new insulated garage door from Oregon City Garage Door, we guarantee you’ll notice a more comfortable indoor environment, added convenience and improved efficiency.

At Oregon City Garage Door, we strive to always establish positive experiences with all our customers throughout the area and do so by providing free project estimates, garage door installation warranties and emergency response services. Explore our selection of insulated garage doors today, or request services by filling out our online contact form or calling 503-632-3070 to speak to a team member.

Garage Fire Safety Tips

Garage Fire Safety Tips

Your garage likely serves multiple purposes, from safe vehicle storage to excess storage space to home improvement hobby areas. It’s also likely used for housing anything from seasonal decor to recreational equipment, paints, cleaning agents, vehicle fluids, and large appliances like hot water heaters or furnaces.

With so many items present in your home’s garage, this space is highly susceptible to unexpected fires. The key to preventing garage fires is to establish safety routines, properly store potentially hazardous items and stock essential safety equipment.

Importance of Garage Fire Safety

If you’ve never experienced a fire that began in the garage, why would you need to start performing garage fire safety tasks now? Like any home fire, a garage fire can start unexpectantly at any moment. Currently, there are 6,600 garage fires reported every year in the U.S. resulting in nearly $457 million in property damages, 30 deaths and 400 personal injuries. Unlike other fires that can begin throughout your home, a garage fire is typically more destructive and can spread faster.

Fire Safety Tips

Keeping your garage organized and well-maintained are crucial steps to preventing garage fires. By following these garage fire safety tips, you can ensure long-lasting garage fire prevention:

• Avoid storing highly flammable items in the garage, such as gas cans, propane tanks, paints and varnishes. Keep these items in a shed, if possible, or store them in your garage away from sources of heat, like space heaters, furnaces and boilers.
• Plug in one appliance — like refrigerators, furnaces and hot water heaters — per outlet and avoid using extension cords to power these items. This step can prevent your outlets from overheating and eventually starting a fire, which is one of the most common ways fires begin in garages.
• Inspect your garage and upgrade the structure to proper fire safety codes, including fire-rated doors and Type X gypsum board installed on ceilings and house-adjacent walls.
• Keep garage doors, appliances, lights and outlets maintained.
• Install a functional heat alarm in the garage that meets the following requirements — battery backup capabilities, interconnectivity to your home’s smoke alarms and rated for temperatures between 175 and 250 F.

Establishing safe daily routines and practices can also help you avoid garage fires. For example, completely seal paint, stains, oils and solvents and store them in a separate location, remove any pieces of wood or sawdust from the garage, and properly discard oily rags or pieces of cloth.

Let Oregon City Garage Door Help You Prevent Fires

While fires are a frightening possibility, by keeping your garage maintained and updating your space to include the latest safety features, you can easily prevent them. If you’re unsure about the quality of your garage or need door maintenance, call the experts at Oregon City Garage Door to inspect your door and make fire safety recommendations. We have over 25 years of garage door experience throughout Portland and its surrounding communities.

Schedule garage door services today by calling us at 503-632-3070 or completing our online service request form.

How to Detect Garage Door Scams

A garage door is an important household fixture. It allows you to conveniently enter and exit your home while providing a barrier against intruders and the elements. However, like all pieces of equipment, it breaks down on occasion — and when this happens, chances are that you’ll want to have it fixed as quickly as possible.

Sadly, there are scammers out there who, taking advantage of customers’ desperation and ignorance about garage doors, will grossly overcharge for simple, inexpensive repairs. Read our guide to learn about common tricks that garage door scammers use, ways to recognize these swindlers and how to find a trustworthy garage door company.

Types of Garage Door Scams

Garage door scammers commonly run their business from national call centers, where they send out their “technicians” to the customers’ homes. Here are some common tricks they use to rob unsuspecting customers of their money:

1. The Rebuild Package Scam

One garage door repair scam that homeowners encounter is being told that they need a complete garage door replacement when a simple repair would suffice.

Broken garage doors are typically due to a malfunctioning of one of the following parts:

• The lock button is on.
• The electric eye is misaligned.
• The remote control is broken.
• The motor has burned out.
• The chain is broken.

The first two problems are easy fixes that anyone could handle, but most homeowners, knowing very little about garage door repairs, just start searching for a garage door repair company. Desperate to have their door fixed before it gets dark, they contact the first company with a “garage door repair” ad that they come across — which sometimes ends up being a scammer.

A common scam scenario is that the repairman will perform an inspection and tell the customers that they need to completely replace their garage door system. To sound more convincing, they may fabricate some details, such as saying that new rollers, cables, torsion springs and bearing brackets are needed.

In reality, the issue is a simple problem, such as an electronic eye that is not aligned properly and just needs a slight adjustment. This repair usually takes less than a minute and costs no more than $75, but victims of this scam may pay over $400 to replace their functioning garage door.

2. The Lifetime Guarantee Scam

A lifetime guarantee for your garage door may sound like a great deal, but it can actually be another sign of a scam. This is because scammers use a trick — the technicians will install a cheap, unreliable part — often springs — that they know will fail. When it breaks down, which is sure to happen quickly, you will naturally call on them to repair it. The company will then come and replace the component with another cheap part and charge an exorbitant fee for their service. The part they replaced will break again soon, meaning you’ll be calling on them again in the near future.

Many people assume a lifetime guarantee means they won’t be charged for anything ever again, and scammers take advantage of people who make this assumption.

3. The Unidentified Technician Scam

Some companies will post ads for their business as if their own in-house employees will be handling the repairs. Then, they subcontract the task to an unlicensed independent contractor who cannot be contacted if something goes wrong.

It is fairly common to hire subcontractors in the construction industry. Building a pool, for example, requires subcontractors to divide up all the work. One team does the excavation, one team lays the foundation and another one is in charge of the finishing work. This is not always broken down for the customer.

This is also the case with many garage door businesses. When it comes to more complicated projects, sometimes tasks must be subcontracted to multiple teams. One professional may be more experienced in working with garage door springs, for example, while another one has more experience replacing the door itself. This is a common practice, and scammers often use it to their advantage.

Scammers will often subcontract the work to another party without telling you or providing you with any information about the subcontractor. Then, they will take all the money for themselves.

How to Recognize a Garage Door Scam

Many customers end up getting scammed because they are desperate to have their door fixed quickly and fail to recognize many of the warning signs of garage door scams. Here are some of the most common red flags to look out for:

• There are no logos or other identifying marks: If your repairman drives an unmarked van, has no uniform or anything else to identify his company, this is a likely sign of a scammer. Most garage repair companies proudly display their logos.
• They give false names: Scammers that do display names will often use multiple, generic or confusing names. Check to see if your repair service’s brand name is consistent across their site, in advertisements, in phone greetings, on vehicles, uniforms and paperwork.
• The company claims to have acquired another company: If the company name they provide over the phone is different from the name you found in the ad, they will commonly explain that this is because they bought the other company. This is most likely the sign of a scam.
• They hide information about their company: If the company is hesitant or unclear about providing any information about themselves, this should raise suspicion. Legitimate garage door companies will not hide information from you regarding who they are, their location, and how you can reach them. They want it to be easy for you to contact them and develop a lasting relationship.
• They’re located far away: If the service company tells you that their office is far from where you live, this is also a red flag. The company you hire should be located close enough that you could easily visit their office and even ask to speak to the owner.
• They charge exceptionally high prices: Before searching for a technician in your area, look around online and get an idea of what a repair or installation typically costs. If a price seems exorbitant, ask the company why. If they can’t explain, search for another company.
• They charge exceptionally low prices: Garage doors cost a particular amount, and the installation costs a particular amount. If a price seems unrealistically low for a repair, this is also a sign of a scammer, and chances are that they’re using cheap materials and the repair will not last very long.
• They give an overall charge without having seen the door: If your repairman charges you before even knowing your situation, it is likely to be a scam. A legitimate garage door repair company will instead tell you their rates, including their hourly rate, the rate of labors and what they charge for travel. They will not provide an overall cost until they have assessed your situation.
• They ask for money in advance: Requesting to be paid in advance is never done by professional garage door repair companies, but scammers will occasionally request it — and then may never show up for the repair.
• They request you pay in cash: Requesting to be paid in cash is another warning sign, as some dishonest servicemen may later claim that you never paid them at all.

Tips for Avoiding Scams and Finding a Reputable Garage Door Company

To avoid scammers and find a reputable garage door repair service, follow these steps:

1. Educate yourself about garage doors.

The first step you should take to avoid scams is to educate yourself about how garage doors work, including the name and function of each part. One way to learn about this is by chatting with a technician when he or she installs your garage door system. If this isn’t possible, do some online research and see if you can diagnose your problem. If you happen to know that the motor is functioning properly, for example, but your technician tells you that you need to replace your entire system, you’ll know you’re dealing with a scammer.

2. Research companies.

When searching for a company, resist the temptation of going with the first one you find. Instead, do some in-depth research:

• Check for reviews. Ask friends and family for referrals, and search Yelp and social media sites for local companies with good reviews. Make sure that the reviews are genuine and not forged. You can also check out reviews from theBetter Business Bureau.
• Confirm their physical address. Make sure the company has an actual address and try to locate it on Google Maps. You should also verify that the phone number is real. Looking for photos of the business and owners is another good idea. Make sure that the pictures were not stolen from another website.
• Look for associations and accreditations. A company is more likely to be legitimate if it’s associated with reputable organizations. Look for the“IDA” logo, which means the company is part of the International Door Association. Members of this organization agree to adhere to a code that prohibits unethical activities. Search for the “IDEA Accreditation” as well. This is the only independent, third-party credential for businesses that install and repair garage doors. Companies that have been accredited have proven they know the practices and safety procedures of the industry.
• Look for social media presence. Confirm whether the company has a page on Facebook or other social media. Do other websites mention the company?

3. Call the companies.

If the company is legitimate, you should be able to call them between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. If they answer, here are some good questions to ask:

• What is your physical address?
• Do all your employees have operating licenses?
• Is your company bonded?
• Do your vehicles display your company’s name or do you use subcontractors?
• Does your company have liability insurance coverage?
• Do your employees have accident insurance?

“Bonded” means that if the company does a poor job or abandons the project, you are protected financially.

Liability insurance covers their liability while they’re on the job, meaning that if a technician gets injured at your home, you won’t be liable.

4. Examine and question the technician.

When the technician comes to your home, make sure to do the following things:

1. See if the repairman’s vehicle has a company logo. Does it match the name of the company you found online?
2. Check if the repairman is wearing a uniform with the company’s name on it. Does he or she have a nametag?
3. Make sure to request a written estimate. This way you’ll get an idea of what you have to spend up front.
4. Ask to see a service agreement. Sometimes, what companies tell you can be completely different from what is written in your contract or service agreement. If a technician says something is covered, but there is no mention of it in the agreement, then they are not legally obligated to fulfill that promise. Although this is clearly unethical, no legal action can be taken against this.
5. If a part needs to be replaced, ask the technician why. They should be able to give you a detailed answer. If they tell you that your garage door may collapse if a certain component isn’t replaced, they may be trying to scare you into buying unnecessary parts.
6. Have the repairman explain the function of the part.
7. If they offer a warranty, make sure that the labor is included.
8. If the labor is included, ask to see the warranty in writing.
9. Request a detailed invoice that shows all the components that have been replaced. Make sure you the company didn’t double-charge you for any items. There should also be an explanation of the fees and some warranty options included.

Although many scams involve lifetime warranties, not all lifetime warranties are scams. If you have any doubts about a warranty offered to you, check it out on the manufacturer’s site.

Contact Oregon City Garage Door Today

If you live in or around Portland, Ore., and are in need of any garage door services, look no further than Oregon City Garage Door. For 25 years we have provided garage door installation, replacement, repair and maintenance services to the greater Portland area. If your repair is urgent, we will be at your door quickly with everything needed to make a quality repair.

We offer a wide selection of sturdy, attractive garage doors, including steel, wood and aluminum. These doors come in a variety of styles, including carriage house-style, classical traditional and modern, and are available in many colors so you can easily match them with your home’s exterior.

To complement your garage door purchase, we also offer LiftMaster® garage door openers. These cutting-edge devices operate smoothly and quietly and allow you to operate the doors from anywhere you can get a WiFi connection. These devices will also notify you whenever your door is opened or closed.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, call us at 503-632-3070 or fill out our contact form. Our professional consultants will be happy to speak with you and assist you in choosing a door based on your budget, needs and style preferences.