Any architect that is involved with construction in coastal areas is already quite familiar with specifying reinforced hurricane-rated garage doors that protect against wind-blown debris. They are a longstanding requirement established by code in south Florida, Texas and other regions. In recent years as the devastating effects of tropical storms as well as tornados have been mapped and studied, there is a broader perspective arising that suggests this wind protection specification is not just for beach houses any more.

If you haven’t yet seen the Buyers Bootcamp program on DIY Network and HGTV, you may find the show’s concept interesting. The host, Scott McGillivray, compares remodeling “pitches” of two property owners, then chooses one property for a makeover and covers the costs himself. If the makeover results in profit, he shares in it. If it isn’t profitable in terms of added resale value, he shares in that outcome as well. Raynor garage doors are featured in two episodes this spring.

Skinny top windows are out. Bolder and larger window treatments are in as Raynor’s stylish new Aspen Series garage doors can be fitted with any of 16 different LuxeVue™ window designs to punch up the curb appeal of your home.

If you are considering a new garage door or opener, there are plenty of options out there for product selections as well as local dealers and installers. We might suggest that quality of the installation and the ongoing service offered by your local dealer should be among the most important factors to consider, right along with the quality and styling of the door system.

Raynor In Commercial Architecture

The attractive new AlumaView^® AV300 aluminum doors maximize glass area and completely conceal the reinforcing struts for better aesthetics inside and out.

If you’ve added or replaced a remote control for your Raynor garage door opener, or would simply like to re-program your remotes for security, this article will give you a quick summary of programming steps. It’s easy to do and requires only that you have a ladder or step stool handy so that you can reach the program Learn Button on your opener. Ask a friend or family member to help with that ladder work if you aren’t comfortable.

PROJECT PROFILE

Fire Station Renovation, North Highlands, New York

Mitchell Associates Architects

For many architectural firms, this New York fire station renovation and expansion project might have represented very unique challenges. But for architect Bob Mitchell, a recognized authority on fire station design, completing the job cost effectively and to newest standards was essentially a matter of applying what his firm has learned in more than 160 projects involving emergency services facilities.

NO REMOTE? NO HASSLE. One of our most popular home accessories is the Keyless Entry Keypad. If you have one now, you already know how convenient it can be for everyday uses. This handy device is most commonly used when the homeowner and other family members wish to open the garage door without a remote in hand. But did you know these advanced user secrets?

In cold winter months, garage doors can literally freeze to the floor, causing all kinds of stress for the homeowner and potentially for the garage door and opener if forced open. There are some simple remedies for this. We’ve heard quite a few creative ideas – some are good solutions, some are not so good.

What single remodeling project do you think provides the best return on your investment? If you guessed that “replacing a garage door” is at the top of the list in terms of increasing home resale value, you are very astute. As a follow-up to our earlier articles about this topic, we’d like to share this infographic that puts all of those choices into perspective.