Your garage door opens and closes about 1,500 times per year, which puts stress on the components that control the door’s movement. Contact Patriot Garage Door now!
Checking and lubricating the hardware can significantly extend its life. You should also test the safety sensors to ensure they work correctly.
A garage is an easy entry point into a home, and many homeowners don’t think of beefing up the security. In addition to installing a deadbolt on the service door, you can take a few additional steps to make your garage less appealing to criminals.
Burglars often use the emergency release cord intended for emergencies to open and close garage doors, but you can prevent this by cutting it to a shorter length. This is a free and quick DIY solution that can deter intruders.
Another simple step is to install a lockable latch in the track where the door meets the wall. This can be purchased at any hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. Then, you can use a padlock to secure it from the outside. This is especially important if you have valuable tools or expensive toys in your garage that can be seen through the windows.
You should also consider covering the windows with sheer curtains or translucent window film to deter criminals from seeing these items and planning a break-in. A final way to boost your garage’s security is to connect it to your home security system. Many smart locks integrate seamlessly with popular home security systems, giving you control from a single app.
One little-known fact about garage doors is that they have rolling codes that change after every use. This makes it nearly impossible for a hacker to eavesdrop and learn the code used by your opener and gain access. If you have an older system, consider upgrading to a newer model that uses rolling codes instead of static ones. The most advanced systems even allow you to create guest codes so that you can share the access with friends and family while keeping your personal code private.
Durability
In addition to the material and design that determines durability, how often your garage door is used, as well as local climate conditions, affects its life span. Regular inspection, maintenance and replacement of parts like springs and extension cables can help prevent damage from occurring.
Steel garage doors, for example, are rust-resistant and have a long lifespan. They also offer a variety of designs and insulation options, such as two-inch Intellicore polyurethane or 1 3/8-inch polystyrene. These features can increase energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills. In addition, a steel garage door can be strengthened with WINDCODE reinforcement to protect against damage caused by high winds.
A wood composite garage door is another option that offers the warmth and style of traditional wood doors while being more durable. It’s made from recycled wood fibers and is resistant to moisture.
The type of weatherstripping that is installed on your garage door can help keep drafts and insects out, too. There are three common types of weatherstripping: rubber, brush and pile. Rubber weatherstripping, which is typically made from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), is flexible and provides a good seal. Brush weatherstripping has bristles or filaments attached to a flexible metal or plastic base, providing a similar sealing effect. Pile weatherstripping uses a strip of fine, compressed fibers that create a barrier against drafts and pests when it contracts during opening and closing cycles.
If you’re interested in a glass garage door, the AVANTE collection offers many different types of glass. This is a great choice for homeowners who want to add natural light and an element of style to their home’s exterior. You can also choose an insulated glass panel for added energy-efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
As the largest opening in your home, a garage door plays an important role in maintaining energy efficiency. Choosing the right insulated option can minimize heat transfer and air infiltration, cutting down on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
The insulating capabilities of a garage door are measured by its R-value, with higher values indicating better thermal resistance. However, it’s also worth checking the U-factor of your new door, which measures how fast the material allows heat to pass through it. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient your garage door will be.
A variety of insulation options are available for your garage door, including polystyrene and polyurethane foam. Foam insulation is injected into the panels of the door, forming a solid layer that bonds with the structure. This is a cost-effective option that balances energy efficiency with durability. Polyurethane foam offers even more insulating power, with the highest R-value per inch.
Whether you choose an insulated garage door or one with no insulation, ensure that the door frame and opening are well-sealed to prevent air leakage and reduce heat transfer. Adding weather stripping to the edges of the door can help minimize air infiltration and seal gaps around the perimeter.
When choosing a new garage door, consider the climate of your region and its maintenance requirements. In addition, you should consider the aesthetic and functionality of your home to ensure that your new garage door matches your property’s style and requirements. For example, you might want to select a double-door model to make the most of natural light and minimize wasted space, or opt for a carriage house door with its recessed panel design.
Design
When choosing a garage door design, homeowners have an array of options. These include windows, handles and hinges, and a wide range of color options that can complement or contrast with the home’s aesthetic. Some doors can also be insulated to reduce energy costs and improve comfort in attached living spaces.
Traditional-style doors often feature panelling and decorative hardware to evoke classic charm. They can be crafted from a variety of materials including wood and steel, and are available in a number of colors that complement a wide range of architectural styles.
Another popular style is the bifold, which features panels that fold horizontally to each side of the garage opening. This design saves space and provides a contemporary look that is easy to maintain. These doors are typically manufactured from steel, aluminum, or a combination of both.
Modern, or “clean lines” garage doors, offer a minimalist appearance with flat panels and minimal ornamentation. These doors are ideal for mid-century and contemporary homes and can be enhanced with frosted windows that provide natural light while maintaining privacy.
For a more rustic look, consider a garage door with wrought iron strap hinges and handles that resemble those found on Spanish colonial buildings. This casual style can be complemented by a garland of clambering vines such as honeysuckle and clematis.
Some garage doors incorporate advanced technologies such as remote access and compatibility with smart home systems. For added security, consider adding a deadbolt lock to your garage door to prevent unwanted entry. For peace of mind, choose a garage door with rolling code technology that generates a new code each time the system is activated. In case of a power outage or opener malfunction, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the emergency release handle. This red rope hangs from the garage opener’s trolley and allows homeowners to operate their garage door manually in an emergency.
Personalization
A garage door is a big part of your home, and it can be an opportunity to express yourself. You can choose from a wide array of colors, designs, and finishes to create a one-of-a-kind look that matches your taste and complements your home. There are also a number of customization options to consider, like windows and decorative hardware, that can further enhance the beauty of your garage door.
Aside from boosting your curb appeal, custom garage doors can also increase the value of your property. When it comes to selling your home, potential buyers will appreciate a well-designed custom garage door that adds to the overall aesthetic of the property.
There are a variety of customization options available for wood garage doors, including window styles, decorative hardware and unique finishing techniques. These personalized touches help to ensure that your new wood garage door blends in perfectly with the existing features of your home and reflects your personal style.
For steel and aluminum garage doors, there are a number of color options to choose from. These include solid colors, which can match your home’s palette, as well as powder coating, which is highly durable and offers a range of appealing shades. You can also choose from a variety of window designs, such as simulated or true lites. With simulated lites, the garage door is made up of one piece with grilles that divide it into multiple windows, while true lites make each window an individual pane of glass.
To design your new garage door, you can use the interactive DoorView® design tool. This tool allows you to visualize different door sizes on various homes or upload a picture of your own house to see how it would look with a specific garage door.