A garage door is an integral part of a home. Upgrading to a new garage door can improve curb appeal, enhance security, and increase energy efficiency. Contact Patriot Garage Door now!
Wood doors made from moisture-resistant cedar, redwood, and cypress can add an architecturally attractive accent and offer insulation value.
A well-maintained front lawn and beautiful landscaping can help a home’s curb appeal. But there are other elements that can make a big difference, and the garage door is one of them. The garage door accounts for a large portion of the front facade and is often a focal point. A shabby or worn-looking garage door can detract from the overall look of a house and create a bad impression in the minds of people who visit or pass by. A new garage door that complements the house’s color palette and architectural style can dramatically improve the look of a property and foster positive feelings among visitors or potential buyers.
Many of today’s garage doors come in a wide variety of colors, styles and materials, so there is usually an option that will fit with most homes. A garage door with windows can break up the flat surface and add interest to a house’s exterior. Window shapes can also be matched to the design of front-door windows to create a cohesive look for the entire home.
Another way to enhance the appearance of a garage door is to incorporate decorative hardware. This can include wrought-iron handles and hinges that give a house a touch of elegance and sophistication. An upgraded garage door may also be enhanced by lighting improvements that illuminate the area at night and draw attention to a home’s unique features.
If a homeowner is not interested in making major changes, simply repainting the garage door can significantly boost its visual impact. A light coat of paint in a color that complements the house’s trim and siding can brighten up a dull façade. For more dramatic effects, a garage door can be painted in a shade that contrasts with the house’s color scheme but doesn’t clash.
A new garage door can be a cost-efficient way to give a home a major facelift. It can also improve a home’s security by providing better visibility into the garage and yard, helping to deter intruders. If a homeowner decides to put the house on the market in the future, a new garage door may also increase its resale value and accelerate the selling process.
Security
Taking precautionary measures to keep your garage and home secure is an important step towards protecting your valuables. One area that often gets overlooked is the garage door. Fortunately, it’s easy to make your garage more secure with some simple steps.
Start by taking a walk around your garage and examining the doors and locks, as well as any security features you’ve installed. Look for any weak points that can be improved and address them right away to avoid burglars from exploiting them.
Invest in high-quality garage doors that boast solid construction, durable materials, and strong locking systems with deadbolts. This will help reduce the risk of forced entry from the outside, while improving insulation and energy efficiency.
If you use a garage side door to enter your home, make sure to install an inside handle lock that can be monitored and locked from the outside. This will improve security and help ensure that you never forget to lock it.
Keep an eye on your belongings in the garage and if possible, install cameras to monitor any suspicious activity. You can even add an app to your smart phone that allows you to remotely check whether your garage doors are open or closed. For example, Liftmaster’s MyQ app gives you a live view of your garage doors and will send you an alert if they are opened or left unsecured.
Motion-activated flood lights are another effective security measure for your garage and can serve as a powerful deterrent to burglars. Place them near your garage doors and other entry points, like windows, to shine a light on anyone scoping out your house for vulnerable entry points.
Lastly, don’t forget to invest in a good alarm system that can protect your garage and the rest of your home. Choose a system that offers remote control, mobile access, and customizable schedules to keep your family safe.
There are also many other steps that can be taken to improve your garage and home security, including forming relationships with neighbors and having people pick up newspapers or mail when you’re out of town.
Energy Efficiency
When a garage door is properly installed and maintained, it’s an energy efficiency booster. A well-insulated garage door reduces the transfer of heat between outside and inside the home, which can help save on heating and cooling bills.
Garage doors are available in a wide variety of styles, materials and features. Some even incorporate smart functionality and security features. With so many options to consider, it’s important to make the right choices based on your climate, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs.
The first garage doors were a hit when Henry Ford introduced his Model Ts in 1904. They were designed to protect the car from weather, but their hinged construction made them impractical because they swung outward and could not be opened if snow or ice piled up outside. Over the years, as more people purchased automobiles and needed a place to store them, garage doors developed into the overhead operating models we know today.
Overhead garage doors are operated by springs or cables. The most popular type is the torsion system, which uses steel springs above the opening to generate the force needed to lift the door. Another option is the extension system, which uses cables attached to the bottom corners of the door. When the door closes, the springs stretch and store energy, which is released when the door opens to help it rise.
Both types of garage doors are available in insulated models, which provide a barrier against extreme temperatures and the transfer of heat between your home and its garage. Insulated garage doors are especially useful for people who use their garage as a workshop or store climate-sensitive items there. Insulated garage doors are available with R-values up to 20, but higher values may not be necessary for all areas.
Aside from the practicality of a garage door, it is also a source of pride for many homeowners. There is a lot of history associated with garage doors, including some famous names that started out in someone’s garage. Many major corporations, such as Harley Davidson, Disney, Apple and Mattel, all started in garages or on the back porch of a home.
Maintenance
Over time, garage doors can collect wear and tear from everyday use. This is why preventative maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the door’s safety and performance. Implementing a monthly or yearly maintenance schedule can help identify and address problems early, which helps minimize downtime and costly repairs.
During your routine maintenance check, clean and lubricate all the moving parts of the garage door. Cleaning removes dirt, dust particles and other debris that can cause corrosion and reduce the lifespan of metal components. Applying lubrication will reduce friction, improve movement and extend the life of your garage door’s components. Lubricate the hinges, springs, rollers, tracks and opener’s chain with a garage-door specific lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 or lithium grease as they may damage the metal parts.
Check the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features to prevent the door from closing on objects or other safety hazards. These can be tested by placing a small object in the path of the photo-eyes during operation. The garage door should automatically reverse if it hits the object. If the safety feature is not functioning correctly, contact a professional for repair.
Examine the weatherstripping to make sure it is in good condition. It seals the garage to maintain a comfortable temperature, keeps pests out and traps moisture, reducing drafts and energy bills. It should be replaced if it is damaged or worn.
Balance your garage door twice a year to prevent it from becoming unbalanced. This can cause the door to jerk or become difficult to open and close. You can test the balance of your garage door by opening it manually halfway. If the door stays in place, it is properly balanced. If it jerks or falls out of position, call a residential garage door technician to adjust the springs.