Come see us at the 2012 CMBA Home Show at the newly expanded St. Cloud Civic Center.  This year we will be displaying the all new and popular Ideal UltraGrain™ Dark Walnut color on an Ideal Expression Series Door.  We are also very excited to introduce our latest and greatest product, the Breezy Living Garage Screen.  The Breezy Living Garage Screen is sure to catch your attention and the attention of the show's attendees.  We will have a fully functional Breezy Living Garage Screen on display at the show.  If you can't make it to the show, stop into our showroom and check out our large selection of garage doors, openers and the all new Breezy Living Garage Screen. 

2012 Home Show Hours 

Friday 12 - 9

Saturday 9 - 7

Sunday 10 - 4 

St. Cloud Overhead Door Company has partnered with local custom home builder Schnettler-Benning to feature the latest and greatest products on the "2012 Home of Tomorrow".  

The garage doors Schnettler-Benning chose for the project are our popular Expression Series garage doors. The Expression Series three-layer construction provides exceptional strength, insulation and dent resistance as well as a beautiful carriage house appearance. The 2" of expanded polystyrene insulation and thermal breaks make these doors heat and cold resistant while the tongue-and-groove joint helps seal out wind, rain and snow. The doors are maintenance free, so the first fabulous impression will be one that lasts. To compliment the colors and texture to the exterior of the "2012 Home of Tomorrow, Schnettler-Benning chose the Dark Oak Ultra-Grain finish, giving the doors the beautiful sought after look of wood, but without the maintenance. 

The garage door opener in the "2012 Home of Tomorrow" is LiftMaster's newest, most technologically advanced residential opener to date.  The LiftMaster Model 8550 is a D.C. powered belt drive operator.  The DC powered motor enables this opener to consume 75% less energy than standard openers and operates much more quietly than standard models.  In addition to the advanced power system, the LiftMaster 8550 is equipped with revolutionary MyQ™ technology.  Paired with MyQ™ accessories, you can control and monitor your garage door and house lights with one click on your computer or smartphone from anywhere in the world.  This opener is truly on the cutting edge of technology. 

Call us today for more information on the products featured on the "2012 Home of Tomorrow".  For more information on Schnettler-Benning's "2012 Home of Tomorrow" click here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years 

For Christmas we will be closed on Monday December 26th and will be open during our normal business hours the remainder of the week.  For New Years will will be closed on Monday January 2nd and will be open during our normal business hours for the remainder of the week.  As always, if you need your garage door or opener serviced, call us anytime. 

St. Cloud 24-Hour Emergency Service

1-800-253-1310

or 253-1310

Willmar 24-Hour Emergency Service

1-800-324-8153

or 235-7688

Brainerd 24-Hour Emergency Service

1-800-247-8815

or 829-8365

2. Lubricate all hinges, rollers, springs and bearings.  Do not use WD-40.  WD-40 is a fantastic product for a number of applications, just not lubricating doors.  You can use a good silicone or preferably a light weight motor oil.  Areas you will want to lubricate are:

A. All hinges, apply a small amount in the pivot point of each hinge, where metal meets metal. 

B. All rollers, apply a small amount to the bearings in the wheel of each roller. 

C. Torsion springs, run a small bead of motor oil across the top of each spring. Don't apply too much, or it will drip onto the door. 

D. Opener rail and chain, in most cases you shouldn't need to lubricate these areas.  However, if you should notice rust, on the chain or rail apply a minimal amount to affected area.  If you have a screw drive opener, only a high quality low temperature grease should be used. 

E. Never lubricate your tracks.

3. Check for loose screws, nuts and bolts on all hinges, tighten where needed.  Do not attempt to adjust any bolts or screws on torsion spring system or bottom fixtures.  These areas are under extremely high tension, serious injury can occur.  If you should notice a loose bolt or screw in these areas, call us immediately for repair. 

*Do not adjust anything within highlighted area

4. Door Balance Test. The majority of doors springs are rated for a cycle lift of 10,000-15,000 cycles. Springs will weaken throughout their life and additional tension may be needed.  If your door is equipped with an automatic opener system: close door and disconnect the automatic opener.  Once you are able to life the door manually: lift the door.  It should lift smoothly with little resistance and should remain fully open.  If the door is difficult to open or does not remain open, the door may be out of balance. Contact us to schedule a spring adjustment or possible replacement. 

5. Garage Door Opener Reversing Mechanism Test. (Note: Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to be equipped with a reversing mechanism and a photo eye or edge sensor as added measures of safety to prevent entrapment.  If your system does not have these features, replacement of your automatic operating system is recommended.)  With the door fully open, lay a piece of wood such as a section of a 2x4 on the floor in the center of the garage door opening where the door would touch the floor.  Push your garage door button to close the door.  When the door strikes the wood, the door should automatically reverse.  If the door does not reverse, contact us to schedule a service call. 

6. Garage Door Opener Photo Eye Test.  With the door fully open,  push your garage door opener's transmitter or button to close the garage door.  Wave a long object, such as a broomstick or shovel, in front of one of the door's photo eyes so it "breaks the beam." The door should reverse immediately.  If the door does not reverse contact us to schedule a service call. 

We at St. Cloud Overhead Door wanted to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgivings day!!  

All of our locations will be closed on Thursday November 24th and Friday November 25th.  As always, if you need immediate service you can always call our 24 hour emergency service department. 

By simply plugging the LiftMaster Internet Gateway into an existing router with a live internet connection, you can now monitor and control your garage door opener and 15 additional devices enabled by MyQ technology from anywhere in the world using a cell phone or personal computer.  Once you or our installer plugs in the LiftMaster Internet Gateway accessory to your existing internet connection you will be able to manage your LiftMaster openers and all other MyQ enabled devices on MyLiftMaster.com.  In addition to this website, you can also obtain the LiftMaster app where all apps are sold, and control your MyQ registered devices from your Droid, Iphone, Ipad or any other smart phone.  The gateway allows access from anywhere, not just within the home, providing a truly elevated level of freedom and control.  

The LiftMaster Garage Door Monitor displays the status of the garage door from within any room of the house.  This innovative base station receives an alert from the the garage door opener, which has a sensor built in to the system.  If the door is open, the garage door opener will alert the base station which will blink red and audible noise will sound; if the door is closed, the garage door opener will inform the base station and the light on the monitor will illuminate green until the status of the door changes.  This feature offers you the added convenience and peace of mind that your garage door is open or closed when it should be.  

In addition to the security of the door monitor,  you will never have to enter a dark home with the LiftMaster Light Control.  These adaptors, enabled by MyQ technology, plug into the wall outlet or socket.  By plugging any household lamp or light fixture into the remote light adaptor, our customers can easily and conveniently manage that light; switch it on or off with a simple press of a remote button or brighten up their entrance way to the home, front hallway, mudroom, kitchen or living room as they pull into the driveway, providing added visibility and security. 

Stay tuned for the release of more MyQ enabled devices and adapters!

Love the look of wood but not the upkeep? Go with the Ideal Door Ultra-Grain

The Ideal Ultra-Grain is a distinctive and affordable "stained wood look" door option for homeowners in the market for a high quality insulated steel garage door.

Ideal's Ultra-Grain painted steel surface simulates the appearance of stained wood door without the maintenance requirements of the real thing. The grain runs in two directions, both horizontally and vertically, following the stiles and rails. This detailing, along with the stucco surface texture on the door, provides a more natural looking appearance.

No special maintenance is required to preserve the finish, beyond standard garage door manufacturer recommendations to wash and rinse the surface periodically.

Ultra-Grain is available on Ideal's vintage style polyurethane insulated Expressions Collection garage door in three finishes: Medium Oak, Dark Oak and Walnut.

Polyurethane insulation delivers twice the thermal performance of polystyrene insulation of the same thickness. It also adds strength and rigidity to the door

Federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Protect your family and make sure you only hire a contractor who is in a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.

Facts about lead

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.

FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

Health effects of lead

Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States.

• People can get lead in their body if they:
  • Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
  • Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
  • Breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.


• Lead is more dangerous to children because:
  • Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
  • Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.
  • Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.


• If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
  • Damage to the brain and nervous system
  • Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
  • Slowed growth
  • Hearing problems
  • Headaches


• Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
  • Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
  • High blood pressure and hypertension
  • Nerve disorders
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Muscle and joint pain

Click here for further information on the Lead Safe EPA Regulations

What does this mean for you?

In order to comply with Minnesota's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule, if your home was built before 1978 and the project involves disturbing paint in excess of the rule’s limits, this may mean an additional “lead-safe“ removal charge. Remember, this is for your safety and the safety of anyone living or visiting your home.

As a dealership accredited by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation, we have attained the highest level of professionalism awarded by the door and operator industry. In addition, our status as an accredited door dealer requires that we continue to stay abreast of the latest information and policies in the industry.

• An Accredited Dealer has experience about the products it sells and has demonstrated that knowledge through the scrutiny of an independent organization.
• An Accredited Dealer has successfully passed thorough written examinations on the subjects of Accounting and General Business Principles, Legal and Insurance, OSHA Regulations and Safety Compliance, Residential Technical Basics, Commercial Technical Basics, and Sales and Marketing Management as a means of demonstrating professional knowledge.
• An Accredited Dealer has demonstrated its commitment to to overall industrial quality and excellence through an investment in time and money to earn the distinction.
• An Accredited Dealer is continuously pursuing new information and education regarding this ever-changing industry, its products, and its ability to meet the needs of customers.
• You will be doing business with a company that has earned an achievement that fewer than one percent of garage door and operator dealers in the United States and Canada have achieved.

A garage door is built to a last a long time, but its life as a garage door will one day come to end.  However, that doesn't mean that its life has to come to an end.  There is another option! You can re-purpose your garage door.  

A quick search on the Internet will flood you with many ideas and the possibilities seem to be endless.  If your old door was made of steel, you can use the garage door sections to construct a raised garden or to frame an enclosure for a compost pile.  Type in "garage door raised garden" into your favorite search engine and you can pull up a number of plans. 

Back in the day, before they started using vinyl and steel, garage doors were made of fine quality woods like cherry, chestnut, and mahogany. Scrape and strip away the old paint and you are left with some beautiful wood.  If you are lucky enough, you may even find one crafted with beautiful designs carved in the wood.  Should you have one of these, sand it down, apply some stain or decorative paint and place it as your headboard.  To dress it up even more add some cloth accents. 

If the design matches the decor of your room, maybe all the garage door section needs is a little cleaning and you have yourself a headboard. The picture on the right shows a basic wood garage door panel, with the bolts still in the section.  

If you are somewhat handy, you can also cut down some wood door sections and construct a blanket chest, or a dressing screen.  Take it another step further and reuse the handle lock hardware for hooks to hang your clothes on. 

These projects are not necessarily for everyone, but it just goes to show how a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to reusing your old stuff. 

Do you have a clever or inventive reuse of your garage door?  Share in the comments below or email us a picture!

Extreme weather happens. Increasingly, manufacturers are building garage doors to withstand extreme wind loads to better protect your home and everything inside you’ve worked so hard for.

High winds from hurricanes, tornados and severe storms can reduce homes to splinters. We’ve all seen jaw-dropping storm devastation played over and over on TV news and on the Internet. We’ve all known someone affected by killer storms. And we all hope beyond hope that it will never happen to our homes.

Researchers studying the wind effects of devastating storms note that garage doors are often the entry point for damage. The garage door is typically the largest opening on a house. If it’s a flimsy door, it could blow in when exposed to pounding, heavy winds. And that can lead to a catastrophic chain of events.

“Garage doors are common weak points,” wrote Dr. Charles A. Doswell III at the University of Oklahoma’s Meteorological Studies department in a National Weather Service handbook. “Any high wind event seeks out the weakest link it can find in a structure. When the garage door gives way, the wind then pressurizes the garage. The roof then often comes off, and the failure of the garage can [spread] into the home itself. In such events, the house tends to ‘unzip’ from the initial failure point.”

The point: A strong garage door is an integral part of maintaining the structural integrity of a home.

NEW STANDARD OF STRENGTH

The latest International Residential Code calls for garage doors to be tested to withstand 90 mph winds, and even higher in some parts of the country. Manufacturers have responded with heavily reinforced garage doors that often include extra horizontal struts, vertical posts, long-stem rollers, double hinges, extra track brackets, stronger track and stronger fasteners.

Strength comes in two flavors: active and passive reinforced garage doors.

Active reinforced doors require a little sweat equity from the homeowner when a storm is on the way. Posts are installed in the garage floor and in the header of the garage door to brace for extreme winds. When the storm calms down, the reinforcing posts come down until the next serious windstorm.

Passive systems are already in place and ready to go as soon as a storm hits. If homeowners are evacuated, for example, they simply lock the system and it’s ready to go. If there’s a sudden evacuation notice and you need to get out in a hurry, all you need to do is flip a latch.

While nothing can stand up to a direct hit in a monster storm, stronger garage doors mean homes are better equipped to stand up against powerful winds. The extra protection means a few extra dollars for a reinforced door, but for the extra investment, homeowners can sleep a whole lot better while your home rides out the storm.

This is so important, let’s say it again: have your garage door installed and serviced by a professional. This is not a job for a DIY-er with minimal knowledge of the task at hand.

Why?

One word – safety.

For most Americans, a garage door is the largest moving object in the home. Garage doors are both large and extremely heavy. This means that not only are they incredibly difficult to lift, but install it wrong and it can come crashing down with unbelievable force.

The garage door springs that help the doors open are under extreme pressure and can release enough power to severely injure or even kill someone. Specific tools and training are needed when dealing with these springs.

“Installing a garage door system is complicated, and can be a dangerous task if not done properly. A professional door dealer will help you find the perfect door for your home, and install it correctly and safely,” said Chris Long, Managing Director, International Door Association.

There are plenty of other jobs around your place that are perfect for the weekend warrior, but installing a new garage door is not one of them. You want it installed correctly, functioning safely and smoothly, and you want it up right the first time. So how do you choose a professional installer for your new garage door? Here are some questions to ask:

1. Is the installer a member in a professional association?
Look for a door dealer professional that is a member of the International Door Association (IDA). It’s the only national association devoted to the professionalism and continuing education of garage door dealers. IDA members tend to have more experience, more knowledge and are guided by a customer-friendly professional code of ethics. Does your local dealer use the IDA logo in advertisements? 

2. How much experience does the installer have?
How long has the company been in business? If it’s a new company, do the owners have experience working in the door and operator industry? As a general rule, the more years, the better.

3. Does the dealer have satisfied customers or reviews available?
This may be the most important checkpoint. Does the door dealer have satisfied customers? Are you willingly given phone numbers so you can talk directly to past customers, or do you have access to letters of recommendation from customers?

4. What type of insurance coverage does the dealer have?
It is important that door dealers carry the proper insurance on their business and employees. Ask for a copy of the company’s certificate of insurance. If it doesn’t have one or hesitates to provide it, this could be a red flag.

5. Does the dealer comply with codes and regulations?
There are many requirements that apply to safety and the installation of a garage door system. Federal, state and local codes and regulations must be followed. Ask the dealer about how he or she complies with the codes in your city. Selecting the right door dealer is as simple as asking a few questions. Don’t hesitate to call two dealers and ask these same questions. They take only moments to answer, and yet they can help you find an honest, competent professional who can solve your garage door problem.

What's the first thing you see?

Chances are pretty good it's a massive, hulking garage door.
So ask yourself this question: is that thing helping the look of my house, or hurting it?

It may be doing neither – it's just a big, generic rectangle that eats up a third or more of your front façade.

Today, there are new ways to make a design statement with your garage door that will kick-start your home's curb appeal and could even add to its market value. That's cash back in your pocket, according to a nationwide survey of real estate agents as conducted by Stratamark Research.

When real estate agents were shown "before" and "after" snaps of houses that upgraded with new, stylish garage doors, they increased the list price of the home anywhere from 1 to 4 percent. That means a $2,000+ investment in a garage door could increase the sale value of your home by as much as $7,000 if you're selling a $175,000 home.

BACK TO THE FUTURE, CARRIAGE STYLE
That gaping hole in the front of your house represents a huge design opportunity. Your local garage door dealer can set you up with stylish new energy-efficient garage doors that accent and flatter the good looks of your house. Better yet, a distinctive new door will make your house stand out from all your neighbors' homes that sport an old humdrum garage door design.

Carriage doors are the hot new trend. They roll up just like your old door, but they fool the eye by echoing the hinged, swing-out door style and charm of old-time carriage houses.

New carriage house garage doors are available in real wood that you can leave natural or customize with the colors of your home. Steel or vinyl-clad carriage doors offer a high-style but low-maintenance choice.

But the style doesn't stop there. You can let the light in with gorgeous glass windows in dozens of designer styles. Add the look of wrought-iron decorative hardware for a distinctive period look. The result is a spectacular makeover.

CONTEMPORARY LIVING
If your home's style doesn't fit the traditional look of carriage house doors, a wide variety of contemporary designs are now available that can make your home the envy of the neighborhood. A door that combines glass and aluminum, for example, creates a new look that is as much at home in San Francisco as in the Far East.

If your home has a Mediterranean or southern European look, you might consider garage doors that have the look of French doors. They appear to swing outward, but feature the hinged-panel operation of a traditional garage door. Opaque glass adds to the elegance of these classically styled doors.

CREATE YOUR OWN
Fancy yourself a designer? Do you have a one-of-a-kind home that cries out for a one-of-a-kind garage door? Some garage door manufacturers will work with you to design your own custom creation. It may not be the most inexpensive way to go, but it combines correct engineering with your own design flair for a door that will make you proud every time you pull in the garage.

But be sure to have a professional install any garage door. The counterbalance system on these doors is under high tension. Even an experienced do-it-yourselfer can get injured or killed – yes, killed – by making a slight mistake during installation. A professional can install your door for you, quickly and safely, and haul away your old door. The cost of installation is well worth it.

FIGHT THE POWER: STORM-STRENGTH DOORS
Whether you live on the coast, inland, or in the heartland, your home needs to stand up to extreme winds. Storm damage experts testify that your garage door is your home's first line of defense against strong winds.

During hurricanes, for example, houses with an attached garage can literally blow apart if they're outfitted with flimsy garage doors. Older doors can blast in first, and that lets pressure build up in your house, which can blow the roof off and destroy your life's investment.

But here's the good news. Ever since the 1992 Hurricane Andrew, all major garage door manufacturers have been designing and producing doors that meet or exceed the most stringent building codes. Some garage doors now can withstand sustained hurricane-force winds of up to 145 mph. In Minnesota, new home construction must meet a 90 mph wind code.  

New, heavy-duty garage doors. Fabulous styles, finishes and hardware. New garage doors make it easy to makeover your home so it stands apart from all the other houses in your neighborhood. It's money well-spent, because it's one of few investments that can pay for itself by increasing the perceived value of your home.

The savings come from a federal income tax credit, which is more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction, because a tax credit reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income that is taxed. Through the end of this year, the U.S. government is offering up to a $1,500 tax credit for homeowners who buy and install qualifying insulated garage doors. 

The government is encouraging everyone to save energy, and the tax credit is an incentive for homeowners. If your home has an attached garage, you’ve probably noticed that the room next to the garage is typically the coldest room in the winter and hottest in the summer. That’s because the winter’s cold and summer’s heat can enter the house through the garage, which increases the amount of energy your home needs for heating and cooling. That’s why insulated garage doors can make a difference in reducing your heating and cooling bills, and saving our valuable energy resources.

GETTING YOUR SHARE OF THE TAX CREDIT
Tax credits are available for qualifying garage door purchases placed in service by Dec. 31, 2010. A taxpayer may claim a maximum of 30 percent of qualifying home improvement products, and a maximum of $1,500 for qualifying purchases in 2009 and 2010. (Note: the tax credits were also offered in 2006 and 2007.) For example, if you replace two garage doors with two new qualifying insulated doors that cost $1,000 each, you may claim a tax credit of $300 per door, or a total of $600, provided you have not exceeded the $1,500 total over the two years of the tax credit period.

To be eligible for the tax credit:

• The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage.
• The door must have a U-factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains windows.
• The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration.
• The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
• The garage must be part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence.

Beyond saving you tax dollars and energy expenses, a new garage door can also add curb appeal and value to your home. Because an attached garage can comprise a third or more of the front of your home, a new garage door can make a dramatic statement. 

It’s all about style. Over the past several years, manufacturers have introduced carriage house garage doors that reflect the look of days gone by and provide a touch of charm and elegance to the home. If your home has a more modern look, contemporary doors that boast bright colors, opaque glass and aluminum, or a range of metallic finishes might be more your style.

A new garage door can also increase the value of your home. One survey shows that 71 percent of homeowners who replaced their garage doors felt that it increased the value of their home.

1. New garage doors can increase the value of your home.
An online survey says that 71% of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home. When nationwide real estate agents were shown “before” and “after” photos of houses upgraded with new, stylish garage doors, they increased the list price of the home anywhere from 1 to 4 percent. That means a $2,000+ investment in a garage door could increase the sale value of your home by as much as $7,000 if you’re selling a $175,000 home. Look at our photo gallery  you’ll see the difference a new garage door can make.

2. New garage doors can put money back in your pocket.
The Federal Government’s Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 extends tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. This includes qualifying insulated garage doors. That means that adding a new garage door in 2010 can save you money by helping to lower home energy consumption and costs AN D it will help pay for itself this year through the tax credit incentive, worth up to $1500.

3. New garage doors help you Lower The Door On Crime.
According to statistics compiled by metropolitan police departments, approximately 50 percent of all residential burglaries can be traced to an open or an unsecured garage door. How many times have you gone in your house after working in your yard or carrying groceries out of your car and left the garage door open? The garage door industry suggests that you Lower the Door on Crime in 2009 by making it a practice to always close and secure your garage door to protect the valuables in both your home and your garage.

If you’re looking for helpful security devices to remind you to close your door, you can purchase an open garage door indicator that can be affixed to your door. When a garage door is left open, a warning light will indicate “open door.” Homeowners can sleep easy, knowing their garage doors are closed and their families are safe.

4. New garage door openers have built-in safety features.
Photoelectric eyes – mounted about six inches above the floor – cast an invisible beam across the door opening and provide extra protection against entrapment. If a door is closing and a child or pet runs underneath the door, the beam breaks, causing the door to automatically reverse.

5. New garage doors can work even during power outages.
A popular accessory sold with new garage door openers is a battery back-up system that allows you to use your opener several times, even after the loss of power to your home. It’s a wonderful feature that prevents you from being trapped outside in a storm.

6. New garage doors are today’s front door.
A nationwide survey of consumers said that 71 percent of homeowners use their garage door openers to get into their homes every day, even more often than the front entry door. The key to the front door is now the garage door’s remote control and keypad. Yesterday’s latchkey kids are today’s keypad kids.

7. New garage doors can help you keep your house clean.
With a keyless entry pad mounted outside your garage door, why traipse dirt in through the front door when you can enter through the garage? You can leave muddy shoes or boots and drenched coats in the garage and keep your house cleaner.

8. New garage doors can be a fashion statement.
People are becoming more style conscious when replacing their garage door. On many American homes, the garage door claims a third of the façade, so it’s a snap to quickly makeover the look of your whole house. You can easily increase curb appeal when you choose from hundreds of different looks in elegant and stylish carriage house, contemporary or raised panel doors.

9. New garage doors can express your individuality.
Housing developments have their advantages, but individuality usually isn’t one of them. In homes that are more than five years old, chances are your door is a solid-colored, raised-panel door that looks like every other garage door. Choose a fashionable contemporary or carriage house garage door, and your house instantly stands out from the crowd. Check them out for yourself by viewing our website.

10. New garage doors can protect your family from powerful winds.
Reinforced garage doors are now available to help your home stand up to brutal winds. Researchers studying the wind effects of devastating storms know that garage doors are often the entry point for severe damage. A new strong garage door is an integral part of maintaining the structural integrity of your home.

11. New garage doors can help accessorize your life.
Garage door opener accessories abound. Many new garage door openers switch on lights in your home as you’re pulling up the driveway. Some alert you if you left the garage door open. Some door openers are activated only by your fingerprint. You can even make a fashion statement with your garage door remote by customizing it to match your car’s interior.

12. New garage doors should be installed by a professional.
Don’t try to install the door yourself. It’s a complex and dangerous task. Garage door springs are under extreme pressure and, if not handled properly, can release with enough power to seriously harm or kill someone. Specific tools and training are needed; therefore, it’s highly recommended that you have a professional who can do the job in just a few hours and haul the old door away. The cost of installation is well worth it. 

• The door must be an insulated garage door installed before December 31st, 2010, and the door must have an Energy Tax Credit Certification.
• The door must have an installed U-factor equal to or less than 0.30, and there must be a means to control air filtration at the door perimeter. The U-factor includes doors with and without windows. "Doors with non-insulated windows would generally not comply".
• The door must be expected to remain in service for at least 5 years.
• The garage space must be insulated, whether heated or not.
• The garage must be a part of the taxpayer's principle U.S. residence.

Your Door Professionals,

St. Cloud, Brainerd and Willmar Overhead Door Company

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota

• Be wary of business phone lines that are simply answered “service”, “door service” or similar.  Some businesses operate under many doing-business-as names and they have to answer the phone in a generic manner.  Ask the company for their business name and business address.  If they cannot easily answer this question, you may not have called a local, reputable business.
  
  
• Keep in mind that you may be calling an out-of-state call center, even though you dialed a local number.  Any business can buy multiple phone lines.  Do not believe that local numbers always mean “local” business.
  
  
• Ask several companies to come to your home to evaluate your needs and provide solutions and answers to your questions.  Comparison shopping in this manner allows you to consider differences in price and opinions on what should be repaired or replaced.  Ask a business if they charge for their time in coming out to evaluate your situation.
  
  
• Ask for an estimate before agreeing to any service and sign an authorization form after you approve the estimate.  You should review and understand the services, products, costs and disclosures before any work is done.
  
  
• Request references with name, phone and address, from consumers who have recently had work performed by the company.  Don’t forget to actually contact the references. 
   
• Good garage door companies come in all sizes.  Large marketing campaigns or big company ads do not always mean a bigger company, stronger reputation or provide better service than what another company can provide.  Check out individual company reliability reports at the Better Business Bureau online www.thefirstbbb.org or by phone at 651-699-1111.
  
  
• Take note of marketing techniques such as advertising discounts or promoting lowest price claims.  Remember, the only way to know if you are getting a fair price is to comparison shop to see what several businesses can offer you.  Take into account that a cheap price does not always mean good value. 
  
  
• Some companies state that they can provide service in short time frames.  This may certainly be a benefit to you; however, you may need to weigh convenience with waiving your ability to shop around.
  
  
• Any advertisement that makes any type of rating claim (i.e. rated #1 in customer service) should also list the independent third party that provided the award or designation, along with the date received.
  
  
• When purchasing a new garage door, be sure to request a manufacturer, brand and model number of all door components (door sections, hardware, track, springs, etc.).  Also, request a warranty card and owner’s manual and read these thoroughly.  You may need this information if you have questions about the warranty or product liability.
  
  
• Question any claim that seems “too good to be true.”  Always check for details, limits and exclusions.  If a company promotes a “free” offer,  unfortunately, the company may be accounting for the cost of the free item by adding the cost back into the overall price of the product or service.  The only way to know if the overall offer is a good deal is to comparison shop.

Congratulations to David Thene, D&D Construction who's enjoying the Flat Screen TV he won in our Commercial Customer Promotion.