The New Texas Tech Practice Facility: Opening Solutions for a State-of-the-Art Facility

The New Texas Tech Practice Facility: Opening Solutions for a State-of-the-Art Facility

by | Jan 30, 2018 | Uncategorized

Have you seen the new Texas Tech University practice facility, The Sports Performance Center?

Did you know Overhead Door Company of Lubbock™ was a part of this amazing new state-of-the-art facility?

It’s a beauty and includes a full indoor football practice field called the Peterson Family Indoor Football Practice Facility. Overhead Door Company of Lubbock™ installed the aluminum glass doors that roll up to open the indoor field to another practice field that’s outdoors.

The Texas Tech website states, “The Texas Tech football program has been utilizing the Petersen Family Indoor Football Practice Facility since the start of preseason practices in August, providing head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s team an indoor venue to practice in cases of high temperatures or inclement weather.”

The new facility isn’t just for Tech Football but will impact all of their sports. Tech’s newest sports facility includes an indoor track, a weight room for strength and conditioning, sports medicine center and a nutrition center.

“This is truly a remarkable facility,” Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. “We could have never dreamed to build a facility like this without the vision and generosity of our most loyal donors. The Sports Performance Center will impact each of our student-athletes as it is one of the best training and competition venues in intercollegiate athletics today.”

texas tech practice facility doors

The Model 521 Glass Aluminum garage doors installed in this facility allows easy access for players and coaches to the outdoor practice area. On nice days the doors can be fully opened and you can have practice simultaneously going on inside and outside. It gives visibility to what’s going on in both areas.

new texas tech practice facility

The Model 521 Glass Aluminum garage doors installed in this facility allows easy access for players and coaches to the outdoor practice area. On nice days the doors can be fully opened and you can have practice simultaneously going on inside and outside. It gives visibility to what’s going on in both areas.

You can see some more photos in this tweet from Texas Tech Football last July.  Our guys were finishing up the installation during the first practice of the season inside the new facility.

— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) July 31, 2017

Credits:

Our Favorite Uses for Glass Doors on Restaurants

Our Favorite Uses for Glass Doors on Restaurants

by | Jan 16, 2018 | Uncategorized

Glass garage doors with aluminum frames have been popping up in new construction of restaurants all across the country in the past few years and it's obvious why. These doors are perfect for providing customers the outdoor dining experience at a moments notice.  They are also great for keeping patio and bar areas secure while giving restaurant owners the ability to utilize patio seating in seasons with colder temperatures. Most newly built restaurant have glass overhead doors incorporated into the initial design on the building but you also see a lot of older restaurants removing windows to incorporate the instant open design that a glass door provides.

Here's some of our favorite uses of glass garage doors on restaurants.

1. Twisted Root Burger Company Opens to the Patio Area

We love how Twisted Root Burger Company uses these glass aluminum Model 521 garage doors for their patio. Many restaurants use these doors to open the inside to the outdoors. These are unique as they are installed on a half-wall, replacing the need for windows.

glass patio doors at twisted root

2. Covering and Protecting the Bar Area

We see our glass aluminum garage doors used for bars a lot. This keeps the restaurant and bar secure while closed but also gives restaurants the option to close off the outside when the weather isn’t ideal for customers to enjoy a drink outside on the patio.

glass roll-up door for bar area

3. Doors from the Ground Up Really Opens-up the Space

These are some of my favorite applications for glass aluminum garage doors because they really open-up the restaurant space. The great thing about using glass is that whether the doors are closed or open they instantly give the restaurant a more open feel, especially when the door goes all the way to the ground giving customer a full wall of glass to view the outdoor patio.

large glass restaurant doors

4. Create a Covered Outdoor Patio Area

This restaurant uses glass doors on this patio area. It’s a wing on the restaurant that allows more seating in all four seasons. This patio area uses four doors which when opened, really gives the outdoor patio experience to customers. You can see how the installers made the tracks of the doors on the right side longer, so they would roll-up over the doors on the left side.

glass doors on covered patio at restaurant

5. Small Bistro Opening to the Street

This is a bistro along a city street that took out a large window in the front and replaced it with a roll-up glass aluminum door.  This really opens the space to the street, typically seen on many European cafes and bistros.

garage door in bistro restaurant

6. Very Upscale Restaurants Now Have Glass Door Options

Overhead Door’s newest addition to the glass door line-up is the Envy. This is the Envy Model 522 which features a frame-less design that is perfect for upscale restaurants that are looking for an ultra-sleek, modern design.

very upscale restaurant doors

Should I Get an Insulated Garage Door? – The Benefits

Should I Get an Insulated Garage Door? – The Benefits

by | Jan 12, 2018 | Uncategorized

During the cold winter months, it’s a constant struggle to keep the cold air out and the warmer air inside. Many homeowners park their cars in their garage hoping that their car will be warmer than parking it outside on the driveway, yet sometimes this isn’t the case. If you have your garage walls insulated but fail to insulate your garage door, your insulated walls are pretty much useless.

Energy Savings

Since the garage is typically the largest opening to the outside it’s important for it to be sealed and insulated. “Studies have shown that replacing an uninsulated garage door with an insulated one can reduce heat loss through the garage by more than 70 percent, especially if the walls of your garage are insulated.” It’s also important to note that having proper seals around the garage door is a big factor to the effectiveness of an insulated door. Having a good perimeter seal will also help keep leaves, grass and critters out of the garage.

Protecting Your Equipment and Tools

Do you store tools and equipment inside your garage during the winter months? It’s important to realize that very cold temperatures can damage certain equipment that’s being stored in your garage. If you really want to protect your belongings, we would recommend getting an insulated door and consider insulating the walls in your garage. The science behind this is that heat expands and cold contracts, which can in turn damage equipment. Having an area that is less susceptible to extreme temperature changes is a good place to store things like mowers, power washers and any other tools that use gels and liquids to keep them running smoothly.

Extending Your Battery Life

Very cold temperatures also can do a number on your car battery. One of the main reasons for auto failure is dead or near dead batteries.

AAA’s Automotive Research Center tells us why…
"When temperatures plummet, automotive failures skyrocket. Calls for battery jump starts and assistance with frozen locks are the top ranked reasons for calls to AAA," said John B. Townsend II, or AAA Mid-Atlantic's Manager of Public and Government Affairs.

“According to AAA's Automotive Research Center, at 0°F, a car's battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32°F it loses 35 percent. During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions. “

Less Noisy

An insulated garage door is typically not as loud as a non-insulated door. This is because the insulation creates a sandwich construction between the metal which helps to keep the metal from rattling. Other ways to make your garage door less noisy is to make sure all the bolts, screws, hinges and other parts of your door are tightened and secure and to lubricate all the parts of your garage door.

More Durable

Instead of just a single layer of steel being used an insulated garage door uses a steel-insulation-steel construction. It’s two layers of steel with insulation in between each, which gives it a more durable construction. Having a garage door with a durable construction will also increase the longevity of your door.

A Warmer Car in Colder Months

Nobody likes getting in a cold car. Having an insulated garage door can also mean a warmer car. One of the worst things about the winter is getting in a freezing cold car with a frozen steering wheel. Parking in an uninsulated garage or outside won’t keep your car warm. Since no one likes getting in a chilly car, try getting an insulated door.

1. http://www.overheaddoor.com/blog/Pages/benefits-of-insulated-garage-door.aspx
2. https://patch.com/virginia/vienna/dead-car-battery-cold-weather-electronics-may-be-to-blame-aaa-says

New Garage Door Trends for a New Year

New Garage Door Trends for a New Year

by | Jan 9, 2018 | Uncategorized

Is updating the exterior of your home on your list of to-dos this year? If it is, consider upgrading your garage door. According to a blog on OverheadDoor.com, “Replacing a garage door with a newer model continues to be one of the top five home improvement projects, both in terms of midrange and upscale projects.”

Improving Curb Appeal? Know the Trends

Improving the curb appeal of your home is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner in 2018, so why not start with the garage door.

Here’s some of the garage doors that will make a statement on many homes in 2018.

Faux Wood Garage Doors

steel wood grain garage doors

Faux Wood Designs will continue to be a popular choice in 2018. Faux wood garage doors give homeowners the option for the look of a wood garage door but doesn’t require all the maintenance of a real wood garage door. Faux wood designs are offered in everything from steel to fiberglass materials. Steel garage doors have a painted stain that gives the grain look. Fiberglass doors have deep grooves that are molded into the material to give the look of wood. These faux wood designs have gained popularity over the last decade and with advances in painted stain options and wood-alternative materials, they will continue in popularity in 2018.

Modern Steel Garage Doors

vertical windows on garage doors

Homeowners love a more modern look on their homes. Even homes with a more traditional architectural design are adding touches of modern flare to their homes to give it an updated look and feel. An easy way to do this is add a steel garage door with a modern design. The Thermacore® Collection insulated doors offer a flush panel design options that is sleek and contemporary. You also have the option to arrange windows vertically down the side of the door, giving the door a very unique look.

Glass Garage Doors

all glass garage door

These doors are becoming very popular options for homeowners and businesses looking to modernize while also lightening up interior areas. You’ll see these doors used at restaurants to open-up the dining area to the outside, but you’ll also see them on homes looking to give their curb appeal a refresh and give their home a more modern look. There’s two types of garage doors made of glass. You have the typical glass door with aluminum frames that encase the glass. The newest type of glass garage door has glass panels that are adhered to a hidden aluminum frame. This very new modern door will be a trend for years to come as it offers a very futuristic look to most homes.

Glass Garage Doors with Wooden Frames

glass garage door with wood frames

One of the newest additions to the Overhead Door™ residential garage door line-up is this modern aluminum door with wooden framed glass panels. Many modern homes incorporate wooden slats to their exterior design which makes this door a perfect match for homes with a more contemporary look and feel.

Insulated Garage Doors with Beautiful Designs and Options

wood grain insulated garage door

It's no surprise that garage doors have gotten better looking over the years, which includes insulated garage door options.  Energy-efficiency will continue to be a priority for homeowners for years to come. Not only do homeowners want more in energy savings, but they also want more design options. There's many beautiful steel doors that are also insulated, so finding a beautiful design that fits your home should be simple to do.

Technology and Garage Doors in 2018

We can't talk about garage door trends without mentioning all the new technology that will continue to make an impact to homeowners and even business owners in 2018.

Home automation and smart technology isn't slowing anytime soon and will continue to transform the building products industry. When it comes to garage doors there's a couple of devices that will keep homeowners safer and more secure.

The OHDAnywhere™ gives you the ability to control your garage door using an app on your phone. It allows you to give access to repairmen, babysitters, and anyone else you need to gain access to your home through your garage.  You'll continue to see technological improvements in the garage door and building product industry in 2018.

Blog: Recent and Long-Term Trends Show that “Curb Appeal” Projects Reign Supreme

How Technology Has Made Garage Doors Safer and More Secure Than Ever Before

How Technology Has Made Garage Doors Safer and More Secure Than Ever Before

by | Dec 18, 2017 | Uncategorized

Garage doors have come a long way since the 1920’s when both the garage door and the electric garage door opener was invented. Technology has change almost all aspects of our lives and will continue to integrate into our daily lives, which includes the operation of the garage door. Everything about a garage door is getting safer and the primary reason why is the emerging smart technology available. Read this list of technological advances that has made garage door systems safer, more secure and smarter than ever before.

Opening Your Garage Door from Your Phone

One of the newest advances in the garage door industry has been the use of apps to operate and monitor your garage door. Homeowners don't have to be near the door to operate it, they have total access of their garage door from their phone.  When anyone is opening or closing your garage door the app will notify you immediately.  You can give access to repairmen, delivery person, or friends without having to give them the access code to your keypad.

The app will also provide you with details on when your garage door was opened and closed and the dates and times it was accessed. What makes this app different from all the other garage door apps out there is the OHDAnywhere uses a device that mounts on the garage door so even if the door is detached from the operator, it will still provide you with access information.

Garage Door Safety Sensors

In 1993, it became a requirement for garage doors to have photo-eyes installed. These photo-eyes will stop the door from closing if something crosses or is in the way of its infrared beams. Garage door safety sensors are usually located about 2 inches off the floor on both sides of the garage door. If the sensors are malfunctioning, one will start to blink. This means something is obstructing the beams and needs to be moved before the door can operate, the beams are not aligned properly, or the lenses of the beams need to be cleaned. This technology was put in place mainly for safety, so it’s important to make sure your safety sensors are always functioning properly.

Integrated Battery Back-ups for Garage Door Openers

Most people don’t think about their opener when the power goes out. Many manufacturers include battery back-ups on garage door openers, so you’ll never have to worry about getting a car out when a storm cuts the power to your house. You can also buy a battery back-up separately, which plugs into your opener.

Rolling Code Technology

Mostly all remotes for garage door openers include rolling codes, which means every time you press the button on your remote a new code is generated. This protects your remote from being hacked. In 2015, Security Researcher, Samy Kamkar converted a Mattel toy into a device that can grab the code of some garage door openers and remotes. Luckily, this hacking device can only work for older garage door openers that use dip switches and newer model openers use rolling code technology which stops this type of hacking from happening. If you have an older model garage door opener and want one with the new rolling code technology, then contact us today.

Vacation Locks

All Overhead Door® Wall Consoles (newer ones) have something called SureLock™ which allows homeowners to lock the operation of the garage door opener. This is a great feature for those wishing to lock the operation of the door when away on vacation.

Advanced Controls and Remotes

Long gone are the days of your basic garage door controls. There’s two specific controls we’d like to feature here, the Overhead Door® Advanced Wall Console and the Overhead Door™ Door Report™ remote.

The Advanced Wall Console provides lighting and opener performance status while also giving you the ability to receive service reminders with the contact information of your local Overhead Door™ Distributor. SureLock™ is a built-in feature which allows you to lock your door from operating while away or at night. The cool thing about this wall console is that it features an LCD touch screen, which will make it look like you have a garage door system from the future.

The Door Report™ is another great technology for garage door remotes. With standard garage door remotes, you close the door and you won’t know whether you closed the door or not when you drive away. Many times, we forget the routine things like locking the door, unplugging a straightener, and closing the garage door. When we do the same things every day we don’t think about them while doing them, which can cause us to easily forget if we did them or not. With the Door Report™ you’ll never have to ask if you closed the garage door. How it works is it makes a beeping sound while flashing a green light to let you know your garage door has fully closed. If your garage door didn’t close, then the remote with give you a warning tone and flash a red light.

Flashlights Integrated with Remotes

The Overhead Door™ brand has recently launch a new garage door remote that features a flashlight. On the Overhead Door brand™ blog they state, “The bright light supplies homeowners with a convenient way to light up their walk back to the car, keep in hand for a night-time run or navigate their way through a dark garage.”

These technologies have helped make garage doors smarter, safer and more secure. Leave us a comment and let us know how technology in the home has changed the way you live on a daily basis.

Garage Door Opener App Programming Instructions

by | Dec 11, 2017 | Uncategorized

Need help setting up your Overhead Door garage door opener app? The OHDAnywhere to an Apple iPhone or Android device.

What is the OHD Anywhere?

The OHDAnywhere is a device that you hook on to the back on your garage door so you can monitor your garage door from your phone with an app.

This device allows you to remotely control and monitor the status of your garage door using your phone.

The video below will walk you through the installation and programming of this garage door opener app. You can also find the quick set-up guide instructions included with this device to verify that your garage door opener and phone/tablet are compatible with the OHD Anywhere App/Device System.

Steps to follow to program phone to garage door opener and OHD Anywhere device:

Step 1:

  1. Go into your house so you are close to your Wi-Fi Router:
  2. Remove mounting bracket from the back of the Door Control Module or DCM.
  3. Plug the OHD Anywhere into a wall outlet with the Power Pack.
  4. Plug Power Pack into DCM controller.

Step 2: While in the house close to your Wi-Fi router, download the OHD Anywhere app on your phone.

  1. Scan the QR code below or visit your devices app store to start the set-up of the OHD Anywhere device.
  2. Follow the on-screen menus to create an account and program system prior to programming in the garage.
  3. At the installation prompt, disconnect Power Pack and move system to the garage.

Step 3

In the Garage: These factors must be determined prior to mounting OHD Anywhere™ (DCM) to the wall or ceiling.

  • Optimal Wi-Fi signal strength.
    If an optimal signal cannot be located within the garage, move the wireless router closer to the garage or install a Wi-Fi range extender (available from most electronic stores.
  • Desired DCM location.
  • Access to 110VAC outlet within 5 feet.
  1. Plug Power Pack into wall outlet and DCM near the chosen mounting location.
    The WI-FI signal indicator LED should illuminate signaling that the Wi-Fi signal is still in tact.
  • A GREEN LED indicates a good Wi-Fi signal.
  • A RED LED, indicates a lost or faulty signal. Move OHD Anywhere™ to a position that better suits the Wi-Fi signal from the router. Contact Customer Service for further
    assistance. (1-888-901-2750)

2. Once an optimal signal and location is obtained, UNPLUG Power Pack from the DCM and continue to STEP 4.

Step 4:

Wire OHD Anywhere™: (Single door install shown) OHD Anywhere™ will wire directly to the wall control connections at the powerhead or directly to the wall control. New Overhead Door models shown. Visit www.OverheadDoor.com/OHDAnywhere for more information on older models and other brands of garage door openers.

  1. Make sure garage door opener is unplugged.
    • Leave wire spool intact for this part of the install.
  2. Split provided dual strand wire approximately 2 in. then strip 1/2 in. of insulation.
    FIG. A.
  3. Press orange tabs down and insert both wires into connection points for DOOR 1 on the back of the DCM. FIG. B.
  4. Trim and split the other end of the dual strand wire approximately 2 in. and then strip 1/2 in. of insulation. FIG. A.
  5. Insert wire into wall control inputs either:
    • (OPTION A) Directly to the garage door opener.
    • OR
    • (OPTION B) To the Back of the wall control.

Step 5: Mount and Power OHD Anywhere™

  1. Using the DCM mounting bracket as a template at the optimal Wi-Fi location. Mark and drill 2-3/32” pilot holes and mount bracket to wall using supplied screws. If mounting to drywall, use anchors provided in kit or if mounting to perforated angle at opener location, use nuts, washers and screws provided.
  2. Plug Power Pack into wall outlet. An extended screw is provided to secure Power Pack to outlet if needed.
  3. Plug Power Pack into back of DCM as shown in STEP 1. NOTE: LEDs on DCM will flash momentarily as it reacquires signals.
  4. Snap DCM onto mounting bracket.
  5. Route wires and secure with supplied staples.
  6. Affix the warning placard next to wall control or DCM in plain sight to signify that the door will operate remotely.

STEP 6: Mount DPS (Door Position Sensor) Module to Garage Door:

DO NOT remove the battery “PULL TAB” from DPS until directed by the app.

The DPS should be mounted on the TOP door panel only. Mount to steel reinforced end stile on the far left or right under the top hinge. DO NOT mount to unreinforced door panel.

  1. Clean door where DPS will mount.
  2. Install double sided tape to back of mounting bracket and affix to door.
    NOTE: Double sided tape is designed to hold bracket in place temporarily only. Not to be used for permanent mounting.
  3. Pre-drill 2 - 3/32 holes. DO NOT drill all the way through door.
  4. Use included self tapping screws to mount DPS bracket to top door panel end stile.
  5. Slide DPS down onto mounting bracket. DPS should snap onto bracket. NOTE: The DPS included with this kit is already programmed to the DCM. See the NOTE under STEP 7 regarding additional sensors (DPS)

Step 7: Complete the Programming

  1. Restore power to the garage door opener.
  2. Follow the on screen prompts to complete the set-up and test the OHD Anywhere™ system. NOTE: This kit includes one DPS for use with one door only. The DPS included is already programmed to the DCM . Additional sensors can be purchased separately from your local Overhead Door retailer.To program additional sensors, first complete STEP 7 initial setups and programming, then go to “Add a Door Sensor” under the “Doors” tab inside the app or view the installation video below. NOTE: A white light will flash and an audible beep will sound as an indication that the door is about to move when commanded by the Aladdin Connect™ or other compatible app(s).

These instructions were provided by Overhead Door at http://www.overheaddoor.com/Documents/ohdanywhere-instruction-poster-english.pdf