1st UNITED DOOR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, founded in 2000, is a garage door manufacturer based in Tempe, Arizona with 5 distribution centers located throughout Arizona, California and Utah, with additional locations planned. They serve garage door dealers and homebuilders with unique and distinctive garage doors that enhance the beauty and value of homes. They have a wide range product line of residential and commercial garage doors manufactured from steel and wood. Their garage doors include top quality materials, the best manufacturing processes and exclusive design innovations.
ADDRESS: 1016 W. Geneva Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282
MAIN OFFICE: 480.705.6632
TOLL-FREE: 866.366.7636
BUILDER SERVICES: 480.705.6575
1st United Door Technologies, Inc.
1016 W. Geneva Drive,
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-705-6632 Fax: 480-705-8497 MAP
Ontario Distribution Center
1620 Freemont Court,
Ontario, CA 91761
909-291-8596 Fax: 909-291-8643 MAP
Chatsworth Distribution Center
20737 Prairie Street,
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-701-0417 Fax: 818-775-5743 MAP
San Diego Distribution Center
9369 Dowdy Drive, Suite H,
San Diego, CA 92126
858-547-3838 Fax: 858-547-3828 MAP
Salt Lake City Distribution Center
1160 South Pioneer Road, Suite 3,
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
801-990-1112 Fax: 801-990-1117 MAP
West Valley Distribution Center
9950 West Van Buren Street, Ste. B138,
Avondale, AZ 85353 MAP
First United Door Technologies focuses on value and quality with every garage door we produce. Our Universal WoodGrain collection is no exception. These garage doors are an affordable solution to add style to your house.
Sometimes selecting the right garage door for your home can be an overwhelming task. With the many types of designs, specifications, window selections, decorative hardware options and types of openers to choose from, how can you make the process easier? First United Door has created the Design A Door featured on their new website.
Design A Door (http://firstudt.com/dad/) is easy to use. Simply upload a photo of your own garage door, or select a door from the photo gallery, and you’re ready to begin exploring various options and create your own door. The Design A Doors also works great from your notepad or your smartphone allowing you to take a quick picture, uploading it and designing your new look.
Combined organization brings expanded product lines, leverages sales and procurement synergies, creating a new force within the residential and commercial overhead garage door industry
WARSAW, Ind. – Sept. 6, 2023 – Safe-Way Garage Doors (“Safe-Way”), a portfolio company of CW Industrial Partners, today announced it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire all assets of 1st United Door Technologies (“1st United”). While details of the agreement remain confidential, the acquisition signifies a strong partnership between two regional overhead door manufacturing leaders.
The acquisition allows Safe-Way to expand its distribution network into key western markets, while creating distribution opportunities for 1st United within the eastern half of the U.S. “We are excited about the combined footprint of 1st United and Safe-Way Door because it enhances our national presence and provides faster, easier access to a broader range of products for our customers,” said Ted Rock, Safe-Way Garage Doors CEO.
While the combined company will be based in Warsaw, Ind., the organizations will continue to operate as they do today from their existing manufacturing and distribution centers under their respective brands. “Our customers have come to know and trust the 1st United name. We chose to partner with Safe-Way, and our customers can rest assured that all the benefits that come with the combined organization will still allow for the 1st United identity and customer-centric culture to continue, which is critical to the combined companies’ future success,” said John Jella, 1st United Door Technologies founder.
Rock added, “Safe-Way Garage Doors and 1st United Door Technologies are committed to sustainable business
practices, with products proudly made in the U.S.A. As we embark on this new and exciting journey, our combined
expertise, shared cultural values, and focus on customer satisfaction lay the foundation for a future defined by profitable growth in the overhead door industry.”
Zelman Partners, a subsidiary of Walker & Dunlop, served as financial advisor and Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP as the legal advisor on behalf of Safe-Way. Zoller Consulting served as the financial advisor and Buchalter as the legal advisor on behalf of 1st United.
About Safe-Way Garage Doors
Safe-Way Garage Doors is a leading manufacturer and distributor of residential, commercial, and industrial overhead garage doors, headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana with distribution centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Nixa,
Missouri. The company has experienced continued growth over the years and expansion continued throughout the
1990s and beyond, with additional manufacturing capabilities and product line innovation.
For more information, visit https://safewaydoor.com/
About 1st United Door
Since 1999, 1st United Door, headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., has been serving homeowners with unique and distinctive garage doors that enhance the beauty and value of homes. With over 150 years of combined door installation and
manufacturing experience, its founders and management team are known for providing value, innovation and quality
products at competitive prices. For more information, visit https://firstudt.com/company.
Recent studies have shown that there is only one type of home improvement you can do on your own that will actually improve the value of your home above and beyond the price that you have paid for it, and those items are steel garage doors. With all other home improvement projects, you will only get a portion of the investment back when you sell your home, but when it comes to steel garage doors, you will get every penny back.
People replace their garage doors for a variety of reasons, but usually it is because they have worn out over time or through overuse, or they have become ruined by the weather or moisture. Of course, there are also those cases when someone drives through a garage door or accidentally bumps it enough to throw it off its tracks and break the structure that is holding it in place.
Whatever your reason for replacing your garage door, you should first think about steel garage doors before choosing any other type.
Why Would You Want Steel?
The main reason why people choose steel is because it is easy to care for. In fact, it takes no caring at all! Unlike wood doors that need to be painted and maintained, steel doors will last for decades without you ever having to do anything to them. They are coated with a sealant that protects them from moisture and if they ever get dirty, you simply hose them off.
The other benefit of steel garage doors is that they can be insulated. For people who live in very hot areas, this is an important benefit since an insulated door will help to keep the hot sun out of the garage, which in turn will keep the entire home’s temperature lower. In the winter time, the same is also true except that the insulation keeps in the heat from the home, essentially lowering the heating bills.
Don’t You Have to Paint It?
Steel doors are made in a variety of colors already so you can choose something that is close to your home’s color, or you could even choose a different color altogether to create something of an accent to your home’s design. However, if you don’t find a door in the exact color that you want or you want to match it to some other feature on your home, you can always paint it yourself. By simply painting your new door with a coat of primer, you will be ready to put on just one coat of paint that should last for years.
Where Should You Buy It?
Most people just leave this decision up to the contractor or installer who is putting in the door, but if you are doing it yourself or you are just looking for a better selection than your local home improvement store has, then you might want to check online. Steel garage doors come in a variety of sizes, strengths, and colors, and you will surely find one that suits your purposes.
Homeowner: My garage door is stuck from the Winter’s cold? What can I do to unstuck it?
Garage Door Dealer: Can you see ice at the bottom of the door?
Homeowner: Ah, yes.
Garage Door Dealer: Well then your garage doors weather seal is probably frozen to the concrete. This happens when the bottom of the door sits in water or wet snow that eventually freezes when the temperature dips.
Homeowner: So what do I do?
Garage Door Dealer: Well, to get the door unstuck, break off the ice or use warm water to melt the ice. Then raise your garage door and clean and dry the area to prevent the door from refreezing when you’ve finished.
Homeowner: That sounds simple. I tried to force my door open and break the ice.
Garage Door Dealer: That could rip your weather seal and then water, snow and cold air could get into your garage. Then you’d have to replace the weather seal.
Homeowner: I don’t want to do that. Well thank you for your information.
Garage Door Dealer: Just one more idea. Think about waxing your door with the same wax they use on cars. This can be a great way to prevent ice from sticking to your door.
Homeowner: My garage door is stuck from the Winter’s cold? What can I do to unstuck it?
Garage Door Dealer: Can you see ice at the bottom of the door?
Homeowner: Ah, yes.
Garage Door Dealer: Well then your garage doors weather seal is probably frozen to the concrete. This happens when the bottom of the door sits in water or wet snow that eventually freezes when the temperature dips.
Homeowner: So what do I do?
Garage Door Dealer: Well, to get the door unstuck, break off the ice or use warm water to melt the ice. Then raise your garage door and clean and dry the area to prevent the door from refreezing when you’ve finished.
Homeowner: That sounds simple. I tried to force my door open and break the ice.
Garage Door Dealer: That could rip your weather seal and then water, snow and cold air could get into your garage. Then you’d have to replace the weather seal.
Homeowner: I don’t want to do that. Well thank you for your information.
Garage Door Dealer: Just one more idea. Think about waxing your door with the same wax they use on cars. This can be a great way to prevent ice from sticking to your door.
Whether you’re planning to build a new home or are doing a remodel, it’s unlikely you think much about your garage door. Still, it’s the largest moving part in your home and the broadest piece of curb appeal on display. Today’s best garage doors are detailed to blend into the aesthetics of the home’s design. Their architectural frame occupies a major portion of the front landscape and has a major impact on the street perception of the home.
Garage doors can have character too. In many homes, the garage doors often incorporate carriage house motifs that greatly enhance the architectural character of the home and the neighborhood. The latest garage doors offer increased style and function that can enhance the aesthetics of any home. And they are safer to use than ever before.
Decorative options are helping homeowners differentiate their doors adding a dynamic architectural accentuation to their home with a selection of glass inserts and new styles of hardware. Homeowners and builders alike are expressing increased interest in carriage-style garage doors, designed to fool the eye and mimic old-style sliding or swing-up doors. These are drawing the most attention due to their distinctive architectural styling and for traditionally styled homes this is a handcrafted looking door that is best suited.
To fashion a striking first impression, taking metal garage doors and painting them with a custom faux-paint treatment, gives them a deeply embossed wood-grain pattern, that will result in a richly, dramatic effect. For a contemporary house, the garage door’s character may show through in its panel design, incorporating detailing from different architectural styles. On the other hand, a garage door with clean lines and a smooth finish may be more appropriate.
Adore Your Garage Door. Your garage door is one of the most visible aspects of your home, so it makes sense to have one with character.
With the colder weather, there’s nothing worse than not having your garage door not working properly. Here’s some ways to save you a lot of time and money!
Keep it Clean
Clean your garage door regularly with mild soap, such as car detergent, and a soft bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and very strong liquid cleaners which could damage the paint or cause delaminating. If you have a steel garage door, you can revive its luster by applying a car wax as it will protect against acid rain and dust. It is best to avoid waxing in direct sunlight to achieve better results. Weather Stripping
Clean the weather stripping with a good all-purpose cleaner. Lubricate it every 2 or 3 months with a SILICONE-based lubricant. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant on weather stripping as it will dry up and crack. Don’t forget the weather strip between your door panels. It is important to let your weather strip hang 1/2″ below the door base when you readjust your perimeter weather stripping. If the weather stripping is too tight, the door will not function properly. So if your weather stripping has lost its flexibility, it is best to replace it.
Maintaining theHardware
Lubricate the rollers, tracks and hinges and all moving hardware parts with a little motor oil (e.g.: 10W30) every three months. Wipe off excess oil with a cloth. As for the springs, use the same oil applied with a cloth. You are not only prolonging the spring’s life, but also reducing the noise the springs make when the door is operated.
At least once a year, home owners must check the following :
– the sturdiness and adjustment of the hinges;
– the rollers for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, and crooked rods;
– the tracks for premature wear and tear, loose bolts, and loose supports;
– the cables for wear and tear; especially near the pulleys and the lower support (corner bracket).
Open Sesame:The Garage Door Opener
Depending on the model you own, consult the manufacturer’s guide. If you want to add some white grease on the operator track, again you must first clean the track. By oiling all the mobile parts you will reduce the noise initiated by the motor. If it is still too noisy for your liking, then nylon rollers would help reduce the noise. Pull on the trolley release cord and operate the door manually. Is it difficult to open and close? The electric operator only replaces manual operation, therefore it must move freely. If you have trouble operating it, contact your local l qualified and licensed garage door installer. For your safety as well as your child’s, check the automatic safety reverse system of the door opener every month.
You’ve repaired and replaced, repaired and replaced, but your old garage door still isn’t working right. There comes a time when pouring all that time and money into a faulty door just doesn’t make good fiscal sense anymore. In some parts of the country, garage doors are continuously pounded by harsh weather conditions including snow, sleet, ice, and hot sunshine. Here are some ways that homeowners can know when it’s finally time to get a new garage door.
Dents: A dented garage door is not necessarily a safety hazard, but it is certainly an eyesore! Even if your yard is immaculately kept and the rest of your house looks terrific, the sight of a dent or dents in the garage door will wipe out any positive impression when people drive up to your property: and this could result in a loss of value to your home too if you’re considering selling.
Rust: Rust is not only unsightly, but it is also a sign that your garage door will soon be experiencing operational problems if it isn’t already. Rust is a symptom of corrosion in a door’s metal parts, and these parts may break or fall apart unexpectedly resulting in inconvenience or even injury. Rust in spring coils is especially dangerous: since these coils are responsible for the high degree of tension necessary for proper door operations, if the coils fail the heavy door could fall and fall violently.
Difficulty Opening: A door that is hard to open either by hand or automatically is exhibiting signs of wear or misalignment.
Could it be your time to replace that garage door?
Make your garage door last longer and operate efficiently
On a busy day your garage door may open and close 20 times, so routine maintenance is a must to keep it in good working order. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular garage door cleaning and maintenance will guarantee a great look and longer life of your door.
Appearance
Clean your garage door regularly with mild soap (like dishwashing detergent) and a soft bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and very strong liquid cleaners which could damage the paint or cause delaminating. If you have a steel garage door, you can revive its luster by applying a car wax as it will protect against acid rain and dust. It is best to avoid waxing in direct sunlight to achieve better results. If there’s exposed wood, be sure to paint it.
Exterior Weather-Stripping
Clean the weather stripping around the frame and bottom edge with a good all-purpose cleaner. Lubricate it every 2 or 3 months with a Silicone-based lubricant to keep the stripping pliable. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant on weather-stripping as it will dry up and crack. It is important to let your weather-strip hang 1/2″ below the door base when you readjust your perimeter weather-stripping. If the weather-stripping is too tight, the door will not function properly. So if your weather stripping has lost its flexibility, it is best to replace it.
Maintaining the Hardware
Lubricate the rollers, tracks and hinges and all moving hardware parts with a little motor oil (e.g.: 10W30) every three months. Wipe off excess oil with a cloth. As for the springs, use the same oil applied with a cloth. You are not only prolonging the spring’s life, but also reducing the noise the springs make when the door is operated.
At least once a year, home owners must check the following :
the sturdiness and adjustment of the hinges;
the rollers for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, and crooked rods;
the tracks for premature wear and tear, loose bolts, and loose supports;
the cables for wear and tear; especially near the pulleys and the lower support (corner bracket).
Open Sesame: The Garage Door Opener
Depending on the model you own, consult the manufacturer’s guide. If you want to add some white grease on the operator track, again you must first clean the track. By oiling all the mobile parts you will reduce the noise initiated by the motor. If it is still too noisy for your liking, then nylon rollers would help reduce the noise.
Pull on the trolley release cord and operate the door manually. Is it difficult to open and close? The electric operator only replaces manual operation, therefore it must move freely. If you have trouble operating it, contact your local l qualified and licensed garage door installer. For your safety as well as your child’s, check the automatic safety reverse system of the door opener every month.
Get Your Annual Exam
Consider your garage door as an important part of your home. With appropriate annual maintenance, it will operate beautifully. Ask a qualified and licensed garage door installer to lubricate and adjust your garage door at least yearly. In a 10 step check-up, they will lubricate all the above mentioned parts and perform any required repairs.
Recent studies have shown that there is only one type of home improvement you can do on your own that will actually improve the value of your home above and beyond the price that you have paid for it, and those items are steel garage doors. With all other home improvement projects, you will only get a portion of the investment back when you sell your home, but when it comes to steel garage doors, you will get every penny back.
