During a time when lumber is scarce, bricklayers are in demand and subcontractors are fighting Covid-19, homeowners are having trouble finding someone to help with a routine home improvement project—the garage door. For professional help, contact Sun City Garage Door.
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Choosing the right garage door is crucial to your home’s look and protection. To narrow your choices, consider these five factors.
When choosing a garage door, durability is an important factor. This is especially true if you live in an area with harsh climate conditions, such as snow, rain and hail. While it’s possible to find doors made of wood, steel and aluminum that can withstand such weather conditions, these types of doors may be more expensive upfront.
Depending on the type of material used, a garage door’s lifespan can range from 15 to 30 years. However, frequent use will accelerate wear and tear. Garage door springs are rated for a specific number of cycles, and one cycle equates to opening and closing the door once a day. Therefore, homeowners that plan on using their garage door often should choose a model with higher strength to reduce the need for repairs or replacement.
One way to gauge a garage door’s durability is by looking at its panel thickness. In general, thicker panels are more durable than thinner ones. Thicker materials are also more resistant to dents and dings. When examining your prospective garage door, you should look for a panel with a thickness of 25 or higher.
Aside from the thickness of a panel, homeowners should also consider other factors that influence a garage door’s durability. The most important aspect is the quality of the components, which include rollers, hinges and tracks. Rollers and hinges are essential to the functionality of a garage door. A good roller will be quieter and require less maintenance, while a faulty hinge can cause the door to hang unevenly or to sag. Additionally, the track on which your garage door sits must be sturdy enough to support its weight and to avoid bending or buckling.
Other factors that affect a garage door’s durability include the materials it’s made of and its maintenance needs. For example, wooden garage doors need regular re-coating to prevent decay and moisture damage. Steel and aluminum garage doors, on the other hand, are highly durable and easy to maintain. They’re available in a wide variety of design and finish options, making them the perfect choice for homeowners that want to achieve a modern aesthetic for their home.
Security
If you’ve ever walked by the garage doors of neighbors in your neighborhood, you may have seen them wide open at various times of the day. Leaving a garage door unlocked is an invitation to burglars who want to grab power tools and sporting equipment that you store there, or your car that you keep parked in the driveway.
Newer garage doors come equipped with a high standard of security from the factory. Photo sensors are placed at the base of each side of the door and emit and detect beams of light. If a beam is broken by an object, it triggers the door to reverse direction. Another useful safety feature is the door edge sensor, which is a strip of pressure-sensitive material installed along the bottom edge of the door that can sense and prevent contact with obstructions such as cars or people.
Many homeowners also install a motion sensor or door camera connected to their top home security systems, which can alert you if there is any movement outside your garage or around the door itself. These devices can help deter and catch burglars in the act.
If your garage door is old and doesn’t come with these features, you can upgrade it to make sure it provides the best possible security. In addition to upgrading the latch or lock system, consider a double-skinned metal panel with a reinforced steel frame. Using polystyrene insulation is another good option, as it helps reduce the risk of forced entry by providing an effective barrier against abrasion.
Keeping your garage door locked is one of the most important steps you can take to improve its security. It’s easy to forget or leave the door open accidentally, so put a sticky note on your car visor or set a reminder on your phone to check that the garage door is closed when you are going out. You can also secure the emergency release lever or cord with a zip tie to avoid tampering during a power outage or other event.
While a smart lock or fancy deadbolt can make it more difficult for burglars to enter, they will still look for the easiest way in. A lot of impulse crimes happen when someone walks past a house and sees power tools or other valuables in plain sight. Other break-ins are planned, and crooks can often tell whether your house is a likely target by looking for signs that residents are away for long periods of time, such as a wide-open garage or an unlocked backdoor.
Aesthetics
A garage door is more than just a functional entryway to your home, it’s also an important aspect of its aesthetics. From design and material to color and smart features, the latest garage door trends offer a perfect amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality.
While a garage door is often an afterthought when it comes to decorating, it is one of the most visible elements of a home’s exterior. It’s what first attracts the eye, establishing a positive impression with potential buyers and contributing to a home’s value. With the right design and aesthetics, your garage door can make a statement that elevates your property’s curb appeal.
From the timeless elegance of Colonial styles to the sleek lines of Modern/Contemporary, the choices are endless when it comes to your garage door’s style. However, your choice of door should be based on the architectural style of your home.
For example, a traditional farmhouse-style home requires a door that complements its rustic charm. Carriage house doors are a great option for this style, with their elegant craftsmanship and old-world appeal. For contemporary homes, choose a minimalist style with clean lines that match your home’s overall look. You can even add windows to your garage door to let natural light flood your space and create visual interest.
Color options range from neutral tones like white, beige, and gray to bold shades such as deep charcoals and striking blacks. Some doors come in a wood grain finish that mimics the appearance of real wood without the maintenance requirements, while others have panels made from glass or tempered steel. You can also find a wide range of hardware and unique designs that complement your home’s architecture.
Aside from choosing the right style and color, you can also customize your garage door by adding features such as windows, vents, and insulation to enhance its functional utility. These customizations are especially useful for energy-saving and environmental protection. Moreover, they allow you to tailor your door to your personal style, giving you a customized entrance that enhances your home’s curb appeal and value.
Maintenance
The garage door is often one of the largest moving parts of a home, and like any other hardware, it requires regular maintenance to keep it working correctly. A few simple steps can help you get the most out of your investment and prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Start with a visual inspection. Open and close the garage door automatically and manually to check that it operates smoothly. Look for signs of damage, such as rust or scratches in the paint or metal, and listen for noises that indicate things aren’t working correctly.
Once you’ve looked over the exterior of your door, turn your attention to the tracks and rollers. Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door will help reduce friction and wear. Look for a garage-door specific lubricant at your local hardware store, or use a silicone spray or white lithium grease. A few quick squirts of the right lubricant will give you years of trouble-free operation.
Next, take a look at the cables that connect the track to the springs. If they have broken strands or show other signs of damage, you’ll need to call a technician for cable repair or replacement. You can also check the pulleys for any looseness, which could cause the door to be jerky when opening and closing.
Finally, don’t forget the weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door. This provides a seal against drafts, dust and pests, and it should be replaced if it becomes brittle or torn. Typically made of rubber, this type of weather stripping is easy to install yourself and can be purchased by the foot at many hardware and home improvement stores.
If you’re looking for a more thorough inspection of your garage door, consider hiring a professional to conduct routine maintenance twice a year. They can lubricate the moving parts, tighten loose hardware and ensure that the safety sensors are functioning properly. They’ll also perform a complete cleaning, which can help reduce mold and mildew. In addition, they can tint your garage doors and apply new lacquer to keep them looking bright and fresh.