How to Enhance Your Garage Door

When it comes to your garage, there are many features you can add to enhance its functionality. For example, you can install a door opener with an external keypad and integrated LED lighting.

Norman Garage Door can be dangerous if it’s not properly maintained. That’s why it is essential that homeowners learn about the safety features of their garage doors and practice good maintenance habits to prevent injuries and property damage.

One of the most important safety features is the auto-reverse feature. This safety device detects objects or people in the path of a closing door and immediately reverses its direction. This feature can save lives, especially if children are skittering beneath the door or if someone is trapped underneath it.

In addition to the automatic-reverse sensor, a garage should also have a built-in entrapment sensor that detects when something is blocking the door’s path and automatically stops and reverses the movement of the door to avoid crushing or trapping someone or anything under it. This safety feature is required by UL standards for residential garage doors.

Another garage door safety feature is the emergency release cable. This device is a must-have for homes with young children, since it provides an easy and safe way to open a garage door in the event of a power outage or opener malfunction. It should be located away from moving parts so that kids cannot reach it, and it should be tested regularly to ensure that it is working correctly.

Other garage door safety features include a tamper-proof drive system, which locks down the opener’s circuit board when it is disconnected from its wall station. This feature helps to prevent accidental opening of the garage door by unauthorized individuals and it is a great deterrent against break-ins.

Lastly, a garage should have an anti-pinch feature that keeps fingers and hands from getting caught between sections or rollers of the garage door as it moves. This feature is required by UL for residential garage doors and it can be activated by using a button on the door opener’s wall control unit.

While many of these safety features are installed at the factory by professionals, they need to be regularly tested to ensure that they work correctly. For example, the photo eyes on garage door sensors may need to be cleaned or realigned. These sensors are located about 6 inches from the ground on both sides of a door opening and can be easily misaligned due to dirt, dust, or weather changes. A common indicator of misalignment is blinking sensor lights.

Durability

Durability is a major consideration when choosing a garage door. Your door works hard all day as it is opened and closed many times, so it needs to be able to hold up to weather and everyday wear and tear. Look for a sturdy construction with corrosion-resistant materials and a warranty to guarantee its longevity.

The garage door’s design can also impact its durability. Consider the aesthetic you want for your home and choose a style that will complement it. Raised-panel doors create a classic appearance, while flush panels give a more contemporary look. Different textures are available to add texture and dimension to the door.

A steel garage door offers the most durability, as it is resistant to damage from intruders and the elements. However, it may rust in humid climates. A galvanized steel finish is often used to prevent this from happening.

Other components, such as the springs and cables, are also important to consider when assessing your door’s durability. Opt for a high-cycle spring that can withstand frequent opening and closing of the door.

Your garage door’s insulation is another factor that can influence its durability. Choosing an insulated door can help you save energy by keeping the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer. Insulation can be made from polystyrene, fiberglass or polyurethane. Polyurethane is the most expensive but also the most durable option as it expands to fill the entire panel and provides superior acoustic and thermal performance.

When determining your garage door’s durability, it is also important to consider the trajectory of the door’s travel. Whether the door is curved in an arc when it opens, or straight across, this can impact where light fixtures and pipes are installed inside your home.

In addition to evaluating your garage door’s durability, it is important to assess the security features. Opt for a rolling code technology that automatically changes the security code when it is activated, as this helps to keep intruders from using your remote to open and close your garage door. You can also opt for a security alarm that sounds an audible alert and flashes if someone is trying to open the garage door with a keypad or the lock mechanism.

Aesthetics

A garage door is more than a practical functional entryway; it serves as an extension of a home’s architectural style and design. The aesthetic features of a garage door play a vital role in a property’s curb appeal and may even contribute to its value.

Choosing the right material and color for a garage door is an important factor in its overall appearance. The color should complement other exterior elements of the house and coordinate with the surrounding landscape. A garage door’s finish must also be durable to protect against rain, sunlight, and other environmental hazards.

Steel garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want a sleek, minimalist look that complements modern architecture. They are available in a wide range of colors and feature a smooth surface that requires minimal maintenance. Wooden garage doors are a popular option for traditional homes and can be customized with decorative hardware for added flair. These doors are crafted from high-quality materials for durability and are often insulated to enhance energy efficiency.

Garage door windows are an attractive feature that allows natural light to enter a garage, brightening the space and making it more usable for tasks such as car maintenance or working out. Various window styles are available, from standard rectangular panes to arched shapes that add depth and visual interest. Many garage door manufacturers offer a variety of glass options to suit specific tastes and home designs.

A well-designed and crafted garage door can enhance a home’s curb appeal and increase its value. It should be sturdy, insulated, and safe for all family members to use. The door should also reflect the homeowner’s personal style and match the other exterior elements of the home.

Due to the proliferation of home shows and design blogs, homeowners are increasingly aware of how a well-designed garage door can improve their curb appeal. Garage doors are the first thing that prospective home buyers notice, so they should blend in with the surrounding environment and make a positive impression. The type, color, and aesthetic features of a garage door are crucial to a property’s value, as they can significantly impact its aesthetics and increase the overall curb appeal.

Maintenance

Garage doors are made of dozens of components that can wear out or break over time. Regular inspections help identify a problem before it becomes a serious issue.

Check for signs of rust or damage to the door panels, tracks and hardware. A power washer and mild cleaning solution can restore your door’s appearance and prevent future problems.

Lubrication is a quick and easy maintenance task that helps reduce friction between moving parts, extending their lifespan. Lubrication is especially important for springs, hinges and rollers. Garage-door specific lubricants are available at most hardware stores. It’s important to understand the temperature ranges of different lubricants, as some perform better in cold environments while others work best in warm climates.

Always avoid tinkering with the high-tension cables that lift your door, as they have enough force to maim or kill. If you see any frayed strands or damage, call a professional right away to replace them. You should also avoid touching the mechanical auto-reverse mechanisms that prevent your door from closing on objects and causing injury. If yours are misaligned, you can test the photosensor and mechanical system by placing a piece of wood or a brick under the path of the door as it’s closing. It should automatically reverse direction.

Make sure your track brackets aren’t loose and that the bolts that hold them to the support brackets are tightened. Loose track brackets can cause your garage door to bind and become unusable. You can tighten track brackets by removing the bolts and nuts, then using a wrench to tighten them. You should be left with about a half-inch of clearance between the bottom of your garage door and the floor. Also inspect your springs for any signs of rust or broken strands. Never try to adjust or repair these under-tension springs, as they have enough force to seriously injure you. This is a job for a trained technician only.