hicks-garage-doors-llc

Sectional vs. Roll-Up Doors: Which One Belongs on Your Building Type?

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:11:19 GMT

You are standing in front of a commercial bay or a residential garage opening, trying to figure out which door type actually makes sense for your building. Maybe you are replacing a failed door, finishing a new construction, or upgrading a property. The two options your contractor keeps mentioning are sectional and roll-up, and nobody has given you a straight answer about which one belongs where.

These are not interchangeable choices. The right door depends on ceiling space, building use, insulation needs, and how Central Florida's heat and humidity will interact with the materials over time. Understanding the mechanical difference between the two will make the rest of this decision obvious.

How Each Door Actually Works

Sectional doors operate on a track-and-spring system. The door is made of four to six horizontal panels connected by hinges. When you open the door, those panels follow a curved track upward and ride horizontally along the ceiling joists. The panels fold at the hinges as they transition from vertical to horizontal. Most residential garages in the Orlando and Apopka area use sectional doors because they work well with standard 8 to 10-foot ceiling heights and do not require a large roll drum overhead.

Roll-up doors, sometimes called coiling doors, work differently. Instead of panels riding a track, a continuous curtain of interlocking slats coils around a drum mounted above the opening. When you open the door, the slats wrap tightly around that drum. Because the door stores itself as a coil rather than riding along the ceiling, roll-up doors need almost no headroom beyond the opening itself. That is the defining mechanical advantage.

TIP: Measure your available headroom before calling anyone. For a sectional door, you typically need 10 to 12 inches of clearance above the opening for the tracks and spring hardware. For a roll-up, you need roughly 6 to 9 inches for the drum. If your building has low ceilings or overhead obstructions, that measurement alone may decide your door type.

Which Buildings Use Which Door

Sectional doors are the standard choice for residential garages and light commercial settings. They provide excellent insulation options with polyurethane-filled panels rated from R-6 to R-18, they integrate cleanly with automatic openers, and they are widely available in steel, aluminum, wood composite, and fiberglass. The panel construction also gives you a broad range of aesthetic options, which matters for homes and storefronts.

Roll-up doors are built for high-use commercial and industrial environments. Warehouses, loading docks, storage facilities, fire stations, and automotive service bays use roll-up doors because they are engineered for cycle counts that far exceed what a sectional door can handle. A standard residential sectional door is rated for around 10,000 to 15,000 cycles over its lifespan. A commercial-grade coiling door can handle 100,000 cycles or more. If your bay opens and closes dozens of times per day, that difference is not trivial.

WARNING: Do not attempt to install a residential sectional door on a high-cycle commercial opening to save on upfront investment. The spring system and track hardware are not designed for heavy daily use. Springs rated for 10,000 cycles will fail far ahead of schedule under commercial load, and a failed torsion spring under tension is a serious physical hazard.

Headroom is the vertical space between the top of the opening and the ceiling. Sectional doors with standard lift require 10 to 12 inches. Roll-up doors need as little as 6 inches, which is why they appear in buildings with concrete ceilings and no room for a track system.

Headroom, Sideroom, and Backroom: What Your Building Actually Has

Sideroom is the clearance on either side of the opening. Most sectional installations need 3.75 inches on each side. Roll-up doors mount within the frame, so sideroom requirements are minimal.

Backroom is the ceiling depth the open door will occupy. A standard sectional needs backroom equal to the door height plus about 18 inches. A roll-up uses only the drum space overhead.

Every door type has minimum spatial requirements, and your building may dictate the decision before aesthetics enter the conversation.

In Apopka and across the Orlando metro, we regularly encounter structures where ceiling heights were never planned with a track-based door in mind. Measuring all three dimensions before ordering prevents field modifications that add time and expense.

Insulation and the Central Florida Climate Factor

Central Florida averages over 230 days per year where temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the space behind the door is conditioned or if it connects to a conditioned space, insulation value matters more here than it does in most of the country.

Sectional doors offer genuinely strong insulation performance. Steel doors with polyurethane injection reach R-18, and those with polystyrene fill range from R-6 to R-10. The insulation is built into the panel construction and creates a thermal break across the full door surface.

Roll-up doors in the standard slat configuration provide almost no insulation. The interlocking steel curtain has no fill material, and the gaps between slats allow air transfer. Insulated roll-up curtains exist and are rated to around R-3 to R-4, but that is still well below what a well-built sectional can deliver. For a storage-only bay that is never conditioned, this is not a problem. For a workshop, living space above the garage, or any air-conditioned commercial area, the insulation gap between these two door types translates directly into higher energy bills across the Florida summer.

Maintenance Expectations Over Time

Sectional doors have more moving components: springs, hinges, rollers, cables, and tracks. Torsion springs on residential sectional doors are rated for roughly 10,000 cycles, translating to about 7 to 10 years of average residential use. Rollers wear on a similar schedule, and panels can dent or suffer weather seal failure over time.

Roll-up doors have fewer moving parts. The curtain, drum, and side guides make up most of the system, and commercial-grade coiling hardware handles decades of use with less frequent service. The tradeoff is that curtain repairs are not a DIY job the way replacing a single sectional panel or a worn roller can be.

In the Orlando area, both door types deal with the same stressors: humidity that accelerates rust on uncoated hardware and UV exposure that degrades weather seals faster than in northern climates. Plan on inspecting seals annually and replacing them every 3 to 5 years regardless of door type.

Choosing the Right Door Is a Building Decision, Not Just a Product Decision

Your door type should match your ceiling space, your usage pattern, your insulation needs, and the way Florida's heat and humidity will interact with the materials over a 15 to 20-year service life. Getting that match right at the start prevents early failures, higher energy costs, and repairs that compound because the wrong product was installed in the first place.

At Hicks Garage Doors, LLC , we have been handling commercial and residential door installations across Apopka & Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding communities for over 20 years. We work with both sectional and roll-up systems and will tell you honestly which one your building actually calls for.

Frequently Asked Questions

That Grinding Sound From Your Overhead Door? Here's the 4-Part Diagnostic Pros Run First

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:57:06 GMT

When an overhead door begins producing a grinding sound, it signals more than simple wear. That noise often points to friction, misalignment, or mechanical strain developing inside a system designed to operate smoothly and quietly. For property owners, ignoring these early signs can lead to costly repairs, sudden breakdowns, or even safety risks. In commercial and residential settings, overhead doors carry daily operational demands, and any change in sound should be treated as an early warning rather than a minor inconvenience. Understanding what causes this grinding helps prevent long-term damage and keeps the system functioning within safe limits.

Professional diagnostics follow a structured approach that isolates the source of the noise before recommending corrective action. A grinding sound rarely originates from a single fault; instead, it develops through a combination of wear points that interact under load. Technicians evaluate moving components, drive mechanisms, balance systems, lubrication points, and structural alignment to identify where resistance is occurring. This method ensures accurate resolution rather than temporary fixes. By understanding how each component contributes to overall movement, it becomes easier to restore smooth operation and reduce future strain on the system. This structured approach also prevents recurring mechanical noise issues long-term.

Why grinding often begins here

Real-world performance impact

A door that struggles at mid-travel often traces back to roller binding. This resistance forces the opener to compensate, increasing strain across the entire mechanism and accelerating wear across connected parts. Users often notice slower response times and uneven motion during operation. Continued use under these conditions leads to higher repair requirements and reduced system reliability over time, requiring professional inspection to restore proper function and prevent further damage over extended use.

Tracks and rollers form the primary movement interface in an overhead door system. When alignment shifts even slightly, metal-to-metal contact begins to replace smooth rolling motion. This change produces a distinct grinding sound that grows louder under load. The issue often starts subtly and may go unnoticed until resistance increases. Over time, friction escalates and affects overall movement quality across the entire door travel path, requiring prompt inspection and correction when noticed.

Track and Roller Assessment: First Mechanical Contact Point

What professionals inspect first

Initial evaluation focuses on roller condition, track straightness, and debris accumulation. Bent track sections or worn rollers introduce resistance points that disrupt motion. Even minor imperfections in these components amplify noise throughout the system. Technicians prioritize identifying contact points where friction begins, as these areas often reveal early signs of mechanical strain. Careful inspection helps determine whether alignment correction or component replacement is required based on the severity of observed wear patterns present.

Common failure patterns

Flat-spotted rollers, corroded bearings, and misaligned vertical tracks frequently appear in high-use environments. Dust buildup or hardened grease increases friction, creating uneven movement across the track path. Over time, this imbalance spreads stress to other components. These conditions develop gradually and often go unnoticed until grinding becomes persistent. Regular inspection helps identify early wear indicators before they escalate into major mechanical issues that may require corrective maintenance or component replacement attention soon.

Opener and Drive System Evaluation

Motor strain and operational feedback

The opener motor reacts directly to resistance within the door system. When grinding is present, the motor often compensates by drawing additional power, creating overheating or inconsistent movement cycles. This strain indicates deeper mechanical resistance within the system. Continued operation under load places stress on internal components and reduces the efficiency of the drive mechanism, often requiring detailed inspection of motor assembly, wiring, and drive engagement components for accurate diagnosis under load conditions.

Chain, belt, and gear inspection

Drive systems differ by configuration, but all rely on precise engagement. A loose chain or worn belt introduces vibration that mimics grinding. Internal gear wear inside the opener housing can also create metallic scraping sounds during operation. These issues often develop gradually and may present intermittent noise patterns depending on load and usage frequency, requiring systematic inspection to identify worn components and restore smooth power transmission across system function reliability assurance checks.

Stripped gears, worn sprockets, or dried internal lubrication create irregular motion transfer. These faults often produce intermittent grinding that appears only during opening or closing transitions. The sound may vary depending on load pressure and component wear severity. Early detection of internal breakdown signs helps prevent complete system failure and reduces repair complexity by allowing timely intervention before damage spreads across interconnected mechanical assemblies within the door system structure and components network.

Internal mechanical breakdown signs

Technicians isolate the opener from the door to determine whether the noise originates from the motor assembly or external resistance. This separation clarifies whether replacement parts or system alignment corrections are required. The process helps narrow down the exact source of grinding without unnecessary part replacement. Accurate diagnosis ensures targeted repair decisions based on real system behavior, improving repair accuracy and reducing repeated failures across future operational cycles in overhead door systems diagnostics.

Diagnostic approach used in the field

Importance of balanced operation

Safety implications of imbalance

Unbalanced systems increase the risk of sudden drop or motor burnout. Continuous operation under these conditions accelerates wear across structural components and reduces system lifespan significantly. Safety risks increase when doors operate under unstable load conditions without correction. Addressing imbalance early helps prevent hazardous failures and reduces long-term operational risks, ensuring safer operation and protecting mechanical systems from severe damage during extended usage cycles in overhead door systems maintenance safety focus.

An overhead door must maintain equilibrium to move smoothly. When an imbalance occurs, uneven force distribution places stress on rollers, tracks, and the opener, often resulting in grinding during motion. Balance issues often begin subtly and worsen as components continue operating under uneven load. Proper balance supports stable movement and reduces mechanical resistance across the system, ensuring safer operation and reducing strain on mechanical components over extended use periods within door systems' reliability.

Door Balance and Spring Tension Check

Torsion springs counterbalance the door weight. When tension weakens, the lifting force shifts entirely to the opener system. This overload creates strain that often manifests as mechanical grinding or dragging sounds. Springs under reduced tension cannot support consistent movement, leading to uneven travel and increased wear on connected hardware components across the system, requiring professional recalibration or replacement to restore proper lifting balance and safe operation performance in overhead door systems.

Torsion spring evaluation

Technicians disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to observe movement behavior. A properly balanced door remains stable at mid-position. Drift in either direction indicates an imbalance requiring correction. This test provides insight into system condition and helps identify whether spring adjustment or component repair is needed, supporting accurate diagnostics and preventing unnecessary repairs while ensuring long-term system stability and performance reliability across all operating conditions in overhead systems use environments.

Manual balance testing process

Lubrication and Friction Mapping

Identifying friction zones

Lubrication breakdown is a common cause of grinding sounds. Hinges, rollers, and spring assemblies require consistent lubrication to prevent dry contact between moving metal surfaces. Without proper lubrication, friction increases and creates resistance throughout the door movement cycle. Early signs often include subtle noise changes and uneven motion during operation, requiring timely maintenance intervention to restore smooth operation and reduce long-term mechanical wear across system components in overhead door assembly systems.

Incorrect lubrication usage

Heavy grease or incompatible lubricants can attract dust and debris, forming abrasive buildup. This buildup increases resistance and creates a grinding effect during door movement cycles. Incorrect lubrication often worsens performance instead of improving it, especially in high-use environments where debris accumulation is frequent, requiring proper lubricant selection and maintenance planning to prevent abrasive wear and ensure smooth mechanical function across all components in overhead door systems.

Key areas include roller bearings, hinge knuckles, torsion springs, and bearing plates. Each point requires controlled application to maintain smooth motion without excess residue accumulation. Proper lubrication at these points reduces friction and extends component lifespan. Attention to detail ensures consistent performance across all movement stages, supporting long-term system reliability and reducing mechanical strain through proper maintenance practices and scheduled servicing routines in overhead door systems.

Targeted lubrication points

Irregular maintenance schedules allow friction points to develop unnoticed. Once friction becomes established, wear accelerates rapidly, leading to deeper mechanical noise and reduced efficiency across the system. Lack of maintenance increases the likelihood of sudden failures and costly repairs. Preventive servicing helps maintain system stability and reduces long-term operational strain, ensuring consistent performance and extending system lifespan through structured maintenance and professional oversight practices in the overhead door systems maintenance program approach.

Maintenance gaps that accelerate wear

A grinding sound from an overhead door is a clear indicator that mechanical resistance has begun developing within the system. Early identification of track issues, drive strain, balance irregularities, lubrication breakdown, and alignment faults helps prevent larger failures. Each diagnostic stage plays a role in isolating the exact source of friction before damage spreads across connected components. Addressing these issues early supports safer operation and reduces long-term repair requirements.

Hicks Garage Doors, LLC brings over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential garage door service across Apopka and Orlando, Florida. Our focus remains on precise diagnostics, reliable repairs, and long-term performance solutions built around real-world operational demands. We work with systems experiencing grinding noise, alignment failures, opener strain, and structural wear, restoring dependable function through detailed inspection and corrective action. Our approach prioritizes accuracy and safety at every stage of service, ensuring each overhead door system operates with stability and reduced mechanical stress.

Expert Technicians Delivering Reliable Door Diagnostics Services

Commercial Door Replacement Timeline: What to Expect from Measurement to Final Install

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:14:36 GMT

Commercial door replacement is not a simple swap of old materials for new ones—it is a structured, multi-phase process that directly impacts safety, security, operational efficiency, and overall property value. From retail storefronts and warehouses to office buildings and industrial facilities, doors serve as critical access points that must meet performance, compliance, and durability standards. Understanding the timeline involved in replacing a commercial door helps property owners, facility managers, and business operators plan effectively, minimize downtime, and avoid costly delays. It also allows for better budgeting, improved coordination with other upgrades, and more predictable project outcomes across different property types. Additionally, having a clear timeline ensures that safety regulations are consistently met throughout the process. It also helps stakeholders align expectations and maintain control over both scheduling and resource allocation.

The process typically begins with precise measurements and extends through material selection, fabrication, scheduling, and final installation. Each stage involves coordination between professionals, adherence to building codes, and careful execution to ensure long-term reliability. Without a clear understanding of what to expect, projects can face unexpected setbacks or budget overruns. This guide breaks down the commercial door replacement timeline step by step, offering practical insights, expert considerations, and realistic expectations to help ensure a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish. By understanding each phase in advance, businesses can make informed decisions and maintain uninterrupted operations throughout the project lifecycle. It also highlights potential challenges that may arise and how to proactively address them. With proper planning and awareness, the entire replacement process becomes more streamlined, cost-effective, and manageable.

Site Evaluation and Requirements Analysis

Accurate Measurement and Documentation

Precise measurements are critical to avoid delays later. Even minor inaccuracies can lead to ill-fitting doors, requiring reordering or on-site adjustments. Measurements typically include width, height, depth, frame condition, and clearance requirements to ensure proper alignment and long-term operational efficiency.

Documentation at this stage often includes photos, sketches, and notes about existing hardware or structural concerns. This ensures that fabrication aligns perfectly with the site conditions. Typically, this phase can be completed within one to three days, depending on project complexity and accessibility of the installation area.

The timeline begins with a thorough site assessment. During this stage, we evaluate the existing door structure, surrounding framework, and operational needs. This includes identifying whether the door serves as a primary entry, security barrier, fire-rated opening, or high-traffic access point. Each use case requires different specifications, which influence the entire project timeline and planning accuracy significantly.

A proper assessment also considers environmental factors such as weather exposure, humidity, and wind load requirements. For example, coastal or high-wind areas may require reinforced doors, adding complexity to the selection and fabrication stages and requiring more specialized materials and engineering considerations.

1. Initial Assessment and Measurement Phase

2. Product Selection and Customization

Choosing the Right Door Type

After measurements, the next step involves selecting the appropriate door type. Options may include steel doors, aluminum glass storefront systems, rolling shutters, sectional doors, or fire-rated assemblies. The choice depends on functionality, aesthetics, and compliance requirements along with long-term performance expectations and maintenance needs.

For instance, a retail business may prioritize visibility and design, while a warehouse may focus on durability and insulation. Each option comes with different lead times, which directly affect the overall timeline and project scheduling considerations for installation.

Hardware, Features, and Compliance Considerations

Customization extends beyond the door itself. Hardware selection—such as hinges, locks, access control systems, and automatic operators—must align with the building’s operational needs. Additionally, compliance with local building codes, ADA requirements, and fire safety regulations is essential for safety and legal approval.

Special features like insulation, soundproofing, or impact resistance may also be included. While these enhancements improve performance, they can extend manufacturing timelines. Typically, the selection and approval phase takes three to seven days, depending on decision-making speed and overall project scope.

Manufacturing Process and Scheduling

Managing Delays and Supply Chain Factors

Lead times can be influenced by external factors such as material availability, supplier schedules, and seasonal demand. For example, high demand during peak construction seasons may extend production timelines and create scheduling challenges for large-scale commercial projects.

To minimize delays, early ordering and clear communication are essential. Planning ahead allows flexibility in scheduling and reduces the risk of project disruptions. Realistically, this phase requires careful coordination and patience, as rushing fabrication can compromise quality and long-term reliability.

Once specifications are finalized, the door enters the fabrication stage. This is often the longest part of the timeline. Standard doors may be available within one to two weeks, while custom or specialty doors can take three to six weeks or longer depending on design complexity.

Fabrication involves cutting materials, assembling components, applying finishes, and integrating hardware. Each step must meet strict quality standards to ensure durability and performance while maintaining consistency across all components and meeting industry-grade benchmarks.

3. Fabrication and Lead Time

4. Pre-Installation Preparation

Site Readiness and Coordination

Before installation begins, the site must be properly prepared. This includes removing the existing door, inspecting the frame, and ensuring structural integrity. Any damage or misalignment in the opening must be addressed before the new door arrives to avoid installation issues.

Coordination with other contractors or building operations is also important. For example, businesses may need to schedule installation during off-hours to minimize disruption. Proper planning ensures that installation proceeds smoothly without unexpected obstacles or workflow interruptions.

Safety and Compliance Checks

Safety is a key consideration during this phase. We ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the installation plan complies with local regulations. This may include fire safety inspections or accessibility requirements to meet all compliance standards effectively.

Preparing the site in advance helps avoid delays during installation. Typically, this phase takes one to three days, depending on the condition of the existing structure and the complexity of the project along with required preparatory work.

Professional Installation Process

Testing, Calibration, and Quality Assurance

After installation, thorough testing is essential. This includes checking alignment, smooth operation, locking mechanisms, and safety features. Automatic doors may require calibration to ensure proper opening and closing speeds for consistent and safe functionality.

Final adjustments ensure that the door performs reliably under daily use. This stage also includes cleaning the installation area and providing maintenance recommendations. Proper testing and quality assurance help prevent future issues and extend the lifespan of the door significantly.

The installation phase is where planning and preparation come together. The new door is carefully fitted into the opening, secured, and aligned to ensure proper operation. This process may involve anchoring the frame, sealing gaps, and installing hardware components with precision and attention to detail.

Depending on the type of door, installation can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. For example, a simple steel door may be installed quickly, while a large commercial overhead door system may require more time and specialized equipment for accurate setup.

5. Installation and Final Adjustments

6. Post-Installation Review and Maintenance Planning

Final Inspection and Client Walkthrough

Once installation is complete, a final inspection is conducted to confirm that all components meet quality and safety standards. This includes verifying compliance with building codes and ensuring that the door operates as intended without any functional issues.

A walkthrough provides an opportunity to explain functionality, maintenance requirements, and warranty details. Clear communication at this stage helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures long-term satisfaction with the installation and overall performance.

Ongoing Maintenance and Long-Term Value

Commercial doors require regular maintenance to maintain performance and safety. This may include lubrication, hardware checks, and periodic inspections. Establishing a maintenance plan early helps extend the lifespan of the door and reduce repair costs over time.

Investing in proper maintenance also ensures consistent operation, which is especially important for high-traffic or security-critical environments. While the replacement process may seem complex, the long-term benefits of reliability, efficiency, and safety make it a worthwhile investment for any business.

Commercial door replacement is a structured process that requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. From initial measurement and product selection to fabrication, installation, and final inspection, each phase plays a critical role in ensuring a successful outcome. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations, reduce downtime, and avoid unnecessary complications.

A well-managed project not only enhances security and functionality but also contributes to long-term operational efficiency. By approaching each stage with attention to detail and professional expertise, businesses can achieve durable, high-performing door systems that meet both immediate and future needs.

When it comes to dependable commercial and residential garage door solutions, Hicks Garage Doors, LLC stands as a trusted authority. With over 20 years of experience serving Apopka and Orlando, Florida, we bring deep industry knowledge, precision workmanship, and a commitment to excellence in every project. We understand the importance of timelines, quality materials, and seamless installation, ensuring that every door replacement meets the highest standards. Our approach focuses on reliability, safety, and long-term performance, giving property owners confidence in their investment. Whether managing a complex commercial project or a residential upgrade, we deliver solutions tailored to specific needs while maintaining efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process.

Experienced Garage Door Professionals You Can Depend On

Features that buyers have come to expect

sam@poplocate.com (Sam NyBlom) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:34:46 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors.

Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors.

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it.

Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

How to pack your stuff

sam@poplocate.com (Sam NyBlom) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:33:02 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic, invite an expert to write about it. Having a variety of authors in your blog is a great way to keep visitors engaged. You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page that gets lots of comments, you can look here to find topics to write about.

Preparing your home for a private viewing

sam@poplocate.com (Sam NyBlom) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:32:05 GMT

Preparing your home for a private viewing is essential. These are the things you should focus on...

Clean up

First impression is everything! Clean up your home and make it spotless.

Organize everything, including closets

Don’t forget to check inside your closets and other hidden places. They will want to see everything.

Make Your home cozy and inviting

Add artwork, plants, dried flowers, candles and other things that will make the property feel homey.

Pets
Ask a friend to take care of your pet during the viewing.