Buying a new garage door is not exactly something you will be doing every day, but when you do have to make this important decision, it’s essential that you get it right. But if it’s been a decade since you last bought a garage door, then you are in for a wonderful surprise. We are living in a new generation of garage doors! Today, we have doors that are stronger and more secure than ever! They require far less maintenance that their ancestors. Plus there are a lot more designs and styles to choose from!
Select the Right Garage Door
Let’s start with material. New garage doors are made from steep and backed by a new type of insulation. Look for models with baked on primer and polyester coating for the most protection. You’ll also want to consider the aesthetics. Make sure that the look matches that of your home for maximum curb appeal. In today’s market, you have no excuse if your garage door does not match your home’s design because there are just so many optional available.
Safety is another concern that you must not take lightly. If you live in an area where the weather is rough, then you can expect to spend more money on a garage door that can withstand the elements. You should also make sure that the door opener comes with an automatic reverse system since this is usually a requirement.
Modern Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors
Garage doors are a significant investment so you want to make sure your entire system is properly cared for in order to get the most from it. Here are some of the preventative maintenance tips that you should be following to ensure that you get the most from your garage door.
Start off my making sure you oil the torsion springs two times per year using lightweight motor oil. Place a tiny line of oil across the springs at the top of the system, stopping 2 inches from each end. You do not have to oil the extension springs.
Apply lubricant to the radius areas of the tracks twice a year. Do not use grease for this since it will attract dirt that will clog the rollers. Use lubricant instead.
Wash the outside of the door with soapy water a few times per month. This will keep dirt and other corrosive substances from getting into the door and causing damage.
Painting your Garage Door
Here are some tips for all of you DIYers out there who want to paint your garage door:
- Use a soft bristle brush or a low pressure sprayer to clean the door. You should use a solution with 1 cup of low-phosphate detergent and 5 gallons of water. Rinse thoroughly and allow the door to dry.
- Lightly sand any tiny scratches that might be on the surface of the door.
- Once you have prepped the garage door, you can paint it. Just be sure to start painting no more than 24 hours once you have prepped it.
