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

1. Visual Inspection: stand inside the garage with the garage door closed.  Look over the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and mounting hardware for signs of wear or damage.  Look for cable wear or fraying.  If something doesn't look right or you see signs of wear, contact us, this could be a symptom of a more serious issue. If nothing appears to be worn, move on to the next step.  

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. 

Through a cutting-edge two way communication system, the new lineup of LiftMaster openers enable by MyQ technology has the ability to manage and activate other MyQ enabled devices within the home.  You can turn lights on or off in the home or operate the garage door with a remote from anywhere in the world using a cell phone or personal computer.  This pioneering capability allows St. Cloud Overhead Door to offer today's homeowners an entirely new level of affordable home activation as opposed to an expensive, hardwired home automation system. 

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.

Why Choose an IDEA Accredited Dealer?

As you consider the purchase of a garage door or related product, we encourage you to thoroughly investigate not only the products, but also the dealer who will provide the installation and service. We know our company will earn your confidence and if you need proof, we've got it.

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.

By Choosing an Accredited Dealer you have assurance that you are working with a leader in the industry. OCS Doors is proud to be accredited by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation.

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!