Check rollers, hinges and safety devices to be sure they are fastened securely and in proper working order.

Check balance of door by lifting it a few feet off ground and releasing. The door should not travel more than a couple of inches in either direction. If door drops to ground then your springs either need adjusting or replacing. When operated manually a garage door should go up and down smoothly.

In event of spring failure extension springs can cause severe damage if they are not contained. If door’s springs don’t already have safety cables installed, now would be a good time to get them installed. Remember even highest quality springs eventually wear and break.

Replace springs if they show signs of wear such as uneven gaps between coils, bent or damaged ends.

Inspect cables for fray. Replace frayed cables immediately. Check pulleys for nicks or excessive wear that can cause damage to cable. Replace worn pulleys if necessary.

I couldn't have been more wrong in my assessment! After gaining a working knowledge of candles, soy candles reside front and center in my growing candle collection. When you learn facts, you will probably replace your paraffin candles with soy version, at least on an attrition basis. If you're still at beige stage, read on while we shed a little light on subject.

Paraffin vs. Soy

First, clear your mind of all preconceived notions that you've conjured up about soy candles. Replace those thoughts with just two thoughts for now: clean and fresh. Traditional candles made of paraffin are actually petroleum-based products.

Oil is not only a finite resource, primarily imported from Middle East, it recently made a new all-time high. You see it reflected at gas pump, and you'll see it reflected in candle prices, if you haven't already. You pay no premium to reap benefits of soy candles, because soy candles are priced competitively with their paraffin counterparts, and soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.

Petroleum products do not burn cleanly. If you wouldn't voluntarily walk into a burning petroleum field, then why would you burn paraffin in your home? If you burn candles regularly, try this experiment. Move a picture on your wall. If you see an outline on wall at edge of picture, soot from burning candles is culprit. That same burning petroleum deposits itself in your lungs, and it's a known carcinogen. Soy candles are non-toxic, burn cleanly without smoking, burn cooler than paraffin candles, and use all-natural cotton wicks.