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Worcester County
Petersham is a small town with many older houses. Forty-two percent of units were built before 1940, 20% from 1940 to 1979 and 22% in 2000 or later; the median year is 1962 (ACS B25034). Detached houses are 93% of units and two- to four-unit buildings 6% (ACS B25024). Ninety-four percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied, and about 7% of units are seasonal (ACS B25004).
The state inventory lists the Petersham Common Historic District (1966) as a local historic district; it is also on the National Register, along with the Dana Common Historic and Archaeological District (2013) (MHC inventory). In a chapter 40C district, exterior changes visible from a public way go to the commission (MGL c.40C §5 and §6). If your house is inside it, ask the commission before choosing a new garage door. Bring a photo of the house and a sample or drawing of the door.
With four in ten homes built before 1940, many garages are in barns or attached ells. Their openings are often wider or narrower than standard and the floors uneven. A custom-sized carriage house door can fit an old opening and keep the building's look. If the header has sagged, we reinforce it before hanging a door.
More than a fifth of the housing is from 2000 or later. These houses usually have attached garages with insulated doors. Their springs and openers come due for service on a regular schedule.
Snow and cold are hard on doors and openers. Use a light lubricant on rollers and hinges in fall, keep the threshold clear of ice and replace a stiff seal.
Before closing a seasonal house, run the door a few times, unplug the opener and lock the door manually if no one will check it.
The state's home improvement chart says a garage door replacement may need a permit and a new installation does (mass.gov). We confirm with the town.
We install Clopay, Garaga, Wayne Dalton and Amarr doors and service LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie and other openers.
Petersham is in Worcester County. Nearby towns: Athol, Hardwick, New Salem, Phillipston, Ware. See carriage house doors. Call (781) 602-0737, or see emergency service.
