Choosing the Best Garage Door Opener Horsepower

When it comes to updating a garage, the first thing that most people think about is choosing the garage door itself. But there are other important decisions that must be made, such as the right garage door opener horsepower. The garage door opener works behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and seamless functionality.

In today’s post, we’ll take a look at key considerations to make when choosing the best garage door opener horsepower, and then review the three main options.

Factors to Consider

1. Garage Door Size and Weight: Are you dealing with a single or double garage door? What material(s) is it made out of? Is your garage door standard size or oversized? These are a few of the questions you’ll want to answer in order to determine the best garage door opener horsepower.
2. Longevity of Opener: Would you rather pay less up front knowing that you’ll probably need to replace your opener sooner, or spend more for a motor that’s designed to last? The longevity of the opener is an important factor to consider.
3. Other Garage Door Components: The size and weight of your garage door are only a couple of the components to keep in mind when choosing the garage door opener horsepower. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s the right fit for the specific springs, cables and tracks.

Garage Door Opener Horsepower Options

⅓ Horsepower: This is the least powerful and most affordable of all garage door opener horsepower options, but just because it’s affordable, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most cost-effective choice long-term. A ⅓ HP opener typically has a shorter lifespan than higher horsepower alternatives, though they have greater longevity with lighter weight doors, such as a single garage door made of steel. While a ⅓ HP opener can technically lift any door as long as the weight is distributed evenly, it will need to be replaced more frequently when used with heavier doors.

½ Horsepower: The most popular of all garage door opener horsepower options, the ½ horsepower opener is extremely versatile, accommodating a single or double garage door. Provided the door(s) is an average weight measuring between eight to twelve feet in width, such as a carriage-style door, a ½ HP opener should be more than enough. It’s still a pretty affordable option, and as long as the door is balanced properly, it can last quite a long time.

¾ Horsepower: Some garage doors are considerably heavier than others, particularly the ones that are oversized and/or made of wood. If you find yourself seeking a garage door opener horsepower option for this type of garage door, your best bet is ¾ HP, which is the most powerful of the three. A ¾ HP opener is the most expensive, but it’s so durable and long-lasting that it’s worth it to have a properly functioning garage door that doesn’t require constant replacements.

If you’re in the market for the best garage door opener for your home or business, the team of experienced professionals at Champion Overhead Door is here to help. We can recommend the ideal garage door opener horsepower and ensure that your garage door is properly balanced to extend the lifespan of your investment. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate!

5 DIY Workbenches for Your Garage

When it comes to garage tool storage, it doesn’t get more basic and essential than a workbench. A workbench serves a versatile purpose, storing carpentry tools and providing a surface for woodworking and other manual projects.

There are plenty of workbenches out there to choose from, but another option is to build your own. Here are five DIY workbenches to consider for your garage.

Stowaway Workbench

Need a workbench with plenty of storage that also won’t take up too much space in your garage? A stowaway workbench is exactly the type of garage tool storage for you. This simple, space-saving workbench folds up when you’re not using it, which also serves to keep your tools hidden and protected.

Click here to learn how to build this stowaway workbench from Family Handyman.

Mobile Workbench

Perhaps you don’t want to be stuck in the confines of your garage when you’re working on projects. Or maybe you share your garage workspace with a car and need to be able to move it around. With a mobile workbench, you can easily wheel everything anywhere you may want it. There are no bells and whistles with this DIY workbench, but it’s sturdy, sleek and spacious enough to fit most needs.

Click here to learn how to build this mobile workbench from Build Something.

Kids Workbench

It’s never too soon to start the kids out with their own workbench! If you have a future carpenter on your hands, this would be a great surprise for them. It’s also a fun way for them to bond with Mom or Dad when they’re at their full-size workbench. Don’t worry, just because your child has a workbench doesn’t mean you need to equip them with real tools. You can always stock the workbench with plastic tools until they’re ready for the real thing.

Click here to learn how to build this kids workbench from Fix This Build That.

Flip-top Workbench

If you require a place for stationary tools, a flip-top workbench is the garage tool storage you never knew you were missing. This workbench conserves space by providing a dual platform for bench-top tools. The revolving center section holds tools on both sides, so all you have to do is flip it depending on which one you need to use.

Click here to learn how to build this flip-top workbench from Family Handyman.

Adjustable Workbench

You’ve surely heard of adjustable stand-up desks, but what if we told you there are DIY workbenches that are also adjustable? This type of workbench is super versatile, making it perfect for a variety of different projects.

Click here to learn how to build this adjustable workbench from Auto Desk.

There are so many different ways to utilize garage space, a workbench being just one of them. No matter how you use your garage, it’s important to protect the items inside it. You can do that by getting regular maintenance on your garage door to ensure that it’s working properly. Call Champion Overhead Door today to learn more about our maintenance services and to schedule an appointment!

5 Clever Garden Tool Storage Solutions

With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time of year for yard work and gardening. As you’re hauling all those tools in and out of your garage, you may find yourself wishing you had a better garden tool storage solution in place. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to organize and store your tools, and most of them can be completed with inexpensive materials and a little bit of DIY know-how.

Here are five DIY yard tool storage solutions to consider for your garage:

Slat Wall

One of the biggest advantages of a slat wall is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can affix all different kinds of bins, baskets and hooks to satisfy a variety of garden tool storage needs. As your tool and supply collection grows, simply add to the wall. You can even add some character to your slat wall by painting it a funky color or decorating it, like this gorgeous slat wall over at A Beautiful Mess.

Pallet for Long-Handled Tools

Without a proper store space, you may notice that long-handled tools won’t always just stay propped up against your garage wall. After you or your car has been hit from a falling rake, you’ll probably be looking for the right way to keep these tools in place once and for all.

Fortunately, all you need is a pallet, a few screws and a drill for this easy DIY project. Simply attach the pallet vertically against one of your garage walls, being sure to use screws long enough to extend through the pallet and the wall. Since the pallet is relatively light, you won’t need to use too many screws to get the job done.

Pallet for Long-Handled Tools

Another excellent option for long-handled tool storage involves purchasing a few concrete form tubes, which you can find for under $10 apiece at any home improvement store. Use plumbing straps to secure the tubes to the garage wall and then fill them up with those long-handled tools.

Wheelbarrow Wall Storage

A wheelbarrow can take up a lot of space on the floor of your garage, which is why we recommend hanging it on the wall. This simple hack from LumberJocks uses scraps of plywood, hardwood and a few drywall screws to create wheelbarrow wall storage.

Caddy for Transporting Garden Tools

When you’re ready to transport your garden tools from the garage to your yard, an old golf bag makes an excellent garden gear caddy. It’s deep enough to hold long-handled tools, and the outer pockets can accommodate some of the smaller items you may need. Just load it up and wheel it out to your yard all in one trip instead of having to go back and forth grabbing all that gear.

While storing garden tools and other items in your garage, it’s important to make sure you have a secure space where your investments remain protected. At Champion Overhead Door, we provide residential repairs and maintenance to ensure that your garage door is always functioning properly. If you are having any issues with your garage door, contact us today!

Understanding the Different Types of Commercial Overhead Doors

We blog a lot about our residential services, but did you know that Champion Overhead Door also provides a wide array of commercial services? If you’re in need of an overhead door for your business, whether it’s a warehouse or a garage or anything else, it’s good to know your options. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at the different types of commercial overhead doors and how they’re commonly used.

Commercial Overhead Doors vs. Residential Garage Doors

Before we dive into the various types of commercial overhead doors, let’s take a look at what separates them from the residential garage doors you typically see on many homes. The differences can be summarized as follows:

• Size. While sizes of garage doors can vary for both residential and commercial uses, commercial overhead doors are usually higher to accommodate the loading and unloading of equipment and supplies. The door itself tends to be thicker, too, so that it can withstand more wear and tear.


• Frequency of Use. A residential garage door may only be used once in the morning and once at night, compared to a commercial overhead door which could realistically be opened and closed dozens of times a day. For this reason, commercial overhead doors must be stronger and sturdier. 


• Features. Aesthetics tend to be a lot more important for residential garage doors than commercial overhead doors, so there aren’t quite as many options for the latter. Still, there are a few common types of commercial overhead doors to choose from.

Types of Commercial Overhead Doors

• Sectional Doors. Made of galvanized steel panels and plenty of internal insulation, sectional doors offer the benefits of noise reduction and thermal isolation. With many different styles to choose from, this is a great choice if you are in need of a heavy-duty overhead door capable of withstanding the elements.


• Roll-Up Doors. These overhead doors consist of thin but durable metal slats that roll into a single coil, perfect for if you’re dealing with limited space. Roll-up doors are most commonly used on buildings where security is a high priority. They’re also extremely protective against the weather.


• Fire-Rated Doors. Similar to roll-up doors in features and operation, fire-rated doors provide an even greater level of protection. They’re constructed of thick stainless steel that is well-insulated, fire-resistant and noise-resistant.


• Security Grilles. These aluminum or galvanized steel options come in side or upward folding models. They provide security and protection, but not as much coverage as other overhead door options. This is the type of door you’ll often see in an airport concourse or at a mall.

Here at Champion Overhead Door, we provide sales, installation, service and maintenance of overhead doors and openers, including all the types of commercial overhead doors listed above. We carry high-quality products from industry leaders like C.H.I. Overhead Door, New England Door LLC, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, Haas Doors, Liftmaster and Chamberlain Products. 

If you have any questions about different garage doors for commercial or residential settings, or if you’re ready to schedule an installation, give us a call today!

Garage Door Maintenance: How to Clean Your Garage Door

A major part of garage door maintenance involves cleaning your garage door, ideally about twice a year. With spring in full bloom, there’s no better time to complete this task, particularly after another long New England winter, when all that moisture and salt can accumulate on the outer surface and leave lasting damage.

Read on to learn why it’s important to wash your garage door, and how to best get the job done the next time you have a free morning or afternoon.

Reasons to Clean Your Garage Door

Washing your garage door regularly is a simple way to increase curb appeal. But the major reasons for conducting this type of garage door maintenance go beyond simple aesthetics. A garage door is an investment, and cleaning yours can help protect that investment by prolonging the finish and potentially even maintaining the warranty if that applies to you. It’s also an effective way to prevent rust, which occurs when debris builds up over time.

How to Clean Your Garage Door

Now that you understand the importance of cleaning your garage door, here are some instructions for how to complete this task simply and effectively.

Use a Mild Cleaning Solution

When it comes to cleaning your garage door, a mild detergent such as dishwasher soap or car wash soap is more than enough to get the job done. In fact, it’s important to never use abrasive cleaners, which can cause irreparable damage to the painted surface. You’ll also want to avoid pressure washers for this same reason.

We recommend dissolving one cup of low-phosphate detergent into about two gallons of water to create your cleaning solution. Be sure to use gentle sponges and clean cloths to further prevent any damage.

Clean All Parts of Your Garage Door

Adequate garage door maintenance means washing more than just the surface of the garage door. There are many different parts of the garage door that contribute to its proper function, and it’s necessary to keep them all clean and free of debris. Remove leaves and dirt from the garage door tracks to keep it opening and closing with ease. Wipe down the photo eye sensors, which are necessary in preventing accidents. Clear away any buildup on the weatherstripping to keep it in good condition.

Wax Your Garage Door

When cleaning metal and fiberglass garage doors, we always recommend waxing your garage door after cleaning it. This adds a protective coating that guards against the harshness of the elements and helps prevent wear and tear. Any good-quality automotive wax should also be suitable for a garage door.

Cleaning your garage door is a perfect opportunity to conduct other garage door maintenance as well, such as inspecting for signs of proper functionality. If you notice any potential problems, the team at Champion Overhead Door is always here to help with any repair and maintenance your garage door may require over the years. We even offer 24-hour emergency services if that’s something that you need. Give us a call today to schedule a visit!