Garage door durability is an important factor to consider when selecting a new garage door. There are several ways to increase the durability of a garage door, including selecting a high-quality, durable material such as steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, and ensuring proper installation.
Additionally, regular maintenance can help extend the life of your garage door, including checking and tightening all hardware, lubricating moving parts, and regularly cleaning and inspecting the door.
Finally, adding a protective coating to the door can help protect it from the elements and provide an extra layer of defense against wear and tear.
As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your garage door is working properly at all times. Unfortunately, this can be hard to do.
Garage doors are complex and often very expensive. If something goes wrong with the door or its components, it can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace them.
To make sure that your garage door lasts as long as possible, follow these simple tips.
FAQs About Garage Door Durability
What type of garage door material should I select for increased durability?
The best choice for increased durability is steel. Steel garage doors are known for lasting longer than other materials due to their low maintenance requirements, strength, and rigidity. Steel garage doors can be insulated with polyurethane or polystyrene foam depending on the climate and local building codes. This will help keep the area more comfortable year round as well as help reduce energy costs. Steel doors also come in a variety of colors, styles, and designs.
They are generally considered to be the most secure option available for homeowners. Other materials such as wood or aluminum can also offer increased durability but will require more maintenance over time. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, climate, and personal preferences.
Are there any specific maintenance steps to increase garage door durability?
Yes, there are some specific maintenance steps you can take to increase the durability of your garage door. First and foremost, make sure to regularly inspect the condition of all components—from tracks and springs to cables and rollers. If you notice any loose or damaged parts, replace them as soon as possible. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts regularly; this will reduce the amount of friction between parts, thus reducing wear and tear. Lastly, make sure to visually inspect your door regularly for any signs of rust or corrosion. If needed, treat the affected area with a rust-resistant coating or replace it entirely.
How can I check the balance of my garage door?
To check the balance of your garage door, begin by checking the springs and cables for any signs of wear. If you notice that either of these components has become loose or frayed, it’s likely an indication that your garage door is out of balance and needs to be adjusted accordingly. You can also use a level tool to make sure that the door is even from side to side when it’s closed. If there is an unevenness in the door, then it needs to be balanced correctly for proper operation.
Finally, you can also check the balance of your garage door by manually lifting and releasing the door a few times. If the door rises or falls too quickly, then it may be out of balance and require adjustment. Be sure to call a professional if you’re unsure about anything. It’s important to make sure your garage door is balanced correctly for the safety and security of your home. If left unbalanced, it could cause damage or even injury.
How often should I inspect and clean my garage door?
Ideally, you should inspect and clean your garage door once a year. Pay special attention to signs of damage or wear and tear that could affect the overall operation of your door. If there are any issues, you will want to repair them quickly before they become bigger problems.
Additionally, it is important to check on the condition of the tracks and springs, as well as lubricate the moving parts to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Cleaning your garage door can also help prevent rust, dirt, and other debris from building up and causing damage over time. Make sure to use a mild detergent or cleaner when cleaning the outside of your door for the best results.
Are there any tips for ensuring the garage door opener is operating efficiently?
Yes, there are several tips for ensuring the garage door opener is operating efficiently.
1. Regularly check and make sure the door springs and cables are in good condition and that all parts of the system are properly lubricated.
2. Make sure to test your safety reversal system on a monthly basis by placing an object like a 2×4 piece of wood on the ground in the path of the door and activating the door. If it does not immediately reverse, you should call a professional to adjust or repair it.
3. Check for any warping, rusting, or other damage to both the door itself and its tracks, and make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened securely.
4. Make sure the door is properly balanced, as an unbalanced door may cause extra strain on your opener which can lead to premature failure.
5. Have a professional inspect and maintain your garage system annually. This will help catch any small issues before they become major ones.
6. Ensure the automatic garage door opener is equipped with a safety beam system. This will help prevent accidents and injuries by automatically reversing the door if it senses something blocking its path.
7. Make sure the remote for your opener is working correctly by periodically testing it from different locations within range to make sure that it is opening and closing properly when activated.
8. Finally, always keep the garage and its components clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up over time and cause issues with the system’s operation.
By following these simple tips you should be able to ensure that your garage door opener is operating efficiently and safely for years to come.
Are there any special treatments that can be applied to increase garage door durability?
Yes, there are several treatments and maintenance tips that can be done to increase the durability of your garage door. Regularly inspect your garage door for signs of wear and tear such as rust or dents in order to identify any problems early before they become more serious. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts twice a year with a silicone-based lubricant to help reduce friction and keep things running smoothly. Finally, make sure your door is well-balanced by making regular adjustments to the tension of the springs. Following these tips can help ensure that your garage door will last for years to come.
Different types of garage doors you should know about
Garage doors are available in different materials and types of construction.
What are the different garage door styles?
Sectional Garage Doors
- These garage doors are made up of several panels that fold one after the other. They are similar to rolling shutters for windows.
- These are used less often because they do not fit every door opening, but it is nice that each section folds into itself.
- These garage doors can be painted or stained depending on their material composition.
Sectional Overhead – Garage doors made of steel and wood are considered to be overhead garage doors.
- They usually consist of a top and bottom track that keeps the door in place and slides back and forth.
- These garage doors come in different profiles according to their level of insulation value.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
- These garage doors open by rolling up from their bottom edge to the top.
- These are best for homes with low ceilings.
- These garage doors are usually made from aluminum or steel.
- Roll-up garage doors can be operated by a hand crank, electric motors, or chains.
Slide to the Side Garage Doors
- This garage door slides back and forth in a track.
- This type of garage door is made of a single panel that slides back and forth in a track. It is not as good for insulation purposes, but it does provide easy access to your garage. Sliding to the side garage doors also come in different profiles depending on their level of insulation value.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
- These garage doors come in different styles and are made up of several panels.
- They usually consist of a top and bottom track that keeps the door in place and slides back and forth.
- They can also be painted or stained depending on their material composition.
Tilt-Up/Up and Over Canopy Garage Doors
- This type of garage door opens by tilting up from its bottom edge to the top.
- These doors are good for homes with low ceilings.
- These garage doors are usually made from aluminum or steel.
- They can be opened manually, electrically, or with a handheld remote control unit.
Tilt-Up/Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors
- These garage doors are similar to tilt up/up and over garage doors in that they also come with a top and bottom track.
- The difference is that instead of tilting up from the bottom, these garage doors slide straight back into the garage or underground when opened.
- They are best for homes with low ceilings.
Tip for better garage door durability: Maintenance should include greasing and oiling your opener’s motor every six months as well as cleaning both tracks, checking cables and springs for wear, and replacing weather seals. If you notice any parts that seem damaged visit a local garage door company immediately before attempting to fix it yourself. And don’t forget about safety—always check that your garage door is properly balanced before opening or closing it. The last thing you want is your garage door to come crashing down on you!
What is a typical garage door made of?
Fiberglass Garage Doors
- This material is also available in a wood imitation style to increase its aesthetic value and durability. Fiberglass can be smooth or textured, depending on the desired look of the home.
- Because these garage doors have a wide range of textures and colors, they are very versatile. They can blend well with any house exterior due to their neutral coloration.
- This material provides insulation against drafts in the winter and heat during the summer months.
Wooden Garage Doors
- These garage doors are often made out of cedar or pine, especially if they are intended for an aesthetically pleasing look.
- Wood garage doors have a nice wood exterior and interior as well as can be stained or painted to match the home’s design.
Aluminum Garage Doors
- These garage doors are made from pressed sheets of aluminum that are then rolled into shape and attached together.
- Aluminum garage doors are very lightweight, which makes them easy to open and close.
- They can be stained or painted in any color you want, but they must first be primed with paint made specifically for aluminum surfaces.
Steel Garage Doors
- This garage door is often the sturdiest of the three mentioned materials.
- It comes in corrugated steel sheets spun together and placed on a track for ease of movement up and down.
- The only thing that needs to be done before painting this garage door is priming it with paint formulated especially for steel surfaces.
Are you having trouble with garage door durability and not sure what to do?
Pros On Call can help. We understand that maintaining the life of your garage door is important to keep it working properly and looking great, which is why we focus on providing professional maintenance services that can increase its lifespan. Our knowledgeable technicians have extensive experience and expertise in all areas of garage door repair, installation, replacement, and routine maintenance – so you know you’re getting the best advice for a durable outcome for your property.
Maintenance from our experienced staff will ensure that small problems don’t become larger ones down the line and cause more costly repairs or replacements. We also recommend regular inspections as part of our service package, to make sure everything is up-to-date with no concerns mucking up your peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help increase your garage door’s durability!
