A.B.E. Doors & Windows Blog

 Summertime is here and families are loading up their cars to visit relatives and discover different towns and attractions along the way. Before you leave, make sure your home is secure and burglar-free while you are away.

Be Social Media Savvy

It may be tempting, but don’t announce your vacation on social media. There are too many people posing as “friends” that are lurking for news that your home will be empty. You may even want to wait on posting those pictures of your family waving poolside until you are home. Don’t give anyone a chance to target your home. 

“There's no place like home.”~~~Dorothy-The Wizard of Oz

According to AAA, the time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve will see the highest number of people traveling. Over 93 million people will be making their way to visit loved ones near and far. Unfortunately, this time of year also sees an increase in home break ins. Let's not let that information deter you from leaving your home. A little planning and common sense will ensure your home and your family stay safe during this busy time of year.

 Safe Home  

Although it may be tempting, don't broadcast your travel plans on social media. You never know who may be following your page. Let's not give any criminal a heads up to your activities.  Those pictures of you and all the cousins wearing matching PJ's can wait till you return.

 The use of lights on a timer inside the home is an excellent deterrent, as most burglars will look for signs of no one being home.  

Industrial equipment. Heavy machinery.   

When I hear those words, it's a callback to a bygone era—a time when people worked in terrible conditions and safety measures were lax. I also think of contruction—oil rigs, bulldozers, combine harvesters, and steam rollers. I don't think my day to day life involves heavy machinery or industrial equipment.

Homes all over the country are welcoming Spring and the warmer temperatures by opening windows and letting the fresh air in.  As you move about your home, getting it ready for the changes of the season, now is an excellent time to look over your windows for any issues that would make them unsafe for children and pets.

•    If first floor windows are accessible to small children make sure to install window stoppers to limit a wide opening. Keep furniture far enough away from windows to limit the desire to climb near them. Make sure window locks align properly and are secure when they are closed. Second story windows in a child's room may benefit from easy to install bars that limit access, but still allow fresh air.

      •      Ensure all windows open and close easily, clean and lubricate if  necessary.  Check to make sure a

          window does not drop suddenly to avoid pinched fingers and hands.

•    If you have cords that dangle, consider purchasing cord holders that help wind up the excess or switch to cordless blinds to prevent strangling. Never position a crib near a window that has long cords.

•    Do not rely on a screen to prevent a fall. The weight of a child or pet pressing on a screen could cause it to pop out of the window.  Fix any holes or tears that could get worse over time. 

•    If you have a safety escape plan that involves a window, check  that the window opens with ease. Keep clutter and furniture out of the way.  If the window is on a second floor make sure a fire escape ladder is available. 

Talk with your children about the potential hazards of an open window and go over guidelines to keep them safe.  A little maintenance and care can make all the difference in the life of a curious child. 

 What is lead and why is it harmful?

Lead is a natural metal that has been deemed toxic to the human body.  It can enter the body via the mouth and through absorption in the skin.  Once ingested it makes its way through the bloodstream infecting many parts of the body.  Common health problems are: decreased muscle growth, poor muscle coordination and speech delay.  

Where is harmful lead found?

If your home was built prior to 1978, there is a very strong chance lead based paints were used in the building process.  If you renovated a room where lead paint was used, the dust can contaminate the surrounding areas as well as the soil outside your home.  Window sills, door frames, railings and porch banisters are all hot spots in the older home.  Antique furnishings and painted wooden toys should also be handled with care, especially if you are restoring them.  

What steps do I take to remove lead in the home?

If you feel you may have lead in your home your first step is to contact a certified lead inspector.  They will perform several safe tests that can determine if lead is present.  It is not recommended that you buy a test kit yourself as most are unreliable and can potentially expose you to lead during the collection process.  

If a test reads positive, hiring a company that specializes in lead removal is strongly advised.  Until the professional removes the paint you can clean up any paint chips, wipe down dusty areas and limit activity in the affected room.  Always wear protective gear, such as masks, eye-wear and gloves before treating these surfaces. 

What should I do if I feel my family has been exposed to lead? 

Children under the age of 6 are more susceptible to lead poisoning because of their natural tendency to place objects in their mouths.  Their bodies are also more likely of absorbing the toxins harming their still developing nervous system.  Lead poisoning can often be hard to detect until high amounts are present in the body.  Common symptoms can include headaches, slow growth in children, abdominal pain, mood swings and trouble sleeping.  A simple blood test can determine if lead is present in the body.  If you or your child tests positive your doctor will determine the best course of treatment.  

National Lead Prevention Week is October 22^nd thru the 28^th.  Take some time to visit the CDC website to learn more about prevention, risks and removal.  

Click here.

 You just finished dressing and fixing your hair in the coolness of your home only to become hot and flushed by the time it takes you to hop into your car to begin the day.   Don't sweat it.....here's a host of great tips to lower that temperature and keep your cool. 

Let there be air flow!

If you are fortunate enough to have a window, install an exhaust fan to help pull the hot air out.  If you feel comfortable with the idea, you can open the garage door about a foot to help with circulation as well.  Even a well placed box fan can help with air flow if you are doing some tinkering in the garage.  Always make sure the garage door is closed and any fans turned off at the end of day. 

Don't be full of hot air.

Think of the ceiling of your garage like the attic in your home.  Hot air rises and gets trapped in that space.  Adding a vent to the roof will give all that hot air a way to escape, thus keeping the overall garage cooler.  Insulating your ceiling is an another way to keep that hotter air from coming into the working area of your garage.  

If these walls could talk.

They would say “add some insulation to us too”.   If you choose this option, make sure to encapsulate the insulation with some wall board material. This would prevent tearing and wear from pets and younger children.  Applying weather stripping around an entrance door or the bottom of the garage door will help keep the warmer air out.  You could also caulk around a window or door if you saw small gaps in those areas as well.

Consider some shade.

If your garage is used as an extension of your home in terms of living space maybe consider adding an adjustable roll away awning to the sunny side of the garage to keep that summer sun at bay.  If you are revamping your landscaping, a well-placed tree can provide leafy shade during the warmer months and the loss of leaves in the winter will allow the sun to peek through and warm the garage...bonus!

Think light.

Darker colors absorb heat.  Painting your garage door a crisp white, beige or cream will help reflect the heat.  Another choice is a cool roof system.  A more costly selection, these materials help absorb the sun's energy and reflect more heat.  Available in the form of paints, tiles and sheet coverings, this option would be more suited to a garage that has been converted to a home gym or living space.

We hope these tips will make your garage a bit more tolerable in the summer months or at least a little less rumpled till you get to work.  

The International Door Association has deemed June National Garage Door Safety Month. Your garage door is the largest heaviest moving object in your home. Over 77% of garage door related injuries occur at a person's own property.  Keep your family, pets and automobiles safe all year round by following these simple tips.

Every month inspect your garage door and the surrounding mechanics.  Look over your cables, springs, rollers and tracks.  Look for any objects, such as leaves or other debris, that may be in the way of these areas that would cause a problem.  If you hear a lot of grinding or scraping apply a spray lubricant to keep the tracks running smoothly.  The average life span of most springs and cables is approximately 10,000 cycles or roughly 6 to 10 years.  Please consider calling a professional to replace these items, as they are tension mounted and may cause injury to the do-it yourselfer.  Do not operate the door if you feel there is an area that needs repair.

Since 1993 overhead garage doors are required to have auto reverse sensors to indicate if an object is in the way of the door as it closes.  Check these sensors monthly by placing a soft object, such as a roll of paper towels, in front of the sensor.  If the door does not automatically move back up, check the wires to make sure they have not been chewed on or disconnected in any way.  Over time the sensor itself may become dirty, wiping each lens with a soft cloth ensures the beam does not get interrupted.  If the beam seems broken it could indicate the brackets have become misaligned. Tightening the brackets may solve the problem, if not, you may have to replace them.   If your garage door does not have sensors it may be time to upgrade to a door that does to avoid an injury.  

Talk to your children about garage door safety.   Encourage them not to play with the opener or the remote.  Make sure your opener is placed at a height that small children cannot access.  Instruct your kids not to leave bikes or toys in front of the garage or inside where they could get run over.  Never open or close the door when kids or pets are close by.   If you have older children, teach them how to use the emergency release pull.... make sure you know how to use this as well!

Staying safe extends to when you go on vacation as well.   Inform a trusted neighbor of the days you will be gone and have them notify you if they see any odd activity near your garage door.  Take remote controls out of your car and keep them in the house until you return.  Some newer garage door models have a vacation mode feature that can be activated so your remotes are disabled.  Upon your return, simply deactivate this setting from the wall control in the garage and you are back in business.  

 A little prevention and knowing what to look for can save you and your family from a garage door related injury.  A.B.E Doors and Windows cares about you and your home, if you feel your garage door could use a little love please contact us at 610. 398. 2430.  

Over 3300 children are injured each year from window falls.  As you begin to open your windows to let the fresh air of spring in, please take a few minutes to make sure your windows are safe and pose no risks for small children. To wrap up National Window Safety Week we offer these guidelines to ensure your family is safe. 

• Always supervise small children that may be playing in an area that has open windows. Perhaps consider designating a play area that is further away from open windows.
• Kids love to climb!  Keep furniture away from windows to avoid potential risks.
• Never rely on a screen to prevent a fall.  Let's keep the bugs out and your sweet children in.
• If you have double hung windows, open the top sash to allow for cool air to ventilate the room.
• Home stores offer limited opening hardware kits, that allow for fresh air, but limit opening to only a few inches to prevent falls.
• Always lock windows when not in use.
• Cords are another potential hazard to small children.  Keep cribs and furniture away from corded windows.  If a long cord is present, wrap it up in a manner that does not pose a risk.  The Window Covering Safety Council offers free retro fit cord devices.  Please visit their website to learn more and obtain a kit for your window. http://windowcoverings.org/ 

Mark your calendars to check your windows at least once a year.  A few invested minutes could prevent a serious injury.   Have a safe and happy Spring!

It’s that time of the year. Christmas lights make the holidays festive and bright, but they come with their own safety and fire risks. Follow some important safety and energy-saving tips and have a happy holiday season with your family, neighbors and friends. 

Before you hang outdoor Christmas lights, decide what you're going to work on first and gather everything together. This is where having a helper comes in handy. Start with bushes, then trees, any windows, the doors and finally the roofline. 

Decide on the type of lights that work best and most efficient. Light-emitting diode, or LED, Christmas tree lights emit a bright, vibrant light that uses 80 percent less energy than conventional tree lights. They are also longer-lasting and stay cooler than traditional bulbs because they don't have a filament. 

Another option is energy-saving bulbs that use around a quarter of the electricity of standard bulbs and last up to 12 times longer. When you shop, look for government and industry-approved energy-saving logos to find the most energy-efficient products in either option in addition to rebates. 

When hanging lights, make sure you have firm support and never use tacks, staples, or nails. Instead, use plastic clips and insulated holders. 

Make sure your holiday lights are secure enough to withstand heavy winds and that you use UL approved extension cords specific for outdoor use and look for lights rated for indoor/outdoor use. 

Do not allow plugs and cords to sit in puddles and snow. 

Use a non-conducting fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with strings of lights, and stay clear of all overhead wires. 

Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves. 

You will probably not run into the same problems that Griswold had to deal with, like stapling your cuff to your house and nearly falling off a tall ladder, but following safety guidelines can make sure you and your family stay safe and get to enjoy this time with those you care about.

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime. Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23^rd-29^th. We wanted to discuss the dangers of children being exposed to lead and how to take proper precautions.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) potential risks of lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems and hearing and speech problems.

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes.

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling lead dust from lead-based paint or lead-contaminated soil or from playing with toys with lead paint.

You can lower the chances of exposure to lead in your home, both now and in the future, by taking simple steps like keeping your home clean and well-maintained.

Check out the link below on Lead Poisoning Home Checklist and ask yourself the questions and make sure your home is safe. If you think your child has been exposed to lead, seek out medical attention through your pediatrician or family physician for immediate attention.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/parent_checklist3.pdf

Can you believe it’s June already? We’re all excited for some fun in the sun! In all the excitement, let’s not forget safety first. Did you know that there is a whole month dedicated to garage door safety, you guessed it, it’s June and it’s here! Garage doors are the largest moving object in our homes. We want to make it a priority to always keep you informed of garage door safety tips to ensure a safe and happy home.

Garage doors and openers are not toys, make sure openers and control buttons are kept out of reach of children and are in clear view of the door, at least five feet from the floor. Make sure your kids and you don’t try and beat the door while it’s closing, it could be fatal!

Thousands of injuries happen each year that involve garage doors, make sure you avoid any joints or moving sections of the garage door so there can be no accidental pinching or crushing of hands.

Just as every other major appliance wears and tears, the same goes for garage doors. At times, parts of the garage are open to rust or garage sections may fall in disrepair and could cause injury and infection. Be sure to wear protective gloves, consult your owner’s manual if necessary and take action as soon as you see any sign of anything falling apart that could cause serious harm.

In the event that someone should back up into your garage door and yes it happens more often than you think, be sure to have a professional certified technician inspect the garage door even if it looks like there is no apparent damage. It’s better to be on the cautious side.

A.B.E. Doors & Windows is committed to your safety. We offer all of our customers an annual 20-point safety check, which includes checking your garage doors panels, springs, sensors, safety release, hardware, track, wiring, connections, inspect internal gears & belts, keypads and so much more. Please remember – Garage door springs, cables and hardware are under extreme tension and could cause serious injury or damage. For this reason, only qualified technicians should adjust or replace them.

You want your garage door system to operate properly and safely at all times. Make sure that your family knows how to operate and maintain your garage door. The key to safety is knowledge, we’re here to help.

The goal of National Window Safety Week on April 3-9, 2016 is to help families realize the importance of windows as an escape route in an emergency and to learn to protect against accidental falls. Take some time this week to go through the window safety checklist. If you find you are in need of replacement windows, call A.B.E. Doors & Windows at (610) 398-2430.

With Spring just around the corner, you should take a few minutes to go through our garage door spring check up to ensure that your garage door works properly throughout the season.

If your maintenance checkup reveals anything that needs attention or you want to consider replacing your old garage door or garage door opener, call A.B.E. Doors & Windows at (610) 398-2430. Our expert garage door technicians are available 24/7 to help get your garage door working as quickly as possible.

Lead Safe Work Practices – what are they and how do they pertain to homeowners everywhere?  On April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation Repair and Painting Rule became fully effective.  The EPA issued this law, stating that “federal law requires contractors that disturb paint surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.”  Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust that can be toxic to humans and animals.  Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.  Though lead is especially dangerous to children under six years of age, it is also harmful to adults and can pose many health dangers.  Before taking on any home renovation project, it is important for any homeowner to educate themselves in Lead Safety and make certain that any company they hire to assist in any future home renovation project is federally qualified to honor and abide by EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rules (Rule 40 CFR Part 745).  A.B.E. Doors & Windows is an EPA Certified Renovator and we pride ourselves in providing our customers with proper and professional installation and service.  Our company and staff recognizes the significant dangers of lead poisoning and are compliant in following all Lead Safe Work Practices to assure each of our customers comfort and security.  To learn more about Lead Safe Work Practices, please visit www.epa.gov.

 One of the most common questions and concerns that we address around this time of year is whether or not we are able to perform product installations in the frigid months ahead.  And, yes, we do!  It is a well-known fact that things expand in the summer heat and contract in the freezing winter, but, by using forethought and taking proper precaution, we are still able to complete most types of installation during this cold season.  We use silicone caulk that is rated for lower temperatures.  We also plan each installation before arriving at the job site, in order to do our best in minimizing the amount of time the house is exposed to cold air.  We prep each opening so our installers can replace an older product with the newly ordered product and have it fit right into the opening, without leaving an opening in the home longer than absolutely necessary.  We also back our work up with a 5-year workmanship warranty that we offer on every installation that we do.  The only time that we may need to push back any type of installation is if we should experience severely inclement weather that can cause unsafe working conditions and jeopardize the safety of our crew and the well-being of the home.  In order for us to perform jobs that require the removal and reinstalling of pre-existing siding, it is crucial that temperatures be above freezing.  By following these extra steps with care, winter weather is not an issue for our team of certified installers!

At A.B.E. Doors & Windows, we believe that it is absolutely essential to provide all of our customers with superb service and satisfaction.  We constantly research, study, and fully educate ourselves in the leading products that we supply and install.  This journey can, many times, lead us to receive professional training directly from our manufacturers.

On April 15th and 16th of 2013, four of our technicians, Bob Blickley, Gary Harter, Lenny Heim and Rich Reinhart, participated in and completed ProVia's Installer Certification Program at their manufacturing facility in Sugarcreek, Ohio.  During their visit, our installers not only gained improved knowlege into ProVia's superior product line through plant tours and demonstrations but also received hands-on professional training in preparation, installation, and service techniques to better serve our customers.  Each technician graduated this intensive two day training experience with personalized certificates of training completion and enhanced service capabilities.

A.B.E. Doors & Windows consistently strives to perform at our absolute best in order to provide each of our customer with a satisfying experience.

Lead has been banned from household paints since the late '70s, but in a business like ours that involves home repairs and upgrades every working day, you''re bound to encounter a lot of lead-based paint. ABE Doors and Windows is not a lead-abatement company, but we are trained and careful in dealing with this lingering household risk.

ABE personnel have been through third-party training leading to certification in lead safety. The company itself is also certified. We comply with the RRP rule (renovation/repair/painting) of the U.S. Environomental Protection Agency whenever we replace windows or doors in a pre-1978 house. Our skilled personnel will test for lead and use lead-safe practices to contain any dust if the older paints are identified.

This is very much on our minds just now, because March is National Poison Prevention Month. It's a good time to give some thought to the poisoning dangers that lurk in anyone's house. Of course, any old painted surfaces, especially if they're chipped, peeling or flaking, should be looked at by an abatement specialist. But there's much more to be done to protect your family. Here's a short list:

- Make sure all drugs, paints, cleaners, pesticides and other toxic household products are properly labeled and stored out of the reach of children.
- Properly dispose of these items when they're past their expiration dates. Check with your local municipality to find out how.
- Whenever possible, keep medicines and other potentially toxic substances in their original containers. Never store inedible products in food or beverage containers.
- Teach kids not to eat or drink anything unless it's given to them by an adult they know, and don't call drugs "candy."
- Whenever you take medicine, replace the safety cap immediately.

And finally, post this number where you can find it at a moment's notice: 1-800-222-1222. That's the hotline for the Poison Control Center, an excellent source for lifesaving information if you suspect that someone's swallowed something toxic.

HAPPY SPRING!

Oh my, spring has sprung! ... Literally.  What do you do?  Here at A.B.E. Doors & Windows, the word "spring" takes on a whole new meaning.  One of the most common factors that contribute to a misbehaving or inoperable garage door is a broken spring, or two.  Although it is a very dangerous task for any homeowner to address on their own, it's a problem that our team of certified technicians are trained to properly repair.  Springs counterbalance the weight of a garage door to make the door easy to open and close.  Garage door springs are rated by cycle life, or approximately how many times the door should open or close before the spring will break.  The cycle life of the springs that we provide and install for our customers have a higher cycle life rating than the springs that most manufacturers provide with a new door.  When a spring breaks, it becomes an immediate safety hazard because it will not allow the door to function properly.  It is so important, as a homeowner, to be proactive in the maintenance of your garage door, as you would with any other heavily used appliance in your home.  So whether you hear the tell-tale "POP!" of a broken spring, or realize that your door is just not operating as it should, please remember to put your personal well-being first and call a garage door professional to come out and do what they do best - provide you with efficient and effective service.  To reach our service department at A.B.E. Doors & Windows, feel free to call 610-398-2430 at any time, should you find yourself in any type of predicament.

As we grow older, most of us develop a mellower feeling about the holiday season. We may no longer have the same eager excitement that animates children as Christmas morning approachs. But however we mark the holidays, chances are that we are still warmed by memories and still enjoy the presence of those we care for most.

A businessperson's view of the holidays has another dimension. This season brings, to folks like us, a time to reflect on our many blessings - and the proper gratitude that we feel for them. That gratitude extends in many directions. And here at our company, it reaches out powerfully to the people we serve.

Every associate here understands how imporant the trust and loyalty of our customers are. We see ourselves as belonging to a community of service - with our valued customers at the center. Without their understanding that we will always do our best for them, there would be no company.

The holidays come just at the moment when days are shortest, bringing the promise of a gradual return to warmer sunshine and renewed growth. So it's only appropriate that we should look ahead with a wish to all our customers and associates for the best of times, now and in a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Remote garage door controls are such familiar contributors to home convenience, safety and security that we scarcely give them a thought. The same is true of access keypads. Still, these highly reliable products do fail once in a while - and when that happens, it's important to know where you can find help.

Problems with these devices generally come from one of three causes. One is the item simply wearing out. Another is battery failure. The third is an issue with the device's coding.

Fortunately, ABE Doors and Windows is geared up to meet any such difficulties. We stock or can quickly order any needed hardware items - batteries and actual remotes, keypads or other system components. If the problem is related to control coding, our staff people have the know-how to help.

Often our skilled associates can troubleshoot problems over the phone - just call us at 610-398-2430. We also have reprogramming instructions for most of these products. Check in with us first, and we may be able to give you the answers you need directly, or send you directions via e-mail or regular mail. If you prefer, bring your remote to our showroom at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard in Allentown, and we'll work with you on the spot. We understand that you rely on these products - and we make it our business to get them working again as quickly as possible.

Garage doors - they are a fundamental necessity and welcoming comfort to any residence.  Garage doors allow every homeowner to experience a level of convenience, functionality, security, and self-expression.  Not only is your garage door one of the most hardworking and frequently used entranceways into your residence, but it is oftentimes the most overlooked household appliance in your daily life.  Because your garage door is certainly the largest and heaviest moving entity of your home, it can cause serious injury, or even death, if misused or left unattended.  This is why it is crucial that adults and children alike should be educated on garage door safety.  Fully understanding the importance and benefit of spreading knowledge and safety awareness, the IDA (International Door Association) has created a website dedicated to all this and more:  GarageDoorCare.com.

"Garage Door Care's main intent is to make sure that you and your family knows how to properly operate and maintain your garage door system safely at all times."  And this site offers truly insightful facts and educational information on what exactly it takes for a homeowner to respect and properly care for their garage door.  Garage Door Care has a variety of simple and easy-to-understand guides and media content that touch on subjects such as:

• The components of a garage door system and what should be done to best maintain any garage door to ensure reliable and excellent operation.

• How to perform simple safety and maintenance tasks yourself, and when NOT to!  It is always best to use extreme caution when working on or near a garage door, and sometimes you absolutely should leave it for a trained professional to service.

• IDA's Garage Door Safety Challenge, which quizzes your general knowledge of garage doors and offers enlightenment as to whether or not yours meets safety standards.  This section also includes wonderfully efficient "kid safe" tips to use when teaching children about garage door risks and how to avoid them.

• Finding a qualified professional in your immediate area to service all of your garage door needs, and what you should look for in any reputable and reliable garage door technician.  These qualifications include Experience, Workmanship, Code and Regulatory Compliance, Insurance Coverage, and Financial Integrity.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to become more informed about one of the most significant pieces of equipment in your household, or you are a trained and certified garage door service technician looking to review what you already know, I recommend that you visit http://garagedoorcare.com.  Absolutely everyone who visits this site will gain something of value.  The benefits you will gain from educating yourself and consistently using safety-conscious practices will last you a lifetime!

There are a few things that everyone thinks of to secure the safety of their home when leaving on vacation:

• leave some of your lights on
• stop the mail or newspapers
• activate any alarms
• lock all windows and doors
• etc.

However, there are a few garage door tips and everyday habits that can help you protect your family and your home. 

• Keep your garage door down even when you are home.  This prevents burglars from scoping out the contents or any entrance ways to inside the house.

• Keep the door that leads from your garage to your house locked. 

• Avoid leaving your garage door openers in cars parked outside the garage.

• Consider replacing your old remote with one featuring rolling-code technology. Even if a burglar uses a scanner to try obtain your remote signal, the rolling random code can  make it impossible to get your code.  
  • If your opener doesn’t have a rolling-code technology system, be sure to change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the operator and remote control.  Using the standard factory settings can leave your garage vulnerable to break-ins.

• Wireless keypads which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number  or PIN are available for most garage door openers. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote.

• While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which is usually an optional accessory on some openers.

No matter what, always remember to give your A.B.E. Doors & Windows professional a call 610-398-2430 - they're happy to answer your questions.

Have a safe vacation!