A.B.E. Doors & Windows Blog

17 February 2023
Decorative Hardware for Garage Doors
Magnetic Hardware

Fun fact, if you have a steel garage door (which you probably do) the door is magnetic! In this modern day and age, you no longer have to drill holes into your door to mount decorative hardware. You can take advantage of your door’s innate magnetism and add some decorations as easily as putting a magnet on your fridge.

23 March 2022
Spring Cleaning Tips for the Garage Door
Spring Cleaning Tips for the Garage Door

 

Spring cleaning is underway in and around the home again. Windows are sparkling, cobwebs are disappearing and the lawn is getting prepped for another summer. In the midst of all the sweeping and shampooing, cleaning the garage door often gets overlooked. We get it, there’s a lot going on. Between work and focusing on your family, washing down the garage door is last on the list. We want to encourage you to make time for this important chore.

 

Check out why…

 

When maintenance and proper care are observed, your garage door should have a life span of about 20 years. Washing it on a regular basis, (twice a year is recommended) helps protect your investment and extend its life. 

13 August 2021
Signs Your Garage Door Needs to Be Replaced
Signs Your Garage Door Needs to Be Replaced

 

We all appreciate getting the most life out of items around our home, but there comes a time when things need to be replaced. Your garage door may still look okay and function well, but it is important to know the signs of when the door needs to be upgraded. Consider the following:

 

 

Frequent Maintenance Calls

Yearly maintenance is common, but if you find yourself calling the service techs more often, it may be time to replace. The time and money spent on these calls, plus labor and parts can add up quickly. Not to mention a faulty door could pose harm to your family and the contents of your garage. Investing in a new door is a wise investment.

17 September 2018
You, Me, & Insulation: Part I
Head to Head: Polystyrene versus Polyurethane

 You, Me, & Insulation: Part I

Head to Head: Polystyrene versus Polyurethane

Now that winter is on its way, it’s time to talk shop. There are two important questions you need to ask yourself. First, what is the relationship between your garage door and your home? Second, what is your relationship with insulation?

If your garage and your home have a close relationship i.e. they share a wall, you should seriously consider getting an insulated garage door. Insulating your garage door will keep your garage warmer in the winter. It will make your door more rigid and strong. The insulation can also quiet your door during the opening and closing process. There really is no down side.

14 June 2018
Garage Door Safety
Garage Door Safety Month

 Garage Door Safety

June is Garage Door Safety Month.   Each year over 7000 people in the U.S. will suffer from minor accidents, like getting pinched, via the garage door.  Around 2200 people will be injured from the door falling onto their car or themselves.  We don't want to see you fall into these statistics.  Please make some time this week to check your garage door for potential hazards.   Follow our advice to make sure you and your home are safe. 

Keep yourself and others safe: 

*The summer months mean more activity in and around your home.  Make sure children know the dangers of placing fingers in or near the garage door.  Teach them not to go too close to a door that is rising or closing....no games to see who can get in last.  Children should not have access to remote controls or the panel inside the garage. 

*Everyone who does use the garage door should know how to operate the emergency release lever.  Hold a brief drill session and let everyone take turns releasing and then reattaching the lever. 

*Every month or after any adjustments to the door or operator are made, the safety reversal system should be tested.  The door should reverse on contact with any object that gets in the way of it's path.  There are two ways to test this function:

         ~ With the door fully open, place an object that can give under pressure in case the system should fail. A roll of paper towels is a smart choice.  Place this object in the center of the doors descending path.  Press the control push button to close the door.  The door should reverse when it makes contact with the paper towels.  If the door does not reverse, adjustments are required.

          ~ Open the door and then place a cardboard box large enough to block the path of the safety reversing sensors in the path of the garage door.  Press the control push button to close the door.  The door should not move more than an inch and the garage door opener lights will flash.  Again, if the door fails this test, your sensors need to be adjusted. 

Now is also a good time to clean the sensors with a damp cloth and remove any surrounding debris that may get in the beams line.  Hopefully your garage door passes both tests successfully.  If not, our skilled technicians are on call to make any repairs for you. 

 

*Always open your garage door before starting your car.  Carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate very quickly in an enclosed space.   If your garage is used for other things like a workshop or exercise area you may want to consider adding an exhaust fan to help circulate the air.  

 

 

*Mark your calendar to inspect your garage doors cables, springs and track as least once every three months.  If you find an area that needs repair, call a professional to fix the problem.  Do not try and make the repair yourself.  Many people have sustained injuries from cables and springs that have flown off unexpectedly. 

Keep Your Home Safe: 

*Don't be tempted to leave the garage door partially opened.  This is an open invite to critters or potential thieves to enter your home.  Even a brief summer shower can penetrate a small opening, soaking items that may be stored on the floor. 

 

*Don't leave your car remote in a visible place in your vehicle.  Stow it in a safe place or consider getting a key fob remote.

 

 

*Use your phone to its advantage and consider getting the MyQ app to monitor your garage door. Get notifications if your door has been left open or to see the doors activity, also convenient if someone is locked out of the house. 
 
*If a vacation is in your future, make sure a trusted neighbor knows you are gone and can alert you to any unusual activity around your door.   Deter thieves by disabling your automatic garage door opener by cutting the power while you are away. We do not recommend installing pad locks to the track.   You may forget they are there and end up opening the door upon coming home and ruining the entire system.  
 

 

We hope you will make some time this month to ensure your garage door is safe and sound. If we can be of any assistance in repairs, please call us. Have a safe and happy summer!

30 March 2018
What's the Deal on Curb Appeal?
What's the Deal on Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal is your home's opportunity to make a first impression on potential buyers. Don't you want it to be a good one? You probably thought to mow the lawn, wash the windows, and put away the toys on the patio, but did you consider the garage door? 

 

16 February 2017
Why Choose an Insulated Garage Door
Insulate Your Garage Door

Bundle up!   That's what you heard from your mom as you walked out of the house every day in winter. She was determined to keep you warm and comfortable as you ventured into the chilly air.  The same principle applies to areas of your home.  Having sufficient layers can help keep the heat in and make your home more comfy as well.  Insulation in your walls and attic is common place, but what about your garage?  An insulated garage door can afford you many benefits. Here are a few to consider.

As the humble garage space has evolved over the years it has taken on a multipurpose use.  No longer is it just a space to house a car or two, but it has become an extension of your home.  Many of us use this area to do woodworking or tinkering on our cars. Some utilize the space as a workout area or a place where your teenagers can play their drums or guitars without deafening the entire household.  For these very reasons an insulated door can help maintain heat generated by a portable heater so these activities can be enjoyed all throughout the chillier months. 

A warmer space can also mean the difference of your car starting or not.  If the temperature outside is 20 degrees, your garage is about 30 degrees.  An insulated door increases that temp to around 42 degrees, which gives your vehicle a little extra edge when temperatures are below freezing. 

If your garage is attached to your home, you probably have a door that connects to a small mudroom or hallway off your kitchen.   Each time that door is opened your home feels the effects of that blast of cold air.  Having an insulated garage door can help buffer that cooler air so your home maintains it's temperature.  

Does anyone in your home work the early shift?   Or perhaps you have a night owl in your midst?  Insulated doors are denser and therefore rattle less.   That means less disturbance for those of you already asleep.  The denser door is also a great sound barrier......those drums that are being practiced on will cause less rift in the neighborhood.

Let's be real, your garage door takes a lot of abuse.  Besides the daily opening and closing, it receives the occasional bump of a basketball, catches the falling bicycle and sometimes feels the back bumper of your car.  The stronger core of an insulated door adds rigidity to the panels and helps it absorb these impacts better.  The less damage done to the door over the years can equate to less repairs and longer duration in general.

A.B.E Doors and Windows carries the Raymor Innovation Series garage doors which offers a polyurethane insulation.  Please contact us at 610-398-2430 if we can be of assistance in selecting a garage door for your home. 

 Other articles you may be interested in:

www.abedoors.com/blog/1/2016/09/index.cfm

www.abedoors.com/blog/1/2015/02/index.cfm

29 March 2016
Visit Us at LVBA Spring Home Show at Stabler!
April 1-3, 2016

On April 1-3, 2016, visit A.B.E. Doors & Windows booth at the LVBA Spring Home Show at Stabler Arena (124 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015).  

Friday, April 1 5 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, April 2 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday, April 3 11 am - 4 pm
10 March 2016
Garage Door Spring Check Up

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.

Garage Door Spring Check Up


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.

20 February 2015
What Does An R-18 Insulated Garage Door Mean?
Raynor Affina R-18 insulated garage door, steel sandwich construction, includes door sections and hardware

On this record cold morning of -2 degrees, with the wind chill feel of -21 in Allentown, all of us are thinking about energy efficient products to keep your home as warm as possible. A.B.E. Doors & Windows sells the Raynor Affina garage door that has one of the highest insulating values on the market, R-18. Like most consumers, this number means nothing to them when you just say it. So I decided to perform a little experiment at my home this morning to explain what it means. I have two Raynor Affina 9’w x 7’h garage doors installed on my garage at home. My garage is attached to my home, but is not heated. I took a picture on my GMC Acadia’s dash board with the car parked in the garage. The temperature read 32 degrees. After I drove 3 miles to work, the temperature read -6 degrees. So when I ask the question, “What does an R-18 insulated garage door mean to your home?” I can say it kept my garage 34 degrees warmer than the actual temperature outside!

15 August 2014
2014 National Top Specialists

We are happy to have been notified that A.B.E. Doors & Windows has been recognized in Window & Door Magazine’s national 2014 Top Specialists rankings.  According to the publication, the Top specialists list is Window & Door’s first effort to identify the largest independently owned specialty window and door companies in the United States, based on sales volume.  In light of celebrating our 40th anniversary as an independently owned and operated business, we are honored to have been recognized nationally and published as a Top Specialist.  A.B.E. Doors & Windows is excited to continue moving forward, especially as we transition into the second generation of our company.   As we gain a much grander perspective of all that is to come in the future, we look forward to continuing and expanding upon the services that we offer to homeowners and businesses in the Lehigh Valley.

 

 

08 May 2014
Celebrating 40 Years of Pride and Service

 

Of all the businesses that will be founded in 2014, we can confidently predict that only a fraction will still be around in 2054. And if we look 40 years in the other direction, back to the spring of 1974, we'll find that only a relative handful of businesses begun then are still with us now. One of those companies is ABE Doors and Windows. This June, we celebrate our 40th anniversary serving the consumers of the Lehigh Valley. It seems timely to pause and consider what's helped get us here.

The company was started by a student just finishing his Business Administration degree at Bloomsburg University. Jim Lett, president of ABE Doors and Windows, says he wanted to open a business of his own - and the business found him. "I called home one day," he said. "My dad was selling building materials. He said one of the customers he represented, the Gordon Cellar Door company, needed someone to install their doors in the Lehigh Valley."

"It was just a casual conversation, but that's how it began. I wrote Gordon a letter and they wrote back to get me started. I worked out of my bedroom and my parents' garage - I had a lot of help from them."

With brothers helping with installations and his mom answering the phone while he was out on jobs, Jim replaced old wooden basement doors with modern steel versions. To free time for sales and estimating, he brought on his first full-time employee, Richard Miller, who's still a top salesman at ABE today.

Jim branched out into other products. The Frantz garage door company needed coverage in the Valley. Jim flew to their headquarters in Sterling, IL for a crash course in the product, working with their field installation crews. He met the district manager of Perma-Door through his brother Bob's involvment in Boy Scouts, and signed on with them just as steel entry doors were replacing wooden doors for residential applications. "People always say you need a good business plan," Jim says. "My business plan was hard work, good luck and taking care of the customer after the sale."

Year by year, with his wife Janet playing a vital role in the business, ABE kept expanding. The product line added patio doors, storm doors, commercial/industrial garage doors and garage door repairs. The emphasis for four decades remained basic: handle quality products, delivering quality installation and service.

In particular, ABE has emphasized customer care. "If there's a problem, we want to take care of it immediately," Jim said. Today ABE continues to put service in the forefront, maintaining up-to-date factory training certifications among its skilled staff. "We hear from consumers who say the people who installed their doors and windows won't answer their calls or are just our of business. The difference is, they know we'll be here," said Shannon Seng, office manager. Mark Rapchak, general manager, said, "A big thing in service is employee longevity. Average tenure here is almost 17 years, which helps us realize Jim's vision of pleasing customers no matter what."

A new generation of ABE personnel is moving the company into the future, among them Business/HR Manager Jim Lett II, son of the founder. "How we do going forward comes down to putting the customer first. If we're going to meet or exceed their expectations, we'll need to offer quality products - but we can't do it without really excellent workers."

31 January 2014
Lead Safety - What You Need To Know

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.

 

25 November 2013
A+: ABE and the BBB

For more than a hundred years, the Better Business Bureau has provided guidance and assistance to the American consumer. Today's BBB rates businesses on a scale from A+ to F, while offering accreditation to those who qualify. The Bureau also sets standards for business practices, and supports the efforts of businesses to respond to any complaints that may arise in the course of regular work. ABE Doors & Windows earned BBB accreditation on July 14, 2008, and has maintained it ever since. On the BBB's ratings scale, ABE holds the highest rating: A+. The Bureau identifies no government actions against ABE, and reports no issues related to ABE's advertising program. For a look at the relevant web page, visit http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/windows-installation-and-service/a-b-e-doors-windows-inc-in-allentown-pa-50001077. To be accredited and top-rated by this respected American institution is, of course, a substantial honor to ABE and all its employees. But we believe that what matters far more than our pride in these recognitions is what they mean to our customers. While the ratings and accreditations issued by the Better Business Bureau do not constitute specific evaluations or endorsements, countless consumers have been guided by them through the years. The good name of the BBB is such that businesses who achieve their ratings and accreditations have often been patronized by consumers. And if any difficulties arise, the good offices of the Bureau contribute strongly to fair resolutions for all. We believe that ratings from the Bureau are a legitimate consideration when choosing any business - and ABE Doors & Windows is no exception.

22 November 2013
Winter Installation

 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!

20 September 2013
Fall into Energy Savings

September is here and Fall is quickly approaching!  Autumn welcomes the start of the new school year; and much of our focus is set on making sure that students (as well as ourselves) are supplied with all the required tools to be best equipped for achieving success.  In the often hectic and frantic hustling of change, it is easy to forget to take into consideration exactly how the changing of seasons will affect the home that we live in – one of our most beneficial means for basic survival.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home -- typically making up about 54% of your utility bill.”  On average, it has been determined that a home can lose up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks around doors and windows.  Such an essential and costly necessity makes it only beneficial to take every precaution to make certain that your home is not costing you empty and purposeless dollars.

Have you found that any garage doors, exterior doors, and/or windows have developed significant drafts over time? With each year that passes, prestigious product manufacturers within the United States (such as Raynor, Provia, Soft-Lite, and Andersen) are constantly putting to use the latest and most innovative technological testing and designs to create much more efficient and homeowner friendly replacement products.  The garage doors, exterior doors, and windows that are available today provide more quality than anything that was ever available years ago.  So many homeowners have fallen prey to relying on the use of home improvement “Band-Aids” – home-store bought weatherstripping and seals, caulk, door draft stoppers, applying plastic around drafty windows, etc. – which oftentimes only offers a temporary solution to an ever worsening problem and prolongs the inevitable.  Specializing in all things doors and windows, we can attest that updating any problem product on your home is a beneficial and educated investment – saving you from much distress and lost money, in the big scheme of things.  By considering replacing these specific products, any homeowner will gain a greater peace of mind – knowing that they are installing products that meet Energy Star qualifications and will provide for them with protection from the outside elements for many years to come.

If you find that you are interested in the replacement of any garage door, exterior door, and/or window in your home, please feel free to visit our showroom for more information or reach out to us to schedule a free estimate.

 

29 March 2013
See ABE Doors and Windows at the Spring Home Show
Stabler Arena, Lehigh University, April 5-7

Spring is in the air, and people all over the Valley are getting serious about home repair, renovation and improvement projects that have languished for a long time. And that means, we believe, that this year's Spring Home Show at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Builders' Association, is going to be a well-attended, exciting one.

We're going all out this year, and we hope you'll make point of stopping by, April 5 through 7. (We'll be there Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at booths S068, S069, S070, S083, S084 and S085.) Prime examples from every product category we sell will be on display - windows, entrance doors, patio doors, storm doors, and beautiful wood and steel carriage-house garage doors by Raynor.

The real showstopper, though, is a fully operational Liftmaster 8550 garage door opener - one of the premier models on the market today. This unit features MyQ technology, the impressive cutting-edge application that lets you control all aspects of operation remotely from any smart phone. Another cool aspect of this operator is its ultra-quiet direct-current motor.  Equipped this way, the door starts and stops slow and smooth, without any extra jerks, vibration or racket.

To support our show presence, we're offering our loyal customers a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card in the ABE Doors and Windows Facebook Sweepstakes. You don't even have to leave the website to enter - just click over to homepage and use the link there that says Enter to Win. You'll see how to qualify for our May 1 drawing just by reviewing us on Google, liking us on Facebook, or checking in on Facebook when you visit our showroom. No purchase is necessary to win.

20 March 2013
Spring Has Sprung!

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.

 

22 February 2013
A Garage-Door Spring Maintenance Checkup

Regardless of what a groundhog in western Pennsylvania might think, the calendar shows that winter will be with us until late March. It's really not that long until spring - so it's not too soon to think about what kinds of garage-door maintenance are appropriate with warmer weather on the way. Here are some tips.

1. Inspect. It's surprising how many garage-door problems are obvious at a glance. Just give the door (inside and out) and the operating mechanism a careful once-over. If something appears to be loose, broken or somehow just not right, have it taken care of right away.

2. Lubricate. A good lube spray should be applied periodically to the moving parts of the garage door. Make this part of your spring maintenance routine. Remember, though - don't spray it on plastic parts of the door. It's a good idea to check your owner's manual first.

3. Balance. Making sure the door's properly balanced can avoid serious mechanical problems later on. Start with the door closed. If it has an automatic opener, use the release mechanism so you can move it by hand for this test. You should be able to lift it smoothly, with little resistance, and it should stay open by itself three or four feet above the floor. If not, it's improperly adjusted - something ABE Doors & Windows can fix for you.

4. Check force setting. To make sure the operating force of your door is properly set, hold on to the bottom of the door while it's closing. It should reverse direction easily. If not, see the owner's manual for how to change the setting. You can usually take care of this one yourself.

5. Reversal. This test should really be done monthly, but you can start now if you haven't been doing it. (Be sure that you've taken care of step 4 above before you do this. Trying this test if the force setting is wrong could damage the door.) Open the door all the way, put a length of 2X4 on the floor below it, and lower the door onto the wood. If it's working properly, the door will change directions when it makes contact. If not, you'll want to have a qualified technician service it immediately.

6. Check additional safety devices. Take just a minute more to examine safety devices such as photo eyes or edge sensors. If they're not working, it should be clear after even a quick check.

If your maintenance checkup reveals anything that needs attention, the first call to make is to ABE Doors & Windows: (610) 398-2430. Our expert techs will put things right for you in short order.

 

 

07 January 2013
"The Garage Door Color Wheel"

“You can have any color you want as long as it is black,” announced Henry Ford in 1909 of his Model T Ford, the first affordable automobile and world’s most influential car of the 20th century. 104 years later, and look at how far we have come! It is ludicrous for us to even imagine that, at one time, a product was only available in one color or style. Every aspect of our world has dramatically changed through the passing of time, and we currently live in an age where both creative innovation and technological advances allows us to have more options to choose from than we could have ever possibly imagined in years past. 

Until recently, Raynor garage doors were only available in a variety of popular colors: white, claytone, almond, bronzetone, graytone, and brown. On October 30, 2012, Raynor announced that they have developed a new Opticolor™ factory painting program.  The Opticolor™ process applies a third layer of durable Sherwin Williams BP Enamel paint to the already pre-painted and galvanized steel sections, adding an extra layer of protection to the garage door. This finish is available on any style garage door in their Innovations™ and Traditions™ series.

This feature is groundbreaking for both Raynor and homeowners alike, and yet another reason why Raynor is the leading garage door manufacturer in the country and most trusted to put consumers’ needs first. Homeowners now have the option to freely think outside of the box and design a garage door that will more perfectly accent the style and beauty of their home. Whether you have been thinking of investing in a new garage door for your residence, or you are only curious to gather more information at this time, we happily welcome any inquiries and are thrilled to share this wonderful new advantage with you.

 

30 December 2012
Power garage doors - when the power's out

When superstorm Sandy landed on the Northeast a few weeks ago, many people learned that they weren't as well prepared as they had thought. Some had stockpiled food, fuel, candles and batteries; some had even bought crank radios or gasoline-powered generators to help them if power was interrupted.

But there was one problem that few people had even considered. What do you do about your garage door if your electrical service is knocked out? Not everyone knows how to open an automatic door in that situation - or how to lock the door afterward. And let's face it, during emergencies you need that door to be functional and secure.

During Sandy, we had many calls about disconnecting or reconnecting operators because the power was out. Remember, when you disconnect the operator from the door so you can use it in that situation, the door can only be secured with a manual lock. Often homeowners don't have a secondary lock for the door, or don't know how to use it if they do have one. The secondary lock may be disabled so that it can't be accidentally engaged and damage the opener.

The best advice is to review your owner's manual to learn what to do when the power's down. Keep that manual handy near the garage door so you can find it easily in an emergency.

If you don't have the manual or can't find it, call us today at 610-398-2430 - we may be able to get one for you or help you search online for a copy. We can also let you know about the right procedures to follow for your specific garage door make and model. We can even tell you about a Liftmaster operator that includes battery backup. That's an emergency feature, though; if the power's out for a long time, the backup will eventually run down and you'll still need to know the correct manual procedures. We're glad to share the information you need.

 

14 December 2012
A Holiday Message from Jim Lett
President, ABE Doors and Windows

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.

 

11 December 2012
Renovate now with special financing from Keystone Help

In a recovering economy, some homeowners put off household improvements they want and need, thinking that trends will make next year a little better. Fortunately, an option is available for many customers at ABE Doors and Windows to enable purchases now that will improve the appearance, function and value of their homes for years to come.

Financing is available for many homeowners though the Keystone Help Home Energy Loan Program. Since 2006, Keystone Help, a program made possible in part by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and AFC First Financial Corp., has been backing energy-saving home improvements.

Keystone Help is an attractive program. It makes special low-interest loans available to Pa. homeowners who purchase home improvements through approved contractor-dealers - like ABE Doors and Windows. It applies to ENERGY STAR and other qualifying home improvements - like almost all of the doors and windows we sell.

Among the other conditions:

- Fast action on loans with unsecured financing, in amounts between $1,000 and $10,000.
- Low fixed rates and fixed monthly payments.
- No lien is filed on the home in connection with the loan.
- No home equity is needed, and the program is open to new homeowners.
- The loan involves no points, fees or closing costs.
- Homeowners can take up to 10 years to repay. There's no penalty for prepayment.

You do need good credit and a demonstrated ability to repay, and the loans are offered only for work on primary residences. Conditions are compliant with current Keystone Help Program. Terms and conditions are subject to change. If you're one of the tens of thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners who qualify, it can be a fast, simple way to finance beautiful new doors and windows for your house. To learn more phone us today at 610-398-2430.

 

19 November 2012
Fast fixes for remotes and keypads

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.

 

25 October 2012
Garage Doors 101

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!

 

20 February 2012
Garage Doors of Distinction from Raynor

 There are garage doors ... and then there are garage doors. Anyone seeking something that really adds to the design quality and beauty of a home should consider the Distinctions Series from Raynor.

Distinctions Series garage doors utilize select, high-quality materials. They're built to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Just as important, they offer many choices in color, finish, style and detail - so much so that a door can be tailored to perfectly complement your home design and landscaping.

Among the outstanding choices in the series:

- Arbor Shore. This collection features stainable, vertical grain cut lumber, true-divided built-in windows (known in architectural terms as lites), and a consistent wood tone throughout - at prices that are competitive with any comparable doors on the market.

- American Rivers. These solid-wood carriage-house doors include hand-forged hardware and architectural glass options for a custom handcrafted look.

- Timber Bay. In swing-up, swing-out, accordion and bi-fold styles, these doors deliver the beauty of Western Red Cedar and African Mahogany - ideally suited for older and newer homes.

- River Pointe Carriage House Doors. This carriage door line makes outstanding features and quality available at an affordable price level. Also available at modest cost are Raynor's StreamWood, RockCreeke and StyleView collections, each providing exceptional appearance, durability and overall value.

In wood, steel or aluminum, a Raynor Distinctions Series custom model is not just another garage door. This series delivers the finest features the industry has to offer, along with the widest range of design options available. See for yourself - the ABE Doors & Windows showroom at 6776 Hamilton Boulevard features a full-size Distinctions Series ArborShore door in beautiful natural wood.

05 July 2011
Vacation Tips for your Garage Door

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!

 

10 June 2011
Can your garage door weather the storm?

Recent storms and tornadoes throughout the country have experts reminding everyone that garage doors, doors, and windows can play a significant role in protecting homes during severe storms.  

The most budget-friendly ways to keep a home or business safe is by protecting openings like garage doors, windows, and doors.  Doors and windows are often the weakest link during a storm.  Having a new and sturdy garage door can protect a home or business from bad weather and natural disasters. A strong garage door will help protect your home from generating internal pressure during a storm with heavy winds.  If your garage door is not strong enough and fails to hold up during a storm, pressure can increase and knock out walls and ceilings in the home.

Make sure that you're protected by contacting A.B.E. Doors & Windows for some cost effective ways to stormproof your home or business.  A few upgrades can prevent dangerous weather from having disastrous consequences.  Allow us to help put your mind at ease, prevent costly damages and help you confidently weather any storm.

 

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